WO2011061741A1

WO2011061741A1 - Dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material

Info

Publication number: WO2011061741A1
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000965
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yehuda Glik
Original assignee: Yehuda Glik
Priority date: 2009-11-19
Filing date: 2010-11-18
Publication date: 2011-05-26

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter including a housing for interfacing with at least one container containing the bulk material, at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing including a cylindrically-shaped receptacle and a rotatable dispensing shaft located in the receptacle. The bulk material is transferred from the at least one container to the rotatable dispensing shaft for temporary storage in the at least one refillable dispenser. The bulk material is dispensed through an opening located at the outlet end of the at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed from said dispenser.

Description

DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING A PREDETERMINED DOSAGE OF BULK MATERIAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk flowing material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various dispensers are known in the art. Some these dispensers are designed for the retention and delivery of fine powders and liquids. For example, US Patent No. 5,139,172 to Brown describes a discharge dispenser with flow control of substances, such as laundry products and detergent materials. The prior art discharge dispenser comprises a container and a standard valve located in the base of the funnel- shaped container. The amount of material dispensed is determined qualitatively and not quantitatively by the time of opening the valve and/or the dimensions of the valve opening. A batch-like exact volume of material (for example, laundry soap) cannot be provided by such a mechanism. Thus, for example, less soap than necessary is sometimes dispensed (and the clothes remain dirty), and sometimes extra soap is dispensed, which is not cost-effective and the washer is eventually blocked by soap coatings.

Moreover, if a corrosive or irritant material is used in a dispenser, direct contact between the user's body and the material should be avoided and eliminated.

Thus, there is a necessity for a simple, cost-effective and cleansable dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material, especially adapted for everyday use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a cost-effective and cleanable dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter including a housing for interfacing with at least one container containing the bulk material, at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing including a cylindrically-shaped receptacle including a first proximal end and a first distal end, a rotatable dispensing shaft located in the cylindrical receptacle and moveable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical receptacle, the rotatable dispensing shaft including a second proximal end and a second distal end, a central bore, an elongated opening cut on an outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft, a sliding member located in the central bore of the rotatable shaft and is positioned in the central bore so to determine said dosage of said bulk material to be dispensed from the dispenser, an opening located at an outlet end of the at least one refillable dispenser, a volume formed between the outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft and the receptacle, the bulk material is transferred from the at least one container to the rotatable dispensing shaft for temporary storage in the at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed through the opening located at the outlet end of the at least one at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed from said dispenser. The volume receives surplus bulk material and returns the surplus bulk material to the container.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further including a plug for inserting into the opening of the at least one refillable dispenser and the plug is removed from the opening prior to dispensing the bulk material. Preferably, a pulling strap is attached to the plug for removing the plug from the opening.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further including a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at the second proximal end of the shaft and a lip member located at the second distal end of the shaft, on insertion of the shaft into the cylindrical receptacle a third protrusion located at the first proximal end of the receptacle fits tightly in a groove located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and the lip member fits tightly over an abutment edge which is located on an inner surface of the housing thus sealing and locking the shaft in the receptacle.

Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaft is rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically.

Furthermore in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further including a plurality of graduation marks located on an outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft for indicating the dosage of bulk material to be stored in the rotatable shaft. Typically, the weight of the predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams, 18 grams or 27 grams.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further including a coupling device for coupling the dispenser to a cooling device or a heating device.

Typically, the bulk material is selected from a group consisting of any food products, beverages, cosmetics, household compositions and chemical materials and any combination thereof.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at the second proximal end of the shaft and a lip member located at the second distal end of said shaft, such that on insertion of the shaft into the cylindrical receptacle a third protrusion located at the first proximal end of the receptacle fits tightly in a groove located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and the lip member fitting over an edge which is located on an inner surface of the receptacle.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing kit including a containing module including a container and at least one refillable dispenser as described hereinabove.

