Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]    The invention relates to a measuring dispenser for dispensing measured amounts of granular seasoning material and more particularly to a measuring dispenser for applying or dispersing measured quantities of granular seasoning onto food. The invention also relates to a method of seasoning. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the high-volume, quick-service food industry, uniformity of product quality is essential, as is efficiency of product preparation, to meet customer expectations and remain competitive in terms of food quality and price and speed of service. One key aspect of uniform product taste is the uniform application of any granular seasoning to a particular food item, in terms of a consistent quantity of seasoning applied to each food item and an even distribution of the seasoning over the surface of the food item. 
         [0003]    Existing granular seasoning dispensers have significant shortcomings with respect to uniformity of dispensed quantity, speed of dispensing, and/or evenness of dispensing distribution. For example, the evenly spaced apart apertures of the pour opening of a traditional household salt shaker only provide for relatively even distribution over an area roughly the size and shape of the pour opening, and the lack of metered flow control makes such a shaker clearly inadequate to provide a consistent quantity of seasoning on each of a plurality of food items. 
         [0004]    On the other hand, previous attempts to provide a metered seasoning dispenser have resulted in compromises to the ease and quickness of operation as well as the evenness of distribution. For example, one existing type of metered seasoning dispenser employs a metering chamber in direct communication with a dispensing outlet, the metering chamber separated from a much larger reservoir by a system of baffles, such that holding the dispenser in a filling position causes the metering chamber to be filled with a metered quantity of seasoning from the reservoir, inverting the dispenser from the filling position to a dispensing position causes only the metered quantity of seasoning to be dispensed, and then inverting the dispenser from the dispensing position back to the filling position causes the metering chamber to be filled again. This system is reasonably effective for providing a consistent quantity of seasoning for each dispensing cycle. However, the repeated action of inverting the dispenser back and forth to season a plurality of food items is somewhat awkward and time consuming, while the rotational inverting motion of the entire dispenser imparts trajectories to particles exiting the dispensing outlet that are difficult to predict and control, thus jeopardizing the even distribution of particles onto the food item. 
         [0005]    A need therefore exists for an improved metered dispenser for granular seasoning that is quick and comfortable to operate and that provides consistently uniform distribution and a consistent quantity of particulate or granular seasoning onto the surface of a food item. 
         [0006]    A dispenser used in a quick-service restaurant may be used over a hundred times in a day. Thus, there is a need for a dispenser that is very robust. 
         [0007]    Many prior art dispensers tend to have conical deflectors for spreading seasoning. However, such deflectors do not achieve all the desired patterns for spreading seasoning. Consequently, there is a need for dispensers with non-conical deflectors. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a measuring dispenser for dispensing granular materials, including granular seasoning, is provided. The measuring dispenser includes a container having an end and an interior volume for holding granular material to be dispensed. A dispensing structure covers the end of the container, the dispensing structure having a first member with at least one dispensing aperture in communication with the interior volume of the container. A second member, having at least one dispensing aperture is provided, each of the second member dispensing apertures forming a chamber for holding granular material. A third member is provided having at least one dispensing aperture in communication with the exterior of the measuring dispenser. The second member is located between the first and third members and is rotatable relative to the first and third members. The first member dispensing aperture and the third member dispensing aperture are positioned such that the second member can be rotated to selectively align the first member dispensing aperture with the second member dispensing aperture permitting granular material in the first member dispensing aperture to move into the second member dispensing aperture and with the third member dispensing aperture permitting granular material in the second member dispensing aperture to move through the third member dispensing aperture. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first member dispensing aperture has a raised rim extending towards the interior volume of the container. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first, second and third members are disc-shaped and arrayed in a stack with the first member on top, the second member beneath the first member and the third member beneath the second member. An actuator is provided for moving the first member dispensing aperture relative to the second member to cause granular materials to be deposited from the container into the first member dispensing aperture when the actuator is actuated. A baffle may be provided above the first member dispensing aperture so that the first member dispensing aperture moves underneath the baffle when the actuator is actuated. Typically, the baffle is sufficiently close to the raised rim of the first member dispensing aperture so that the baffle cooperates with the raised rim to cause granular materials in the container to fall into the first member dispensing aperture when the first member is moved, such as by operation of the actuator. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the first member dispensing aperture has a rim extending into the interior volume of the container, the rim being raised around a portion of the circumference of the first member dispensing aperture. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the measuring dispenser further includes an actuator, a yoke having a slot and connected to the actuator, a pin received in the slot so that movement of the actuator pulls the yoke and causes rotation of the third member relative to the second member. The slot may be sized to limit travel of the pin caused by movement of the actuator. The dispenser further includes in one embodiment a shaft for rotational movement of the first, second and third members about the shaft, wherein the yoke has a second slot in which the shaft is received. In another embodiment, the second slot of the yoke is sized to limit yoke travel caused by movement of the actuator. The shaft can have a key received in an opening in the second member, the opening for limiting the rotation of the shaft. The yoke may further include an expanded portion such that the expanded portion does not fit through an opening through which the yoke travels to thereby limit travel of the yoke. Thus, in one embodiment the measuring dispenser of the invention has a plurality of stop members that limit travel of the dispensing mechanism. This has the effect of distributing forces on multiple parts of the dispensing mechanism, thereby reducing wear on any single portion thereof. 
