Patent Publication Number: US-2023138467-A1

Title: Multi-Purpose Scoop Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/273,236, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of multipurpose scoop devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved multipurpose scoop device that provides users with a multipurpose scoop for formula powders, fitness powders, etc. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in multipurpose scoop devices. Generally, a scoop is any specialized holding device or container used to serve a food substance. As it relates to powder substances, i.e., protein powder, baby formula, etc., it can be very difficult and time-consuming to manipulate, contain, and pour the powder. These challenges are exacerbated with very fine powder substances and when pouring the powder substances into a container with a narrow neck or opening on the container, i.e., a water bottle. 
     Further, using different scoopers to pour powdered items into various containers can lead to cross-contamination. In some instances, powdered and liquid formula that is mixed, especially for young children and infants can be dangerous. 
     Additionally, when mixing a powder or granular material with a liquid, it is common to use a measuring cup to scoop the material and pour it into a container of water. However, when pouring powder into a container having a relatively small opening, such as a water bottle, it is difficult to pour the powder into the opening of the container without spilling some of the powder. Therefore, there is a need for devices that make the process of pouring powdered material into a container easier and cleaner. 
     To address some of the above-referenced challenges, the disclosed multipurpose scoop device includes an incorporated funnel. The multipurpose scoop device includes a scooping portion with a holding cavity disposed at one end of the scoop device and a funnel, defining a funnel channel, disposed at an opposing end of the scoop device. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that provides users with a multipurpose scoop for formula powders, fitness powders, etc. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that allows the scoop to attach directly to the lid of a powdered container, eliminating the need for a handheld and independent scoop. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that enables users to rotate the scoop to open the container, invert the container to fill the scoop, and then rotate it once more to close off the container. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that keeps scoops associated with a single container to prevent cross-contamination. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that includes a travel cap for convenient transportation. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that provides users with a device that makes the process of pouring powdered material into a container easier and cleaner. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose scoop device. The device is a scoop for water soluble powders, such as protein powders, baby formula powders, etc. The device comprises a scooping portion component with a holding cavity disposed at one end of the scoop device and a funnel component disposed at an opposing end of the scoop device. The scoop device attaches to the top of the lid of a powder container by squeezing or snapping, i.e., press-fit feature, on the device. Further, the device would have a round bevel ring and/or a snap on an attachment located on the funnel component of the device to secure the funnel component when not in use. The opposing end with the scooping portion component and the lid of the powder container would both have a pull and/or a knockout section for opening and closing. Thus, the scoop device attaches to the top of the lid of the powder container and a user rotates the scoop device to open the powder container and the holding cavity of the device. The user then inverts the powder container to fill the scoop device and rotates the scoop device again to close off the powder container. The user then removes the scoop device filled with powder from the powder container for use. Further, the scoop device comprises a screw-on and/or snap on travel cap to facilitate simple and convenient transportation. 
     In this manner, the multipurpose scoop device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that that make the process of pouring powdered material into a container easier and cleaner. The device provides users with a convenient way to utilize water soluble powders, such as protein powders, baby formula, etc. The device can be manufactured of specific materials that are used for safety and to prevent contamination. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose scoop device. The device comprises a scooping portion component with a holding cavity disposed at one end of the scoop device and a funnel component disposed at an opposing end of the scoop device. The scoop device attaches to the top of the lid of the powder container and a user rotates the scoop device to open the powder container and the holding cavity of the device. The user then inverts the powder container to fill the scoop device and rotates the scoop device again to close off the powder container. The user then removes the scoop device filled with powder from the powder container for use. 
     The multipurpose scoop device is a scoop for water soluble powders, such as protein powders, baby formula powders, etc. The multipurpose scoop device described above can be used to scoop and pour any desired material, for example, fitness supplements, baby formula, bird seed, kitchen supplies such as sugar and flour, etc. The scoop device can also be used as a measuring device, where a user can easily scoop and pour a desired amount of material. Further, the scoop device described can also be configured to hold any desired volume of material. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel and efficient multipurpose scoop device that effectively and efficiently scoops, i.e., receives, a powder substance, while simultaneously being operable to pour or dispense the powder substance without any inadvertent spillage of the powder substance. While having particular and unique benefits associated with retaining and dispensing a fine powder substance, the scoop device may also be beneficial for other food or powdery substances as is known in the art. 
