WO2008032318A2

WO2008032318A2 - A portable dispenser device

Info

Publication number: WO2008032318A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/001126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arie Schub
Original assignee: NOXE SMART PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: NOXE SMART PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-13
Filing date: 2007-09-16
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-13
Also published as: WO2008032318A3

Abstract

A portable dispenser device enclosed in a housing having an inlet and a dispensing aperture, the device comprising: a rotatable drum having at least one chamber formed therein provided with an aperture: and an attachment means for attaching the inlet of the dispenser device to an inverted container of dried brew ingredients such that when the dispensing device is attached by the attachment means to the inverted container, connected to a power means, and operated, the drum rotates to cyclically align the aperture of the at least on chamber with the device inlet and the dispensing aperture, respectively, so as to admit, by action of gravity, the dried brew ingredients into the at least one chamber;and thereafter, to dispense a predetermined quantity of the dried brew ingredients.

Description

A PORTABLE DISPENSER DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to portable dispenser devices and a method for using a dispenser device, and in particular, to a portable, coffee dispenser device attachable to the mouth of a jar of dried coffee ingredients to provide pre-measured servings on demand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Coffee drinkers prefer freshly brewed coffee made from fresh ingredients, but don't always get it when using off-the-shelf jars of coffee, or even coffee purchased in sealed and lined bags to preserve their flavor. When taken home, even sealed bags require resealing or the contents must be transferred into jars with tight-fitting covers which, in the nature of things, may not always seal properly. In many cases, these containers may even be allowed to sit open on the kitchen table, in the office space, or in the coffee lounge. Since family members, fellow workers, and guests may be helping themselves to spoons of coffee from the same jar, there is a chance that the lid may not be tightly shut between servings. Frequent opening of the lid to spoon out ingredients introduces unwanted moisture into the fresh, dried ingredients. This can create a condition where there is loss of full-bodied taste and aroma.

Furthermore, coffee drinkers usually go through a time-consuming coffee-making procedure. First, the cover of a coffee jar must be opened — usually by unscrewing a lid, breaking the seal of a pressure fitted cover (if the coffee jar is newly purchased), and sometimes removing or puncturing a second, inner seal over the opening. Then, a dried, clean spoon must be found to measure out a desired quantity of the coffee ingredients, and spoon it into a cup. Finally, the jar must be re-closed, such as screwing the cover on the jar, or if a bag, ensuring that it is sealed tightly even after the original seal has been broken. Without doing this, there is a good chance that the coffee will lose its freshness for the next use. In many cases, if a second or third cup is wanted, the coffee drinker must repeat the tedious procedure or allow the coffee jar or other container to stand open to the air and by doing so, in a very short while, the freshness and flavor of the coffee ingredients becomes degraded.

Therefore it would be desirable to provide a portable dispenser device to dispense a pre- measured quantity of coffee ingredients without the need for a spoon or other indirect measure and to obviate the need for the whole, tedious procedure of opening and spooning out measures

4 of coffee and then having the nuisance task of having to tightly close the coffee jar afterwards in order to preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a broad object of the present invention to overcome the above disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a convenient, portable, dispenser device for dispensing a pre-measured quantity of dried coffee ingredients without the need for opening, and later, closing a container, such as a jar.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device which will preserve the flavor and aroma of a brew by eliminating the exposure of the brew ingredients to the moisture in the air. The dried ingredients are kept isolated from exposure to the air in the dispenser until actually needed and ready to dispense into a drinking vessel, such as a favorite coffee cup. Thus, the present invention preserves the good, fresh flavor and aroma of a brew at all times.

Therefore there is provided a portable dispenser device for dispensing predetermined quantities of dried ingredients, the dispenser device comprising: a) a dispenser housing having an inlet integrally formed in an upper portion thereof, and a dispensing aperture integrally formed at a lower portion thereof; b) a rotatable drum arranged for rotation within the dispenser housing and having formed therein at least one chamber disposed radially from the central axis thereof, wherein the at least one chamber is provided with an aperture formed flush with the rim of the rotatable drum; and c) an attachment means for attaching the inlet to a container of dried ingredients, such that when the rotatable drum is rotated, the aperture of the at least one chamber cyclically and alternately aligns with the inlet and dispensing aperture, respectively, in the dispenser housing, and such that when the dispenser device with the container attached is held so that the container is oriented in an inverted position with respect to the inlet of the dispenser device, a measured quantity of the dried ingredients is fed by action of gravity through the inlet into the at least one chamber, and thereafter dispensed from the at least one chamber via the dispensing aperture.