         [0012]    A suitable handle is provided for the measuring dispenser and the handle can also be positioned so as to limit travel of the actuator. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first, second and third members each have a plurality of dispensing apertures. Those dispensing apertures are arrayed in a predetermined fashion to facilitate dispensing. In one embodiment, actuation of the actuator causes rotation of the first member relative to the interior volume of the container, the path of travel of the first member dispensing aperture during the rotation does not intersect the path of travel of the other first member dispensing apertures. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the measuring dispenser includes at least one deflector associated with a respective one of the third member dispensing apertures for deflecting granular materials dispensed therethrough laterally or sideways. In addition, at least one deflector is associated with another one of the third member dispensing apertures for deflecting granular materials dispensed therefrom in a direction radially inwardly or outwardly. Typically, a separate dedicated deflector will be provided for each of the third member dispensing apertures. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of seasoning food is provided. The method includes providing a seasoning dispenser in accordance with the invention, holding the container containing granular seasoning over a food item to be seasoned, moving the handle of the dispensing structure to cause rotation of the second member relative to the first and third members and aligning at least one third member dispensing aperture with the at least one second member dispensing aperture while moving the handle and causing seasoning to be dispensed from at least one second member dispensing aperture. 
         [0016]    The dispenser in accordance with one aspect of the invention can achieve consistent quantities of particulate or granular seasoning with each dispense. There are three different features in accordance with different aspects of the invention that promote uniform, consistent and reliable dispensing of granular seasoning. One feature is a rim partially raised around the first member aperture. Another feature is pushing elements that cooperate with the partially raised rim. A third feature is radially-staggered apertures. 
         [0017]    The dispenser of the invention also has a simple, but efficient deflector arrangement composed of a dedicated small deflector for each dispensing chamber to promote uniform dispersion of seasoning. This provides for a deflector that can be made with a small amount of material, thereby allowing for more economical and efficient construction. 
         [0018]    The dispenser of the invention also has a dispensing mechanism with multiple stop members to help ensure a long life to the dispenser. 
         [0019]    Foods will expel vapor containing moisture and fat during cooking and immediately after removing from heat. The vapors will build-up on seasoning applicators using open holes to meter and distribute granular seasoning. This invention prevents or substantially prevents migration of vapor into the metering area of the dispenser and distribution is added with centrifugal force and gravity. Multiple cavities reduce the variation of the total amount of granular seasoning dispensed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first dispenser of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the first dispenser. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b  and  5  show the first dispenser when a dispensing mechanism is in its rest position.  FIG. 3   a  is a side elevation view.  FIG. 3   b  is a schematic view of the dispensing mechanism from above.  FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the dispensing mechanism along line  5  of  FIG. 3   b.    
           [0023]      FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  and  6  show the first dispenser when the dispensing mechanism is fully actuated.  FIG. 4   a  is a side elevation view.  FIG. 4   b  is a schematic view of the dispensing mechanism from above.  FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the dispensing mechanism along line  6  of  FIG. 4   b.    
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second dispenser of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  corresponds to  FIG. 3   b  and also shows pushing members. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a first member of the dispensing mechanism from the side and above. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    In a first embodiment of the invention, a dispenser  100  is provided as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  and  8 - 9 . Dispenser  100  has a container  102 , a pivotable lid  104 , a handle  106 , and a dispensing mechanism  108 . Container  102  has an open bottom  110 , which is covered by dispensing mechanism  108 . Container  102  is intended to contain granular materials to be dispensed by dispenser  100 . Granular materials include, for example, salt, pepper, sugar, other seasonings, grains, powders and colorants. 