     In one embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device comprises a scooping portion component with a holding cavity component disposed at one end of the scoop device and a funnel component disposed at an opposing end of the scoop device. More specifically, the multipurpose scoop device may be formed from a single piece of material, i.e., through a casting or blow-molding process, while in other embodiments the components may be individually formed and joined or coupled together, i.e., using fastener(s), adhesive, sonic welding, etc. The multipurpose scoop device is typically manufactured from a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, a ceramic material, a metallic material, or a combination of the same. The components are preferably substantially rigid. Further, the components may be constructed of light transmitting material, preferably transparent, or at least a translucent material, such that a user can see the contents of the multipurpose scoop device and measure the amount of powder dispensed. 
     In one embodiment, the scooping portion component of the device includes a bottom wall and a sidewall surrounding the bottom wall. Both the bottom wall and the sidewall, namely the inner surfaces thereon, define a scooping cavity, i.e., the scooping portion component of the device. Generally, the inner surfaces defining the scooping cavity form a hemi-spherical-shaped cavity that effectively enables movement and measuring of the powder substance when retained therein. However, the shape of the scooping cavity can take any desired form, as long as the configuration of the scooping portion component allows a user to use the device to scoop and hold a powered material. Further, the inner surfaces defining the scooping cavity may also be smooth and preferably have a low coefficient of friction, i.e., less than approximately 0.5. As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as separate structures that are coupled together to form a substantially continuous external surface. 
     In one embodiment, the sidewall may also define a funnel entrance to the funnel component. The funnel entrance is defined on the sidewall to effectively transport and dispense the powdery substance housed in the scooping cavity. Additionally, the funnel entrance may be defined by a curved and tapering inner surface perimeter of the sidewall. The curved and tapering inner surface perimeter facilitates in directing all of the retained powdery substance into the funnel entrance and through the funnel component of the device and, ultimately, out of the device. 
     In one embodiment, the maximum outer diameter or width of the funnel component is approximately two inches in order to effectively enter an opening on a bottle container opening, i.e., the distal opening on a water bottle, etc. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the funnel component may include a flanged funnel member. The flanged funnel member may serve at least two purposes. First, the flanged funnel member may be of a deformably resilient material, i.e., natural rubber, which is operably configured to seal the funnel component with respect to the bottle container to which the powder is being dispensed. Additionally, the flanged funnel member may act as a stop for preventing the funnel component from entering the bottle container opening after a particular distance, i.e., approximately one inch. 
     In one embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device comprises a handle portion extending outwardly away from the outer surface of the sidewall in a substantially perpendicular orientation. Thus, the scoop device is advantageously configured with the handle portion in an orientation enabling the user to scoop the powdery substance and level the scoop device. The handle portion can be of any suitable shape and size for handling and manipulation by the user. The handle portion has an optional hole formed to allow the device to hang from a hook, nail, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the scooping cavity or scooping portion component may hold approximately 60-90 cc of powder. In other embodiments, the volume or capacity of the scooping cavity may vary outside of the ranges. Further, to facilitate in measuring the amount of powder to be dispensed, the outer surface of the sidewall includes a plurality of measurement indicia disposed thereon and located on an opposing side of the sidewall. The measurement indicia may be demarcation lines with corresponding values indicating the volume value for each demarcation line, or any other suitable measurement indicia as is known in the art. 
     In one embodiment, the distal end of the funnel component comprises a round bevel ring and/or a snap on lid component with holding strap, whereby the snap on lid component completely seals the funnel component and prevents the powder from dispensing when not in use. 
     In one embodiment, the distal end of the holding cavity component of the device is secured to the top of the lid of a powder container by squeezing or snapping, i.e., a press-fit feature, or by any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. 
