Scooping device and method for use with lipped containers

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved scooping and measuring device that not only allows a user to scoop product out of a lipped container when there is ample product in the container, but also advantageously includes at least one protruding feature that allows a user to access remaining product that is typically trapped between the inner wall of the container and the container lip when the container is inverted. The protruding features of the scooping device allow a user to tip the container upside down and remove the otherwise trapped product by fitting the protruding features between the container inner wall and the container lip.

1 . A scooping device for use with a container that stores product, said container having a container wall with an inner surface, an outer surface, and an upper rim with a lip encircling an opening of said container, said scooping device comprising: 
 a bottom wall, and a side wall upstanding from at least a portion of an outer periphery of said bottom wall to form a main receptacle for product scooped from the container;    wherein said side wall further defines at least one protruding channel feature for use in scooping product located between said inner surface of said container wall and said lip of said container rim.    
   
   
       2 . A scooping device of  claim 1 , wherein said scooping device further defines a handle attached to said side wall.  
   
   
       3 . A scooping device of  claim 1 , wherein said perimeter housing wall further defines a pair of protruding channel features for use in scooping product located between said inner surface of said container wall and said lip of said container rim.  
   
   
       4 . A scooping device of  claim 1 , wherein said side wall further defines a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side.  
   
   
       5 . A scooping device of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one protruding channel feature is defined by said front side.  
   
   
       6 . A scooping device of  claim 4 , wherein said front side further defines a pair of protruding channel features.  
   
   
       7 . A scooping device of  claim 6 , wherein said handle is attached to said rear side.  
   
   
       8 . A scooping device of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one protruding channel feature is defined by said rear side.  
   
   
       9 . A scooping device of  claim 4 , wherein said rear side further defines a pair of protruding channel features.  
   
   
       10 . A scooping device of  claim 9 , wherein said handle is attached to said rear side between said pair of channel features.  
   
   
       11 . A scooping device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one protruding channel feature further defines a width, wherein said width is substantially equal to or less than a distance between said container wall inner surface and an outer surface of said lip.  
   
   
       12 . A scooping device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one protruding channel feature further defines a depth, wherein said depth is substantially equal to or greater than a distance between an inner surface of said rim and an end surface of said lip.  
   
   
       13 . A method for use in removing remaining product stored in a container, the container having a container wall with an inner surface, an outer surface, and an upper rim with a lip encircling an opening of the container, said method comprising: 
 providing a scooping device, the scooping device comprising a bottom wall, and a side wall upstanding from at least a portion of an outer periphery of the bottom wall to form a main receptacle for product scooped from the container, the perimeter housing wall further defining at least one protruding channel feature;    inverting the container to trap the remaining product between the inner wall of the container and the lip of the container rim;    inserting the protruding channel feature of the scooping device into an area between the inner wall of the container and the lip of the container rim; and    moving the scooping device along the area in order to scoop the remaining product into the scooping device.