         [0028]    Dispensing mechanism  108  has a first member  112 , a second member  114  and a third member  116 . First member  112  is the member that is closest to container  102 . First, second and third members  112 ,  114  and  116  have first, second and third member dispensing apertures  122 ,  124  and  126 , selected ones of which are sometimes referred to as  122   c,m ,  124   c,m  and  126   c,m , respectively. Second member  114  is rotatable about a pivot axis  128  relative to first and third members  112  and  116 . In practice, preferably, first and third members  112  and  116  rotate while second member  114  is stationary, but alternatively second member  114  could rotate while first and third members  112  and  116  are stationary or second member  114  could rotate in a direction opposite to first and third members  112  and  116 , for example. 
         [0029]    The first, second and third member dispensing apertures  122 ,  124  and  126  typically have the same pattern of distribution in their respective members  112 ,  114  and  116  so that the pattern of first member dispensing apertures  122  can be aligned with the pattern of second member dispensing apertures  124  and the pattern of third member dispensing apertures  126  can be aligned with the pattern of second member dispensing apertures  124  by rotation of the first and third members  112  and  116  relative to second member  114  around pivot axis  128 , respectively. 
         [0030]    The members are generally in the shape of flat circular discs, as shown and maintained in a stacked arrangement by a fastener  130 . Fastener  130  is preferably removable to permit disassembly of dispensing mechanism  108 . Preferably fastener  130  connects to a threaded pivot  132 . Preferably, first and third members  112  and  116  are rotatable around pivot  132  and pivot axis  128  passes through fastener  130  and pivot  132 . Threaded pivot  132  as shown is integral to member  112 , but it can be separate. Pivot  132  also includes a key  134 . Third member  116  has an opening  135  for pivot  132 . Opening  135  includes a keyway  136  matching key  134 . Second member  114  has an opening  138  through which pivot  132  and key  134  passes. Opening  138  limits the rotation of pivot  132  and by extension the rotation of first and third members  112  and  116 , respectively, to second member  114 . 
         [0031]    The patterns of dispensing apertures  122 ,  124 , and  126  form squares as illustrated, such that members  112 ,  114  and  116  can be rotated so that the patterns on the first and second members  112  and  114  and the patterns on the second and third members  114  and  116  can be selectively aligned by rotation. In one embodiment, members  112 ,  114  and  116  have at least one dispensing aperture  122 ,  124  and  126 , respectively. The number of dispensing apertures per member can be as desired, ranging from one to eight or more, for example. As illustrated, the number of dispensing apertures per member is eight. 
         [0032]    Dispensing apertures and openings can have raised rims as described below. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , dispensing apertures  122  have rims  140  that are raised around part of the perimeter of the trailing portions during dispensing movement of corresponding dispensing apertures on side  142  of first member  112  facing container  102 . Rims  140  are partially raised relative to side  142 . Partially-raised rims  140  help fill apertures  122  during dispensing as described later. As illustrated, rim  140  typically is raised around about 33% or more of the circumference of aperture  122  on side  142 , more typically at least about 50% to about 60% or 70% around the trailing portions of member  112 . A typical height for rims  140  is about 0.4 mm. On side  144  of member  112 , opposed to side  142 , rims  146  are provided that are raised around the entire perimeter of apertures  122  relative to side  144 . Member  114  has a side  148  facing container  102  and a side  150  facing away. Rims  152  of second member dispensing apertures  124  on side  148  are not raised. Rim  154  of opening  138  on side  148  is raised. Rims  146  and  154  are raised by substantially the same amount, which in the illustrated embodiment is a height of about 0.4 mm. Rim  154  is configured to allow free movement of the member  116  relative to member  114 . Rims  146  provide strength to member  112  adjacent apertures  122  to reduce friction and wear. Apertures  124  and opening  138  have rims  156  and  157 , respectively, on side  150 . Rims  156  and  157  are raised by substantially the same amount. Member  116  does have a raised rim  159  around its periphery to substantially match the height of rims  156  and  157 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a height of about 2 mm (note the figure may not be to scale). Rims  156  and  157  provide uniform and level points on the same surface. Elevated rims  156  and  157  prevent binding between surfaces by any granular material located on member  116 . The rims of apertures  126  are level with member  116  as are the rims for opening  135 . 
