A container for dispensing appropriate amounts of flowable solids

Abstract

An embodiment is directed to a container for dispensing equal doses of a flowable solid. The container may include a body defining an interior space including a storage space, an outlet passage, and a dosage dispensing chamber in communication with the storage space and the outlet passage. The container may include a closure having a lid and a plunger. The lid may be rotatably coupled to the body for rotation from a closed position to an open position about a first axis. The plunger may be rotatably coupled to the lid and configured to seal the dosage dispensing chamber. The container may be configured to dispense doses of the flowable solid when the plunger is in an unsealed position and the container is at least partially inverted, and each dose may have an equal volume.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to containers for storing and dispensing flowable solids (e.g., powders or granules). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to containers for dispensing consistent and precise doses of flowable solids. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Some embodiments are directed to a container for dispensing a flowable solid, the container comprising: a body defining an interior space, the interior space including a storage space, an outlet passage, a dosing chamber in communication with the storage space and the outlet passage; and a closure for sealing the container, the closure comprising: a lid rotatably coupled to the body, the lid configured to rotate from a closed position to an open position about a first axis; and a plunger rotatably coupled to the lid within a top quarter of a height of the container, the plunger configured to move from a sealed position to an unsealed position in a direction of a second axis when the lid is rotated about the first axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis, the plunger extending into the outlet passage and forming a seal within a bottom quarter of the height of the container when the plunger is in the sealed position; and the closure, the container configured to dispense doses of the flowable solid when the plunger is in the unsealed position and the container is at least partially inverted, each dose having an equal volume.

[0003] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the container further comprises a partition separating the storage space and the outlet passageway.

[0004] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the septum extends below the bottom of the plunger when the plunger is in the sealed position.

[0005] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the aliquot dispensing chamber is configured to contain a dose of a flowable solid.

[0006] In any of the various embodiments described herein, only a dose of the flowable solid is dispensed when the container is at least partially inverted and the plunger is in the unsealed position.

[0007] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the storage space is configured to accommodate at least 10 doses of the flowable solid.

[0008] In any of the various embodiments described herein, when the plunger is in the unsealed position, a pathway is formed through the plunger from the dosing chamber to the outlet.

[0009] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plunger includes a sealing base configured to contact a wall of the outlet passage when the plunger is in a sealing position such that the portioning chamber is sealed.

[0010] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the width of the outlet passage increases along the second axis such that an outlet path is defined by the outlet passage and the plunger when the plunger is in the unsealed position.

[0011] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the body includes a detent configured to limit rotation of the lid when the lid is in the closed position.

[0012] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the lid includes an opening configured to engage the detent when the lid is in the open position.

[0013] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the lid rotates from a closed position to an open position when a force is applied to the lid.

[0014] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the container further comprises a base coupled to the body, the base defining a floor of the storage space and a floor of the aliquot chamber.

[0015] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the base further comprises a partition extending into the storage space such that the partition restricts the flow of flowable solids from the storage space when the container is at least partially inverted.

[0016] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the containers are recyclable in a single recycle stream.

[0017] Some embodiments are directed to a container for dispensing a flowable solid, comprising: a body, the body comprising an interior space comprising a storage space, an outlet passage, and a dosage dispensing chamber, the dosage dispensing chamber in communication with the storage space and the outlet passage; a partition separating the storage space from the outlet passage; and a closure for sealing the container, the closure comprising a lid and a plunger, wherein in response to a force applied to the lid, the lid is configured to move from a closed position to an open position and the plunger moves upwardly from a sealed position to an unsealed position to expose an outlet path in the outlet passage, and when the outlet path is exposed and the container is in an inverted orientation, the container is configured to dispense only a single dose through the outlet.

[0018] In any of the various embodiments described herein, when the plunger is in the sealing position, the plunger forms a seal within the bottom quarter of the height of the container.

[0019] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the lid is configured to rotate from a closed position to an open position about a first axis, and the plunger is rotatably coupled to the lid within the upper quarter of the height of the container.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the force is a downward force and the plunger is configured to move upwardly along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis in response to the downward force applied to the lid.

[0021] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the container further comprises a base removably coupled to the body, the base defining the storage space and a floor of the dosing chamber.

