MEASURING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS WITH SLIDING DRAWER

Abstract: A measuring and dispensing apparatus with sliding drawer (12) for use with granulated product containers. Each drawer (12) contains a wedge-shaped unit (13) for interacting with the granulated product and one or more compartments (14) for measuring and dispensing the product as desired. The drawer (12) may be held in place when not in use by a retainer unit (18). An open-stop unit (16) prevents the drawer (12) from opening too far. A close-stop unit (17) prevents the drawer (12) from being closed too far.

Description: -i- " MEASURING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS WITH SLIDING DRAWER Technical- -F-i-e-ld This invention relates generally to measuring and dispens¬ ing apparatus, particularly where such apparatus is intended for integral use with storage containers. Background* Art Granulated products (such as spices, laundry soaps, instant coffee and the like) are stored in a variety of containers having differing sizes and shapes and being made of various materials. All such containers have one or more openings through which one may gain access to the granulated product contained therein * Usually, one does not intend to use the entire contents of such a container at once. Rather, portions of the granulated product are removed from the container and used as desired. The remaining contents are then stored for further use. In order to effectively use most such granulated products, one must usually measure a particular desired amount by volume (such as a teaspoon full or cupful). In general, most prior art containers do not have any measuring or dispensing apparatus associated therewith. Therefore, the person using the container must either pour the contents from the container into an appropriate measuring device, or insert an appropriate measuring device into the container and extract the required quantity. Such activities increase the chance of spillage, and hence, contribute towards waste. Also, it requires that the appropriate measuring utensils be available. Therefore, there exists a need for a measuring and dispensing mechanism that may be used integrally with a granulated product storage container such that a desired quantity of product can be removed from the container without the need to risk undue spillage or to locate an appropriate measuring utensil. Disclos-ur-e- -of- -t-he Invent-ion These and other problems are resolved by the instant invention. Various embodiments of this invention are appropriate for use with either box-type containers or jar-type containers. The invention includes a measuring and dispensing drawer that may be slidably disposed through an appropriate opening in the container. This drawer has one or more compartments that serves to both measure and dispense the contents of the container in a predetermined fashion. The drawer also includes a wedge-shaped product engaging section to allow the drawer to be easily reinserted in a container once it has been withdrawn. To assure inexpensive and accurate manufacture, the wedge section is not comprised of a solid piece. Rather, it may be comprised of an inclined wall having a web supporting the underside thereof. The invention further includes a retainer unit to retain the drawer in a closed position when not being used. This prevents the drawer from accidentally opening and spilling the contents of the container. The retainer unit may be appropriately manipulated, however, and the drawer may be opened as desired. To prevent the drawer from opening too far, an open-stop unit is provided. To prevent the drawer from being closed too far, a close-stop unit is provided. Other features are provided where necessary to space the drawer from retaining walls and support surfaces and thereby prevent clogging of the drawer mechanism. Brie-f- Description of- the Drawings These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough review and study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with - the drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 comprises a front elevational view of one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 comprises a front elevational view of the same embodiment; Fig. 3 comprises an enlarged, partially sectioned, front elevational view of the same embodiment; Fig. 4 comprises an enlarged, sectioned, front elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention as adapted to operate in a jar container; Fig. 5 provides a perspective view of the drawer unit of the above embodiment; Fig. 6 provides a top plan view of the above embodiment with the jar cap removed; Fig. 7 provides a front elevational partially sectioned view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the compartments of the drawer have no bottom; Fig. 8 comprises a sectioned front elevational view of the drawer unit for the above embodiment; Fig. 9 