A container for dispensing an appropriate amount of fluid solid.
The container design with a partitioned internal space ensures precise and consistent dosing of flowable solids by restricting flow during inversion, addressing the inefficiencies of existing systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PEPSICO INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing containers for flowable solids, such as powders and granules, struggle to accurately dispense consistent and precise doses without the use of scoops or moving parts, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in measuring and dispensing.
A container design with a partitioned internal space that separates into a storage space and a metering chamber, featuring a passage that restricts flow upon inversion, allowing for consistent dosing without external mechanisms, ensuring a single dose is dispensed each time the container is tilted or inverted.
Enables accurate and consistent dispensing of flowable solids in a single motion, independent of the remaining volume and without the need for scoops or moving parts, improving usability and precision.
Smart Images
Figure 2026086845000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container for storing and dispensing a flowable solid (e.g., powder, granules, cereal, or oatmeal). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a container for dispensing a consistent and accurate dose of a flowable solid.
Summary of the Invention
[0002] Some embodiments are directed to a container for dispensing a flowable solid that includes an internal space and a partition that separates the internal space into a storage space, a metering chamber, and an outlet passage. The storage space may communicate directly with the metering chamber and may have a floor disposed above the metering chamber. The outlet passage may extend from the metering chamber to an outlet. The partition may extend below the floor of the storage space such that the partition restricts the flow of the flowable solid from the storage space when the container is at least partially inverted. The container may dispense a dose of the flowable solid each time the container is at least partially inverted. Each dose may have an equal volume.
[0003] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, each dose has a predetermined volume, and the predetermined volume may be set to a volume of 0.1 mL to 250 mL. For example, a container for dispensing a dose of electrolyte powder may have a predetermined dose volume set to a volume of 0.2 mL to 0.5 mL (e.g., 0.25 mL), a container for dispensing a dose of hydrated powder may have a predetermined dose volume set to a volume of 15 mL to 60 mL (e.g., 30 mL), and a container for dispensing a dose of cereal (e.g., oatmeal) may have a predetermined dose volume set to a volume of 60 mL to 240 mL (e.g., 150 mL).
[0004] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the metering chamber is sized to contain a single-dose of the flowable solid.
[0005] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the height of the outlet passage is at least three times the height of the dispensing chamber.
[0006] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, at least a portion of the internal space has a return section (for example, forming a U-shape).
[0007] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the fluid solid is disposed within a storage space. In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the fluid solid is a beverage concentrate.
[0008] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the storage space further comprises an opening for filling the storage space. In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the opening is coaxial with the outlet.
[0009] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container comprises a plug removably connected to the container, the plug configured to seal an opening.
[0010] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container is recyclable in its entirety.
[0011] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container is made of a single material.
[0012] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container is made of high-density polyethylene.
[0013] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container comprises a base defining a floor and a wall extending from the floor to the bottom of a dispensing chamber.
[0014] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the outlet and storage space are located above the dispensing chamber, respectively.
[0015] Some embodiments relate to a container for dispensing a fluid solid, comprising a storage space for containing the fluid solid, an introduction passage, a dispensing chamber, and an outlet. The storage space may be at least partially defined by a partition within the internal space of the container. The introduction passage may be defined by partitions and walls and may be in direct communication with the storage space. The dispensing chamber may be located below the floor and may be in direct communication with the introduction passage. A single dose of fluid solid can be placed in the dispensing chamber when the storage space is filled with an amount of fluid solid between a single dose and the capacity of the storage space, and the container is in an upright position.
[0016] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, when the container is inclined orientation, the partition separates a single dose from the rest of the fluid solid. In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, when the container is inverted orientation, the container is configured to dispense only a single dose through the outlet.
[0017] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the dispensing chamber may be configured to automatically receive another single-dose portion of a fluid solid from the storage space when the container returns from an inclined or inverted orientation to an upright orientation.
[0018] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container may be in an inclined orientation when it is rotated from an upright orientation by more than 0 degrees and less than 115 degrees. In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container may be in an inverted orientation when it is rotated from an upright orientation by more than 115 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
[0019] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container further comprises a passage configured to connect the outlet to a storage space. In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the passage comprises an introduction passage, a dispensing chamber, and a second passage. The second passage may extend from the dispensing chamber to the outlet.
[0020] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, at least a portion of the above-mentioned passage forms a U-shape.
