Measurement and dispensing unit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the invention, an improved and economically disposable dispensing unit is provided for dispensing a measured amount of liquid or other flowable substance.
The dispensing unit generally comprises a cup-shaped housing having a geometry for substantially sealed attachment to a relatively wide range of container sizes.
The cup-shaped housing defines an upwardly open dispensing chamber and includes means for easily obtaining a measured quantity from the contents of the container.
Advantageously, the dispensing unit of the present invention can be configured to collapse to a low profile geometry with the measured quantity preserved therein during handling or transport.
The cup-shaped housing comprises a circular side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall and cooperating therewith to define the dispensing chamber.
An open central sleeve extends upwardly through an opening in the bottom wall to provide a flow path placing the dispensing chamber in fluid communication with a storage compartment defined within the underlying container.
The dispensing unit includes adjustable attachment means for attaching the unit onto the container, and a removable cap for providing a top wall covering the dispensing chamber.
The entire unit is disposable and is manufactured in a relatively simple and inexpensive fashion.
In one form of the invention, a one-piece design ideal for sanitary "throw-away" dispensers is achieved by forming a hinged cap, the sleeve, and the attachment means integrally with the housing.
In operation, the dispensing chamber is closed by fitting the cap in substantially sealed relation with the housing side wall.
The container is then inverted to allow a liquid or other flowable substance stored in the storage compartment to flow through the open sleeve and into the dispensing chamber.
The sleeve end within the dispensing chamber, henceforth referred to as the measurement end, determines the measured quantity by its position relative to the housing side wall defining the dispensing chamber