comprises a detailed sectioned view of the retaining unit; Fig. 10 comprises a top plan cut-away view of this embodiment; Fig. 11 comprises a side elevational view of this embodiment; Fig. 12 comprises a front elevational sectioned view of another embodiment of the invention as emplaced in a jar container; Fig. 13 comprises a side elevational view of this embodiment; Fig. 14 comprises a side elevational view of this embodiment; Fig. 15 comprises a front elevational detailed view of this embodiment; Fig. 16 comprises a top plan detailed view of this embodiment; Fig. 17 comprises an enlarged detailed view of the retainer unit of this embodiment; Fig. 18 comprises an enlarged detailed view of the retainer unit of this invention; Fig. 19 comprises an enlarged detailed view of the retainer unit of this invention; Fig. 20 comprises a side elevational view of the retainer unit of this invention; Fig. 21 comprises a front elevational view of the drawer unit of this invention; Fig. 22 comprises a top plan view of the drawer unit of this embodiment; and Fig. 23 comprises a side elevational view of a removable partition wall for use in the drawer unit. Best- Mode- -for--Carrying-Out--t-he--I-nv-ent-ion Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Fig. 3, the measuring and dispensing apparatus of the invention can be seen as depicted generally by the numeral 10. The apparatus (10) includes generally a container unit (11), a drawer unit (12) having a non—solid wedge shaped endpiece (13) and a plurality of particle receiving compartments (14) formed therein, an open-stop unit (16) for preventing the drawer unit (12) from opening too far, a close-stop unit (17) for preventing the drawer unit (12) from closing too far, and a unit (18) for selectively retaining the drawer unit (12) when in a closed position. Various embodiments of these features will now be described in detail, as will other features having particular applicability in particular settings. With reference to Fig. 1, the drawer unit .(12) is shown generally positioned within the container (11). The container (11) has a wall (19) having an opening (21) formed therethrough for receiving the drawer unit (12). The drawer unit (12) has a bottom wall (22) that rests upon a supporting wall (23). The supporting wall (23) can be an outer wall of the container (11). The drawer unit (12) further has sidewalls (24) and a front wall (26) that also serves as a first partition. This front wall (26) is disposed normal to the bottom wall (22). Second, third, fourth and fifth partitions (27, 28, 29 and 31) are provided, which partitions are also disposed at right angles to the bottom wall (22). The space between the first and second partition (26 and 27) forms a first measuring compartment (32). The space between the second and third partitions (27 and 28) forms a second measuring compartment (33). The space between the third partition (28) and fourth partition (29) forms a third compartment (34), and the space between the fourth partition (29) and the fifth partition (31) forms a fourth compartment (36). These compartments (32, 33, 34 and 36) are of equal size. Each compartment has an inlet port, and in this embodiment the bottom of each compartment is closed by the bottom wall (22). To operate the drawer, the operator grips the handle (37) provided and pulls outward, overcoming the slight resistance provided by the retainer unit (18). In this embodiment, this unit comprises protrusions (38) on the sidewalls of the drawer unit (12). These protrusions (38) engage the inner sides of an inwardly protruding ridge (39) that surrounds the edge of the container (11) around the opening (21) provided. Such ridges (39) are conventional in many spice cans and are useful because the cover (41) of a spice can, such as shown in Fig. 3, is adapted to fit around the outer side of the terminal edge portion of a can at the opening (21) in a conventional manner, making use of the interfitting of edge portions (42) of the cover (41) into a recess (43) which circumferentially surrounds the container (11). The first partition (26) has a thick edge (44) on three of its sides. This edge (44) has grooves (46) formed on the inner surface on the sides thereof that are adjacent the sidewalls (47 and 24) of the drawer unit (12). An operator may place his fingers on opposite sides of the thicker portion (44) and his fingers will interact with the grooves (46) to facilitate pulling the drawer unit (12). In this embodiment, the close-stop unit (17) comprises stops (48) positioned on both sidewalls (47 and 24) of unit (12). These stops (48) face outwardly and are in a position to engage the inner side of the ridge (39) of the container (11) when the drawer is in a fully closed position. Both stops (48) are wedge-shaped to wedge particles out of the way when moving the drawer unit (12) The wedge-shaped endpiece (13) of the drawer unit (12) comprises a wedge