# Patent

## Title
No-glue construction for a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser

## Abstract

A magnetically-hanging spice dispenser comprises a plate assembly and a container assembly. The plate assembly comprises a non-magnetic planer plate and permanent magnets. The container assembly comprise a cylindrical spice container, a circular removable cap and a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element of the container assembly and the permanent magnet of the plate assembly is exerted when the container assembly is placed in proximity to the plate assembly. The container assembly and the plate assembly form self-seal in order to prevent dust, air, moisture and the like from entering into the spice container. The plate assembly further comprises ferromagnetic materials. Each ferromagnetic material has a greater dimension than each hole of the plate assembly so that the permanent magnet can securely attach to the planer plate by magnetic attraction force alone without use of glue. This invention relates to spice dispensers, and the principal use of the invention is for dispensing spices in a kitchen.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to spice dispensers, more particularly to a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser.
There are many instances where it would be desirable to be able to save space in a kitchen by magnetically hanging spice containers, and to save time by eliminating the need for opening and closing the spice containers.
A number of patents disclose various kinds of magnetically-hanging spice dispensers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,203 discloses “Spice rack with magnetically held spice containers”. The spice container is retained in or on the closure body by a magnetic force which is used to seal the spice container. However, the magnet and the seal are both located on the spice rack, so this prior art spice dispenser accommodates spice containers having only one shape and one size, and the spice container has limited single-row positions for hanging. In addition, the complicated spice rack structure is difficult to clean, if not impossible.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,818 discloses “Container assembly”. The spice rack assembly includes a rack and at least one container that is magnetically coupled to the rack. Since the magnet attaches to a ferromagnetic plate, this prior art spice dispenser lacks an auto-aligning feature. Also, this prior art spice dispenser does not have a self-sealing feature. Moreover, this prior art spice dispenser requires the users to manually open and close holes after each use.
Canadian Patent 2 349 889 discloses “Magnetically Hanging Spice/Sauce Dispenser System”. The hanging spice/sauce dispenser system comprises a planer ferromagnetic plate and a container assembly. This prior art spice dispenser does not have an auto-aligning feature because of the use of a ferromagnetic plate. Furthermore, this prior art spice dispenser lacks a hole-size selector.
These prior art arrangements do not have a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser which has magnetic elements at pre-determined locations for auto-aligning attachment, and has a self-sealing cap for eliminating the need for opening and closing the spice container. None of the prior art spice dispenser has a ferromagnetic material so that the permanent magnet can securely attach to the planer plate by magnetic attraction force alone without use of glue.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the invention to provide a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser which has permanent magnets at pre-determined locations for auto-aligning attachment.
It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser which has a self-sealing cap for eliminating the need for opening and closing the spice container.
It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser which has a spice container that can be attached with one hand, and be detached with one hand.
It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser which is easy to clean.
It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser which has a ferromagnetic material to attach to the permanent magnet.
It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser whose permanent magnets can securely attach to the planer plate by magnetic attraction force alone without use of glue.
A magnetically-hanging spice dispenser comprises a plate assembly and a container assembly. The plate assembly comprises a non-magnetic planer plate and permanent magnets. The container assembly comprise a cylindrical spice container, a circular removable cap and a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element of the container assembly and the permanent magnet of the plate assembly is exerted when the container assembly is placed in proximity to the plate assembly. The container assembly and the plate assembly form self-seal in order to prevent dust, air, moisture and the like from entering into the spice container. The plate assembly further comprises ferromagnetic materials. Each ferromagnetic material has a greater dimension than each hole of the plate assembly so that the permanent magnet can securely attach to the planer plate by magnetic attraction force alone without use of glue.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the plate assembly;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the plate assembly and the container assembly;
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the plate assembly showing each permanent magnet; and
FIG. 5 is a top view of the plate assembly showing each ferromagnetic material.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 (side view), a magnetically-hanging spice dispenser comprises a plate assembly 1-0 and a container assembly 2-0 for storing spices.
The plate assembly 1-0 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The plate assembly 1-0 comprises a non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 and a plurality of permanent magnets 1-2.
The non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 has portions defining a plurality of holes at pre-determined locations. The non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 is capable of being securely mounted horizontally.
Each permanent magnet 1-2 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The permanent magnets 1-2 are securely attached to the holes of the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1.
FIG. 2 (bottom view) shows the plate assembly 1-0 with the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 and the permanent magnets 1-2.
The container assembly 2-0 comprises a generally cylindrical spice container 2-1, a generally circular removable cap 2-2, and a magnetic element 2-3.
The generally circular removable cap 2-2 has a central portion, a middle portion and a peripheral portion. The generally circular removable cap 2-2 is removably attached to the generally cylindrical spice container 2-1. The middle portion of the generally circular removable cap 2-2 has portions defining a plurality of substantially circular holes for dispensing spices.
The magnetic element 2-3 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The magnetic element 2-3 is securely attached to the generally circular removable cap 2-2.
FIG. 3 (sectional view) shows the container assembly 2-0 with the generally cylindrical spice container 2-1, the generally circular removable cap 2-2, and the magnetic element 2-3.
Magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 and the permanent magnet 1-2 of the plate assembly 1-0 is exerted when the container assembly 2-0 is placed in proximity to the plate assembly 1-0.
The container assembly 2-0 is capable of magnetically attaching to the bottom surface of the plate assembly 1-0.
The container assembly 2-0 is capable of detaching from the bottom surface of the plate assembly 1-0 when force is applied to the container assembly 2-0.
The generally circular removable cap 2-2 of the container assembly 2-0 and the bottom surface of the plate assembly 1-0 form self-seal in order to prevent dust, air, moisture and the like from entering into the generally cylindrical spice container 2-1 when the container assembly 2-0 is magnetically attached to the plate assembly 1-0.
The plate assembly 1-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may further comprise a plurality of ferromagnetic materials 5-0, as shown in FIG. 3.
The number of ferromagnetic materials 5-0 is equal to the number of permanent magnets 1-2 of the plate assembly 1-0.
Each ferromagnetic material 5-0 has a top surface and a bottom surface.
Each ferromagnetic material 5-0 is placed above the top surface of the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 of the plate assembly 1-0.
The bottom surface of each ferromagnetic material 5-0 is magnetically attached to the top surface of each permanent magnet 1-2.
Each ferromagnetic material 5-0 has a greater dimension than each hole of the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 of the plate assembly 1-0 so that the permanent magnet 1-2 can securely attach to the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 by magnetic attraction force alone without use of glue.
Each hole of the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 of the plate assembly 1-0 may have an equilaterally polygonal shape.
FIG. 4 (bottom view) shows each permanent magnet 1-2 of the plate assembly 1-0. FIG. 5 (top view) shows each ferromagnetic material 5-0 of the plate assembly 1-0.
The plate assembly 1-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may further comprise an adhesive 3-0 taped on the top surface of the non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 in order to securely attach the plate assembly 1-0 to a horizontal bottom portion of a kitchen cabinet or a shelf.
The non-magnetic planer plate 1-1 of the plate assembly 1-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may have portions defining a hole 4-0 for receiving a screw or a nail in order to securely attach the plate assembly 1-0 to a horizontal bottom portion of a kitchen cabinet or a shelf.
Each permanent magnet 1-2 of the plate assembly 1-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be disc-shaped. Alternatively, each permanent magnet 1-2 of the plate assembly 1-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be ring-shaped.
The generally cylindrical spice container 2-1 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be transparent. Alternatively, the generally cylindrical spice container 2-1 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be translucent.
The generally circular removable cap 2-2 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may screw into the generally cylindrical spice container 2-1 of the container assembly 2-0. Alternatively, the generally circular removable cap 2-2 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may snap into the generally cylindrical spice container 2-1 of the container assembly 2-0.
The magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be embedded in the generally circular removable cap 2-2 of the container assembly 2-0. Alternatively, the top surface of the magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be exposed.
The magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be disc-shaped. Alternatively, the magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be ring-shaped.
The magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be made of a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the magnetic element 2-3 of the container assembly 2-0 of the magnetically-hanging spice dispenser may be made of a ferromagnetic material.
Preferably, the permanent magnets are made of rare-earth magnets.

