Abstract:
A frangible container having a body, a lid, and a cover together defining a cavity for storing dispensable contents so that the body and lid are openable by breaking a frangible connection which joins the lid and body about a hinge formed by the cover, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 11/771,372, filed Jun. 29, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,091,242, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/AU2004/001818, filed Dec. 30, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to utensils that can store and dispense a liquid or solid. The present invention particularly but not exclusively is directed to dispensing spoons. Reference to dispensing spoons in the body of the specification is by way of example only and the present invention is not limited to a dispensing spoon. The term utensil within the specification includes a spoon, fork, knife, stirrer and any suitable instrument or implement. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Spoons that can store and dispense ingredients have been developed to provide convenience and an alternative to the awkwardness of using separate items. The developed dispensing spoons dispense ingredients from the bowl of the spoon. The ingredients are stored in the spoon handle (such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,482,U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,895 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,318) or within the bowl of the spoon (such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,578, U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,652 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,338). These dispensing spoons suffer one or more of the following disadvantages including being expensive to manufacture, not suitable for reuse, unable to reclose the container portion and aesthetically unappealing. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative dispensing utensil that overcomes at least in part one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing utensil comprising:
         a handle portion;   an implement portion;   a cavity for storing dispensable contents, the cavity defined by a first wall means and a second wall means closing the cavity;
 
wherein a first portion of the first wall means is openable about a hinge formed by the second wall means, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed.
       

     Preferably the second wall means is a pliable top wall, and preferably the second wall means is paper, film, foil or a laminate including paper, film or foil. Preferably the first wall means is a thin walled plastic shell. 
     In a preferred embodiment the first wall means has integrally formed first and second portions, and a failure zone between the first and second portions. 
     Advantageously, the dispensing utensil is economic to manufacture and fill. The cavity defined by the first wall means may have a relatively large area and thus may be top filled with contents and subsequently sealed by the second wall means much more efficiently than end filling arrangements. End filling of a tubular cavity is less efficient as the small end opening provides a limited filling area. Furthermore, provision of a tubular cavity requires a thick walled structure in order that the utensil has sufficient strength. The combination of these factors makes end filling expensive. In contrast, a dispensing utensil according to the present invention may be formed from a thin walled shell having a relatively large area, be filled very quickly and subsequently closed or sealed by a pliable top wall. Advantageously, empty shells may be nested for storage and transport, reducing the space required for transport and storage. This manufacturing process has reduced material costs and reduced process time and hence may be highly economical. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is its ease of use. The first portion of the first wall means is openable about the hinge formed by the second wall means. This allows for easy one-handed operation and also retains the first portion on the utensil, which may reduce littering etc. 
     The failure zone between the first and second portions could be a thinner area of material, or could be weakened by other failure means such as perforations. Advantageously, this also contributes to increased tamper-proofing of the utensil, as it is readily apparent that the utensil has been opened. 
     In one embodiment the first portion of the first wall means is distal from the implement portion. This advantageously allows for some contents to be dispensed, and for the tool to then be used without dispensing further contents (e.g., to stir a half portion of sugar in coffee). 
     In another embodiment the first portion of the first wall means is a proximal of the implement portion. This advantageously allows for contents to be dispensed and the tool immediately to be used without reversing (e.g., to stir a full portion of sugar in coffee). 
     Preferably, an embodiment of the invention further includes a second cavity for storing dispensable contents and preferably dispensing of contents from the second cavity is independently operable in the same manner as the first cavity. This advantageously allows for provision of complementary contents such as pepper and salt, in separately controlled portions. 
     Preferably, the first portion of the first wall means is re-closable, optionally by a friction fit. Advantageously, this prevents spillage and allows for any remaining contents to be used at a later time. 
     Preferably, the first portion of the first wall means has a thumb rest, increasing ease of use. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second wall means is printed with one or more of: a measuring guide, product information, instructional information, graphics, branding or advertising. Preferably, the second wall means includes a window portion allowing the contents to be viewed, and preferably the first and/or second wall means may be deformed to control dispensing of contents. This advantageously allows for flexible and easy portion control when dispensing contents. 
     Preferably, the handle portion and implement portion are integrally formed. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing utensil comprising: 
     a handle portion; 
     an implement portion; 
     a cavity for storing dispensable contents; 
     a pliable top wall closing the cavity; 
     wherein a lid connected to the top wall is openable about a hinge means formed by the top wall, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing utensil shell comprising: 
     a handle portion; 
     an implement portion; 
     a cavity for storing dispensable contents, the cavity defined by a first wall means; 
     wherein the first wall means is adapted to co-operate with a second wall means for closing the cavity; 
     wherein the first wall means has integrally formed first and second portions, and a failure zone between the first and second portions, whereby in use, a first portion of the first wall means is openable about a hinge formed by the second wall means, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed. Advantageously, the shell may be nested for storage and transport, prior to being filled with contents and closed or sealed. 