Additionally in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, further including a holder module, transporting units, a processor module, cooling/heating module, pre-milling module, an appended valve control unit or any combination thereof.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for dispensing a predetermined dosage of a bulk material contained in a bulk container, the method includes obtaining at least one refillable dispenser, the at least one refillable dispenser including a cylindrical receptacle and a rotatable dispensing shaft wherein the rotatable dispensing shaft includes a central bore and an elongated opening cut in an outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft and is inserted into a proximal end of the cylindrical receptacle, moving a sliding member located in the central bore of the rotatable dispensing shaft to a required position in the rotatable dispensing shaft for determining the dosage of the bulk material, attaching the at least one refillable dispenser to the bulk material container, locking the rotatable dispensing shaft in the cylindrically-shaped receptacle by fitting a lip member located at a distal end of the rotatable dispensing shaft over an abutment edge located in the receptacle, rotating the rotatable dispensing shaft by means of a handle member attached to the rotatable dispensing shaft until the elongated opening cut in an outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft faces an opening in the bulk container, transferring the bulk material from the container into the rotatable dispensing shaft via the elongated opening, rotating the rotatable dispensing shaft until the transferred bulk material is stored in the rotatable dispensing shaft, removing a plug from an opening located at a distal end of the cylindrical receptacle and dispensing the bulk material from he dispenser into a receiving vessel.

Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the transferring the bulk material from the container further includes tilting the at least one refillable container.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes rotating of the rotatable dispensing shaft is performed by means of a handle member rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically. Typically, the rotatable dispensing shaft is rotated through an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

Alternatively, the at least one refillable dispenser is attached to the bulk material container prior to moving a sliding member located in the central bore of the rotatable dispensing shaft to a required position in the rotatable dispensing shaft for determining the dosage of the bulk material.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a bulk dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter including a housing for interfacing with at least one container containing the bulk material, at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing including a cylindrically-shaped receptacle including a first proximal end and a first distal end, a rotatable dispensing shaft located in the cylindrical receptacle and moveable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical receptacle, the rotatable dispensing shaft including a second proximal end and a second distal end, a central bore, an elongated opening cut on an outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft, a sliding member located in the central bore of the rotatable shaft and is positioned in the central bore so to determine said dosage of said bulk material to be dispensed from the dispenser, an opening located at an outlet end of the at least one refillable dispenser, a volume formed between the outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft and the receptacle, the bulk material is transferred from the at least one container to the rotatable dispensing shaft for temporary storage in the at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed through the opening located at the outlet end of the at least one at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed from said dispenser. The volume receives surplus bulk material and returns the surplus bulk material to the container.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a product contained in A dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter including a housing for interfacing with at least one container containing the bulk material, at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing including a cylindrically- shaped receptacle including a first proximal end and a first distal end, a rotatable dispensing shaft located in the cylindrical receptacle and moveable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical receptacle, the rotatable dispensing shaft including a second proximal end and a second distal end, a central bore, an elongated opening cut on an outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft, a sliding member located in the central bore of the rotatable shaft and is positioned in the central bore so to determine said dosage of said bulk material to be dispensed from the dispenser, an opening located at an outlet end of the at least one refillable dispenser, a volume formed between the outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft and the receptacle, the bulk material is transferred from the at least one container to the rotatable dispensing shaft for temporary storage in the at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed through the opening located at the outlet end of the at least one at least one refillable dispenser and the bulk material is dispensed from said dispenser. The volume receives surplus bulk material and returns the surplus bulk material to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the following figures:

Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a bulk dispenser including a bulk material container, a refillable dispenser and a rotatable dispensing shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2A is a view of the rotatable dispensing shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2B is a view of an elongated opening in the outer surface of the rotatable dispensing shaft;

Fig. 2C is a view of the rotatable dispensing shaft indicating typical locations of the protrusions and lip member on the rotatable dispensing shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2D is a side view of the bulk dispenser indicating typical locations of the protrusions and lip member on the rotatable dispensing shaft with respect to the cylindrically-shaped receptacle when the rotatable dispensing shaft is partially inserted in the cylindrically-shaped receptacle, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2E is a side of the refillable dispenser and housing indicating typical locations of the protrusions and lip member with respect to the cylindrically-shaped receptacle when the rotatable dispensing shaft is fully inserted in the cylindrically- shaped receptacle, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the bulk dispenser showing the bulk material container, the cylindrically shaped receptacle and the rotatable dispensing shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4A is a top view of the bulk dispenser, showing the bulk material container, the cylindrically shaped receptacle and the rotatable dispensing shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4B shows an end view of the proximal end of the receptacle indicating the circumferential extends of the protrusion 208, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a view of the refillable dispenser in which the sliding member is positioned for storing and dispensing a single unit of bulk material, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 shows a view of the dispenser in which the sliding member is positioned for storing and dispensing two units of bulk material, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a view of the dispenser in which the rotatable dispensing shaft is partially rotated, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 shows a view of the dispenser in which the rotatable dispensing shaft is fully rotated, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and

