Powder Container and Method of Use

Abstract

A materials containment canister comprising a lower cap with an upper thread, a body with multiple interior chambers and an upper cap with a lid, optional handle and orifice. The upper cap is capable of rotating to allow for the orifice to access individual chambers which can store materials.

Claims

1. A materials containment canister comprising: a lower cap; said lower cap further comprising a lower cap upper thread, a frustoconical side slant cone, and a spout attached to the edge of said frustoconical side slant cone; a body; said body is substantially hollow with multiple chambers running the length of the interior of said body and being separated by a multi-walled divider; said body is comprised with a lower body thread capable of engaging said lower cap upper thread; said body is comprised with an upper body track; said upper body track has an upper cap interface; an upper cap; said upper cap has an upper body track interface capable of interfacing with said upper cap interface; said upper cap has a top face with an orifice; said top face is attached to a base; said base is further attached to a lid with a lower wedge; wherein said lower wedge is capable of sealably engaging said orifice.

2. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said base has a first magnetic attachment on the upper face of said base; said lid has a second magnetic attachment on the upper face of said lid of opposing polarity to said first attachment; wherein said first and second magnetic attachments are capable of magnetically engaging each other therein maintaining said lid in mechanical communication with said base.

3. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said upper cap is rotatable about said upper body track when said lid is disengaged from said orifice.

4. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said upper cap is locked about said upper body track when said lid is engaged with said orifice.

5. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said body is further constructed with grips.

6. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said body is further constructed with indentions on the upper surface that correspond with the locations of one of said multiple chambers in the interior of said body.

7. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said body is further constructed with an indentation on said lid that corresponds with the location of said orifice.

8. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said body is threadably attached to said lower cap.

9. The materials containment canister of claim 1 further comprising: said body is tapered from the area nearest the upper cap to the area nearest the lower cap.

10. A method for using a materials containment canister comprising the steps of: providing a materials containment canister comprising; a lower cap; said lower cap further comprising a lower cap upper thread, a frustoconical side slant cone, and a spout attached to the edge of said frustoconical side slant cone; a body; said body is substantially hollow with multiple chambers running the length of the interior of said body and being separated by a multi-walled divider; said body is comprised with a lower body thread capable of engaging said lower cap upper thread; said body is comprised with an upper body track; said upper body track has an upper cap interface; an upper cap; said upper cap has an upper body track interface capable of interfacing with said, upper cap interface; said upper cap has a top face with an orifice; said top face is attached to a base; said base is further attached to a lid with a lower wedge; wherein said lower wedge is capable of sealably engaging said orifice; and sealing said orifice with said lower wedge.

11. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising: said base has a first magnetic attachment on the upper face of said base; said lid has a second magnetic on the upper face of said lid of opposing polarity to said first attachment; magnetically engaging said first and second magnetic attachments with each other therein maintaining said lid in mechanical communication with said base.

12. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising the step of: rotating said upper cap about said upper body track when said lid is disengaged from said orifice.

13. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising the step of: locking said upper cap about said upper body track when said lid is engaged with said orifice.

14. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising the step of: constructing said body with grips.

15. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising the step of: constructing said body with indentions on the upper surface that correspond with the locations of one of said multiple chambers in the interior o said body.

16. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising the step of: constructing said body with an indentation on said lid that corresponds with the location of said orifice.

17. The method of claim 10 for using a materials containment canister further comprising the step of: threadably attaching said body to said lower cap.

18. A materials containment canister comprising: a lower cap; said lower cap further comprising a lower cap body attachment, a frustoconical side slant cone, and a spout attached to the edge of said frustoconical side slant cone; a body; said body is substantially hollow with multiple chambers running the length of the interior of said body and being separated by a multi-walled divider; said body is comprised with a lower body attachment capable of engaging said lower cap body attachment; said body is comprised with an upper body track; said upper body track has an upper cap interface; an upper cap; said upper cap has an upper body track interface capable of interfacing with said upper cap interface; said upper cap has a top face with an orifice; said top face is attached to a base; said base is further attached to a lid with a lower wedge; wherein said lower wedge is capable of sealably engaging said orifice.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention in top perspective.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention in bottom perspective.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a view of one embodiment of the present invention in exploded view.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an assembly cross section view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the reservoir in top perspective.