[0021] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container includes an opening coaxial with the outlet, which forms a filling path extending through a second passage to a storage space.
[0022] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, each of the introduction passage and the second passage extends vertically. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0023] The accompanying drawings, incorporated herein and forming part thereof, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to construct and use the present invention. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a container according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a top view of the container. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the container in Figure 1, along line 3-3 in Figure 2. [Figure 4A] This figure shows a cross-sectional view of the container containing powder, along with a drinking container. [Figure 4B] This figure shows how to tilt the container in Figure 4A to separate one dose of powder from the remaining powder. [Figure 4C] This figure shows the process of inverting the container in Figure 4A and dispensing the amount shown in Figure 4B into a drinking container. [Figure 5]A diagram showing a flowchart for dispensing a certain dosage of powder.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0024] Powders such as beverage concentrates and sugar are often sold in large quantities in large containers. Not only is it difficult to accurately remove a consistent amount of powder from these containers, but it can also be cumbersome and time-consuming. To accurately remove a single-dose amount of powder, the user may have to use a scoop to remove the powder. However, the scoop may remove an excessive amount of powder (the user may need to level the powder to obtain the exact amount or dosage of powder). Alternatively, the scoop may remove too little powder (the user may need to scoop again to obtain the exact amount or dosage of powder). Alternatively, to achieve an exact dosage with a single scoop, the user may first scoop an excessive amount and then use another tool or the user's finger to level the powder. These scoops are often stored inside the container itself and may therefore be covered by powder or other substances.
[0025] Other dispensers may allow the user to dispense powder without a scoop, but they can hardly control the amount dispensed. For example, a container with a pouring spout (e.g., a sugar dispenser) can dispense powder by pouring, but there is no reliable way to control the amount of sugar dispensed other than estimating how much has been poured. Also, as the volume of powder remaining in the container decreases, the pouring accuracy changes depending on the powder flow rate. Furthermore, the user may have to touch the pouring spout to open it to allow the powder to flow.
[0026] The embodiments described herein, in order to overcome the above and other problems, provide a container that consistently dispenses accurate doses of powder regardless of the amount of powder in the container, without moving any mechanism such as a scoop or separate components, and without measurement.
[0027] As shown throughout the figures, some embodiments relate to containers for storing, portioning, and dispensing fluid solids. A fluid solid is a volume of material formed from solid fragments or lumps of material such that the volume of material is fluid (for example, when poured or when tilted sufficiently). Examples include powders or granules (e.g., granulated sugar or beverage concentrates).
[0028] For example, a container may include an outlet and an internal space. A partition may separate the internal space into a storage space and a passage. The passage may connect the storage space to the outlet. The container may be used to dispense a consistent volume of powder from the storage space through the passage and out the outlet, without any holding area or moving parts. The partition creates an internal shape of the container that allows for the dispensing of a consistent volume of powder. As will be described in more detail below, the container can measure and dispense powder in a single motion by inverting the container. The container also does not require any moving parts. Moving parts can get stuck during use or produce grinding noises. The container may use less material and be easier to manufacture than a system with moving parts.
[0029] Figure 1 shows a container 100 for dispensing powder. The outer wall 101 of the container 100 may contain an internal space. The container 100 may include an outlet 105 that can be closed by a cap 200. Figure 2 is a top view of the container 100 with the cap 200 removed from the outlet 105. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the container 100 along line 3-3.
[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the container 100 may include a partition wall 110 that separates the internal space of the container 100 into a storage space 115 and a passage 120. The partition wall 110 may extend below the floor 125 of the storage space 115, but when the container 100 is at least partially tilted or inverted, the partition wall 110 is configured to restrict the flow of a fluid solid 500 (e.g., powder or granules) from the storage space 115 to the passage 120. In some embodiments, the partition wall 110 restricts the flow of powder so that only a single dose of powder is dispensed from the container 100 each time the container 100 is at least partially inverted.