Figs. 9 and 10 show a dispenser kit including a multiple container and a refillable dispenser, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which shows a three-dimensional view of a bulk dispenser 5 including a bulk material container 10, a refillable dispenser 12 and a rotatable dispensing shaft 18, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The container 10 contains the bulk material to be dispensed. The container 10 is typically constructed of the material Elvax 250™.

The refillable dispenser 12 includes a housing 14 and the rotatable dispensing shaft 18. The housing 14 includes, a cylindrically-shaped receptacle 16, a lower portion 20 for attaching the refillable dispenser 12 to the material container 10. The lower portion 20 includes a double lip 22 which fits snugly onto an upper portion 24 of the material container 10. The lower portion 20 of the housing 14 also includes at least one protrusion 26 for removing the refillable dispenser 12 from the container 10, as described hereinbelow. In addition, an indentation 28 is provided in the housing 14 in order to enable a user or a manufacturer of the bulk material to label or to advertise the material which is to be dispensed from the bulk dispenser 5.

It is appreciated that the housing 14 may be attached to the container by an attachment means, such as suitable handles or locking straps.

Additionally, an O-ring or another suitable sealing means may be inserted between the lip-components of the double lip for sealing the housing 14 to the container 10. The cylindrically-shaped receptacle 16 includes a proximal end 30 and a distal end 32. The proximal end 30 receives the rotatable dispensing shaft 18, which may be moved into and out of the receptacle 16 by a user in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 34 of the receptacle 16, as indicated by a direction arrow 35, in order to assist in the filling of the bulk material contained in the container 10 into the refillable dispenser 12, as described hereinbelow.

The distal end 32 of the receptacle 16 is typically cut at an angle to the longitudinal axis 34 and protrudes beyond the edge of housing 14, as shown in Fig. 1. A plug 36 is attached to the distal end 32 of the receptacle 16 for sealing the receptacle 16 and prevents the bulk material stored within the refillable dispenser 12 for falling therefrom. In addition, the plug 36 keeps the dispenser 12 clean and sterile when not in use. A pulling strap 38 is connected to the plug 36 for removing the plug 36 from the receptacle 16, as described hereinbelow. A holding peg 49 is attached to the receptacle 16 for securing the pulling strap 38 to the receptacle 16. The plug 36 tightly fits against an inner surface 39 of the receptacle 16, thus sealing the refillable dispenser 12 and its contents from the environment.

Alternatively or additionally, the plug 36 includes a knurled edge 40 to allow the plug 36 to be removed manually.

The handle member 50 includes a first stop 220 and a second stop 222 located on an inner side of the handle member 50. An abutment stop 224 is located on an outer surface of the housing 14, as shown in Fig. 3.

Graduation marks 42 and 44 are included on an outer surface 46 of the receptacle 16 to allow the user to indicate the dosage of material stored and to be dispensed, as described hereinbelow.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which shows a view of the rotatable dispensing shaft 18, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing shaft 18, which is typically of circular cross-section, includes a cylindrically-shaped central member 48 and a handle member 50. The handle member 50 is attached to the cylindrically-shaped central member 48, as shown in Fig. 2A.

The cylindrically-shaped center member 48 includes a proximal end 52, a distal end 54 and a central bore 56. A portion of a cylindrical surface 58 of the central member 48 is cut-away to form an elongated opening 57 in the central member 48, as shown in Fig. 2B, for receiving the material stored in the container 10, as described hereinbelow.

At the proximal end 52, a set of protrusions 59 are located on the outer surface 58 of the central member 48 and a lip member 60 is located at the distal end 54 of the central member 48 (Figs. 2C and 2D). Typically, the set of protrusions 59 includes three circumferential protrusions 200, 202 and 204, as shown in Figs. 2C and 2D.

