CONTAINER DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING EDIBLE COLLOIDS

Abstract

A container includes a housing defining a chamber. An edible colloid is carried within the chamber. An agitator is carried by the housing within the chamber and is adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid. A dispenser is carried by the housing. The dispenser is adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/236,606, filed Oct. 2, 2015, entitled “CONTAINER DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING EDIBLE COLLOIDS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to container devices and methods for carrying and dispensing edible colloids. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure specifically relates to container devices and methods for dispensing freshly whipped dairy cream.

BACKGROUND

People have been consuming the milk of domesticated animals for thousands of years. However, with the industrialization and urbanization of society, supplying dairy products became a commercial industry, thus giving more people access to this valuable type of nutrition. Currently, about one-third of the U.S. milk supply is actually processed into milk and cream products; the remaining two-thirds of the milk supply is used to manufacture a wide range of dairy products. Sales of these dairy products, such as butter, cheese, ice cream and yogurt, account for tens of billions of dollars annually in the U.S. With such high demand and widespread distribution, people involved in the dairy industry have begun to explore alternative ways to improve both the efficiency of producing dairy products and maintaining their freshness.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a container includes a housing defining a chamber; an edible colloid carried within the chamber; an agitator movably carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid, the agitator including an open frame structure; and a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of paragraph [0004], wherein the open frame structure defines an overall spherical shape.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0005], wherein the open frame structure includes a plurality of arms.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0006], wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0007], wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0008], wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0009], wherein the agitator is a first agitator, and further including a second agitator movably carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid, the second agitator including an open frame structure that defines an overall spherical shape.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0010], wherein the dispenser includes: a base including an outlet adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container; and a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0011], further including a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly including a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0012], wherein the handle assembly further includes a handle frame pivotably carrying the trigger, and wherein the handle frame detachably receives the housing.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0013], wherein the dispenser further includes a piston movably carried by the frame, the piston being engageable with the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the outlet.

The container of any of paragraphs [0004]-[0014], wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

In some embodiments, a container includes a housing defining a chamber; an edible colloid carried within the chamber; an agitator carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid, the agitator including a plurality of blades; and a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of paragraph [0016], wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0017], wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0018], wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0019], wherein the agitator is movably carried by the housing within the chamber.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0020], wherein the housing includes a wall defining the chamber, and the agitator is monolithically coupled to the wall.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0021], wherein the agitator is monolithically coupled to the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0022], wherein each of the plurality of blades includes: a body; and a plurality of apertures extending through the body and adapted to permit passage of the edible colloid therethrough.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0023], wherein the dispenser includes: a base including an outlet adapted to dispense the edible colloid from the container; and a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0024], further including a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly including a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0025], wherein the handle assembly further includes a handle frame pivotably carrying the trigger, and wherein the handle frame detachably receives the housing.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0026], wherein the dispenser further includes a piston movably carried by the frame, the piston being engageable with the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the outlet.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0027], wherein the plurality of blades are fixedly coupled to the piston so as to be movable with the piston relative to the frame.

The container of any of paragraphs [0016]-[0028], wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

In some embodiments, a container includes a housing including a wall defining a chamber; an edible colloid carried within the chamber; an agitator adapted to agitate the edible colloid, the agitator including a plurality of protrusions extending from the wall in the chamber; and a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of paragraph [0030], wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0031], wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0032], wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0033], wherein the agitator is monolithically coupled to the wall.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0034], wherein the dispenser includes: a base including an outlet adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container; and a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0035], further including a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly including a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0036], wherein the handle assembly further includes a handle frame pivotably carrying the trigger, and wherein the handle frame detachably receives the housing.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0037], wherein the dispenser further includes a piston movably carried by the frame, the piston being engageable with the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the outlet.

The container of any of paragraphs [0030]-[0038], wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a container for carrying and dispensing an edible colloid according to the present invention; various internal components are shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a housing of the container of FIG. 1; the housing includes an agitator shown in the form of an open frame structure that defines an overall sphere shape.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1; the housing includes a plurality of agitators shown in the form of open frame structures that define overall sphere shapes.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1; the housing includes an agitator shown in the form of a fan structure including a plurality of blades.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the agitator of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1; the housing includes another agitator shown in the form of a fan structure including a plurality of blades.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1; the housing includes another agitator shown in the form of a fan structure including a plurality of blades.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a blade of any of the fan structures of FIGS. 4-7.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1; the housing includes another agitator shown in the form of a plurality of protrusions.

