A MATERIAL DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract

There is provided a material dispensing device that may include a first flexible hollow housing (5); a second flexible hollow housing (7), each of the first and second flexible hollow housings (5, 7) may have a proximal end (50, 70) and a distal end (51, 71); and a removable connector (6) configured to be separably connected to the proximal ends (50, 70) of the first and second flexible hollow housings (5, 7), thus defining a first compartment and a second compartment. Each of the first and second flexible hollow housings (5, 7) may have one or more slits (500, 700) in proximity to a corresponding distal end (51, 71), wherein each of the one or more slits (500, 700) may have a normally closed state and may be configured to open only when a user applies a manual lateral force to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings (5, 7) in proximity to a corresponding distal end (51, 71), thus allowing materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments to pass through the one or more slits (500, 700) to the outside of such compartments.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to material dispensing devices, and more particularly to material dispensing devices that minimize the use of materials and mechanisms.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Material dispensing devices and apparatuses are widely disclosed in the prior art.

For instance, the international application published under number WO1991016145 discloses a device for distributing seasoning materials (toppings) onto snack food items during their manufacture. The device utilizes a hopper for the seasoning material and a tube having one end in communication with the hopper and extending outwardly from the hopper. The tube has a feed section and a seasoning delivery section. The device includes a motor-driven auger extending from the hopper through the tube. Seasoning distribution apertures extend generally longitudinally from the beginning of the seasoning delivery section. The orientation of at least a portion of the seasoning distribution apertures changes progressively downwardly toward the bottom of the tube.

The international patent application published under number WO2003063656 discloses a dressing dispenser that includes a container equipped with an upper opening and which contains the dressing or oil; and a pipette- or similar-type dressing dosimeter which consists of a long tube having a small diameter that has an air inlet at the upper end and a bulged receptacle at the lower end. The lower end of said receptacle is provided with a second opening which is used to dispense liquid dressings or oil in order to season salads and other types of food.

The European patent application publication EP 1656860 discloses a food seasoning quantitative dispenser that includes a body, a supporter, a center rod, a cap unit and a base. The body has a chamber for storing seasoning, and a conical neck. The supporter has plural feet, an annular wall, a central tubular member and an outlet between the feet, and located under the conical neck. The center rod has two flanges, an annular groove between the flanges, and a bottom hole for a spring to fit in. The cap unit has a cap body, a button and a stop disc. When the button is pressed down, the center rod is moved down to let the seasoning fall down through the open bottom of the body and received in the base closed on the bottom of the body.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a material dispensing device that can be used for dispensing solid, liquid, semi-liquid foodstuff such as seasoning materials, toppings, syrups, powders, spices, or non-foodstuff such as glitters, or cosmetics formulated in solid, liquid, or semi-liquid forms.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a material dispensing device that may include a first flexible hollow housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a removable cap configured to be separably connected to the proximal end of the first flexible hollow housing, thus defining a first compartment configured to enclose foodstuff or non-foodstuff materials in solid, granular, powder, semi-liquid, or liquid forms, wherein first flexible hollow housing may have one or more slits in proximity to the distal end, the one or more slits may have a normally closed state and may be configured to open only when a user applies a manual lateral force to external surfaces of the first flexible hollow housing in proximity to the distal end, thus allowing enclosed materials to pass through the one or more slits to the outside of the first compartment.

In some aspects, the distal end may include a plurality of external ribs that may be configured to force the one or more slits to maintain a normally closed state when no lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first flexible hollow housing.

In other aspects, each member of the plurality of external ribs may be configured to be displaced away from other members in the plurality of external ribs when a lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first flexible hollow housing, thus allowing the one or more slits to open.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more slits may have a cross shape and are collinear with a first central line of the first flexible hollow housing.

In some aspects, the one or more slits may be tangent to the distal end.

In other aspects, the one or more slits may be slightly displaced from the distal end towards the proximal end with a passageway defined between the one or more silts and the distal end.

In some aspects, the first flexible hollow housing may further include a first lip in proximity to the proximal end.

In some aspects, the first flexible hollow housing may further include one or more recesses in proximity to the distal end.

In some aspects, a thickness of a wall of the first flexible hollow housing may gradually decrease as going from the proximal end towards the distal end.

In some aspects, the first flexible hollow housing may further include a first set of plurality of internal ribs longitudinally distributed along a circumference of an inner surface of the first flexible hollow housing in proximity to the proximal end.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the first flexible hollow housing may be made of an elastomer.

In some aspects, the removable cap may be made of a rigid material selected from wood, aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel, and may include a base, a first protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base, and a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion.

In some aspects, the first protrusion may be configured to be circumfused by a first lip.

Other aspects of the present disclosure provide a material dispensing device that may include a first flexible hollow housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a second flexible hollow housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a removable connector configured to be separably connected to the proximal ends of the first and second flexible hollow housings, thus defining a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments are configured to enclose foodstuff or non-foodstuff materials in solid, granular, powder, semi-liquid, or liquid forms, wherein each of the first and second flexible hollow housings may have one or more slits in proximity to a corresponding distal end, and each of the one or more slits may have a normally closed state and may be configured to open only when a user applies a manual lateral force to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings in proximity to a corresponding distal end, thus allowing enclosed materials to pass through the one or more slits to the outside of the first and/or second compartments.

