Container and method for producing the same

Abstract

A container is disclosed that includes an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber, a mouth opening at a first end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end portion at a second end of the elongate bottle; an end cap having a cap wall which defines a cap opening at one end of the end cap, a portion of the cap wall adjacent the end cap opening being at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle to form a secondary chamber isolated from the primary chamber; a primary closure adapted to cooperate with the elongate bottle mouth opening for enclosing the primary chamber; and a medication situated within the secondary chamber. The primary chamber is sized to retain liquid and the secondary chamber is sized to retain the medication.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/265,053, filed Oct. 4, 2002, entitled “Container and Method For Producing The Same,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates generally to a container and more specifically a container for a liquid provided in combination with a chamber for housing an article.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] People often consume medication to provide relief from symptoms that they are exhibiting. For instance, people normally take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications to relieve pain caused by headaches, sore muscles, or achy joints. Typically, an individual purchases a bottle of pain relief medication and stores the bottle in a medicine drawer or cabinet for later use. If the individual is travailing, it is common for the pain relief medication to be stored in an attache case or toiletry bag. In either instance, the individual typically locates the bottle and finds a liquid, most commonly water, to aid in the swallowing and digesting the dosage recommended by the instructions on the bottle.

[0004] This process can be cumbersome to a traveler who may not have access to either or both the medicine bottle or water. For example, once a passenger of a plane disembarks, it is often difficult to locate a concession stand to purchase water and then sift through luggage to locate the pain relief medication. As another example, a business traveler may arrive at a hotel room having misplaced his/her pain relief medication. In such a situation, the traveler must go down to the gift shop and find a pain relief medication and a water in an unfamiliar setting.

[0005] Various devices have been proposed for addressing the above-identified drawbacks of conventional pain medication usage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,081, entitled “Combined Pill and Water Container” and granted to Ross, discloses a combination pill and water container that includes a first compartment for holding a plurality of pills and a second compartment for retaining water so that a person can take their pills with water.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,370, entitled “Compartmented Container” and granted to Beall, discloses a compartmented container having first and second compartments. The first compartment is designed for holding a liquid barrier, while the second compartment has a cavity for receiving a pill or tablet.

[0007] As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,120, entitled “Combination Package” and granted to Shveda, discloses a combination package for retaining a primary product and a secondary product containment volume separate from the primary product.

[0008] The above-identified proposals fail to provide a structure specifically designed based on vendability. In light of this disadvantage of the prior art multi-compartment containers, there exist a need for a container for dispensing and consuming medications having a structure suitable for vending. There also exists a need to provide a vendable container that can be vended from store coolers, vending machines, or hotel room honor bars.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a container is disclosed. The container includes an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber, a mouth opening at a first end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end portion at a second end of the elongate bottle; an end cap having a cap wall which defines a cap opening at one end of the end cap, a portion of the cap wall adjacent the end cap opening being at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle to form a secondary chamber isolated from the primary chamber; a primary closure adapted to cooperate with the elongate bottle mouth opening for enclosing the primary chamber; and a medication situated within the secondary chamber. The primary chamber is sized to retain liquid and the secondary chamber is sized to retain the medication.

[0010] The medication can be an over-the-counter drug single-dose package. The single-dose package can include two pills and a tamper-resistant package. The single-dose can be a pain relief medication and the liquid can be water. In certain embodiments, a portion of the cap wall adjacent the edge can be at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle enclosing the secondary chamber which is bounded by the end cap and the elongate bottle closed end. In other embodiments, a portion of the cap wall adjacent the edge can be at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle enclosing the secondary chamber which is bounded by the end cap and the elongate bottle upper end. The container can further include an annular seal joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle. The annular seal can include an adhesive tape pull strip. The container can further include an annular bead of adhesive joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle. In certain embodiments, the exterior wall of the end cap is comprised of thermo-molded plastic. The end cap can be formed of opaque or transparent plastic.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a container is disclosed. The method includes providing an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber, a mouth opening at a first end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end portion at a second end of the elongate bottle; producing an end cap having an edge and a cap wall which defines a secondary chamber having an opening; placing a medication within the chamber; and enclosing the secondary chamber by attaching the end cap to an end of the elongate bottle containing a liquid. The chamber is sized to retain the medication.

