Abstract:
An apparatus and method are disclosed for dispersing, measuring, and regulating chia seeds. The chia seeds are configured to provide a Mila blend of chia seeds, containing high nutrient and vitamin counts. The chia seeds are loaded into a container configured to hold and disperse the chia seeds. A base supports the container, while a dispersion end provides a surface for dispersing the chia seeds. A plurality of apertures allows the chia seeds to at least partially pass through. Each aperture can be sized and dimensioned differently to allow different sizes of chia seed to pass, and to measure the amount of chia seeds dispersed. A barrier rotates on the dispersion end to regulate access to the plurality of apertures. An access aperture positioned on the dispersion end provides a space sufficiently sized for loading/unloading the chia seeds.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to dispersion apparatuses and methods and more particularly relates to an apparatus and method for dispersing, measuring, and regulating the dispersion of Mila chia seeds. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
         [0005]    The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that chia seeds (i.e. chian or chien), is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The chia seed was cultivated by the Aztec in pre-Columbian times. Economic historians have suggested that it was as important as maize as a food crop. The chia seed is still used in Mexico and Guatemala, with the seeds sometimes ground, while whole seeds are used for nutritious drinks and as a food source. 
         [0006]    Typically, the salt shaker and pepper shaker are condiment holders that are designed to allow diners to distribute edible salt and ground peppercorns. Salt and pepper shakers are sometimes held in a cruet-stand. A spice shaker contains larger granules of spices. The spice shaker may include differently sized holes to help with a measured dispersion of the chia seeds. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional dispersion apparatuses and methods are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that disperse chia seeds. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would disperse chia seeds for consumption and measurement. 
         [0009]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available dispersion assemblies. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and method for dispersing chia seeds that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0010]    The apparatus to disperse chia seeds is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of dispersing, measuring, and regulating a predetermined quantity of chia seeds from a container. These modules in the described embodiments include a chia seed container configured to contain a predetermined quantity of chia seeds. In some embodiments, the chia seeds include the Mila blend of chia seeds. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the chia seeds may yield about 25-30% extractable oil, including α-linolenic acid. The chia seeds may also include other nutrients, including, without limitation, protein, fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and omega-3. In some embodiments, the chia seeds include a size and dimension of small ovals with a diameter of about 1 mm. however, for purposes of the present invention, the chia seeds may be ground into a powder, or dissolved in a liquid. The chia seeds are often mottle-colored with brown, gray, black and white. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the container is shaped and dimensioned to be operable for a hand to grasp and manipulate. Suitable shapes for the container may include, without limitation, a cylinder, a rectangle, a cube, and an hour glass. In another embodiment, the container is lined with a material efficacious for containing a liquid or gel phase of the chia seeds. The container includes a base end for providing a foundation for the container. The container further includes a dispersion end configured to disperse the chia seeds. The dispersion end includes a plurality of apertures sized and dimensioned to at least partially allow the chia seeds to pass through. However, in other embodiments, the dispersion end may disperse the chia seeds through other mechanisms, including, without limitation, a funnel, a tube, a large opening, and a semipermeable membrane. 
         [0012]    The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to include variously shaped and dimensioned apertures. For example, without limitation, half the plurality of apertures are sized and dimensioned to allow larger chia seeds to pass through, while the other half of the plurality of apertures are sized and dimensioned to allow the smaller chia seeds to pass through. In this manner, the dispersion of chia seeds may be measured and regulated with greater efficiency. 
         [0013]    The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, for the dispersion end to include a barrier for regulating access to the plurality of apertures. The barrier is operable to move along a planar surface of the dispersion end in a variety of movements, including, without limitation, rotating, sliding, flipping, and detaching. In this manner, the barrier can be manipulated to cover a desired amount of the plurality of apertures for providing a measured dispersion, or restricting dispersion of the chia seeds. In yet another embodiment, the barrier may cover all of the apertures for restricting dispersion of the chia seeds. In one embodiment, the barrier includes a circular tab configured with a notch. The area of the notch that passes over the plurality of apertures provides the path for the chia seeds to disperse. 
         [0014]    A method of the present invention is also presented for dispersing the chia seeds. The method may allow a user to disperse, measure, and regulate chia seeds from the container. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus. In one embodiment, the method includes providing chia seeds into a blend of the Mila variety. The chia seeds are cleaned twice, by air and a mechanical cleaning technique, to maximize cleanliness. Each batch of chia seeds are then tested to verify the nutritional value before being blended into Mila. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are over one hundred varieties of chia seeds. Most of the chia seeds are not tested for specific nutritional values, variety or potency, not thoroughly cleaned, and not all harvested at their peak of nutrition. The Mila blend of chia seeds is mostly grown on small farms close to the equator where the soil is very mineral rich, and the climate and elevation is perfect to produce the most nutrient dense seeds. Mila has the varieties highest in Omega-3&#39;s, protein, fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. 