[0022] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the base includes a partition that extends from the base into the storage space when the base is coupled to the body.

[0023] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plunger includes a protrusion that contacts the wall of the outlet passageway to seal the dosage dispensing chamber when the plunger is in a sealed position, and a sealing base that is spaced from the wall of the outlet passageway when the plunger is in an unsealed position to form a path through which the dose is dispensed.

[0024] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plunger includes a flange that contacts a side of the lid when the lid is in the open position.

[0025] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plunger is integral with the lid, and the lid and plunger are configured to move upwardly in response to an upward force applied to the lid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a container according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. [Figure 3A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 in a closed position with a flowable solid within the container. [Figure 3B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 in an open position with a flowable solid within the container. [Figure 3C]FIG. 2 illustrates tilting of the container of FIG. 1 to separate the dose from the remainder of the flowable solid. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D illustrates inversion of the container of FIG. 1 to dispense the dose shown in FIG. 3C into a drinking container. [Figure 4] 1 shows a flow chart for dispensing a dose of a flowable solid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Flowable solids (e.g., powders and granules) may be used in beverage concentrates, sugars, and the like. Flowable solids are often sold in large containers in bulk. Not only is it difficult to accurately remove a certain amount of flowable solids from these containers, but doing so can be tedious and time-consuming. For example, to accurately remove a dose of powder, a user may have to use a scoop to remove the powder. However, the scoop may remove an excessive amount of powder (requiring the user to level the powder to get the correct amount or dose of powder). Alternatively, the scoop may remove too little powder (requiring the user to re-scoop to get the correct amount or dose of powder). Alternatively, to achieve an accurate dose with a single scoop, the user may have to scoop out an excess amount and then level the powder using another instrument or the user's finger. These scoops are often stored within the container itself and therefore may become covered by powder or other substances.

[0028] Other dispensers may allow the user to dispense powder without a scoop, but offer little control over the amount dispensed. For example, containers with a spout (e.g., sugar dispensers) may dispense powder by pouring, but there is no reliable way to control the amount of sugar dispensed, apart from estimating how much has been poured. Also, the accuracy of the pour varies with the flow rate of the powder as the volume of powder remaining in the container decreases. Furthermore, the user may have to touch the spout to open it and allow the flow of powder.

[0029] Additionally, large containers such as those described above may not be easily transportable for on-the-go use. Existing on-the-go applications also use individual, often disposable packets that contain small amounts of powder. However, these packets can get messy and can easily tear and spill in some cases. Disposable packets also generate waste with each use.

[0030] The embodiments described herein overcome these and other challenges by providing, among other advantages, a container that consistently dispenses a precise dose of powder without measuring, regardless of the amount of powder in the container, and keeps the internal dosage dispensing mechanism clear while not in use, such as during transport, which may involve jostling in a bag or other unintended changes in orientation. To facilitate such transport, the container may be small enough to be carried in a pocket, purse, etc., for use on the go. Additionally, the embodiments described herein allow for transport and storage of the container in any orientation when not in use.

[0031] As shown throughout the figures, some embodiments are directed to containers for storing, dosing, and dispensing flowable solids. A flowable solid is a volume of material formed from solid pieces or chunks of material such that the volume of material can flow (e.g., when poured or tilted sufficiently). Examples include powders or granules (e.g., granulated sugar or beverage concentrates).

[0032] For example, the container may include a closure and an interior space. A septum may separate the interior space into a storage space and a passageway. The passageway may connect the storage space to the outlet. The closure may include a lid and a plunger, and may move from a closed position to an open position. The plunger may be rotatably attached to the lid and extend deep into the passageway. When the closure is moved from the closed position to the open position, the lid may be rotated and the plunger may move upward to open a flow path through which the flowable solid may flow. The container may be used to dispense a volume of powder from the storage space through the outlet, regardless of the amount of powder remaining in the storage space. The septum may create an interior shape of the container that allows for dispensing a volume of powder. The plunger may prevent the flowable solid material from unintentionally entering the outlet passageway when the lid is closed to help maintain accuracy of subsequent doses. The container may be small enough to be carried around, but large enough to accommodate multiple doses of the flowable solid, eliminating the need for single dose packets.