     Tools (implements) which may be incorporated in the dispensing utensil include (but are not limited to) stirrers, mixing paddles, spoons, forks, knifes, chopsticks, drinking straws, brushes (of many types), tooth picks, floss picks, mops, tongs, tweezers, razors, trowels and spades, spatulas and combs. 
     The dispensing utensil&#39;s contents are preferably synergistically paired with the tool for maximum effectiveness. Some non-limiting examples may include sugar or energy drink concentrate in a spoon or stirrer, wasabi and soy sauce in chopsticks, cocktail stirrer and alcohol shot, two-part glue with a stirrer/mixing spatula, touch-up or children&#39;s paint with a brush, toothpaste with toothbrush, dental floss pick and mouthwash, medicament or ointment such as cold-sore cream with applicator pad/brush, cooking oil in a spatula or barbeque tongs, salad dressing in salad-serving spoon, tweezers with antiseptic ointment, brush with marinade sauce, razor with shaving crème, garden trowel or spade with seeds, paint stirrer with colour tint, washing brush with detergent, spatula with putty or gap filler, mop with disinfectant or floor cleanser, comb or brush with hair treatment or styling product. 
     Contents which may conveniently be dispensed from a dispensing utensil according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following whether in powdered, granulated, liquid or other forms. 
     Food and beverage products including tea, coffee, sugar, sugar-substitutes and artificial sweeteners, paste, marinade, dried fruit and nuts, milk, drinking additives syrups and powders including hot chocolate, toppings, cordials, alcoholic beverages, confectionery such as sprinkles, chocolates, lollies, salt and pepper, spices, herbs, sauces, dressings, spreads, condiments including soy sauce, mustard, mayonnaise. 
     Nutraceuticals (for people and animals) including energy &amp; vitamin supplements and concentrates, food supplements, dieting and slimming mixes and powders. 
     Medicaments, medicines and pharmaceuticals (for people and animals) including drugs, creams, pills, cough syrups, non-prescription medicines such as headache and anti-inflammatory tablets. 
     Personal care products including toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, hair products and treatments such as shampoos, dyes, hair ties and pins, shaving creams, antiseptics and disinfectants, toothpicks, massage oil, moisturizers, sunscreens, soap and liquid soaps. 
     Household products including cleaning fluids and detergents, cleansers, furniture oils, bleaches. 
     Office products including inks, rubber bands, paper clips, staples, drawing pins, nails and tacks, adhesives. 
     Hardware items including screws, washers, nails, tacks. 
     Garden and plant products including seeds, fertilizer, poisons, flower booster. 
     Chemical products for domestic and industrial use, including adhesives and paint products including artists and children&#39;s paints, household paint, paint tints, putty fillers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description with reference to and, used in conjunction with, the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a single chamber dispensing spoon without a top wall; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a single chamber dispensing spoon with a top wall; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view (section B-B) of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view (section A-A) of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a single chamber dispensing spoon without a top wall and a partial cut away lid section; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a single chamber dispensing spoon with a top wall; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of a single chamber dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of a single chamber dispensing spoon where the top wall has a window and the lid is open; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the dispensing spoon shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a single chamber dispensing spoon where the top wall has a window and the lid has been reclosed; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view of another embodiment of a single chamber dispensing spoon with a top wall; 
         FIG. 19  is a longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the dispensing spoon of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a plan view of a third embodiment of a single chamber dispensing spoon; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a rear view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a comparison of the different dispensing spoons wherein (a) is a plan view of a single chamber dispensing spoon corresponding to  FIG. 6 , (b) is a plan view of a single chamber dispensing spoon corresponding to  FIG. 18 , (c) is a plan view of a single chamber dispensing spoon corresponding to  FIG. 25 , and (d) is a plan view of a double chamber dispensing spoon corresponding to  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a plan view of a double chamber dispensing spoon without a top wall; 
         FIG. 34  is a side view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a bottom view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a rear view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a front view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a plan view of a double chamber dispensing spoon with a top wall; 
         FIG. 39  is a rear view of the dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the double chamber dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the double chamber dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom perspective view of the double chamber dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a top perspective view of the double chamber dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 38  with one lid open; and 
         FIG. 44  is a top perspective view of the double chamber dispensing spoon as shown in  FIG. 38  with both lids open. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 12 , there is shown a single chamber dispensing spoon (utensil)  10  having a handle  11  integral with a spoon bowl (implement portion)  12  to form a single unit. The handle  11  has opposing side walls (first wall means)  13 ,  14  which form a substantially U-shaped elongate chamber (cavity)  15 . The side walls  13 ,  14  are substantially the same height and each have a flat top surface  16 ,  17  respectively. As the handle  11  forms a U-shaped elongate chamber  15  to hold dispensable items (contents), it may be made of plastic material with relatively thin walls. In contrast, the surrounding walls of tubular shaped handles are comparatively thicker by design than the walls of the handle  11 . 
