Packaged Scoop for Placing in a Container Partially Filled with Powder

Abstract

A preferred form of the present invention places a scoop inside a bag inflated with air, forming a bag/scoop assembly. The intent of the bag/scoop assembly is to prevent the scoop from settling below the top surface of the powder without changing the scoop design. The bag/scoop assembly has a convex surface, thus, if powder were to fall on top of the bag/scoop assembly, the curvature of the bag/scoop assembly would allow the powder to slide off the bag more easily due to gravity. The bag/scoop assembly also reduces the difference in surface area of the powder relative to the bag/scoop assembly. This reduction in surface area ratios decreases the space available for the powder to move over the bag/scoop assembly during shaking and vibration of the tub. The bag/scoop assembly is lighter than the powder and is therefore not subject to sinking.

1 . A scoop packaged for enclosure in a container partially filled with powder, comprising in combination:
 a dipper having a bottom and an outer wall affixed to the bottom, forming a receptacle, wherein powder can be held inside the dipper;   an elongated handle affixed to outside of the dipper, wherein the dipper and handle for the scoop;   a bag completely enclosing the scoop so that the receptacle will not fill with powder when enclosed in the container.   
     
     
         2 . A scoop packaged for enclosure in a container filled with powder according to  claim 1 , wherein the bag is an airtight plastic bag. 
     
     
         3 . A scoop packaged for enclosure in a container filled with powder according to  claim 1 , wherein the bag is a tightly fitting plastic bag. 
     
     
         4 . A container partially filled with powder with a scoop packaged for enclosure in the container, the packaged scoop comprising in combination:
 a dipper having a bottom and an outer wall affixed to the bottom, forming a receptacle, wherein powder can be held inside the dipper;   an elongated handle affixed to outside of the dipper, wherein the dipper and handle for the scoop;   a bag completely enclosing the scoop so that the receptacle will not fill with powder when enclosed in the container.   
     
     
         5 . A container partially filled with powder with a scoop packaged for enclosure in the container according to  claim 4 , wherein the bag is an airtight plastic bag. 
     
     
         6 . A container partially filled with powder with a scoop packaged for enclosure in the container according to  claim 4 , wherein the bag is a tightly fitting plastic bag.