[0033] The container (e.g., container 100) according to some embodiments may be designed for use in transit and may include a dosing chamber (e.g., dosing chamber 120) that contains a fixed volume of flowable solid (e.g., flowable solid 600) that is naturally refilled from a storage space. However, because the dosing chamber is refilled by gravity and the outlet is close to the top, the flowable solid 600 must travel through a long passage (e.g., outlet passage 130) to be dispensed. If any flowable solid 600 unintentionally enters the outlet passage 130 before dispensing, the size of the dose may be altered. To prevent the flowable solid 600 from prematurely or unintentionally entering the outlet passage 130 during use in transit (e.g., when the container may be pushed or bumped during transportation, such as in a purse or backpack), the container may include a sealing mechanism controlled from the top of the container to seal deep within the passage. The sealing mechanism may operate automatically in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid, as described in more detail below.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a container 100 for dispensing powder. The container 100 may include a body 200, a lid 300, and a base 400. The wall 204 of the body 200 may include an interior space. The lid 300 may be rotatably coupled to the body 200 and may be rotated from a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) to an open position. The container 100 may include an outlet 150 defined by the body 200 and the lid 300 when the lid 300 is in an open position (see FIG. 3B). FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the container 100. FIGS. 3A-3D show cross-sectional views of the container 100 along line 3-3. Figure 3A shows the container 100 when the lid 300 is in a closed position, Figure 3B shows the container 100 when the lid 300 is in an open position, Figure 3C shows the container 100 in a tilted position, and Figure 3D shows the container 100 in an inverted position dispensing powder into a drinking container 700.

[0035] 2, container 100 can include a body 200, a lid 300, a base 400, and a plunger 500. Container 100 and its components can include a height dimension extending in the Y direction, a length dimension extending in the X direction, and a width dimension extending in the Z direction.

[0036] 2 and 3A, the body 200 may include a hole 202, a wall 204, a partition 206, a partition 208, a ledge 210, a lower portion 212, a detent 214, and a rim 216. The body 200 may include a pair of holes 202 formed in the wall 204 and disposed on opposite sides of the body 200. The body 200 may include a lower portion 212 configured to mate with a base 400. FIGS. 3A-3D show a cross-sectional view of the container 100 taken only along line 3-3. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the container 100 may include an interior space separated into a storage space 110, a dosage dispensing chamber 120, and a passageway 130.

[0037] The body 200 may include a partition (e.g., partition 206 and partition 208). The partition (e.g., partition 206 and partition 208) may be integrally formed with the wall 204 to form the body 200. In some embodiments, the partition 206 is oriented vertically (i.e., extending in the Y direction) and the partition 208 is oriented such that the partition 206 and partition 208 form an acute angle A within the storage space 110. In some embodiments, the angle A is between 30 degrees and 75 degrees (e.g., between 45 degrees and 65 degrees). In some embodiments, the angle A is about 65 degrees. The partition 206 may be positioned such that when the container 100 is at least partially tilted or inverted, the partition 206 restricts the flow of the flowable solid 600 (e.g., powder or granules) from the storage space 110 toward the passageway 130. In some embodiments, the septum 206 restricts the flow of the flowable solid 600 such that when the lid 300 is in the open position, only one dose of the flowable solid 600 is dispensed from the container 100 each time the container 100 is inverted (i.e., rotated more than about 115 degrees).

[0038] The storage space 110 may be in communication with the outlet 150 via the passageway 130. The storage space 110 may be configured to store a powder or granules (e.g., the flowable solid 600 shown in Figures 3A-3D). In some embodiments, the storage space 110 has a volume of about 25 mL to about 150 mL (e.g., about 35 mL to about 125 mL or about 50 mL to about 100 mL). In some embodiments, the storage space 110 has a volume of about 50 mL. In some embodiments, the storage space 110 is sized to accommodate at least 10 doses of the flowable solid 600. In some embodiments, the storage space 110 has a volume at least 10 times the volume of the portioning chamber 120.

