Abstract:
An adjustable measuring device is for use in measuring out various amounts of granular or powdered material such as infant formula powder or the like.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a measuring device, in particular an adjustable measuring device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the area of infant feeding, it is often required to measure out exact amounts of infant formula powder to be added to water during the preparation of the formula. This is generally done using scoops of pre-defined volume to arrive at the desired quantity of formula. However, the measuring out of formula in such a manner can be relatively complicated, and result in unwanted mess. 
     PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2005/073678 describes an adjustable measuring scoop, wherein a moveable wall is provided in a scoop, the moveable wall forming part of a variable volume chamber. The moveable wall is adjusted by actuating a slider provided on the handle of the scoop. However, such a device relies on a tight seal being provided between the moveable wall and the remainder of the chamber. If any damage is inflicted on the sliding mechanism, or on the seal between the moveable wall and the chamber, the device is consequently of a reduced effectiveness. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a measuring device which allows for adjustable operation, and which is of increased reliability. 
     According to the invention there is provided a measuring device comprising an open-topped receptacle comprising a base and a height-adjustable sidewall to provide a variable capacity, the sidewall comprising a height-adjustable collar mounted on the base, wherein the collar is mountable in any selected one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the base, each angular position corresponding to a different height of the collar on the base. 
     Preferably the base comprises a bowl having a peripheral wall, and wherein the collar is mounted on the peripheral wall so that the collar and peripheral wall overlap to form the sidewall of the receptacle. 
     The base and collar may have cooperating stop means which stop the collar and base from overlapping beyond a certain point according to the angular position of the collar. 
     The stop means may comprise a plurality of angularly spaced projections or channels on one of the base and collar, and at least one mating channel or projection respectively on the other of the base and collar, the mating channel or projection being able to slidably engage any selected one of the angularly spaced projections or channels by sliding the collar onto the base, the angularly spaced projections or channels having different lengths to define different degrees of overlap between the collar and the base. 
     Preferably, said collar is adapted to form a seal about said peripheral wall when said collar is mounted to said base. 
     In one embodiment, said angularly spaced projections are formed on said collar, wherein said angularly spaced projections comprise sections of reduced thickness relative to adjacent sections of said collar. 
     Preferably, said channel is dimensioned to receive said reduced thickness section such that said sections of the walls of the collar portion adjacent said reduced thickness section abut a shoulder formed on said base portion adjacent said channel. 
     Preferably, said angularly spaced projections are substantially parallel to one another. 
     In a further embodiment, said angularly spaced channels are formed on said peripheral wall of said base, wherein at least one raised projection is formed on said collar, and wherein said angularly spaced channels are arranged to selectively receive said at least one raised projection. 
     Preferably, at least one coupling projection is formed on at least one of said plurality of angularly spaced projections or channels, wherein at least one coupling notch is defined on at least one of said mating channels or projections, wherein said coupling projection is operable to releasably couple with said coupling notch to secure said base to said collar. 
     Preferably, the edges of the base portion or the collar are rolled edges. 
     This allows the measuring device to be more easily passed through particulate matter for collection and measuring of said particulate matter. 
     Preferably, the measuring device comprises at least one vent to allow gases to exit said measuring device during filling of said measuring device. 
     This ensures that no air pockets are created between the formula and the walls of the measuring device, which would prevent the measuring device from filling to capacity. 
     Preferably, said at least one vent is dimensioned to prevent particulate matter from passing through the vent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of measuring device of the invention in the form of an adjustable measuring scoop; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the scoop of  FIG. 1  when assembled; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the base portion of the scoop of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled scoop of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the base portion of the scoop of  FIG. 4  along the line B-B; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the assembled scoop of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the scoop of  FIG. 6  along the line A-A; 
         FIG. 8  shows a further embodiment of measuring device of the invention in the form of an adjustable measuring scoop; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the assembled measuring device of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a measurement scoop  10  comprises a base portion  12  and a collar portion  14 . The base portion  12  comprises a bowl  20  having a cylindrical peripheral wall  18  and a handle  16  extending from the lower end  12   a  of the bowl  20 , the handle  16  having a generally inverted L-shaped configuration. 
