Patent Abstract:
Apparatus for use with a hand manipulable flowable material dispenser, the combination comprising a dispensing nozzle associated with the dispenser to dispense material, and a spreader surface associated with the nozzle whereby the dispenser may be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to spread material dispensed via the nozzle, and the spreader surface can be used to spread material around after it is dispensed.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
   This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/628,097 filed Jul. 28, 2003, now abandoned, and U.S. Ser. No. 10/750,447, filed Dec. 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,230. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
   The present invention relates to flowable material spreaders for use on hand manipulatable dispensers, and more particularly to spreaders at the nozzle ends of such dispensers. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
   Spreadable foods are common table items and are enjoyed by many all over the world. There are numerous types of foods that can be spread. Typical spreadable foods include peanut butter, frosting, butter, mayonnaise, jelly, ice cream toppings, salad dressing and cream cheese and other edible spreads for use on bread, crackers, and the like. Often, a butter knife, spatula, or other similar device is used to spread the food onto the bread, cracker, or other item. However, these utensils can become lost on or at outdoor celebrations and picnics, or other events, or need to repeatedly dip a spreader knife into a jar. Additionally, material accumulates on the knife and jar edges, as well as crumbs of other materials can accumulate in the jar. 
   A number of patents have issued related to food dispensers and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,874 discloses a liquid dispenser for dispensing fluid condiment materials, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise as well as other liquids such as medicated salves, lotions and ointments. The dispenser includes a tubular body with a spherical plunger element connected to a spreader paddle member disposed within a tubular body. Upon external manipulation of the tubular body, the spherical plunger and spreader paddle arrangement is urged toward a dispenser nozzle for release of condiment filling contained therein. The sanitary spreader paddle simultaneously protrudes from within the tubular body as condiment filling is being evacuated. As a result, the user may evacuate the entire volume of condiment filling within the dispenser as well as spread the deposited condiment filling on a food article to be eaten. In a medical application of the invention, the dispenser includes an integral applicator swab which is connected to the spreader paddle and resides within the plunger. The spreader paddle is separated from the plunger to expose the cleansing swab for use on the body. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,075 is directed to a food condiment dispenser for dispensing fluid condiment materials, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. The dispenser includes a tubular body with a spherical plunger element connected to a spreader paddle member disposed within a tubular body. Upon external manipulation of the tubular body, the spherical plunger and spreader paddle arrangement is urged toward a dispenser nozzle for release of condiment filling contained therein. The sanitary spreader paddle simultaneously protrudes from within the tubular body as condiment filling is being evacuated. As a result, the user may evacuate the entire volume of condiment filling within the dispenser as well as spread the deposited condiment filling on a food article to be eaten. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,226 is directed to an automatic food dispensing method, apparatus and utensil primarily for use in fast food restaurants, bakeries, and the like. The method and apparatus comprise a pumping system from a supply through a pump in a controlled amount with a reverse action of the pump after the appropriate amount has been dispensed in order to avoid it dripping. Other drip proof arrangements, such as valving are also utilized optionally. The utensil comprises a handle attached to a container and spreading utensil such as a spoon, ladle, or the like, wherein predetermined portions of a food or substance used in a food may be dispensed either continually or as predetermined quantities. The device consists of a spoon or other appropriately shaped utensil attached to a hollow handle which terminates in a non-interfering connection with the interior of the utensil at one end and terminates at the other end in a connection to a food supply source. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,238 is directed to a packaged cheese product comprising a hermetically sealed container, preferably a pouch, made out of flexible material; a decorator tip or adaptor therefore inside the container, a cheese product inside the container and a cap for closing the decorator tip when the pouch is partially emptied. The cheese product can be extruded after cuffing the corner off of the pouch and seating the decorator tip in the resulting opening. Cheese in decorative shapes can then be easily applied as a garnish on food items and the pouch can then be re-closed by capping the decorator tip. The cap preferably has a bulb member that fits inside the decorator tip and a skirt member that fits around the outside petals of the preferred decorator tip. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,917 is directed to a cake frosting technique and assembly including a disposable frosting bag for home or commercial use to render the frosting or decorating of cakes or other pastries more convenient and expeditious by the complete elimination of the need for expensive and messy heretofore-used large commercial squeeze bags, or manually whipped and spread frosting, or expensive aerosols. The invention contemplates the ready coloring or tinting of the frosting to any desired hue within a wide range with any particular color and further contemplates the imparting of any desired flavoring to the frosting by the separate and conveniently associated provision of the aforesaid disposable bag containing a neutral or white frosting along with a plurality of separate color tint tubes and a plurality of separate flavor taste tubes, whose contents are to be admixed respectively with the base frosting material to achieve a desired blend for the ultimate decorative and taste effects contemplated. 