[0032] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the reservoir in bottom perspective.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the reservoir in cross section.

[0034] FIG. 8 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the bottom cap bottom.

[0035] FIG. 9 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the bottom cap top.

[0036] FIG. 10 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the bottom cap in cross section.

[0037] FIG. 11 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention lid with the top lid open.

[0038] FIG. 12 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention lid with the top handle open.

[0039] FIG. 13 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the bottom cap top.

[0040] FIG. 14 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the top cap bottom.

[0041] FIG. 15 is an assembly cross section view of one embodiment of the present invention with a tapered body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created a revolutionary and novel particulate and/or powder storage and dispensing canister and method of use of the same.

[0043] In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0044] Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale and arrangements of specific units in the drawings can vary.

[0045] While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. Specifically, defined terms: As utilized herein, frustoconical means any substantially funnel shape with a top portion of greater width than the lower portion.

[0046] Certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name, but not function The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown all in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0047] Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.

[0048] FIG. 1 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention in, top perspective. As shown in this embodiment, inventive canister 100 is composed of multiple assembled units. In several embodiments, the canister 100 may be constructed of a lightweight plastic, metal, or other durable material. It is also envisioned that the physical shape of the present invention can be modified from a general cylindrical shape into some other shapes as long as the functionality is preserved.

[0049] As shown is bottom cap 50. In several embodiments of the present invention bottom cap 50 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape, such as plastics, light weight metals, or the like. As shown bottom cap 50 is releasable attached to main body 150. In several embodiments, this attachment occurs through threading 25 (see FIG. 4). Other attachment methods as known in the art can be implemented though. In several embodiments, bottom cap 50 has an outer wall that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0050] In several embodiments, body 150 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape, such as plastics, light weight metals, or the like. In many embodiments, body 150 is substantially cylindrical in exterior shape and can have gripping indentions 130, as shown. In several embodiments, main body 150 may be formed with different shapes. Body 130, may also be formed in various heights to allow for more or less materials. Body's 130, interior walls may also include more or less walls thus constructing various internal orifices.

[0051] Further illustrated is that body 150 may be constructed with identification indentions 165 use to help users ascertain which internal containment enclosure 310a-e is aligned with the lid 250 when in use. Body 150 can also have secondary indentations 160 utilized to align body 150 with top cap 200 in certain uses of the present invention. Where the two triangles on the device 160 and 210 meet, the entire cap can be attached. Once turned, there are extrusions on the inner cap that keep hold within the track 146. These extrusions will allow 210 to rotate freely about the axis without the possibility of being removed at any other position other than the one stated above.

[0052] In several embodiments, there are three different sized extrusions that allow the cap 200 to only be put on where the arrows align. If a user attempts to put the cap 200 on from any other angle, it won't work due to specific and variant extrusion size. FIG. 13 actually illustrates the tabs 601, 603, and 605 as well as inner track engagement 615 which can slideably interact with the upper portion of body 150 when top cap 200 is engaged. B As shown in FIG. 5, variant size attachment notches 314, 312 and 313 are seen around the circumference of the body 150. In several embodiments, the notches 314, 313, and 312 are of different sizes to allow for the top cap 200 to only be put on or taken off at a certain angle through interface with tabs 601, 603, 605 respectively. At any other rotated angle, the top cap 200 won't fit (a bigger track would be aligned with a smaller one and therefore not fit).

[0053] FIG. 1 also illustrates top cap 200. In several embodiments, top cap 200 may be designed with side grip ridges 205 to assist a user in rotating top cap 200. Further shown is lid indention 210, which in smite embodiments, can align with indention 160 when rotated to allow for removal or placement of top cap 200 on body 150. The lid, when engaged with 250, lid can no longer be rotated about the axis of body 160. This communication helps prevent accidental contamination of said materials dispensed in said orifices 310a-e. Indentions 210 and 160 can be of any geometric shape. Top cap 200 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape. In several embodiments, where the two triangles on the device 160 and 210 meet, the entire cap 200 can be attached to body 150. Once the cap 200 is turned, there are extrusions on the inner cap that keep hold within the track 146. In several embodiments, the track 146, is recessed into body 150. The extrusions 601, 603 and 605 on the lid 210 rotate about this axis.