[0031] The storage space 115 may communicate with the outlet 105 via the passage 120. The storage space 115 may be configured to store powders or granules (e.g., the fluid solid 500 shown in Figures 4A to 4C). In some embodiments, the storage space 115 may have a capacity of about 50 mL to about 5 L. Some contents (e.g., spices, sugar, salt, beverage concentrates, hydrated powders, electrolyte powders, etc.) are generally used in small doses (about 0.1 mL to about 60 mL), while other contents (e.g., food, cereal, or oats) are generally used in larger doses (about 60 mL to about 250 mL). The capacity of the storage space 115 may also be large enough to accommodate multiple doses. In some embodiments, the storage space 115 may have a capacity of about 50 mL to about 250 mL (e.g., about 100 mL to about 150 mL). In some embodiments, the storage space 115 may have a capacity of about 500 mL to about 1.5 L (for example, about 500 mL to about 750 mL or about 750 mL to about 1 L). In some embodiments, the storage space 115 may have a capacity of about 600 mL. In some embodiments, the storage space 115 may have a capacity of about 2 L to about 5 L (for example, about 3 L to about 5 L or about 4 L to about 5 L). In some embodiments, the storage space 115 may have a capacity of about 4.5 L.
[0032] In some embodiments, the container 100 includes a base 135 that defines the floor 125 and wall 130 of the storage space 115. The floor 125 may be perpendicular to the wall 130, or it may be at a more inclined angle to the wall 130. The wall 130 may extend downward from the floor 125 to the bottom of the container 100. The base 135 allows the container 100 to stand upright and can improve the stability of the container when it is not in use. The height of the base 135 provides a height difference between the floor 125 of the storage space 115 and the dispensing chamber 122 of the passage 120, and this height difference can also help control the flow of powder, as will be discussed in more detail below. In contrast to containers for dispensing liquids, which may use a “staging space” before dispensing, the above height difference allows precise doses of powder or granules (e.g., fluid solid 500) to be dispensed directly from the storage space 115. The base 135 may form an internal space (for example, it may be hollow), in which case the internal space of the base 135 is not in communication with the storage space 115 or the passage 120. The internal space of the base 135 may be closed off (for example, by a bottom wall 136 as shown in the figure), or the base 135 may be open (for example, the base 135 may not have a bottom wall 136). In some embodiments, the wall 130 extends vertically higher than the position of the floor 125. For example, the floor 125 may be positioned lower than shown with respect to the wall 130, and / or the wall 130 may extend vertically higher than shown (for example, the floor 125 may be positioned at the base of the bottom wall 136).
[0033] The container 100 may include a passage 120 connecting the storage space 115 to the outlet 105. As shown in Figure 3, the partition wall 110 may extend vertically into the internal space, in which case at least a portion of the passage 120 may form a return section so that the dispensing chamber 122 is located below both the introduction passage 121 and the outlet passage 123. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the passage 120 forms a U-shaped passage. The passage 120 may include three segments, namely the introduction passage 121, the dispensing chamber 122, and the outlet passage 123. In some embodiments, the partition wall 110 extends vertically between the introduction passage 121 and the outlet passage 123. As shown in Figure 3, the introduction passage 121 may communicate directly with the storage space 115 and the dispensing chamber 122. The dispensing chamber 122 may communicate directly with the introduction passage 121 and the outlet passage 123. The outlet passage 123 may communicate directly with the dispensing chamber 122 and the outlet 105. The introduction passage 121, the dispensing chamber 122, and the outlet passage 123 are each a continuous portion of the passage 120, as shown in the drawings. In some embodiments, the outlet passage 123 is parallel to the introduction passage 121 and perpendicular to the dispensing chamber 122. In some embodiments, the outlet passage 123 forms an angle of less than 90 degrees (e.g., about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, or about 60 degrees) with respect to the dispensing chamber 122.
[0034] The dispensing chamber 122 is positioned lower than the floor 125. This position helps to block the flow of the fluid solid 500 when the container 100 is inverted, as will be described later. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the partition wall 110 is aligned with the top of the dispensing chamber 122.
[0035] The outlet passage 123 may have a height H2. In some embodiments, the height H2 is greater than the height H1 of the storage space 115. In some embodiments, the outlet passage 123 has a height H2 less than the height H1 of the storage space 115. In some embodiments, the outlet passage 123 has a height H2 that is about 25% to about 50% greater than the height H1 of the storage space 115. The storage space 115 may have a height H1 of about 50 mm to about 350 mm (e.g., about 75 mm to about 250 mm, about 100 mm to about 200 mm, or about 120 mm to about 130 mm). In some embodiments, the storage space 115 has a height H1 of about 125 mm. The outlet passage 123 may have a height H2 of about 150 mm to about 200 mm (e.g., about 165 mm to about 185 mm). In some embodiments, the outlet passage 123 has a height H2 of about 175 mm.