In some aspects, each of the distal ends of the first and second flexible hollow housings may include a plurality of external ribs configured to force the one or more slits to maintain a normally closed state when no lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings.

In some aspects, each member of the plurality of external ribs may be configured to be displaced away from other members in the plurality of external ribs when a lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings, thus allowing the one or more slits in the first and/or second flexible hollow housings to open.

In some aspects, each of the one or more slits may have a cross shape and may be collinear with a first central axis line and/or a second axis line of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings.

In some aspects, each of the one or more slits may be tangent to a corresponding distal end.

In other aspects, each of the one or more slits may be slightly displaced from a corresponding distal end towards the proximal end with a passageway defined between the each of the one or more silts and corresponding distal end.

In some aspects, the first flexible hollow housing may further include a first lip in proximity to the proximal end of the first flexible hollow housing, and wherein the second flexible hollow housing may include a second lip in proximity to the proximal end of the second flexible hollow housing.

In some aspects, each of the first flexible hollow housing and the second flexible hollow housing may further include one or more recesses in proximity to the distal ends.

In some aspects, a thickness of a wall of the first and second flexible hollow housing gradually may decrease as going from a corresponding proximal end towards a corresponding distal end.

In some aspects, each of the first flexible hollow housing and the second flexible hollow housing may further include a plurality of internal ribs longitudinally distributed along a circumference of an inner surface of a corresponding flexible hollow housing in proximity to a corresponding proximal end.

In aspects of the present disclosure, each of the first flexible hollow housing and the second flexible hollow housing may be made of an elastomer.

In some aspects, the removable connector may be made of a rigid material selected from wood, aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel, and may include a base, a first protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base, a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion, a second protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base in an opposing direction to the first protrusion, and a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second protrusion.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first protrusion may be configured to be circumfused by a first lip, and the second protrusion may be configured to be circumfused by a second lip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, without however limiting the scope of protection thereto, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the cross-section is taken through the line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a material dispensing device held by a user, the material dispensing device being configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a material dispensing device with a lateral force applied by a user's fingers, i.e. pinching force, to a flexible housing, the material dispensing device being configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the cross-section is taken through the line B-B of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the cross-section is being taken through the line C-C of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a material dispensing device held by a user, the material dispensing device being configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a material dispensing device with a lateral force applied to a flexible housing by a user's fingers, i.e. pinching force, the material dispensing device being configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an upper perspective view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a lower perspective view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the cross section is taken through the line D-D of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates an upper perspective view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a lower perspective view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional exploded view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the cross-section is taken through the line E-E of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of a material dispensing device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-16 illustrate a material dispensing device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the device is capable of dispensing an enclosed material in solid, liquid, or semi-liquid form, wherein the enclosed material may be a food stuff material or a non-foodstuff material.

Reference is now being made to FIGS. 1-4 in some embodiments, wherein the material dispensing device may include a first flexible hollow housing 1 that may include a wall with a proximal end 10 and a distal end 11 having one or more slits 100, a first lip 13 in proximity to the proximal end 10, a first set of plurality of internal ribs 15 distributed longitudinally within an inner surface of the first flexible housing wall and in proximity to the proximal end 10, and a first set of plurality of external ribs 16 in proximity to the distal end 11. FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate a central axis line 12 for purposes of describing various features. The first set of plurality of internal ribs 15 may be configured to provide anchoring means to at least a portion of the inside surface of the first flexible hollow housing 1. The material dispensing device may also include a removable cap 2 configured to be separably connected to the proximal end 10 of the first flexible hollow housing 1 to define a first compartment, the removable cap 2 may include a base 20 with a first protrusion 21 extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a first flange 22 extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion 21. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first lip 13 may be configured to circumfuse the first protrusion 21 of the removable cap 2. This allows for securely connecting the removable cap 2 to the first flexible hollow housing 1 in a separable manner, while preventing the enclosed material in the first compartment from leaking to the outside of the first compartment through the removable cap 2.

External surface of the first flexible hollow housing wall in embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more recesses 14 in proximity to the distal end 11.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 100 may have a cross shape and may be collinear with the first central line axis 12. Also, the one or more slits 100 may be configured to be normally closed, i.e., when there is no lateral force applied in proximity to the distal end 11 (FIG. 3A). This may be structurally achieved by means of the first set of the plurality of external ribs 16, which provides support to the one or more slits 100 and forces the one or more slits 100 to be firmly closed. The normally closed state of the one or more slits 100 may prevent the enclosed material in the first compartment from being accidently dispensed to the outside of the first compartment through the one or more slits 100 when there is no lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal end 11.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 100 may be configured to open when a user applies a lateral force, i.e., pinch, using his/her thumb and pointer fingers in proximity to the distal end 11, e.g., on the one or more recesses 14 (FIG. 3B). When the one or more slits 100 is open, and when the material dispensing device is oriented such that the distal end 11 has a lower elevation than the proximal end 10, the materials enclosed within the first compartment will flow by gravity to be dispensed to the outside of the first compartment through the one or more slits 100.