[0054] In several embodiments, top cap 200 is constructed with lip complex 280. In several embodiments, complex. 280 is constructed with magnetic attachment 270, lid 250, second magnetic attachment 275, handle 250 and handle attachment 285. As shown handle attachment 285 substantially attached and can rotate about base 281 of complex 280, such that handle 255 can rotate away from, or towards, top cap top 201. Cap top 200 can be of a variety of different geometric shapes as long as the physical requirements of the present invention are met. The rotation is about the axis as defined by attachment 285.

[0055] In many embodiments, attachment 285 forms a handle 255 which fits around base 281 in a manner known in the art and extending approximately one hundred and eighty degrees around base 281. Handle 255 is preferably constructed in such a manner as to support the weight of the canister invention 100 (even when filled) through lifting. Handle 255 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape.

[0056] Attached on top of base 281 is magnetic attachment 270. Magnetic attachment 270 can be of positive or negative alignment, but needs to be in opposite alignment to magnetic attachment 275. Also, attached to base 281, in a manner known in the art, is flip lid 250. Flip lid 250 is preferably designed to rotatably engage base 281 at attachment points 251 such that the portion of flip lid 250 distal to attachment 251 can rotate away or towards cap top 281.

[0057] In one embodiment, magnetic attachment 275 is on flip lid 250 and arranged such that it can releasably engage mechanical attachments 270, therein maintaining flip lid 250 in an open position relative to top cap 200. In several embodiments, once the flip top 250 is closed, it mechanically engages into the inside of the chamber fall of body 150 and locks lid cap 200 into place relative to body 150. This prevents the triangles 160 and 210 from aligning accidentally therein allowing lid cap 200 to potentially come off. In several embodiments, once the flip top 250 is closed, it digs into the inside of the chamber wall and locks it into place. In some embodiments, there is some thickness to 250 in the shape of the triangle to prevent the lid from turning unless 250 is flipped open. This prevents the arrows from aligning accidentally and the lid 200 potentially coming off.

[0058] FIG. 2 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention in bottom perspective. Illustrated are hand grips 130 which can be indentions or extrusions from body 150. Shown in further detail is lower cap 50. Lower cap 50, in many embodiments has a spout 40 with outer edge 45. In several embodiments, spout 45 fits into each individual chamber 310a-e. This provides support so that funnel 30 can rest on the overall container 100 while the user pours powders into various chambers 310a-e. In several embodiments, the edge, or spout, 40 can fit into each individual chamber 310a-e when in use in some embodiments. This fit provides support so that the spout 40 can rest on the lid cap 200 while the user pours powders into various chambers 310a-e. Frustoconical side slant cone 30, in several embodiments, can act as a funnel for materials when bottom cap 50 is placed over top cap 200 and engaged. As shown, bottom cap 50 can screw into the bottom of the body 150. Also illustrated is bottom side ridge 55 and inner ridge 35 which are preferably designed to allow the bottom cap 50 to be stabilized when sitting on top of the body 150.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a view of one embodiment of the present invention in exploded view. As shown is bottom cap 50. Further illustrated is screw thread 25 on the top portion of bottom cap 50. In several embodiments of the present invention, screw thread 25 can mechanically engage screw thread 27 in a manner known in the art to have lower cap 50 engage body 150, Other attachment embodiments can be utilized as well. Further illustrated is track alignment knob 145 which is preferably aligned with indention 160 as to allow a user to visually see when top cap 200 alignment 210 is aligned with knob 145. Illustrated further are interior compartments 310a-e which are open containment sections with wall divider 320 separating then. In preferred operation, when materials are placed into any one of containers 310a-e they cannot interface with material in another container.

