Powder dispenser

Abstract

The instant invention, in some embodiments, provides for the accurate delivery of solid, oftentimes powdery, materials for use. Powders and solid materials like spices are declumped and then accurately delivered to an element with a predetermined size/weight receiving component prior to accurate delivery of the solid material for use. Embodiments include handheld as well as electrically-driven systems.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dispenser for dispensing a powder from a container in measured unit amounts, comprising:
 a cap adapted to mount and seal the container, and having an opening defined therein;   a handgrip mounted on said cap and having an activation mechanism;   a powder declumping mechanism configured to be activated by said activation mechanism and positioned to declump powder in the container;   a powder compartment divider having at least one powder compartment exposed to said opening; and   at least one compartment cover configured to level powder in said compartment and to prevent entry of powder into said compartment when said compartment moves relative to said compartment cover by said activating of said activation mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . A dispenser according to  claim 1  wherein the powder is selected from dry spices, coffee, flour, sugar, powdered baby food and powder clothing detergent. 
     
     
         3 . A dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein said declumping mechanism includes at least one blade for stirring said powder. 
     
     
         4 . A dispenser according  claim 1 , wherein said cap includes a cavity for accommodating said compartment divider. 
     
     
         5 . A dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein said compartment divider includes compartment walls for forming said at least one powder compartment. 
     
     
         6 . A dispenser according to  claim 5 , wherein said compartment walls includes distal ends contoured to fit a curvature of a wall of said cap cavity. 
     
     
         7 . A dispenser according to  claim 1 , including a drive shaft for rotating said declumping mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . A dispenser according to  claim 7  wherein said drive shaft rotates said compartment divider. 
     
     
         9 . A dispenser according to  claim 8  including a drive gear for rotating said drive shaft. 
     
     
         10 . A dispenser according to  claim 9  including a mechanical lever for driving said drive gear. 
     
     
         11 . A dispenser according to  claim 10  wherein said mechanical lever is activated by said activation mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . A dispenser according to  claim 9  including a motor for driving said drive gear. 
     
     
         13 . A dispenser according to  claim 12  wherein said motor is activated by said activation mechanism. 
     
     
         14 . A dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein said activation mechanism is a lever. 
     
     
         15 . A dispenser according to  claim 1 , including a cover for sealing said cap. 
     
     
         16 . A dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein said cover includes a cover cap for sealing said opening. 
     
     
         17 . A method of dispensing a powder or dry spices, comprising:
 mounting a dispenser having an opening on a container;   activating an activation mechanism;   declumping the powder or dry spices at a point distanced from said opening as a result of said activating; and   dispensing a unit of powder out of said dispenser as a result of said moving.   
     
     
         18 . The method of dispensing a powder according to  claim 17 , including filling one or more compartments in said dispenser with powder or dry spices from said container. 
     
     
         19 . A method of dispensing a powder according to  claim 17 , including moving said compartments towards an opening in said dispenser. 
     
     
         20 . A method of dispensing a powder according to  claim 17 , including activating said activation mechanism for moving said compartments.