There is further provided a method for dispensing predetermined quantities of dried ingredients, the method comprising: a) providing a dispenser housing having an inlet integrally formed in an upper portion thereof, and a dispensing aperture integrally formed at a lower portion thereof; b) providing a rotatable drum arranged for rotation within the dispenser housing and having formed therein at least one chamber disposed radially from the central axis thereof, wherein said at least one chamber is provided with an aperture formed flush with the rim of the rotatable drum; c) providing an attachment means for attaching the inlet to a container of dried ingredients; d) rotating the rotatable drum, such that the aperture of the at least one chamber in the rotatable drum cyclically and alternately aligns with the inlet and dispensing aperture, respectively, in the dispenser housing, such that, by action of gravity, a measured quantity of the dried ingredients is fed through the inlet into the at least one chamber, and upon further rotation of the rotatable drum, the dried ingredients are dispensed from the at least one chamber via the dispensing aperture.

The dispenser device, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, forms a base for a coffee jar which is mounted above it in an inverted position and held firmly in place by a collar provided with an attachment means, such as a broad or fine screw-type thread, pressure fit, snap- fit, and any suitable mechanical connection as is known to those skilled in the art.

Detachable collar adaptors enable attachment of the dispenser device of the present invention to the mouth of any type container or any-sized coffee jar so that the device has broad application for fitting to a variety of coffee jars, such as those manufactured with extra-large or extra-wide mouths, or conversely, narrow jar openings. The device is reusable with replacement jars once the first jar is emptied.

The dispenser device can be packaged along with a coffee jar or separately, for use as a replacement for the regular coffee jar cover. The internal rotatable drum is sealed within the dispenser housing so as to prevent unwanted airflow through the dispenser device and keep any moisture in the air from coming into contact with the ingredients of the coffee jar, thus preserving the freshness and shelf life of the dried coffee ingredients.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotatable drum is provided with multiple chambers radially disposed from the axis of the rotatable drum, such that when the rotatable drum is operated, each of the multiple chambers sequentially and alternately is filled with dried brew ingredients from the container attached to the inlet. During continued cyclical operation, the dried brew ingredients in the filled chambers are dispensed, sequentially and alternately, via the dispensing aperture directly into a receptacle, such as, by way of example, a drinking cup for the preparation of a drink. The dispenser device can also be used for dispensing other dried ingredients usually dispensed in small measured quantities, not only foods, such as coffee, cocoa, tea, sugar, salt, and pepper, but also many other dried substances which need to be kept free of moisture while in their original containers, yet which need to kept readily available for use, or are frequently used, such as condiments, medicinal substances, animal and plant nutrients, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispenser mechanism uses a reduction gear assembly connected mechanically to a small motor to rotate the drum at a pre-determined speed. The speed of rotation of the drum is determined by the gear ratios so as to enable close control of the quantity of brew ingredients to be dispensed. Equal portions are provided with every cycle of rotation in a repeatable process, as often as the dispenser device is operated.

The device, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, is made of lightweight material, such as plastic or composite materials. The device improves upon the prior art by providing a new type of portable, compact, coffee dispenser adaptable to fit the most popular types of coffee jars found on the market.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a battery-operated motor with a finger-activated switch, engineered for convenient, single-handed use, controls the operation of the dispenser device. The dispenser device is constructed in a simple reliable design.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout and wherein:

Fig. IA is an exploded view showing details of the internal components of a portable dispenser device constructed and operated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. IB is an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of the rotatable drum component of Fig. IA; Figs. 2A-2B are general perspective views, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, of the disposition of the operating components of the dispenser device;

Fig. 2C is a schematic diagram of the electrical operating circuit of the device shown in Fig. 2A;

Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C are cross-sectional views at different stages of operation of a two- chamber drum embodiment of the present invention shown fitted to an inverted container filled with dried brew ingredients;

Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views of a single-chamber drum embodiment of the present invention at different stages of operation shown fitted to an inverted container filled with dried brew ingredients; and

Figs. 5A through 5D are views of examples of various detachable collar adapters having different attachment means for attaching various types and sizes of containers of dried brew ingredients to the dispenser device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. IA is an exploded view showing details of the internal components of a portable dispenser device constructed and operated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. IB is an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of the rotatable drum component of Fig. IA, provided as a single-chamber drum 14b (see Figs. 4A-C).

Fig. IA shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, featuring a dispenser device 23, formed with a dual-chamber drum 14a. Device 23 is shown without a device housing. Rotatable drum 14a is integrally formed with dual chambers 16a and 16b radially disposed within drum 14a, as shown in detail in a projected enlargement (indicated by dashed lines).

