Condiment measuring device

March 3, 1970

3,498,136

P. G. LE MAY

CONDIMENT MEASURING DEVICE

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INVENTOR.

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3,498,136

Patented Mar. 3, 1970

United States Patent Office

3,498,136 CONDIMENT MEASURING DEVICE Philip G. Le May, 38 High St., Lebanon, N.H. 03766 Filed Mar. 18,1968, Ser. No. 713,754 Int. CI. GOlf 19/00 U.S. CI. 73—426 1 Claim

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A dispenser having a base, top wall 'and a cover within which are carried a plurality of different sized containers which hold a specific amount of condiments. In the center of the apparatus is included a shaft which extends above the cover of the apparatus and push buttons on the upper end of the locking rod serves to release any one of the radially spaced apart containers in order that they may be removed therefrom.

This invention relates to measuring devices, more particularly to a kitchen dispenser apparatus.

It is therefore the main purpose of this invention to provide a condiment measuring device which will be portable and will contain a plurality of radially spaced apart removable containers of various sizes. These containers serve to contain a specific quantity of a condiment which may be selected at random for a specific amount desired for use in the kitchen.

Another object of this invention is to provide a condiment measuring device which will have arrow-shaped locking rods to which are attached 'and extending above the cover, push buttons, each push button allowing for the release of the bottom portion of the lock rods from a recess in the bottom of its associated removable container.

A further object of this invention is to provide a condiment measuring device which have a spherical top on the end of a central shaft thus allowing for the rotation of said apparatus.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide a condiment measuring device which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification 'and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the device showing the cover removed therefrom;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 2—2 of FIGURE 1 showing the lid, the method of revolving the device, and two containers in position and the method of releasing them;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one of the containers shown removed from the instant invention.

According to this invention, a condiment measuring device 10 is provided with a circular base member 11 to which are attached a plurality of legs 12 for supporting device 10. On top of base member 11 is secured a plastic disc 13 which is provided with a central recess 14 for a purpose hereinafter will be described. Device 10 is also provided with a top wall 15 of circular configuration. A plurality of different sized containers Ί6 are radially adjacent to each other and are of such structure so as to hold a specific amount of condiments. Each of containers 16 are provided with angular extending handles 17 allowing for the easy release of any one of the containers 16.

A central shaft 18 is carried vertically within device 10 and provided with a flange 19 on its lower extremity which bears against the outside of base member 11 and the top 20 of shaft 18 is spherical in configuration to allow for easy handle grip means to rotate the device 10.

Shaft 18 also extends upward through cover 21 as does a plurality of L-shaped configurated locking rods 22. The lower extremity of locking rods 22 are provided in the recess 14 with ball-shaped ends 23 which rest in the 5 recesses 24 in the bottom of containers 16, these rods 22 serve to allow container 16 to remain stationary within device 10 until it is desired to release them. The upper extremity of locking rods 22 carry coil springs 25 the lower portion of which bear against flanges 26 of bottom 10 rods 22. The upper extremity of locking rods 22 are provided with push butons 27 which extend above cover 21 and provide a means for releasing the container 16.

It will 'be noted that the upper extremity of shaft 18 is received through opening 28 of cover 21.

in use, a container 16 holding the specific amount desired by the user, is released by pressing down upon the push button 27 above that container 16, the downward pressure releasing the ball end 23 from the recess 24 of that specific container 16, thus allowing the user to remove ^υ that container 16 by pulling upon the handle 17. It is also to be noted that recess 14 serves to provide a clearance for the downward movement of rod 22. When the push button 27 is released the spring 25 thus returns the lock22 ing rod 22 to its full upward position. After emptying the contents from the removed container 16, it may easily replaced by urging down upon the associated push button 27 and sliding the container 16 inward of device 10, after which push button 27 is then released which allows the 30 ball end 23 of the locking rods 22 to engage the recess 24 of container 16. The top wall and the bottom disc comprise guides between which the containers are slidable.

While various changes may be made in the detailed construction, it is understood that such changes will be with35 in the spirit and scope of the present invention.