Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
CANADIAN PA"FENT APPLICATION
FOR
PARTICLE DISPENSING DEVICE
Applicant: Patcy, Darrin Bentley, CA
Inventor: Patey, Darri.n Bentley, CA
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
PARTICLE DISPENSING DEVICE
I Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a dispensing device, particularly a device for
the dispensation of solid particulate material, in measured portions.
Background of the Invention
Solid particle dispensing devices are known in the art. For example,
handheld devices which comprise a hopper with a gated hole in the hopper are
known.
Similar hopper-type devices are known which are used to supply
granular material to machinery. Such hopper-type devices may have several
gated
openings in the hopper and may or may not include a mechanism for measuring
portions of said particles. However, the hopper-type devices are usually used
in an
industrial-type setting and do not necessarily measure volume of material
dispensed. As a consequence, the dispensing device may not be suitable for use
with the solids to be dispensed in a residential environment. For example, the
solids for dispensation may comprise chemicals, which can corrode the material
for which the hopper is made, e.g., acidic particles may corrode a metal
hopper, or
the particles are just not suitable for use in a residential environment.
The prior art devices also involve many parts and the interaction of
those parts to ensure proper funetioning or operation of the dispenser. The
number
of parts in the prior art devices causes particular problems. First, an
increased
number of parts in dispensers generally results :in increased costs as a
result of
manufacture and assembly of the parts, or may result in problems and delays
for
the ultimate user who may be required to assemble the dispenser from the parts
provided. Second, an increased number of parts, especially interacting parts,
increases the likelihood of a mechanical breakdown in the proper operation of
the
dispenser. These two problems also have a tendency to compound each other,
since in order to reduce the likelihood of breakdown, high quality control is
-1-
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
required in the manufacture and assembly of the parts, thereby increasing
costs, or
reduced costs of the parts tend to reflect lower quality control over the
component
parts, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure or incorrect assembly.
In addition, in the prior art devices it is difficult to accurately r.neasure
the volume of the solid particles to be dispensed. This is especially so when
the
dispenser is sold independently of the solids to be dispensed. The proper
volume
of material dispensed may have a direct impact on the users' desired end
result.
For example, coffee could taste too strong or too weak depending on the volume
dispensed for brewing. Juices prepared from powder concentrates could taste
too
strong or weak depending on the volume of juice crystals dispensed for mixing.
Using a trial and error process can result in unwanted effects and wastage.
Open hopper devices can also present problems with portability and
trapping or leakage of material. Since the hopper is open there may be
restrictions
upon the particles that can be used or transported in the dispenser. This
presents a
problem where the same material is required to 'be dispensed in more than one
location. Also, the open hopper can result in spillage of the material to be
spread.
The open nature of the hopper also leaves the solid particles vulnerable to
the
elements, particularly in an open-top hopper. The contents of such open hopper
devices can be exposed to too much air, resulting in degradation or breakdown
of
the solid particles or clumping and agglomeration of the solids, changing
their
effective particle size and therefore the dispensation rate of the solids from
the
hopper.
Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive dispensation device for
solid particles that is non-reactive with the particles to be dispensed, safe
for the
operator, able to dispense measured portions, and yet is reliable to use both
in
terms of particle dispensation and not prone to breakdown, jamming or
trapping,
or leakage of material.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for the
-2-
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
controlled dispensation of solid particulate material in which the particle
volume is
controlled by an opening or chamber in the device, which can be moved slide-
ably
to a dispensing opening in the device.
Accordingly, one aspect of the inverition provides an inexpensive
device for the controlled release at a preset volume of solid particles, such
as
ground coffee, powdered juice crystals, iced tea crystals, flour, or other
particulate
matter that may be required to be dispensed in measured volumes.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred
embodiment of the invention,
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view from the bottom side of a
disassembled cap, forming a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view from one side of a disassembled
cap, forming a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a container or hopper with a
cap, forming a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a container or hopper with a
cap in dispensation mode, forming a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the sliding axis of
an assembled cap in the closed position;
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the sliding axis of
an assembled cap in the dispensing position.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention provides a solid particle dispensing system and a
method for cleanly and reliably dispensing solid particles in measured volumes
that is both inexpensive and convenient for the operator and yet provides
reliable
particle dispensation without being prone to breakdown, jamming, trappirig,
-3-
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
leakage or degradation of the solid particles or dispensation device.
