Systems and methods for administering flowable solids
The described system addresses the challenge of precise and consistent dispensing of flowable solids by using a rotatable dosing device controlled by a handle, ensuring accurate dosing and easy cleaning.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025508812
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-19
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing systems for dispensing flowable solids, such as powders and granules, struggle with accurately and consistently delivering precise doses without the need for scoops or additional measuring tools, often leading to over- or under-dispensing and requiring cumbersome operations.
A system featuring a dosing device within a dosing chamber that rotates incrementally about a horizontal axis, controlled by a handle, allowing for precise dosing without additional tools, with each incremental rotation dispensing a consistent volume, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning.
Enables accurate and consistent dispensing of flowable solids with ease, reducing waste and simplifying the process by eliminating the need for scoops and providing user-friendly operation with controlled dosing and easy cleaning.
Smart Images
Figure 2025528848000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Background technology]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dispensing flowable solids (e.g., powders, granules, cereals, or oats). 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 system for dispensing a flowable solid, the system including a body, a dosing device, and a handle. In some embodiments, the body includes a storage volume defined by the body, an inlet, an outlet disposed at a bottom of the body, and a dosing chamber disposed between the storage volume and the outlet. In some embodiments, the dosing device is at least partially disposed within the dosing chamber and is rotatable about a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the dosing device includes a central shaft extending along the horizontal axis, a plurality of walls extending radially outward from the central shaft, and a plurality of dosing volumes partially defined by the plurality of walls, each dosing volume configured to hold a single dose of the flowable solid. In some embodiments, the dosing device is configured to restrict flow of the flowable solid from the storage volume to the outlet. In some embodiments, the dosing device is configured to rotate incrementally about the horizontal axis such that a single dose of the flowable solid is dispensed through the outlet with each incremental rotation. In some embodiments, the handle is hingedly coupled to the body and configured to move between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the administration device is configured to rotate through a single incremental rotation each time the handle moves from the first position to the second position to dispense a dose of the flowable solid.
[0003] In some embodiments, the plurality of dose volumes includes a first dose volume, in some embodiments, when the handle is in a first position, the first dose volume is in communication with the reservoir volume, and the doser rotates in response to a downward force applied to the handle such that the first dose volume is in communication with the outlet.
[0004] In some embodiments, a first dose volume of the plurality of dose volumes is in communication with the reservoir volume and a second dose volume of the plurality of dose volumes is not in communication with the reservoir volume.
[0005] In some embodiments, the first dosing volume is configured to receive the flowable solid from the storage volume by gravity.
[0006] In some embodiments, the administration device comprises a first side wall disposed at a first end of the central shaft and a second side wall disposed at a second end of the central shaft, the first side wall and the second side wall each being oriented perpendicular to the horizontal axis and perpendicular to the plurality of walls.
[0007] In some embodiments, the handle is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of walls comprises a first wall and a second wall, hi some embodiments, a first dose volume of the plurality of dose volumes is defined in part by the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall.
[0009] In some embodiments, the administration device is detachable from the main body.
[0010] In some embodiments, the administration device does not rotate when the handle moves from the second position to the first position.
[0011] In some embodiments, one revolution of the administration device is equivalent to 3 to 5 incremental revolutions.
[0012] In some embodiments, the handle is coupled to the body by a tension spring, the tension spring extending when the handle moves from the first position to the second position.
[0013] In some embodiments, the system further includes a ratchet wheel coupled to the administration device, hi some embodiments, the handle includes a protrusion that engages with and rotates the ratchet wheel when the handle moves from the first position to the second position.
[0014] In some embodiments, the handle is configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to a downward force applied to the handle.
[0015] In some embodiments, the system further includes a stand, the body being coupled to the stand.
[0016] In some embodiments, each incremental rotation is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
[0017] In some embodiments, each dose has an equal volume.