     A pliable top wall (second wall means)  19  is fixable to the flat top surface  16 ,  17  surrounding the elongate chamber  15 . The pliable top wall  19  closes chamber  15  and may be heat sealed or induction sealed where the top wall is film or foil respectively. In the present embodiment the pliable top wall  19  is made of foil. The pliable top wall  19  is fixed to the flat top surface  16 ,  17  after the dispensable items (contents) have filled the elongate chamber  15 . The fixing of the pliable top wall  19  to the flat top surface  16 ,  17  after the chamber has been filled with dispensable items avoids the problems associated with the end filling of dispensable items in preformed tubular type containers. In this way a dispensing utensil is produced by a three stage process involving the formation of a chamber, filling the chamber with dispensable items and sealing the chamber with a pliable top wall. 
     There is a lid portion (first portion)  20  formed as part of an end portion of side walls  13 ,  14  of handle  11 . In this embodiment, the lid portion  20  is at the opposite (distal) end of the utensil from the spoon bowl  12 . The lid portion  20  is surrounded by a thin section (failure zone)  21  which defines the sides of the lid  22  when it is opened. The failure zone  21  is located between the first portion  20  and a second portion  26  of first wall means  13 ,  14 . The lid  22  is formed from the lid portion  20  when pressure is applied and the surrounding thin section  21  is torn and the lid  22  is pressed outward. 
     The lid portion  20  including lid  22  is shaped to allow a thumb to rest against it and open it with applied pressure. Advantageously, one-handed operation is possible. The applied pressure tears the thin section  21 , causing the lid  22  to open about a hinge  19 ′ formed by the pliable foil top wall  19 . The lid portion  20  has support protrusions (thumb rest)  23  to provide a grip for the thumb. The lid portion  20  also has a friction-fit protrusion  24  enabling the lid  22  to reclose. A dispensing spoon in the open position is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     The pliable top wall  19  has a flat and relatively level upper surface  25  to provide an aesthetically pleasing spoon similar to conventional spoons and provide a comfortable grip for the user. The flat and relatively level upper surface  25  of the pliable top wall  19  is maintained irrespective of the length, depth and width dimensions of the chamber  15 . Handles with different capacities of holding dispensable material is shown in  FIG. 32  where the utensil shown in (a) represents a single serve, (b) represents a double serve and (c) represents a quad serve. 
     The pliable top wall  19  provides an upper surface  25  on which information, branding, graphics and advertising can be displayed. The information that may be displayed may include dietary information, instructional information, contents information and dispensing information. For example, the top surface  25  may display dispensing information in the form of a ruler indicating where a person may press in order to dispense a particular part serve. Advantageously, the pliable top wall  19  and/or the first wall means  13 ,  14 , may be deformed or pressed to control dispensing of contents. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 to 17 , the utensil  30  has an upper wall  31  fixed to the elongate body  32  of handle  33 . The upper wall  31  has a clear window section  34  through which a person may view the dispensable contents. Other features of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 to 17  are similar to those described above, in which the lid may be opened about hinge  31 ′. 
     A further embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 18 to 24 . This embodiment shows a utensil  40  with a large handle  41  providing a larger chamber  42  to store an increased amount of dispensable items to form a double serve dispensing utensil  40 . The dimensions of the double serve dispensing utensil  40  are substantially proportional but larger than the dimensions of the single serve utensil  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 12 . 
     Another embodiment of the dispensing utensil is shown in  FIGS. 25 to 31 . The dispensing utensil  50  shown in these Figures is substantially elongate compared to the single and double serve dispensing utensils  10 ,  40  respectively. The dispensing utensil  50  has a comparatively larger chamber to store a larger amount of dispensing items and forms a quad serve dispensing utensil. 
     A further embodiment of the dispensing utensil is shown in  FIG. 32(   d ) and  FIGS. 33 to 44 . In this embodiment the dispensing utensil  60  has a handle  61  with an internal rib  62  dividing a first cavity  63  from a second cavity  64 . The two chambers or cavities  63 ,  64  are able to store different items. The dispensing utensil  60  has two lids  65 ,  66  operatively associated with chambers  63 ,  64  respectively. The lids  65 ,  66  are formed in a similar manner to the single chamber utensil  10  as described above. Each lid  65 ,  66  may be opened separately so that the contents in the chambers  63 ,  64  respectively may be dispensed separately and without contamination from the other chamber. In order to achieve separate openings of the lids  65 ,  66 , the pliable top wall  67  has an end split  68  separating each lid  65 ,  66 . 
     Other embodiments may have additional chambers to accommodate different dispensable items. 
     Furthermore, other embodiments may have a stirring rod, knife blade or fork prongs instead of a spoon bowl. With the various embodiments the stored dispensable items preferably relate to the particular dispensing utensil. By way of example, a dispensing knife or dispensing fork may have stored salt, pepper or other condiments while a dispensing spoon may contain sugar, coffee, whitener, powdered chocolate or another suitable additive for a drink. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the advantage that the utensil can be manufactured, filled and assembled relatively more easily and cheaply than tube-shaped dispensing utensils, as well as having increased functionality and ease of use for the consumer. 
     It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. 
     Throughout the description and claims this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.