Patent Description:
Dosing devices for food and beverage powders, such as dosage or measuring spoons, are usually disposable and made from plastic. Plastic has the advantages that the dosing device can be made lightweight, its hygiene can easily be ensured and precise dosing is possible. Thus, despite deriving a number of benefits from using plastic for the dosing device, there are disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration.

In particular, disposal of plastic waste can be problematic. Although different types of plastic exist that are recyclable, they often are not recycled correctly, but the plastic ends up in landfill or sea water, thereby having a negative impact on the environment.

Known alternatives to plastic, which are recyclable and environmentally less problematic, are materials such as wood or paper, which are already used, for example for tableware spoons. However, disadvantages of these materials are their comparatively high weight and their low suitability for facilitating precise dosing. Also, wood or paper-based materials restrain the freedom of designing dosing devices.

For example, if manufactured from one piece of wood, the making of a dosing device will require a lot of raw material. Similarly, if the dosing device is made from several pieces of wood, somehow these wood pieces would have to be joined together, for example by using a glue. However, the provision of the glue increases the risk that the environment or the dosage material is contaminated. Also, the connection via glue may lead to gaps between the individual pieces, which may lead to a reduction of the dosing accuracy and the hygiene of the dosing device.

For some applications, however, such as the preparation of powdered food compositions, precise dosing is essential. Compositions to be reconstituted by adding a liquid, such as milk or water, need to be dosed precisely to ensure not only optimal taste but also to ensure the optimal nutritional composition of the final product. This is essential for compositions such as powdered infant formula or powdered nutritional compositions administered to vulnerable or hospitalized people.

A further alternative to plastic is molded pulp fiber. Molded pulp fiber may comprise, for example, lignocellulosic fibers, typically from recycled paperboard, paper and/or newsprint and is typically used for the manufacture of packaging, such as egg cartons, as well as for the manufacture of insulation, storage or protection materials.

However, molded pulp fiber typically has a rough surface, which makes precise dosing difficult and may lead to hygiene issues as its rough surface may absorb or retain dosage material. Moreover, molded pulp fiber has a relatively low tensile strength and a relatively high brittleness, which makes the material less suitable for a device that is used frequently in a manual dosing process. In addition, known design principles that are commonly used for the design of other materials, such as plastic, glass or metallic materials, cannot easily be applied to molded pulp fiber due to the irregularities in the material and the complexity of the material structure.

However, molded pulp fiber has the advantage that it is an environmentally friendly, sustainable and recyclable material that is suitable for coming into close contact with humans, thereby making it a suitable material for a dosing device.

<CIT> discloses a foldable spoon made from a paper or cardboard blank. Other examples are described, in which the blank can be made by pulp molding. The blank comprises a handle section, a functional section, which when folded provides a spoon function, and an intermediate section, which connects the handle section with the functional section. The spoon is created by folding two side wings downwards, so that the handle section is formed by middle lane at the top and the side wings laterally thereof projecting downwards. A cup portion is formed at the opposite end of the handle section by bending the tip upwards towards vertex. The vertex forms the deepest point of the folded cup portion.

<CIT> discloses a measuring spoon made from a thin polypropylene or PET sheet material. The measuring spoon is provided with additional strengthening elements, such as a rib, a flange and a further rib.

<CIT> discloses a disposable spoon. Ribs are added to the sidewalls to increase the thickness of the sidewalls and increase the structural strength.

<CIT> discloses a spoon that is made of pulp and coated with polyethylene.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dosing device made of a recyclable and environmentally friendly material, such as molded pulp fiber, that can be used repeatedly and frequently in a manual dosing process. In the dosing process, a high level of dosing accuracy is required, thereby increasing the demands on the design of the dosing device to achieve this objective. Moreover, despite using molded pulp fiber, it is desired to find a dosing device that is flexible and mechanically resilient. Also, the hygiene of the dosing device should be maintained at a high level.

The above objects are to be accomplished by means of the independent claims. The dependent claims advantageously study further the central idea of the invention.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a dosing device.

The term "dosing device" may refer to a device that can be used for dosing. For example, a dosing device can be any device intended to measure and deliver a defined quantity of a dosage material, such as a composition to be dosed. Also, the dosing device may be intended to transport dosage material between two places, for example between a packaging containing the dosage material and a bowl, in which the dosage material is to be dispensed. For example, the dosing device may be a measuring, dosage or medicine spoon.

The dosing device is integrally made of molded pulp fiber.

The term "molded pulp fiber" may refer to a fibrous material comprising lignocellulosic fibers. Typically, molded pulp fiber can be obtained through pulping or by chemically or mechanically separating cellulose fibers from plant material, like wood, fiber crops or wastepaper.

The dosing device comprises a container portion, which has a defined volume for receiving and retaining a dosage material. The container portion has a container body that delimits the defined volume. The container body has a rim portion that circumferentially delimits an opening at an upper side of the dosing device to access the defined volume.

The term "upper side of the dosing device" may refer to a side of the dosing device that faces an operator of the dosing device in a filled position, in which the dosing device is oriented such that dosage material (completely filling the container body) is retained.