[0018] Some embodiments are directed to a system for dispensing a flowable solid, the system comprising: a body including a storage volume, an inlet, an outlet, and a dosing chamber; a dosing device at least partially disposed within the dosing chamber, the dosing device including multiple dosing volumes defined by walls extending radially outward from a central shaft of the dosing device; the dosing device at least partially disposed within the dosing chamber and rotatable about a horizontal axis, the dosing device configured to restrict flow of the flowable solid from the storage volume to the outlet; and a handle configured to move between a first position and a second position, the handle configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a downward force applied to the handle. In some embodiments, the dosing device is configured to rotate incrementally in response to movement of the handle from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the dosing device is configured to dispense one dose of the flowable solid with each incremental rotation. In some embodiments, each dose has an equal volume.
[0019] In some embodiments, the administration device is configured to prevent rotation when the handle moves from the second position to the first position.
[0020] In some embodiments, the administration device has fifth order rotational symmetry.
[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of dose volumes includes a first dose volume, in some embodiments, when the handle is in a first position, the first dose volume is in communication with the storage volume, and when the handle is moved from the first position to a second position, the dose device rotates such that the first dose volume is in communication with the outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1 with a portion of the body and shell cut away. [Figure 7A] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 with the handle in a first position. [Figure 7B] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 with the handle in a second position. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1 taken along line 8-8. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of FIG. 1 taken along line 9-9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Powders such as beverage concentrates, sugar, and the like are often sold in bulk in large containers. Not only is it difficult to accurately dispense a consistent amount of powder from these containers, but doing so can be tedious and time-consuming. To accurately dispense a single dose of powder, a user may have to use a scoop to dispense the powder. However, the scoop may dispense too much powder (requiring the user to level the powder to obtain the correct amount or dose of powder) or too little powder (requiring the user to re-scoop to obtain the correct amount or dose of powder). Alternatively, to achieve an accurate dose with a single scoop, a user may have to scoop out an excess amount and then level the powder using another device or the user's fingers. These scoops are often used by multiple people and stored within the container itself, and therefore may become covered by powder or other substances.
[0024] Other dispensers may allow users to dispense powder without a scoop, but offer little control over the amount dispensed. For example, containers with a spout (e.g., sugar dispensers) allow users to dispense powder by pouring, but there is no reliable way to control the amount of sugar dispensed aside from estimating how much has been poured. Also, the accuracy of the pour varies with the powder flow rate as the volume of powder remaining in the container decreases. Furthermore, users may have to touch the spout to open it and allow the powder to flow.
[0025] Other dispensers may include a dispensing device that rotates about a vertical axis, but such a dispensing device may require more space, may create dead zones of flowable solids that cannot reach the dispensing device, and may require cumbersome movement to dispense the contents. Such devices may also be difficult to disassemble, which may complicate cleaning.
[0026] The embodiments described herein solve these and other problems by providing (among other advantages) a system that consistently dispenses accurate doses of powder without the need for measuring or separate components such as a scoop, that is easy to disassemble, and that allows for user-friendly operation. For example, to dispense a dose using the system disclosed herein, a user can apply a downward force to the handle, and the system will dispense a dose of a flowable solid without requiring any other action by the user.
[0027] As shown throughout the figures, some embodiments are directed to systems 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 is capable of flowing (e.g., when poured). Examples include powders or granules (e.g., granulated sugar, beverage concentrate, protein powder). The systems described herein can include a body for storing the flowable solid, a dosing device, and a handle that, when actuated, causes the dosing device to dispense a dose of the flowable solid.
[0028] 1-4 show various views of a system (e.g., system 10) disclosed herein. FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of system 10. As shown in FIG. 5, system 10 can include a body 100, an outer shell 200, a closure 300, a base 400, a handle 500, a dispensing device 600, and a shield 700. In some embodiments, system 10 can be easily assembled and disassembled. For example, closure 300 can be removably coupled to shell 200, which can be removably coupled to base 400, which can be removably coupled to shell 200, and dispensing device 600 can be removably coupled to body 100. This allows for easy disassembly of the components of system 10, which simplifies cleaning of each component.