[0012] The medication can be an over-the-counter drug single-dose package. The over-the-counter drug single-dose package can include two pills and a tamper-resistant package. The single-dose can be a pain relief medication and the liquid can be water.

[0013] These and other aspects, object, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further object and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a container in a disassembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a container in a disassembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a container in a dissembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0022] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of an invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a container 10 in a disassembled state, suitable for retaining and dispensing a liquid beverage in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Correspondingly, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the container 10 shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled state.

[0024] The container 10 in FIG. 1 is comprised of an elongate bottle 12 and an end cap 14, which can be formed from flexible or blow molded plastic and can have a generally circular cross section. The elongate bottle 12 can be of standard size, for example, 6 ounce, 12 ounce, 20 ounce, or 2 liter volume. Examples of plastics that are suitable for formation of the container 10 include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE). The selection of the specific plastic can be based on numerous factors, such as rigidity (i.e. flexible, semirigid, or rigid) and recyclability, to best fit a particular implementation of the present invention. Examples of materials that can be used for the elongate bottle include, but are not limited to, aluminum, foil, flexible plastic sleeve, plastic bladder, etc.

[0025] The elongate bottle 12 has an exterior wall 16 which defines an elongate internal primary chamber 18 (otherwise referred to as the primary chamber) and narrows at an upper end 15 to form a generally cylindrical neck portion 17 having a primary mouth opening 20. The diameter of the generally cylindrical neck portion 17 can be in the range of about one-half inch to about two inches. In certain embodiments, the diameter can be about one and one-half inches. The primary mouth opening 20 is provided for dispensing liquid from the primary chamber 18 through generally cylindrical neck portion 17. A closed end 19 is provided at an end opposite the upper end 15.

[0026] The primary chamber 18 can be sized to retain liquid. As non-limiting examples, water, juice, non-carbonated soft drinks, or milk, can be retained in the elongate internal primary chamber 18.

[0027] The container 10 is also comprised of a primary closure 22 adapted to cooperate with the primary mouth opening 20 for enclosing the primary chamber 18. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the primary closure 22 is a screw cap, which can be formed from of a rigid plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP). The screw cap has inner threads 23 for mating with and screwing into outer threads 25 on generally cylindrical neck portion 17. The screw cap protects the liquid contents of the primary chamber 18 from spills, evaporation, and/or contact with foreign substances (i.e. dust or dirt).

[0028] The screw cap and primary mouth opening 20 can be provided with tamper resistant features. For example, the screw cap can be provided with a circular ring 27 connected to the bottom edge of screw cap through a series of tabs 29. After introducing liquid into the primary chamber 18 and before use by the consumer, the tabs 29 integrally connect the screw cap and circular ring 27. If the screw cap and circular ring 27 are unconnected prior to use, meaning the tabs are broken, it alerts the consumer that the container has been opened, indicating possible tampering with the liquid contents. Moreover, a thin flexible cylindrical plastic film (not shown) can be adhered to the edge of upper end 15 immediately after filling the primary chamber 18 with liquid and prior to placing the screw cap on the elongate bottle 12. Upon opening the container for the first time, the consumer then removes the thin flexible cylindrical plastic film. This film serves at least two purposes: (1) it helps to protect the liquid contents from debris, evaporation, and spills and (2) alerts the consumer of possible tampering if the film has been removed, perforated, or has been otherwise compromised in some manner.

