Measuring dispenser for granular seasoning material and method of seasoning

A dispenser for granular materials and a method of seasoning using the dispenser is provided. The dispenser has multiple deflectors. The deflectors can deflect granular materials in tangential and radial directions. The dispenser has a dispensing mechanism actuated by a user-manipulable lever connected to a yoke in which a pin is received for rotating a member of the dispenser. The dispenser achieves consistent quantities with each dispense with three different features. One feature is having a rim partially raised around the first member aperture. Another feature is pushing elements that cooperate with the partially raised rim. A third feature is radially staggered dispensing apertures.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a measuring dispenser for dispensing measured amounts of granular seasoning material and more particularly to a measuring dispenser for applying or dispersing measured quantities of granular seasoning onto food. The invention also relates to a method of seasoning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the high-volume, quick-service food industry, uniformity of product quality is essential, as is efficiency of product preparation, to meet customer expectations and remain competitive in terms of food quality and price and speed of service. One key aspect of uniform product taste is the uniform application of any granular seasoning to a particular food item, in terms of a consistent quantity of seasoning applied to each food item and an even distribution of the seasoning over the surface of the food item.

Existing granular seasoning dispensers have significant shortcomings with respect to uniformity of dispensed quantity, speed of dispensing, and/or evenness of dispensing distribution. For example, the evenly spaced apart apertures of the pour opening of a traditional household salt shaker only provide for relatively even distribution over an area roughly the size and shape of the pour opening, and the lack of metered flow control makes such a shaker clearly inadequate to provide a consistent quantity of seasoning on each of a plurality of food items.

On the other hand, previous attempts to provide a metered seasoning dispenser have resulted in compromises to the ease and quickness of operation as well as the evenness of distribution. For example, one existing type of metered seasoning dispenser employs a metering chamber in direct communication with a dispensing outlet, the metering chamber separated from a much larger reservoir by a system of baffles, such that holding the dispenser in a filling position causes the metering chamber to be filled with a metered quantity of seasoning from the reservoir, inverting the dispenser from the filling position to a dispensing position causes only the metered quantity of seasoning to be dispensed, and then inverting the dispenser from the dispensing position back to the filling position causes the metering chamber to be filled again. This system is reasonably effective for providing a consistent quantity of seasoning for each dispensing cycle. However, the repeated action of inverting the dispenser back and forth to season a plurality of food items is somewhat awkward and time consuming, while the rotational inverting motion of the entire dispenser imparts trajectories to particles exiting the dispensing outlet that are difficult to predict and control, thus jeopardizing the even distribution of particles onto the food item.

A need therefore exists for an improved metered dispenser for granular seasoning that is quick and comfortable to operate and that provides consistently uniform distribution and a consistent quantity of particulate or granular seasoning onto the surface of a food item.

A dispenser used in a quick-service restaurant may be used over a hundred times in a day. Thus, there is a need for a dispenser that is very robust.

Many prior art dispensers tend to have conical deflectors for spreading seasoning. However, such deflectors do not achieve all the desired patterns for spreading seasoning. Consequently, there is a need for dispensers with non-conical deflectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a measuring dispenser for dispensing granular materials, including granular seasoning, is provided. The measuring dispenser includes a container having an end and an interior volume for holding granular material to be dispensed. A dispensing structure covers the end of the container, the dispensing structure having a first member with at least one dispensing aperture in communication with the interior volume of the container. A second member, having at least one dispensing aperture is provided, each of the second member dispensing apertures forming a chamber for holding granular material. A third member is provided having at least one dispensing aperture in communication with the exterior of the measuring dispenser. The second member is located between the first and third members and is rotatable relative to the first and third members. The first member dispensing aperture and the third member dispensing aperture are positioned such that the second member can be rotated to selectively align the first member dispensing aperture with the second member dispensing aperture permitting granular material in the first member dispensing aperture to move into the second member dispensing aperture and with the third member dispensing aperture permitting granular material in the second member dispensing aperture to move through the third member dispensing aperture.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first member dispensing aperture has a raised rim extending towards the interior volume of the container. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first, second and third members are disc-shaped and arrayed in a stack with the first member on top, the second member beneath the first member and the third member beneath the second member. An actuator is provided for moving the first member dispensing aperture relative to the second member to cause granular materials to be deposited from the container into the first member dispensing aperture when the actuator is actuated. A baffle may be provided above the first member dispensing aperture so that the first member dispensing aperture moves underneath the baffle when the actuator is actuated. Typically, the baffle is sufficiently close to the raised rim of the first member dispensing aperture so that the baffle cooperates with the raised rim to cause granular materials in the container to fall into the first member dispensing aperture when the first member is moved, such as by operation of the actuator.

