FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention relate to a dispensing and storage device; and more particularly, to a container for dispensing and storing food.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Containers for storing food are well known. Typical storage containers are bowl-like devices having a lid. To access the food, a user simply removes the lid and scoops out the food. For some foods, such as guacamole, using a bowl-like container is not ideal. While removing the food may be easy, such storage often results in discoloration of the guacamole as a result of exposure to air. In addition, removal of the guacamole from the bowl is limited to scooping or using a utensil.
What is needed in the art is a device that is better for dispensing food and can be used as a storage device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention related to containers for dispensing and storing food. The food dispensing gun may comprise a first or inner member, a second or outer member, a dispensing unit, and a cap. To dispense food, a user may either: 1) push the second or outer member downwardly, towards the first or inner member, or 2) push the first or inner member upwardly, towards the first end of the second or outer member. In addition to displacing food stored within the food dispensing gun, movement of the second or outer member relative to the first or inner member, or vice versa, results in displacing of air within the inner chamber of the second or outer member.
Accordingly, it is an objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing device.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food storing device.
It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing and storing device.
It is a still further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a guacamole dispensing device.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a guacamole storing device.
It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a guacamole dispensing and storing device.
It is a still further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing and storing device configured to controllably dispense food from a dispensing mechanism.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a food dispensing and storing device configured to controllably dispense guacamole from a dispensing mechanism.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of a food dispensing gun;
FIG. 2A is an illustrative embodiment of the first or inner member;
FIG. 2B is a top view of the first or inner member;
FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the first or inner member;
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a second or outer member;
FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the second or outer member;
FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a dispensing unit;
FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the dispensing unit;
FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as a centrally positioned opening having a patterned shape;
FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as three openings;
FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as an elongated channel opening;
FIG. 4F illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as five openings;
FIG. 4G illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit as multiple rows of a plurality of openings.
FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a cap;
FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the cap;
FIG. 6 illustrates the food dispensing gun with food, illustrated as guacamole, stored within;
FIG. 7 illustrates the food dispensing gun dispensing the guacamole; and
FIG. 8 illustrates the food dispensing gun with the dispensing unit and cap removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative example of a food dispensing and storage device, referred to generally as a food dispensing gun 10, is shown. The food dispensing gun 10 is described as being used for storing and dispensing guacamole. Use for the dispensing of guacamole is illustrative only. The food dispensing gun 10 may be used for dispensing other foods. The food dispensing gun 10 is shown having a first or inner member 12 and a second or outer member 14. The second or outer member 14 is sized and shaped to fit over at least one or more sections of the first or inner member 12. In addition to fitting over the first or inner member 12, the second or outer member 14 may also be configured to slide about or over, in a linear direction, relative to the first or inner member 12. The food dispensing gun 10 further includes a dispensing unit 16 and, optionally, a cap 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the food dispensing gun 10 is in a non-dispensing, non-storing orientation or position. The components of the food dispensing gun 10 may be made of any appropriate materials, preferably materials that are safe for use with food.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, an illustrative embodiment of the first or inner member 12 is shown. The first or inner member 12 comprises a first end 20, a second, opposing end 22, and a main body 24. The first or inner member main body 24 is shown as an elongated, tubular shaped body having a continuous wall with a surface 26 (may also be referred to as an outer surface). The size and shape of the first or inner member main body 24 is illustrative only, and may be any size or shape that provides the same or similar functionality. The first end 20 comprises a solid surface 28 (forming a closed end), thus providing a surface for which food can be placed and rest thereon. Near the first end 20 is a cut out region forming a channel 30. The channel 30 extends around the perimeter of the main body 24. The channel 30 is formed by a first, or lower lip 25 (edge extending or projecting edge away from the surface 26) and a second, or upper lip 27 (edge extending or projecting away from the surface 26). The channel 30 may be defined by the space or gap 33 between the first lip 25 and the second lip 27. A seal 32, preferably a rubber gasket, rests within the channel 30. The second, opposing end 22 preferably comprises a solid surface 34, see FIG. 2C.
Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, an illustrative embodiment of the second or outer member 14 is shown. The second or outer member 14 comprises a first end 36, a second opposing end 38, and a main body 40. The second or outer member main body 40 is shown as an elongated, tubular shaped body having a continuous wall with a surface 42. The size and shape of the second or outer member main body 40 is illustrative only, and may be any size or shape that provides the same or similar functionality. Additionally, the second or outer member main body 40 may be made of a see-through material, i.e. glass or clear plastic. Such materials are illustrative. The second or outer member main body 40 may be made of any material known to one of skill in the art that maintains its functionality. The first end 36 comprises an opening 44. The second end 38 comprises an opening 46. Both the first end opening 44 and the second opening 46 are of sufficient size to allow at least portions of the first or inner member main body 24 to pass through and fit, rest, or move within the interior 48 of the second or outer member body 40. Accordingly, the diameter of the second or outer member 14 is just larger than the diameter of the first or inner member 12. In this configuration, the first or inner member 12 and the second or outer member 14 may be arranged in a coaxial relationship, with one sliding within or about the other. Preferably, the second or outer member 14 moves about or relative to the first or inner member 12. The first end 36 may also include threading 50 configured to secure to the dispensing unit 16.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an illustrative embodiment of the dispensing unit 16 is shown. The dispensing unit 16 is configured to be attachable to the second or outer member 14 and provide for dispensing food stored within the food dispensing gun 10. The dispensing unit 16 may comprise a food dispensing gun engagement member 52 and a dispensing member 54. The food dispensing gun engagement member 52 is configured to connect or secure to at least a portion of the second or outer member 14 and is illustrated as an outer ring-shaped body having an exterior surface 56 and an interior surface 58. The exterior surface 56 may include ridges 60 for user gripping. The interior surface 58 may include threading 62 which corresponds or is conjugate to the second or outer member first end threading 50. In this arrangement, a user can twist the dispensing unit 16 to secure to or remove from the second or outer member 14 as required.
The dispensing member 54 is configured to provide a mechanism for dispensing food, and may comprise an elongated body 64 having a first end 66 and an opposing second end 68. The opposing second end 68 may be integrally formed to the food dispensing gun engagement member 52 or be removably attached thereto using, for example, threading or chemical fastening means, such as glue. The first end 66 includes a surface 70 having a food dispensing unit 72, illustrated herein as a single, centrally positioned aperture. The food dispensing unit 72 is sized and shaped to allow food to be dispersed outwardly. While the food dispensing unit 72 is shown as a central opening within the surface 70, the opening may assume the entire width, i.e. no surface 70.
FIGS. 4C-4G illustrate alternative food dispensing units 72. FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit 72 as a centrally positioned opening 74 having a patterned shape. FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit 72 as three openings 76A, 76B, and 76C. FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit 72 as an elongated channel opening 78. FIG. 4F illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit 72 as five openings 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D and 80E. FIG. 4G illustrates an embodiment of the food dispensing unit 72 as multiple rows of a plurality of openings, 82A and 82B. The dispensing unit 16 may also include a seat 73 for receiving and holding an O-ring.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an illustrative embodiment of the cap 18 is shown. The cap 18 is designed to fit over the dispensing member elongated body 64. The cap 18 is shown having an upper wall 84 and a side wall 86. The side wall 86 extends away from the upper wall 84 and has a ring or circular shape. An interior portion 88 is sized, shaped, and configured to allow the dispensing member elongated body 64 to fit within. The cap 18 secures to the dispensing member 16. As shown, the interior portion 88 may include threading 89 as a mechanism to secure to the dispensing member 16. Alternative mechanisms for securing known to one of skill in the art may be used as well, such as snap fit or frictional fit. The cap 18 may optionally include ribbing 91 for aiding a user in gripping the cap 18. The cap 18 may also include a seat 93 for receiving and holding an O-ring.
Referring to FIG. 6, the food dispensing gun 10 is shown with food 90, illustrated herein as guacamole, placed and stored within the interior 48 of the second or outer member 14 (and the upper surface 28 of the inner member 12). Accordingly, the food storage area or compartment of the food dispensing gun 10 can be defined by the second or outer member main body 40, the first or inner member main body first end solid surface 28, and the dispensing unit 16. To dispense the food 90, a user may either: 1) push the second or outer member 14 downwardly, towards the second end 22 of the first or inner member 12, see arrow 92, FIGS. 7, or 2) push the first or inner member 12 upwardly, towards the first end 36 of the second or outer member 14, see arrow 94. Movement in either direction results in adjusting the size of the food substance storage compartment. In either case, such movement causes food to be pushed out of the second or outer member 14 through the food dispensing unit 72 of the dispensing member 54. In addition to displacing the food 90 stored within, movement of the second or outer member 14 with respect to the first or inner member 12, or vice versa, results in displacement of air within the inner chamber 48 of the second or outer member 14. In the case of storing guacamole, removal of air prevents discoloration, i.e. going from green to brown.
Referring to FIG. 8, the food dispensing gun 10 is shown with the dispensing unit 16 and cap 18 removed. This allows a user to easily place the food 90 within the inner chamber 48 of the second or outer member 14. Removal of the dispensing unit 16 and cap 18 may also allow a user to use the food dispensing gun 10 as a dip bowl or make for easy cleaning.
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20230159259