wall (49) that has an inclined wedging surface. This wedge (49) pushes particles out of-the way when closing the drawer (12). The under side of the wedge (49) is non-solid as seen at numeral 51. This realizes a minimum of weight in shipping, a minimum of material cost, and minimizes distortion during manufacture. Though the wedge wall (49) connects to the sidewalls of the drawer (24 and 47), the wedge extends below the sidewalls a small amount (52). This wedge extension (52) equals the dimensions of the ridge (39) thereby forming an empty space (53) between the drawer unit (12) and the container (11). Another embodiment of this invention is shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. Referring to Fig. 4, the container (11) comprises a cylindrical-shaped jar (54) having a threaded exterior (56) at its upper end. A thermoplastic cap (57) may be threadably attached to the jar (54). The drawer unit (12) extends through an opening (58) in the endwall (61) of a liner (59) and into the jar (54). The drawer (12), as shown in Fig. 5, has sidewalls (46) that are joined by a curved bottom wall (66). The drawer (12) includes a first wall (71), a second wall (72) and a third wall (73). Each wall is equidistantly spaced from other adjacent walls to provide first and second measuring compartments (74 and 76). The drawer also has a handle (77) connected to the first wall (71). To provide the close-stop unit (17), the handle (77) has a knob (78) connected thereto by a web (79). The web (79) overlaps the opening (58) in the liner (61) to prevent the drawer (12) from moving too far within the chamber (69). • To provide the retainer unit (18), the sidewalls (64) of the drawer each have a semi-cylindrical protrusion (81) extending outwardly therefrom. These protrusions (81) engage recesses (82) in the liner (59). When the drawer is completely inserted, it -1- will not easily come out. It must be pulled somewhat with the fingers in order to overcome the engagement of the protrusions (81) with the recesses (28). In operation, when the lid (62) has been removed from the jar (54), the drawer (12) can be opened to expose the desired number of compartments. The jar (54) can then be turned so that the drawer (12) faces downwardly. The compartments that are extended outside of the jar (54) will be emptied by gravity. The drawer (12) also includes a wedge (83). The wedge (83) extends beyond the bottom of the compartments to form a segment (86) that contacts the inner surface (68) of the jar (54). The drawer may then be supported by and move in parallel to this inner surface (68) as it slides in and out. The open-stop unit (16) is realized here by the interaction between this segment (86) and the neck of the jar (54). The liner (59) has hooks (87) formed thereon to engage the mouth of the jar (54). The liner (59) may be snapped into position by applying pressure on it. The wedge wall (83) is supported on its underside by a web (88). On each side of the web, the wedge portion is hollow, as depicted by the numeral 89. Another embodiment is shown in Fig. 7 and comprises a box-like container (11). The drawer unit (12) is positioned in a central compartment -(92) of the container (11). The container' (11) again has an outer wall (93) having an opening (94) disposed therethrough to receive the drawer unit (12). This opening (94) is bounded by the sidewalls (96 and 97) of the central compartment (92), the outer wall (93) and a supporting wall (98). This supporting wall (98) can also be an outer wall of the container (11). The drawer (12) again includes at least one compartment (99) between first and second walls (101 and 102). The compartment (99) has an in-flow port (103) and an out-flow port (104). A shelf (106) is fixed to the container (11) and is disposed extending inwardly from the opening (94) a distance sufficient to span the first wall of the drawer unit (12). When the drawer (12) is pulled outwardly of the box (11), particles in the container (11) will flow outwardly therefrom and the shelf (106) will prevent a simultaneous in-flow of particles from above. Also, the shelf (106) will prevent a spillage of product when closing the drawer unit (12). The shelf (106) can be fixed to the container (11) in any suitable manner. For example, it could be made by cutting the side (93) of the container (11) adjacent the walls (96 and 97) of the drawer (12) and just upwardly of the supporting wall (98) and by then folding the cutout portion inwardly until it is in a position substantially parallel to the supporting wall (98) to form the shelf (106). It can be supported in that position by use of L-shaped brackets (108) that secure the upper side of the shelf (106) to the walls (96 and 97). The drawer (12) fits snugly between the supporting wall (98) and the under surface (109) of shelf (106) to prevent particles from escaping. To provide the close-stop unit (17), the drawer (12) has a