Patent Application
20230049742
The present invention relates generally to the field of saltshaker devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved, lighted saltshaker device that provides users with a saltshaker with a built-in LED lighting mechanism. Specifically, the device operates on rechargeable batteries and is charged via a charging station, which runs on solar power. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, chefs and servers in the restaurant and food service industries struggle with over-seasoned entrees and dealing with unhappy customers who receive them. This issue is especially prevalent with salt. High sodium intake is not good for the body, and patrons with underlying health issues often have restrictive diets that limit salt consumption. Adding too much salt or spices to a dish, greatly reduces the quality of taste for the dish. Often these meals must be thrown out and prepared again, resulting in lost time, wages, and labor. Utilizing a device that allows users to be cognizant of how much salt and/or spices they are adding to a dish, would be advantageous.
However, restaurants and bars are usually dimly lit. Thus, in lighting situations with poor visibility, it can be difficult to judge how much salt or spices you are adding to your dishes, resulting in over distribution. Further, users with visual impairments or some degree of visual decline, may also need additional lighting in some situations. Accordingly, a saltshaker device for use in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night, etc., would be advantageous.
Therefore, a novel saltshaker device is needed that can provide for dispensing salt and/or spices without over seasoning. Further, a useful device is needed that allows use of the saltshaker device in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors, at night.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that provides users with an improved device for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device for use in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that features an LED lighting mechanism integrated into the device for ease of use. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that includes rechargeable batteries and a solar powered docking station for charging. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that offers assistance for anyone with visual impairments or some degree of visual decline. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that allows a user to more clearly see how much salt and/or spices they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a lighted saltshaker device. The device is used in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Specifically, the lighted saltshaker device is an improved device for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. The device comprises a handheld shaker with a plurality of holes at one end for dispensing salt and/or spices. The device also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism that is angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing openings. The device operates on rechargeable batteries and utilizes a charging station which runs on solar power. This allows a user to more clearly see how much salt and/or spices they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount.
In this manner, the lighted saltshaker device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that is used in dimly lit environments. Further, the device offers assistance for anyone with visual impairments or some degree of visual decline. The device provides an improved saltshaker for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a lighted saltshaker device. The device is used in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Specifically, the lighted saltshaker device is an improved device for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. The device comprises a handheld shaker component with a plurality of holes at one end for dispensing salt and/or spices. The device also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism that is angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing openings. This allows a user to more clearly see how much salt and/or spices they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount.
In one embodiment, the shaker component includes a cylindrical reservoir for the granular material, such as salt, spices, etc. The shaker component comprises a first end and a second end, with the first end being closed and sealed and the second end being open. The open second end allows access to the reservoir and allows a user to refill the reservoir with salt, spices, etc., when needed. The shaker component can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art, but should have a comfortable feel for the user's hand.
In one embodiment, the shaker component is manufactured of glass or other suitable materials that can be seen through, to allow a user to view the contents of the cylindrical reservoir and know when more salt or spices need to be added. However, other suitable materials could also be used to manufacture the shaker component, such as polycarbonate, plastics or polymers, acrylic, etc.
In another embodiment, the open second end also includes a cap or lid component comprising a plurality of dispensing through holes or apertures for dispensing the contents of the reservoir. Typically, the lid component is screwed or threaded onto the open second end, but the lid component can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the lid component is manufactured of metal, plastic or polymers, glass, etc., or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Typically, the lid component and the shaker component are also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
In one embodiment, the lid component also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism. The LED lighting mechanism comprises a plurality of LED lights in communication with a power button and/or sensor. The LED lights are powered via rechargeable batteries or other suitable power means as is known in the art. The LED lights would be activated via the power button or the sensor, and once triggered, the LED lights shine light at such an angle that the light shines in the direction of the plurality of dispensing holes, illuminating the dispensing of the salt or spices.
In one embodiment, the device operates on rechargeable batteries and utilizes a charging station which runs on solar power. The charging station can typically charge two devices at once, however any number of devices can be charged, depending on the size of the charging station used. Typically, in one embodiment, the charging station has 120 vac charging capabilities and charges two devices at once.
In one embodiment, the LED lights are controlled via a power button. A user merely pushes the power button on or off, to control the LED lights as needed. In another embodiment, the LED lights are controlled via a sensor. Specifically, the lighting mechanism comprises a dual axis gyro sensor which detects movements of the shaker component and automatically triggers the LED lights, which reflects off the contents being dispensed and illuminates them for a better visual. In use, when a user moves or rotates the shaker component to dispense salt or spices through the plurality of dispensing holes, the sensor is activated and the LED lights are automatically powered on.