[0039] The body 200 may include a ledge 210 arranged to cooperate with the plunger 500 to seal the storage space 110 and the dosage dispensing chamber 120 from the passage 130. The dosage dispensing chamber 120 may hold a single dose of the flowable solid 600. The dosage dispensing mechanism and structure may operate similarly to the dosage dispensing mechanism and structure of the container in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 193,811, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the dosage dispensing mechanism and structure may operate similarly to the storage space 115, the introduction passage 121, and the dosage dispensing chamber 122 described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 193,811. In some embodiments, as described in more detail below, the ledge 210 contacts the plunger 500 to seal the storage space 110 and the dosage dispensing chamber 120 when the lid 300 is in the closed position.

[0040] The body 200 may include a pair of detents 214 that project inwardly from the wall 204 of the body 200. In some embodiments, the detents 214 are disposed on opposite sides of the body 200 in the Z direction. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the detents 214 are configured to mate with holes 314 in the lid 300 when the lid 300 is in the open position.

[0041] The body 200 may include a rim 216 that projects inwardly from the wall 204 and extends at least partially around a top of the body 200. The rim 216 may be positioned to stop rotation of the lid 300 when the lid 300 is rotated from a closed position to an open position. For example, as described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the flange 306 contacts the rim 216 to limit rotation of the lid 300.

[0042] The container 100 may include a lid 300 coupled to the body 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 300 may include a protrusion 302, a slot 304, a top flange 306, an opening 308, a wall 310, a grip 312, a hole 314, a bottom flange 316, and a front flange 318. The lid 300 may include a pair of protrusions 302 extending from the wall 310 and forming an axis of rotation along axis 1. The protrusions 302 may be disposed on opposite sides of the lid 300 along axis 1. In some embodiments, the protrusions 302 engage with holes 202 in the body 200. In some embodiments, the holes 202 are formed through opposite sides of the outer wall 204 of the body 200. In some embodiments, the holes 202 are disposed along axis 1.

[0043] The lid 300 may be rotatably coupled to the body 200. In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 extends through the hole 202 and rotatably couples the lid 300 to the body 200. In some embodiments, the lid 300 rotates about axis 1 from a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A ) to an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B ). The top flange 306 and the bottom flange 316 may each extend outwardly from an outer surface of the lid 300. In some embodiments, the top flange 306 and the bottom flange 316 extend from the lid 300 in a first direction, and the rim 216 extends from the body 200 in a second direction opposite the first direction. The rim 216 may be disposed between the top flange 306 and the bottom flange 316 in the Y direction to stop the rotation of the lid 300. In some embodiments, when the lid 300 is in a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A ), the bottom surface of the rim 216 contacts the top surface of the lower flange 316 to prevent further rotation of the lid 300. In some embodiments, when the lid 300 is in an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B ), the bottom surface of the upper flange 306 contacts the top surface of the rim 216 to prevent further rotation of the lid 300.

[0044] The holes 314 may releasably engage with the detents 214 when the lid 300 is rotated from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the holes 314 may releasably engage with the detents 214 to hold the lid 300 in the open position and allow a user to dispense the flowable solid 600 without having to hold the lid 300 in the open position. In some embodiments, the holes 314 may be released from the detents 214 by applying a downward force to the lid 300 adjacent the flange 318. The lid 300 may include a pair of slots 304. In some embodiments, the slots 304 are located on either side of the lid 300 to accommodate the rod 508 of the plunger 500.

[0045] The container 100 may include a base 400 coupled to or integrally formed with the body 200. In some embodiments, the base 400 is removably coupled to the body 200 to allow the container 100 to be refilled. In some embodiments, the base 400 is fixedly coupled to the body 200. In some embodiments, the base 400 is integrally formed with the body 200. The base 400 may allow the container 100 to stand upright and improve the stability of the container 100 when not in use. The base 400 may include a wall 402 that couples the base 400 to the body 200. In some embodiments, the wall 402 surrounds the lower portion 212 of the body 200 when the body 200 is coupled to the base 400. The base 400 may include a surface 401 that defines the floor of the storage space 110 and the dosage dispensing chamber 120. In some embodiments, the base 400 includes a partition 404 that extends upward from the surface 401 and into the storage space 110. In some embodiments, the partition 404 extends higher than the bottom of the partition 206. The height and location of the partition can affect the size of the dose of the flowable solid. The partition 404 can be spaced apart in the X direction from the partition 206. In some embodiments, the partition 404 extends the entire width of the storage space 110. In some embodiments, the partition 404 includes a first side 406 that extends substantially vertically and a second side 408 that is angled relative to the first side 406. The angle of the second side 408 can help ensure that the flowable solid 600 does not stick behind the partition 404 when the container 100 dispenses the powder.