In one embodiment, the first member dispensing aperture has a rim extending into the interior volume of the container, the rim being raised around a portion of the circumference of the first member dispensing aperture.

In one embodiment, the measuring dispenser further includes an actuator, a yoke having a slot and connected to the actuator, a pin received in the slot so that movement of the actuator pulls the yoke and causes rotation of the third member relative to the second member. The slot may be sized to limit travel of the pin caused by movement of the actuator. The dispenser further includes in one embodiment a shaft for rotational movement of the first, second and third members about the shaft, wherein the yoke has a second slot in which the shaft is received. In another embodiment, the second slot of the yoke is sized to limit yoke travel caused by movement of the actuator. The shaft can have a key received in an opening in the second member, the opening for limiting the rotation of the shaft. The yoke may further include an expanded portion such that the expanded portion does not fit through an opening through which the yoke travels to thereby limit travel of the yoke. Thus, in one embodiment the measuring dispenser of the invention has a plurality of stop members that limit travel of the dispensing mechanism. This has the effect of distributing forces on multiple parts of the dispensing mechanism, thereby reducing wear on any single portion thereof.

A suitable handle is provided for the measuring dispenser and the handle can also be positioned so as to limit travel of the actuator.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first, second and third members each have a plurality of dispensing apertures. Those dispensing apertures are arrayed in a predetermined fashion to facilitate dispensing. In one embodiment, actuation of the actuator causes rotation of the first member relative to the interior volume of the container, the path of travel of the first member dispensing aperture during the rotation does not intersect the path of travel of the other first member dispensing apertures.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the measuring dispenser includes at least one deflector associated with a respective one of the third member dispensing apertures for deflecting granular materials dispensed therethrough laterally or sideways. In addition, at least one deflector is associated with another one of the third member dispensing apertures for deflecting granular materials dispensed therefrom in a direction radially inwardly or outwardly. Typically, a separate dedicated deflector will be provided for each of the third member dispensing apertures.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of seasoning food is provided. The method includes providing a seasoning dispenser in accordance with the invention, holding the container containing granular seasoning over a food item to be seasoned, moving the handle of the dispensing structure to cause rotation of the second member relative to the first and third members and aligning at least one third member dispensing aperture with the at least one second member dispensing aperture while moving the handle and causing seasoning to be dispensed from at least one second member dispensing aperture.

The dispenser in accordance with one aspect of the invention can achieve consistent quantities of particulate or granular seasoning with each dispense. There are three different features in accordance with different aspects of the invention that promote uniform, consistent and reliable dispensing of granular seasoning. One feature is a rim partially raised around the first member aperture. Another feature is pushing elements that cooperate with the partially raised rim. A third feature is radially-staggered apertures.

The dispenser of the invention also has a simple, but efficient deflector arrangement composed of a dedicated small deflector for each dispensing chamber to promote uniform dispersion of seasoning. This provides for a deflector that can be made with a small amount of material, thereby allowing for more economical and efficient construction.

The dispenser of the invention also has a dispensing mechanism with multiple stop members to help ensure a long life to the dispenser.

Foods will expel vapor containing moisture and fat during cooking and immediately after removing from heat. The vapors will build-up on seasoning applicators using open holes to meter and distribute granular seasoning. This invention prevents or substantially prevents migration of vapor into the metering area of the dispenser and distribution is added with centrifugal force and gravity. Multiple cavities reduce the variation of the total amount of granular seasoning dispensed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment of the invention, a dispenser100is provided as illustrated inFIGS. 1-6and8-9. Dispenser100has a container102, a pivotable lid104, a handle106, and a dispensing mechanism108. Container102has an open bottom110, which is covered by dispensing mechanism108. Container102is intended to contain granular materials to be dispensed by dispenser100. Granular materials include, for example, salt, pepper, sugar, other seasonings, grains, powders and colorants.

Dispensing mechanism108has a first member112, a second member114and a third member116. First member112is the member that is closest to container102. First, second and third members112,114and116have first, second and third member dispensing apertures122,124and126, selected ones of which are sometimes referred to as122c,m,124c,mand126c,m, respectively. Second member114is rotatable about a pivot axis128relative to first and third members112and116. In practice, preferably, first and third members112and116rotate while second member114is stationary, but alternatively second member114could rotate while first and third members112and116are stationary or second member114could rotate in a direction opposite to first and third members112and116, for example.