     The collar portion  14  comprises a substantially hollow cylinder. As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , a plurality of mating sections in the form of shallow channels  22  are defined at different angular positions around the exterior surface of the collar  14 . The channels  22  comprise portions of the wall  18  of reduced thickness, and extend upwardly in parallel from the lower edge  14   a  of the collar  14 . The channels  22  extend to different heights of the collar, i.e., they have different lengths. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3-6 , a flat shallow ridge  24  extends upwardly on the surface of the handle  16  facing the wall  18  to define a narrow gap  26  between the ridge  24  and the wall  18 . The width of the gap  26  is substantially the same as the reduced thickness of the wall  18  in each of the channels  22 . Further, the lateral width of the parallel-sided upper end of the ridge  24 , and the height of the ridge  24  (i.e. the amount by which the ridge is raised above the surrounding handle surface), are substantially the same as the lateral width and depth respectively of each channel  22 . 
     The components are dimensioned such that the collar  14  can be slid concentrically onto the wall  18 , in the direction of the arrows in  FIG. 7(   a ), at any angular position relative to the bowl  20  where a selected one of the channels  22  is aligned with the ridge  24 , so that the ridge  24  can slide into the selected channel  22 . The collar  14  can be slid down over the wall  18  only so far as the selected channel  22  allows, i.e. until the top end of the ridge  24  abuts the closed end of the channel  22 ,  FIG. 7(   b ). Since the channels  22  are of different lengths a different degree of overlap between the collar and bowl  20  is obtained according to which of the channels  22  is selected. The engagement of the collar and bowl is a snug push-fit so that they do not become inadvertently loose. 
     Once the base portion  12  and the collar  14  are coupled together as described, an open-topped receptacle  28  is formed whose sidewall comprises the circular wall  18  of the base portion  12  and the non-overlapping section of the circular collar  14  projecting above it, the receptacle  28  having a greater internal volume or capacity than the bowl  20  alone. As described, the capacity of the receptacle  28  can be varied by selecting which of the different length channels  22  engage the ridge  24 . 
     Since the cross-sections of the channels  22  and the ridge  24  are complementary, a secure coupling is provided between the base portion  12  and the collar  14 , and rotation of the collar  14  relative to the base portion  12  is prevented. 
     It will be understood that the profile of the various sections of the scoop  10 , e.g. the ridge  24 , the channel  26 , may be shaped to provide no overhangs and to allow relatively easy cleaning of the scoop, so as to provide no catchment areas for formula and/or bacteria to collect in the scoop. 
     While the channels  22  shown in the embodiment are parallel to one another and extend orthogonally to the lower end  14   a  of the collar  14 , they may be provided in any suitable configuration which allows the collar  14  to project at different heights above the surface of the base portion  12 , thereby allowing the capacity of the receptacle  28  to be varied. For example, the channels  22  may extend at an acute angle to the lower end  14   a  of the collar  14 , forming a “twist-fit” coupling. In that case the ridge  24  would be replaced by a shallow circular stud having a diameter the same as the width of the channels. 
     It will be further understood that the scoop  10  may be designed such that a single channel  22  is provided on the base portion  12 , and a plurality of downwardly extending ridges  24  of different length are provided at different angular positions on the collar  14 . 
     Embodiments are also possible in which the collar  14  fits inside the bowl  20 , i.e. it overlaps the wall  18  internally. It is also possible to have a non-circular collar  14  and wall  18 . For example, they may both be square, so that the collar may be orientated at four different angular positions on the bowl, each providing a different capacity. Other regular polygonal shapes may be used. 