[0046] The container 100 may include a plunger 500 configured to seal the storage space 110 and the aliquot chamber 120 from the passageway 130. In some embodiments, the plunger is at least partially disposed within the passageway 130. The septum 206 may extend below a bottom surface 520 of the plunger 500. In some embodiments, the septum 206 extends about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm (e.g., about 1 mm to about 2 mm) below the bottom of the plunger 500. In some embodiments, the septum 206 extends at least 1 mm below the bottom of the plunger 500. The plunger 500 may have a longitudinal dimension in the Y direction. The plunger 500 may include a central post 502, ribs 504 and 506, a rod 508, a flange 510, a sealing base 512, and spacers 514, 516, and 518.

[0047] The plunger 500 may be configured to move up and down along axis 2 within the passageway 130 as the lid 300 moves between the closed and open positions. For example, the plunger 500 may move from a sealing position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A ) when the lid 300 is in the closed position to an unsealed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B ) when the lid 300 is in the open position. Movement of the lid 300 may cause movement of the plunger 500. For example, the rod 508 may extend through the slot 304 and be rotatably coupled to the lid 300. Rotational movement of the lid 300 may cause vertical movement of the plunger 500. For example, when the lid 300 is rotated about axis 1, the slot 304 may move upward, which also raises the rod 508 extending through the slot 304. Thus, the plunger 500 may move upward when the lid 300 is rotated about axis 1 and the slot 304 moves upward. When plunger 500 is in the unsealed position, a flow path may be exposed through which flowable solid 600 may pass. For example, plunger 500 may have a minimum width that is less than the minimum width of passageway 130 and a minimum length that is less than the minimum length of passageway 130, thereby forming a flow path from dosing chamber 120 to outlet 150 when lid 300 is in the open position.

[0048] The plunger 500 may include at least one central rib 504 extending vertically along the central post 502 and at least one rib 506 parallel to the rib 504. In some embodiments, the plunger 500 includes a first rib 504 on a first side of the central post 502 and a second rib 504 on a second side of the first side of the central post 502. In some embodiments, the plunger 500 includes two ribs 506 disposed on either side of the first side of the central post 502 and the first rib 504. The plunger 500 may include a flange 510 configured to contact an inner surface of the lid 300 when the lid 300 is in an open position. This may help ensure that the flowable solid 600 is directed out of the outlet 150 and prevent the flowable solid 600 from entering the lid 300.

[0049] The body 200 may include a ledge 210 and a lower portion 212 disposed inwardly relative to the wall 204 of the body 200. This may form an opening between the dosage chamber 120 and the passage 130 that is narrower than the passage 130. The plunger 500 may include a sealing base 512 having a size corresponding to the opening between the dosage chamber 120 and the passage 130, such that when the lid 300 is in the closed position and the plunger 500 is in the sealed position, the sealing base 512 seals the dosage chamber 120. In some embodiments, the plunger 500 is pressed into the dosage chamber 120 at the ledge 210 to seal the dosage chamber 120. When the plunger 500 moves to the unsealed position as the lid 300 moves to the open position, the sealing base 512 may move upwards sufficiently to expose an outlet from the dosage chamber 120 to the passage 130.

[0050] The plunger 500 may include one or more spacers (e.g., spacers 514, 516, and 518) on the rib 504 or rib 506. These spacers may be configured to contact an inner wall of the body 200 within the passage 130. This contact may help limit lateral movement of the plunger 500 within the passage 130 and promote proper and repeatable sealing of the dosage dispensing chamber 120 when the lid 300 is in the closed position. For example, the spacers may ensure that the sealing base 512 remains aligned with the opening between the dosage dispensing chamber 120 and the passage 130.

[0051] In some embodiments, the plunger 500 includes a first rib 504 on a first side of the central post 502, the first rib 504 including a spacer 514. In some embodiments, the plunger 500 includes a second rib 504 on a second side of the central post 502 opposite the first side, the second rib 504 including spacers 516 and 518.