pair of first stops (111) fixed to the two sidewalls (112) thereof. These stops (111) extend outwardly sufficiently to prevent the drawer (12) from moving too far inwardly. The retainer unit (18) here includes a protrusion (113) extending outwardly from the outer walls (112) of the drawer (12). These protrusions (113) extend into recesses (114) in the walls (96 and 97). An alternative retainer unit construction is shown in Fig. 9. Here, the wall (97) includes a hole (116) disposed completely therethrough. The outer side of the ' hole (116) is occluded by a blocking piece (117). The block (117) may be held in place with glue (118) or the like. The protrusion (119) provided has an angled surface on its inner side to pass easily across the surface adjacent the wall (97) while the drawer (12) is moving inwardly. The outer side of the protrusion (119) is disposed at approximately a right angle to the wall (112) so as to engage firmly a parallel sidewall of O PI the hole (116) so that the drawer (12) cannot accidently come out of place. An operator can press the stops (111) toward each other to flex the walls (112) inwardly sufficient to pull the protrusion (119) on each side of the drawer (12) out of its respective hole (116). With reference to Fig. 8, a handle (121) is provided at the center of the outer side of the drawer (12). The handle (121) has a shank (122) and a knob (123) at its outer end. The shank (122) is fixed to the outer side of the first partition wall (101) and the knob (123) extends outwardly therefrom no farther than the boundary of the container (11). In Figs. 8 and 10, a pair of braces (124) extend from the inner side of the walls (96 and 97) respectively across to the outer side of the first partition wall (101) on respective sides of the drawer (12) to provide strength. With reference to Fig. 1, the rearward end of the drawer (12) includes a limit surface (126) formed on a limiter (127) to provide the open-stop unit (16). The surface (126) extends upwardly from the 1 drawer (12) to engage the shelf (109) when the drawer (12) is in an outer position. This prevents the drawer (12) from moving outwardly to an excessive extent. The limiter (127) is fastened to the upper side of the wedge (128). The wedge (128) has an inclined surface (129) which extends from the top of the last partition wall (131) downwardly to a position in alignment with the bottom of the drawer unit (12). As above, the wedge (128) is non-solid on its underside (131). The wedge (128) has sides formed by innermost end portions of the walls (112) of the drawer unit (12). The lower edge of the wedge (128) is seen at numeral 132 and it is on the same level as the bottom of the drawer unit (12). It is best if the distance (133) between the second and third partitions (102 and 131) of the drawer unit (12) be equal to the distance (134) between the first and second partitions (101 and 102), and that the distance (136) between the first partition (101) and the rearward or inner sides of the stops (111) be equal to the distance shown at numerals 133 and 134. So configured, the recess (137) near the forward end of the drawer (12) is the same depth as the distances shown at numerals 133 and 134. The distance (138) from the limit surface (126) to the forward sides of the third partition (131) is preferably equal to the distance from the inner edge of the shelf (106) to the outer side of the wall (93) of the container (11). When the drawer (12) is fully pulled out and the limit surface (126) contacts the shelf (106), all compartments (139) will be disposed beyond the support wall (98) to allow emptying thereof. The sidewalls (112) of the drawer are cut off at an angle to provide an inclined surface (141) extending at an acute angle upwardly and rearwardly from the forwardmost edges of the sidewalls (112) at an acute angle with respect to the underside (109) of the shelf (106) and with respect to the support wall (98). This saves material and weight, and allows the upper edges of the walls (112) to more easily pass the inner edge of the shelf (106) with a minimum of interference from particles (14) in the container (11). For this same reason, the outer sides of the uppermost ends of the drawer partitions (101, 102 and 131) are likewise beveled upwardly and inwardly, as shown at numerals 142, 143 and 144. In operation, the drawer (12) will be found to retain itself securely in the box because of the retaining assemblies provided by the protrusions (113) fitting in the recesses (114) or by the- protrusions (119) fitting in the holes (116) provided therefor. By pressing the stops (111) toward each otlier and flexing 'the side walls (112), the protrusions (113) can be removed from their recesses (114) for quick and easy movement of the container (11) outward to a selected position. When it is desired to empty only the first compartment (99), then that compartment is disposed completely outside