         [0033]    Apertures  122 ,  124  and  126  may be of different size and shape. Apertures  122  and  124  are substantially circular or substantially cylindrical when taking into account the thickness of members  112  and  114 , respectively. Typically, apertures  122  are circular and have the same or a slightly larger radius and circumference than circular apertures  124 . Apertures  122  and  124  are laid out in the same pattern such that the area of apertures  124  are contained within the area of apertures  122  when viewed from above as can be seen in  FIG. 3   b . Apertures  124  are sized to provide a desired amount of granular material with each dispense. Typical diameter values for circular apertures  122 ,  124  and  126  are 7.0, 5.4 and 7.0×9.0 mm, respectively. 
         [0034]    Apertures  126  can be substantially circular or substantially oval, for example. Preferably aperture  126  is substantially oval, e.g. two semicircles of the same radius joined by a rectangle, with two axes of symmetry, a major and a minor. The oval has a major axis which is substantially tangential to pivot axis  128  and a minor axis which is substantially radial to pivot axis  128 . The minor axis is the same or larger than the diameter of apertures  124  such that granular materials being dispensed from apertures  124  are not impeded by the rim of apertures  126 . As illustrated, apertures  122 ,  124  and  126  are laid out in a square or rectangle pattern with apertures substantially in the corner of the rectangle and apertures substantially in the middle of the side of the rectangle. The square or rectangle is sized such that corner apertures  122   c  do not overlap middle apertures  124   m  and middle apertures  122   m  do not overlap corner apertures  124   c  as member  112  is rotated relative to member  114  during a dispensing operation as shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  4   b . Similarly, corner apertures  126   c  do not overlap middle apertures  124   m  and middle apertures  126   m  do not overlap corner apertures  124   c  as member  116  is rotated relative to member  114  during a dispensing operation. 
         [0035]    Third member  116  has a plurality of deflectors  158  for deflecting and spreading granular materials during dispensing. Preferably, there is a deflector  158  associated with a separate one of each of apertures  126 . Specifically corner apertures  126   c  are associated with deflectors  158   c  and middle apertures  126   m  are associated with deflectors  158   m.  As illustrated, deflectors  158 , sometimes referred to as  158   c  and  158   m,  attach to member  116  along a side of apertures  126  facing away from pivot  132  and extend beneath apertures  126 , but they could be attached on the side facing pivot  132 . Corner deflectors  158   c  are designed to deflect dispensed granular materials tangentially with respect to pivot axis  128 . Middle deflectors  158   m  are designed to deflect granular materials radially with respect to pivot axis  128 . Middle deflectors  158   m  as illustrated deflect granular materials inwardly, but they could be oriented to deflect granular materials outwardly. Corner deflectors  158   c  are narrow relative to middle deflectors  158   m  to achieve the desired tangential deflections. The types and orientation of deflectors  158  can vary depending on the pattern of apertures  126  and on the area over which granular material is to be dispensed. By matching individual deflectors  158  to individual apertures  126 , it is possible to control the dispersion of dispensed granular materials to a greater degree than prior art dispensers which had a single deflector. In addition, individual deflectors  158  represent a significant savings in material costs relative to the prior art. 
         [0036]    The thickness of member  112  determines the portion of granular seasoning to be dispensed. Replacement of this member  112  with a thicker or thinner member  112  allows the same dispenser to be modified to deliver greater or lesser amounts, respectively, of seasoning. In addition, larger or smaller apertures  122 ,  124  and  126 , respectively, in members  112 ,  114  and  116 , respectively, also allow greater or lesser amounts of seasoning to be dispensed. 
         [0037]    Dispensing mechanism  108  may be attached to container  102  by any suitable structure. As illustrated dispensing mechanism  108  is part of a closure  160  (for open bottom  110 ) having an outer body  161 . The upper half of outer body  161  tapers towards the middle to match a recessed taper  162  of container  102 . Outer body  161  has two tabs  164  and  166  which attach dispensing mechanism  108  to container  102  by engaging two slots in container  102 . One of the two slots is not illustrated; the other slot is slot  170 . As illustrated, second member  114  is integral to closure  160 . 
