Patent Description:
Spice grinders typically include a grinding assembly that attaches onto a spice container, such as a bottle for example. Because the grinding assembly is rotated to grind the products within the bottle, the grinding assembly is commonly affixed to the bottle via a permanent, snap-fit connection. However, it may be desirable to refill the container once emptied. Accordingly, there is a need for a spice dispenser that allows a user to easily remove and reattach a grinding assembly for repeatable use of the spice dispenser.

Conventional grinder assemblies and spice dispensers including the same are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

According to an embodiment, a grinder assembly removably connectable to a container of a spice dispenser includes an outer housing, a stationary grinder component and a rotatable grinder component associated with said stationary grinder component to define a grinding chamber between a portion of said stationary grinder component and a portion of said rotatable grinder component. The rotatable grinder component is rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component about a grinding axis. The grinder assembly additionally includes a first feature for coupling the grinder assembly to said container and a second feature movable to selectively decouple the grinder assembly from the container, said second feature being distinct from said first feature; and wherein both the first feature and the second feature are arranged at an interior surface of the outer housing.

According to another embodiment, a reusable spice dispenser includes a container having a hollow cavity and a grinder assembly removably connectable to said container to seal the cavity. The grinder assembly includes an outer housing, a stationary grinder component in communication with said hollow cavity, a rotatable grinder component rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component about a grinding axis, a first feature for coupling the grinder assembly to said container, and a second feature movable to selectively decouple the grinder assembly from the container, said second feature being distinct from said first feature; and wherein both the first feature and the second feature are arranged at an interior surface of the outer housing.

According to yet another embodiment, a grinder assembly removably connectable to a container of a spice dispenser includes a stationary grinder component and a rotatable grinder component coupled to said stationary grinder component to define a grinding chamber between a portion of said stationary grinder component and a portion of said rotatable grinder component. The rotatable grinder component is rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component about a grinding axis. A feature extending from said stationary grinder component is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, said feature is operable to restrict movement of said stationary grinder component relative to the container, and in the second position said stationary grinder component is separable from the container.

According to yet another embodiment, a reusable spice dispenser includes a container having a hollow cavity and a grinder assembly removably connectable to said container. The grinder assembly includes a stationary grinder component in communication with said hollow cavity, a rotatable grinder component rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component about a grinding axis and a feature extending from said stationary grinder component that is movable between a first position and a second position to selectively couple said stationary grinder component to said container.

According to an embodiment, a grinder assembly removably connectable to a container of a spice dispenser includes a stationary grinder component and a rotatable grinder component associated with said stationary grinder component to define a grinding chamber between a portion of said stationary grinder component and a portion of said rotatable grinder component. The rotatable grinder component is rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component about a grinding axis. The rotatable grinder component includes a feature and when said feature is aligned with an opening of said stationary grinder component, said rotatable grinder component is translatable along said grinding axis between a plurality of positions relative to said stationary grinder component to adjust a size of said grinding chamber.

According to an embodiment, a spice dispenser includes a container having a hollow cavity and a grinder assembly including at least one movable component. The grinder assembly is rotatable relative to said container. A tamper label having a perforation formed therein is mounted to the spice dispenser such that a portion of the tamper label overlaps with said at least one movable component, and said perforation is aligned with a plane of movement associated with said at least one movable component.

With reference now to <FIG> an example of a spice dispenser <NUM> is illustrated. As shown, the spice dispenser <NUM> includes a container <NUM> having a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and at least one wall <NUM> extending between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Together, the first end <NUM> and the at least one wall <NUM> cooperate to define a cavity <NUM> within which a food item, such as spices for example, are received. Generally, the second end <NUM> of the container <NUM> is closed or sealed and the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM> is open such that food is inserted into the cavity <NUM> of the container <NUM> via the first end <NUM>. The container <NUM> illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only, and a container having any suitable configuration is within the scope of the disclosure.

The spice dispenser <NUM> additionally includes a grinder assembly <NUM> mounted to the container <NUM> to seal the first open end <NUM> thereof. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the grinder assembly <NUM> includes an outer housing <NUM>, a stationary grinder component <NUM>, and a rotatable grinder component <NUM>. In an embodiment, any of the components of the grinder assembly may be formed from a suitable plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate for example. However, it should be understood that not only other plastics, but also other materials such as metals or composites for example, may be used to form any of the components of the spice dispenser <NUM>.