[0060] Illustrated further is orifice 300 on top cap 200 which is designed to preferably align with one of containers 310a-e when in operation by a user such that, materials from only one individual container could be removed or placed into one of said containers 310a-e. In several embodiments of the present invention the interior of containers 310a-e is substantially shaped as a wedge with extended depth.

[0061] FIG. 4 is an assembled cross sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated the interior of containers 310d and 310a are shown so that the capacity for storage of materials is completely appreciated. In this embodiment, threads 27 and 25 are engaged such that bottom cap 50 is in mechanical communication with body 150. Shown is rotational track 227 of body 150 as it engages top cap 200.

[0062] Shown on lower cap 50 has the frustoconical side slant cone 30. Further shown is the outer edge 45 and the spout 40. Side ridge 55 and inner ridge 35 are also shown.

[0063] FIG. 5 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the reservoir in top perspective. As illustrated, reservoirs or containers 310a-e are shown with five faced wall divider 320. Variant embodiments with multiple chambers can also be utilized in the present invention. Variant size attachment notches 314, 312 and 313 are seen around the circumference of the body 150. In several embodiments, the notches 314, 312, and 313 are of different sizes to allow for the top cap 200 to only be put on or taken off at a certain angle. At any other rotated angle, the top cap 200 won't fit (a bigger track would be aligned with a smaller one and therefore not fit).

[0064] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the reservoir in bottom perspective. As shown is the screw thread 27. In several embodiments, a user can screw, or unscrew, the bottom cap 50 from the body 150. It is envisioned that in several other embodiments of the present invention, other attachment methodologies can be implemented.

[0065] FIG. 7 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the reservoir in cross section. As shown divider 320 is visible as in screw thread 27. In many embodiments of the present invention body 150 and divider 320 can be composed of one solid piece of material. Further shown is rotational track 227 on the upper portion of body 150.

[0066] FIG. 8 is one embodiment of the cap bottom from bottom view. As shown, is bottom cap 50. Bottom cap 50 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape, such as plastics, light weight metals, or the like. As shown bottom cap 50 is releasable attached to main body 150. As shown, bottom cap 50 can screw into the bottom of the body 150. Also illustrated is bottom side ridge 55 and inner ridge 35 which are preferably designed to allow the bottom cap 50 to be stabilized when sitting on top of the body 150. Lower cap 50, in many embodiments has a spout 40 with outer edge 45. Frustoconical side slant cone 30, in several embodiments, can act as a funnel for materials when bottom cap 50 is placed over top cap 200 and engaged. In several embodiments of the present invention lid 200 can be engaged with body 150 or not engaged when a powder is being added to any interior 310a-e.

[0067] FIG. 9 is one embodiment of the cap bottom from top view. As shown, is bottom cap 50. Bottom cap 50 may be constructed of any materials that are capable of maintain a rigid shape, such as plastics, light weight metals, or the like. As shown bottom cap 50 is releasable attached to main body 150. Bottom cap 50 is attached to the bottom portion of body 150 threads 25 and 27. In several embodiments of the present invention, screw thread 25 can mechanically engage screw thread 27 in a manner known n the art to have lower cap 50 engage body 150 (FIG. 3). Lower cap 50, in many embodiments has a spout 40 with outer edge 45. In several embodiments, the edge, or spout, 40 can fit into each individual chamber 310a-e when in use in some embodiments. This fit provides support so that the spout 40 can rest on the lid cap 200 while the user pours powders into various chambers 310a-e. (See FIG. 2).

[0068] FIG. 10 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the bottom cap in cross section. Lower cap 50, in many embodiments has a spout 40 with outer edgy 45. Frustoconical side slant cone 30, in several embodiments, can act as a funnel for materials when bottom cap 50 is placed over top cap 200 and engaged. The spout 45 aligns inside of an individual compartment 310a-e. This allows for more stability when a powder is being poured into compartment 310a-e. Also illustrated is bottom side ridge 55 and inner ridge 35.

[0069] FIG. 11 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention lid with the top lid open. As illustrated, wedge 351 is raised away from orifice 300. Orifice defining walls 310 do not engage wedge 350. Handle 255 is in the lower position and fiat on upper lid surface 211.