Drum 14a is provided with a through bore hole 18 formed at its central axis for inserting shaft 39 extending from reduction gear assembly 33, comprising gears, 32, 34, 36, and 38, which are operated by a small motor 40. First chamber 16a and second chamber 16b are provided with openings 17a and 17b, respectively, formed flush with rim 21 of drum 14a.

Drum 14a is enclosed by a fixed drum housing 15 provided with a receiving aperture 24a and a dispensing aperture 24b which are formed in rim 22, both apertures being open to the exterior of the dispenser device housing (not shown). These apertures 24a/24b have a geometric shape which matches and is congruent to that of the openings 17a/17b of the chambersl6a/16b in drum 14a and therefore, when drum 14a is rotated, openings 17a/17b in drum rim 21 and apertures 24a/24b in drum housing rim 22 become aligned with each other at a particular point within one cycle of rotation of drum 14a.

Drum housing 15 encloses drum 14a and is sealed with a cover plate 10 provided with sealing means, such as pressure tabs 12 which fit matching holes 20 formed in rim 22 of drum housing 15. Drum 14a, drum housing 15, and cover plate 10 comprise drum assembly 13.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, drum housing 15 is eliminated and rotatable drum 14a is made to fit within a hollow space formed within the dispenser housing (not shown) and shaped to allow drum 14a to rotate in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Inlet 24a and dispensing aperture 24b are formed in the exterior surface of the dispenser housing, rather than in rim 22 of drum housing 15, thus dispensing with the need for drum housing 15 and cover 10 and advantageously reducing manufacturing costs.

Dispenser device 23 is attachable by an attachment means (not shown) at inlet 28 to an inverted container of dried brew ingredients, for example, a coffee jar (not shown). Inlet 28 provides the interface between dispenser device 23 and an inverted container such that when dispenser device 23 is connected to an inverted container, the ingredients fall by gravity into a collector 26 which directs the dried brew ingredients through an orifice 25 in collector outlet 30 and from there through receiving aperture 24a. Outlet 30 is integrally formed with the dispenser device housing (not shown) and is only shown in representative form in Fig. IA.

In operation, when motor 40 rotates drum 14a within fixed drum housing 15, the openings 17a and 17b are sequentially and alternately aligned with apertures 24a and 24b formed in drum housing 15 for respectively filling and dispensing dried brew ingredients. The pre- measured amounts of coffee from the filled chambers 16a/16b are sequentially and alternately dispensed via dispensing aperture 24b. The serving falls by gravity into a container such as a coffee cup (not shown), ready to prepare a tasty brew.

Although Fig. IA shows a dual-chamber rotatable drum 14a, it should be understood that the rotatable drum may be constructed having multiple chambers formed therein. One advantage of having more chambers is that a larger portion of dried brew ingredients is dispensed more quickly in each cycle of operation and the chambers themselves need not be enlarged to accomplish this.

Figs. 2A-2B are general perspective views, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, of the disposition of the operating components of the dispenser device.

Fig. 2C is a schematic diagram for the electrical operating circuit of the dispenser device shown in Fig. 2A. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2A illustrates the operating components of the dispenser device 23 of Fig. IA. The components include drum assembly 13 and reduction gear assembly 33 which provides regulated rotation of drum 14a (see Fig. IA). Reduction gear assembly 33 is connected by shaft 41 to motor 40, which is connected to a power source, for example, two AA-sized batteries 44, which are provided with contacts 46 for connection to motor 40. When connected through a switch, such as finger-operated switch 42 (see Figs. 5A-5B), and operated in accordance with the schematic diagram of the operating circuit, shown in Fig. 2C, the batteries provide power to motor 40. This arrangement advantageously enables convenient, single-handed operation of the dispenser device 23.

Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C are cross-sectional views at different stages of operation of the two- chamber drum embodiment of Fig. IA, shown fitted to an inverted container filled with dried brew ingredients. Fig. 3A is a view of the initial stage in the operating cycle of the present invention, Fig. 3B is a view of an intermediate stage, and Fig. 3C is a view of the final stage in the operating cycle, which may optionally be repeated for additional cycles to provide more dried brew ingredients for stronger brews.

Referring now to Fig. 3 A, there is shown an inverted container, such as jar 48 of dried brew ingredients 50. The rim 52 of jar 48 is mechanically fitted inside the upper lip 54 of dispenser housing 55 of dispenser device 23 to make a tight seal. The ingredients 50 fall by the force of gravity into inlet 28 and are directed through a narrow orifice 25 in funnel-like collector 26 into collector outlet 30 and from there through receiving aperture 24a in drum housing 15 so as to fill a first chamber 16a whose opening 17a is aligned with receiving aperture 24a. Note that dispensing aperture 24b is simultaneously aligned exactly with and congruously to opening 17b of second chamber 16b when rotatable drum 14a is rotated into position as shown.