The dosing device further comprises a handle portion for manually moving the container portion relatively to the dosage material in a dosing process. The handle portion is connected to an outer surface of the container body by a connecting portion of the handle portion and extends from the container body along a longitudinal axis.

The term "outer surface of the container body" may refer to a surface that is an outer part or side of the container body; it may extend (completely) on the outside of the container body.

The rim portion and the handle portion extend in a common plane. Moreover, the rim portion and the handle portion define a circumferential edge of the dosing device that extends in the common plane.

The term "circumferential edge" may refer to the margin or periphery of the dosing device, for example, on its upper side.

The dosing device further comprises a ribbing portion, which extends from the circumferential edge at least at the handle portion to a lower side of the dosing device such that mechanical stresses acting on the container body in the dosing process are dissipated by the handle portion.

The term "lower side of the dosing device" may refer to the underside of the dosing device in the filled position described above, i.e. a side opposite to the "upper side of the dosing device".

The term "mechanical stress" may refer to any type and kind of mechanical load, such as forces, bending or torsional moments or any combination thereof. Mechanical stresses during the dosing process may arise, for example, when the dosing device is filled with dosage material or comes into contact with a wall portion of packaging containing the dosage material.

The term "dissipating mechanical stresses" may refer to a re-distribution, spreading or reduction of the mechanical load, for example by damping, deformation or stretching of the material.

In other words, the present invention provides a dosing device that is integrally made of molded pulp fiber. Thus, the dosing device may be made entirely of molded pulp fiber and/or may be made as a single piece such that all parts of the dosing device may be contained within the dosing device. Thereby, it is possible to provide a dosing device that is biodegradable and recyclable and is made from a sustainable material. In addition, the risk of having gaps between certain parts of the dosing device is reduced, thereby increasing the dosing accuracy and hygiene. The dosing device comprises a container portion with an opening that allows to acquire, retain and release a defined amount of a dosage material inside its container body. Thereby, it is possible to provide the dosing device with a high dosing accuracy. Moreover, the dosing device comprises a handle portion for manually handling and grasping the dosing device, whereby the handle portion is connected to the container body and extends along a longitudinal axis therefrom. Thereby, it is possible to increase the dosing accuracy since the filling amount of dosage material into the container body can be influenced through manual control of a dosing device's user. Furthermore, the rim portion, which delimits the opening in the container body, and the handle portion extend in a common plane and define a circumferential edge of the dosing device therein. Thereby, it is possible to avoid any material being retained on the handle portion, whereby the dosing accuracy and hygiene can be ensured. Moreover, extending in the common plane further allows the dosing device to rest stably on a surface, such as a kitchen table or a conveyor belt, for storage, transportation or production purposes. In addition, this configuration makes it easier to use a levelling system to homogenize and control the quantity of dosage material, like powder, received in the dosing device. For example, a knife may be passed over the surface delimited by the common plane to remove any powder in excess of the defined volume in the container portion. The dosing device further comprises a ribbing portion that extends from the circumferential edge at least at the handle portion to the lower side of the dosing device. Thereby, the handle portion is additionally supported by the ribbing portion so that forces or moments arising during the filling process can be dissipated. Thus, the mechanical resilience and flexibility of the dosing device is improved as the mechanical load on the container body is not only distributed over a wider cross-sectional area but also reduced by the ribbing portion due to its particular design.

Thus, the dosing device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and achieves the objectives set out above.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ribbing portion may extend from the circumferential edge at least at the handle portion opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the ribbing portion may extend from the circumferential edge at the rim portion. Also, the ribbing portion may extend from the entire circumferential edge of the dosing device. Therein, the ribbing portion may extend along (at least parts of) the circumferential edge in a continuous manner.

Thereby, it can be achieved that the ribbing portion is provided on parts of the dosing device that are mechanically strained during the dosing process. Thus, the mechanical properties, such as strength and rigidity, of the dosing device can be improved further. Also, the design, production and manufacturing of the dosing device can be simplified and improved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the ribbing portion may extend at its end opposite to the circumferential edge at least partially in a lower side plane that is preferably parallel and/or offset to the common plane. Preferably, the lower side plane may delimit at least a part of the lower side of the dosing device along the handle portion.

Thereby, it can be achieved that the design and the manufacture of the dosing device can be improved. In particular, by providing the lower side of the dosing device along the handle portion within one plane it is possible to remove the dosing device during manufacturing with a single trimming step, for example by (manually) cutting along the aforementioned plane or using a stamping or punching device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ribbing portion may increase at the connecting portion in size. Preferably, the ribbing portion may increase at the connecting portion (in size) in a continuous manner and/or with a constant slope.

For example, the ribbing portion may extend at the connecting portion from the circumferential edge to the lower side of the dosing device such that the ribbing portion expands with increasing distance from the rim portion. Alternatively or additionally, the ribbing portion may widen laterally from the longitudinal axis at the connecting portion with reducing distance from the rim portion. The ribbing portion may extend laterally at the connecting portion such that the ribbing portion transitions onto the rim portion in a preferably continuous manner.