[0036] In some embodiments, the introduction passage 121 may have a volume of about 20 mL to about 100 mL (for example, about 10 mL to about 75 mL, or about 20 mL to about 50 mL). In some embodiments, the introduction passage 121 has a volume of about 26 mL.
[0037] In some embodiments, the dispensing chamber 122 may have a volume of about 15 mL to about 50 mL (for example, about 10 mL to about 40 mL, or about 15 mL to about 25 mL). In some embodiments, the dispensing chamber 122 has a volume of about 17 mL.
[0038] The ratio between the volume of the introduction passage 121 and the volume of the dispensing chamber 122 may enable the dispensing of a single dose (e.g., a single serving) of powder, granules, oats, or cereal (e.g., a fluid solid 500 as shown in Figures 4A-4C) in a consistent and accurate amount. The space of the dispensing chamber 122 and / or the introduction passage 121 may be modified to accommodate different dose sizes. For example, the dose size is reduced by decreasing the volume of the dispensing chamber 122 (e.g., by decreasing the height H4 or width of the dispensing chamber) and / or by decreasing the volume of the introduction passage 121 (e.g., by decreasing the width W1 of the introduction passage). Conversely, the dose size is increased by increasing the volume of the dispensing chamber 122 and / or the introduction passage 121. In some embodiments, the dose size may be modified by modifying the size of the dispensing chamber 122 independently of the introduction passage 121. For example, the dose size can be reduced by decreasing the width of the appropriate volume dispensing chamber 122, or increased by increasing the width of the appropriate volume dispensing chamber 122, independently of the size of the introduction passage 121.
[0039] For example, the ratio of the volume of the introduction passage 121 to the volume of the dispensing chamber 122 may be about 2:1 to about 1:3 (e.g., 1:1 to about 2:3). In some embodiments, the ratio of the volume of the introduction passage 121 to the volume of the dispensing chamber 122 is about 2:3. In some embodiments, the ratio between the height H3 of the introduction passage 121 and the width W1 of the introduction passage 121 is at least 3:2 (e.g., at least about 4:2). Furthermore, the base 135 may have a height equal to the sum of the height H3 of the introduction passage 121 and the height H4 of the dispensing chamber 122, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 4C. In some embodiments, this allows the container 100 to stand upright and maintain stability when not in use. In some embodiments, H3 is between about 25 mm and 50 mm (e.g., between about 30 mm and 40 mm). In some embodiments, H3 is about 35 mm. In some embodiments, H4 is between approximately 5 mm and 25 mm (for example, between approximately 10 mm and 20 mm, or between approximately 10 mm and 15 mm). In some embodiments, H4 is approximately 12 mm.
[0040] In some embodiments, the introduction passage 121 has a volume of about 20 mL to about 50 mL and a height of about 30 mm to about 40 mm, and the appropriate dispensing chamber 122 has a volume of about 15 mL to about 25 mL and a height of about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the appropriate dispensing chamber 122 is positioned about 30 mm to about 40 mm below the floor 125.
[0041] The outlet passage 123 may extend between the dispensing chamber 122 and the outlet 105. As shown in Figure 3, the height H2 of the outlet passage 123 may be greater than the height H1 of the storage space 115. In some embodiments, the height H2 of the outlet passage 123 is lower than the height of the storage space 115 but higher than the height H4 of the dispensing chamber 122, and as a result, the outlet 105 is higher than the dispensing chamber 122. In some embodiments, the outlet passage 123 may have a height H2 that is at least three times greater (e.g., at least four times greater, or at least five times greater) than the height H4 of the dispensing chamber 122. This ensures that the fluid solid 500 is not dispensed from the container 100 before the dose (e.g., dose 510) is separated from the fluid solid in the container 100, thereby ensuring that a single dose or single serving is dispensed in a consistently accurate amount.
[0042] The outlet 105 may be formed within the outlet passage 123 so that when the container 100 is moved from an upright orientation (shown in Figure 4A) to an inverted orientation (shown in Figure 4C), the powder is dispensed through the outlet 105. The outlet 105 may be positioned higher than the top of the dispensing chamber 122. In some embodiments, the outlet 105 is positioned above the height of the floor 125 of the storage space 115. If the outlet 105 is too low, the fluid solid may be dispensed before the entire dose is separated (see Figures 4B and 4C), which may reduce the accuracy of the dose. In some embodiments, the outlet 105 is sealed with a removable cap (e.g., cap 200).