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a container for carrying and dispensing an edible colloid according to the present invention; various internal components are shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of a housing of the container of FIG. 10; the housing includes an agitator shown in the form of an open frame structure that defines an overall sphere shape.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 10; the housing includes a plurality of agitators shown in the form of open frame structures that define overall sphere shapes.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 10; the housing includes an agitator shown in the form of a fan structure including a plurality of blades.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 10; the housing includes an agitator shown in the form of a fan structure including a plurality of blades.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 10; the housing includes another agitator shown in the form of a plurality of protrusions.

It should be understood that the drawings are intended facilitate understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a container 110 for carrying and dispensing an edible colloid according to the present invention. The container 110 generally includes a housing 112 that defines a chamber 114 for carrying the edible colloid EC. The housing 112 carries a dispenser 118 that dispenses the edible colloid in a modified form (referred to herein as a modified edible colloid) from the container 110. As described in further detail below, the container 110 also carries one or more agitators that agitate the edible colloid EC to provide the modified edible colloid prior to dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container 110.

The edible colloid EC may be, for example, a dairy product. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be dairy cream that is derived from milk by separation, either cold or heated, with no homogenization applied to the cream portion. In these embodiments, the cream portion is standardized to about 40 percent milk fat content (that is, 40 percent±1 percent), processed to provide the appropriate microbiological kill per the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, and cooled. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be dairy cream as described above, except with about 32 percent milk fat content (that is, 32 percent±1 percent) to about 36 percent milk fat content (that is, 36 percent±1 percent). In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be a dairy product that is formulated with emulsification levels to facilitate agitation and maintenance of the modified edible colloid, such as, for example, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polysorbate 80, and the like. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be a dairy product including other formulations that may obtain light cream levels of fat content and maintain agitation characteristics. In some embodiments, the edible colloid EC may be a dairy product produced with partial replacement of milk fat with vegetable fat (that is, a blended product). Optionally, blended products may include stabilizing and/or emulsifying agents. In some embodiments, the edible colloid includes one or more flavors selected from a group including sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

In addition to carrying the edible colloid EC, the chamber 114 carries a separate gas G (for example, air). Prior to agitation, the edible colloid EC may have a volume that is from about 75 percent (that is, 75 percent±5 percent) to about 25 percent (that is, 25 percent±5 percent) of the volume of the chamber 114, and the gas G occupies the remainder of the volume of the chamber 114. During agitation, the gas G is dispersed within the edible colloid EC, or the gas G forms gas cells within the edible colloid EC, to provide a modified edible colloid. The modified edible colloid may have a volume that is greater than about 90 percent (that is, 90 percent±5 percent) of the volume of the chamber 114, and the gas G occupies the remainder, if any, of the volume of the chamber 114. In some embodiments, the modified edible colloid may be a whipped dairy product, such as whipped dairy cream.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the housing 112 includes a wall 120 that defines the chamber 114. The wall 120 defines an opening 122 adjacent the dispenser 118. The wall 120 may provide the container 110 with a variety of shapes, such a generally-cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the wall 120 provides the container 110 with a non-cylindrical shape, such as a three-dimensional rectangular shape or the like.

The wall 120 may be a monolithic component, or it could be formed of multiple sections. The wall 120 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the wall 120 may be formed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to facilitate shaking and squeezing the housing 112, as described in further detail below. As another example, the wall 120 may be formed of a laminated foil (that is, a “pouch” or “bag”) to facilitate squeezing the housing 112, as described in further detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the dispenser 118 includes a base 124 that couples to the wall 120 of the housing 112 proximate the opening 122. The base 124 may couple to the wall 120 in a variety of manners, such as a mating threaded surfaces (not shown), snap-fit components (not shown), or the like. In some embodiments, the base 124 may monolithically couple to the wall 120. The base 124 also defines an outlet 126 through which the modified edible colloid is dispensed from the container 110. The base 124 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the base 124 may be formed of LDPE.

The dispenser 118 further includes a cover 128 that movably couples to the base 124 and selectively inhibits the base 124 from dispensing the edible colloid EC from the outlet 126. The cover 128 may couple to the base 124 in a variety of manners, such as a mating threaded surfaces (not shown), snap-fit components (not shown), or the like. In some embodiments, the cover 128 may monolithically and hingedly couple to the base 124 (hinge not shown). The cover 128 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the cover 128 may be formed of LDPE.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the housing 112 is illustrated movably carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is an open frame structure 210 that includes one or more arms 212. The arm(s) 212 defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure 210 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, a plurality of arms 212 couple to each other (for example, via one or more fasteners, welding, or the like; not shown) to define the open frame structure 210. In other embodiments, a single curved arm 212 may define the open frame structure 210.