     A further embodiment of measuring device in the form of a scoop is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , indicated at  100 . In this embodiment, collar portion  114  is provided with a handle portion  116  projecting therefrom. An even number of channels  122  are formed on the internal surface of the collar portion  114 , the channels  122  extending from the upper surface of the collar portion  114  along a length of the collar portion  114 . The channels  122  are evenly spaced about the diameter of the collar portion  114 . The channels  122  are arranged such that a pair of opposed channels  122  extend to the same length along the internal wall of the collar portion  113 , with each pair of opposed channels  122  extending to different lengths along the internal wall of the collar portion  114 . 
     A plurality of base portions  112   a,   112   b  are further provided, the base portions  112   a,   112   b  comprising a bowl  120  having a cylindrical peripheral wall  118 . A pair of projections  124  are provided on the external surface of the peripheral wall  118  of the bowl  120 , the projections  124  provided at diametrically opposite sides of the bowl  120 . As can be seen from  FIG. 8 , the base portions  112   a,   112   b  are arranged such that the peripheral wall  118  of the first base portion  112   a  has a greater height than the peripheral wall  118  of the second base portion  112   b . The base portions  112   a,   112   b  are dimensioned such that the bowl  120  will fit within the collar portion  114 . 
     In use, the base portion  112   a,   112   b  is slid into the collar portion  114 , such that the respective projections  124  are received within a pair of opposed channels  122 . As the pairs of channels  122  are of different heights, by selecting the appropriate pair of channels  122  to insert the projections  124  into, the overlap between the bowl  120  and the collar portion  114  can be adjusted, and therefore the volume of the receptacle formed by the bowl  120  and the collar portion  114  can be varied. 
     Furthermore, as the base portions  112   a,   112   b  differ in height, a wider variety of volumes can be obtained—use of the relatively taller first base portion  112   a  results in a larger volume, while use of the relatively shorter second base portion  112   b  results in a smaller volume. For example, if, as shown in  FIG. 8 , 3 pairs of opposed channels  122  are provided in collar portion  114 , then six possible volume sizes may be obtained through use of the device  100 , through the use of the first and second base portions  112   a,   112   b  in each respective pair of opposed channels  122 . 
     A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , indicated at  200 . The measuring device  200  comprises a collar portion  214  and a pair of base portions  212   a,   212   b . The first and second base portions  212   a,   212   b  both comprise an open-topped substantially cylindrical receptacle body  215 , having an open end  215   a  and a closed end  215   b , the first base portion  212   a  being taller in height relative to the second base portion  212   b . The collar portion  214  comprises a circular collar body  217  having an upper end  217   a  and a lower end  217   b . Both the first and second base portions  212   a,   212   b  are dimensioned to be snugly received within the circular collar body  217  of the collar portion  214 . 
     A pair of relatively wide channels  218  are defined on the external surface of the receptacle body  215  of the first base portion  212   a , said channels  218  shallow relative to the thickness of the adjacent walls of the receptacle body  215 . The channels  218  extend from the closed end  215   b  along a portion of the receptacle body  215 . Said channels  218  are provided on diametrically opposed sides of the first base portion  212   a , and extend in a direction orthogonal to the plane of said closed end  215   b.    
     A plurality of spaced, parallel finger indentations  220  are defined on the external surface of said receptacle body  215 . The finger indentations  220  are arranged such that a series of indentations of staggered heights are provided extending from the upper end of each channel  218  towards the open end  215   a  of the receptacle body  215 , each indentation  220  diametrically opposed an indentation  220  of identical height extending from the upper end of the opposed channel  218 . A raised dimple projection  222  is defined at the distal end of each of said finger indentations  220 . 
     A plurality of spaced, parallel finger indentations  224  are similarly defined on the external surface of the receptacle body of the relatively smaller second base portion  212   b , having raised dimple projections  226  defined at the distal ends of the finger indentations  224 . As the second base portion  212   b  is smaller than the first base portion  212   a , the finger indentations  224  extend from the closed end  215   b  of the receptacle body  215  towards the open end  215   a  (i.e. a shallow channel similar to channel  218  is not defined in the second base portion  212   b).    
     As can be seen from  FIG. 9 , a tab  227  projects from the underside of said second base portion  212   b  from the closed end  215   b  of the receptacle body  215 . Tab  227  aids handling and manipulation of said second base portion  212   b.    