In Fig. 3B, when rotatable drum 14a is rotated a quarter turn, both chambers 16a and 16b formed therein are laterally oriented. Chamber 16a is filled with ingredients 50 which are kept apart from contact with air moisture and remain dried and fresh. In this position receiving aperture 24a and dispensing aperture 24b are both blocked by the presence of rim 21 of rotatable drum 14a.

In Fig. 3C, rotatable drum 14a is shown rotated another quarter turn so that opening 17a of first chamber 16a is now aligned over dispensing aperture 24b. Since dispensing aperture 24b is no longer blocked, dried brew ingredients 50 within chamber 16a is released by the force of gravity into a receptacle, such as a drinking cup (not shown). Simultaneously, second chamber 16b is in position to be filled with additional dried brew ingredients 50 from container 48. The dispenser device 23 is thus ready to continue the cycle as long as it is connected to an inverted container 48 of dried brew ingredients 50 and operated.

Figs. 4 A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views at different stages of operation of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, provided with the single-chamber rotatable drum 14b (Fig. IB), shown fitted to an inverted container filled with dried brew ingredients.

Referring now to Fig. 4 A, there is shown an inverted container, such as jar 48 containing dried brew ingredients 50. The rim 52 of jar 48 is mechanically fitted inside the upper lip 54 of dispenser housing 55 to form a tight seal. Ingredients 50 are directed by funnel-like collector 26 to fall by the force of gravity through a narrow orifice 25 into collector outlet 30 and from there through receiving aperture 24a in drum housing 15 so as to fill chamber 16 whose opening 17 is aligned with receiving aperture 24a. Chamber 16 is formed to contain a predetermined quantity of dried brew ingredients. Note that dispensing aperture 24b is simultaneously blocked by rim 21 of rotatable drum 14b within drum housing 15 in this initial cycle of operation.

In Fig. 4B, when rotatable drum 14b is rotated a quarter turn, chamber 16 formed therein is disposed in an intermediate position to limit the quantity of ingredients 50 provided to fill chamber 16 as predetermined by setting the speed of rotation of drum 14b which is controlled by a gear array 33 (see Fig. 2A) and allowing for the physical capacity of chamber 16. The ingredients 50 are kept from contact with air and moisture and remain dried and fresh. In this position, receiving aperture 24a and dispensing aperture 24b are both blocked by the presence of rim 21 of rotatable dram 14b.

In Fig. 4C, rotatable drum 14b is shown rotated another quarter turn so that opening 17 of chamber 16 is now disposed over dispensing aperture 24b so as to be aligned therewith. Since dispensing aperture 24b is no longer blocked, dried brew ingredients 50 within chamber 16 are released by the force of gravity to be dispensed into a container-, such as a drinking cup (not shown). The operating cycle is renewable and continues as long as the dispensing device is connected to an inverted container 48 of dried brew ingredients 50 and operated.

Figs. 5 A through 5D are views of examples of various detachable collar adapters having different attachment means for attaching various types and sizes of containers of dried brew ingredients to the dispenser device of the present invention.

Figs. 5 A and 5B show isometric views of the dispenser device 23 enclosed in a dispenser housing 55, fitted with a switch, such as push-button 42. Each dispenser device 23 is fitted with collar adapters 64 and 56 respectively, which are provided with attachment means, such as threaded inner collars 65 and 57 respectively for screw-fitting to a jar (not shown). In Fig. 5A, dispenser device 23 is shown having collar adapter 64 formed with an attachment means, such as narrow-gage thread 65. Orifice 25 directs dried brew ingredients from a container (not shown) into the at least one chamber (not shown) inside dispenser device 23.

Fig. 5B illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, wherein dispenser device 23 with collar adapter 56 formed with another type of attachment means, such as wide-gage thread 57.

Fig. 5C shows a smaller diameter collar adapter 59 having a small diameter collar 60 fitted with a press-fit attachment means 61. Collar adapter 59 in Fig. 5C is formed with a wide brim type lid 58 to fit the wider diameter of dispenser device 23.

Fig. 5D shows collar adapter 62 which is formed with an oversized collar 61 and provided with a screw-type thread attachment means 63. A lower, threaded portion 66 of collar adapter 62 is constructed so as to be adaptable to mechanically fit the inner rim of dispenser device 23.

