Spice Closure with Rotating Measuring Body and Dual Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spice container closures lack effective measuring capabilities and efficient dispensing options, often requiring external devices to measure product quantities and failing to provide both sifting and bulk dispensing functionalities seamlessly.
Innovation Solution
A container closure system featuring a closure base, a measuring body, and two cover members that allow for precise measurement and dispensing, with the measuring body rotating between positions to align with apertures for either sifting or bulk dispensing, and a second cover member that inhibits pivoting to control dispensing rates through a system of hinges and catch structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional lid with small holes and multiple doors is used for dispensing, then sifting capability is provided, but measuring capability is lacking and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measuring function and dispensing function into a single integrated closure structure. The measuring cup is formed as part of the closure body, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices. The first door and second door are integrated into the same closure assembly, allowing both sifting and bulk dispensing through a unified structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides sifting through the first door with small holes, bulk dispensing through the second door with large aperture, and precise measurement using the integrated measuring cup. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for external measuring devices and multiple separate dispensing mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple doors and apertures are provided for different dispensing modes, then both sifting and bulk dispensing are enabled, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first door and second door are designed to be pivotable, allowing dynamic switching between different dispensing modes. The first door can pivot between a closed position (for sifting) and an open position (for bulk dispensing). The second door can pivot between closed and open positions to control large aperture dispensing. This dynamic design allows users to easily switch between sifting and bulk dispensing by simply pivoting the appropriate door, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms or multiple separate components.
3Productivity
If the first cover member allows free pivoting for bulk dispensing, then dispensing rate can be increased, but product spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch structure provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that limits the pivoting motion of the first cover member. When the first door is opened for bulk dispensing, the catch structure engages to prevent excessive opening, thereby controlling the dispensing rate and preventing product spillage. This feedback mechanism ensures that the door opens only to the extent necessary for controlled bulk dispensing, maintaining productivity while minimizing waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate measurement and dispensing of product without external devices, allowing for both sifting and bulk dispensing options within the same container, improving user convenience and reducing waste by preventing product spillage.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring body is rotatably attached to the closure base for rotation between a first rotational position wherein the measuring volume aligns with the first aperture and a second rotational position wherein measuring volume aligns with the imperforate section
Implementation Method 2
The first cover member is hingedly attached to and is pivotable between a first position wherein the first cover member covers the measuring volume with the plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the measuring volume and a second position wherein the first cover member is pivoted away from the measuring volume
Implementation Method 3
The second cover member is imperforate and hingedly attached for pivoting motion between a third position that covers the first cover and the measuring volume and a fourth position wherein the second cover member is pivoted away from the first cover member
Implementation Method 4
The second cover member may be engageable with one of the first cover member, the closure base or the measuring body to inhibit pivoting of the second cover from the third position to the fourth position
Implementation Method 5
tipping the container upside down such that the container bottom is gravitationally vertically above the container closure
Data Source
AI summary
A container and container closures are provided as well as methods of dispensing product from the container are provided. The container closure includes a pair of cover members. One cover member includes sifting apertures and the other cover member is imperforate to prevent dispensing product. The container closure may also include a measuring volume that can be used to measure a predetermined amount of product to be dispensed. Sifting and bulk dispensing may occur for either product dispensed directly from the container or when dispensing the predetermined volume of product.