     A handle portion  216  projects from a side of said collar portion  214 . Two diametrically opposed finger projections (indicated at  228  in  FIG. 11 ) are provided on the internal surface of the circular collar body  217  of the collar portion  214 . The finger projections  228  extend from the lower end  217   b  along the internal surface toward the upper end  217   a  of the collar body  217 . The finger projections  228  are dimensioned to be received within the finger indentations  220 , 224  of the base portions  212   a,   212   b . A dimple recess ( 230 ,  FIG. 11 ) is defined at the distal end of both finger projections  228 . 
     In use, dependent on the amount of particulate matter it is desired to measure out, either the first or second base portion  212   a,   212   b  is inserted into the collar portion  214  in a downward direction (indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 9 ). 
     Due to the snug fit between the collar portion  214  and the receptacle body  215  of both the first or second base portion  212   a,   212   b , the first base portion  212   a  can only be inserted into the collar portion  214  such that the respective finger projections  228  are initially received within the respective opposed channels  218 . The first base portion  212   a  can then be rotated relative to the collar portion  214  and the first base portion  212   a , such that the finger projections  228  are orientated with one of the opposed pairs of finger indentations  220 . 
     The first base portion  212   a  can then be further advanced through the collar portion  214 , with the finger projections  228  received within a corresponding opposed pair of finger indentations  220 . The base portion  212   a  is advanced until the finger projections  228  abut the upper end of the finger indentations  220 , preventing further advancement of the base portion  212   a  through the collar portion  214 . 
     With regard to the second base portion  212   b , the process is repeated, except that the finger projections  228  of the collar portion  214  are aligned with the finger indentations  224  of the second base portion  212   b  prior to insertion (as the second base portion  212   b  does not comprise a channel  218 ). 
     It will be understood that any of the components of the measuring device may be made from a relatively deformable material, such that the raised dimple projections  222 , 226  can snap-fit into the dimple recesses  230 , providing for a releasable securing of the base portion  212   a,   212   b  to the collar portion  214 . 
     As the finger indentations  220 , 224  are of different heights, this allows for the advancement of the base portions  212   a,   212   b  to different depths relative to the collar portion  214 . Accordingly, the volume of receptacle created by the walls of the base portion  212   a,   212   b  and the walls of the collar portion  214  can be varied based on the selection of base portion  212   a,   212   b  to be used, and the particular pair of opposed finger indentations  220 , 224  selected to receive the finger projections  228 . 
     It will be understood that a series of surface indications  232  may be provided on the collar portion  214 , with a graphical indication or a raised indication  234  provided on the first and second base portions  212   a,   212   b . Such indications  232 , 234  are arranged such that, dependent on the selection of base portion  212   a,   212   b  and finger indentations  220 , 224  used, a graphical marker is provided as to the currently-configured volume of the measuring device. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the surface indications  232  signal the volume of the measuring device in the form of the number of scoops of formula it is equivalent to, with the raised indication  234  being aligned with a particular number of scoops dependent on the base portion  212   a,   212   b  used and the angular rotation of the base portion relative to the collar portion  214  (i.e. the pair of opposed finger indentations  220 , 224  used). 
     It will be understood that in any of the above embodiments, the edges of the base portion and/or the collar portion may be rolled or rounded, such that the measuring device can be more easily passed through particulate matter for collection and measuring of said particulate matter. 
     It will be understood that any of the above embodiments may further comprise at least one vent, preferably provided in the base portion. The use of a vent will ensure that, when formula or other particulate matter is being collected in the measuring device, air is released through the vent. This ensures that no air pockets are created between the formula and the walls of the measuring device, which would prevent the measuring device from filling to capacity. It will further be understood that such vent(s) may be dimensioned to prevent formula or particulate matter from passing through the vent(s). 
     In all cases, the design of the embodiments as a two-part or three-part device allows for relatively easy assembly and cleaning, while providing less moving parts, leading to increased simplicity of use.