[0029] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-9 , system 10 can include a body 100 that can contain a flowable solid (e.g., flowable solid 800). In some embodiments, body 100 contains flowable solid 800 contained therein. In some embodiments, body 100 includes a front wall 105, a side wall 110, and a rear wall 115. In some embodiments, body 100 includes an interior volume partially defined by front wall 105, side wall 110, and rear wall 115. In some embodiments, the interior volume includes storage volume 120 and dispensing chamber 125. In some embodiments, body 100 includes an inlet 128 and an outlet 130. In some embodiments, inlet 128 is disposed proximate the top of body 100, and outlet 130 is disposed proximate the bottom of body 100. In some embodiments, flowable solid 800 can be added to storage volume 120 through inlet 128. In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 is at least partially disposed within the dosing chamber 125 and restricts the flow of the flowable solids 800 from the storage volume 120 to the outlet 130. The dosing device 600 is discussed in more detail below.
[0030] In some embodiments, system 10 includes a shell 200 that can at least partially surround body 100. In some embodiments, shell 200 includes side walls 205, a rear wall 210, and a bar 225. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , shell 100 can be coupled to a base 400 such that system 10 is a freestanding system. For example, once shell 200 is coupled to base 400, system 10 can be placed on a countertop, table, floor, etc. In some embodiments, system 10 does not include base 400 and can be placed on a countertop or table, or mounted to a wall. In some embodiments, shell 200 includes a mount 215 on rear wall 210 for mounting system 10 to a vertical surface such as a wall, cabinet, etc. In some embodiments, mount 215 includes one or more holes 220 for securing the mount to the vertical surface. In some embodiments, mount 215 is removably coupled to shell 200 to allow easy removal (e.g., for refilling, cleaning, etc.). In some embodiments, the system 10 does not include a base 400 and is wall-mounted.
[0031] In some embodiments, system 10 includes a closure 300 coupled to shell 200 and covering inlet 128 of body 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , closure 300 includes a latch 305 that holds closure 300 closed. In some embodiments, closure 300 can be opened by releasing latch 305. In some embodiments, closure 300 opens by rotating about hinge 310, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . In some embodiments, closure 300 is not hinged, and the entire closure 300 is removable. In some embodiments, when closure 300 is open, inlet 128 of body 100 is exposed, which can allow easy access to storage volume 120. In some embodiments, flowable solid 800 can be added to storage volume 120 when closure 300 is open.
[0032] In some embodiments, system 10 includes a base 400 that can be coupled to shell 200 to allow system 10 to be a freestanding system. In some embodiments, body 100 can be coupled to shell 200, and shell 200 can be coupled to base 400, as shown in Figures 1-3. In some embodiments, base 400 includes a drip tray 405.
[0033] In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a handle 500 configured to move between a first position (shown in FIG. 7A ) and a second position (shown in FIG. 7B ). In some embodiments, the handle 500 is coupled to the body 100 and the dispensing device 600. As discussed in detail below, in some embodiments, as the handle 500 moves from the first position to the second position, the dispensing device 600 can rotate to dispense a dose 800 of the flowable solid.
[0034] In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a dispensing device 600 configured to hold and dispense a dose of the flowable solid 800. In some embodiments, the dispensing device 600 is disposed within the dispensing chamber 125 between the storage volume 120 and the outlet 130 along axis 1, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the dispensing device 600 includes dosing volumes (e.g., dosing volumes 601, 602, 603, 604, and 605). The dispensing device 600 rotates about axis 2, as shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the dispensing device 600 includes a wall 610 disposed about a central shaft 620. The central shaft 620 is coaxial with axis 2, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the wall 610 can extend radially outward from the central shaft 620. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wall 610 can extend the length of the central shaft 620 in the direction of axis 2. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dispensing device can include side walls 615 disposed on either side of a central shaft 620 .
[0035] In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 includes three or more dosing volumes (e.g., dosing volumes 601, 602, 603, 604, 605). Each dosing volume may be defined in part by two walls 610, a side wall 615, and a central shaft 620. In some embodiments, each dosing volume has a volume equal to a single dose of a flowable solid. In some embodiments, each dose has a volume between 15 mL and 150 mL (e.g., between 30 mL and 90 mL or between 50 mL and 70 mL). While the dosing device 600 is shown with five dosing volumes throughout, it should be understood that the number and geometry of the dosing volumes may be modified to accommodate different dose sizes. For example, increasing the number of walls 610 decreases the dose size. Conversely, decreasing the number of walls 610 increases the dose size. Other parameters of the dosing device 600 may be adjusted to achieve a certain dose size, such as the length along axis 2 or the height of the walls 610. In some embodiments, the administration device 600 has two or more (eg, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more) administration volumes.
