Patent Publication Number: US-2009218368-A1

Title: E.E.Z.Z. seasoning shaker

Description:
CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/067,637 filed Mar. 3, 2008 by the present inventor. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to seasoning dispensers or shakers 
     2. Prior Art 
     To present day, seasoning of food and cooking processes have mainly encompassed use of one shaker for each different seasoning used to season food. Applicant has seen salt and pepper shakers that are one body but never more than two seasonings being in one body shaker or seasoning dispenser. Applicant has designed a seasoning shaker that has four separate compartments and a perforated lid that is perforated ¼ of diameter which enables user to dial up to four different seasonings contained in one shaker body. Shaker also comes with cap to cover shaker to keep all seasonings fresh and moisture free. Shaker also has hand grip center body for firm grip of shaker body while dispensing seasoning. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment the applicant has designed an easy to use seasoning shaker that is divided into four equal compartments allowing user to fill the shaker with four seasonings of users choice and replace cap and then user can dial top cap to desired seasoning chosen and dispense onto food or vegetables. The shaker has a hand grip design in middle of body for allowing user to maintain a firm grip on shaker when being used, and a cap to cover cap dispenser to keep seasoning fresh when not in use. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         FIG. 1  shows main body of seasoning shaker 
         FIG. 2  shows cover cap to keep seasoning fresh 
         FIG. 3  shows the adjustable screw on cap for dispensing seasoning 
         FIG. 4  shows the label strip with peel off labels 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS NUMERALS 
     
         
           10 . compartment  1   
           12 . compartment  2   
           14 . compartment  3   
           16 . compartment  4   
           18 . threaded lip on top of shaker body 
           20  finger grip design on middle body area of shaker body 
           22  top cap cover for seasoning shaker when not in use 
           24 . adjustable top cover rotating overlay 
           26 . threaded lower cap cover 
           28 . 16 label strips just peel and stick 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS.  1  and  2  Preferred Embodiment 
     One embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing main body of seasoning shaker which is divided into four compartments. Num.  10  refers to top lip which is threaded for lid to screw onto after seasoning is inserted.  12  refers to lip just below threaded top lip which is where cap is snapped onto or over.  14  refers to upper body of shaker.  16  refers to finger grip foam padded middle body of shaker to allow user firm grip when in use.  18  refers to lower body of said shaker.  20  refers to not in use cap for storage purposes to keep seasoning fresh and moisture free.  22  refers to rotating upper lid that allows user to adjust pour holes into position for seasoning desired.  24  refers to tab that runs diameter of top lid for easy adjust by user.  26  refers to the pour holes or dispense seasoning portion of top lid.  28  refers to lower portion of lid with screw cutout for screwing lid onto main body of shaker.  30  refers to the equally divided compartments of shaker body with this top view.  32  refers to stick on labels which 14 labels would be provided with shaker. 
     Operation 
     Operation of embodiment described above is quite simple to use. once you have shaker take off cap or top cover and unscrew second lid opening up body of shaker. pour four desired seasonings into four separate compartments and replace screw on lid. adjust lid by rotating top lid by using tab provided to turn. once desired seasoning is correctly positioned simply disperse seasoning by shaking shaker. Once seasoning is complete replace cover cap for storage. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG.  1 - 4   
     One embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1  showing main body of shaker being divided into four equal compartments being  10 ,  12 ,  14 , and  16  with a threaded lip on top  18  for which cap will screw onto.  20  refers to the smaller diameter middle portion of shaker with finger grip design to allow user to maintain a firm grip when using shaker. 
       FIG. 2  refers to the top most cap which is used as a means of storage or when shaker is not in use to keep all seasonings fresh and moisture free. This cap  22  just snaps over dispense cap. 
       FIG. 3  refers to the adjustable rotating overlay  24  of top of dispense cap with the threaded lower body  26  to screw on to shaker body. 
       FIG. 4 . refers to the label strip  28  with 16 peel and stick labels so user can label different types of seasonings in each different compartment. 
     Operation 
     Operation of this embodiment is very simple as first you take off dispense cap and fill each of the four equally divided compartments with four different seasonings of users choice, and then replace dispense cap. Dial the top overlay portion or rotating overlay to desired seasoning chose by user and then shake shaker to dispense. Whenever a different seasoning is desired simply dial overlay to next desired seasoning and shake to use. Once seasoning has been applied simply place on storage cap to keep seasoning fresh and moisture free and stow away. 
     Advantages 
     From detailed description provided above it should be evident to reader that several advantages to this embodiment are clear. 
     (a) Whether user is at the table, at the stove, or cooking outside on grill seasoning shaker makes cooking and seasoning easy for user as only one shaker is required as four different seasonings are available for use in one shaker. 
     (b) Foam covered finger grip middle body of shaker makes use less careless and easier to handle. 
     (c) Overall size is large enough to hold seasoning amounts to last user longer periods between refills. 
     (d) Cap for storage use keeps seasoning fresh and moisture free. 
     (e) lid having rotating upper lid with tab allows user easier adjustments to desired seasoning. 
     (f) Seasoning shaker is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. 
     (g) labels provided allow user to label different seasonings on top body of shaker for easy read of desired seasoning. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Embodiment reveals advantages to user as for cooking indoor or out user need only have embodiment described to season foods with up to four different seasonings, thus eliminating having to carry many different shakers or containers with them when cooking or eating. Applicant suggest shaker to be 7½ inches tall and 3½ inches wide at upper and lower body and 2½ inches in finger grip middle body holding area. Applicant also suggest that shaker be made of clear plastic so user can visually see seasoning as well as levels for easier use by user. Shakers can come in many different sizes and be made of various materials as well as come in color. Shakers could also be divided into more or less different compartment areas for seasonings to be stored, applicant suggest that four is sufficient to allow for adequate amounts of seasoning to be stored for extended use before refill is required. Shakers could also be designed with or without foam padding or finger grip design. Applicant was trying to design best possible shaker for ease of use by user and to provide sealed storage for seasonings to keep them fresh and moisture free. This seasoning shaker provides time saving effort for user as user need only grab one shaker for all cooking and eating needs for seasoning cooked or uncooked food.