The first, second and third member dispensing apertures122,124and126typically have the same pattern of distribution in their respective members112,114and116so that the pattern of first member dispensing apertures122can be aligned with the pattern of second member dispensing apertures124and the pattern of third member dispensing apertures126can be aligned with the pattern of second member dispensing apertures124by rotation of the first and third members112and116relative to second member114around pivot axis128, respectively.

The members are generally in the shape of flat circular discs, as shown and maintained in a stacked arrangement by a fastener130. Fastener130is preferably removable to permit disassembly of dispensing mechanism108. Preferably fastener130connects to a threaded pivot132. Preferably, first and third members112and116are rotatable around pivot132and pivot axis128passes through fastener130and pivot132. Threaded pivot132as shown is integral to member112, but it can be separate. Pivot132also includes a key134. Third member116has an opening135for pivot132. Opening135includes a keyway136matching key134. Second member114has an opening138through which pivot132and key134passes. Opening138limits the rotation of pivot132and by extension the rotation of first and third members112and116, respectively, to second member114.

The patterns of dispensing apertures122,124, and126form squares as illustrated, such that members112,114and116can be rotated so that the patterns on the first and second members112and114and the patterns on the second and third members114and116can be selectively aligned by rotation. In one embodiment, members112,114and116have at least one dispensing aperture122,124and126, respectively. The number of dispensing apertures per member can be as desired, ranging from one to eight or more, for example. As illustrated, the number of dispensing apertures per member is eight.

Dispensing apertures and openings can have raised rims as described below. In particular, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 9, dispensing apertures122have rims140that are raised around part of the perimeter of the trailing portions during dispensing movement of corresponding dispensing apertures on side142of first member112facing container102. Rims140are partially raised relative to side142. Partially-raised rims140help fill apertures122during dispensing as described later. As illustrated, rim140typically is raised around about 33% or more of the circumference of aperture122on side142, more typically at least about 50% to about 60% or 70% around the trailing portions of member112. A typical height for rims140is about 0.4 mm. On side144of member112, opposed to side142, rims146are provided that are raised around the entire perimeter of apertures122relative to side144. Member114has a side148facing container102and a side150facing away. Rims152of second member dispensing apertures124on side148are not raised. Rim154of opening138on side148is raised. Rims146and154are raised by substantially the same amount, which in the illustrated embodiment is a height of about 0.4 mm. Rim154is configured to allow free movement of the member116relative to member114. Rims146provide strength to member112adjacent apertures122to reduce friction and wear. Apertures124and opening138have rims156and157, respectively, on side150. Rims156and157are raised by substantially the same amount. Member116does have a raised rim159around its periphery to substantially match the height of rims156and157, which in the illustrated embodiment is a height of about 2 mm (note the figure may not be to scale). Rims156and157provide uniform and level points on the same surface. Elevated rims156and157prevent binding between surfaces by any granular material located on member116. The rims of apertures126are level with member116as are the rims for opening135.

Apertures122,124and126may be of different size and shape. Apertures122and124are substantially circular or substantially cylindrical when taking into account the thickness of members112and114, respectively. Typically, apertures122are circular and have the same or a slightly larger radius and circumference than circular apertures124. Apertures122and124are laid out in the same pattern such that the area of apertures124are contained within the area of apertures122when viewed from above as can be seen inFIG. 3b. Apertures124are sized to provide a desired amount of granular material with each dispense. Typical diameter values for circular apertures122,124and126are 7.0, 5.4 and 7.0×9.0 mm, respectively.

Apertures126can be substantially circular or substantially oval, for example. Preferably aperture126is substantially oval, e.g. two semicircles of the same radius joined by a rectangle, with two axes of symmetry, a major and a minor. The oval has a major axis which is substantially tangential to pivot axis128and a minor axis which is substantially radial to pivot axis128. The minor axis is the same or larger than the diameter of apertures124such that granular materials being dispensed from apertures124are not impeded by the rim of apertures126. As illustrated, apertures122,124and126are laid out in a square or rectangle pattern with apertures substantially in the corner of the rectangle and apertures substantially in the middle of the side of the rectangle. The square or rectangle is sized such that corner apertures122cdo not overlap middle apertures124mand middle apertures122mdo not overlap corner apertures124cas member112is rotated relative to member114during a dispensing operation as shown inFIGS. 3aand4b. Similarly, corner apertures126cdo not overlap middle apertures124mand middle apertures126mdo not overlap corner apertures124cas member116is rotated relative to member114during a dispensing operation.