Having described the present invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, since further modifications may now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A portable dispenser device for dispensing predetermined quantities of dried ingredients, said dispenser device comprising: a) a dispenser housing having an inlet integrally formed in an upper portion thereof, and a dispensing aperture integrally formed at a lower portion thereof; b) a rotatable drum arranged for rotation within said dispenser housing and having formed therein at least one chamber disposed radially around the central axis thereof, wherein said at least one chamber is provided with an aperture formed flush with the rim of said rotatable drum; and c) an attachment means for attaching said inlet to a container of dried ingredients, such that when said rotatable drum is rotated, said aperture of said at least one chamber cyclically and alternately aligns with said inlet and dispensing aperture, respectively, in said dispenser housing, and such that when said dispenser device with said container attached is held so that said container is oriented in an inverted position with respect to said inlet of said dispenser device, a quantity of said dried ingredients is fed by action of gravity through said inlet into said at least one chamber, and upon further rotation of said rotatable drum, said quantity is dispensed from said at least one chamber via said dispensing aperture.

2. The dispenser device of claim 1 further comprising a drum housing fixedly enclosing said rotatable drum and provided with at least one aperture alternately aligned with said inlet and said dispensing aperture, respectively, when said rotatable drum is rotated.

3. The dispenser device of claim 2 wherein said rotatable drum is fitted within said drum housing so as to prevent unwanted airflow through said dispenser device and keep any moisture in the air from coming into contact with said dried brew ingredients.

4. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said attachment means is a mechanical feature selected from the group comprising: fine, screw-type thread; broad, screw-type thread; pressure fit, and snap-fit connectors.

5. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said inlet comprises a funnel-shaped collector formed at one end with a wide receiving rim and at the other end with a narrow outlet.

6. The dispenser device of claim 5 wherein said collector is provided with a collar having an attachment means disposed at said wide receiving rim for attachment to the neck of said container of dried brew ingredients.

7. The dispenser device of claim 6 wherein said collar comprises a detachable collar adapter for mechanically connecting said dispensing device to said container.

8. The dispenser device of claim 7 wherein said detachable collar adapter is provided at one end with an enlarged-diameter collar for attachment to said inlet via said attachment means.

9. The dispenser device of claim 7 wherein said detachable collar adapter is provided at one end with a reduced-diameter collar for attachment to said inlet via said attachment means.

10. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said container comprises a jar.

11. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said dried brew ingredients are selected from the group comprising: coffee, tea, cocoa, soup, sugar, salt, pepper, condiments, medicinal substances, and plant and animal nutrients.

12. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said rotatable drum is mechanically connected at its central axis via the shaft of a reduction gear assembly driven by a motor.

13. The dispenser device of claim 12 wherein said reduction gear assembly rotates said rotatable drum at a pre-determined speed so as to enable close control of said quantity to be dispensed.

14. The dispenser device of claim 13 wherein said quantity is defined by the volume of said at least one chamber formed in said rotatable drum.

15. The dispenser device of claim 12 wherein said motor is operated by a finger-activated switch connected in an electrical circuit to a power means.

16. The dispenser device of claim 15 wherein said power means comprises batteries.

17. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said dispenser device is operable when held single-handedly.

18. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said dispenser device is made from lightweight material selected from the group: plastic, rubber, and composite materials.

19. The dispenser device of claim 1 wherein said rotatable drum is provided with multiple chambers radially disposed from the axis of said rotatable drum, each having an aperture formed flush with the rim of said rotatable drum, such that when said rotatable drum is operated, each of said multiple chambers are, by action of gravity, sequentially and alternately filled with said dried brew ingredients from said container via said inlet, and during continued cyclical operation, said dried brew ingredients in said multiple chambers are dispensed, sequentially and alternately, via said dispensing aperture.

20. A method for dispensing predetermined quantities of dried ingredients, said method comprising: a) providing a dispenser housing having an inlet integrally formed in an upper portion thereof, and a dispensing aperture integrally formed at a lower portion thereof; b) providing a rotatable drum arranged for rotation within said dispenser housing and having formed therein at least one chamber disposed radially from the central axis thereof, wherein said at least one chamber is provided with an aperture formed flush with the rim of said rotatable drum; c) providing an attachment means for attaching said inlet to a container of dried ingredients; d) rotating said rotatable drum, such that said aperture of said at least one chamber in said rotatable drum cyclically and alternately aligns with said inlet and dispensing aperture, respectively, in said dispenser housing, such that, by action of gravity, a quantity of said dried ingredients is fed through said inlet into said at least one chamber, and thereafter, said quantity is dispensed from said at least one chamber via said dispensing aperture.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein said dispenser device is operable when held single- handedly.