Dispenser adapted to engage a bottle and adapted for use with thick consumable fluid having solid ingredients therein

#The present invention is generally directed to dispensers and, more specifically, to a dispenser adapted for use with thick consumable fluids that may include solid ingredients too large for use with conventional dispensers.

#Typical dispensers are used to pour alcohol and other low viscosity fluids from bottles. However, thick fluids tend not to work with conventional dispensers as the fluid tends to clog portions of the dispenser mechanism. This problem is further exacerbated when the fluid has larger solid particles therein that tend to completely obstruct fluid flow through conventional dispensers.

#It may be advantageous to provide a dispenser that is preferably adapted to be used with thicker fluids, that can preferably transfer fluids containing large solid particles; that is easy to use; and that preferably is ergonomically designed.

#The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; The dispenser includes a dispenser body that defines a hopper which preferably flares generally outwardly from the top of the bottle; The dispenser body is adapted to be preferably secured to the bottle via a collar; A lid may be attached to the top of the hopper via a snap fit connection of the like;

#FIG. 1A is a schematic showing an exemplary solid ingredient which may be transported from a bottle, into the hopper of the dispenser, and later dispensed as part of a predetermined amount of consumable fluid; Various dimensions of the solid ingredient are shown as well as the largest dimension; While one exemplary shape is shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the solid ingredient can have any shape and/or configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention;

#Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the system for use with a consumable beverage and designated parts thereof. The term “consumable fluid”, as used in the claims and the relevant portions means, “any fluid suited for consumption such as yogurt, salad dressing, jam, toppings, etc.” It is understood that when used in the “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment” section, the term “salad dressing” means “salad dressing or other consumable fluid”. The language “at least one of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’,” as used in the claims and in corresponding portions of the specification, means “any group having at least one ‘A’; or any group having at least one ‘B’; or any group having at least one ‘C’;—and does require that a group have at least one of each of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.” Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

#Referring to FIGS. 1-23, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, preferred embodiments of a dispenser are shown and generally designated as 30. Briefly stated, the dispenser of the present invention is preferably adapted for use with thicker consumable fluids having large solid ingredients, such as salad dressings.

#While the drawings show threaded or snap fit connections, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any other known suitable connection mechanism, such as a fastener, friction fit, snap fit, or the like can be used with any of the connections in the dispenser 30 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the dispenser body 32 and the collar 80 can be a single integral component. Additionally, the dispenser 30 can be used with one of multiple interchangeable hoppers 34 if so desired.