On full insertion of the shaft 18 into the cylindrical receptacle 16, the protrusion 200 abuts against an outside edge 206 of the receptacle 16 and a protrusion 208 which is located at the proximal end 30 of the receptacle 16 fits tightly in a groove 210 which is positioned between the protrusions 200 and 202, as shown in Fig. 2E. The third protrusion 204 is aligned with a first inner surface 212 of the housing 14, as shown in Fig. 2E.

The lip member 60 fits over an edge 62 which is located on a second inner surface 214 of the housing 14, as shown in Fig. 2E.

The protrusion 208, which sits in the groove 210 and the lip member 60, which is fits over the edge 62, seals and locks the rotatable shaft 18 in the receptacle 16 and allows rotation of the shaft 18 within the receptacle 16 by the user rotating the handle member 50, as indicated by the arrow 64 (Fig. 1) and as described hereinbelow.

Typically, the protrusion 208 does not extend around the complete circumference of the proximal end 30. Typically, the protrusion 208 extends between the positions 230 and 232 on the receptacle 16, as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, allowing free rotation of the rotatable shaft 18 within the receptacle 16.

Typically, the protrusion 208 may be in the form of a continuous strip. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion 208 may be constructed differently, such as in the form of a series of beads affixed to the receptacle 16 at the proximal end 30.

Upon the full insertion and locking of the shaft 18 within the receptacle 16, a concentric volume 216 is formed between the inner surface 218 of the receptacle 16 and the cylindrical surface 58 of the center member 48, as shown in Fig 2E. Any bulk material which may be trapped within the volume 216 is prevented from escaping from the bulk dispenser 5 and falls back into the container 10 as the shaft 18 is rotated. In addition, the bulk material, which is stored within the shaft 18 is hygienically sealed from the environment and remains clean and dirt-free.

Typically, for bulk material, such as milk powder, an inner diameter of the receptacle 16 is approximately 29 mm and an outer diameter of the central member 48 is approximately 28mm. Therefore, a typical diameter of the concentric volume is approximately 1 mm. However, it is appreciated that the geometry and dimensions of the various elements of the refillable dispenser 12, receptacle 16 and the rotatable shaft 18, including the geometry and dimensions of the set of protrusions 59 and the lip member 60, are chosen in accordance with the requirements of the user and the type of bulk material which is to be dispensed.

The handle member 50 is located at the proximal end 52 for adjusting the position of the shaft 18 in the receptacle 16 as well as for rotating the rotatable dispensing shaft 18 in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis 34 of the receptacle 16, as shown by an arrow 64 (Fig. 1). The shaft 18 is rotated so that the elongated opening 57, cut into the surface 58 of the central member 48, as described hereinabove, is positioned in order to receive and store the material transferred from the container 10 to the receptacle 16, as described hereinbelow. The rotation of the dispensing shaft 18 by the handle member 50, in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, allows the refillable dispenser 12 to be used by either a right- handed user or a left-handed user.

Preferably, the handle member 50 includes a knurled surface 66 into which a notch 68 is cut. The notch 68 is located on the handle member 50 in a position which is preferably positioned opposite the longitudinal center of the elongated opening 57 in order to indicate the rotational location of the elongated opening 57 to the user as the shaft 18 is rotated within the receptacle 16, as described hereinbelow.

It is appreciated that alternative types of surfaces may be formed on the handle member 50, such as a smooth surface.

A sliding member 70 is located in the central member 48, as shown in Fig. 3, and is moved by the user within the central bore 56 allowing the user to adjust the amount and dosage of the material to be stored in the shaft 18 prior to dispensing, as described hereinbelow. Graduation marks 72 and 74 are located on the outer surface 52 of the central member 48 (Fig. 2A) for assisting the user to determine the dosage of material to be stored in the receptacle 16. The sliding member 70 is typically placed opposite the graduation marks 72 and 74, allowing the user to determine the dosage of material to be stored and dispensed. For example, for a material such as milk powder, the graduation marks indicate that a dosage of approximately 9 grams of milk powder is stored between each mark.

It is appreciated that the number of graduation marks and their respective locations on the inscribed the outer surfaces of the central member 48 and the receptacle 16, depend on the requirements of the user of the bulk dispenser 5. When the shaft 18 is fully inserted into the dispenser 12, the graduations 72 and 74 typically coincide with the graduations 42 and 44, respectively.