[0052] In some embodiments, the lid 300 is slidably coupled to the body 200 and does not rotate, and the plunger 500 is fixedly coupled to the lid 300. In some embodiments, the plunger 500 is integral with the lid 300. In some embodiments, the lid 300 may slide upward from a closed position to an open position, and the plunger 500 moves upward from a sealed position to an unsealed position as the lid 300 moves upward from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the lid 300 is configured to slide upward in response to an upward force applied to the lid 300.

[0053] The container 100 may be a blow molded container or may be constructed from injection molded or metal parts. The container 100 may be made from a variety of materials including one or more of thermoplastics (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), polypropylene, polystyrene, copolyester, or bioplastics. In some embodiments, the container 100 and its components may be made from metal (e.g., aluminum or steel). In some embodiments, the container 100 may be made from a single material (e.g., HDPE or polypropylene). This allows the container 100 to be recycled in a single recycling stream without disassembly of the components. In some embodiments, the container 100 is fully recyclable. In some embodiments, all components of the container 100 (e.g., body 200, lid 300, base 400, and plunger 500) are all made from the same material. In some embodiments, all components of the container 100 are made from HDPE. In some embodiments, all components of the container 100 are made from polypropylene. In some embodiments, one or more components of the container 100 are made from a translucent material. For example, the body 200, or a portion thereof, may be translucent so that the amount of flowable solid 600 remaining in the container 100 can be seen.

[0054] The container 100 may be a blow molded container or may be constructed from injection molded parts. Each component of the container 100 (e.g., the body 200, the lid 300, the base 400, and the plunger 500) may each be of unitary construction. The container 100 may be filled with the flowable solid 600 by inverting the container 100 and adding the flowable solid 600 to the storage space 110 before the base 400 is attached. After filling, the base 400 may be bonded to the body 200 as described above. In embodiments where the container is not refillable, the base 400 may be permanently bonded to the body 200 after filling. In embodiments where the container is refillable, the base 400 may be used as a removable closure after filling.

[0055] The flowable solid 600 may be used to generate a beverage by mixing a dose with water. For example, the flowable solid 600 may include flavorings, electrolytes, dietary supplements, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the flowable solid 600 is a beverage concentrate. In some embodiments, each dose of the flowable solid 600 has an equal volume. The flowable solid 600 may be a powder or granule (e.g., spices, sugar, salt, beverage concentrate, hydrating powder, electrolyte powder, etc.). The container 100 may be used to dispense equal doses. Each dose may have a predetermined volume that may be set to a volume between 0.1 mL and 60 mL. For example, a container for electrolyte powder may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume between about 0.1 mL and about 0.5 mL, a container for beverage concentrate may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume between about 1 mL and about 30 mL, and a container for hydrating powder may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume between about 15 mL and about 60 mL.

[0056] In some embodiments, each dose of flowable solid 600 has a predetermined volume of about 0.1 mL to about 60 mL (e.g., about 0.1 mL to about 0.5 mL, about 1 mL to about 5 mL, about 2 mL to about 3 mL, about 15 mL to about 60 mL, or about 25 mL to about 35 mL). In some embodiments, each dose of flowable solid 600 has a volume of about 2.5 mL. In some embodiments, each dose of flowable solid 600 has a volume of about 30 mL.

[0057] Container 100 can dispense precise and consistent doses of flowable solid 600 by inverting container 100 towards outlet 150. The amount of powder dispensed is independent of the volume of powder remaining in the container (assuming there is enough remaining for at least one full dose) nor of the speed at which the user inverts the container.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method 1000 of how equal doses of powder are dispensed from the container 100 according to some embodiments by opening the container 100 and rotating the container 100. FIGS. 3A-3D show the process of dispensing powder. FIG. 3A shows the container 100 in an upright orientation with the lid 300 in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 3A, the storage space 110 is partially filled with a flowable solid 600. In step 1010, the user opens the lid 300 by applying downward pressure to the top of the lid 300 adjacent the flange 306 until the lid 300 is in an open position and the hole 314 engages with the detent 214. In step 1020, the user moves the container 100 from an open upright orientation (FIG. 3B) to an inclined orientation (FIG. 3D) and separates the dose 610 of the flowable solid 600 (previously in the dosing chamber 120) from the remainder 620. The dose 610 separates from the remainder 620 at the corner 121 between the dosing chamber 120 and the storage space 110. The partition 404 may also control the size of the dose 610. For example, the height and position of the partition 404 may prevent excess powder from flowing out of the container 100 when the container is rotated from an upright position to a tilted position. Flowable solids do not flow as easily as liquids because they can be piled up without falling at various angles (i.e., the angle of repose of the flowable solid). Thus, the flowable solid 600 has an angle of repose such that the flowable solid 600 easily separates at the corner 121 without significant variation in dose volume, regardless of differences in the speed at which the container 100 is rotated. However, depending on the material being dispensed, the angle of repose will vary. In some embodiments, the flowable solid has an angle of repose of at least 30 degrees. In contrast, liquids can flow more easily and quickly such that the dispensed liquid stream does not separate, and the amount of dispensed liquid may vary widely depending on the speed at which the container 100 is rotated.