         [0015]    The method also may include loading the container with the chia seeds. The container may include an access aperture configured to allow facilitated access for the chia seeds to the interior of the container. The access aperture may be located at any position on the container. In one embodiment, the access aperture forms a detachable lid for the dispersion end of the container, whereby the access aperture snaps off of the container. However, in another embodiment, the access aperture is accessed wherein rotation of the dispersion end in a first direction urges the dispersion end upwardly away from engagement with the container. 
         [0016]    In a further embodiment, the method includes accessing the plurality of apertures for dispersing the chia seeds. The plurality of apertures may be covered by the barrier, whereby the barrier is manipulated to provide access to the desired size and dimension of aperture. In one embodiment, the barrier rotate around a circular dispersion end until the desired plurality of apertures is visible. In yet another embodiment, the dispersion end is fabricated so that additional apertures can be formed by engaging the surface with a sharp object. 
         [0017]    The method also may include dispersing the chia seeds from the container. The chia seeds are dispersed by passing through the plurality of apertures. Various manipulations of the container can work to disperse the chia seeds, including, without limitation, shaking, oscillating, tapping, and pouring. For example, without limitation, shaking the container with the dispersion end beneath the base end functions to separate the granules of chia seed for facilitated dispersion. The mila and/or chia seeds are dispersed on a variety of items, including, without limitation, beverages, food, hair, skin, soil, ice cream, yogurt, orange juice, salad, hamburger, and hot dogs. The dispersion quantity is regulated by the barrier and the force utilized to disperse the chia seeds from the container. 
         [0018]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0020]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of an exemplary Mila blend of chia seeds in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of an exemplary apparatus for dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an elevational perspective view of another embodiment of an exemplary apparatus for dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is an elevational perspective view of another embodiment of an exemplary apparatus for dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart diagram of one embodiment for a method of dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0029]    The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of an exemplary Mila blend of chia seeds in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a chia seed container is configured to contain a predetermined quantity of chia seeds  100 . In some embodiments, the predetermined quantity of chia seeds includes the Mila variety. However, in other embodiments, the chia seeds may include white and/or black chia, flax seed, sesame seed, and hemp seed. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the chia seeds may yield about 25-30% extractable oil, including α-linolenic acid. The chia seeds also include other nutrients, including, without limitation, protein, fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and omega-3. In some embodiments, the chia seeds include a size and dimension of small ovals with a diameter of about 1 mm. however, for purposes of the present invention, the chia seeds may be ground into a powder, or dissolved in a liquid. The chia seeds are often mottle-colored with brown, gray, black and white. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of an exemplary apparatus  200  for dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus is a shaker  200  which comprises a shaker body  202 , a lid  204 , a semicircular cover  206 , larger apertures  208  and smaller apertures  210 . 
         [0032]    The lid  212  and the lid  204  are interchangeable. Each can be threaded onto the shaker body  202 . The cover  206  rotates axially on the top of the lids  212 ,  204  to expose apertures of differing widths and shapes. Some apertures  208 ,  210  may be circular, some square, some rectangular, and the like. 
         [0033]    In the present invention, a container  200  is configured to contain the predetermined quantity of chia seeds. The container  200  is shaped and dimensioned to be operable for a hand to grasp and manipulate. Suitable shapes for the container may include, without limitation, a cylinder, a rectangle, a cube, and an hour glass. Suitable materials for fabricating the container include, without limitation, plastic, glass, metal, and ceramic. In one embodiment, the container is provided as a matched set, sometimes distinguishable only by the number of apertures on the dispersion end. Designs for the container range from small, plain glass screw cap containers, to more ornate works of art. Sometimes the design refers to some pair of related objects—such as a replica of a West Highland White Terrier containing white chia seeds and a Scottish Terrier containing black chia seeds. The container may also be designed to relate to specific occasions or holidays. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the container is lined with a material efficacious for containing a liquid or gel phase of the chia seeds. The container includes a base end  202  for providing a foundation for the container. The base end may be sufficiently flat to rest on a table. The container further includes a dispersion end  204  configured to disperse the chia seeds. The dispersion end includes a plurality of apertures  206  sized and dimensioned to at least partially allow the chia seeds to pass through. However, in other embodiments, the dispersion end may disperse the chia seeds through other mechanisms, including, without limitation, a funnel, a tube, a large opening, and a semipermeable membrane. 
         [0035]    The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to include variously shaped and dimensioned apertures. For example, without limitation, half the plurality of apertures are sized and dimensioned to allow larger chia seeds to pass through, while the other half of the plurality of apertures are sized and dimensioned to allow the smaller chia seeds to pass through. In this manner, the dispersion of chia seeds may be measured and regulated with greater efficiency. 