The stationary grinder component <NUM> includes a grinding sleeve <NUM> having a circumferential web <NUM> protruding outwardly from the exterior <NUM> of the grinding sleeve <NUM>. As shown, an outer diameter of the grinding sleeve <NUM> may be generally equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container <NUM> at the first open end <NUM>. Accordingly, when the grinder assembly <NUM> is attached to the container <NUM>, at least a portion of the grinding sleeve <NUM> extends into the cavity <NUM> of the container <NUM>. However, it should be understood that embodiments where the grinding sleeve <NUM> is outside of but in communication with the cavity are also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the web or flange <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM> is arranged in direct contact with and supported by the exposed end <NUM> of the container <NUM> to properly position the stationary grinder component <NUM> relative to and in communication with the cavity <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

As shown, the grinding sleeve <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> and a plurality of teeth <NUM> protruding inwardly from the interior surface <NUM> of the grinding sleeve <NUM>. In an embodiment, each tooth <NUM> is in the form of a rib which extends generally over the height of the grinding sleeve <NUM>. Although the bore <NUM> is illustrated as being generally tapered or conical in shape, it should be understood that any suitable configuration of the stationary grinder component <NUM>, and more specifically of the bore <NUM> and teeth <NUM> for example, are within the scope of the disclosure.

The rotatable grinder component <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the stationary grinder component <NUM> to break or grind the food arranged within the cavity <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the rotatable grinder component <NUM> includes a support ring <NUM> and a grinding element <NUM> connected to the support ring <NUM> by one or more radially extending spokes <NUM>. As shown, an inner diameter of the support ring <NUM> is larger than an outer diameter of the grinding sleeve <NUM>. Accordingly, the support ring <NUM> is rotatable about the grinding sleeve <NUM> without interference.

In an embodiment, the rotatable grinding element <NUM> is generally conical is shape and is closed at its lower end <NUM> and open at its upper end <NUM>. When the grinder assembly <NUM> is affixed to the container <NUM>, the rotatable grinder component <NUM> is axially aligned with and upwardly adjacent the stationary grinder component <NUM> such that at least a portion of the grinding element <NUM> is received within the bore <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. In an embodiment, one or more grinding teeth <NUM> are located at the exterior surface <NUM> of the grinding element <NUM>.

A grinding chamber <NUM> is defined between the exterior <NUM> of the grinding element <NUM> and the plurality of teeth <NUM> of the grinder sleeve <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. This grinding chamber <NUM> is in communication with the openings defined between the plurality of spokes <NUM> coupling the grinding element <NUM> and the support ring <NUM> to define a path of the broken or ground food out of the grinding chamber <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> has a central bore <NUM> equal in diameter to the exterior of the container <NUM> receivable therein. As shown, the outer housing <NUM> surrounds the circumference of the flange <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>, but does not contact the stationary grinder component <NUM> when the outer housing <NUM> is connected to the container <NUM>. The rotatable grinder component <NUM> is coupled to the outer housing <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a groove <NUM> formed in an interior surface of the outer housing <NUM> may be sized and/or positioned to receive one or more protrusions <NUM> extending outwardly from a portion of the support ring <NUM> of the rotatable grinder component <NUM>. However, other connections formed between the outer housing <NUM> and the rotatable grinder component <NUM> are also contemplated herein.

Further, the stationary grinder component <NUM> may be retained within the outer housing <NUM> when the outer housing <NUM> is not connected to a container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> includes an annular flange <NUM> positioned generally adjacent an underside of the flange <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. Together, the flange <NUM> and the rotatable grinder component <NUM> cooperate to retain the position of the stationary grinder component <NUM> relative to the rotatable grinder component <NUM> and the outer housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the grinder assembly <NUM> is configured to couple to the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM> via a snap fit connection. As shown, an outwardly extending annular retaining bead <NUM> is located generally adjacent the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM>, for example between the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM> and a shoulder <NUM> of the container <NUM>. A first feature, such as a corresponding inwardly projecting tooth <NUM> for example, is located at an interior surface <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the contour of at least one of the retaining bead <NUM> and the tooth <NUM> is selected to facilitate connecting the outer housing <NUM> to the container <NUM>. For example, the annular retaining bead <NUM> has a sloped surface that causes the outer housing <NUM> to bow outwardly when the tooth <NUM> is in contact with the retaining bead <NUM> as the grinder assembly <NUM> is being attached. However, once the tooth <NUM> has moved axially beyond the retaining bead <NUM>, the engagement between the retaining bead <NUM> and the tooth <NUM> restricts movement of the outer housing <NUM> away from the container <NUM>, and therefore separation of the grinder assembly <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

