Dispensing Device

Abstract

The invention is a device that dispenses contents from a squeezable chamber through a passage into an attached spoon. The spoon is hinged so that it folds back against the squeezable chamber for shipping and sales/shelf display, and pivots forward to engage the passage when in use. The spoon also has a flat “rest” which prevents the device from rolling, and keeps the spoon stable and elevated off a potentially germ-laden surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dispensing device, comprising:
 (a) a squeezable chamber adapted to store contents, the squeezable chamber having two ends and a chamber opening located at one of said ends;   (b) a spoon having a serving end and a non-serving end, and a spoon opening located at the non-serving end thereof;   (c) a passageway extending from the spoon opening through the spoon to at least one outlet opening located at the serving end of the spoon;   (d) hinge means for pivoting the spoon from a non-use position wherein the spoon is folded back substantially against the squeezable chamber, to an in-use position wherein the spoon opening engages with the chamber opening;   whereby when a pressure is applied to the squeezable chamber with the spoon in the in-use position, the contents flow through the chamber opening, the spoon opening, and the passageway, and are dispensed through the at least one outlet opening.   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the device also comprises a substantially flat rest adapted to lie against a surface and prevent movement of the device across the surface. 
     
     
         3 . The dispensing device of  claim 2 , wherein the rest is located at a bottom of the squeezable chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the squeezable chamber has a measuring scale located thereon, to track how much of the contents have been dispensed. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein one outlet opening is located at the center of the serving end of the spoon. 
     
     
         6 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein a sealing lip is located around an inner circumference of the spoon opening, to seal the engagement of the spoon opening with the chamber opening. 
     
     
         7 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein a sealing lip is located around an outer circumference of the chamber opening, to seal the engagement of the spoon opening with the chamber opening. 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure is hand pressure applied by the user. 
     
     
         9 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein a sealing cap is located over the chamber opening, to prevent contamination of the contents. 
     
     
         10 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber opening and the spoon opening are substantially round. 
     
     
         11 . A dispensing method, comprising the steps of:
 providing a dispensing device having:
 a squeezable chamber adapted to store contents, the squeezable chamber having two ends and a chamber opening located at one of said ends; a spoon having a serving end and a non-serving end, and a spoon opening located at the non-serving end thereof; 
 a passageway extending from the spoon opening through the spoon to at least one outlet opening located at the serving end of the spoon; and 
 hinge means for pivoting the spoon from a non-use position wherein the spoon is folded back substantially against the squeezable chamber, to an in-use position wherein the spoon opening engages with the chamber opening; 
   pivoting the spoon from the non-use position to the in-use position;   applying a pressure to the squeezable chamber;   thereby forcing the contents through the chamber opening, the spoon opening, and the passageway, and dispensing the contents through the at least one outlet opening.   
     
     
         12 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein the device also comprises a substantially flat rest adapted to lie against a surface and prevent movement of the device across the surface. 
     
     
         13 . The dispensing method of  claim 12 , wherein the rest is located at a bottom of the squeezable chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein the squeezable chamber has a measuring scale located thereon, to track how much of the contents have been dispensed. 
     
     
         15 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein one outlet opening is located at the center of the serving end of the spoon. 
     
     
         16 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein a sealing lip is located around an inner circumference of the spoon opening, to seal the engagement of the spoon opening with the chamber opening. 
     
     
         17 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein a sealing lip is located around an outer circumference of the chamber opening, to seal the engagement of the spoon opening with the chamber opening. 
     
     
         18 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein the pressure is hand pressure applied by the user. 
     
     
         19 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein a sealing cap is located over the chamber opening, to prevent contamination of the contents. 
     
     
         20 . The dispensing method of  claim 11 , wherein the chamber opening and the spoon opening are substantially round.