the container (11) and particles therein will fall freely out. When both compartments (99 and 139) are to be emptied, the drawer (12) is simply pulled out until the second compartment (139) is also free of the container (11). At no time will it be possible for the operator to pull the drawer (12) completely out because the limiter (127) will contact the shelf (106). Once the stops (111) are pressed inwardly to release the protrusions (113), and the drawer (12) is pulled out, the operator may release the stops (111) if desired, and control the drawer (12) by gripping the handle (121) between his thumb and first finger. This embodiment may be somewhat modified as shown in Figs. 12 through 23. Again, the container (11) may be a jar having an inner chamber (146). The jar has a liner (147) comprising a wall (148) having an opening (149) therethrough and through which the drawer (12) may be disposed. The drawer (12) has sidewalls (151). As shown in Fig. 20, the undersides of the side walls (151) are arcuately shaped (152). The drawer (12) again has a front wall (153) that also serves as a first partition. As shown in Fig. 22, this front wall (153) has an inner side (154) which is at a right angle to the axis of curvature of the bottom surface (152). Forward and rearward sides of an intermediate removable partition (156) and of a rearward or third partition (157) are similarly provided. The space between the first and second partitions (153 and 158) defines a first measuring compartment (159) and the space between the second and third (158 and 157) defines a second measuring compartment (161). The removable, intermediate partition (156) allows a one-half compartment full of material to be measured. The intermediate partition (156) has .straight upper sidewalls (166) between first and second pairs (162 and 163) of guides (164). The guides (164) hold the removable partition (156) in vertical position but permit its removal upwardly from therebetween when not in use. In Fig. 23, the intermediate partition (156) has upwardly projecting outer sidewall surfaces (166) on opposing sides, these surfaces (166) being vertical for engaging the vertical inner surfaces (167) of the sidewalls (151). Beneath the first and second surfaces (166) of the intermediate partition (156) are first and second inner surfaces (168) ' which are offset inwardly from the upper surfaces (156) for providing first and second shoulders (169) extending horizontally at the lower end of each upper surface (166) and extending inwardly to the respective first and second inner surface (168). These shoulders (169) rest upon first and second supports (171) that are fixed to the inner sides (167) of the side walls (164) in positions for filling spaces between the shoulders (169) and the lower edges (172) of the intermediate partition (156) so that material cannot move between the lower surfaces (168) and the sidewalls (151). Referring to Fig. 17, the drawer (12) has a retainer unit (18) having two control knobs (173) positioned apart by an open space (174). This space (174) extends from the forwardmost ends of the two knobs (173) inwardly a substantial distance. When the knobs (173) are made of a resilient material and fastened at their rearward ends by connecting material (176), the knobs (173) can move horizontally toward and away from each other a substantial extent. The connecting material (176) attaches to the first partition wall (153). The lower sides of the knobs (173) can be connected to a forward left floor (177) in the case of the left knob, and to a right floor (177) in .the case of the right knob. An open space (178) exists between the forwardmost parts of the floors (177) and the adjacent forwardmost portion of the knobs (173). - The knobs (173) each have at their upper ends an upper latch (179). In Figs. 17 and 18, a plane (181) can be imagined as extending vertically midway between the knobs (173) and therefore in a direction parallel to drawer opening motion. The latches (182 and 179) each have a catch-engaging outer surface (179) which faces outwardly away from the plane (181). The latches (182 and 179) are each received into the liner lid wall (148) when the drawer is closed until they strike the upper plug wall (183) and the adjacent edge of the container (11) respectively. The upper plug wall (183) is attached to the inner side of the lid wall (148) and bridges the upper latch notch (186). The lower latches (182) engage the edge (184) of the jar. The floors (177) are useful to give support to the sidewalls (151). The thermoplastic material of which the knobs (173) may be composed is resilient and flexible. This allows the latches (182) at their ends and latches (179) at their upper ends to move from outer locking positions to inner unlocking posi¬ tions. The knobs (173) each have a forward flange (187) and a rearward carrier (188). The rearward ends of the carriers (188) are attached to