When a lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 11, e.g., on the one or more recesses 14, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 16 is forced to slightly move away, i.e., being displaced, from the other members. This forces the one or more slits 100 to open, thus providing a passageway for the enclosed material in the first compartment to be dispensed to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 100 (FIG. 3B).

In embodiments of the present disclosure, once the user releases the applied lateral force, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 16 returns to its default/original position and forces the one or more slits 100 to return to its normally closed position without allowing the enclosed material in the first compartment to pass through. This may allow the material dispensing device to be placed in various orientations while keeping the enclosed materials secure inside the first compartment.

The magnitude of displacement of each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 16, and the degree of opening of the one or more slits 100 merely depend on the magnitude of the lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal end 11, e.g., on the one or more recesses 14. This may give the user control over flow rate of the dispensed materials. Therefore, depending on the magnitude of the applied lateral force, the user can release more or less materials from the dispensing device as he/she pleases. This may further allow for a simpler and more natural user experience, and improve the usability.

The one or more recesses 14 may act as a physical guide to the position where the lateral force has to be applied in order for the materials enclosed in the first compartment to be dispensed through the one or more slits 100. The one or more recesses 14 may also lower the magnitude of the lateral force that should be applied to the outer surface of first flexible housing 1 in order for the one or more slits 100 to open.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral wall thickness of the first flexible hollow housing 1 may gradually decrease as going from the proximal end 10 towards the distal end 11. This gradual decrease in thickness may render the proximal end 10 more rigid than the distal end 11. The difference in rigidity between the proximal end 10 and the distal end 11 may help in sustaining the connection between the removable cap 2 and the first flexible hollow housing 1 when the lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 11, thus preventing the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing while in use. Additionally, the decrease in lateral wall thickness of the first hollow housing 1 may further provide support to keep the removable cap 2 static when lateral forces are applied to the first flexible hollow housing 1 in proximity to the proximal end 10.

The first set of plurality of internal ribs 15 may further provide structural support functions to make the proximal end 10 more rigid than the distal end 11 in order to prevent the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing due to applied lateral forces on the first flexible hollow housing 1 in proximity to the distal end 11. Additionally, the first set of plurality of internal ribs 15 may further provide support to keep the removable cap 2 static when lateral forces are applied to the first flexible hollow housing 1 in proximity to the proximal end 10.

In other embodiments, the first flexible hollow housing 1 may also include a first groove (not shown) in proximity to the proximal end 10, wherein such first groove may be configured to receive a part of the first flange 22 in order to secure a separable connection between the removable cap 2 and the first flexible hollow housing 1.

Refilling the material in the first compartment may be achieved by simply detaching/disconnecting the first flexible hollow housing 1 from the removable cap 2, filling the first flexible hollow housing 1 with the material through the proximal end 10, and reattaching/ reconnecting the first flexible hollow housing 1 to the removable cap 2. Due to the fact that the one or slits 100 remains naturally closed due to the material properties and geometry of the first hollow housing 1, refilling the material dispensing device will not accidentally release any enclosed material, allowing for a mess free experience.

Reference is now being made to FIGS. 5-8, which illustrate other embodiments of a material dispensing device of the present disclosure. The material dispensing device may include a first flexible hollow housing 3 that may include a wall with a proximal end 30 and a distal end 31 having one or more slits 300, a first lip 33 in proximity to the proximal end 30, a first set of plurality of internal ribs 35 distributed longitudinally within an inner surface of the first flexible housing and in proximity to the proximal end 30, and a first set of plurality of external ribs 36 in proximity to the distal end 31. FIGS. 5 and 6 further illustrate a central axis line 32 for purposes of describing various features. The first set of plurality of internal ribs 35 may be configured to provide anchoring means to at least a portion of the inside surface of the first flexible hollow housing 3. The material dispensing device may also include a removable cap 4 configured to be separably connected to the proximal end 30 of the first flexible hollow housing 3 to define a first compartment, the removable cap 4 may include a base 40 with a first protrusion 41 extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a first flange 42 extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion 41. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first lip 33 may be configured to circumfuse the first protrusion 41 of the removable cap 4. This allows for securely connecting the removable cap 4 to the first flexible hollow housing 3 in a separable manner, while preventing the enclosed material in the first compartment from leaking to the outside of the first compartment through the removable cap 4.

External surface of the first flexible hollow housing wall in embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more recesses 34 in proximity to the distal end 31.