   U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0000441 discloses an aperture forming structure, which when attached to or integrally formed in dispenser packages for flowable substances allows reclosure and single or multiple uses. The aperture forming structure includes a breakaway tip member of thermoformable plastic. The break away tip includes a hollow protrusion from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line. Rupturing of the fault line creates an aperture from which the contents of the dispenser package may exit. A cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and detached for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture created when the fault line is ruptured. The aperture forming structure can be made by heating a relatively stiff substantially flat thermoformable sheet of and then stretching the sheet to create a first and a second hollow protrusion in a tiered configuration. A rupture line is placed at the intersection of the first and the second protrusions. The sheet may be attached to a pouch or containment member formed from a flexible sheet which contains any flowable substance. 
   While there have been a number of prior systems directed to food spreaders, none have adequately addressed the need for ease of use and convenience. There is a need for a system to easily, quickly and accurately spread material such as edible substances, being dispensed from containers such as squeeze tubes or bottles. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a spreader that will allow a user to spread a spreadable food item. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spreader having a dispensing nozzle associated with the dispenser to dispense said material, and a spreader surface associated with the nozzle whereby the dispenser may be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to spread material dispensed via the nozzle. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system in which the spreader is flexible and can be viewed in use. 
   It is a further object to provide a spreader in which the spreader is dome-shaped. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spreader which has a number of orifices, having different shapes and configurations, including dome shapes. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a spreader which includes expandable nipples. 
   It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a spreader, including a container, having a base and a lid opposite the base, the container capable of holding a spreadable food item; a detachable handle mounted on the container; a plunger, adapted to engage the detachable handle such that when the detachable handle is depressed, the plunger exerts pressure on the spreadable food item in the container; and a dispenser nozzle, mounted on the exterior of the container proximate to the base of the container, in fluid communication with the interior of the container such that the spreadable food item may be forced through the dispenser nozzle, the dispenser nozzle capable of being in a first position or a second position. 
   In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a novel spreader is disclosed. The novel spreader includes a dispensing nozzle associated with the dispenser to dispense said material, and a spreader surface associated with the nozzle whereby the dispenser may be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to spread material dispensed via the nozzle. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a novel spreader is disclosed. The novel spreader includes a container, having a closed end and an open end, capable of holding a spreadable food item, and a nozzle, mounted at the open end of the container, and having an opening in fluid communication with the open end of the container such that the spreadable food item can flow through the opening of the nozzle. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a novel spreader/dispenser is disclosed. The novel spreader/dispenser includes a container, having a base and a lid opposite the base, the container capable of holding a spreadable food item; a detachable handle mounted on the container; a plunger, adapted to engage the detachable handle such that when the detachable handle is depressed, the plunger exerts pressure on the spreadable food item in the container; and a dispenser nozzle, mounted on the exterior of the container proximate to the base of the container, in fluid communication with the interior of the container such that the spreadable food item may be forced through the dispenser nozzle, the dispenser nozzle capable of being in a first position or a second position. The nozzles of the present invention can be used to spread a large variety of items in a variety of formats. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read with reference to the appended drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevation of a spreader in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective top plan view of the  FIG. 1  spreader; 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation of a spreader dispensing opening; 
       FIG. 4  is a view like  FIG. 2  but showing a spreader flexible dispensing nozzle; 
       FIG. 4   a  is a spreader flexible dispensing nozzle having a wavy texture; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation of a spreader nozzle; 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a spreader cap; 
       FIG. 7  is a view of an entrance at the inlet end of a spreader as in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 8  is like  FIG. 7 , showing a different entrance configuration; 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation showing the end of a container to which a spreader cap attaches; 
       FIG. 10  is a frontal view of the  FIG. 9  container end; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevation showing a spreader or narrowed configuration; 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation of the discharge end of a container to which the  FIG. 11  spreader attaches; 
       FIG. 13  is a top plan view of a spreader discharge end, with a serrated edge; 
       FIG. 14  is a view like  FIG. 13  showing a nozzle discharge end with serrated edge; 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation showing a nozzle with a retracted movable spreader, and control; 
       FIG. 16  is a view like  FIG. 15 , showing the movable spreader in extended position; 
       FIG. 17  is like  FIG. 15  but showing the movable retractable spreader at the underside of the nozzle; 
       FIG. 18  is a top plan view of a nozzle with an associated retractable and extendable spreader; 
       FIG. 19  shows a modified nozzle and spreader; 
       FIG. 19   a  shows the  FIG. 19  spreader in tilted position, for spreading use; 
       FIG. 20  shows a curved flap or blade; 
       FIG. 21   a  is a side elevation of an alternate embodiment of a spreader outfitted with a knife nozzle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 21   b  is a side elevation of an alternate embodiment of a spreader outfitted with a spatula nozzle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 22   a  is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a spreader/dispenser in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 22   b  is a partial front elevation view of the spreader/dispenser of  FIG. 22   a  in an alternate configuration; 
       FIG. 23  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a spreader and nozzle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 24  is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a spreader with nozzle and handle in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 25  is a front elevation view of the spreader of  FIG. 24  shown with a cap for the nozzle. 