In operation, prior to attaching the dispenser 12 to the container 10, the dispenser 12 is held by the user and the shaft 18 is rotated by means of the handle member 50 until the elongated opening 57 of the central member 48 faces the user, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The user decides as to the dosage of powder required to be stored within the receptacle 16 and the user locates the sliding member 70 to the requisite graduation mark. For example, if the user requires a single unit of material to be dispensed, the user positions the sliding member 70 at the graduation mark 72 (Fig. 5). If the user requires two units of material, the user positions the sliding member 70 at the graduation mark 74 (Fig. 6) and for three units of powder, the user removes the sliding member 70 from the shaft 18. For example, if the user wishes to dispense milk powder, a typical unit of powder weight stored between the graduation marks is approximately 9 grams of milk powder.

The user removes the lid of the container 10 and the refillable dispenser 12 is attached to the top of the container 10 by typically manually pressing the dispenser 12 to the upper end 24 of the container 10 and the double lips 22 of the dispenser 12 engage the upper portion 24 of the container 10. Thus, the opening of the container 10 is sealed by the dispenser 12 and the material contained within the container 10 is hygenically enclosed therein. If the dispenser 12 is used for dispensing food products, the penetration of germs into the food products is thus prevented and the food products are stored cleanly and hygienically. The shaft 18 is rotated by rotating the handle 50 as shown by an arrow 76 in Fig. 7, from the position of the first stop 220 preferably abutting against the abutment 224 until the second stop abuts against the abutment 224 (Figs. 5 - 8). The rotation angle is approximately 180 degrees,

The bulk material dispenser 5 is inverted such that the refillable dispenser 12 is in an upside-down position. The material fills the central bore 56 of the shaft 18 and the shaft 18 is rotated by means of the handle 50. Thus, the required dosage of bulk material is sealed and stored within the receptacle 16. The rotational location of the shaft 18 is verified by noting the position of the notch 68 (Fig. 8). The dispenser 12 is returned to its normal upright position and the required dosage of material is available for dispensing.

The plug 36 is removed from the receptacle 16 and the bulk material is dispensed into an external vessel for usage, preferably, by tilting the dispenser 5 so that the material flows out of an opening 80 located at the distal end 32 of the receptacle 16.

It is appreciated that alternatively, the amount of material to be stored and dispensed by the bulk dispenser 5 may be adjusted after attaching the refillable dispenser 12 to the container 10. The shaft 18 is withdrawn from the receptacle 16 until the lip member 60 of the shaft 18 abuts against the proximal end 30 of the receptacle 16. The shaft 18 is rotated so that the central bore 57 is facing the user and the user locates the sliding member 70 to the required graduation mark on the outer surface 58 of the shaft 18 in order to obtain the required dosage of material to be stored and the shaft 18 is reinserted into the receptacle 16.

It is appreciated that if the dispenser 5 is used for storing and dispensing food products, the refillable dispenser 12 is typically constructed, at least partially, of nontoxic transparent, such as thermoplastic compositions, such as food grade high-density polypropylene; polystyrene; PVC or Teflon . The dispenser 5 is typically constructed of dish-washable, autoclabable and/or sterilizeable materials.

Alternatively, it is appreciated that the dispenser 5 may be constructed from metallic substances, such as stainless steel 316, composite materials, wood, paper, cardboard, stone or synthetic stone materials, glass, painted or coated by any suitable materials. Typically, some of the members of the dispenser 5, such as the container 10 and the outlet means may be made of transparent materials.

It is appreciated that the refillable dispenser 12 may be constructed to conform to the size and geometry of any commercially available container. Additionally or alternatively, the refillable dispenser 12 may be fitted to a container by a suitable adapter so as to conform the refillable dispenser 12, shown in Fig. 1, to fit onto any container geometry.

It is appreciated that it is unnecessary to remove the refillable dispenser 12 from the container 10 after dispensing the material and the refillable dispenser 12 may remain attached to the container 10 until the container 10 is empty. This ensures that the material retained within the container 10 remains clean and hygienically sealed during storage. After the container 10 is empty, the use removes the refillable dispenser 12 therefrom by taking hold of at least one of the protrusions 26 and pulling the dispenser 12 from the container 10. The dispenser 12 may then be cleaned and washed for further use. The dispenser 12 may be attached to another container and used for a further series of material dispensing, as described hereinabove.