In some embodiments, the one or more slits 300 may have a cross shape (FIG. 8) and may be slightly displaced from the distal end 31 towards the proximal end 30 with a passageway 3000 defined between the one or more silts 300 and the distal end 31 (FIG. 6). This configuration may be suitable for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid material enclosed in the first compartment because the passageway 3000 may help in keeping the distal end 31 clean after dispensing the enclosed material, which facilitates the storage of the material dispensing device without the need of wiping the distal end 31 to keep it clean after use.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 300 may be collinear with the first central line axis 32, and may be configured to be normally closed, i.e., when there is no lateral force applied in proximity to the distal end 31 (FIG. 7A). This may be structurally achieved by means of the first set of the plurality of external ribs 36, which provides support to the one or more slits 300 and forces the one or more slits 300 to be firmly closed. The normally closed state of the one or more slits 300 may prevent the enclosed material in the first compartment from being accidently dispensed to the outside of the first compartment through the one or more slits 300 when there is no lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal end 31.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 300 may be configured to open when a user applies a lateral force, i.e., pinch, using his/her thumb and pointer fingers in proximity to the distal end 31, e.g., on the one or more recesses 34 (FIG. 7B). When the one or more slits 300 is open, and when the material dispensing device is oriented such that the distal end 31 has a lower elevation than the proximal end 30, the materials enclosed within the first compartment will flow by gravity to be dispensed from the first compartment through the one or more slits 300 to the outside of such compartment.

When a lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 31, e.g., on the one or more recesses 34, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 36 is forced to slightly move away, i.e., being displaced, from the other members. This forces the one or more slits 300 to open, thus providing a passageway for the enclosed material in the first compartment to be dispensed to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 300 (FIG. 7B).

In embodiments of the present disclosure, once the user releases the applied lateral force, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 36 returns to its default/original position and forces the one or more slits 300 to return to its normally closed position without allowing the enclosed material to pass through to the outside of the first compartment. This may allow the material dispensing device to be placed in various orientations while keeping the enclosed material secure inside the first compartment.

The magnitude of displacement of each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 36, and the degree of opening of the one or more slits 300 merely depend on the magnitude of the lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal end 31, e.g., on the one or more recesses 34. This may give the user control over flow rate of the dispensed materials. Therefore, depending on the magnitude of the applied lateral force, the user can release more or less materials from the dispensing device as he/she pleases. This may further allow for a simpler and more natural user experience, and improve the usability.

The one or more recesses 34 may act as a physical guide to the position where the lateral force has to be applied in order for the material enclosed in the first compartment to be dispensed through the one or more slits 300. The one or more recesses 34 may also lower the magnitude of the lateral force that should be applied to the first flexible housing 3 in order for the one or more slits 300 to open.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral wall thickness of the first flexible hollow housing 3 may gradually decrease as going from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 31. This gradual decrease in thickness may render the proximal end 30 more rigid than the distal end 31. The difference in rigidity between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 31 may help in sustaining the connection between the removable cap 4 and the first flexible hollow housing 3 when the lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 31, thus preventing the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing while in use. Additionally, the decrease in lateral wall thickness of the first hollow housing 3 may further provide support to keep the removable cap 4 static when lateral forces are applied to the first flexible hollow housing 3 in proximity to the proximal end 30.

The first set of plurality of internal ribs 35 may further provide structural support functions to make the proximal end 30 more rigid than the distal end 31 in order to prevent the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing due to applied lateral forces on the first flexible hollow housing 3 in proximity to the distal end 31. Additionally, the first set of plurality of internal ribs 35 may further provide support to keep the removable cap 4 static when lateral forces are applied to the first flexible hollow housing 3 in proximity to the proximal end 30.

In other embodiments, the first flexible hollow housing 3 may also include a first groove (not shown) in proximity to the proximal end 30, wherein such first groove may be configured to receive a part of the first flange 42 in order to secure a separable connection between the removable cap 4 and the first flexible hollow housing 3.

Refilling the material in the first compartment may be achieved by simply detaching/disconnecting the first flexible hollow housing 3 from the removable cap 4, filling the first flexible hollow housing 3 with the material through the proximal end 30, and reattaching/ reconnecting the first flexible hollow housing 3 to the removable cap 4. Due to the fact that the one or slits 300 remains naturally closed due to the material properties and geometry of the first hollow housing 3, refilling the material dispensing device will not accidentally release any enclosed material, allowing for a mess free experience.

Reference is now being made to FIGS. 9-11, which illustrate other embodiments of a material dispensing device of the present disclosure. The material dispensing device may include a first flexible hollow housing 5 that may include a wall with a proximal end 50 and a distal end 51 having one or more slits 500, a first lip 53 in proximity to the proximal end 50, a first set of plurality of internal ribs 55 distributed longitudinally within an inner surface of the first flexible housing wall and in proximity to the proximal end 50, and a first set of plurality of external ribs 56 in proximity to the distal end 51. The material dispensing device may further include a second flexible hollow housing 7 that may include a wall with a proximal end 70 and a distal end 71 having one or more slits 700, a second lip 73 in proximity to the proximal end 70, a second set of plurality of internal ribs 75 distributed longitudinally within an inner surface of the first flexible housing wall and in proximity to the proximal end 70, and a first set of plurality of external ribs 76 in proximity to the distal end 71. FIGS. 9-11 further illustrate a first central axis line 52, and a second central axis line 72 for purposes of describing various features. The first and second set of plurality of internal ribs 55, 75 may be configured to provide anchoring means to at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the first and second flexible hollow housings 5, 7, respectively. The material dispensing device may also include a removable connector 6 configured to be separably connected to the proximal ends 50, 70 of the first and second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 to define a first compartment and a second compartment within the first and second flexible hollow housings, respectively. The removable connector 6 may include a base 60 with a first protrusion 61 extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a first flange 62 extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion 61. The removable connector 6 may also include a second protrusion 63 extending perpendicularly from the base 60 in an opposed direction to the first protrusion 61, and a second flange 64 extending radially outwardly from the second protrusion 63. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first lip 53 may be configured to circumfuse the first protrusion 61 of the removable connector 6, and the second lip 73 may be configured to circumfuse the second protrusion 63 of the removable connector 6. This allows for securely connecting the removable connector 6 to the first and second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 in a separable manner, while preventing the enclosed materials in the first and second compartments from leaking to the outside of such compartments through the removable connector 6.

