Patent Publication Number: US-2023159259-A1

Title: Food dispensing device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No 63/282,966, entitled, “FOOD DISPENSING DEVICE”, filed Nov. 24, 2021. The contents of the above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to a dispensing and storage device; and more particularly, to a container for dispensing and storing food. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Containers for storing food are well known. Typical storage containers are bowl-like devices having a lid. To access the food, a user simply removes the lid and scoops out the food. For some foods, such as guacamole, using a bowl-like container is not ideal. While removing the food may be easy, such storage often results in discoloration of the guacamole as a result of exposure to air. In addition, removal of the guacamole from the bowl is limited to scooping or using a utensil. 
     What is needed in the art is a device that is better for dispensing food and can be used as a storage device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention related to containers for dispensing and storing food. The food dispensing gun may comprise a first or inner member, a second or outer member, a dispensing unit, and a cap. To dispense food, a user may either: 1) push the second or outer member downwardly, towards the first or inner member, or 2) push the first or inner member upwardly, towards the first end of the second or outer member. In addition to displacing food stored within the food dispensing gun, movement of the second or outer member relative to the first or inner member, or vice versa, results in displacing of air within the inner chamber of the second or outer member. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing device. 
     It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food storing device. 
     It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing and storing device. 
     It is a still further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a guacamole dispensing device. 
     It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a guacamole storing device. 
     It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a guacamole dispensing and storing device. 
     It is a still further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing and storing device configured to controllably dispense food from a dispensing mechanism. 
     It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing and storing device configured to controllably dispense guacamole from a dispensing mechanism. 
     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is an illustrative embodiment of a food dispensing gun; 
         FIG.  2 A  is an illustrative embodiment of the first or inner member; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a top view of the first or inner member; 
         FIG.  2 C  is a bottom view of the first or inner member; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a second or outer member; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a bottom perspective view of the second or outer member; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a dispensing unit; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a top perspective view of the dispensing unit; 
         FIG.  4 C  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as a centrally positioned opening having a patterned shape; 
         FIG.  4 D  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as three openings; 
         FIG.  4 E  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as an elongated channel opening; 
         FIG.  4 F  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as five openings; 
         FIG.  4 G  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as multiple rows of a plurality of openings. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a cap; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a top perspective view of the cap; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates the food dispensing gun with food, illustrated as guacamole, stored within; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates the food dispensing gun dispensing the guacamole; and 
         FIG.  8    illustrates the food dispensing gun with the dispensing unit and cap removed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an illustrative example of a food dispensing and storage device, referred to generally as a food dispensing gun  10 , is shown. The food dispensing gun  10  is described as being used for storing and dispensing guacamole. Use for the dispensing of guacamole is illustrative only. The food dispensing gun  10  may be used for dispensing other foods. The food dispensing gun  10  is shown having a first or inner member  12  and a second or outer member  14 . The second or outer member  14  is sized and shaped to fit over at least one or more sections of the first or inner member  12 . In addition to fitting over the first or inner member  12 , the second or outer member  14  may also be configured to slide about or over, in a linear direction, relative to the first or inner member  12 . The food dispensing gun  10  further includes a dispensing unit  16  and, optionally, a cap  18 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the food dispensing gun  10  is in a non-dispensing, non-storing orientation or position. The components of the food dispensing gun  10  may be made of any appropriate materials, preferably materials that are safe for use with food. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , an illustrative embodiment of the first or inner member  12  is shown. The first or inner member  12  comprises a first end  20 , a second, opposing end  22 , and a main body  24 . The first or inner member main body  24  is shown as an elongated, tubular shaped body having a continuous wall with a surface  26  (may also be referred to as an outer surface). The size and shape of the first or inner member main body  24  is illustrative only, and may be any size or shape that provides the same or similar functionality. The first end  20  comprises a solid surface  28  (forming a closed end), thus providing a surface for which food can be placed and rest thereon. Near the first end  20  is a cut out region forming a channel  30 . The channel  30  extends around the perimeter of the main body  24 . The channel  30  is formed by a first, or lower lip  25  (edge extending or projecting edge away from the surface  26 ) and a second, or upper lip  27  (edge extending or projecting away from the surface  26 ). The channel  30  may be defined by the space or gap  33  between the first lip  25  and the second lip  27 . A seal  32 , preferably a rubber gasket, rests within the channel  30 . The second, opposing end  22  preferably comprises a solid surface  34 , see  FIG.  2 C . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B , an illustrative embodiment of the second or outer member  14  is shown. The second or outer member  14  comprises a first end  36 , a second opposing end  38 , and a main body  40 . The second or outer member main body  40  is shown as an elongated, tubular shaped body having a continuous wall with a surface  42 . The size and shape of the second or outer member main body  40  is illustrative only, and may be any size or shape that provides the same or similar functionality. Additionally, the second or outer member main body  40  may be made of a see-through material, i.e. glass or clear plastic. Such materials are illustrative. The second or outer member main body  40  may be made of any material known to one of skill in the art that maintains its functionality. The first end  36  comprises an opening  44 . The second end  38  comprises an opening  46 . Both the first end opening  44  and the second opening  46  are of sufficient size to allow at least portions of the first or inner member main body  24  to pass through and fit, rest, or move within the interior  48  of the second or outer member body  40 . Accordingly, the diameter of the second or outer member  14  is just larger than the diameter of the first or inner member  12 . In this configuration, the first or inner member  12  and the second or outer member  14  may be arranged in a coaxial relationship, with one sliding within or about the other. Preferably, the second or outer member  14  moves about or relative to the first or inner member  12 . The first end  36  may also include threading  50  configured to secure to the dispensing unit  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , an illustrative embodiment of the dispensing unit  16  is shown. The dispensing unit  16  is configured to be attachable to the second or outer member  14  and provide for dispensing food stored within the food dispensing gun  10 . The dispensing unit  16  may comprise a food dispensing gun engagement member  52  and a dispensing member  54 . The food dispensing gun engagement member  52  is configured to connect or secure to at least a portion of the second or outer member  14  and is illustrated as an outer ring-shaped body having an exterior surface  56  and an interior surface  58 . The exterior surface  56  may include ridges  60  for user gripping. The interior surface  58  may include threading  62  which corresponds or is conjugate to the second or outer member first end threading  50 . In this arrangement, a user can twist the dispensing unit  16  to secure to or remove from the second or outer member  14  as required. 