Thereby, it can be achieved that material can be saved, thereby making the dosing device more lightweight and cost effective. In addition, the ribbing portion can be provided such that it functions as a support strut for the container body and/or the connecting portion. Also, the ribbing portion can support the connecting portion and the handle portion such that mechanical forces acting on the container body are split between the handle portion and the ribbing portion and re-directed, thereby reducing the mechanical load at least for the connecting portion. Moreover, it is possible to make the dosing device more resilient and preferably more resilient with regards to stresses caused by forces or bending moments with a specific or predetermined direction or orientation than to stresses from forces or bending moments with a different direction or orientation.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the ribbing portion may extend from the circumferential edge at the rim portion such that a space between the ribbing portion and the container body is formed. Preferably, the space may be (integrally) filled.

By providing the ribbing portion in this manner, it is possible to increase the effective diameter of the container body, thus making it more resilient with regards to mechanical stress. Moreover, by (integrally) filling the space (such as a cavity) between the container body and the ribbing portion it can be avoided that dosage material accumulates in the space, thereby ensuring dosage accuracy and hygiene.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ribbing portion may be at least partially concave towards the upper side of the container body when seen from above.

Thereby, it is possible to avoid that any part of the ribbing portion accumulates dosage material during the dosing process. Instead, the design of the ribbing portion favours self-cleaning of its outer surfaces, for example by gravitationally induced sliding of any dosage material picked up by the ribbing portion during the dosing process. Thus, dosing accuracy and hygiene can be ensured. Also, the design favours an important aspect of hygiene that surfaces critical for hygiene ought to be visible at a first glance. In the present case, surfaces critical for hygiene face at least a similar direction as the direction the dosing device faces during dispensing of the dosage material.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the ribbing portion may have a L-shaped cross-section when seen along the handle portion.

Alternatively or additionally, the ribbing portion may have a cross-section when seen along the circumferential edge, which comprises at least two (preferably at least three) ribbing sections. The cross-section may preferably be provided at least at the connecting portion or at the handle portion or at the dosing device. The ribbing sections may extend successively in a row away from the handle portion and may be tilted with respect to each other and with respect to the common plane towards the lower side of the dosing device at a defined slope angle, respectively.

Preferably, the number of the ribbing sections and/or width and/or slope angle of at least some of the ribbing sections may change at least partially along the circumferential edge of the dosing device (or preferably at least at the connecting portion).

Therein, the changing width of ribbing sections of the at least some ribbing sections may decrease (preferably continuously) towards the container portion and/or towards a distal end of the handle portion opposite to the container portion.

In other words, at least some of the ribbing sections that may change their width, preferably may decrease in width, towards one and/or the other end of the dosing device.

Moreover, preferably the cross-section of the ribbing portion at the connecting portion continuously merges into and preferably remains constant along the ribbing portion at the rest of the handle portion and/or along the ribbing portion at the container portion.

By providing the ribbing portion with in such configuration, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the dosing device. Therein, the design of the ribbing portion with a cross-section having two or more, preferably at least three different slope angles was found to be particularly advantageous. Even more advantageous was found a cross-section having partially increasing and partially decreasing slope angles with increasing distance of the ribbing sections from the handle portion. For example, peaks of mechanical stress at certain parts of the dosing device can be avoided as the ribbing sections have a defined and stress optimised profile. Moreover, due to this particular layout of the ribbing portion, the hygiene can be improved as dosage material can slide easily downwards when holding the dosing device in a filled position and thus, dosage material retention on the handle portion can be avoided.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the connecting portion may be adjacent to the rim portion. The ribbing portion may be provided and/or extend laterally from the connecting portion when seen from above.

Thereby, the mechanical stress on the handle portion can be reduced as the distance between the origin of the load during the dosing process, which is typically the container body, and the connecting portion is reduced. Hence, a lever arm defined by the distance between the container body and the connecting portion can be reduced. Thus, the mechanical properties of the design device can be improved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the defined volume may be delimited by the rim portion, a bottom portion and an inner lateral surface of the container body that extends therebetween. Preferably, the inner lateral surface may extend from the rim portion to the bottom portion in a continuous manner. Additionally or alternatively, the inner lateral surface may have a constant profile or tapers from the rim portion towards the bottom portion.

Thereby, it can be achieved that the defined volume is defined by a structure that comprises no steps or recesses that may retain or absorb dosage material. Thus, the hygiene and dosage accuracy of the dosing device can be improved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner lateral surface of the defined volume may be smooth and/or may comprise a coating. Preferably, the coating may be a biodegradable substance or material.

Thereby, the risk of material retention or absorption during the dosing process can be reduced even further. Additionally, it may be easier to clean the defined volume. By providing also the coating as a biodegradable substance or material it is possible to provide the dosing device as a fully biodegradable object.

According to a preferred embodiment, the handle portion may have a symmetrical profile when seen from above. Alternatively or additionally, the handle portion and the corresponding ribbing portion may have a cross-section with a symmetrical profile and/or a cross-section opened towards the lower side of the dosing device (when seen along the longitudinal axis). Preferably, the handle portion and the corresponding ribbing portion may have (combined) a U-shaped cross-section (when seen along the longitudinal axis).