     In another embodiment, the holding cavity component or the lid of the powder container would have a pull, a cutout, and/or a knockout section for opening and closing. In another embodiment, the holding cavity component and the lid of the powder container would both have a pull, a cutout, and/or a knockout section for opening and closing. Specifically, the cutout or knockout section refers to a design element where the paperboard or plastic lid is cutout (or knocked out/removed) to allow access to the contents of the powder container. This cutout or knockout allows the holding cavity component and the powder container lid to have an open position and a closed position. When the powder container is in the open position, the scoop device can be used to transfer powder material from the powder container to the device. Once transferred, the powder container lid can be moved to the closed position and the powder locked in place within the device. The device can then be placed on top of a bottle container, to pour the powder material into the bottle container. 
     Accordingly, the multipurpose scoop device is secured to a powder container lid. The user then rotates the scoop device to open the knockout section of the powder container lid and/or the holding cavity component of the scoop device to allow access to the scooping cavity. Once in an open position, the user inverts the powder container to fill the scoop device. Once filled to a desired level, the user rotates the scoop device to close-off the powder container lid and/or the holding cavity component of the scoop device, which prevents access to the scooping cavity. The user then removes the scoop device from the powder container for use. In the closed position, the powder material is enclosed within the scoop device until the user opens the funnel component to pour the powder material into a bottle container. 
     In another embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device comprises a screw-on and/or snap on travel cap which would seal the holding cavity component to facilitate transportation of the device without spilling the powder retained within the device. 
     In yet another embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device comprises a plurality of indicia. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of pouring powdered material into a container without making a mess is disclosed. The method includes the steps of securing a multipurpose scoop device to a lid of a powder container. The method also comprises rotating the scoop device to open the powder container. Further, the method comprises inverting the scoop device to fill the scoop device with powder from the powder container. The method includes the steps of rotating the scoop device closed and removing the scoop device from the powder container. Finally, pouring the powder into a bottle component from the scoop device without making a mess. 
     Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the multipurpose scoop device of the present invention secured to a powder container in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIGS.  2 A-B  illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the multipurpose scoop device of the present invention showing how the scoop device can be rotated open and closed in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the multipurpose scoop device of the present invention dispensing powder through the funnel component in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a flowchart showing the method of pouring powdered material into a container without making a mess in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that provides users with a multipurpose scoop for formula powders, fitness powders, etc. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that allows the scoop to attach directly to the lid of a powdered container, eliminating the need for a handheld and independent scoop. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that enables users to rotate the scoop to open the container, invert the container to fill the scoop, and then rotate it once more to close off the container. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that keeps scoops associated with a single container to prevent cross-contamination. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that includes a travel cap for convenient transportation. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose scoop device that provides users with a device that makes the process of pouring powdered material into a container easier and cleaner. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel multipurpose scoop device. The device is a scoop for water soluble powders, such as protein powders, baby formula powders, etc. The device comprises a scooping portion component with a holding cavity disposed at one end of the scoop device and a funnel component disposed at an opposing end of the scoop device. The scoop device attaches to the top of the lid of a powder container and a user rotates the scoop device to open the powder container and the holding cavity of the device. The user then inverts the powder container to fill the scoop device and rotates the scoop device again to close off the powder container. The user then removes the scoop device filled with powder from the powder container for use. The present invention also includes a novel method of pouring powdered material into a container without making a mess. The method includes the steps of securing a multipurpose scoop device to a lid of a powder container. The method also comprises rotating the scoop device to open the powder container. Further, the method comprises inverting the scoop device to fill the scoop device with powder from the powder container. The method includes the steps of rotating the scoop device closed and removing the scoop device from the powder container. Finally, pouring the powder into a bottle component from the scoop device without making a mess. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the multipurpose scoop device  100  of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device  100  is an improved scoop device  100  that can be utilized to prevent cross-contamination of water-soluble powders. Specifically, the device  100  is an improved multipurpose scoop device. The multipurpose scoop device  100  comprises a scooping portion component  102  with a holding cavity component  104  disposed at one end of the scoop device  100  and a funnel component  106  disposed at an opposing end of the scoop device  100 . Users secure the scoop device  100  to a powder container  108  and a user rotates the scoop device  100  to open the powder container  108 . A user then inverts the device  100  to fill and then rotates the device  100  to close-off the powder container  108 . The user then removes the scoop device  100  filled with powder from the powder container  108  for use. 