     The dispensing member  54  is configured to provide a mechanism for dispensing food, and may comprise an elongated body  64  having a first end  66  and an opposing second end  68 . The opposing second end  68  may be integrally formed to the food dispensing gun engagement member  52  or be removably attached thereto using, for example, threading or chemical fastening means, such as glue. The first end  66  includes a surface  70  having a food dispensing unit  72 , illustrated herein as a single, centrally positioned aperture. The food dispensing unit  72  is sized and shaped to allow food to be dispersed outwardly. While the food dispensing unit  72  is shown as a central opening within the surface  70 , the opening may assume the entire width, i.e. no surface  70 . 
       FIGS.  4 C- 4 G  illustrate alternative food dispensing units  72 .  FIG.  4 C  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit  72  as a centrally positioned opening  74  having a patterned shape.  FIG.  4 D  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit  72  as three openings  76 A,  76 B, and  76 C.  FIG.  4 E  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit  72  as an elongated channel opening  78 .  FIG.  4 F  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit  72  as five openings  80 A,  80 B,  80 C,  80 D and  80 E.  FIG.  4 G  illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit  72  as multiple rows of a plurality of openings,  82 A and  82 B. The dispensing unit  16  may also include a seat  73  for receiving and holding an O-ring. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , an illustrative embodiment of the cap  18  is shown. The cap  18  is designed to fit over the dispensing member elongated body  64 . The cap  18  is shown having an upper wall  84  and a side wall  86 . The side wall  86  extends away from the upper wall  84  and has a ring or circular shape. An interior portion  88  is sized, shaped, and configured to allow the dispensing member elongated body  64  to fit within. The cap  18  secures to the dispensing member  16 . As shown, the interior portion  88  may include threading  89  as a mechanism to secure to the dispensing member  16 . Alternative mechanisms for securing known to one of skill in the art may be used as well, such as snap fit or frictional fit. The cap  18  may optionally include ribbing  91  for aiding a user in gripping the cap  18 . The cap  18  may also include a seat  93  for receiving and holding an O-ring. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the food dispensing gun  10  is shown with food  90 , illustrated herein as guacamole, placed and stored within the interior  48  of the second or outer member  14  (and the upper surface  28  of the inner member  12 ). Accordingly, the food storage area or compartment of the food dispensing gun  10  can be defined by the second or outer member main body  40 , the first or inner member main body first end solid surface  28 , and the dispensing unit  16 . To dispense the food  90 , a user may either: 1) push the second or outer member  14  downwardly, towards the second end  22  of the first or inner member  12 , see arrow  92 ,  FIGS.  7 , or  2   ) push the first or inner member  12  upwardly, towards the first end  36  of the second or outer member  14 , see arrow  94 . Movement in either direction results in adjusting the size of the food substance storage compartment. In either case, such movement causes food to be pushed out of the second or outer member  14  through the food dispensing unit  72  of the dispensing member  54 . In addition to displacing the food  90  stored within, movement of the second or outer member  14  with respect to the first or inner member  12 , or vice versa, results in displacement of air within the inner chamber  48  of the second or outer member  14 . In the case of storing guacamole, removal of air prevents discoloration, i.e. going from green to brown. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the food dispensing gun  10  is shown with the dispensing unit  16  and cap  18  removed. This allows a user to easily place the food  90  within the inner chamber  48  of the second or outer member  14 . Removal of the dispensing unit  16  and cap  18  may also allow a user to use the food dispensing gun  10  as a dip bowl or make for easy cleaning. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.