         [0038]    Dispenser  100  also has baffles  171 . Baffles  171  may be located in container  102  generally, within open bottom  110  more specifically, or within closure  160 . Baffles  171  may be arranged in a spoke pattern and be connected to a support ring  169 . Preferably the number of baffles  171  matches the number of apertures  122 . 
         [0039]    Dispensing mechanism  108  is actuated by moving a lever  172 . Lever  172  is removably connected to yoke  174  by hook  173 . Yoke  174  has slots  175  and  176 . Pivot  132  is received in slot  175 . Member  116  has a pin  178  attached or integral to it. Pin  178  is received in slot  176 . Outer body  161  extends downwardly so that yoke  174 , pin  178 , and deflectors  158  are raised above a countertop or other support surface when dispenser  100  is placed upright on the countertop or support surface. Outer body  161  has an opening  180  through which yoke  174  connects to a finger grip  186 . Yoke  174  has a circular portion  182 . Circular portion  182  is wider than opening  180  and the rest of yoke  174  to not deflect or minimize deflecting of dispensed granular materials and to limit the movement of yoke  174  outwardly. 
         [0040]    Lever  172  rotates around removable pivot  184  in handle  106 . Lever  172  has finger grip  186  which is an opening within the body  188  of lever  172 . Lever body  188  is biased against or towards the body of container  102  by a biasing element  190 , which can be any suitable spring for pushing the lever body against or towards the body of container  102 . Preferably, biasing element  190  pivots around pivot  184  at one end  192 . The opposite end  194  of biasing element  190  moves within a track  196  within handle  106 . Biasing element  190  has a bend  198  of greater than 45 degrees (π/4 radians), preferably greater than 60 degrees (π/3 radians), and most preferably greater than about 75 degrees (5π/12 radians) when installed. Bend  198  is located adjacent pin  200  of handle  106 . 
         [0041]    Operation of the dispensing mechanism is described next.  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  5  and  8  illustrate dispenser  100  with dispensing mechanism  108  in its “rest” position. In the rest position, apertures  122  and  124  are aligned permitting granular material to flow out of container  102 , through apertures  122  and into apertures  124 . In the rest position, granular materials cannot flow through apertures  124  to the exterior because of member  116 ; apertures  124  are not aligned with apertures  126 . Adjacent apertures  122  are separated by baffles  171  when looking into container  102 . In other words, each aperture  122  is located between an adjacent pair of baffles  171 . As described below, baffles  171  and member  114  are stationary while members  112  and  116  rotate. However, it is conceivable that baffles  171  and member  114  rotate together about their axis during a dispensing operation while members  112  and  116  are stationary. 
         [0042]    Referring to the Figures generally and in particular to  FIGS. 2 and 4   a  and  4   b , a user of dispenser  100  initiates a dispensing operation by moving finger grip  186  in the direction indicated by the translation arrow A in  FIG. 4   a  (which can be done by a user squeezing together lever  172  and handle  106  with the user&#39;s hand having the user&#39;s fingers F inserted into finger grip  186  and the user&#39;s palm P resting against handle  106 . The movement causes lever  172  to pivot around pivot  184 . Pin  200  then pushes on spring biasing element  190  and causes it to bend more and end  194  to move upwardly within track  196 . The movement of lever  172  then causes hook  173  to pull yoke  174  outwardly. Yoke  174  in turn pulls pin  178 , which follows yoke  174  while moving initially to the right within slot  176 . The movement of pin  178  causes the rotation of members  116  and  112  relative to member  114  and baffles  171  clockwise as shown by the rotation arrow B in  FIG. 4   b.    
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , rims  140  are raised and have an outward ramp  202  on the leading portion of aperture  122  as member  112  rotates clockwise. The rotation of member  112  causes granular materials to be pushed up by raised rim  140  and ramp  202 . As the user further pulls on finger grip  186 , member  112  is further rotated which causes apertures  122  to pass under a baffle  171 . Ramps  202  and baffles  171  then cooperate to push granular material in container  102  into apertures  122  and to prevent or help break up any clumps of granular material. For purposes of the invention, apertures  122  can pass under a baffle because first member  112  is stationary and baffles  171  rotate as a whole about an axis or because baffles  171  are stationary and first member  112  rotates about its axis, for example. 
         [0044]    When a user fully pulls on finger grip  186 , dispenser  100  dispenses granular material M as shown in  FIG. 1 . Dispensing mechanism  108 , at this point in the dispensing operation, is illustrated in  FIGS. 4   b  and  6 . Apertures  124  and  126  are aligned permitting granular materials M to drop out of aperture  124 , some of which will then strike and be directed by deflectors  158 , and thereby dispensing and distributing the granular materials over a controlled area. 