In one embodiment, the shaker component and/or the lid component comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of allowing users to more clearly see how much salt or spices they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a lighted saltshaker device for dispensing salt and spices to prevent over seasoning. The method also comprises grasping the handheld shaker of the device to dispense salt or spices. Further, the method comprises automatically illuminating the LED lights when a sensor detects movement of the device. The method also comprises shaking the device to dispense the salt or spices while the contents are illuminated. Finally, charging the device by placing it on the docking station when not in use.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a lighted saltshaker device is disclosed for allowing a user to more clearly see how much salt or spice they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount. The device comprises a shaker component with a plurality of dispensing holes at one end for dispensing salt or spice, etc. The device also comprises an LED lighting mechanism for illuminating the contents being dispensed. The LED lights are triggered via a power button and/or sensor, which allows light to be angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing holes. The device operates on rechargeable batteries and is charged on a charging station, which runs on solar power. The lighted saltshaker device is a valuable tool for any cook or server in the restaurant business, as well as for amateur cooks everywhere.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that provides users with an improved device for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device for use in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that features an LED lighting mechanism integrated into the device for ease of use. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that includes rechargeable batteries and a solar powered docking station for charging. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that offers assistance for anyone with visual impairments or some degree of visual decline. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lighted saltshaker device that allows a user to more clearly see how much salt and/or spices they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel, lighted saltshaker device. The device comprises a handheld shaker with a plurality of holes at one end for dispensing salt and/or spices. The device also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism that is angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing openings. The device operates on rechargeable batteries and utilizes a charging station which runs on solar power. The present invention also includes a novel method of allowing users to more clearly see how much salt or spices they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount. The method includes the steps of providing a lighted saltshaker device for dispensing salt and spices to prevent over seasoning. The method also comprises grasping the handheld shaker of the device to dispense salt or spices. Further, the method comprises automatically illuminating the LED lights when a sensor detects movement of the device. The method also comprises, shaking the device to dispense the salt or spices, while the contents are illuminated. Finally, charging the device by placing it on the docking station, when not in use.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Further, the shaker component 102 includes a cylindrical reservoir 108 for the granular material, such as salt, spices, etc., or any other suitable granular material as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the reservoir 108 is cylindrical, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The shaker component 102 comprises a first end 110 and a second end 112, with the first end 110 being closed and sealed and the second end 112 being open. The open second end 112 allows access to the reservoir 108 and allows a user to refill the reservoir 108 with salt, spices, etc., when needed. The shaker component 102 can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art, but should have a comfortable feel for the user's hand, allowing the user to hold the shaker component 102 without issue.
In one embodiment, the shaker component 102 is manufactured of glass or other suitable materials that can be seen through, to allow a user to view the contents of the cylindrical reservoir 108 and know when more salt or spices needs to be added. However, other suitable materials could also be used to manufacture the shaker component 102, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, plastics or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.
Furthermore, the open second end 112 also includes a cap or lid component 114 comprising a plurality of dispensing through holes or apertures 104 for dispensing the contents of the reservoir 108. Typically, the lid component 114 is screwed or threaded onto the open second end 112, but the lid component 114 can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as press fit, snap fit, etc.
In one embodiment, the lid component 114 is manufactured of metal, plastic or polymers, glass, etc., or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Typically, the lid component 114 and the shaker component 102 are also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
Further, in one embodiment, the LED lights 202 are controlled via a power button 204. A user merely pushes the power button 204 on or off, to control the LED lights 202 as needed. In another embodiment, the LED lights 202 are controlled via a sensor 206. Specifically, the lighting mechanism 106 comprises a dual axis gyro sensor 210 which detects movements of the shaker component 102 and automatically triggers the LED lights 202, which reflect off the contents being dispensed and illuminates them for a better visual. In use, when a user moves or rotates the shaker component 102 to dispense salt or spices through the plurality of dispensing holes 104, the sensor 206 is activated and the LED lights 202 are automatically powered on. Other suitable sensors 206 can be utilized to control the LED lights 202, such as a mercury switch, etc., or any other sensor as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a lighted saltshaker device 100 is disclosed for allowing a user to more clearly see how much salt or spice they are distributing onto their food, ensuring that they do not exceed the desired amount. The device 100 comprises a shaker component 102 with a plurality of dispensing holes 104 at one end 112 for dispensing salt or spice, etc. The device 100 also comprises an LED lighting mechanism 106 for illuminating the contents being dispensed. The LED lights 202 are triggered via a power button 204 and/or sensor 206, which allows light to be angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing holes 104. The device 100 operates on rechargeable batteries 208 and is charged on a charging station 300, which runs on solar power. The lighted saltshaker device 100 is a valuable tool for any cook or server in the restaurant business, as well as for amateur cooks everywhere.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “lighted saltshaker device”, “saltshaker device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the lighted saltshaker device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the lighted saltshaker device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lighted saltshaker device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/231,305, which was filed on Aug. 10, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63231305 | Aug 2021 | US |