[0070] FIG. 12 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention lid with the top handle open. As shown handle 255 is rotated about axis 287 so that the handle is not flush with surface 211. Also illustrated is lid 250 which is engaged with orifice 300, wherein wedge 350 is in sealable contact with defining walls 310.

[0071] FIG. 13 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the bottom cap top. As shown is the lower wedge 350 of list 250 that is preferably designed to wedge into orifice 300 on cap top 200. Shown also is lid 250, which in some embodiments extends past the circumference of upper cap 200. Interior of upper cap 1200 is preferably designed with a rigid material.

[0072] FIG. 14 is an assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention of the top cap bottom. In this embodiment orifice 300 is visible without being plugged by wedge 350. Orifice 300 is defined by wall edges 310. In several embodiments of the present invention, when the top cap 200 aligns with the triangles 160 and 210 of the body 150, the user can access the powder within and one of chambers 310a-e.

[0073] FIG. 15 is an assembled cross sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention with a tapered body and alternative lower cap. As illustrated the interior of containers 410d and 410a are shown so that the capacity for storage of materials is completely appreciated. Divider 1320 is also of variant geometric shape to accommodate the top to bottom taper of body 550 in this embodiment. Cap top 1200 is slightly modified in this embodiment and is molded as a single unit. Also shown is lid 1250 which has no handle 255.

[0074] As shown the upper portions of said containers are of a greater diameter than the lower areas. In this embodiment, threads 27 and 25 are engaged such that bottom cap 50 is in mechanical communication with body 150. Shown is rotational track 227 of body 151) as it engages top cap 200. Shown in this embodiment, lower cap 450 has the frustoconical side slant cone 430. Further shown is the outer edge 445 and the spout 440. Side ridge 455 is also shown.

[0075] In this embodiment, lower cap 450 snaps in ridges 427 on lower end of body 550. In this embodiment spout 440 is then substantially adjacent to the bottom of body 550 when hilly assembled.

[0076] In several embodiments, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. Bottom cap 50 is attached to the bottom portion of body 150 via threads 25 and 27. Top cap 200 is then attached to body 150 through alignment of triangles 160 and 210 notches 314, 312 and 313 followed by top cap 200 placement on track 146. After placement, triangles 160 and 210 are rotated such that they no longer align therein locking top cap 200 onto body 150.

[0077] In several embodiments bottom cap 50 can be unscrewed from body 150 so that they are no longer in attachment. After top cap 200 is removed from body 150 via a realigning of triangles 160 and 210, bottom cap 50 can be placed over the top of body 150 such that spout 45 aligns with one of any chambers 310a-e. Once alignment is in place, a user can pour a powder into any one of said chambers 310a-e.

[0078] In several embodiments of the present invention a user cannot rotate cap 200 when the wedge 350 is in sealable contact with defining walls 310. In order to rotate the cap 200, in many embodiments, wedge 350 need to be removed from contact with defining walls 310.

[0079] In several embodiments, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. Bottom cap 450 is attached to the bottom portion of body 550 via snapping into ridge 427. Top cap 1200 is then attached to body 550 through alignment of triangles 160 and 210 notches 314, 312 and 313 followed by top cap 200 placement on track 146. After placement, triangles 160 and 210 are rotated such that they no longer align therein locking top cap 1200 onto body 550.

[0080] In several embodiments bottom cap 450 can be snapped away from body 450 so that they are no longer in attachment. After top cap 1200 is removed from body 550 via a realigning of triangles 160 and 210, bottom cap 450 can be placed over the top of body 550 such that spout 440 aligns with one of any chambers 410a-e. Once alignment is in place, a user can pour a powder into any one of said chambers 410a-e.

[0081] In several embodiments of the present Invention a user cannot rotate cap 1200 when the wedge 350 is in sealable contact with defining walls 310. In order to rotate the cap 1200 in many embodiments, wedge 350 need to be removed from contact with defining walls 410.

[0082] While preferred embodiments have been shown, and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modification.