         [0036]    The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, for the dispersion end to include a barrier  208  for regulating access to the plurality of apertures. The barrier is operable to move along a planar surface of the dispersion end in a variety of movements, including, without limitation, rotating, sliding, flipping, and detaching. In this manner, the barrier can be manipulated to cover a desired amount of the plurality of apertures for providing a measured dispersion, or restricting dispersion of the chia seeds. In yet another embodiment, the barrier covers all of the apertures for restricting dispersion of the chia seeds. In one embodiment, the barrier includes a circular tab configured with a notch. The area of the notch that passes over the plurality of apertures provides the path for the chia seeds to disperse. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the number and size of apertures on the dispersion end may influence consumption of the chia seeds, within limits. In some embodiments, an access aperture  210  is configured to allow facilitated access to the interior of the container. The access aperture may be located at any position on the container. In one embodiment, the access aperture forms a detachable lid on the dispersion end of the container, whereby the access aperture snaps off of the container whenever the container requires loading or unloading. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is an elevational perspective view of another embodiment of an exemplary apparatus  300  for dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention. The exemplar apparatus is a shaker comprising a cylindrical body  302  having an annular ring  310  and a top plate defining smaller apertures  306  and larger apertures  308 . The shaker  300  further comprises a lid  304  is which rotates axially around the inner perimeter of the annular ring  310  covering only a portion of the surface area of the top member. 
         [0038]    The shaker  300  is divided internally into two compartments, each compartment for receiving ground, powdered or dissolved chia or mila of a different diameter range. 
         [0039]    The smaller apertures  306  traverse top member and interconnect a first compartment with the ambient air, while the larger apertures  308  traverse the top member and interconnect the second internal compartment with the ambient air. 
         [0040]    The lid  304  is positioned over the apertures of the compartment non wishing to be utilized and the chia is dispensed by inverting the shaker  300  from the compartment not covered by the lid  304 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is an elevational perspective view of another embodiment of an exemplary apparatus  400  for dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention. The dispenser  400  comprises a body  402 , smaller apertures  404 , larger apertures  406 , a lid  408 , a lid  410 , and protrusions  412 . 
         [0042]    The body  102  comprises two compartments, each filled with ground up chia seed of differing sizes and shapes. The chia seed ground into smaller sizes is houses is dispensed from the smaller apertures  404  while the chia having larger granular sizes is dispensed from the larger apertures  406 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment for a method of dispersing chia seeds in accordance with the present invention. In the present invention, a method  500  in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus. In one embodiment, the method includes an initial step of providing chia seeds into a blend of the Mila variety. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are over one hundred varieties of chia seeds. Most of the chia seeds are not tested for specific nutritional values, variety or potency, not thoroughly cleaned, and not all harvested at their peak of nutrition. The Mila blends of chia seeds include the varieties highest in Omega-3&#39;s, protein, fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 
         [0044]    The method also may include a step of loading the container with the predetermined quantity of chia seeds. Various tools may be utilized to load the container, including, without limitation, a scooper, a funnel, and a spoon. In some embodiments, the container includes an access aperture configured to allow facilitated access to the interior of the container. Suitable shapes for the access aperture may include, without limitation, a triangle, a circle, and a half moon. The access aperture may be located at any position on the container that is efficacious for loading and/or unloading the predetermined quantity of chia seeds. In one embodiment, the access aperture forms a detachable lid for the dispersion end of the container, whereby the access aperture snaps off of the container. 
         [0045]    In a further embodiment, the method includes a step of accessing the plurality of apertures for dispersing the chia seeds. The plurality of apertures may be covered by the barrier, whereby the barrier is manipulated to provide access to the desired size and dimension of aperture. In one embodiment, the barrier rotate around a circular dispersion end until the desired plurality of apertures is visible. In yet another embodiment, the dispersion end is fabricated so that additional apertures can be formed by engaging the surface with a sharp object. 
         [0046]    The method also may include a step of dispersing the chia seeds form the container. The chia seeds are dispersed by passing through the plurality of apertures. Various manipulations of the container can work to disperse the chia seeds, including, without limitation, shaking, oscillating, tapping, and pouring. For example, without limitation, shaking the container with the dispersion end beneath the base end functions to separate the granules of chia seed for facilitated dispersion. The chia seeds are dispersed on a variety of items, including, without limitation, beverages, food, hair, skin, soil, chia pets, plants, ice cream, yogurt, orange juice, salad, hamburger, and hot dogs. The dispersion quantity is regulated by the barrier and the force utilized to disperse the chia seeds from the container. In one alternative embodiment, the predetermined quantity of chia seeds is dispersed from a grinder. In yet another alternative embodiment, the apparatus to disperse chia seeds includes company logos, graphics, colors, and various textures. 
         [0047]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.