[0059] In step 1030, the user moves the container 100 to an inverted orientation (FIG. 3D) to dispense a dose 610 of the flowable solid 600. The septum 204 retains the remnant 620 and prevents it from entering the passageway 130 in this orientation. When the container 100 is rotated from the tilted orientation to the inverted orientation, the dose 610 of the flowable solid 600 moves along the outlet passageway 130 to the outlet 150 and exits the container 100 via the outlet 150. As shown in FIG. 3D, the dose 610 of the flowable solid 600 may be dispensed into a container 700. The container 700 may be any type of container configured to receive the flowable solid 600 (e.g., a beverage container, a cooler, a food container, a bowl, or any other suitable food or beverage container). The container 700 may be configured to receive a closure 710. The dose 610 of the flowable solid 600 may be mixed with water in the container 700 to create a beverage. Due to the structure of the container 100 and the relative positions of the septum 206, the storage space 110, the dosing chamber 120, and the exit passage 130, only one dose of powder (e.g., dose 610 of the flowable solid 600) is dispensed each time the container is rotated from the upright position to the inverted position. To dispense the same dose of powder again, the user simply rotates the container back to the upright orientation (step 1040), which causes the dose 610 to separate from the remainder 620 of the flowable solid 600. After separation, the dose 610 falls into the dosing chamber 120, which then repeats the process of rotating the container to the tilted position (step 1020) and then to the inverted position (step 1030). Each time the container 100 is returned to the upright position, one dose (e.g., dose 610) of the flowable solid 600 is placed into the dosing chamber 120. By repeating this process, the user can consistently dispense equal doses of powder each time the process is repeated until all of the powder has been dispensed from the container 100. Steps 1020-1040 can be repeated until the storage space 110 is empty. In other words, the user can dispense equal doses of powder as long as the storage space 100 is filled with an amount of flowable solid 600 between a single dose and the capacity of the storage space 110.

[0060] In some embodiments, the container 100 is in a tilted orientation when rotated more than 0 degrees and less than about 115 degrees from an upright position. In some embodiments, the container 100 is in an inverted orientation when rotated more than about 115 degrees and less than about 180 degrees from an upright orientation.

[0061] For convenience, container 100 is described with respect to dispensing a powder or granules as flowable solid 600, however, it should be understood that container 100 may be filled with other products that may be dispensed in a similar manner. For example, container 100 may be filled with any flowable solid (e.g., granular or powdered product) that would benefit from dispensing a precise dose (e.g., beverage concentrates, hydration powders, electrolyte powders, sugar, salt, space, etc.).

[0062] As used herein, terms such as "upper" and "lower" and "top" and "bottom" are intended to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the beverage closure as shown, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or to limit the scope of the invention to the embodiments depicted in the drawings. The directional terms are used for convenience of description, and it is understood that the systems disclosed herein may be disposed in any of a variety of orientations.

[0063] As used herein, the term "equal volume" or "equal dose" includes tolerance for slight variations from the actual dose size. For example, "equal volume" or "equal dose" can include a tolerance of ±10% from the actual dose or volume.

[0064] When a value is used as an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint referred to. As used herein, with respect to values ​​or amounts, the term "about" includes ±10%.

[0065] It should be understood that the "Description of Embodiments" section, and any other sections, are not intended to be used to interpret the scope of the claims. The other sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventor, but are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0066] The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of certain functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0067] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will enable others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications by applying knowledge by those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, and without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure, making the general nature of the present disclosure fully apparent. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the language or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description, not limitation, and thus the language or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teaching and guidance.