[0043] The container 100 may include a filling passage (e.g., an opening 106) for filling the storage space 115. The opening 106 may be positioned to form an entrance to the storage space 115, thereby allowing the storage space 115 to be filled directly (e.g., without filling through a passage 120). Alternatively, the container 100 may not have an opening 106, and the container 100 may be filled through a passage 120. In some embodiments, the outlet 105 is coaxial with the opening 106, allowing the powder to be filled into the storage space 115 through the outlet 105, the outlet passage 123, and the opening 106 (e.g., along the path indicated by arrow 107 in Figure 3). This eliminates the need for an external filling passage, making the opening 106 the only external opening. The opening 106 may be sealed using a plug 300. In some embodiments, the plug 300 is removable, allowing the container 100 to be refilled. In some embodiments, the plug 300 is connected to the container 100 after filling, and the plug 300 cannot be removed. In some embodiments, the plug 300 is connected to the container 100 via a snap fit.
[0044] The container 100 may have various surface features on its outer wall 101. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the outer wall 101 may include a number of ribs 102. The ribs 102 can help grip the container 100.
[0045] The container 100 may be a blow-molded container or may consist of injection-molded parts. The container 100 can be made from a variety of materials, which may include one or more thermoplastics (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), copolyester, or bioplastics. The container 100 may be made from a single material (e.g., HDPE). This allows the container 100 to be recycled in a single recycling flow without disassembling its components. In some embodiments, the container 100 is fully recyclable. In some embodiments, the container 100, cap 200, and plug 300 are all made from the same material. In some embodiments, the container 100, cap 200, and plug 300 are all made from HDPE.
[0046] The container 100 may be a blow-molded container or may be composed of injection-molded parts so that the container 100 forms a single, integrated structure. The container 100 may be filled with the fluid solid 500 by inserting a filling device along the path indicated by arrow 107 (for example, through outlet 105, outlet passage 123, and opening 106). After filling, the opening 106 can be sealed by inserting a plug 300 into the opening 106. The container 100 may be sealed with a cap 200. The fluid solid 500 can be used to produce a beverage by mixing a dose with water. For example, the fluid solid 500 may contain flavorings, electrolytes, nutritional supplements, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid solid 500 is a beverage concentrate. In some embodiments, each dose of the fluid solid 500 has an equal volume. Some contents (e.g., spices, sugar, salt, beverage concentrates, hydrated powders, electrolyte powders, etc.) are generally used in small doses (about 0.1 mL to about 60 mL), while other contents (e.g., food, cereal, or oats) are generally used in larger doses (about 60 mL to about 250 mL). Container 100 can be used to dispense equal doses. Each dose may have a predetermined volume, which can be set between 0.1 mL and 250 mL. For example, a container for electrolyte powder may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume of about 0.1 mL to about 0.5 mL, a container for beverage concentrate may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume of about 1 mL to about 30 mL, a container for hydrated powder may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume of about 15 mL to about 60 mL, and a container for dispensing food (e.g., cereal or oats) may dispense a dose having a predetermined volume of about 60 mL to about 250 mL.
[0047] In some embodiments, each dose of the fluid solid 500 has a predetermined volume of about 0.1 mL to about 250 mL (for example, 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, about 25 mL to about 35 mL, or about 60 mL to about 250 mL). In some embodiments, each dose of the fluid solid 500 has a volume of about 2.5 mL. In some embodiments, each dose of the fluid solid 500 has a volume of about 30 mL.
[0048] For convenience, container 100 is described in relation to dispensing powder or granules as a fluid solid 500, but it should be understood that container 100 may be filled with other products that can be dispensed in a similar manner. For example, container 100 may be filled with any type of fluid solid (e.g., granular or powdered product) (e.g., beverage concentrate, hydrated powder, electrolyte powder, sugar, salt, spice, etc.) that benefits from dispensing precise doses. In some embodiments, fluid solid foods having a particle size larger than powder or granules (e.g., cereal or oats) may be dispensed from container 100. For example, an appropriate amount of oats may be dispensed to make a single serving of oatmeal.