       FIG. 26  is a further alternative embodiment of a nozzle. 
       FIG. 27  is still yet a further embodiment of the nozzle of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 28   a - 28   b  are another embodiment of the nozzle spreader of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 29 and 29   b  is another embodiment of the nozzle spreader of the present invention. 
       FIG. 30  is another embodiment of the nozzle spreader of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 31 and 31   a  are another embodiment of the nozzle spreader of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 32   a - 32   c  is yet another embodiment of the present invention which includes a dome-shaped configuration. 
       FIGS. 33   a  and  33   b  illustrate the slit openings of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 34   a - 34   b  illustrate yet another alternative embodiment in which the dome-shape application is inserted into the throat of the bottle. 
       FIGS. 35   a - 35   e  are perspective views of caps which are over the dome of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 36   a  and  36   b  illustrate another embodiment of a flange-shaped dome closure system for use in the present invention. 
       FIGS. 37   a  through  37   f  illustrate a dial-type dome applicator/spreader in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a dome having a plurality of orifices having different sizes. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates an embodiment in which the dome is pyramid sloped. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates an alternative nozzle embodiment of the present invention having a dome-shaped applicator. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates alternative orifice embodiments. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates a nipple-based embodiment for use in the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 43  are views of nipple embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 44  is an embodiment of the invention in which the orifices are angled. 
       FIGS. 45   a  and  45   b  illustrate another dial-type embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same components across the several views and in particular to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a spreader  10 . The spreader  10  contains dispensable, flowable food material such as peanut butter, jelly or other such edibles. When the container is squeezed, the material flows through a nozzle  11  which tapers toward an outlet  12  which is elongated laterally, to provide a dispensed layer  13  of material of thickness  14  substantially less than its width  15 . A flexible spreader  17  in the form of a flap or blade, or spatula, is provided at the nozzle exit, to face the layer  13  exiting from the nozzle, whereby the user can manipulate the spreader, and its undersurface, via container manipulation, to further spread or shape the dispensed layer  13 . The flap or blade may be stiff or sufficiently flexible to shape the layer  13 . Note its lateral length  19  is substantially greater than its width. The tip of the nozzle or blade should be flexible 
   The nozzle  11  may be stiff or may be flexible as in  FIG. 4  to assist flexing of the spreader during container manipulation to cause the spreader to shape the layer  13  deposited on a surface  21  or spread it only after it is dispensed. The latter may be a food surface such as on bread, or other substances.  FIG. 3  shows the nozzle outlet  22 , which has lateral width  22   a  substantially greater than its thickness  22   b . The nozzle may be a cap on the container, or may be integral with the container. A snap-on or threaded fitting  24  connects the nozzle to the container, in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  also shows the nozzle outlet  22  having a linear edge profile along the lateral width dimension  22   a  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the periphery when the outlet  22  is viewed from the side of the nozzle  11 , the linear edge profile defined at a constant distance from the fitting  24  along the lateral width dimension  22   a  along a central axis of the nozzle  11 .  FIG. 4  also shows that the forwardly-projecting side wall is configured to funnel dispensed material from the fitting  24  to the nozzle outlet  22  along a sloped path.  FIG. 4  also shows a nozzle  11  wherein the distance from the nozzle outlet  22  to the fitting  24  exceeds a thickness of the fitting  24 . As shown in  FIG. 4   a , the extruded product can have a wavy texture. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  show a nozzle  32 , tapering toward a narrowed exit  33  with a spreader flap or blade  34  overhanging that exit.  FIG. 6  shows a cap  190  that receives the nozzle with snap-ring retention at  188  in a cap recess  188   a  of nozzle end  32   a . Cap inner wall  189  forms a recess to receive the nozzle. A plug  192  on the cap plugs outlet  33 .  FIG. 7  shows the exit  33  as laterally, elongated with narrowed width or height. The nozzle entrance is seen at  87 , in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 9  shows dispenser threads  36  to which the nozzle may threadably or otherwise attach.  FIG. 10  shows in frontal view the annular end of the thread  36 . See end opening  10   a.    