the first partition wall (153). The forward ends of the carriers (188) are connected to ahd carry the forward flanges (187). The forward flanges (187) project to the right and left, respectively, from the carriers (188) and farther from the plane (181) than respective adjacent outer sides of respective carriers (188). This makes the flanges (187) easy to grip between the operator's thumb and first finger. Those surfaces (189) of the flanges (187) which are between the lower latches (182) and the upper latches (179) are convex as shown in Fig. 17. Those surfaces of the flanges (187) that face away from the plane (181) incline inwardly towards the plane (181) at their upper ends for ease of die removal, thereby contributing towards inexpensive die and manufacturing costs. As shown in Fig. 17, when closing the drawer (12) with the knobs (173) pinched inwardly, the lower latches (182) are received into a lower latch notch (191) (Fig. 14) until they engage the lower ' plug wall (192) (Fig. 13). Simultaneously, the upper latches (179) will engage the upper plug wall (183), at which time the release of the knobs (173) will allow the lower and upper latches (182 and 179) to move out away from the plane (181) until they respectively engage in lower and upper right and left catch-recesses (193), each closely receiving the convexially curved outer surfaces (194) of the lower and upper latches (182 and 179). The forward sides of the knobs (173) are flat and fit flush with the forward side of the lid (147) so that a larger concave cover (196) can fit easily over the knobs (173) and the entire lid (147). The outer cover (196) is concave on its rearward side, providing a cylindrical flange (197) surrounding a circular main portion (198) which is flat on its forward and rearward sides l like the center of a common jar lid. The cover (196) has threads (199) on its flange (197) that interact with threads (201) on the container (11). The lid (147) has a flange (202) with a circular notch (203) on its inner side for receiving a circular ridge (204) on the container (11) in a press-fit. Above the floors (152) the containers are unobstructed. A shelf (206) is provided to cover the top of the space indicated by the numeral (207) which is bounded by the side walls (167) of the drawer, the floor (152) and the forward partition wall (153). This space (207) serves as a finger-receiving recess. It is large enough to accomodate the tips of the thumb and first finger of an operator's hand. Again a shelf (206) is attached to the inner side of the lid wall (148) and extends rearwardly and inwardly of the chamber (146) sufficient to cover the upper side of the finger-recess (207) at times when the drawer (12) is closed. This deters particles in the chamber (146) from entering the finger-recess area (207) . The underside (208) of this " shelf (206), however, inclines with respect to the direction of movement of the drawer (12). The shelf (206) is positioned to provide substantial clearance distance under the shelf (206) and along portions of the shelf (206) which are closest to the lid wall (148) so that clogging of dispensed material between the drawer (12) and the shelf (206) will be reduced. The inclination of the shelf (206) also tends to guide the drawer (12) as it is pushed inwardly into its proper place. With reference to Fig. 16, the shelf (206) may have a rearward edge (209) disposed at a small angle with respect to the inward side of the lid wall .(148). So configured, a gradual leveling pressure against the contents of the container (11) is provided as the drawer (12) moves outwardly to avoid abrupt pressure and to preserve ease of drawer (12) removal. Referring again to Fig. 12, the drawer (12) has upwardly projecting stops (211) at its rearward end and disposed in a position such that the forward sides of the stops (211) will strike the rearward side of the lid wall (148) at a time when the drawer is fully opened. This shelf (206) will not interfere with the forward motion of the stops (211), because the shelf (206) includes slots (212) to receive the stops (211) without obstruction. The drawer (12) can also have side stops (213) as shown in Fig. 12. These side stops (213) are attached to the drawer (12) such that the forward edges of the side stops (213) will strike the rearward side of the lid wall (148) at times when the forward side of the rearward partition (214) is flush with the forward side of the lid wall (148). The drawer sides (167) are provided with projecting portions (216) (Fig. 20) that extend the length of the drawer (12) and that project downwardly farther than the bottom (152) so as to prevent material from jamming between the bottom (152) and the lid wall (148). In operation, one must only pinch the knobs (173) together while pulling the drawer (12) outwardly until a measuring compartment (217) is disposed forwardly of the lid wall (148). The material in the