With this particular design it is possible to improve the manufacturing of the dosing device as its configuration is simplified. Also, the profile is beneficial for carrying mechanical loads, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the dosing device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the handle portion may taper preferably straight from the distant end of the handle portion towards the connecting portion (when seen from above). Alternatively or additionally, the handle portion may widen towards the container portion. Preferably, the handle portion may widen from the connecting portion (when seen from above) (towards the container portion).

Thereby, it is possible to balance aspects of ergonomic design requirements and requirements of the mechanical properties of the dosing device. Thus, it is possible to improve the dosing accuracy during the dosing process as the dosing device can be handled more delicately and precisely while maintaining the mechanical properties of the dosing device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the defined volume may range from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the handle portion may extend from <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM> from the connecting portion to the distant end of the handle portion, preferably along the longitudinal axis.

Thereby, it is possible to provide the dosing device with dimensions that are particular suitable for manual handling and dosing. In addition, the mechanical properties can be improved even further for these dimensions.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the dosing device according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method for manufacturing the dosing device comprises the following steps:.

The term "pulp material" or "pulp" may refer to any material that comes from a fiber source and that can be used as starting material for the (finished) "molded pulp fiber" that is described above.

Preferably, the method for manufacturing may comprise also the step of trimming the dosing device along external edges defined by the ribbing portion.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a use of the dosing device for dosing a dosage material. The dosing device corresponds to the first aspect of the present invention and/or is manufactured with the manufacturing method according to the second aspect of the present invention. The dosage material may be from the group consisting of powdered or granulated compositions, for example food compositions.

Preferably, the container portion of the dosing device may be filled with the dosage material. Further, a separate appliance having at least one straight edge may be used to scrape off any excess material from the filled container portion so that the container portion contains (only) a (desired) predetermined amount of the dosage material.

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention and when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

In case numerals have been omitted from a figure, for example for reasons of clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figure.

The figures show different views of an embodiment of the dosing device <NUM> according to the present invention.

The dosing device <NUM> is integrally made of molded pulp fiber.

Preferably, the dosing device <NUM> may be made as a single piece, part or component. For example, the dosing device <NUM> may be a spoon, a measuring spoon or a dosage spoon as exemplarily illustrated in the figures.

The dosing device <NUM> may be made from recyclable and/or recycled material. Also, the dosing device <NUM> may be biodegradable and/or compostable.

Molded pulp fiber may be made from pulp comprising cellulosic fibrous material that is prepared by chemically and/or mechanically separating cellulose fibers from material containing cellulose fibers. The material containing cellulose fibers may be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugar cane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, and/or rags, or combinations thereof.

The material containing cellulose fibers may comprise a defined ratio between long fibers and short fibers. In particular, the material may comprise not less than <NUM> vol. -% of softwood long fibers, not less than <NUM> vol. -% of softwood long fibers, or not less than <NUM> vol. -% of softwood long fibers. The remaining fibers may be hardwood fibers, non-wood short fibers, or a combination thereof.

The pulp used for the dosing device <NUM> may comprise cellulose, hemicellulose and/or lignin.

Hemicellulose provides a better adhesion between cellulose nanofibrils, thereby it may contribute to enhanced tensile properties of the dosing device <NUM>. Thus, preferably the dosing device <NUM> may be made from pulp with an increased hemicellulose content as experiments pointed towards a higher stiffness and tensile strength for this composition in comparison to pulp with a lower hemicellulose content. Lignin in the pulp has an influence on the texture and flexibility of the dosing device <NUM>.

Accordingly, the ratio of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin of the pulp for the dosing device <NUM> may be configured (adjusted) such that the resulting dosing device <NUM> has appropriate mechanical properties, such as bending stiffness. Preferably, a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM> for cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin may be used.

The pulp used for the dosing device <NUM> may further comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of alkyl ketene dimer wax, a fluorine containing polymer moiety, sodium silicate, or combinations thereof.

Alkyl ketene dimer wax may be used for modifying surface properties of the dosing device <NUM>. Typically, the use of alkyl ketene dimer wax in the pulp may provide the dosing device <NUM> with an increased and lasting hydrophobicity.

A fluorine containing polymer moiety in the pulp may impart to the dosing device <NUM> an improved resistance to low surface tension fluids, leading for example to an improved grease, oil, wax and solvent repellence. The fluorine containing polymer moiety may be a fluorine containing polymer moiety approved for use in contact with food products, for example. For example, the fluorine containing polymer moiety may be a copolymer comprising carbon and fluorine moieties, a polymer comprising phosphate and fluorine moieties, or a fluoroalkyl polymer. Examples may be selected from the group consisting of perfluoroalkylethylphosphate diethanolamine, ammonium di-[<NUM>-(N-ethyl-heptadecafluorosulfonamido)ethyl] phosphate, poly(<NUM>-(N-methyl-heptadecafluorosulfonamido)ethyl acrylate)-co-(<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxypropylacrylate)-co-(<NUM>-ethoxyethyIacryIate)-co-(<NUM>-(<NUM> -methylpropenyloyloxy)ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride), or combinations thereof.