External surfaces of the first and second flexible hollow housings' walls in embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more recesses 54, 74 in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71, respectively.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 500, 700 may have a cross shape, and may be collinear with the first and second central line axes 52, 72, respectively. The one or more slits 500, 700 may also be configured to be normally closed, i.e., when there is no lateral force applied in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71. This may be structurally achieved by means of the first set and second set of the plurality of external ribs 56, 76, which provide support to the one or more slits 500, 700 and forces them to be firmly closed. The normally closed state of the one or more slits 500, 700 may prevent the enclosed materials in the first and/or second compartments from being accidently dispensed to the outside of such compartments through the one or more slits 500, 700 when there is no lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 500, 700 may be configured to open when a user applies a lateral force, i.e., pinch, using his/her thumb and pointer fingers in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71, e.g., on the one or more recesses 54, 74. When the one or more slits 500 is open, and when the material dispensing device is oriented such that the distal end 51 has a lower elevation than the proximal end 50, the material enclosed within the first compartment will flow by gravity to be dispensed from the first compartment to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 500. Similarly, when the one or more slits 700 is open, and when the material dispensing device is oriented such that the distal end 71 has a lower elevation than the proximal end 70, the material enclosed within the second compartment will flow by gravity to be dispensed from the second compartment to the outside of such compartnnet through the one or more slits 700.

When a lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 51, e.g., on the one or more recesses 54, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 56 is forced to slightly move away, i.e., being displaced, from the other members. This forces the one or more slits 500 to open, thus providing a passageway for the enclosed material in the first compartment to be dispensed to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 500. Similarly, when a lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 71, e.g., on the one or more recesses 74, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 76 is forced to slightly move away, i.e., being displaced, from the other members. This forces the one or more slits 700 to open, thus providing a passageway for the enclosed material in the second compartment to be dispensed to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 700.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, once the user releases the applied lateral force, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 56 and/or each member of the second plurality of external ribs 76 returns to its default/original position and forces the one or more slits 500, 700 to return to their normally closed position without allowing the enclosed materials in the first and/or second compartments to pass through. This may allow the material dispensing device to be placed in various orientations while keeping the enclosed materials secure inside the first and/or second compartments.

The magnitude of displacement of each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 56, 76, and the degree of opening of the one or more slits 500, 700 merely depend on the magnitude of the lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71, e.g., on the one or more recesses 54, 74. This may give the user control over flow rate of the dispensed materials. Therefore, depending on the magnitude of the applied lateral force, the user can release more or less materials from the dispensing device as he/she pleases. This may further allow for a simpler and more natural user experience, and improve the usability.

The one or more recesses 54, 74 may act as a physical guide to the position where the lateral force has to be applied in order for the materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments to be dispensed through the one or more slits 500, 700. The one or more recesses 54, 74 may also lower the magnitude of the lateral force that should be applied to the first and second flexible housings 5, 7 in order for the one or more slits 500, 700 to open.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral wall thickness of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 may gradually decrease as going from the proximal ends 50, 70 towards the distal ends 51, 71, respectively. This gradual decrease in thickness may render the proximal ends 50, 70 more rigid than the distal ends 51, 71. The difference in rigidity between the proximal ends 50, 70 and the distal ends 51, 71 may help in sustaining the connection between the removable connector 6 and the first and second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 when the lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71, thus preventing the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing while in use. Additionally, the decrease in lateral wall thickness of the first and/or second hollow housings 5, 7 may further provide support to keep the removable connector 6 static when lateral forces are applied to the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 in proximity to the proximal ends 50, 70.

The first and second sets of plurality of internal ribs 55, 75 may further provide structural support functions to make the proximal ends 50, 70 more rigid than the distal ends 51, 71 in order to prevent the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing due to applied lateral forces on the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 in proximity to the distal ends 51, 71. Additionally, the first and second sets of plurality of internal ribs 55, 75 may further provide support to keep the removable connector 4 static when lateral forces are applied to the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 in proximity to the proximal ends 50, 70.

In other embodiments, the first flexible hollow housing 5 may also include a first groove (not shown) in proximity to the proximal end 50, wherein such first groove may be configured to receive a part of the first flange 62 in order to secure a separable connection between the removable connector 6 and the first flexible hollow housing 5.

