DRY GOODS PORTION CONTROL CONTAINER

Abstract

An exemplary aspect comprises a container apparatus comprising: (a) a housing forming a reservoir; (b) a cover configured to fit on the top of the housing, and comprising a first door; (c) a first divider having at least one point in contact with the inner surface of the housing; and (d) a second divider having at least one point in contact with the inner surface of the housing; wherein the first divider and the second divider divide the reservoir into three joined compartments: a first compartment between the first divider and an inner surface of the housing, a second compartment between the first divider and the second divider, and a third compartment between the second divider and an inner surface of the housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,527, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled “Dry Goods Portion Control Container.” The entire contents of the above-referenced application are incorporated herein by reference.

INTRODUCTION

A first aspect and exemplary embodiments comprise one or more portion control containers. A user may simply fill one of the containers with dry ingredients, and each pour will measure out exactly the portion desired. In an exemplary embodiment comprising a set of containers, the set comes with 3 quart, 1.5 quart and 12 ounce containers, allowing a user to measure out 1 cup, ½ cup, or 1 teaspoon respectively.

A second aspect and exemplary embodiments comprise one or more portion control containers, each container having at least one adjustable divider. The at least one adjustable divider allows a user to pour out, for example, either a half cup or a full cup of ingredients at a time.

An exemplary aspect comprises a container apparatus comprising: (a) a housing having a bottom, a sidewall, and an open top, the bottom and the sidewall each having an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the bottom and the sidewall forming a reservoir; (b) a cover configured to fit on the top of the housing, and comprising a first door; (c) a first divider having an outer perimeter comprising a top and a bottom, and a first side and a second side, each of the first side and the second side of the outer perimeter of the first divider having at least one point in contact with the inner surface of the sidewall ; and (d) a second divider having an outer perimeter comprising a top and a bottom, and a first side and a second side, each of the first side and the second side of the outer perimeter of the second divider having at least one point in contact with the inner surface of the sidewall; wherein the first divider and the second divider divide the reservoir into three joined compartments: a first compartment between the first divider and an inner surface of the sidewall, a second compartment between the first divider and the second divider, and a third compartment between the second divider and an inner surface of the sidewall, wherein the bottom of the outer perimeter of the first divider is in contact with the inner surface of the bottom of the housing, wherein the first divider is a first nonzero distance from the second divider, and wherein the bottom of the outer perimeter of the second divider is a second nonzero distance from the inner surface of the bottom of the housing.

In one or more exemplary embodiments: (1) the first nonzero distance and the second nonzero distance are such that material flowing from the second compartment, under the second divider, and into the third compartment, has a substantially predetermined volume; (2) the cover is attachable to the housing using hinged clamps; (3) the cover is attachable to the housing using a press lock fit; (4) the first door in the cover is located above the third compartment; (5) the second divider is slidably attached to the inner surface of the sidewall of the housing; and (6) the cover comprises a second door, located above at least one of the first and second compartments.

A method aspect comprises a method of using an apparatus aspect, comprising: (a) placing a sufficient volume of dry goods in the first or second compartments such that the height of a portion of the dry goods in the second compartment exceeds the second nonzero distance; (b) closing the cover; and (c) pouring from the reservoir through the first door a substantially predetermined volume of the dry goods which has passed from the second compartment into the third compartment.

Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the description and drawings provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 depict exemplary usage of one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment comprising an adjustable divider.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict exemplary embodiments comprising a plurality of different sized containers.

FIGS. 11-13 depict containers of exemplary dimensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5 depict exemplary construction and usage of certain exemplary embodiments of a dry goods portion control container. In the embodiments depicted, the container comprises a top component comprising a flip-open door for pouring contents into the container and a smaller flip-open door for dispensing, and two internal dividing components.

Regarding exemplary usage, and referring to FIG. 1: a user adds contents to the container by opening the top component (either by opening a hinged door (see FIG. 5) or by removing the top component entirely (see FIG. 3)) and pouring dry contents (e.g., oatmeal, breakfast cereal, sugar, flour, etc.) into the compartment on the right side of the container (i.e., to the right of the left-most divider). Sufficient contents are added to the container so that a portion of the contents enters the left-most region of the container (i.e., to the left of the left-most divider) by passing under the left-most divider.

Pouring contents from an opening above the left-most region results in a pre-determined amount of the contents being dispensed from the container (see FIGS. 4 and 5). After the container is placed on a horizontal surface, a portion of the contents again enters under the left-most divider, readying the container for the next use (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The above details and others are explained more precisely below.