Third member116has a plurality of deflectors158for deflecting and spreading granular materials during dispensing. Preferably, there is a deflector158associated with a separate one of each of apertures126. Specifically corner apertures126care associated with deflectors158cand middle apertures126mare associated with deflectors158m. As illustrated, deflectors158, sometimes referred to as158cand158m, attach to member116along a side of apertures126facing away from pivot132and extend beneath apertures126, but they could be attached on the side facing pivot132. Corner deflectors158care designed to deflect dispensed granular materials tangentially with respect to pivot axis128. Middle deflectors158mare designed to deflect granular materials radially with respect to pivot axis128. Middle deflectors158mas illustrated deflect granular materials inwardly, but they could be oriented to deflect granular materials outwardly. Corner deflectors158care narrow relative to middle deflectors158mto achieve the desired tangential deflections. The types and orientation of deflectors158can vary depending on the pattern of apertures126and on the area over which granular material is to be dispensed. By matching individual deflectors158to individual apertures126, it is possible to control the dispersion of dispensed granular materials to a greater degree than prior art dispensers which had a single deflector. In addition, individual deflectors158represent a significant savings in material costs relative to the prior art.

The thickness of member112determines the portion of granular seasoning to be dispensed. Replacement of this member112with a thicker or thinner member112allows the same dispenser to be modified to deliver greater or lesser amounts, respectively, of seasoning. In addition, larger or smaller apertures122,124and126, respectively, in members112,114and116, respectively, also allow greater or lesser amounts of seasoning to be dispensed.

Dispensing mechanism108may be attached to container102by any suitable structure. As illustrated dispensing mechanism108is part of a closure160(for open bottom110) having an outer body161. The upper half of outer body161tapers towards the middle to match a recessed taper162of container102. Outer body161has two tabs164and166which attach dispensing mechanism108to container102by engaging two slots in container102. One of the two slots is not illustrated; the other slot is slot170. As illustrated, second member114is integral to closure160.

Dispenser100also has baffles171. Baffles171may be located in container102generally, within open bottom110more specifically, or within closure160. Baffles171may be arranged in a spoke pattern and be connected to a support ring169. Preferably the number of baffles171matches the number of apertures122.

Dispensing mechanism108is actuated by moving a lever172. Lever172is removably connected to yoke174by hook173. Yoke174has slots175and176. Pivot132is received in slot175. Member116has a pin178attached or integral to it. Pin178is received in slot176. Outer body161extends downwardly so that yoke174, pin178, and deflectors158are raised above a countertop or other support surface when dispenser100is placed upright on the countertop or support surface. Outer body161has an opening180through which yoke174connects to a finger grip186. Yoke174has a circular portion182. Circular portion182is wider than opening180and the rest of yoke174to not deflect or minimize deflecting of dispensed granular materials and to limit the movement of yoke174outwardly.

Lever172rotates around removable pivot184in handle106. Lever172has finger grip186which is an opening within the body188of lever172. Lever body188is biased against or towards the body of container102by a biasing element190, which can be any suitable spring for pushing the lever body against or towards the body of container102. Preferably, biasing element190pivots around pivot184at one end192. The opposite end194of biasing element190moves within a track196within handle106. Biasing element190has a bend198of greater than 45 degrees (π/4 radians), preferably greater than 60 degrees (π/3 radians), and most preferably greater than about 75 degrees (5π/12 radians) when installed. Bend198is located adjacent pin200of handle106.

Operation of the dispensing mechanism is described next.FIGS. 3a,3b,5and8illustrate dispenser100with dispensing mechanism108in its “rest” position. In the rest position, apertures122and124are aligned permitting granular material to flow out of container102, through apertures122and into apertures124. In the rest position, granular materials cannot flow through apertures124to the exterior because of member116; apertures124are not aligned with apertures126. Adjacent apertures122are separated by baffles171when looking into container102. In other words, each aperture122is located between an adjacent pair of baffles171. As described below, baffles171and member114are stationary while members112and116rotate. However, it is conceivable that baffles171and member114rotate together about their axis during a dispensing operation while members112and116are stationary.

Referring to the Figures generally and in particular toFIGS. 2 and 4aand4b, a user of dispenser100initiates a dispensing operation by moving finger grip186in the direction indicated by the translation arrow A inFIG. 4a(which can be done by a user squeezing together lever172and handle106with the user's hand having the user's fingers F inserted into finger grip186and the user's palm P resting against handle106. The movement causes lever172to pivot around pivot184. Pin200then pushes on spring biasing element190and causes it to bend more and end194to move upwardly within track196. The movement of lever172then causes hook173to pull yoke174outwardly. Yoke174in turn pulls pin178, which follows yoke174while moving initially to the right within slot176. The movement of pin178causes the rotation of members116and112relative to member114and baffles171clockwise as shown by the rotation arrow B inFIG. 4b.

