POWDER SUPPLEMENT SCOOPING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A system for scooping powdered supplements. The system includes a container and a handle attached to the lid of the container. The lid covers the container when powdered protein is contained therein.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to scooping systems and more specifically to scooping systems applicable to protein powders or other like powdered substances.

Many users consume powder supplements on a regular basis sometimes multiple times per day. Powder supplements can be consumed for health reasons, dietary, medicinal, sporting reasons or the like. For example, some users drink protein shakes to build muscle mass.

The user begins by scooping the powdered supplement (e.g., protein powder) from a large canister into a blender for mixing with water or other desired liquid. If there are a variety of supplements to be blended, the user scoops the supplement from each of the canisters and thereafter blends the powders appropriately to form the protein shake.

In some instances, the user may wish to travel either on vacation or for work. In such a case, the user must find suitable and sufficient storage among his or her luggage to store the several canisters of protein powder for the trip. The canisters might be very large and cumbersome for travel. Similarly, at a workplace, the user will often require sufficiently large storage space for all of the protein powder canisters.

It is within the above-referenced context that a need for the present invention has arisen. There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of a system and method for scooping powdered supplements can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, the system includes a container into which a user can scoop a single serving of protein powder or other similar type powdered substances for storage or travel. A lid covers the container when the protein powder is contained therein. A handle is attached to the lid for manipulation of the lid and handle such that a user can easily scoop the protein powder contained therein. In this manner, users need not travel with large canisters of protein powder. Similarly, at a workplace, large storage spaces are not needed to store canisters as users can easily scoop single servings of powdered protein into the container of the present invention.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a scooper system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the scooper system of FIG. 1 when fully opened according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a user scooping protein powder from a canister according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a scooper system in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a storage case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates scooper system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, scooper system 100 comprises lid 102 contiguously attached at a distal end 103 to handle 104. Scooper system 100 also includes receptacle 106, as shown.

Here, receptacle 106 is preferably cylindrical having open end 106A and closed end 106B. Receptacle 106 can receive protein powder or other types of powdered supplement via open end 106A. Closed end 106B is permanently closed to retain the protein powder therein.

Closed end 106B is formed preferably from the same material as that of the receptacle wall. By “permanently closed,” it is meant that a user cannot open closed end 106B such as by use of a cap that can be unscrewed or other such means. Since closed end 106B is closed and is formed with the same material as the receptacle, the closed end is smooth and contiguous so that powdered material does not remain on the closed surface when scooper system 100 is in use.

In one embodiment, receptacle 106 and lid 102 are attached via hinge 105 although other fastening techniques consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be utilized. Hinge 105 comprises pin 108 that is inserted into a male flange (not shown) attached to the proximate area of lid 102 and a female flange (not shown) attached to the open end 106A of receptacle 106.

This hinged mechanism allows lid 102 to close receptacle 106 to retain protein powder therein or to open receptacle 106 to scoop or pour out protein powder. In an alternate embodiment, lid 102 and receptacle 106 are not attached via a fastening mechanism.

Rather, when closed, lid 102 is simply a cap that fits tightly over open end 106A of receptacle 106; when open, lid 102 is completely removed from receptacle 106.

Scooper system 100 further comprises seal 120 attached to the interior of lid 102 as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, seal 102 is attached and runs along the circumference of lid 102. Seal 120 might be made of foam or other polymeric material that can prevent leakage of the protein powder or other powdered substances contained in receptacle 106.

As noted, lid 102 is contiguously attached to handle 104. When receptacle 106 is placed upright and lid 102 is closed, handle 104 extends alongside the wall of receptacle 106. That is, handle 104 extends in a downward and vertical direction from lid 102. When lid 102 is opened, handle 104 moves with lid 102 away from open end 106A and away from the receptacle wall.

This contiguous attachment of handle 104 to lid 102 is one advantage of the present invention. By contiguously attaching handle 104 to lid 102, handle 104 can be moved away from the receptacle side wall where it is likely to obstruct scooping of the powdered protein material. Moreover, once lid 102 is completely opened (FIG. 2), handle 104 projects horizontally from the receptacle wall making it easier to maintain lid 102 open during the scooping process.

In FIG. 1, although length L of handle 104 can be any suitable length, it is preferable that this length be approximately three quarters of the vertical length L₁ of receptacle 106 wall. Handle 104 is also preferably attached to lid 102 at substantially right angles.

In FIG. 1, handle 104 further comprises latch (male) 110A attached to the interior proximal area of handle 104. Latch 110A latches to female latch 110B attached to the exterior proximal area of receptacle 106B. Latches 110A and 110B are so positioned so that the protruding male portion of latch 110A mates with the notch of the female latch 110B when lid 102 is closed. Although latches 110A and 110B are provided as a locking mechanism, other suitable systems can also be utilized.

Latches 110 and 110B serve a dual purpose. First, they securely latch lid 102 and receptacle 106 in a closed position. Second, the mated latches provide a base support on which a carrying case can rest when scooper system 100 is being transported. Handle 104 also includes retainer 112 that keeps scooper system 100 securely in place during transport. See FIG. 5.

Lid 102 is preferably circular or oval but shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and dimension of open end 106A to securely close the receptacle without spillage. Lid 102 also has male latch 114A attached to the exterior proximal area of lid 102 and is so positioned to mate with female latch 114B, which is itself attached to the exterior distal portion of receptacle 106 wall.