## Claims

1. A magnetically-hanging spice dispenser comprising:
a plate assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the plate assembly comprising:
a non-magnetic planer plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the non-magnetic planer plate having portions defining a plurality of holes at pre-determined locations, the non-magnetic planer plate capable of being securely mounted horizontally;
a plurality of permanent magnets, each permanent magnet having a top surface and a bottom surface, the permanent magnets inserted into the holes of the non-magnetic planer plate; and
a plurality of ferromagnetic materials, the number of ferromagnetic materials being equal to the number of permanent magnets of the plate assembly, each ferromagnetic material having a top surface and a bottom surface, each ferromagnetic material placed above the top surface of the non-magnetic planer plate of the plate assembly, the bottom surface of each ferromagnetic material magnetically attached to the top surface of each permanent magnet, each ferromagnetic material having a greater dimension than each hole of the non-magnetic planer plate of the plate assembly so that the permanent magnet can securely attach to the non-magnetic planer plate by magnetic attraction force alone; and

a container assembly for storing spices, the container assembly comprising:
a generally cylindrical spice container;
a generally circular removable cap having a central portion, a middle portion and a peripheral portion, the generally circular removable cap removably attached to the generally cylindrical spice container, the middle portion of the generally circular removable cap having portions defining a plurality of substantially circular holes for dispensing spices; and
a magnetic element having a top surface and a bottom surface, the magnetic element securely attached to the generally circular removable cap.

2. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which each hole of the non-magnetic planer plate of the plate assembly has an equilaterally polygonal shape.

3. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the of the plate assembly further comprises:
an adhesive taped on the top surface of the non-magnetic planer plate in order to securely attach the plate assembly to a horizontal bottom portion of a kitchen cabinet or a shelf.

4. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the non-magnetic planer plate of the plate assembly has portions defining a hole for receiving a screw or a nail in order to securely attach the plate assembly to a horizontal bottom portion of a kitchen cabinet or a shelf.

5. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which each permanent magnet of the plate assembly is disc-shaped.

6. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which each permanent magnet of the plate assembly is ring-shaped.

7. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the generally cylindrical spice container of the container assembly is transparent.

8. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the generally cylindrical spice container of the container assembly is translucent.

9. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the generally circular removable cap of the container assembly screws into the generally cylindrical spice container of the container assembly.

10. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the generally circular removable cap of the container assembly snaps into the generally cylindrical spice container of the container assembly.

11. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the magnetic element of the container assembly is embedded in the generally circular removable cap of the container assembly.

12. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the top surface of the magnetic element of the container assembly is exposed.

13. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the magnetic element of the container assembly is disc-shaped.

14. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the magnetic element of the container assembly is ring-shaped.

15. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the magnetic element of the container assembly is made of a permanent magnet.

16. The magnetically-hanging spice dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which the magnetic element of the container assembly is made of a ferromagnetic material.