Similarly, the second flexible hollow housing 7 may also include a second groove (not shown) in proximity to the proximal end 70, wherein such second groove may be configured to receive a part of the second flange 64 in order to secure a separable connection between the removable connector 6 and the second flexible hollow housing 7.

Refilling the materials in the first and/or second compartments may be achieved by simply detaching/disconnecting the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 from the removable connector 6, filling the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 with the materials through the proximal ends 50, 70, and reattaching/ reconnecting the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 5, 7 to the removable connector 6. Due to the fact that the one or slits 500, 700 remains naturally closed due to the material properties and geometry of the first and second flexible hollow housings 5, 7, refilling the material dispensing device will not accidentally release any enclosed material, allowing for a mess free experience.

Reference is now being made to FIGS. 12-16, which illustrate other embodiments of a material dispensing device of the present disclosure. The material dispensing device may include a first flexible hollow housing 8 that may include a wall with a proximal end 80 and a distal end 81 having one or more slits 800, a first lip 83 in proximity to the proximal end 80, a first set of plurality of internal ribs 85 distributed longitudinally within an inner surface of the first flexible housing wall and in proximity to the proximal end 80, and a first set of plurality of external ribs 86 in proximity to the distal end 81. The material dispensing device may further include a second flexible hollow housing 1000 that may include a wall with a proximal end 10000 and a distal end 1001 having one or more slits 10010, a second lip 1003 in proximity to the proximal end 10000, a second set of plurality of internal ribs 1005 distributed longitudinally within an inner surface of the first flexible housing wall and in proximity to the proximal end 10000, and a second set of plurality of external ribs 1006 in proximity to the distal end 1001. FIGS. 12-14 further illustrate a first central axis line 82, and a second central axis line 1002 for purposes of describing various features. The first and second set of plurality of internal ribs 85, 1005 may be configured to provide anchoring means to at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the first and second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000, respectively. The material dispensing device may also include a removable connector 9 configured to be separably connected to the proximal ends 80, 10000 of the first and second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 to define a first compartment and a second compartment within the first and second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000, respectively. The removable connector 9 may include a base 90 with a first protrusion 91 extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a first flange 92 extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion 91. The removable connector 9 may also include a second protrusion 93 extending perpendicularly the base 90 in an opposed direction to the first protrusion 91, and a second flange 94 extending radially outwardly from the second protrusion 93. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first lip 83 may be configured to circumfuse the first protrusion 91 of the removable connector 9, and the second lip 1003 may be configured to circumfuse the second protrusion 93 of the removable connector 9. This allows for securely connecting the removable connector 9 to the first and second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 in a separable manner, while preventing the enclosed materials in the first and/or second compartments from leaking to the outside of the first compartment and second compartments through the removable connector 9.

External surfaces of the first and second flexible hollow housings' walls in embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more recesses 84, 1004 in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001, respectively.

In some embodiments, the one or more slits 800 may have a cross shape and may be slightly displaced from the distal end 81 towards the proximal end 80 with a passageway 8000 defined between the one or more silts 800 and the distal end 81 (FIGS. 14, 15). This configuration may be suitable for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid material enclosed in the first compartment because the passageway 8000 may help in keeping the distal end 81 clean after dispensing the enclosed material, which facilitates the storage of the material dispensing device without the need of wiping the distal end 81 to keep it clean after use.

Similarly, the one or more slits 10010 may have a cross shape and may be slightly displaced from the distal end 1001 towards the proximal end 10000 with a passageway 100000 defined between the one or more silts 10010 and the distal end 1001 (FIGS. 14, 16). This configuration may be suitable for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid material enclosed in the first compartment because the passageway 100000 may help in keeping the distal end 1001 clean after dispensing the enclosed material, which facilitates the storage of the material dispensing device without the need of wiping the distal end 1001 to keep it clean after use.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 800, 10010 may be collinear with the first and second central line axes 82, 1002, respectively. The one or more slits 800, 10010 may also be configured to be normally closed, i.e., when there is no lateral force applied in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001. This may be structurally achieved by means of the first set and second set of the plurality of external ribs 86, 1006, which provide support to the one or more slits 800, 10010 and force the one or more slits 800, 10010 to be firmly closed. The normally closed state of the one or more slits 800, 10010 may prevent the enclosed materials in the first and/or second compartments from being accidently dispensed to the outside of the first and/or second compartments through the one or more slits 800, 10010 when there is no lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 800, 10010 may be configured to open when a user applies a lateral force, i.e., pinch, using his/her thumb and pointer fingers in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001, e.g., on the one or more recesses 84, 1004. When the one or more slits 800 is open, and when the material dispensing device is oriented such that the distal end 81 has a lower elevation than the proximal end 80, the materials enclosed within the first compartment will flow by gravity to be dispensed from the first compartment to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 800. Similarly, when the one or more slits 10010 is open, and when the material dispensing device is oriented such that the distal end 1001 has a lower elevation than the proximal end 10000, the materials enclosed within the second compartment will flow by gravity to be dispensed from the second compartment to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 10010.