Length L₁ and diameter L₂ of receptacle 106 can be any suitable length but are preferably dimensioned so that scooper system 100 can scoop about 70 cc (Cubic

Centimeters) of protein powder. Receptacle 106 may also be dimensioned to contain more or less powdered protein depending upon a user's needs.

Note that receptacle 106 is dimensioned for no more than a single serve portion of protein powder (or other powdered substance). By “single serving,” it is meant that portions are generally small amounts that are sufficient for one time use. Single serve excludes larger portions for multiple uses. Receptacle 106 also includes measuring scale 116 located on the exterior wall of receptacle 106 for determining amount of powdered protein contained therein.

FIG. 2 illustrates scooper system 100 of FIG. 1 when fully opened according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, scooper system 100 is such that lid 102 can be in a closed position A, in which receptacle 106 is closed and lid 102 can then be swiveled to open position B, where lid 102 can be latched into place. Specifically, as shown, male latch 114A located on lid 102 can be mated with female latch 114B located on receptacle 106. In this manner, the lid and the handle can remain immobile against the receptacle 106 wall while a user scoops powdered protein from a large canister.

FIG. 3 illustrates user 302 scooping protein powder from a canister 304 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, user 302 is holding scooper system 100 for use. Canister 304 contains powdered protein or other powdered substances (such as naturopathic medicine). User 302 wishes to mix the appropriate amounts of the powdered protein and water to prepare a protein shake.

In operation, user 302 begins by opening lid 102 of scooper system 100 from closed position A (FIG. 2) to open position B (also shown in FIG. 2). User 302 can then mate latches 114A and 114B to securely engage lid 102 and handle 104 as described with reference to FIG. 2.

User 302 can now grasp lid 102 and receptacle 106 as shown in FIG. 3. User 302 can proceed to scoop an appropriate quantity of protein powder as prescribed and then proceed to close the receptacle 106 as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates scooper system 100 in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, latch 110A and latch 110B are mated so that lid 102 and handle 104 are securely attached to receptacle 106. In this manner, protein powder can be stored within receptacle 106 without spillage.

FIG. 5 illustrates storage case 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, storage case 500 comprises casing 502 and strap 504. Casing 502 is a planar material that is preferably elongated and rectangular in shape. Casing 502 is preferably flexible as well as foldable. Casing 502 can be cloth or other flexible polymeric material.

Strap 504 is a strip of firm material for holding a set of scooper systems as shown. At end D of casing 502, strap 504 is attached to the interior of casing 502 via stitching 509. At the other end E, strap 504 is attached to casing 502 via stitching 501.

In use, handle 104 of each scooper system 100 is slid under strap 504 until the mated latches 110A/110B (FIG. 4) rest on strap 504. Retainer 112 can then retain scooper system 100 on strap 504. Once all scooper systems are in place, casing 502 can be folded over by adhering male Velcro (or other suitable material) 508 to female Velcro 510 to close the storage case for storage and transportation.

Preferably, casing 502 is dimensioned such that at least five scooper systems, each scooper system for each of the five weekdays can be stored in storage case 500. In this manner, large and/or numerous canisters containing protein powder need not be carried for travel and storage space at work or the like need not be provided. A user can simply scoop and store protein powder or other similar type powdered substances for each day of the week in storage case 500 and carry said storage case for ease and convenience.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for scooping powder supplement comprising:

a handle contiguously attached to a lid that covers a receptacle, said receptacle having an open end and a closed end, said lid covering said open end of said receptacle to prevent spillage of powder supplement contained therein, said closed end of said receptacle being permanently closed so that said closed end cannot be opened by a user, said handle being contiguously attached to a distal end of said lid, wherein when said receptacle is upright and said lid is closed, said handle extends alongside a wall of said receptacle in a downward and vertical direction from said lid and when said lid is opened to permit said user to scoop powder supplement, said handle moves with said lid away from the open end and moves said handle away from said wall of said receptacle.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a latch attached to an exterior of the lid for securely fastening the lid against the receptacle wall.

3. A system comprising:

a handle attached to a lid that is coupled to a receptacle, said receptacle having an open end and a closed end, said lid covering said open end of said receptacle to prevent spillage of powdered substance contained therein, said closed end of said receptacle being contiguous with walls of said receptacle, said handle being attached to a distal end of said lid, and wherein when said receptacle is upright and said lid is closed, said handle extends alongside a wall of said receptacle in a downward direction from said lid and when said lid is opened, said handle moves contemporaneously with said lid away from the wall of said receptacle.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said receptacle is dimensioned for a single serve.

5. The system of claim 3 further comprising a latch attached to an exterior of said lid for fastening said lid against a wall of said receptacle.

6. The system of claim 3 further comprising a carrying case for a closed receptacle with powder supplement contained therein.

7. A method for scooping a powdered substance from a canister to form a single serving of said powdered substance, said method comprising:

providing a handle attached to a lid that is coupled to a receptacle, said lid for covering said receptacle;

using said receptacle to scoop a powdered substance from said canister to form a single serving of said powdered substance by opening said lid to permit scooping of said powdered substance so that said handle moves with said lid away from an open end of said receptacle and away from a wall of said receptacle; and

closing said receptacle to cover said powdered substance by moving said handle and said lid toward said open end of said receptacle and toward said latch on said wall of said receptacle to close said receptacle to prevent said powdered substance from spilling.