[0049] The container 100 can dispense accurate and consistent doses of powder simply by inverting the container 100 toward the outlet 105. The amount of powder dispensed is independent of the volume of powder remaining in the container (assuming there is enough powder for at least one total dose) and the speed at which the user inverts the container. Figures 4A to 4C illustrate the powder dispensing process. Figure 4A shows the upright-oriented container 100, the drinking container 400, and the drinking container closure 410. As shown in Figure 4A, the storage space 115 is partially filled with the fluid solid 500, and since the floor 125 of the storage space 115 is higher than the introduction passage 121 and the dispensing chamber 122, some of the fluid solid 500 falls into the introduction passage 121 and the dispensing chamber 122.
[0050] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing how equal doses of powder are dispensed from container 100 by rotating container 100, and will be explained with reference to Figures 4A-4C. In step 1000, the user removes cap 200. In step 1010, the user moves container 100 from an upright orientation (Figure 4A) to an inclined orientation (Figure 4B), thereby separating dose 510 of the fluid solid 500 (which was previously in the dispensing chamber 122) from the remainder 520. Dose 510 separates from the remainder 520 at the angle 111 between the dispensing chamber 122 and the introduction passage 121. Fluid solids do not flow as easily as liquids because they can accumulate without falling at various angles (i.e., the angle of repose of the fluid solid). Therefore, the fluid solid 500 has an angle of repose such that, regardless of the difference in the speed at which the container 100 is rotated, the fluid solid 500 readily separates at angle 111 without any perceptible variation in the amount dispensed. However, the angle of repose varies depending on the material being dispensed. In some embodiments, the fluid solid has an angle of repose of at least 30 degrees. In contrast, the liquid can flow more easily and quickly so that the flow of the dispensed liquid does not separate, and the amount of liquid dispensed can vary widely depending on the speed at which the container 100 is rotated.
[0051] In step 1020, the user moves container 100 to an inverted orientation (Figure 4C) to dispense a volume 510 of the fluid solid 500. The partition wall 110 holds the remainder 520 and prevents the remainder from entering the passage 120 in this orientation. As container 100 is rotated from the inclined orientation to the inverted orientation, the volume 510 of the fluid solid 500 moves along the exit passage 123 to the exit 105 and exits container 100 through the exit 105. As shown in Figure 4C, the volume 510 of the fluid solid 500 can be dispensed into container 400. Container 400 may be any type of container configured to receive the fluid solid 500 (e.g., a beverage container, a cooler, a food container, a bowl, or any other suitable food or beverage container). The volume 510 of the fluid solid 500 can be mixed with water in container 400 to make a beverage. Due to the structure of the container 100 and the relative positions of the storage space 115, introduction passage 121, dispensing chamber 122, and outlet passage 123, only one dose of powder (e.g., dose 510 of fluid solid 500) 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 1030), thereby separating dose 510 from the remaining fluid solid 500 (step 520). After separation, dose 510 falls into the dispensing chamber 122, and the process of rotating the container to the inclined position (step 1010) and then to the inverted position (step 1020) is repeated. Each time the container 100 is returned to the upright position, one dose (e.g., dose 510) of fluid solid 500 is placed in the dispensing chamber. By repeating this process, the user can consistently dispense equal doses of powder each time the process is repeated, until all the powder has been dispensed from container 100. Steps 1010 to 1030 can be repeated until the storage space 115 is empty. In other words, the user can dispense equal doses of powder as long as the storage space 115 is filled with a fluid solid 500 in an amount between the single dose and the capacity of the storage space 115.
[0052] In some embodiments, the container 100 is in an inclined orientation when rotated from an upright position by more than 0 degrees and less than about 115 degrees. In some embodiments, the container 100 is in an inverted orientation when rotated from an upright orientation by more than about 115 degrees and less than about 180 degrees.
[0053] When used herein, terms such as “upward,” “downward,” “higher,” “upright,” “inclined,” and “inverted” are intended to aid in understanding embodiments of the disclosure with respect to the orientation of the illustrated containers, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the disclosure to embodiments shown in the drawings. The terms describing orientation are used for explanatory convenience, and it should be understood that the containers may be positioned in any of the various orientations.
[0054] As used herein, the terms “equal volume” or “equal dose” include a tolerance for slight variations from the actual dose size. For example, “equal volume” or “equal dose” may include a tolerance of ±10% from the actual dose or volume.