[0036] In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 restricts movement of the flowable solid 800 from the storage volume 120 to the outlet 130. For example, the dosing device 600 can be sized to fit within the dosing chamber 125 such that the flowable solid 800 cannot unintentionally bypass the dosing device 600. In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 is coupled to the body 100.
[0037] In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 includes a recess in each sidewall 615. The dosing device 600 can include a ratchet-pawl system that rotates the dosing device 600. In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 includes a ratchet wheel 625 that includes a protrusion 626 (e.g., a nut or bolt) that is inserted into a recess 616 (e.g., a socket) in the sidewall 615.
[0038] In some embodiments, the ratchet wheel 625 is disposed on the exterior of the body 100, with the protrusion extending into a recess through an opening 140 in the side of the dispensing chamber 125. In some embodiments, the dispensing device 600 includes a pawl 630.
[0039] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 600 includes two ratchet wheels 625 and two pawls 630 (e.g., one coupled to each side wall 615). In some embodiments, the dispensing device 600 includes only one ratchet wheel 625 and one pawl 630.
[0040] Each ratchet wheel 625 can be removably coupled to a respective side wall 615. In some embodiments, recesses 616 in side walls 615 contain magnets 617 that couple to protrusions 626 of ratchet wheels 625 such that the ratchet wheels can be magnetically coupled to side walls 615. This can allow for easy disassembly and simplify cleaning.
[0041] Each recess 616 may be polygonal with a number of sides equal to the number of dose volumes, and each protrusion 626 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the recess 616. For example, the recess 616 shown in the figure is a pentagonal socket with each side aligning with one of the five dose volumes. In some embodiments, the protrusion on the ratchet wheel 625 is pentagonal. This ensures proper alignment of the ratchet wheel 625 during reassembly.
[0042] The system 10 can include a handle 500 that can control the operation of the administration device 600. For example, the handle 500 can include a bar 505 that, when depressed (e.g., in the direction of arrow 3), can move the handle 500 from a first position (shown in FIG. 7A ) to a second position (shown in FIG. 7B ). In FIGS. 8 and 9 , handle 500 is shown in the first position, and handle 500′ is shown in the second position. In some embodiments, depressing the bar 505 causes the arm 501 to rotate the administration device 600 about axis 2 sufficiently to dispense a single dose. As the dispensing device 600 rotates, one dose volume (e.g., dose volume 601) can rotate from enclosed within the body 100 to exposed downwardly to the exit opening 131 (e.g., as shown in Figures 7A and 7B), and a second dose volume (e.g., dose volume 604) can rotate from not enclosed within the body 100 to sealed within the body 100.
[0043] In some embodiments, the handle 500 includes two arms 501 connected by a bar 505. In some embodiments, the handle 500 includes a protrusion 510 extending inward from the arms 501. In some embodiments, the protrusion 510 aligns with a notch in the ratchet wheel 625 such that when the handle 500 moves from a first position to a second position, the protrusion 510 rotates the ratchet wheel 625 about axis 2, thereby rotating the dispensing device 600. In some embodiments, each arm 501 couples to one of the side walls 615 of the dispensing device 600, which can increase the stability and ease of use of the handle 500. For example, coupling to both sides of the dispensing device 600 can minimize the risk of the handle disengaging from the dispensing device 600 during use and can ensure a uniform rotational force on the dispensing device 600. Providing a uniform force on both sides of the dispensing device 600 can also help prevent the dispensing device from tilting or jamming during operation.
[0044] In some embodiments, handle 500 moves from a first position (shown in FIG. 7A ) to a second position (shown in FIG. 7B ) in response to a downward force applied to bar 505 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 3). In some embodiments, handle 500 includes springs 515. In some embodiments, each spring 515 has a first end coupled to arm 501. In some embodiments, springs 515 have a second end coupled to body 100 or shell 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, springs 515 are coupled to protrusions 230 of shell 200.