It is appreciated that within the scope of the present invention, wherein the hereto-defined bulk material is selected in a non-limiting manner from any food products, beverages, cosmetics, household compositions or chemical materials or any mixture thereof. The term "food products" is not limited to powders and liquids, such as water, beverages, juices, syrups, honey, toppings, ketchup, chocolate syrup, milk, milk products, crushed ice, ice cream, flour, sugar, salt, seasons, beans, nuts, babies food, such as the Materna™ dry powder and includes items, such as wheat, buckwheat, the term "household compositions" includes items, such as soaps, soap powders, conditioners, cleaning agents, laundry soaps, shampoos, fertilizers, detergents, solvents and the term "chemical materials" also includes industrial items, such as corrosive materials, concrete raw materials, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to utilize the invention and set forth in the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention.

Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention are described hereinabove for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter. The invention describes a cost-effective and novel dispenser, useful for batch- type dispensing of a predetermined dosage of bulk matter.

In addition, the bulk dispenser 5 can be coupled to a temperature adjustment or regulating device, such as a Peltier unit for heating or cooling for maintaining a predetermined level of heat either inside the container or the dispensing device or both, such that the bulk material may be dispensed at a desired temperature and/or physical state.

The container may also include cooling or heating means, such as a water- based temperature by double jacket system or a Peltier electro-thermal system, adapted to the range of +60°C to -17°C, sealing means, such as doubled sealed covers and jackets.

Reference is now made to Figs. 9 and 10, which show a dispenser kit 100 including a multiple container 102 and at least one refillable dispenser 104. It is appreciated that the multiple container 102 contains more than one bulk material, such as sugar and salt or laundry soap and a fabric softener. The multiple container 102 is typically divided into a plurality of subcontainers, such as subcontainers 106 and 108, by accommodating a plurality of bags 1 10 and 1 12, such as plastic bags, in the multiple container 102.

Additionally or alternatively, the multiple container 102, including subcontainers 106 and 108, may be in a fluid or powder communication with more than one outlet means, such that one outlet, for example, is provided for high-flux fluid flow, an additional outlet means for a continuous fluid flow and a further outlet means for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material.

It is appreciated that the dispenser kit may be collapsible, either disposable or adapted for a multi-purpose use and may be stored before and after use in its disassembled configuration.

Moreover, a refillable dispenser, according another embodiment of the present invention, includes at least two retention volumes, such that, for example, one retention volume is suitable for storing and dispensing one measure of milk and the second retention volume for storing and dispensing two measures of milks. The refillable dispenser preferably includes at least two different outlet means.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk matter, comprising:

a housing for interfacing with at least one container containing said bulk material;

at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing, comprising:

a cylindrically-shaped receptacle comprising a first proximal end and a first distal end;

a rotatable dispensing shaft located in said cylindrical receptacle and moveable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said cylindrical receptacle, said rotatable dispensing shaft comprising:

a second proximal end and a second distal end;

a central bore;

an elongated opening cut on an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft;

a sliding member located in said central bore of said rotatable shaft and is positioned in said central bore so to determine said dosage of said bulk material to be dispensed from said dispenser;

an opening located at an outlet end of said at least one refillable dispenser;

a volume formed between said outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft and said receptacle;

wherein said bulk material is transferred from said at least one container to said rotatable dispensing shaft for temporary storage in said at least one refillable dispenser and said bulk material is dispensed through said opening located at said outlet end of said at least one at least one refillable dispenser and said bulk material is dispensed from said dispenser and wherein said volume receives surplus bulk material and returns said surplus bulk material to said container.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1 further comprising a plug for inserting into said opening of said at least one at least one refillable dispenser and wherein said plug is removed from said opening prior to dispensing said bulk material.

3. The dispenser according to claim 2 further comprising a pulling strap attached to said plug for removing said plug from said opening.

4. The dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said shaft is rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically.

5. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising at least one graduation mark located on an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft for indicating said dosage of said bulk material to be stored and dispensed from said dispenser.

6. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

7. The dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

8. The dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein Weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

9. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling device for coupling said dispenser to a cooling device.

10. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling device for coupling said dispenser to a heating device.