In one aspect the invention provides a cap I for a container of solid
particles for dispensation. Ideally, the solid particles are of an
approximately
uniform size or size distribution. One preferred embodiment of the invention
is
shown in figures 1 to 6. The features of that embodiment will be described
with
reference to those figures. With reference to figures 1 and 2, the cap 1
forrning a
preferred embodiment of the invention is compr=ised of a plate 2 and a slider
3. The
plate 2, which is circular or disc shaped, includes at least one perforation 4
through
the plate. There may be several perforations 4 e(juidistant from each other.
In a
preferred embodiment each perforation 4 is approximately rectangular with the
long axis of the perforation 4 approximately parallel with the long axis of
the
chamber 5 in the slider 3.
The plate 2 is also integral, with a skirt 6 extending downwardly from
the circumferential edge 7 of the plate 2. The inner diameter 8 of the skirt 6
is
provided with a snap bead 9. The snap bead 9 on the inner diameter 8 of the
skirt 6
is of a dimension to interact with a complementary snap bead found on the
opening of the container to which the cap I will attach. The snapped
interaction of
the snap bead 9 with the container forms a seal with the container to prevent
leakage of any particles from the container.
The slider 3 is rectangular and is of a dimension to fit inside the tunnel
10 on the plate 2. The slider 3 also includes at least one measuring chamber 5
through the slider 3. The slider 3 also includes a handle section 16.
When the cap I is assembled, by inserting the slider 3 into the tunnel
10, the pins l l interlock with the groove 12 to form a particle-tight seal
between
the plate 2 and slider 3 while allowing movement of the parts relative to each
other
along their axis. This slide-able movement of the parts allows the controlled
dispensation in measured volumes of the material to be dispensed. In this
embodiment, the plate 2 and the slider 3 are also provided with a means for
reversibly locking the perforation 4 and the chamber 5 in a fixed, slide-able
position relative to each other to prevent material leakage when not in use.
In the
-4-
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
embodiment shown this is achieved using a pin-and-clasp-type locking
mechanism. The slider 3 includes a pin 11 exter,iding downwardly toward the
plate
2. The plate 2 includes at least one and ideally several clasp-type
indentations or
openings 13 facing the slider. The pin 11 and clasp-type locking mechanism 13
are
complementary in size and located in such positions that they will interlock
with
each other. Accordingly, when assembled the pin 1 1 reversibly locks with one
of
the clasps 13 to keep the slider 3 locked in the internal or closed position.
Accordingly, the cap I provides for the controlled dispensation of solid
particulate
material in measured volumes depending on the size of the chamber 5 in the
slider 3.
The slider 3 also includes a close-off plate 14 on the surface of the
slider 3 which automatically slides into position to close the perforation 4,
to
prevent further material leakage when the chanilber 5 is in the dispensing
position.
Accordingly, when the cap 1 is in operation the particles will be dispensed
through
the chamber 5 provided the slider 3 is pulled out of the tunnel 10 to the
dispensing
position. Those particles will then fall freely into the container or vessel
that they
were intended to be dispatched to.
In another preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the invention
provides a combination of the cap I and a container 15 for the solid
particles. In
this embodiment the solid particles for distribution are provided pre-packed
in a
container 15 with a particle dispensation cap 1. In this embodiment the
container
15 is manufactured from a material that is un-reactive to the solid particles
contained therein. For example, the container 15 can be manufactured from an
inert plastic or a coated metal for distribution of the solid particles.
Examples of
such solid particles which can be provided pre-packed in a container 15 with a
particle dispensing cap I would be beverage mixtures, crystals and brews, such
as
ground coffee or juice crystals, or any other particulate matter to be
dispensed in
measured quantities. Safety and health are also factors since the user is
never
required to touch or contact the particles or pack them into a measuring
device.
While only specific embodiments of the invention have been
-5-
CA 02605597 2007-10-11
described, it is apparent that various additions arid modifications can be
made
thereto, and various alternatives can be selected. It is, therefore, the
intention in the
appended claims to cover all such additions, modifications and alternatives as
may
fall within the true scope of the invention.
-6-