In some embodiments, the arm(s) 212 may provide the open frame structure 210 with an overall spherical shape. In some embodiments, the arm(s) 212 may provide the open frame structure 210 with a non-spherical shape, such as an ellipsoidal shape or the like.

The open frame structure 210 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the open frame structure 210 may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). As another example, the open frame structure 210 may be formed of stainless steel.

As described briefly above, the arm(s) 212 defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure 210 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G through the openings facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall 120 is formed of LDPE, the housing 112 may be shaken to cause the open frame structure 210 to move within the chamber 114 and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall 120 is formed of a laminated foil, the housing 112 may be kneaded to cause the gas G and edible colloid EC to move through the open frame structure 210 and facilitate dispersion of the gas Gin the edible colloid EC.

Referring to FIG. 3, the housing 112 is illustrated movably carrying a plurality of agitators according to an embodiment of the present invention. The agitators are each an open frame structure 310, which may be identical or similar to the open frame structure 210. Generally, the open frame structures 310 each include one or more arms 312. The arm(s) 312 defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure 210 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC and provide the modified edible colloid, as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 112 is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure 410 that includes a plurality of blades 412. The blades 412 define a plurality of openings in the fan structure 410 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, the fan structure 410 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 112, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure 410 may be fixedly coupled to the dispenser 118 proximate the outlet 126, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure 410 may be translatably carried within the housing 112.

The fan structure 410 includes an outer hub 414 that couples to the blades 412, for example, via fasteners, monolithically, or the like. Opposite the outer hub 414, the fan structure 410 includes an inner hub 416 that couples to the blades 412, for example, via fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the blades 412 are disposed at an angle, or extend helically, relative to the inner hub 416, the outer hub 414, and the housing wall 120.

The fan structure 410 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the fan structure 410 may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). As another example, the fan structure 410 may be formed of stainless steel.

As described briefly above, the blades 412 define a plurality of openings in the fan structure 410 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G through the openings facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall 120 is formed of LDPE, the housing 112 may be shaken to cause the fan structure 410 to translate within the chamber 114 and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall 120 is formed of a laminated foil and the fan structure 410 is coupled to the dispenser 118, the container 110 may be kneaded to cause the gas G and edible colloid EC to move through the fan structure 410 and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC.

Referring to FIG. 6, the housing 112 is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure 610 that includes one or more blades 612. The blades 612 define a plurality of openings in the fan structure 610 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. The fan structure 610 is similar to the fan structure 410, although the fan structure lacks an outer hub and an inner hub. Instead, the blades 612 monolithically couple to the housing wall 120 and extend toward each other. In some embodiments, the blades 612 each have a first dimension in a radial direction that is relatively large compared to a second dimension in a transverse direction. For example, the second dimension may be about 30 percent of the first dimension (that is, 30 percent±5 percent). In some embodiments, the blades 612 may be disposed apart at equal angles on the wall 120. In some embodiments, the blades 612 may be omitted on one or more portions of the wall 120 to facilitate squeezing the housing 112 and dispensing the modified edible colloid.

Referring to FIG. 7, the housing 112 is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure 710 that includes one or more blades 712. The blades 712 define a plurality of openings in the fan structure 710 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. The fan structure 710 is similar to the fan structure 410, although the fan structure lacks an outer hub and an inner hub. Instead, the blades 712 monolithically couple to the housing wall 120 and extend toward each other. In some embodiments, the blades 712 each have a first dimension in a radial direction that is relatively small compared to a second dimension in a transverse direction. For example, the first dimension may be about 30 percent of the second dimension (that is, 30 percent±5 percent). In some embodiments, the blades 712 may be disposed apart at equal angles on the wall 120. In some embodiments, the blades 712 may be omitted on one or more portions of the wall 120 to facilitate squeezing the housing 112 and dispensing the modified edible colloid.

Referring to FIG. 8, a blade 810 is illustrated. The blade 810 may be used as any of the blades of the fan structures described herein. The blade 810 includes a body 812 that in turn includes one or more apertures 814. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G through the apertures 814 facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid.