FIG. 6 depicts certain components of an exemplary embodiment. Divider 620 extends from the bottom of the container but does not reach the top. Divider 630 extends from the top of the container but does not reach the bottom. That is, divider 630 typically is not attached to the top (not shown in FIG. 6, but depicted as item 640 in FIG. 7), but rather divider 630 is attached to the sides of the container and extends upward to touch, or at least be close to touching, the top of the container. Divider 620 preferably is fixed to the container. Divider 630 may also be fixed to the sides of the container, or it may be slidably adjustable (see FIG. 6) to account for measuring out different quantities. In the latter case, top 640 may comprise a slot that allows a user to raise or lower divider 630 to as to select different dispensation amounts. See FIG. 8, which depicts a divider 630 being raised, to switch from a ½ cup dispensation to a 1 cup dispensation. In an embodiment wherein top 640 is fixed to the container (and has one lid only—component 610), divider 630 may also be affixed to top 640.

Referring to FIG. 7, dividers 620 and 630 divide the internal portion of the container into three regions: 710, 720, and 730. When a dry material is placed into the container, it is placed only into regions 720 and 730—not into region 710. On the other hand, when the dry material is dispensed from the container, it is dispensed only from region 710. Consequently, dispensing lid 610 (shown in action in FIG. 5) is placed only over region 710. When a separate lid is used to place contents into the container (as opposed to just having the entire top 640 being removable, and no separate lid for loading contents), that lid is located only over regions 720 and/or 730.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various materials may be used in constructing different embodiments. Exemplary materials comprise: SAN (styrene acrylonitrile) for the body of the container (providing a transparent body); ABS plastic for the top components 610 and 640; and SAN for the dividers 620 and 630.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various embodiments may comprise containers of different sizes. Each different size may correspond to a specific dispensation quantity (for embodiments wherein divider 630 is not adjustable), or to a range of dispensation quantities (for embodiments wherein divider 630 is adjustable).

Three exemplary sizes are depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. For an exemplary “large” size container, exemplary dimensions are as follows: height=276 mm, width (front to back)=203 mm, and depth (side to side)=109 mm (see container 1010 in FIG. 10). For the dividers, exemplary dimensions are: divider 620: height=78 mm; divider 630: height=204 mm (height from base=62 mm). In the case of a fixed divider 630, the dispensation amount of this container would be one cup.

For an exemplary “medium” size container, exemplary dimensions are as follows: height=145 mm, width (front to back)=203 mm, and depth (side to side)=109 mm (see container 1020 in FIG. 10). For the dividers, exemplary dimensions are: divider 620: height=49 mm; divider 630: height=100 mm (height from base=30 mm). In the case of a fixed divider 630, the dispensation amount of this container would be ½ cup.

For an exemplary “small” size container, exemplary dimensions are as follows: height=141 mm, width (front to back)=97 mm, and depth (side to side)=65 mm (see container 1030 in FIG. 10). For the dividers, exemplary dimensions are: divider 620: height=39 mm; divider 630: height=103 mm (height from base=30 mm). In the case of a fixed divider 630, the dispensation amount of this container would be one teaspoon (up to one tablespoon for a sliding divider 630).

In another aspect and exemplary embodiments, the dividers in each container are stationary (i.e., not adjustable). For example, a large container may pour exactly one cup; a medium container may pour exactly one half of a cup; and a small container may pour exactly one teaspoon.

In another aspect and exemplary embodiments, there is no secondary hinged door to fill the container. A lid may be removed by lifting up ears on either side, then a user fills the container. A small container may have a press fit lock on either side of the container. The method for filling the container remains the same as described above: pour contents into the larger section, avoiding the small area on the other side of the divider.

In another aspect and exemplary embodiments, exemplary dimensions are as follows:

Large size: H=274.5 mm; W=175 mm; and D=85.39 mm.

Medium size: H=217.66 mm; W=138 mm; and D=67.24 mm.

Small size: H=139.3 mm; W=84.8 mm; and D=53.4 mm.

FIG. 11 depicts exemplary dimensions for components of another “small size” embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a small container 1130 contains a divider 1110 and a divider 1120. Small container 1130 has internal dimensions of 131.75 mm height, 76.4 mm width, and 45 mm depth at the top and about 49 mm depth at the bottom. Divider 1110 is 125 mm high, 2 mm thick, about 45 mm wide at the top and about 49 mm wide at the bottom, and located 12.8 mm from the front of container 1130, thereby forming a region 1140 between divider 1110 and the front of container 1130 over which a dispensing lid will be placed. The distance, in this example, between the bottom of divider 1110 and the bottom of container 1130 is 6.75 mm. The distance between divider 1110 and divider 1120 is 6 mm. Divider 1110 and divider 1120 form a region 1150 within container 1130.

Divider 1120 is 49 mm wide and 38 mm high, and connected at the bottom to container 1130. Divider 1120 is approximately 2 mm thick, slightly thicker at the bottom.