[0045] In some embodiments, each spring 515 is a tension spring that applies a force to the handle 500 such that the handle 500 returns to the first position (i.e., the handle 500 is biased toward the first position) when no downward force is applied to the bar 505. In some embodiments, the handle 500 returns from the second position to the first position without user interaction. In some embodiments, the handle 500 includes an opening 530 that receives a protrusion 135 on the body 100. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each opening 530 can have an oval shape. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the protrusion 135 extends through the opening 530, limiting the movement of the handle 500. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the handle 500 is in the first position, and the handle 500′ is shown in phantom lines in the second position for illustrative purposes.
[0046] As shown, protrusion 135 is smaller than and fits within opening 530 such that handle 500 can rotate about protrusion 135. In embodiments where the opening is oval-shaped (i.e., longer in one direction) as shown, handle 500 can rotate and translate relative to protrusion 135 while leaving protrusion 135 within opening 530. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, this movement can help facilitate repeated movement of handle 500 to dispense successive doses.
[0047] 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of system 10 (without base 400) along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, flowable solid 800 is disposed within storage volume 120 of body 100. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the dispensing of a dose of flowable solid 800. FIG. 7A illustrates system 10 when handle 500 is in a first position. FIG. 7B illustrates system 10 when handle 500 is in a second position.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 7A , when the handle 500 is in the first position, the flowable solid 800 can be contained within the storage volume 120 and can be prevented from leaving the storage volume 120 by the dosing device 600. In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 rotates about axis 2 each time the handle 500 moves from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 rotates forward (e.g., toward the front wall 105 of the body 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 4). In some embodiments, the dosing device 600 rotates backward (e.g., away from the front wall 105 of the body 100, opposite the direction indicated by arrow 4). In some embodiments, each rotation is incremental. Each incremental rotation can be less than one rotation of the dosing device 600. In some embodiments, one rotation is equivalent to 3 to 8 (e.g., 3 to 5) incremental rotations. In some embodiments, one rotation is equivalent to 5 incremental rotations. In some embodiments, each incremental rotation is equal to an angle between each wall 610 (e.g., angle A). In some embodiments, angle A is between 30° and 180° (e.g., 45° and 120° or 60° and 90°). In some embodiments, angle A is 45°, 60°, 72°, 90°, or 120°. In some embodiments, angle A is 72°. In some embodiments, the administration device 600 does not rotate when the handle 500 moves from the second position to the first position.
[0049] The administration device 600 may have rotational symmetry in a cross section through its center. For example, the embodiment shown in the figures has rotational symmetry of order 5. The administration device 600 may have rotational symmetry of order 3 to 8 (e.g., 3 to 5).
[0050] In some embodiments, at least one dose volume (e.g., dose volumes 601, 602, 603, 604, 605) is in communication with the storage volume 120. In some embodiments, three dose volumes can be in communication with the storage volume 120 simultaneously. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, dose volumes 601, 602, and 603 can be in communication with the storage volume 120.
[0051] The flowable solid 800 can fall into the dosing volumes of the dosing device 600 by gravity. For example, when the flowable solid 800 is poured into the storage volume 120 through the inlet 128, the flowable solid 800 can fill each dosing volume that communicates with the storage volume 120 (e.g., dosing volumes 601, 602, 603 in FIG. 7A ), with excess flowable solid 800 remaining in the storage volume 120. As shown in FIG. 7A , the flowable solid 800 fills all of the dosing volumes 601, 602, and 603 that communicate with the storage volume 120. An advantage of a dosing device that rotates about a horizontal axis, such as the dosing device 600, is that it avoids dead spots that result from rotation about a vertical axis. These dead spots can accumulate flowable solids that cannot move into the dosing volumes, which can result in wasted flowable solids and can be difficult to clean. As shown in FIG. 7A, dosing volumes 604 and 605 are not in communication with storage volume 120, and dosing volume 605 is in communication with outlet opening 131 of outlet 130.
[0052] 7B illustrates system 10 when handle 500 is moved to a second position. In some embodiments, handle 500 moves from a first position (shown in FIG. 7A) to a second position (shown in FIG. 7B) in response to a downward force applied to handle 500 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 3).
