Adjustable granule dispenser

Abstract

A product dispensing apparatus for a granule product includes a unitary, plastic housing having an open first end closed by a cap and an open second end for the dispensing of product. The housing includes a product storage compartment that is accessible by way of the first end when the closing cap is removed. A plunger is received within the housing and defines a cavity for receipt of product from the storage compartment. The plunger is a two-component assembly including a unitary body member and a unitary slide member, the slide member fitting within the body member and being movable relative thereto to vary the cavity size. As the plunger travels during its cycle, product is transferred into the cavity and then dispensed from the cavity through the second end. The size of the cavity defines the volume of the dose to be dispensed.

1 . A dispensing apparatus for a dry product comprising: 
 a housing having an open first end and an open second end, said housing including a product storage compartment that is accessible by way of said first end;    a closing cap received by said first end; and    a plunger received within said housing and including a cavity for receipt of product from said storage compartment, said plunger being movable in the direction of said second end for the transfer of product within said cavity out through said second end.    
   
   
       2 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plunger includes a body having a contact surface for depressing said plunger relative to said housing.  
   
   
       3 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said plunger further includes a slide that is received by said body.  
   
   
       4 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said body defines a receiving slot and said slide includes a panel inserted into said receiving slot as part of said plunger.  
   
   
       5 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said receiving slot and said panel are constructed and arranged for the slide to be movable relative to the body to vary the size of said cavity wherein varying the cavity size varies the size of the product dose to be dispensed.  
   
   
       6 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said housing includes a storage compartment wall adjacent said plunger, said storage compartment wall defining an opening constructed and arranged for the transfer of product into said cavity.  
   
   
       7 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said housing defines a discharge opening adjacent said second end that is constructed and arranged for the transfer of product from said cavity.  
   
   
       8 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said plunger includes a body having a contact surface for depressing said plunger relative to said housing.  
   
   
       9 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said plunger further includes a slide that is received by said body.  
   
   
       10 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said body defines a receiving slot and said slide includes a panel inserted into said receiving slot as part of said plunger.  
   
   
       11 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said receiving slot and said panel are constructed and arranged for the slide to be movable relative to the body to vary the size of said cavity wherein varying the cavity size varies the size of the product dose to be dispensed.  
   
   
       12 . A dispensing apparatus for a dry product comprising: 
 a refillable product container constructed and arranged for holding a volume of product, said product container defining a fill opening, a dispensing opening, and a transfer opening; and    a movable plunger assembled into said product container and defining a product transfer cavity, said movable plunger being constructed and arranged for said transfer cavity to slide across said transfer opening wherein product is transferred through said transfer opening into said transfer cavity by the action of gravity.    
   
   
       13 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said plunger includes a body having a contact surface for depressing said plunger relative to said housing.  
   
   
       14 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said plunger further includes a slide that is received by said body.  
   
   
       15 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 14  wherein said body defines a receiving slot and said slide includes a panel inserted into said receiving slot as part of said plunger.  
   
   
       16 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said receiving slot and said panel are constructed and arranged for the slide to be movable relative to the body to vary the size of said cavity wherein varying the cavity.  
   
   
       17 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 12  which further includes a cap for closing said fill opening.  
   
   
       18 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 17  which further includes a spring positioned between said product container and said plunger for returning a depressed plunger to a start position.