When a lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 81, e.g., on the one or more recesses 84, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 86 is forced to slightly move away, i.e., being displaced, from the other members. This forces the one or more slits 800 to open, thus providing a passageway for the enclosed material in the first compartment to be dispensed to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 800. Similarly, when a lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal end 1001, e.g., on the one or more recesses 1004, each member of the second set of plurality of external ribs 1006 is forced to slightly move away, i.e., being displaced, from the other members. This forces the one or more slits 10010 to open, thus providing a passageway for the enclosed material in the second compartment to be dispensed to the outside of such compartment through the one or more slits 10010.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, once the user releases the applied lateral force, each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 86 and/or each member of the second plurality of external ribs 1006 returns to its default/ original position and forces the one or more slits 800, 10010 to return to their normally closed position without allowing the enclosed material to pass through. This may allow the material dispensing device to be placed in various orientations while keeping the enclosed materials secure inside the first and/or second compartments.

The magnitude of displacement of each member of the first set of plurality of external ribs 56, 76, and the degree of opening of the one or more slits 800, 10010 merely depend on the magnitude of the lateral force being applied in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001, e.g., on the one or more recesses 84, 1004. This may give the user control over flow rate of the dispensed materials. Therefore, depending on the magnitude of the applied lateral force, the user can release more or less materials from the dispensing device from the first and/or second compartments as he/she pleases. This may further allow for a simpler and more natural user experience, and improve the usability.

The one or more recesses 84, 1004 may act as a physical guide to the position where the lateral force has to be applied in order for the materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments to be dispensed from the first and/or second compartments to the outside of such compartments through the one or more slits 800, 10010. The one or more recesses 84, 1004 may also lower the magnitude of the lateral force that should be applied to the first and second flexible housings 8, 1000 in order for the one or more slits 800, 10010 to open.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral wall thickness of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 may gradually decrease as going from the proximal ends 80, 10000 towards the distal ends 81, 1001, respectively. This gradual decrease in thickness may render the proximal ends 80, 10000 more rigid than the distal ends 81, 1001. The difference in rigidity between the proximal ends 80, 10000 and the distal ends 81, 1001 may help in sustaining the connection between the removable connector 9 and the first and second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 when the lateral force is applied in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001, thus preventing the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing while in use Additionally, the decrease in lateral wall thickness of the first and/or second hollow housings 8, 1000 may further provide support to keep the removable connector 9 static when lateral forces are applied to the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 in proximity to the proximal ends 80, 10000.

The first and second sets of plurality of internal ribs 85, 1005 may further provide structural support functions to make the proximal ends 80, 10000 more rigid than the distal ends 81, 1001 in order to prevent the dispensing device of the present disclosure from accidentally collapsing due to applied lateral forces on the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 in proximity to the distal ends 81, 1001. Additionally, the first and second sets of plurality of internal ribs 85, 1005 may further provide support to keep the removable connector 9 static when lateral forces are applied to the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 8, 10 in proximity to the proximal ends 80, 10000.

In other embodiments, the first flexible hollow housing 8 may also include a first groove (not shown) in proximity to the proximal end 80, wherein such first groove may be configured to receive a part of the first flange 92 in order to secure a separable connection between the removable connector 9 and the first flexible hollow housing 8.

Similarly, the second flexible hollow housing 1000 may also include a second groove (not shown) in proximity to the proximal end 10000, wherein such second groove may be configured to receive a part of the second flange 94 in order to secure a separable connection between the removable connector 9 and the second flexible hollow housing 1000.

Refilling the materials in the first and/or second compartments may be achieved by simply detaching/disconnecting the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 from the removable connector 9, filling the first and/or second housings 8, 1000 with the materials through the proximal ends 80, 10000, and reattaching/reconnecting the first and/or second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000 to the removable connector 9. Due to the fact that the one or slits 800, 10010 remains naturally closed due to the material properties and geometry of the first and second flexible hollow housings 8, 1000, refilling the material dispensing device will not accidentally release any enclosed material, allowing for a mess free experience.

The configuration of the material dispensing device as described in the different embodiments of the present disclosure may enable one handed users, and visually impaired people to dispense materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments easily without assistance from other people.

The first and/or second flexible hollow housings 1, 3, 5, 8, 7, 1000 in the different embodiments of the present disclosure may be made of an elastomer, such as, but not limited to food-grade silicon.

The removable caps 2, 4 in the different embodiments of the present disclosure may be made of a rigid material, such as, but not limited to wood, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel.

The removable connectors 6, 9 in the different embodiments of the present disclosure may be made of a rigid material, such as, but not limited to wood, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel.

In some of the disclosed embodiments, the materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments may be either similar or different.

In some of the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure, the materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments may include one or more seasoning material.

In other embodiments, the materials enclosed in the first and/or second compartments may include cosmetic materials, glitter, or any other material in granular, powder, gel, cream, liquid, or semi-liquid form.

The description and drawings provided herein are being made to four external ribs in the flexible hollow housings. However, it should be appreciated that the number of external ribs may change according to manufacturing preferences and the type of enclosed materials in the first and/or second compartments.