In use, the spice dispenser <NUM> is inverted, causing one or more spices within the container <NUM>, such as peppercorns for example, to fall into the grinding chamber <NUM> defined by the gap between the grinding element <NUM> and the grinding sleeve <NUM>. As the rotatable grinder component <NUM> is rotated relative to the stationary grinder component <NUM> and the container <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> of the grinding sleeve <NUM>, and in some embodiments, the teeth <NUM> of the grinding element <NUM> break the peppercorns between them. The fragments then drop out of the grinder assembly <NUM> through the openings between the adjacent spokes <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rotatable grinder component <NUM> is movable between a plurality of positions to vary the size of the grinding chamber <NUM> formed between the grinding sleeve <NUM> and the grinding element <NUM>. As a result, the coarseness of the grind of the spices within the grinding chamber <NUM> is similarly adjusted. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a position of the grinding element <NUM> is controlled by an adjustment mechanism <NUM>, such as an adjustment ring located upwardly adj acent the grinding element <NUM>. The adjustment ring <NUM> is mounted in overlapping arrangement with the end <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM> and the end <NUM> of the rotatable grinder component <NUM>. In an embodiment, the adjustment ring <NUM> is rotatable relative to the outer housing <NUM> and/or the rotating grinding element <NUM>. As the adjustment ring <NUM> is rotated, the grinding element <NUM> is raised or lowered vertically relative to the grinding sleeve <NUM> (along the grinding axis), such as via a cam surface arranged at the interface between the adjustment ring <NUM> and the rotating grinding element <NUM> for example. However, an adjustment mechanism <NUM> having any suitable configuration to transform the rotatable grinding element <NUM> between a plurality of positions to adjust the size of the grinding chamber <NUM> and therefore the coarseness of the grind formed by the grinder assembly <NUM> is within the scope of the disclosure.

The grinder assembly <NUM> of the spice dispenser <NUM> is separable from the container to allow a user to refill the container. In an embodiment, a second feature of the grinding assembly, separate from the feature used to couple the grinding assembly to the container is used to separate the grinding assembly from the container. For example, a threaded connection may be used to disconnect the grinder assembly <NUM> from the container <NUM>. To form the threaded connection, a plurality of helical threads <NUM> extend outwardly from a portion of the container <NUM> between the retaining bead <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM>. A second feature including a corresponding helical engagement thread <NUM> extends inwardly from the interior surface <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. As shown, the diameter of the portion of the container <NUM> extending between the retaining bead <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> is less than a diameter of the container <NUM> at the retaining bead <NUM>. As a result, a clearance <NUM> exists between the interior surface <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM> and the outer surface of the container <NUM>. Accordingly, when the outer housing <NUM> is in a normal condition, the thread <NUM> is not engaged with the corresponding threads <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Because of this, a user can easily rotate the outer housing <NUM>, and therefore the rotatable grinder component <NUM>, about the axis X of the grinder assembly <NUM> to perform a grinding operation without separating the grinder assembly <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

To access the cavity <NUM> of the container <NUM> by removing the grinder assembly <NUM>, a user must apply a radial inward force to a lower portion of the outer housing <NUM>, causing the at least one thread <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM> to engage the adjacent threads <NUM> of the container <NUM>. While these threads are in contact, the user must simultaneously rotate the outer housing <NUM> about the grinding axis X relative to the container <NUM>. The helical configuration of the threads <NUM>, will cause the outer housing <NUM> to move vertically while rotating. The force resulting from mechanical advantage provided by the engagement of the threads <NUM>, <NUM> causes the outer housing <NUM> to bow, thereby allowing the tooth <NUM> to disengage from and overcome the retaining bead <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, another example of a spice dispenser <NUM> is illustrated according to an embodiment. As shown, the grinding assembly <NUM> has a reduced number of components compared to the embodiments of <FIG>. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the spice dispenser <NUM> similarly includes a container <NUM> having a first open end <NUM>, a second closed end <NUM>, and at least one wall <NUM> extending between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> to define a cavity <NUM> for storing one or more food items.