1 1. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said bulk material is selected from a group consisting of any food products, beverages, cosmetics, household compositions and chemical materials and any combination thereof.

12. A dispensing kit comprising:

a containing module comprising:

a container and at least one refillable dispenser as defined in any one of claims 1 to 1 1.

13. The dispensing kit according to claim 12, further comprising a holder module, transporting units, a processor module, cooling/heating module, pre-milling module, an appended valve control unit or any combination thereof.

14. The dispenser kit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and described in said description hereinabove and in any one of said drawings.

15. A method for dispensing a predetermined dosage of a bulk material contained in a bulk container, comprising:

obtaining at least one refillable dispenser, said at least one refillable dispenser comprising a cylindrically-shaped receptacle and a rotatable dispensing shaft wherein said rotatable dispensing shaft comprises a central bore and an elongated opening cut in an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft;

inserting rotatable dispensing shaft into said cylindrical receptacle;

locking said rotatable dispensing shaft into said receptacle by fitting a first protrusion located at said first proximal end of said receptacle into a groove located between a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a proximal end said shaft and said lip member fitting over an edge which is located on an inner surface of said receptacle;

locking said rotatable dispensing shaft in said cylindrically-shaped receptacle by fitting a lip member located at a distal end of the rotatable dispensing shaft over an edge located in the receptacle and inserting a first protrusion located at proximal end of said receptacle between a second protrusion and a third protrusion wherein said second and said third protrusion are located at said proximal end of said rotatable dispensing shaft;

moving a sliding member located in said central bore of said rotatable dispensing shaft to a required position in said rotatable dispensing shaft for determining said dosage of said bulk material;

attaching said at least one refillable dispenser to said bulk material container; rotating said rotatable dispensing shaft by means of a handle member attached to said rotatable dispensing shaft until said elongated opening cut in an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft faces an opening in said bulk container;

transferring said bulk material from said container into said rotatable dispensing shaft via said elongated opening;

rotating said rotatable dispensing shaft until said transferred bulk material is stored in said rotatable dispensing shaft;

removing a plug from an opening located at a distal end of said cylindrical receptacle and dispensing said bulk material from said dispenser into a receiving vessel.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein said transferring said bulk material from said container further comprises tilting said dispenser.

17. The method according to any of claims 15 and 16 wherein said rotating of said rotatable dispensing shaft is performed by means of a handle member rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein said rotatable dispensing shaft is rotated through an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

22. A bulk material dispenser comprising:

at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing, comprising:

a second proximal end and a second distal end;

a central bore;

an opening located at an outlet end of said at least one refillable dispenser;

a volume formed between said outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft and said receptacle; wherein said bulk material is transferred from said at least one container to said rotatable dispensing shaft for temporary storage in said at least one refillable dispenser and said bulk material is dispensed through said opening located at said outlet end of said at least one at least one refillable dispenser and said bulk material is dispensed from said dispenser and wherein said volume receives surplus bulk material and returns said surplus bulk material to said container.

23. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 22 further comprising a plug for inserting into said opening of said at least one refillable dispenser and wherein said plug is removed from said opening prior to dispensing said bulk material.

24. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 23 further comprising a pulling strap attached to said plug for removing said plug from said opening.

25. The bulk material dispenser according to any of claims 22 to 24 wherein said shaft is rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically.

25. The bulk material dispenser according to any one of claims 21 to 44 further comprising at least one graduation mark located on an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft for indicating said dosage of bulk material to be stored in said rotatable dispensing shaft.

26. The bulk material dispenser according to any one of claims 21 to 25 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

27. The bulk material dispenser according to any of claims 21 to 25 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

28. The bulk material dispenser according to any of claims 21 to 25 wherein said weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

29. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 21, further comprising a coupling device for coupling said dispenser to a cooling device.

30. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 21, further comprising a coupling device for coupling said dispenser to a heating device.

31. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 21 wherein said bulk material is selected from a group consisting of any food products, beverages, cosmetics, household and chemical materials and any combination thereof.