     Specifically, the multipurpose scoop device  100  is a scoop for water soluble powders, such as protein powders, baby formula powders, etc., or any other suitable powders as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The multipurpose scoop device  100  described above can be used to scoop and pour any desired material, for example, fitness supplements, baby formula, bird seed, kitchen supplies such as sugar and flour, etc. The scoop device  100  can also be used as a measuring device, where a user can easily scoop and pour a desired amount of material. Further, the scoop device  100  described can also be configured to hold any desired volume of material. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel and efficient multipurpose scoop device  100  that effectively and efficiently scoops, i.e., receives, a powder substance, while simultaneously being operable to pour or dispense the powder substance without any inadvertent spillage of the powder substance. While having particular and unique benefits associated with retaining and dispensing a fine powder substance, the scoop device  100  may also be beneficial for other food or powdery substances as is known in the art. 
     The multipurpose scoop device  100  comprises a scooping portion component  102  with a holding cavity component  104  disposed at one end (first end  110 ) of the scoop device  100  and a funnel component  106  disposed at an opposing end (second end  112 ) of the scoop device  100 . More specifically, the multipurpose scoop device  100  may be formed from a single piece of material, i.e., through a casting or blow-molding process, while in other embodiments the components may be individually formed and joined or coupled together, i.e., using fastener(s), adhesive, sonic welding, etc. The multipurpose scoop device  100  is typically manufactured from a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, a ceramic material, a metallic material, or a combination of the same. The components are preferably substantially rigid. Further, the components may be constructed of light transmitting material, preferably transparent, or at least a translucent material, such that a user can see the contents of the multipurpose scoop device  100  and measure the amount of powder dispensed. One skilled in the art will understand that any suitable material possessing an appropriate amount of flexibility and resiliency may be used to manufacture the multipurpose scoop device  100 . Additionally, the multipurpose scoop device  100  can also be manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. 
     Further, the scooping portion component  102  of the device  100  includes a bottom wall  114  and a sidewall  116  surrounding the bottom wall  114 . Both the bottom wall  114  and the sidewall  116 , namely the inner surfaces  118  thereon, define a scooping cavity, i.e., the scooping portion component  102  of the device  100 . Generally, the inner surfaces  118  defining the scooping cavity  102  form a hemi-spherical-shaped cavity that effectively enables movement and measuring of the powder substance when retained therein. However, the shape of the scooping cavity  102  can take any desired form, as long as the configuration of the scooping portion component  102  allows a user to use the device  100  to acquire and hold a powered material. Further, the inner surfaces  118  defining the scooping cavity  102  may also be smooth and preferably have a low coefficient of friction, i.e., less than approximately  0 . 5 . As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as separate structures that are coupled together to form a substantially continuous external surface. 
     Additionally, the sidewall  116  may also define a funnel entrance  122  to the funnel component  106 . The funnel entrance  122  is defined on the sidewall  116  to effectively transport and dispense the powdery substance housed in the scooping cavity  102 . Additionally, the funnel entrance  122  may be defined by a curved and tapering inner surface  118  perimeter of the sidewall  116 . The curved and tapering inner surface  118  perimeter facilitates in directing all of the retained powdery substance into the funnel entrance  122  and through the funnel component  106  of the device  100  and, ultimately, out of the device  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the maximum outer diameter or width  124  of the funnel component  106  is approximately two inches in order to effectively enter an opening on a bottle container opening  300 , i.e., the distal opening  300  on a water bottle  302 , etc. In another embodiment, the outer surface  126  of the funnel component  106  may include a flanged funnel member  128 . The flanged funnel member  128  may serve at least two purposes. First, the flanged funnel member  128  may be of a deformably resilient material, i.e., natural rubber, which is operably configured to seal the funnel component  106  with respect to the bottle container  302  to which the powder is being dispensed. Additionally, the flanged funnel member  128  may act as a stop for preventing the funnel component  106  from entering the bottle container opening  300  after a particular distance, i.e., approximately one inch. 
     In another embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device  100  comprises a handle portion  130  extending outwardly away from the outer surface  120  of the sidewall  116  in a substantially perpendicular orientation. Thus, the scoop device  100  is advantageously configured with the handle portion  130  in an orientation enabling the user to scoop the powdery substance and level the scoop device  100 . The handle portion  130  can be of any suitable shape and size for handling and manipulation by the user. The handle portion  130  has an optional hole  132  formed to allow the device  100  to hang from a hook, nail, etc. 
