Formula dispenser

Abstract

An improved dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of powdered material, such as baby formula, from a powdered material container having a removable cap that can be quickly and easily interconnected with the dispenser. The dispenser can accommodate formula bottles of various sizes and includes a dispensing plunger that provides an oscillating action to prevent compaction of the formula and functions to ensure even dispensing of the formula into the formula bottle. Uniquely, the improved dispenser includes a strategically positioned vibration motor that controllably vibrates the powdered material container in a manner to also prevent compaction and clumping of the powdered material contained within the powdered material container.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . An improved powder dispenser apparatus for dispensing measured quantities of powdered material, the dispenser comprising:
 a chamber configured to house a quantity of powdered material therewithin, the chamber comprising an opening for permitting the user to release a measured quantity of the powdered material that may be stored within the chamber as desired;   a housing configured to support the chamber in a secure but releasable manner, permitting the user to exchange one chamber with another chamber; and   means for directing vibrational forces to the chamber, the directing means supported by the housing in a manner such that the vibrational forces facilitate the flow of powdered material from within the chamber as it is being released.   
     
     
         17 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  13 , wherein the directing means comprises a vibration motor. 
     
     
         18 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  13 , further comprising means for controlling measured amounts of powdered material released from the chamber when the user wishes to dispense powdered material, the controlling means comprising a plunger that defines a space having a volume into which powdered material may flow. 
     
     
         19 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  15 , wherein the controlling means comprises an adjustment mechanism for changing the volume of the space of the controlling means. 
     
     
         20 . The improved powder dispenser of  claim 16 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an insert configured to fit within a portion of the space defined by the plunger. 
     
     
         21 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  13 , wherein the housing further comprises an adjustable support for supporting an external container, the housing configured to permit a user to transfer released powdered material from the chamber into the container by using the controlling means. 
     
     
         22 . An improved powder dispenser apparatus for dispensing measured quantities of powdered material, the dispenser comprising:
 a chamber configured to house a quantity of powdered material therewithin, the chamber comprising an opening for permitting the user to release a measured quantity of the powdered material that may be stored within the chamber as desired;   a housing configured to support the chamber in a secure but releasable manner, permitting the user to exchange one chamber with another chamber; and   means for controlling measured amounts of powdered material released from the chamber when the user wishes to dispense powdered material, the controlling means comprising a plunger that defines a space having a volume into which powdered material may flow, wherein the controlling means comprises an adjustment mechanism for changing the volume of the space of the controlling means.   
     
     
         23 . The improved powder dispenser of  claim 19 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an insert configured to fit within a portion of the space defined by the plunger. 
     
     
         24 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  13 , further comprising means for directing vibrational forces to the chamber, the directing means supported by the housing in a manner such that the vibrational forces facilitate the flow of powdered material from within the chamber as it is being released. 
     
     
         25 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  13 , wherein the directing means comprises a vibration motor. 
     
     
         26 . The improved powder dispenser of claim  13 , wherein the housing further comprises an adjustable support for supporting an external container, the housing configured to permit a user to transfer released powdered material from the chamber into the container by using the controlling means.