[0055] Where a value is used as an endpoint of a range, this disclosure should be understood to include that specific value or endpoint. Where used herein, the term “about” includes ±10%.
[0056] It should be understood that the section "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention," rather than the sections "Summary of the Invention" and "Abstract," is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The sections "Summary of the Invention" and "Abstract" may illustrate one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as the inventors may conceive, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and the accompanying claims.
[0057] This disclosure has been described above with the help of functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein for the sake of explanation. Alternative boundaries may be defined, as long as the specific functions and their relationships are adequately performed.
[0058] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will allow others, by applying their knowledge, to readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various uses, without excessive experimentation and without departing from the general concepts of the disclosure, fully illustrating the general nature of the disclosure. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalent embodiments of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the expressions and terminology herein are for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, and consequently, the terms and expression herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in terms of teachings and guidance.
[0059] References herein such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," and "some embodiments" indicate that the embodiments described may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not all embodiments may necessarily include such features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Moreover, where certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in relation to an embodiment, whether explicitly stated or not, any impact of such features, structures, or characteristics on other embodiments is to be known to those skilled in the art.
[0060] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined solely in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A container for dispensing a fluid solid, wherein the container is Interior space and, The aforementioned internal space is separated into a storage space and an exit passage by a partition wall, The wall and, A suitable dispensing chamber, at least partially defined by the aforementioned wall and partition wall, Equipped with, The storage space is in direct communication with the appropriate amount dispensing chamber. The aforementioned outlet passage extends from the appropriate amount dispensing chamber to the outlet, The partition and the wall restrict the flow of the fluid solid from the storage space when the container is at least partially inverted, and each time the container is at least partially inverted, a certain amount of the fluid solid is dispensed. Each dose is contained in a container of equal volume.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein each dose has a volume of 0.1 mL to 250 mL.
3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the appropriate dispensing chamber is sized to accommodate a single dose of a fluid solid.
4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the height of the outlet passage is at least three times the height of the appropriate amount dispensing chamber.
5. The container according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the internal space forms a U-shape.
6. The container according to claim 1, further comprising the fluid solid disposed within the storage space, wherein the fluid solid is a beverage concentrate.
7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the storage space further comprises a floor, and the wall extends upward from the floor.
8. The container according to claim 7, further comprising a closure configured to reversibly seal the outlet.
9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the entire container is recyclable.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the container is made of a single material.
11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the container is made of high-density polyethylene.
12. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a base that defines the floor and the wall, wherein the wall extends from the floor to the bottom of the appropriate-amount dispensing chamber.
13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the outlet and the storage space are each located above the appropriate dispensing chamber.
14. A container for dispensing a fluid solid, wherein the container is A storage space for containing the fluid solid, comprising a storage space at least partially defined by a partition wall within the internal space of the container, An access passage defined by the aforementioned partition and wall, the access passage which is in direct communication with the storage space, A suitable amount dispensing chamber is located below the introduction passage and is in direct communication with the introduction passage, Exit and Equipped with, The storage space is filled with a fluid solid in an amount between the volume of the storage space and the amount of one dose, and when the container is in an upright position, the fluid solid in the appropriate amount dispensing chamber is placed inside the appropriate amount dispensing chamber. When the container is in an inclined orientation, the partition separates the single dose from the rest of the fluid solid. A container configured such that, when the container is in an inverted orientation, it dispenses only the single dose through the outlet.
15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the appropriate dispensing chamber is configured to automatically receive another single-dose portion of a fluid solid from the storage space when the container returns from the inclined or inverted orientation to the upright orientation.
16. The container according to claim 14, wherein when the container is rotated from the upright orientation by more than 0 degrees and less than 115 degrees, the container is in the inclined orientation, and when the container is rotated from the upright orientation by more than 115 degrees and less than 180 degrees, the container is in the inverted orientation.
17. The outlet is further provided with a passage configured to connect to the storage space, and the passage is The aforementioned introduction passage and, The aforementioned appropriate volume dispensing chamber, A second passage extending from the appropriate-amount dispensing chamber to the outlet, The container according to claim 14, comprising:
18. The container according to claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the passage forms a U-shape.
19. The container according to claim 17, further comprising a closure configured to reversibly seal the outlet.
20. The container according to claim 17, wherein each of the introduction passage and the second passage extends vertically.