A configuration of the pulp used for the dosing device <NUM> including sodium silicate may lead to increased mechanical strength. Sodium silicate may also be used as additive in the pulp during a bleaching process, for example with hydrogen peroxide.

The dosing device <NUM> may be produced by pulp molding.

The dosing device <NUM> comprises a container portion <NUM> for receiving and retaining a dosage material. The container portion <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

For example, the dosage material may be any powdered or granulated composition to be dosed. Also, the dosage material may be a liquid. Furthermore, the dosage material may be food. In particular, the dosage material may be powdered or granulated food, such as nutritional or infant formulas, growing-up milks, milk modifiers, cocoa-based beverage powders, cocoa malt-based beverage powders, coffee, instant food compositions, fruit flavoured beverage powders, spice mixtures, drink thickeners and pet food. Thus, the term "food" may include any substance, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which is intended for human consumption. In particular, this may include drinks, chewing gum and any substance, which has been used in the manufacture, preparation or treatment of "food". However, the term "food" does not include cosmetics, tobacco or substances used only as drugs. Thus, the dosing device <NUM> may be particularly suitable for food or for dosing food compositions.

The container portion <NUM> may have any shape that allows it to take up a certain amount of dosage material. For example, the shape of the container portion <NUM> may be adapted so that it corresponds to a typical shape that resembles the brand of the manufacturer of the dosage material. Typically, the container portion <NUM> (or the container body <NUM>) may have a cylindrical, oval, cubic or a cuboidal shape. For example, in the figures the container portion <NUM> is exemplarily illustrated as a truncated cone. However, this enumeration is not delimiting but merely an example. Furthermore, the container portion <NUM> may be configured such that it is particularly suitable for scooping movements.

For example, the container portion <NUM> may have a material thickness in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>.

The container portion <NUM> has a container body <NUM> that delimits a defined volume <NUM>, in which dosage material can be received and retained. The container body <NUM> has a rim portion <NUM> that circumferentially delimits an opening <NUM> at an upper side US of the dosing device <NUM> to access the defined volume <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show the dosing device <NUM> facing upwards. The container body <NUM> further comprises an outer surface <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, it is exemplarily illustrated that the container body <NUM> is delimited on its outside by the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> may be a mantle surface (lateral surface) of the container body <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> may also include the bottom surface <NUM>, which may define the underside of the container portion <NUM>.

On the inside of the container body <NUM>, the defined volume <NUM> may preferably be delimited by the rim portion <NUM>, a bottom portion <NUM> and an inner lateral surface <NUM> of the container body <NUM> extending between the rim portion <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM>. This can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Thus, the opening <NUM> in the container body <NUM> defines an entry for dosage material to pass into a space, i.e. the defined volume <NUM>, inside the container body <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> may be a hole in the container body. The rim portion <NUM> may be configured for scooping and/or retaining dosage material.

Preferably, the inner lateral surface <NUM> may extend from the rim portion <NUM> to the bottom portion <NUM> in a continuous manner. Thereby, the inner lateral surface <NUM> may have a constant profile. Alternatively, the inner lateral surface <NUM> may taper from the rim portion <NUM> towards the bottom portion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. This arrangement allows to empty the defined volume <NUM> at the end of the dosing process more easily, thereby increasing the dosing accuracy.

Preferably, the dosing device <NUM> or at least the inner lateral surface <NUM> may be smooth. Smoothening may be achieved during the manufacturing process. For example, an application of pressure and heat during manufacturing may be used to flatten a surface to be treated. Preferably, the dosing device <NUM> or at least the inner lateral surface <NUM> may be resistant against moisture or water uptake. This may be achieved during manufacturing, for example, by pressing and heat application. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing device <NUM> or at least the inner lateral surface <NUM> may comprise a coating, which preferably may be of a biodegradable substance or material. The dosing device <NUM> and/or the inner lateral surface <NUM> may be coated with a compound or a mixture of compounds, wax, kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, talc, polyethylene, polyolefin, silicone, and/or biopolymers.

The defined volume <NUM> may have any shape or form. In particular, the defined volume <NUM> may have a cylindrical, oval, cubic or a cuboidal shape. In the figures the defined volume <NUM> is exemplarily illustrated as a truncated cone. Also, the shape of the defined volume <NUM> may correspond with the shape of the container body <NUM> as exemplarily illustrated in the figures.

The defined volume <NUM> may correspond to an amount of dosage material needed for a single consumption occasion or it may correspond to a fraction thereof. Preferably, the defined volume <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. However, this enumeration is not delimiting but merely an example.

The dosing device further comprises a handle portion <NUM> for manually moving the container portion <NUM> relatively to the dosage material in a dosing process. The handle portion <NUM> comprises a connecting portion <NUM>, by which the outer surface <NUM> of the container body <NUM> is connected to the handle portion <NUM>. This is illustrated in <FIG>. Therein, the connecting portion <NUM> is exemplarily indicated by dashed lines. The connecting portion <NUM> may be adjacent to the rim portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM>.