Divider 1120 is 57.6 mm from the back of container 1130, and divider 1120 and the back of container form a region 1160 within container 1130.

When dry material is placed into region 1150, up to at least the bottom of divider 1110, a quantity having a volume of approximately one teaspoon flows into region 1140, ready for pouring.

FIG. 12 depicts exemplary dimensions for components of a “medium size” embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a medium container 1230 contains a divider 1210 and a divider 1220. Medium container 1230 has internal dimensions of 211.4 mm height, 126.9 mm width, and 69.5 mm depth at the top and about 59 mm depth at the bottom. Divider 1210 is 162.4 mm high, 2 mm thick, about 69.5 mm wide at the top and about 59 mm wide at the bottom, and located 21.4 mm from the front of container 1230, thereby forming a region 1240 between divider 1210 and the front of container 1230 over which a dispensing lid will be placed. The distance, in this example, between the bottom of divider 1210 and the bottom of container 1230 is 49 mm. The distance between divider 1210 and divider 1220 is 20 mm. Divider 1210 and divider 1220 form a region 1250 within container 1230.

Divider 1220 is 59 mm wide and 66.5 mm high, and connected at the bottom to container 1230. Divider 1220 is approximately 2 mm thick, slightly thicker at the bottom.

Divider 1220 is 85.5 mm from the back of container 1230, and divider 1220 and the back of container form a region 1260 within container 1230.

When dry material is placed into region 1250, up to at least the bottom of divider 1210, a quantity having a volume of approximately ½ cup flows into region 1240, ready for pouring.

FIG. 13 depicts exemplary dimensions for components of a “large size” embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a large container 1330 contains a divider 1310 and a divider 1320. Large container 1330 has internal dimensions of 265.5 mm height, 161.95 mm width, and 88 mm depth at the top and about 77 mm depth at the bottom. Divider 1310 is 203 mm high, 2 mm thick, about 88 mm wide at the top and about 77 mm wide at the bottom, and located 25.45 mm from the front of container 1330, thereby forming a region 1340 between divider 1310 and the front of container 1330 over which a dispensing lid will be placed. The distance, in this example, between the bottom of divider 1310 and the bottom of container 1330 is 62.5 mm. The distance between divider 1310 and divider 1320 is 24.5 mm. Divider 1310 and divider 1320 form a region 1350 within container 1330.

Divider 1320 is 77 mm wide and 78.7 mm high, and connected at the bottom to container 1330. Divider 1320 is approximately 2 mm thick, slightly thicker at the bottom.

Divider 1320 is 112 mm from the back of container 1330, and divider 1320 and the back of container form a region 1360 within container 1330.

When dry material is placed into region 1350, up to at least the bottom of divider 1310, a quantity having a volume of approximately one cup flows into region 1340, ready for pouring.

While certain exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described herein, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, exemplary aspects and embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A container apparatus comprising

a housing having a bottom, a sidewall, and an open top, said bottom and said sidewall each having an inner surface, said inner surfaces of said bottom and said sidewall forming a reservoir;

a cover configured to fit on said top of said housing, and comprising a first door;

a first divider having an outer perimeter comprising a top and a bottom, and a first side and a second side, each of said first side and said second side of said outer perimeter of said first divider having at least one point in contact with said inner surface of said sidewall; and

a second divider having an outer perimeter comprising a top and a bottom, and a first side and a second side, each of said first side and said second side of said outer perimeter of said second divider having at least one point in contact with said inner surface of said sidewall;

wherein said first divider and said second divider divide said reservoir into three joined compartments: a first compartment between said first divider and an inner surface of said sidewall, a second compartment between said first divider and said second divider, and a third compartment between said second divider and an inner surface of said sidewall,

wherein said bottom of said outer perimeter of said first divider is in contact with said inner surface of said bottom of said housing,

wherein said first divider is a first nonzero distance from said second divider, and

wherein said bottom of said outer perimeter of said second divider is a second nonzero distance from said inner surface of said bottom of said housing.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said first nonzero distance and said second nonzero distance are such that material flowing from said second compartment, under said second divider, and into said third compartment, has a substantially predetermined volume.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said cover is attachable to said housing using hinged clamps.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said cover is attachable to said housing using a press lock fit.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said first door in said cover is located above said third compartment.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said second divider is slidably attached to said inner surface of said sidewall of said housing.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a second door, located above at least one of said first and second compartments.

8. A method of using an apparatus as in claim 1, comprising:

(a) placing a sufficient volume of dry goods in said first or second compartments such that the height of a portion of said dry goods in said second compartment exceeds said second nonzero distance;

(b) closing said cover; and

(c) pouring from said reservoir through said first door a substantially predetermined volume of said dry goods which has passed from said second compartment into said third compartment.