         [0045]    After the dispense, a user can complete the dispensing operation by releasing finger grip  186 . Members  112  and  116  will then rotate back (counterclockwise) relative to member  114  to the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 3   b ,  5  and  8 . As member  112  rotates back, raised rims  140  tend to push granular materials into apertures  122 . The portion of raised rim  140  facing aperture  122  is preferably substantially vertical. Another feature that assists with filling of apertures  122  and  124  is that adjacent apertures  122  are staggered radially from pivot axis  128 , such that adjacent apertures do not travel on the same path, which could result in inconsistent filling of apertures  122  and  124 . Preferably adjacent apertures  122  are staggered such that their paths do not overlap during a dispense operation. At the rest position, apertures  122  and  124  are aligned permitting granular materials to drop from aperture  122  into aperture  124 . 
         [0046]    Dispensing mechanism  108 , including handle  106 , lever  172  and finger grip  186  enables dispensing with minimal movement and maximum visibility of the food during dispensing. This enables better operation, more accurate dispensing of seasoning onto the intended food item or items and reduced operator fatigue. 
         [0047]    An important feature of this embodiment is a number of cooperating or multiple stop mechanisms. Specifically, dispensing mechanism  108  limits or stops the rotation of members  112  and  116  relative to member  114  in several ways. First, movement of lever body  188  is limited by handle  106  and container  102 . Second, rotation of key  134  is limited by opening  138 . Third, the movement of yoke  174  is limited by pivot  132  in slot  175 . Fourth, the rotation of member  116  is limited by pin  178  in slot  176 . Fifth, movement of yoke  174  is limited by circular portion  182  and opening  180 . Dispensing mechanism  108  can have a primary stop mechanism which can be any of the above mechanisms and combinations thereof with other mechanisms being redundant and coming into play only as the primary stop mechanism wears. Having multiple stop mechanisms distributes the stopping forces over the multiple stop surfaces to provide for a more durable and longer lasting dispensing mechanism  108 . Advantageously, one or more of the stop mechanisms makes a noise during ordinary use by impact when maximum movement is achieved which signifies to the user that finger grip  186  can be released or that dispenser  100  is ready to dispense again. 
         [0048]    A second version of dispenser  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 7  as dispenser  300 . In this embodiment, deflectors  158  are located inwardly of apertures  126 . Deflectors  158   m  then deflect granular materials outwardly. In addition, outer body  161  has legs  204  which keep the dispensing mechanism  108  off of countertops. In addition, legs  204  may be useful to maintain a minimum distance between the dispenser and foods to be seasoned, for example. 
         [0049]    Both versions of dispenser  100  include openings  206  in outer body  161 , which permit granular materials between first and second members  112  and  114  to exit via openings  206 . Openings  206  help prevent granular materials from accumulating between first and second members  112  and  114  and thereby binding dispensing mechanism  108 . 
         [0050]    Although the components of dispenser  100  may be composed of any suitable material to facilitate their respective functions in accordance with the invention, dispenser  100  is substantially composed of a substantially rigid, food-safe material, such as a food-grade polymer, such as polycarbonate, nylon or various polymer blends as known in the art, the parts of which may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, including, for example, injection molding. The food-safe material used is preferably translucent or clear, especially for container  102 , so that the level of granular seasoning material can be visually discerned through the side of container  102 . Biasing element  190  is preferably composed of a food-grade metal suitable for springs such as stainless steel. 
         [0051]    In another aspect of the invention, a method for seasoning food is provided. The method includes holding container  100  or  300  containing granular seasoning, over a food item to be seasoned. Next, the user squeezes a handle of the dispensing mechanism causing rotation of the second member relative to the first and third members and aligns the at least one third member aperture with the at least one second member aperture. The alignment causes seasoning to be dispensed from the at least one second member aperture. The dispensed seasoning is deflected and dispersed by the deflectors over the food item. A noise is generated by the dispenser responsive to the squeezing. The user then releases the handle and the biasing element causes the second member to rotate relative to the first and third members and aligns the at least one first member aperture with the at least one second member aperture causing seasoning to fill the at least one second member aperture. 
         [0052]    While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Technology Category: 1