[0053] 8, the protrusion 510 contacts the ratchet wheel 625 such that the ratchet wheel 625 rotates the dispensing device 600 when the handle 500 is moved to the second position. In some embodiments, the pawl 630 can be positioned to prevent the ratchet wheel 625 from rotating more than one position, as discussed above. In some embodiments, the dispensing device rotates toward the front wall 105 of the body 100 (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 4). In some embodiments, the dispensing device 600 can only rotate in the direction of arrow 4.
[0054] Figure 7B illustrates the system 10 shown in Figure 7A after it has rotated one step. As shown in Figure 7B, when the dosing device 600 rotates one step, the dosing volume 601 rotates into communication with the outlet opening 131 of the outlet 130. When this occurs, the dosing device dispenses a dose 805 of the flowable solid 800 through the outlet opening 131 by gravity, leaving the remainder 810 of the flowable solid 800 in the storage volume 120. As shown in Figure 7B, when the dosing device 600 rotates one step, the dosing volume 604 rotates into communication with the storage volume 120. When this occurs, a portion of the remainder 810 of the flowable solid 800 falls into the dosing volume 604, filling it.
[0055] 7A and 7B can be repeated until no more flowable solid 800 remains in the storage volume 120. For example, in some embodiments, each time the handle 500 is moved from the first position to the second position, the dosing device 600 rotates such that a first dosing volume is exposed to the outlet opening 131 to dispense a dose 805 of the flowable solid 800, and a second dosing volume is exposed to the storage volume 120 to receive the flowable solid 800 from the remainder 810.
[0056] 7A and 7B, the body 100 can include a rail 155 configured to mate with the cover 160. When the dosing device 600 rotates about axis 2, the cover 160 can restrict the movement of the flowable solid 800 from the storage volume 120 to the dosing chamber 125. For example, when the dosing device 600 rotates, the wall 610 and the cover 160 together can prevent excess flowable solid 800 from leaving the storage volume. In some embodiments, the cover 160 extends the length of the dosing device 600 in the direction of axis 2.
[0057] 8 and 9 show cross-sectional views of the system 10 (without the base 400) along lines 8-8 and 9-9, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, the handle 500 is in a first position, and a handle 500' is shown in phantom to illustrate the position of the handle 500 in a second position. As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 510 contacts a notch in the ratchet wheel 625, and when the handle is moved to the position illustrated by the handle 500', the protrusion 510 causes the ratchet wheel 625 to rotate the dispensing device 600 one step. As shown in FIG. 8, when the handle 500 is in the first position, the protrusion 135 is disposed in front of the opening 530, and when the handle 500 is in the second position, the protrusion 135 is disposed behind the opening 530. This translational movement allows the protrusion 510 to disengage from the notch and re-engage with the notch in the ratchet wheel 625. In some embodiments, the ratchet wheel is coupled to the dispensing device 600 and is fixed relative to the body of the dispensing device 600.
[0058] 9, pawl 630 can be coupled to protrusion 145. In some embodiments, as protrusion 510 rotates ratchet wheel 625, it disengages ratchet wheel 625 from pawl 630, and as the ratchet wheel rotates, pawl 630 can catch the next notch in ratchet wheel 625 and prevent further rotation. In some embodiments, spring 635 is coupled to pawl 630. In some embodiments, spring 635 is a compression spring.
[0059] In some embodiments, system 10 includes a shield 700 coupled to body 100. In some embodiments, shield 700 includes an arm 705, a cover 710, and an opening 715 partially defined by arm 705 and cover 710. In some embodiments, shield 700 is coupled to shell 200 such that shell 200 and arm 705 define opening 715. In some embodiments, outlet 130 is at least partially disposed within opening 715.
[0060] As used herein, terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," and the like are intended to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation indicated, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure or to restrict the scope of the present disclosure to the embodiments depicted in the figures. Directional terms are used for convenience of description, and it is understood that the present disclosure may be positioned in any of a variety of directions.