     FIG. 11  shows a flexible nozzle  40  that tapers toward an outlet  41 , such as an elongated slit. The nozzle tip  40   a  serves as a spreader and preferably is positioned so that it can be seen when in use. The nozzle has a fitting  43  that threadably attaches to dispenser threads  44 , as seen in  FIG. 12 . Nozzle may alternatively be positioned via a snap and release mechanism. 
     FIG. 13  shows a spreader flap  46  that has a laterally elongated serrated edge  47  to engage the dispensed layer  48  being dispensed. As a result, the layer  48  has an attractive striated appearance. The nozzle can be waved laterally back and forth to produce wavy elongated striations on the dispensed layer surface.  FIG. 14  shows similar serrations  50  on the end of a nozzle  40   b . A flap  51  can be attached to the nozzle to overlie the serrations, or part of same. 
   In  FIG. 15 , the flap or blade  60  is carried for adjustable movement, as by a carrier or adjuster  61  on the nozzle. A finger engagable protrusion  61   a  on the carrier is manipulated to move or slide the blade and carrier toward or away from the nozzle exit  41   a , thereby to adjust the exposure of the blade to the dispensed material, to provide additional flexibility of use of the blade. Grooving  63  in the nozzle in the form of a threaded cap  63   a , guides the adjuster.  FIG. 16  shows the blade in extended forward position. The dispensing nozzle cavity appears at  64 .  FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 16  adjuster. stature  17  shows the adjuster at the bottom side of the nozzle  93 , having an exit  93   a  and pusher. The option of depositing the layer  113  without interference with the spreader flap or blade, is preserved. 
   In  FIG. 19 , the spreader  110  as supported is angled, relative to the nozzle or its bore, so that the spreader flap terminal  110   b  is sufficiently offset from the nozzle outlet  112   a  by a sufficient distance, that the terminal tip  110   b  does not engage the top  113   a  of the deposited layer  113 , as during depositing of the layer. Terminal  110   b  may consist of an elastomer such as rubber. Outlet  112   a  may be laterally elongated as in  FIG. 7 . 
   In  FIG. 19   a  the nozzle is now further tilted, as at angle α, so that the spreader blade terminal tip  110   b  engages the surface of the layer  113 , for spreading purposes. Terminal  110   b  is shown as arcuately flexed near the tip, to smoothly engage and spreadably deform surface  113   a , as the nozzle is moved to the right, relative to  113 . Note that the spreader body at  110   c  upwardly of terminal  110   b  is thickened so as not to flex, and so as to positively position the terminal  110   b  as it accurately wipes along surface  113   a . Terminal  110   b  may or may not be flexible, but is preferably arcuately flexible to smooth and spread surface  113   a , as the nozzle and supply container are manipulated. 
   Body  110   c  tapers toward the tip or terminal. This construction, as shown, lends itself to ease of cleaning of interior surfaces  128 ,  129 , and  130 , as well as cleaning of the terminal. Note the greater than 90° angularities of adjacent surfaces  128  and  129 , and  129  and  130 , avoiding small gaps. The spreader terminal at  110   b  may have elongated lateral length, of dimension substantially greater than the nozzle discharge opening dimension, as described above in other FIGS., for engaging the widened surface area of  113 , achieved during spreading. 