Turning now to FIG. 9, the housing 112 is illustrated carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator includes a plurality of protrusions 910 that extend toward each other from the housing wall 120. In some embodiments, the protrusions 910 monolithically couple to the housing wall 120. The edible colloid EC and the gas G pass over the protrusions 910, as described in further detail below.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 9, the protrusions 910 each include a pyramid shape. In some embodiments, the protrusions 910 each include a non-pyramid shape, such as a cylindrical shape or the like. In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 9, the protrusions 910 are arranged in several rows and columns within the chamber 114. In some embodiments, the protrusions 910 are not arranged in rows. In some embodiments, the protrusions 910 are not arranged in columns.

As described briefly above, the edible colloid EC and the gas G pass over the protrusions 910. Passage of the edible colloid EC and the gas G over the protrusions 910 facilitates dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC, thereby providing the modified edible colloid. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall 120 is formed of LDPE, the housing 112 may be shaken to cause the edible colloid EC and the gas G to pass over the protrusions 910 and facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, such as those in which the housing wall 120 is formed of a laminated foil, the housing 112 may be kneaded to cause the edible colloid EC and the gas G to pass over the protrusions 910 and facilitate dispersion of the gas Gin the edible colloid EC.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a container 1010 for carrying and dispensing an edible colloid, such as any of the edible colloids EC described above, according to the present invention. The container 1010 generally includes a housing 1012 that defines a chamber 1014 for carrying the edible colloid EC. The housing 1012 carries a dispenser 1018 that dispenses the modified edible colloid from the container 1010. As described in further detail below, the container 1010 also carries one or more agitators that agitate the edible colloid EC to provide the modified edible colloid prior to dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container 1010.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the housing 1012 includes a wall 1020 that defines the chamber 1014. The wall 1020 may provide the container 1010 with a variety of shapes, such a generally-cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the wall 1020 provides the container 1010 with a non-cylindrical shape, such as a three-dimensional rectangular shape or the like.

The wall 1020 may be a monolithic component, or it could be formed of multiple sections. The wall 1020 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the wall 1020 may be formed of LDPE to facilitate shaking and squeezing the housing 1012, as described in further detail below. As another example, the wall 1020 may be formed of a laminated foil (that is, a pouch or bag) to facilitate squeezing the housing 1012, as described in further detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the dispenser 1018 couples to the wall 1020 of the housing 1012. The dispenser 1018 may couple to the wall 1020 in a variety of manners, such as a mating threaded surfaces (not shown), snap-fit components (not shown), or the like. In some embodiments, the dispenser 1018 may monolithically couple to the wall 1020. The dispenser 1018 also defines an outlet 1026 through which the modified edible colloid is dispensed from the container 1010. The outlet 1026 may taper to provide the dispenser 1018 with a nozzle-like structure. The dispenser 1018 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the dispenser 1018 may be formed of LDPE.

The container 1010 further includes a handle assembly 1030 that detachably receives the housing 1012 and the dispenser 1018. The handle assembly 1030 includes a handle frame 1032 that detachably receives the housing 1012 and the dispenser 1018. The handle frame 1032 carries a trigger 1034 that is manipulated by a user (for example, moved by a user relative to the handle frame 1032) to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser 1018. In some embodiments, the trigger 1034 is pivotably carried by the handle frame 1032, and the user pivots the trigger 1034 relative to the handle frame 1032 to translate a rod 1036 and a piston 1038 relative to the handle frame 1032. As a result, the piston 1038 engages the housing 1012 and moves through the chamber 1014 to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser 1018. After dispensing the modified edible colloid from the housing 1012, the piston 1038 may be withdrawn from the housing 1012 (for example, by translating the rod 1036 and the piston 1038 away from the dispenser 1018). The housing 1012 and dispenser 1018 may then be replaced by a housing 1012 and dispenser 1018 including another supply of the edible colloid EC. The dispenser 1018 may be formed of one or more food-grade materials. For example, the handle assembly 1030 may be formed of one or more appropriate materials, such as, for example, metals, specifically aluminum.

Referring to FIG. 11, the housing 1012 is illustrated movably carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is an open frame structure 1110, which may be identical or similar to the open frame structure 210. Generally, the open frame structure 1110 includes one or more arms 1112. The arm(s) 1112 defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure 1110 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC and provide the modified edible colloid, as described above. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030.

Referring to FIG. 12, the housing 1012 is illustrated movably carrying a plurality of agitators according to an embodiment of the present invention. The agitators are each an open frame structure 1210, which may be identical or similar to the open frame structure 210. Generally, each open frame structure 1210 includes one or more arms 1212. The arm(s) 1212 defines a plurality of openings in the frame structure 1210 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC and provide the modified edible colloid, as described above. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030.