Furthermore, the description and drawings provided herein are being made cross-shaped one or more slits. However, it should be appreciated that the shape, number, position, and size of the one or more slits depend on the materials being enclosed in the first and/or second compartments, in addition to the number and/or shape of the external ribs.

The description and drawings provided herein are being made for a material dispensing device having a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular profile. However, it should be appreciated that the material dispensing device may also have a conical, prism, pyramid, cube, cuboid, spherical, semi-spherical, or any other polyhedron shape.

As used herein, the term “seasoning material” unless otherwise stated, may refer to any substance in solid, liquid, or semi-liquid form that is added to at least one edible item to enhance its flavor and/or smell, including but not limited to, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, oils, vinegars, fruits, vegetables, beverages, sauces, batters and marinades.

The use of the term “and” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to collective nature only.

While the present disclosure has been made in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various additions, omissions, or amendments can be made without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A material dispensing device comprising a first flexible hollow housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a removable cap configured to be separably connected to the proximal end of the first flexible hollow housing, thus defining a first compartment configured to enclose foodstuff or non-foodstuff materials in solid, granular, powder, semi-liquid, or liquid forms, wherein first flexible hollow housing has one or more slits in proximity to the distal end, the one or more slits has a normally closed state and are configured to open only when a user applies a manual lateral force to external surfaces of the first flexible hollow housing in proximity to the distal end, thus allowing enclosed materials to pass through the one or more slits to the outside of the first compartment.

2. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein distal end comprises a plurality of external ribs configured to force the one or more slits to maintain a normally closed state when no lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first flexible hollow housing.

3. The material dispensing device of claim 2, wherein each member of the plurality of external ribs is configured to be displaced away from other members in the plurality of external ribs when a lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first flexible hollow housing, thus allowing the one or more slits to open.

4. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more slits has a cross shape and are collinear with a first central line of the first flexible hollow housing.

5. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more slits are tangent to the distal end.

6. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more slits are slightly displaced from the distal end towards the proximal end with a passageway defined between the one or more silts and the distal end.

7. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible hollow housing further comprises a first lip in proximity to the proximal end.

8. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible hollow housing further comprises one or more recesses in proximity to the distal end.

9. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of a wall of the first flexible hollow housing gradually decreases as going from the proximal end towards the distal end.

10. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible hollow housing further comprises a first set of plurality of internal ribs longitudinally distributed along a circumference of an inner surface of the first flexible hollow housing in proximity to the proximal end.

11. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible hollow housing is made of an elastomer.

12. The material dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the removable cap is made of a rigid material selected from wood, aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel, and comprises a base, a first protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base, and a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion.

13. The material dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be circumfused by a first lip.

14. A material dispensing device comprising a first flexible hollow housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a second flexible hollow housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a removable connector configured to be separably connected to the proximal ends of the first and second flexible hollow housings, thus defining a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments are configured to enclose foodstuff or non-foodstuff materials in solid, granular, powder, semi-liquid, or liquid forms, wherein each of the first and second flexible hollow housings has one or more slits in proximity to a corresponding distal end, and each of the one or more slits has a normally closed state and is configured to open only when a user applies a manual lateral force to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings in proximity to a corresponding distal end, thus allowing enclosed materials to pass through the one or more slits to the outside of the first and/or second compartments.

15. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the distal ends of the first and second flexible hollow housings comprises a plurality of external ribs configured to force the one or more slits to maintain a normally closed state when no lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings.

16. The material dispensing device of claim 15, wherein each member of the plurality of external ribs is configured to be displaced away from other members in the plurality of external ribs when a lateral force is applied to external surfaces of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings, thus allowing the one or more slits in the first and/or second flexible hollow housings to open.

17. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the one or more slits has a cross shape and is collinear with a first central axis line and/or a second axis line of the first and/or second flexible hollow housings.

18. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the one or more slits is tangent to a corresponding distal end.

19. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the one or more slits is slightly displaced from a corresponding distal end towards the proximal end with a passageway defined between the each of the one or more silts and corresponding distal end.

20. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the first flexible hollow housing further comprises a first lip in proximity to the proximal end of the first flexible hollow housing, and wherein the second flexible hollow housing comprises a second lip in proximity to the proximal end of the second flexible hollow housing.

21. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the first flexible hollow housing and the second flexible hollow housing further comprises one or more recesses in proximity to the distal ends.

22. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein a thickness of a wall of the first and second flexible hollow housing gradually decreases as going from a corresponding proximal end towards a corresponding distal end.

23. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the first flexible hollow housing and the second flexible hollow housing further comprises a plurality of internal ribs longitudinally distributed along a circumference of an inner surface of a corresponding flexible hollow housing in proximity to a corresponding proximal end.

24. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein each of the first flexible hollow housing and the second flexible hollow housing is made of an elastomer.

25. The material dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the removable connector is made of a rigid material selected from wood, aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel, and comprises a base, a first protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base, a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first protrusion, a second protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base in an opposing direction to the first protrusion, and a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second protrusion.

26. The material dispensing device of claim 25, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be circumfused by a first lip, and the second protrusion is configured to be circumfused by a second lip.