     FIG. 20  shows a curved flap or blade to conform to curvature of an edible, such as a corn cob. See laterally elongated nozzle outlet  22  having narrowed width  22   b . A downwardly concave spreader flap or blade  17   a  is shown as above the outlet  22 , and of lateral elongation greater than outlet  22  lateral elongation, indicated at  22   a.    
     FIG. 21   a  shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention that combines a knife and a spreader  200 . The spreader  200  includes a container  201 , that can hold a spreadable food F, such as peanut butter, butter, cheese, and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container  201  is flexible so as to allow a user to squeeze the spreadable food F. A knife nozzle  210  is attached to an open end of the container  201 , and has an opening  220  to allow the spreadable food F to be transferred from the container  201  to an item such as bread, crackers, and the like. The knife nozzle  210  can then be used to spread the spreadable food F as desired. 
     FIG. 21   b  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention that combines a spatula and a spreader  200 ′. The spreader  200 ′ includes a container  201 ′, very similar to the container  201  above, that can hold a spreadable food F, such as peanut butter, butter, cheese, and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container  201 ′ is flexible so as to allow a user to squeeze the spreadable food F. A spatula nozzle  210 ′, which may be flexible, is attached to an open end of the container  201 ′, and has an opening  220 ′ to allow the spreadable food F to be transferred from the container  201 ′ to an item such as bread, crackers, and the like. The knife nozzle  210 ′ can then be used to spread the spreadable food F as desired. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 22   a  and  22   b , another embodiment of a spreader  300  is illustrated. The spreader  300  includes a container  301 , having a base  302  and a lid  303 , that can hold a spreadable food F, such as peanut butter, butter, cheese, and the like. A detachable handle  310  is mounted on the container  301  at an attachment point  312  for transport and storage, to allow the spreader  300  to have less of a profile and take up less room. A dispenser nozzle  320  is mounted on the exterior of the container  301  to allow for the spreadable food in the container to be pushed out and onto a receiving food, such as bread, crackers and the like. When the spreader  300  is to be used, the detachable handle  310  is detached from the attachment point  312  and is mounted at mounting point  311 , where it comes into engagement with a plunger  315 , located in the lid  303 . Additionally, the dispenser nozzle  320  may be rotated up or down, or flipped up in order to facilitate dispensing or storage as the case may be. When the handle  310  is depressed in the direction of arrow ‘P’, then the handle  310  exerts downward pressure on the spreadable food in the container  301 , and forces the spreadable food out of the dispenser nozzle  320 , and onto the receiving food. The interior of the dispenser is beveled  313  to facilitate the removal of all material. While this embodiment has be described in the context of longitudinally thrust plunger, it is to be appreciated that other equivalent structures could fulfill this function. For example the plunger could be thrust downward by means of a screw activated compression mechanism. 
   Illustrated in  FIG. 23  is another embodiment of a spreader  400 . The spreader  400  includes a container  401  and a nozzle  420 . The container includes a threaded end  426  and is capable of receiving a bag  410 , which in turn holds a spreadable food such as peanut butter, butter, cheese, frosting, and the like. The bag  410  may be omitted altogether. The bag  410  is flexible in a preferred embodiment of the present invention and can be folded over the threaded end  415  of the container  401 . The nozzle  420  includes an opening  425  and a threaded end  426  which threadedly engages the threaded end  426  of the container  401  to secure the nozzle  420  to the container  401 . Additionally, the bag  410  is then secured into place as the overlap portion is secured between the threaded end  426  of the nozzle  420  and the threaded end  426  of the container  401 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , another embodiment of a spreader  500  is shown. The spreader  500  includes a container  501 , and a wide nozzle  520 . Disposed within the container  501  is a bag  540  that can hold a spreadable food F, such as peanut butter, butter, cheese, frosting, and the like. The wide nozzle  520  is mounted at an open end  526  of the container  501 , and includes an opening  525 . Mounted on the container  501 , at the opposite end  527  is a handle  510 . The handle  510  includes a plunger  515 , such that when the handle  510  is depressed in the direction of arrow ‘Q’, the plunger  515  forces the spreadable food contained within the bag  540  out through the opening  525  of the wide nozzle  520  and onto a receiving food, such as bread, crackers, cake, and the like. Additionally, a cap  530 , having a cavity  531  substantially in the shape of the wide nozzle  520 , can be mounted on the container  501  at the wide nozzle  520  in order to allow the spreader  500  to be stored standing upright. 