[0068] References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like indicate that the embodiment being described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but all embodiments may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, the impact of such feature, structure, or characteristic on other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, is intended to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0069] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A container for dispensing a flowable solid, said container comprising: A body defining an interior space, the interior space comprising: Storage space and An exit passage, a dispensing chamber in communication with the storage space and the outlet passage; A closure for sealing the container, the closure comprising: a lid rotatably coupled to the body, the lid configured to rotate about a first axis from a closed position to an open position; a plunger rotatably coupled to the lid within an upper quarter of the height of the container, the plunger configured to move in a direction of a second axis from a sealing position to an unsealing position when the lid is rotated about the first axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis, the plunger extending into the outlet passage and forming a seal in a lower quarter of the height of the container when the plunger is in the sealing position; the container is configured to dispense a dose of the flowable solid when the plunger is in the unsealed position and the container is at least partially inverted; Each dose has an equal volume of the container.

2. 10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a partition separating the storage space from the exit passage.

3. The container of claim 2 , wherein the septum extends below the bottom of the plunger when the plunger is in the sealed position.

4. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the aliquot dispensing chamber is configured to contain a single dose of the flowable solid.

5. 5. The container of claim 4, wherein only the dose of the flowable solid is dispensed when the container is at least partially inverted and the plunger is in the unsealed position.

6. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the storage space is configured to accommodate at least 10 doses of the flowable solid.

7. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein a pathway is formed through said plunger from said aliquot dispensing chamber to said outlet when said plunger is in said unsealed position.

8. 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the plunger comprises a sealing base configured to contact a wall of the outlet passage when the plunger is in the sealing position such that the aliquot chamber is sealed.

9. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein a width of the outlet passage increases along the second axis when the plunger is in the unsealed position such that an outlet path is defined by the outlet passage and the plunger.

10. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the body includes a detent configured to limit rotation of the lid when the lid is in the closed position, and the lid includes an opening configured to engage the detent when the lid is in the open position.

11. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid rotates from a closed position to an open position when a force is applied to the lid.

12. 10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a base coupled to said body, said base defining a floor of said storage space and a floor of said aliquot chamber.

13. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the base further comprises a partition extending into the storage space such that the partition restricts flow of the flowable solid from the storage space when the container is at least partially inverted.

14. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is recyclable in a single recycle stream.

15. 1. A container for dispensing a flowable solid, said container comprising: a body, the body comprising: an interior space comprising a storage space, an outlet passage, and a dosage dispensing chamber, the dosage dispensing chamber communicating with the storage space and the outlet passage; a partition separating the storage space from the outlet passage; a closure for sealing the container, the closure comprising a lid and a plunger; in response to a force applied to the lid, the lid is configured to move from a closed position to an open position and the plunger moves upwardly from a sealing position to an unsealing position to expose an exit path within the exit passage; A container, wherein when the outlet pathway is exposed and the container is in an inverted orientation, the container is configured to dispense only one dose through the outlet.

16. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein when the plunger is in the sealed position, the plunger forms a seal within a bottom quarter of the height of the container.

17. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the lid is configured to rotate about a first axis from the closed position to the open position, and the plunger is rotatably coupled to the lid within an upper quarter of a height of the container.

18. 18. The container of claim 17, wherein the force is a downward force, and the plunger is configured to move upwardly along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in response to the downward force applied to the lid.

19. 16. The container of claim 15, further comprising a base removably coupled to the body, the base defining the storage space and a floor of the aliquot chamber.

20. 20. The container of claim 19, wherein the base includes a partition extending from the base into the storage space when the base is coupled to the body.

21. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the plunger comprises a sealing base that contacts a wall of the outlet passageway to seal the aliquot chamber when the plunger is in the sealed position, and the sealing base is spaced from the wall of the outlet passageway when the plunger is in the unsealed position to form a path through which the dose is dispensed.

22. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the plunger includes a flange that contacts a side of the lid when the lid is in the open position.

23. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the plunger is integral with the lid, and the lid and the plunger are configured to move upwardly in response to an upward force applied to the lid.

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