The handle portion <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis LA and may have a symmetrical profile when seen from above as illustrated in <FIG>. Preferably, the handle portion <NUM> may taper (laterally from the longitudinal axis LA) from the end of the handle portion <NUM>, which is (most) distant to the container portion <NUM>, towards the connecting portion <NUM>. Moreover, the handle portion <NUM> may (then) (laterally) widen towards the container portion <NUM> starting from the connecting portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis LA).

The handle portion <NUM> may have a length that is preferential for manual handling or grasping. Preferably, the handle portion <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal axis LA from <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM> from the connecting portion <NUM> to the distant end of the handle portion <NUM>.

Further, the handle portion <NUM> may have a material thickness in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, or <NUM> - <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> of the dosing device <NUM> may be configured such that its material thickness is higher than the material thickness of the container portion <NUM>. Thereby, manual handling can be improved. For example, the handle portion <NUM> and the container portion <NUM> may have a material thickness ratio in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, or <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The dosing device <NUM> may have a length of less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM> or less than <NUM> as longest dimension. If the longest dimension is considered the length of the dosing device <NUM>, the width of the dosing device <NUM> may be less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM> or less than <NUM>. For example, the dosing device <NUM> may have a length of less than <NUM> and a width of less than <NUM>. It may also have a length of less than <NUM> and a width of less than <NUM>. It may also have a length of less than <NUM> and a width of less than <NUM>. It may also have a length of less than <NUM> and a width of less than <NUM>. It may also have a length of less than <NUM> and a width of less than <NUM>.

The rim portion <NUM> and the handle portion <NUM> extend in a common plane CP. This is exemplarily illustrated <FIG>. Moreover, the rim portion <NUM> and the handle portion <NUM> define a circumferential edge <NUM> of the dosing device <NUM>. The circumferential edge <NUM> extends in the common plane CP. With this configuration, it can be achieved that after filling of the container portion <NUM> any excess dosage material can be scraped off with any appliance having a straight edge, such as a knife, so that as a result the container portion <NUM> is precisely filled up to the common plane CP. Preferably, the dosing device <NUM> may extend at its upper side US entirely in the common plane CP. Thus, the entire top surface of the handle portion <NUM> and the entire top surface of the container portion <NUM> may extend in the common plane CP. This is exemplarily illustrated in the figures.

The dosing device <NUM> comprises a ribbing portion <NUM>. Thereby, the mechanical properties, such as the bending stiffness, of the dosing device <NUM> are improved. The ribbing portion <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

A different approach to increase the bending stiffness of the dosing device <NUM> may be, for example, to adjust the composition of the pulp material (details described above) and/or the material thickness of the dosing device <NUM>. However, it is a particular advantage of the present invention that modifications of the pulp composition or the material thickness can be avoided. Thus, with the present invention it is possible to increase the bending stiffness without having to provide additional or a more sophisticated pulp material.

The bending stiffness can be determined in accordance with ISO <NUM>. Preferably, the dosing device <NUM> may be configured such that it has a bending stiffness in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mNm in a direction along the longitudinal axis LA and/or <NUM> to <NUM> mNm in direction transverse thereto.

The ribbing portion <NUM> extends from the circumferential edge <NUM> at least at the handle portion <NUM> from the common plane CP to a lower side of the dosing device <NUM> such that mechanical stresses acting on the container body <NUM> in the dosing process are dissipated by the handle portion <NUM>.

Typically, bending moments or forces arise during the dosing process, as for example during scooping of dosage material with the dosing device <NUM>. The dosing device <NUM> may be stopped by a sidewall of the packaging containing the dosage material and thereby, may be subjected to a bending moment originating from the scooping movement of the hand of the operator. Furthermore, the weight of the dosage material in the container body <NUM> may cause a bending moment on the dosing device <NUM>. Typically, the weight of dosage material for powdered food compositions, which is to be scooped into the container body <NUM>, may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The ribbing portion <NUM> may protrude from the circumferential edge <NUM> at the handle portion <NUM> and at the container portion <NUM>. In particular, the ribbing portion <NUM> may protrude (extend) from the circumferential edge <NUM> at the rim portion <NUM> as illustrated exemplarily in the figures. Also, the ribbing portion <NUM> may protrude (laterally) from the outer surface <NUM> of the container body <NUM>.

The ribbing portion <NUM> may extend from the circumferential edge <NUM> at least at the handle portion <NUM> at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis LA. This is exemplarily illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Thus, the ribbing portion <NUM> may be provided symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. Preferably, the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend from the entire circumferential edge <NUM> of the dosing device <NUM>. Therein, the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend along (and from) the circumferential edge <NUM> in a continuous manner.