     FIG. 26  illustrates yet another embodiment of a nozzle in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a rubber or flexible nozzle  600  is affixed to a threaded member  610  and extended coaxially thereto. The rubber/plastic nozzle  600  can function as a spreader. 
     FIG. 27  is still a further embodiment of nozzles in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 27  illustrates a nozzle  700  which either may be stiff or comprise a member expandable in accordion style when pressure is applied. 
     FIGS. 28   a  and  28   b  are still yet a further embodiment of a spreader in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the spreader is a cylindrical casing  800  with an adjustable spine  802 , connected to an adjustment mechanism  804  and nozzle  807  permit the flow of condiments such as spread dressing. It is to appreciated that the adjustment mechanism  804  may comprise a drive crew or other similar device to longitudinally move the nozzle  807 . The nozzle  807  may have holes to permit the flow of material there through. When the adjustment mechanism, is  804  pulled upward the nozzle  807  pulls upward and permits the flow of material. When pressure is applied the nozzle extends stiffly outward. This embodiment is similar in its operation to a garden nozzle. In a modified embodiment shown in  FIG. 28   b , the mechanism can have two positions, “on” and “off”  806 ,  808 . 
     FIGS. 29 and 29   a  illustrate yet another nozzle spreader embodiment. In this embodiment, the nozzle spreader comprises a flat, wide nozzle  900  having a plurality of shaped holes  902 . The nozzle can have a flip cap  904 , for example, and may have a cap or closure which has protrusions  906  to cover the holes. This embodiment is ideal for salad dressings or the like. As shown in  FIG. 29   a , the bottle can have a threaded attachment  908  and adjuster  910  to adjust the flow of material. 
     FIG. 30  is a related embodiment to that of  FIG. 29 . In this embodiment, the nozzle comprises a flat, wide nozzle  1000  that inserts on a wide flange top  1002 . The nozzle has a plurality of holes  1004  which may be beveled outward. The number, shape and position of the holes can be varied. This embodiment is ideal, for example, for ice cream toppings and salad dressings and other viscous food products. In a preferred embodiment, this bottle is a unitary structure including the novel flange top. 
   Finally,  FIGS. 31 and 31   a  illustrate yet another nozzle embodiment. In this embodiment, the nozzle/spreader comprises a wide but narrow slit flange  1100  which is affixed to the bottle or tube  1101 . The corners of the nozzle can be straight or cornered. This embodiment may include an internal support or stilt  1102  to prevent the nozzle from collapsing. 
   In view of the foregoing disclosure, some advantages of the present invention can be seen. For example, a novel spreader has been disclosed. The novel spreader easily, quickly and accurately spreads material such as edible substances, being dispensed from containers such as squeeze tubes or bottles. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 32   a  to  32   c , alternative embodiments of the spreader dispenser of this present invention for viscous materials, salad dressings, mustard, ketchup, taco sauce, ice cream toppings, syrups and other semi-liquid and squeezable products. As seen in  FIGS. 32   a  and  32   b , the invention includes a bottle of food product  1202  containing a dome-shaped spreader/applicator  1210 . The dome-shaped spreader/applicator  1210  has an outer lip  1212  which snaps onto the container neck to hold it secure. The dome-shaped spreader  1210  has a plurality of apertures or orifices  1220  which are position angle outward so that the dispensed product spreads out evenly when applied. The dome application thus functions to spread out the food product in a wide array and with uniformity. The orifices  1220  of the dome  1210  can be straight (in line) ( FIG. 32   c ) or may be dispensed over the body of the dome  1225 . In one embodiment the dome-shaped spreader  1210  may have internal threads  1230 , which enables the lid to securely attach to the top of the bottle by screwing it on, snapping it on, or alternatively by affixing it by any other mechanism or instrumentality. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 33   a  and  33   b , the orifice&#39;s dome-shaped spreader  1220  may have slits  1229  or a plurality of cross-slits  1231  instead of fully open apertures or orifices. It is to be appreciated that the holes where the product emerges, can have a plurality of diameters or shapes and any geometric configuration. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 34   a  and  34   b , an embodiment is illustrated in which the dome-shaped spreader/applicator  1210  is placed within the inside lip of the bottle  1240 . The spreader/applicator is held in place by a number of mechanisms, including threads or snaps. The dome in this embodiment fits proximate to the bottle top and has an annular serrated ridge  1354  which fits on the inside of the bottle. The dome can also be screwed into the bottle or secured using a variety of mechanical attachment systems. 