     Generally, the scooping cavity or scooping portion component  102  may hold approximately 60-90 cc of powder. In other embodiments, the volume or capacity of the scooping cavity  102  may vary outside of the ranges. Further, to facilitate in measuring the amount of powder to be dispensed, the outer surface  120  of the sidewall  116  includes a plurality of measurement indicia  134  disposed thereon and located on an opposing side of the sidewall  116 . The measurement indicia  134  may be demarcation lines with corresponding values indicating the volume value for each demarcation line, or any other suitable measurement indicia as is known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 A-B , the distal end  200  of the holding cavity component  104  of the device  100  is secured to the top  202  of the lid  204  of a powder container  108  via by squeezing or snapping, i.e., a press-fit feature, or by any other suitable securing means as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. 
     Furthermore, the holding cavity component  104  or the lid  202  of the powder container  108  would have a pull, a cutout, and/or a knockout section  206  for opening and closing. In another embodiment, the holding cavity component  104  and the lid  202  of the powder container  108  would both have a pull, a cutout, and/or a knockout section  206  for opening and closing. Specifically, the cutout or knockout section  206  refers to a design element where the paperboard or plastic lid  202  is cutout (or knocked out/removed) to allow access to the contents of the powder container  108 . This cutout or knockout section  206  allows the holding cavity component  104  and the powder container lid  202  to have an open position and a closed position. When the powder container  108  is in the open position, the scoop device  100  can be used to transfer powder material from the powder container  108  to the device  100 . Once transferred, the powder container lid  202  can be moved to the closed position and the powder locked in place within the device  100 . The device  100  can then be placed on top of a bottle container opening  300 , to pour the powder material into the bottle container  302 . 
     Accordingly, the multipurpose scoop device  100  is secured to a powder container lid  202 . The user then rotates the scoop device  100  to open the knockout section  206  of the powder container lid  202  and/or the holding cavity component  104  of the scoop device  100  to allow access to the scooping cavity  102 . Once in an open position, the user inverts the powder container  108  to fill the scoop device  100 . Once filled to a desired level, the user rotates the scoop device  100  to close-off the powder container lid  202  and/or the holding cavity component  104  of the scoop device  100 , which prevents access to the scooping cavity  102 . The user then removes the scoop device  100  from the powder container  108  for use. In the closed position, the powder material is enclosed within the scoop device  100  until the user opens the funnel component  106  to pour the powder material into a bottle container  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the distal end  304  of the funnel component  106  comprises a round bevel ring  306  and/or a snap on lid component  308  with holding strap  310 , whereby the snap on lid component  308  completely seals the funnel component  106  and prevents the powder from dispensing when not in use. Further, the funnel component  106  can comprise any other suitable lid device as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. 
     Further, the multipurpose scoop device  100  comprises a screw-on and/or snap on travel cap  312  which would seal the holding cavity component  104  to facilitate transportation of the device  100  without spilling the powder retained within the device  100 . The travel cap  312  can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as the travel cap  312  acts to retain the powder within the device  100 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the multipurpose scoop device  100  comprises a plurality of indicia  314 . The scooping portion component  102  of the device  100  may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the scooping portion component  102 , or any other indicia  314  as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia  314  as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be product or brand related. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a flowchart of the method of pouring powdered material into a container without making a mess. The method includes the steps of at  400 , securing a multipurpose scoop device to a lid of a powder container. The method also comprises at  402 , rotating the scoop device to open the powder container. Further, the method comprises at  404 , inverting the scoop device to fill the scoop device with powder from the powder container. The method includes the steps of at  406 , rotating the scoop device closed and removing the scoop device from the powder container. Finally, at  408 , pouring the powder into a bottle component from the scoop device without making a mess. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multipurpose scoop device”, “scoop device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the multipurpose scoop device  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the multipurpose scoop device  100  of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the multipurpose scoop device  100  as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4    are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose scoop device  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose scoop device  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose scoop device  100  may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.