Also, the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend at least partially along the circumference of the container portion <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM> and the handle portion <NUM>. In particular, the ribbing portion <NUM> may at least partially extend circumferentially along the rim portion <NUM>. Also, the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend from the circumferential edge <NUM> at the rim portion <NUM>. Also, the ribbing portion <NUM> may be provided or extend laterally from the connecting portion <NUM> when seen from above. This is exemplarily illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

The ribbing portion <NUM> at its (vertical) end opposite to circumferential edge <NUM> may extend at least partially in a lower side plane LSP that is parallel and offset to the common plane CP. This is exemplarily illustrated in <FIG> but is particularly visible in <FIG>. Thereby, the lower side plane LSP may delimit at least a part of the lower side of the dosing device <NUM> along the handle portion <NUM> as is shown exemplarily in <FIG> and <FIG>. Preferably, the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend from the circumferential edge <NUM> such that the (entire) ribbing portion <NUM> may be provided extending away from the common plane CP to the lower side of the dosing device <NUM>.

The ribbing portion <NUM> may be at least partially concave towards the upper side US of the container body <NUM> when seen from above. This can be seen in <FIG>.

The ribbing portion <NUM> may increase at the connecting portion <NUM> in size in comparison to the remaining parts of the dosing device <NUM>, i.e. the container portion <NUM> and the rest of the handle portion <NUM>. Thereby, the ribbing portion <NUM> may increase in a continuous manner and/or with a constant slope. This is illustrated in <FIG>.

In particular, <FIG> illustrates exemplarily that the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend at the connecting portion <NUM> from the circumferential edge <NUM> to the lower side of the dosing device <NUM> such that the ribbing portion <NUM> expands with increasing distance from the rim portion <NUM>. Thereby, the ribbing portion <NUM> may continuously increase its vertical extension between the common plane CP and its end (vertically) opposite thereto along the longitudinal axis LA (starting from the connecting portion <NUM>).

Alternatively or additionally, the ribbing portion <NUM> may widen laterally from the longitudinal axis LA at the connecting portion <NUM> with reducing distance from the rim portion <NUM>. Therein, the ribbing portion <NUM> may continuously reduce its lateral (horizontal) extension from the circumferential edge <NUM> at the handle portion <NUM> along the circumferential edge <NUM> (and/or the longitudinal axis LA) (starting from the connecting portion <NUM>). This is illustrated exemplarily in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Therein, it is illustrated exemplarily that the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend laterally at the connecting portion <NUM> such that the ribbing portion <NUM> transitions onto the rim portion <NUM> in a continuous manner.

The ribbing portion <NUM> may have a L-shaped cross-section when seen along the handle portion <NUM> (or the circumferential edge <NUM>). However, this is only an example and other shapes of the cross-section of the ribbing portion <NUM> are conceivable.

Alternatively or additionally, the ribbing portion <NUM> may have, preferably at least at the connecting portion <NUM> or at the handle portion <NUM> or at the dosing device <NUM>, a cross-section that -when seen along the circumferential edge <NUM>- comprises at least two ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM>. The ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> are exemplarily illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Therein <FIG> shows ribbing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> while <FIG> shows ribbing sections <NUM> to <NUM>.

For example, the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may be (external) edges of the ribbing portion <NUM> that may define the profile and thus, the cross-section of the ribbing portion <NUM>. Each of the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may be a straight edge and/or curved edge. However, these are only examples. Two ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may be distinguishable from each other by their assignment to a corresponding surface of the ribbing portion <NUM> or by discernible differences (such as steps) in the profile of the ribbing portion <NUM>, for example.

From the exemplary illustration in the figures, it can be taken that the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may extend successively in a row away from the handle portion <NUM> towards the lower side of the dosing device <NUM>. Moreover, the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may be tilted with respect to each other and with respect to the common plane CP towards the lower side of the dosing device <NUM> at a defined slope angle, respectively.

In particular, the number of the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> of at least some of the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may change at least partially along the circumferential edge <NUM> of the dosing device <NUM> or preferably at least at the connecting portion <NUM>. This feature becomes apparent by comparing the cross-sections exemplarily illustrated in <FIG>, which shows a cross-section having only four ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM>, with the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>, which comprises seven ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the width of at least some of the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may change at least partially along the circumferential edge <NUM> of the dosing device <NUM> (or preferably at least at the connecting portion <NUM>). For example, the width may be taken as the (actual) length of the contour of the respective ribbing section <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, in <FIG> (showing the end of the connecting portion <NUM> removed from the container portion <NUM>) the first ribbing section <NUM> has a relatively long width in comparison to its width in <FIG> (showing a section of the connection portion <NUM> in close proximity to the container portion <NUM>).

Alternatively or additionally, the slope angle of at least some of the ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may change at least partially along the circumferential edge <NUM> of the dosing device <NUM> (or preferably at least at the connecting portion <NUM>). This is exemplarily illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the ribbing section <NUM> may have at the end of the connecting portion <NUM> distant to the container portion <NUM> a relatively steep slope angle (see <FIG>). In comparison, the ribbing section <NUM> may have a relatively flat slope angle at the end of the connecting portion <NUM> close to the container portion <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Preferably, the changing width of ribbing sections of the at least some ribbing sections <NUM>-<NUM> may (continuously) decrease towards the container portion <NUM> and/or towards a distal end of the handle portion <NUM> opposite to the container portion <NUM>. This is exemplarily illustrated for ribbing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, ribbing section <NUM> may have a tapered shape at both of its ends when seen from above.