The grinder assembly <NUM> mountable to the open end <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a stationary grinder component <NUM> and a rotating grinder component <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the stationary grinder component <NUM> is configured to couple directly to the open end <NUM> of the container <NUM>. As shown, the stationary grinder component <NUM> includes an annular body <NUM> having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stationary grinder component <NUM> includes a plurality of inwardly extending threads <NUM> and the container <NUM> includes a plurality of outwardly extending threads <NUM>. The inwardly and outwardly extending threads <NUM>, <NUM> can cooperate to threadably couple the stationary grinder component <NUM> to the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at least one locking tab <NUM> extends from a lower end <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. When the stationary grinder component <NUM> is coupled to the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM>, the at least one locking tab <NUM> is received within a cutout or groove <NUM> formed in the exterior surface of the container <NUM>, near the shoulder <NUM> of the container <NUM> for example. Accordingly, once the stationary grinder component <NUM> is connected to the first end <NUM> of the container <NUM>, the rotational force that would normally be applied during operation of the grinder assembly <NUM> is insufficient to decouple the stationary grinder component <NUM> from the container <NUM> due to the engagement between the at least one locking tab <NUM> and the walls of the cutout <NUM>. In an embodiment, a user must apply a rotational force sufficient to cause the at least one locking tab <NUM> to flex and slide over the walls of the cutout <NUM>, along the exterior of the container <NUM>, to selectively decouple the stationary grinder component <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

In other embodiments, where the locking tab cannot be rotated out of the cutout <NUM> via additional rotational force, a user may apply a radial inward force to a portion of the stationary grinder component offset form the at least one tab, such as between tabs for example. The radial force will cause the lower portion of the stationary grinder component, including the locking tabs <NUM> to flex out of the cutout <NUM>. Accordingly, the stationary grinder component <NUM> may be freely rotated while the radial inward force in applied to decouple the stationary grinder component <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

The stationary grinder component <NUM> additionally includes a grinding sleeve <NUM> having a circumferential web <NUM> protruding outwardly from the exterior <NUM> of the grinding sleeve <NUM> for connecting the grinding sleeve <NUM> to the annular body <NUM>. As previously described, the outer diameter of the grinding sleeve <NUM> is generally equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container <NUM> at the first open end <NUM> such that at least a portion of the grinding sleeve <NUM> extends into the cavity <NUM> of the container <NUM> when the stationary grinder component <NUM> is coupled to the container <NUM>. However, it should be understood that embodiments where the grinding sleeve <NUM> is outside of but in communication with the cavity are also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the web or flange <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM> is arranged in direct contact with and supported by the exposed end <NUM> of the container <NUM> to properly position the stationary grinder component <NUM> relative to the container <NUM>.

As shown, the grinding sleeve <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> and a plurality of teeth <NUM> protrude inwardly from the interior surface <NUM> of the grinding sleeve <NUM>. In an embodiment, each tooth <NUM> is in the form of a rib which extends generally over the axial height of the grinding sleeve <NUM>. Although the bore <NUM> is illustrated as being generally tapered or conical in shape, it should be understood that any suitable configuration of the stationary grinder component <NUM>, and more specifically of the bore <NUM> and teeth <NUM> for example, are within the scope of the disclosure.

The rotatable grinder component <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the stationary grinder component <NUM> to break or grind the food arranged within the container <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> and the rotatable grinder component <NUM> of the previous embodiment of <FIG>, have been combined into a single component. As shown, the rotatable grinder component <NUM> includes a generally hollow cylindrical outer body <NUM>. In an embodiment, an exterior surface <NUM> of the outer body <NUM> is textured, for example knurled, to provide a surface that is easier to grasp and manipulate. A grinding element <NUM> is connected to the interior surface <NUM> of the outer body <NUM> by one or more radially extending spokes <NUM>. In an embodiment, a vertical flange <NUM> extending from a first end <NUM> of the grinding element <NUM> is configured to abut an outer diameter of the grinding sleeve <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. The vertical flange <NUM> may maintain general alignment between the grinding element <NUM> and the grinding sleeve <NUM> as the grinding element <NUM> is moved between multiple positions, to be described in more detail below.

As previously described, in an embodiment, the rotatable grinding element <NUM> is generally conical is shape and is closed at its lower end <NUM> and open at its upper end <NUM>. When the grinding assembly <NUM> is affixed to the container <NUM>, the rotatable grinder component <NUM> is axially aligned with and located upwardly adjacent the stationary grinder component <NUM> such that at least a portion of the grinding element <NUM> is received within the bore <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. In an embodiment, one or more grinding teeth (not shown) are located at the exterior surface <NUM> of the grinding element <NUM>.