[0061] It should be understood that the "Detailed Description" section, and no other sections, are intended to be used to interpret the claims. The other sections may set forth one or more, but not all, example embodiments of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventors, but are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.
[0062] 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 the convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the certain functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
[0063] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will enable others, by applying their knowledge, to readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various uses, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concepts of the disclosure, making the general nature of the 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 phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation; consequently, the terminology or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teaching and guidance.
[0064] The foregoing examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art which are obvious to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0065] References herein to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that not all embodiments 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 believed to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0066] 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 system for dispensing flowable solids, said system comprising: The main body is a storage volume defined by the body; and The entrance and an outlet disposed at the bottom of the body; a body including a dispensing chamber disposed between the storage volume and the outlet; a dispensing device at least partially disposed within the dispensing chamber, the dispensing device being rotatable about a horizontal axis; a central shaft extending along the horizontal axis; a plurality of walls extending radially outward from the central shaft; a plurality of dosage volumes defined in part by said plurality of walls, each dosage volume configured to hold a single dose of said flowable solid; the dosing device is configured to restrict the flow of the flowable solids from the storage volume to the outlet; a dosing device configured to rotate incrementally about the horizontal axis such that one dose of the flowable solid is dispensed through the outlet with each incremental rotation; a handle hinged to the body, the handle configured to move between a first position and a second position; wherein the dosing device is configured to rotate through a single incremental rotation each time the handle moves from the first position to the second position to dispense a dose of the flowable solid.
2. the plurality of dose volumes includes a first dose volume; when the handle is in the first position, the first dosage volume is in communication with the storage volume; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device rotates in response to a downward force applied to the handle so that the first dispensing volume is in communication with the outlet.
3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a first dose volume of the plurality of dose volumes is in communication with the reservoir volume and a second dose volume of the plurality of dose volumes is not in communication with the reservoir volume.
4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first dosing volume is configured to receive the flowable solid from the storage volume by gravity.
5. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the administration device comprises a first side wall disposed at a first end of the central shaft and a second side wall disposed at a second end of the central shaft, the first side wall and the second side wall each being oriented perpendicular to the horizontal axis and perpendicular to the plurality of walls.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the handle is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
7. the plurality of walls comprises a first wall and a second wall; 6. The system of claim 5, wherein a first dosage volume of the plurality of dosage volumes is defined in part by the first wall, the second wall, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the administration device is detachable from the body.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dispensing device does not rotate when the handle moves from the second position to the first position.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein one revolution of the administration device is equivalent to 3 to 5 incremental revolutions.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the handle is coupled to the body by a tension spring, the tension spring extending when the handle moves from the first position to the second position.
12. further comprising a ratchet wheel coupled to the dispensing device; The system of claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a protrusion that engages and rotates the ratchet wheel when the handle moves from the first position to the second position.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a downward force applied to the handle.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein each incremental rotation is between about 45 degrees and about 90 degrees.
15. The system of claim 1 further comprising a stand, the body being coupled to the stand.
16. The system of claim 1 , wherein each dose has an equal volume.
17. 1. A system for dispensing flowable solids, said system comprising: a body including a storage volume, an inlet, an outlet, and a dispensing chamber; a dosing device at least partially disposed within the dosing chamber, the dosing device including a plurality of dosing volumes defined by walls extending radially outward from a central shaft of the dosing device, the dosing device being at least partially disposed within the dosing chamber and rotatable about a horizontal axis, the dosing device configured to restrict the flow of the flowable solid from the storage volumes to the outlet; a handle configured to move between a first position and a second position, the handle configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a downward force applied to the handle; the dispensing device is configured to rotate incrementally in response to movement of the handle from the first position to the second position; the dosing device is configured to dispense one dose of the flowable solid with each incremental rotation; A system in which each dose has an equal volume.
18. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dispensing device is configured to prevent rotation when the handle moves from the second position to the first position.
19. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the administration device has fifth order rotational symmetry.
20. the plurality of dose volumes includes a first dose volume; when the handle is in the first position, the first dosage volume is in communication with the storage volume; 18. The system of claim 17, wherein when the handle is moved from the first position to the second position, the dosing device rotates so that the first dosing volume is in communication with the outlet.