     FIGS. 35   a - 35   e  illustrate caps  1300  which fit over the dome-shaped spreader. The present invention displays a number of cap embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 35   a , a first cap embodiment comprises a dome-shaped nozzle cap which is attached by a living hinge  1318 . It can also be separate from the bottle. As shown in  FIG. 35   e , the cap can comprise a male closure with matching prongs  1323  which cover over the orifices. This prevents clogging of the holes by dried product. 
     FIGS. 36   a  to  36   c  illustrate an embodiment of the dome-shaped nozzle applicator  1360  which corresponds to the wide flange embodiment of  FIG. 30 . Here the oval-shaped applicator  1360  is dome-shaped and a corresponding cap is dome-shaped and is designed to fit on the bottle. The dome can fit inside or outside of the bottle as shown in FIGURES. Alternatively, the dome-shaped applicator  1360  can have slits, crosses or other aperture shapes  1362  as shown in  FIG. 36   c.    
     FIGS. 37(   a )-( f ) illustrates yet a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the dome-shaped applicator has a rotating dial cover  1372  which permits the apertures or orifices  1220  to be selectively opened and closed. By rotating the dial in one direction the orifices are open and product can flow. When rotated in the other direction the orifices  1220  are closed. The orifices can have any shape, size or configuration. 
     FIG. 38  illustrates a dome having a plurality of orifices having different shapes, sizes and orientation. The different sized orifices  1220  allow the passage of different sized chunks or pieces (e.g. “Thousand Island” salad dressing). 
     FIG. 39  illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention in which the applicator has the shape of a flattened, four sided pyramid  1380  instead of a curved shape. Each side  1382  has a plurality of orifices  1384 . It is to be noted that the pyramid embodiment can have more than four sides (e.g. 6,8, 10, etc.). The invention also suggests additional embodiments besides pyramid shapes. 
     FIG. 40  is an embodiment which corresponds with the nozzle embodiment of  FIG. 28 . In this embodiment, the dome-shaped applicator is affixed to the end of the cylindrical nozzle casing and permits product to flow through the orifices  1220 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 41   a  to  41   c , alternative orifice configurations are shown. The orifices can be indented  1390  into the bottle. They can also face or protrude outward  1394 . They can be contiguous with the dome  1396 . The strength and pliability of the plastic, impacts the types of food to be used and the amount of pressure that needs to be applied. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 42   a  and  42   b , a still further embodiment is shown and described. This embodiment comprises an applicator with a plurality of nipple openings  1400 . The embodiment comprises a plurality of flexible nipple inserts  1410 . The flexible nipple inserts  1410  are indented inwardly  1420  into the bottle and they are forced outwardly  1425  when the product is squeezed out. 
     FIGS. 43   a  to  43   e  shows a number of dome-shaped embodiments which illustrate the use of nipples. The nipples are shown as having a cross or X-shaped orifices  1500  as well as slits  1510 . The nipple embodiment can be utilized with any of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 to 31 . 
     FIG. 44  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the orifices are angled  1520 . This embodiment permits product to be dispensed in a wide variety of directions. 
   Finally,  FIGS. 45   a  and  45   b  illustrate another embodiment in which the applicator  1600  has two sets of orifices. A four-holed dial  1610  can then be rotationally affixed over the applicator  1620 . When the dial is turned in a first direction, the large orifices  1630  align with the dial. When turned in a second direction, the small orifices  1635  align. A third position closes the orifices. This embodiment facilitates two levels of product application flow. 
   While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bags  410  and  540  may be polybags, however, the bags may be of any type known to one of ordinary skill in art. Additionally, the method of securing the nozzles to the containers has been described and illustrated as being via a threaded engagement. However, a skilled artisan may employ any appropriate means to attach the nozzles to the containers, such as, but not limited to, a snap connection or molded piece. 
   In addition, while the invention has been principally described in the context of food, it is to be appreciated that the applicator and spreader of the present invention may be applicable to non-food products. Nonexclusive examples include caulks, pastes, glues and building materials and automotive products such as waxes, greases, etc.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1