A grinding chamber <NUM> is defined between the exterior <NUM> of the grinding element <NUM> and the plurality of teeth <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. This grinding chamber <NUM> is in communication with the openings defined between the plurality of spokes <NUM> coupling the grinding element <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> to define a path for the broken or ground food out of the grinding chamber <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rotating grinder component <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the stationary grinder component <NUM>. As shown, a retaining bead <NUM> extends outwardly from an exterior surface of the annular body <NUM> of the stationary grinder component <NUM>. A corresponding tooth <NUM> extending from the interior surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the rotating grinder component <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the retaining bead <NUM> to restrict vertical movement of the rotating grinder component <NUM> relative to the stationary grinder component <NUM>. Although a snap fit interface is illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any mechanism for rotatably connecting the rotating grinder component <NUM> to the stationary grinder component <NUM> is contemplated herein.

Similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, the rotating grinder element <NUM> may, but need not be, movable between a plurality of positions to vary the size of the grinding chamber <NUM> formed between the grinding sleeve <NUM> and the grinding element <NUM>, and therefore the coarseness of the grinds formed therein. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, an adjustment ring <NUM> is located upwardly adjacent the grinding element <NUM> and the one or more spokes <NUM> connecting the grinding element <NUM> to the outer body <NUM>. The adjustment ring <NUM> is rotatable relative to the rotating grinder component <NUM> about axis grinding axis X. As the adjustment ring <NUM> is rotated, the grinding element <NUM> is raised or lowered vertically relative to the grinding sleeve <NUM>, such as via a cam surface arranged at the interface between the adjustment ring <NUM> and the rotating grinding element <NUM>. However, any mechanism for adjusting the configuration of the grinding chamber <NUM> is within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a spice dispenser <NUM> is illustrated, wherein like numbers previously used in <FIG> to describe various components are used to designate like components. The container <NUM>, stationary grinder component <NUM>, and rotating grinder component <NUM> are substantially similar to those described with respect to <FIG>. However, the spice dispenser <NUM> of the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, does not include a separate adjustment ring for adjusting the vertical position of the grinding element <NUM> relative to the grinding sleeve <NUM>. Rather, the functionality of the adjustment ring is integrated directly into the rotating grinder component <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more ridges or protrusions <NUM> extend about an outer periphery of the annular body <NUM>. As shown, the protrusions <NUM> are vertically stacked beneath the retaining bead <NUM>, and have a smaller diameter than the retaining bead <NUM>. In an embodiment, the protrusions do not extend continuously about the entire periphery of the annular body <NUM>. Rather, one or more openings are formed therein. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, each annular protrusion includes two openings. Further, it should be understood that the protrusions <NUM> are generally aligned such that the openings of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> are stacked relative to one another to define a path of movement.

As previously described, a tooth <NUM> extending from the interior surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the rotating grinder component <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the retaining bead <NUM> to restrict vertical movement of the rotating grinder component <NUM> relative to the stationary grinder component <NUM>. Further, the tooth <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the one or more protrusions <NUM> to define various positions of the rotatable grinder element <NUM> relative to the grinder sleeve <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the tooth has a radial length equal to or slightly greater than the openings formed in the protrusions.