compartment (217) may then fall downwardly. The operator can select a one-half compartment measure by inserting the intermediate partition (156), or he can leave out the partition (156) and select a full compartment measure. The operator can also dispense two compartments at once by leaving out the partition (156) and by dispensing from the first compartment between the first two walls (154 and 158) and simultaneously from the compartment between the last two walls (158 and 157). The knobs (173) have their upright outer edges arcuate as seen from the forward side for comfortable interaction with the operator's fingers. With reference to Fig. 13, the opening (149) in the lid (147) is so disposed that its arcuate lower side (218) is in horizontal alignment with the arcuate cylindrical interior neck surface (219) of the jar (11). This makes it possible for the two clearance ridges (216) on the underside of the drawer to be supported by the lid (157) and also by the jar inner neck surface (219). . The drawer (12) is thus supported along four segments, two at the two bottom ridges (216) and two at two rails (221) which extend inwardly toward the drawer (12) and are attached to rail support walls (222). The rail support walls (222) are attached to the rearward side of the lid wall (148) and project rearwardly therefrom, supporting the shelf (206) to which they are attached and with which they are of one-piece thermoplastic molded construction together with the lid (147). As can be seen from the above, the invention has useful application with a variety of containers and products. Depending upon the product, the drawer can include either closed or flow—through compartments. A number of retainer units, close-stop units and open-stop units are disclosed. All of the above relate to a measuring and dispensing apparatus having a sliding drawer that can be economically manufactured, easily installed and easily and effectively used. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It _is_ therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practised otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims: I CLAIM: 1. In a measuring and dispensing apparatus suitable for use with a container having granulated product contained therein and an opening disposed therethrough to allow access to the granulated product, the apparatus including a drawer slidably movable through said opening and having at least one measuring and dispensing compartment formed therein and having a first end for substantially sealing said opening when in a closed position and a second end having a wedge formed thereof, an open-stop unit for preventing the drawer from opening too far, and a close-stop unit for preventing the drawer from being closed too far, an improvement wherein said wedge-shaped second end of said drawer is not solid, but rather comprises an inclined wall having a substantially hollow area formed therebelow. 2. The improvement of Claim 1 and further including a web disposed below said inclined wall to aid in supporting said inclined wall. 3. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said inclined wall includes a segment formed and disposed thereon that may interact with a part of said container to comprise at least a part of said open-stop unit. 4. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said apparatus further includes a retainer unit for selectively retaining said drawer in a closed position. 5. The improvement of Claim 4 wherein said retainer unit includes at least one protrusion disposed on said drawer that interacts with a recess formed in a surface, said surface being affixed with respect to said container. 6. The improvement of Claim 5 wherein said retainer unit includes at least two of said protrusions, said protrusions being positioned substantially opposite one another and having finger engaging surfaces operably attached thereto such that said finger engaging surfaces may be urged towards one another to remove said protrusions from interaction with said recess to allow said drawer to be placed in an open position. 7. The improvement of Claim 1 and further including a shelf disposed within said container above said drawer to aid in preventing unwanted spillage of said granulated product when opening and closing said drawer. 8. The improvement of Claim 7 wherein said shelf has a first end inclined downwardly towards said drawer. 9. The improvement of Claim 7 wherein said open-stop unit includes a projection attached to said drawer that interacts with said shelf to prevent said drawer from opening too far. 10. The improvement of Claim 1 and further including a removable partition wall that may selectively interact with said drawer to selectively sub-divide said compartment. OMPI

Inventors: MISNER RICHARD I, MISNER, RICHARD, I.
Applicants: MISNER RICHARD I, MISNER, RICHARD, I.
Application year: 1983
Main classification: G01F11
IPC codes: G01F11