The outer edge of the cross-section of the ribbing portion <NUM> may be formed by the ribbing section <NUM>, which may be substantially perpendicular to the common plane CP and/or tilted away from the circumferential edge <NUM>.

Preferably, the cross-section of the ribbing portion <NUM> at the connecting portion <NUM> continuously merges into and preferably remains constant along the ribbing portion <NUM> at the rest of the handle portion <NUM> and/or the ribbing portion <NUM> at the container portion <NUM>. For example, all figures illustrate that the aforementioned L-shaped cross-section of the ribbing portion <NUM> may remain constant for the rest of the handle portion <NUM> and similar can be found for the ribbing portion <NUM> along the circumference of the rim portion <NUM>.

Preferably, the configuration of the cross-section of the ribbing portion <NUM> as described above may be provided such that the thickness of the ribbing portion <NUM> evolves from an increased vertical extension towards an increased lateral extension from and along the along the circumferential edge <NUM> and/or such that the ribbing portion <NUM> has a corresponding contorted outer surface.

Further, the ribbing portion <NUM> may extend from the circumferential edge <NUM> of the rim portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM> such that a space <NUM> is formed between the ribbing portion <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the container body <NUM>. The space <NUM> may be integrally filled. This is exemplarily illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Space <NUM> is merely exemplarily indicated in these figures by a groove.

The handle portion <NUM> and the corresponding ribbing portion <NUM> may have a (combined) cross-section with a symmetrical profile. For example, the combined cross-section of the handle portion <NUM> and the corresponding ribbing portion <NUM> may be mirror symmetrical with respect to a plane that extends with the longitudinal axis and is perpendicular to the common plane CP (see <FIG>). The combined cross-section may be opened towards the lower side of the dosing device <NUM>. Preferably, the combined cross-section may be U-shaped when seen along the longitudinal axis LA. This becomes particularly clear from <FIG> and <FIG>. The dosing device <NUM> may be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

Naturally, it is also conceivable that the dosing device <NUM> may comprise additional ribbing portions <NUM> that may be provided on the lower side of the handle portion <NUM>, for example.

Furthermore, a second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dosing device <NUM> as described above. The method comprises the following steps:
The pulp material is dewatered. For this, the pulp material may be collected on a grid that has the (negative) shape of the dosing device <NUM>. Vacuum suction may be applied. The dewatered pulp material is pressed into the form/shape of the dosing device <NUM>. A drying step is completed thereafter. Then trimming of the dosing device <NUM> along external edges defined by the ribbing portion <NUM> may be completed.

The method may include additional treatment steps, for example to increase the smoothness or water resistance of the dosing device <NUM>. Such steps may comprise the application of heat and pressure. Furthermore, a treatment step may include the colouring of the pulp material by adding colours to the pulp material. The dosing device <NUM> may include a further treatment step that includes embossing and/or debossing it for adding a brand name such as decoration elements <NUM>, <NUM>, which are exemplarily illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. This is not only useful in brand communication, but can also increase the safety of the dosing device <NUM> by reducing the risk of accidental use for a different purpose. Also, an anti-slip surface pattern may be added to the dosing device <NUM>, for example to its handle portion <NUM>.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a use of the aforementioned dosing device <NUM> for dosing a dosage material. Therein, the dosage material may be from the group consisting of powdered or granulated compositions. For example, the dosage material may be food compositions.

Correct dosing may be ensured by scraping off any excess dosage material from the container portion <NUM> after filling. Therefore, an appliance with a straight edge, such as a knife, may be used to scrape off any excess material from the filled container portion <NUM>, so the container portion <NUM> contains exactly the defined volume <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Dosing device (<NUM>) integrally made of molded pulp fiber comprising
- a container portion (<NUM>) having a defined volume (<NUM>) for receiving and retaining a dosage material, the container portion (<NUM>) having a container body (<NUM>) delimiting the defined volume (<NUM>), the container body (<NUM>) having a rim portion (<NUM>) circumferentially delimiting an opening (<NUM>) at an upper side (US) of the dosing device (<NUM>) to access the defined volume (<NUM>);
- a handle portion (<NUM>) for manually moving the container portion (<NUM>) relatively to the dosage material in a dosing process;
wherein the handle portion (<NUM>) is connected to an outer surface (<NUM>) of the container body (<NUM>) by a connecting portion (<NUM>) of the handle portion (<NUM>) and extends from the container body (<NUM>) along a longitudinal axis (LA);
wherein the rim portion (<NUM>) and the handle portion (<NUM>) extend in a common plane (CP) and define a circumferential edge (<NUM>) of the dosing device (<NUM>) extending in the common plane (CP); and
- a ribbing portion (<NUM>), which extends from the circumferential edge (<NUM>) at least at the handle portion (<NUM>) to a lower side of the dosing device (<NUM>) such that mechanical stresses acting on the container body (<NUM>) in the dosing process are dissipated by the handle portion (<NUM>).