A user can to easily manipulate the position of the tooth <NUM> relative to the protrusions <NUM>, to adjust the coarseness of the grind to be produced. In an embodiment, a user rotates the rotatable grinder component <NUM> relative to the stationary grinder component <NUM> until the tooth <NUM> is aligned with the openings <NUM> formed in the plurality of protrusions <NUM>. An indicator visible at an exterior of the spice dispenser <NUM> may indicate to a user when the tooth <NUM> and the openings <NUM> are aligned. Once aligned, a user may apply an axial force to the rotatable grinder component <NUM>, thereby causing the tooth <NUM> to transition positions between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. In an embodiment, seating of the tooth <NUM> between the protrusions <NUM>, or between a protrusion <NUM> and the retaining bead <NUM> provides tactile feedback to the user to indicate that the tooth <NUM> has transitioned to an adjacent coarseness position. Once seated, the rotatable grinder component <NUM> may be rotated about the grinding axis X for normal use.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, best shown in <FIG>, the grinder assembly <NUM> includes two protrusions 292a, 292b, such that the rotatable grinder element <NUM> is movable between three distinct positions. In a first position, the tooth <NUM> is located adjacent a bottom surface of the lowermost protrusion 292b, resulting in the lowermost positioning of the grinding element <NUM>, and therefore the smallest grinding chamber <NUM>. In a second position, the tooth <NUM> is located between the first protrusion 292a and the second protrusion 292b. The second position is vertically raised along the grinding axis relative to the first position, thereby increasing the grinding chamber <NUM> and the size of the grind to be produced. The tooth <NUM> is located between the uppermost protrusion 292a and the retaining bead <NUM> when in the third position. The third position is the uppermost position of the rotatable grinder component <NUM> relative to the grinding axis X. Accordingly, in the third position, the grinding chamber <NUM> is the largest, and the resulting coarseness of the grind produced is increased. It should be understood that the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment having two protrusions 292a, 292b and therefore three positions is intended as an example only, and a grinder assembly <NUM> having any number of protrusions and/or positions of the rotatable grinder component <NUM> is within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference now to each of the embodiments of <FIG>, a lid <NUM> may be removably connected to a portion of the grinder assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is movable between a first closed position and a second open position. In the closed position, the lid <NUM> is in sealing arrangement with the openings defined between the spokes <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM> of the rotatable grinder component <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and in some embodiment with the central bore of the adjustment ring <NUM>,<NUM>. In an embodiment, the lid <NUM> may be wholly separable from the grinder assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the lid <NUM> may be affixed to an adjacent component, such as the adjustment ring <NUM>, <NUM>, or alternatively, the outer housing <NUM> or rotatable grinder component <NUM>, <NUM> for example. In such embodiments, the lid <NUM> may be operable to pivot about a pivot axis defined by a hinge or pin for example. In an embodiment, the hinge is a friction hinge, such that the lid <NUM> remains fixed at any position along the axis of rotation P where a force was removed. For example, if the lid <NUM> was rotated fully open, the lid <NUM> will remain fully open until the lid <NUM> is moved therefrom by a user. Accordingly, in the fully open position, the lid <NUM> is located out of the path of the spices output from the grinder assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, when the grinder assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is in use (i.e. inverted).

Alternatively, or in addition, the hinge may include a biasing mechanism (not shown) having a biasing force configured to bias the lid <NUM> to the fully open position once a portion of the lid <NUM> has been separated from the adjustment ring <NUM>, <NUM>, or from a latching mechanism retaining the lid <NUM> in the closed position. In such embodiments, to close the lid <NUM>, a user must apply a force to the lid sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism holding the lid in the open position.

In an embodiment, the grinder assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may further include one or more tamper evident features that easily identify to a user if the spice dispenser had previously been used or opened. One example of a tamper evident features includes a tamper label <NUM>. The tamper label <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material. The tamper label <NUM> includes a perforation <NUM> that defines a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> of the label <NUM>. The tamper label <NUM> is intended to be affixed to any portion of the spice dispenser <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having two components that move relative to one another. For example, the tamper label <NUM> may be located at the interface between the bottom of the outer housing <NUM>, and the body of the container <NUM>, at the interface between the stationary grinder component <NUM>, <NUM> and the body of the container <NUM>, <NUM>, at the interface between the rotatable grinder component <NUM>, <NUM> and the stationary grinder component <NUM>, <NUM> or alternatively, at the interface between the lid <NUM> and outer housing <NUM> or the rotatable grinder component <NUM>, <NUM>.

When installing the tamper label <NUM> to the spice dispenser <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the perforation <NUM> defining the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the label <NUM> should be arranged within the plane of relative movement between the adjacent components. Accordingly, the relative movement between the components will cause the label <NUM> to tear or separate along the perforation <NUM>, thereby indicating to the user that the spice dispenser <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has been tampered with.

Claim 1:
A grinder assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) removably connectable to a container (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of a spice dispenser (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
an outer housing (<NUM>);
a stationary grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a rotatable grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) associated with said stationary grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to define a grinding chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) between a portion of said stationary grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a portion of said rotatable grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein said rotatable grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) about a grinding axis (X); and
a first feature for coupling the grinder assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to said container (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a second feature movable to selectively decouple the grinder assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) from the container (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), said second feature being distinct from said first feature;
characterized in that both the first feature and the second feature are arranged at an interior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the outer housing (<NUM>).