As shown inFIG. 9, rims140are raised and have an outward ramp202on the leading portion of aperture122as member112rotates clockwise. The rotation of member112causes granular materials to be pushed up by raised rim140and ramp202. As the user further pulls on finger grip186, member112is further rotated which causes apertures122to pass under a baffle171. Ramps202and baffles171then cooperate to push granular material in container102into apertures122and to prevent or help break up any clumps of granular material. For purposes of the invention, apertures122can pass under a baffle because first member112is stationary and baffles171rotate as a whole about an axis or because baffles171are stationary and first member112rotates about its axis, for example.

When a user fully pulls on finger grip186, dispenser100dispenses granular material M as shown inFIG. 1. Dispensing mechanism108, at this point in the dispensing operation, is illustrated inFIGS. 4band6. Apertures124and126are aligned permitting granular materials M to drop out of aperture124, some of which will then strike and be directed by deflectors158, and thereby dispensing and distributing the granular materials over a controlled area.

After the dispense, a user can complete the dispensing operation by releasing finger grip186. Members112and116will then rotate back (counterclockwise) relative to member114to the positions illustrated inFIGS. 3b,5and8. As member112rotates back, raised rims140tend to push granular materials into apertures122. The portion of raised rim140facing aperture122is preferably substantially vertical. Another feature that assists with filling of apertures122and124is that adjacent apertures122are staggered radially from pivot axis128, such that adjacent apertures do not travel on the same path, which could result in inconsistent filling of apertures122and124. Preferably adjacent apertures122are staggered such that their paths do not overlap during a dispense operation. At the rest position, apertures122and124are aligned permitting granular materials to drop from aperture122into aperture124.

Dispensing mechanism108, including handle106, lever172and finger grip186enables dispensing with minimal movement and maximum visibility of the food during dispensing. This enables better operation, more accurate dispensing of seasoning onto the intended food item or items and reduced operator fatigue.

An important feature of this embodiment is a number of cooperating or multiple stop mechanisms. Specifically, dispensing mechanism108limits or stops the rotation of members112and116relative to member114in several ways. First, movement of lever body188is limited by handle106and container102. Second, rotation of key134is limited by opening138. Third, the movement of yoke174is limited by pivot132in slot175. Fourth, the rotation of member116is limited by pin178in slot176. Fifth, movement of yoke174is limited by circular portion182and opening180. Dispensing mechanism108can have a primary stop mechanism which can be any of the above mechanisms and combinations thereof with other mechanisms being redundant and coming into play only as the primary stop mechanism wears. Having multiple stop mechanisms distributes the stopping forces over the multiple stop surfaces to provide for a more durable and longer lasting dispensing mechanism108. Advantageously, one or more of the stop mechanisms makes a noise during ordinary use by impact when maximum movement is achieved which signifies to the user that finger grip186can be released or that dispenser100is ready to dispense again.

A second version of dispenser100is illustrated inFIG. 7as dispenser300. In this embodiment, deflectors158are located inwardly of apertures126. Deflectors158mthen deflect granular materials outwardly. In addition, outer body161has legs204which keep the dispensing mechanism108off of countertops. In addition, legs204may be useful to maintain a minimum distance between the dispenser and foods to be seasoned, for example.

Both versions of dispenser100include openings206in outer body161, which permit granular materials between first and second members112and114to exit via openings206. Openings206help prevent granular materials from accumulating between first and second members112and114and thereby binding dispensing mechanism108.

Although the components of dispenser100may be composed of any suitable material to facilitate their respective functions in accordance with the invention, dispenser100is substantially composed of a substantially rigid, food-safe material, such as a food-grade polymer, such as polycarbonate, nylon or various polymer blends as known in the art, the parts of which may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, including, for example, injection molding. The food-safe material used is preferably translucent or clear, especially for container102, so that the level of granular seasoning material can be visually discerned through the side of container102. Biasing element190is preferably composed of a food-grade metal suitable for springs such as stainless steel.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for seasoning food is provided. The method includes holding container100or300containing granular seasoning, over a food item to be seasoned. Next, the user squeezes a handle of the dispensing mechanism causing rotation of the second member relative to the first and third members and aligns the at least one third member aperture with the at least one second member aperture. The alignment causes seasoning to be dispensed from the at least one second member aperture. The dispensed seasoning is deflected and dispersed by the deflectors over the food item. A noise is generated by the dispenser responsive to the squeezing. The user then releases the handle and the biasing element causes the second member to rotate relative to the first and third members and aligns the at least one first member aperture with the at least one second member aperture causing seasoning to fill the at least one second member aperture.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.