32. A product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material, said dispenser comprising:

at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing, comprising:

a second proximal end and a second distal end;

a central bore;

an opening located at an outlet end of said at least one refillable dispenser;

33. The product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material according to claim 32 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

34. The product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material according to claim 32 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

35. The product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material according to claim 32 wherein said weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

36. A method for dispensing a predetermined dosage of a bulk material contained in a bulk container, comprising:

obtaining at least one refillable dispenser, said at least one refillable dispenser comprising a cylindrical receptacle and a rotatable dispensing shaft wherein said rotatable dispensing shaft comprises a central bore and an elongated opening cut in an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft and is inserted into a proximal end of said cylindrical receptacle;

attaching said at least one refillable dispenser to said bulk material container; moving a sliding member located in said central bore of said rotatable dispensing shaft to a required position in said rotatable dispensing shaft for determining said dosage of said bulk material;

rotating said rotatable dispensing shaft by means of a handle member attached to said rotatable dispensing shaft until the elongated opening cut in an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft faces an opening in said bulk container;

locking said rotatable dispensing shaft into said receptacle by fitting a first protrusion located at said first proximal end of said receptacle into a groove located between a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a proximal end said shaft and said lip member fitting over an edge which is located on an inner surface of said receptacle; transferring said bulk material from said container into said rotatable dispensing shaft via said elongated opening;

rotating said rotatable dispensing shaft until said transferred bulk material is stored in said rotatable dispensing shaft; removing a plug from an opening located at a distal end of said cylindrical receptacle and dispensing said bulk material out of said receptacle into a receiving vessel.

37. The method according to claim 36 wherein said transferring said bulk material from said container further comprises tilting said at least one refillable container.

38. The method according to any of claims 36 and 37 wherein said rotating of said rotatable dispensing shaft is performed by means of a handle member rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38 wherein said rotatable dispensing shaft is rotated through an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

40. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

42. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

43. The dispenser according to claims 1, 12, 22 and 32 further comprising:

a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at said second proximal end of said shaft,

and a lip member located at said second distal end of said shaft,

wherein on insertion of said shaft into said cylindrical receptacle a third protrusion located at said first proximal end of said receptacle fits tightly in a groove located between said first protrusion and said second protrusion and said lip member fitting over an edge which is located on an inner surface of said receptacle;

26. The bulk material dispenser according to any one of claims 21 to 24 further comprising at least one graduation mark located on an outer surface of said rotatable dispensing shaft for indicating said dosage of bulk material to be stored in said rotatable dispensing shaft.

27. The bulk material dispenser according to any one of claims 21 to 26 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

28. The bulk material dispenser according to any of claims 21 to 26 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

29. The bulk material dispenser according to any of claims 21 to 26 wherein said weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

30. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 21 , further comprising a coupling device for coupling said dispenser to a cooling device.

31. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 21, further comprising a coupling device for coupling said dispenser to a heating device.

32. The bulk material dispenser according to claim 21 wherein said bulk material is selected from a group consisting of any food products, beverages, cosmetics, household and chemical materials and any combination thereof.

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33. A product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material, said dispenser comprising:

at least one refillable dispenser attached to said housing, comprising:

a second proximal end and a second distal end;

a central bore;

an opening located at an outlet end of said at least one refillable dispenser;

34. The product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material according to claim 33 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

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35. The product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material according to claim 33 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

36. The product contained in a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined dosage of bulk material according to claim 33 wherein said weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

37. A method for dispensing a predetermined dosage of a bulk material contained in a bulk container, comprising:

21 removing a plug from an opening located at a distal end of said cylindrical receptacle and dispensing said bulk material out of said receptacle into a receiving vessel.

38. The method according to claim 37 wherein said transferring said bulk material from said container further comprises tilting said at least one refillable container.

39. The method according to any of claims 37 and 38 wherein said rotating of said rotatable dispensing shaft is performed by means of a handle member rotated either electronically, manually, semiautomatically or automatically.

40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39 wherein said rotatable dispensing shaft is rotated through an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 9 grams.

42. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 18 grams.

43. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein weight of said predetermined dosage of stored bulk material is approximately 27 grams.

44. The dispenser according to claims 1, 12, 22 and 33 further comprising:

and a lip member located at said second distal end of said shaft,

wherein on insertion of said shaft into said cylindrical receptacle a third protrusion located at said first proximal end of said receptacle fits tightly in a groove located between said first protrusion and said second protrusion and said lip member fitting over an edge which is located on an inner surface of said receptacle.

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