Referring to FIG. 13, the housing 1012 is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure 1310, which may be identical or similar to the fan structure 410. Generally, the fan structure 1310 includes a plurality of blades 1312. The blades 1312 define a plurality of openings in the fan structure 1310 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. In some embodiments, the fan structure 1310 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 1012, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure 1310 may be fixedly coupled to the dispenser 118 proximate the outlet 126, for example, via one or more fasteners, monolithically, or the like. In some embodiments, the fan structure 1310 may be translatably carried within the housing 1012. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030.

Referring to FIG. 14, the housing 1012 is illustrated carrying another embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator is a fan structure 1410, which may be identical or similar to the fan structure 410. Generally, the fan structure 1410 includes a plurality of blades 1412. The blades 1412 define a plurality of openings in the fan structure 1410 through which the edible colloid EC and the gas G may pass to facilitate dispersion of the gas G in the edible colloid EC. The fan structure 1410 is fixedly coupled to the piston 1038, for example, via a fastener 1414, monolithically, or the like, so as to move with the piston 1038 relative to the housing 1012. In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 14, the fan structure 1410 may be disposed apart from the piston 1038. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030. In some embodiments, movement of the piston 1038 and the fan structure 1410 is sufficient to provide and dispense the modified edible colloid.

Turning now to FIG. 15, the housing 1012 is illustrated carrying an embodiment of an agitator according to the present invention. The agitator includes a plurality of protrusions 1510 that extend toward each other from the housing wall 1020. The protrusions 1510 may be structured and/or arranged in an identical or similar manner to the protrusions 910. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated (for example, shaken, kneaded, or the like) to provide the modified edible colloid prior to coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030. In some embodiments, the housing 1012 may be manipulated to provide the modified edible colloid after coupling the housing 1012 to the handle assembly 1030.

Although the embodiments of agitators described herein are shown as being carried separately by the housing, the housing may alternatively carry any combination of the agitators described herein.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a housing defining a chamber;

an edible colloid carried within the chamber;

an agitator movably carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid, the agitator comprising an open frame structure; and

a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the open frame structure defines an overall spherical shape.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the open frame structure comprises a plurality of arms.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the edible colloid is dairy cream, and the modified edible colloid is whipped dairy cream.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the chamber has a first volume, the edible colloid has a second volume prior to agitation by the agitator, and the second volume is about 75 percent of the first volume to about 25 percent of the first volume.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the housing is flexible to facilitate deforming the housing to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the agitator is a first agitator, and further comprising a second agitator movably carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid, the second agitator comprising an open frame structure that defines an overall spherical shape.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the edible colloid comprises at least one flavor selected from a group consisting of sweet, savory, inclusions, and variegates.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises:

a base comprising an outlet adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container; and

a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a handle assembly for detachably receiving the housing, the handle assembly comprising a trigger adapted to be manipulated by a user to dispense the modified edible colloid from the dispenser.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A container comprising:

a housing defining a chamber;

an edible colloid carried within the chamber;

an agitator carried by the housing within the chamber and adapted to agitate the edible colloid and provide a modified edible colloid, the agitator comprising a plurality of blades; and

a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The container of claim 13, wherein the agitator is movably carried by the housing within the chamber.

18. The container of claim 13, wherein the housing includes a wall defining the chamber, and the agitator is monolithically coupled to the wall.

19. The container of claim 13, wherein the agitator is monolithically coupled to the dispenser.

20. The container of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of blades comprises:

a body; and

a plurality of apertures extending through the body and adapted to permit passage of the edible colloid therethrough.

21. The container of claim 13, wherein the dispenser comprises:

a base comprising an outlet adapted to dispense the edible colloid from the container; and

a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The container of claim Error! Reference source not found., wherein the plurality of blades are fixedly coupled to the piston so as to be movable with the piston relative to the frame.

26. (canceled)

27. A container comprising:

a housing comprising a wall defining a chamber;

an edible colloid carried within the chamber;

an agitator adapted to agitate the edible colloid, the agitator comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the wall in the chamber; and

a dispenser carried by the housing, the dispenser being adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container.

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. The container of claim 27, wherein the agitator is monolithically coupled to the wall.

32. The container of claim 27, wherein the dispenser comprises:

a base comprising an outlet adapted to dispense the modified edible colloid from the container; and

a cover movably coupled to the base; the cover adapted to selectively inhibit the outlet from dispensing the modified edible colloid from the container.

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)