[0029] It is fully contemplated that primary closure 22 may be any item which protects the contents of primary chamber from spillage, evaporation, and/or contact with foreign substances. A non-limiting example includes a pull-tab on the edge of upper end 15. The pull-tab can be removed by the customer to obtain access to the liquid contents of the primary chamber 18. The pull-tab can be comprised of, for example, foil, plastic, etc. Another non-limiting example includes a perforated tab integrally connected to the generally cylindrical neck portion. The customer breaks the perforations to obtain access to the liquid contents of the primary chamber.

[0030] The end cap 14, which can be formed from plastic, has a generally circular cross-section and includes an edge 24 and a cap wall 26. The end cap 14 may be vacuum formed, or rather, may be injection molded. To accommodate certain processes for manufacturing the end cap 14, it may be necessary to taper the end cap 14 such that the diameter of the cap wall 26 nearest the edge 24 is greater than the diameter of the cap wall 26 at the opposite end. End cap 14 can also be formed such that the cap wall 26 has a substantially constant diameter.

[0031] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end cap 14 can be connected to the elongate bottle 12 with an annular seal such as adhesive pull tape strip 28. The adhesive tape pull strip 28 can adhere to edge 24, portion 30 of cap wall 26, and portion 32 of exterior wall 16 to connect the end cap 14 near a lower end 31 of the elongate bottle 12 and to define a secondary chamber 34. Alternatively, the end cap 14 can be attached with an annular bead of adhesive, a solvent weld joint or an annular label covering exterior wall 16 and overlapping end cap 14. It is also contemplated that the end cap 14 is sized to maintain a press fit with the elongate bottle 12, such that an annular seal or adhesive is unnecessary. That is, when the portion 30 of cap wall 26 is selectively engaged with the portion 32 of exterior wall 16, the exterior wall 16 provides sufficient surface contact with cap wall 26 to retain end cap 14 in place.

[0032] The container 10 is further comprised of a pain relief medication sample-size package 36 that can be placed within the secondary chamber 34 and enclosed therein by connecting the elongate bottle 12 and the end cap 14. Other non-limiting examples of sample-size packages that can be used in accordance with the present invention include over-the-counter drug single-doses and first aid products. For example, the over-the-counter drug single-doses can be pain relief medication (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen). Other examples include, but are not limited to, antacids, sinus irritation relief, cold relief, flu relief, indigestion relief and allergy relief. Examples of first aid products, include, but are not limited to, bandages and gauze. The over-the-counter drug single-doses may be available in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, tablets, caplets and geltabs. The pain relief medication can be packaged and sealed within suitable drug sample-size packaging. Moreover, the primary chamber 18 may comprise water to aid in the swallowing and digestion of the pain relief medication.

[0033] The secondary chamber 34 is sized to retain the package 36. To obtain access to the package 36, a consumer can release the adhesive pull tape strip 28 by grasping onto and pulling tab 42. However, other methods of accessing the package 36 may be employed depending on the method utilized for connecting the end cap 14 to the elongate bottle 12. For example, a consumer may twist the end cap in relation to the elongate bottle breaking the seal created by an annular label. Furthermore, a consumer may simply remove the end cap 14 by pulling on the end cap 14 with sufficient force.

[0034] According to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, sample-size package 36 is provided for pain relief purposes. Further, container 10 provides a vendable article that can be purchased by a consumer to provide quick pain relief. Further, sample-size package 36 can be placed within the secondary chamber 34 and sealed therein by a secondary closure 43. The secondary closure 43 can be a thin film, such as foil or plastic, having an adhesive layer for adhering to the inner edge of cap wall 26. Moreover, once the sample-size package 36 is placed within the secondary chamber 34, it can be further enclosed therein by connecting the elongate bottle 12 and the end cap 14.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment for implementing the present invention. The embodiment includes packaging the different elements of container 10 into a single convenient package for consumer use. Packaging steps include, but are not necessarily limited to or presented to imply any specific order: (1) placing a liquid 45 within the primary chamber 18, (2) screwing primary closure 22 onto generally cylindrical neck portion 17 to enclose the liquid retained in primary chamber 18, (3) placing sample-size package 36 within secondary chamber 34 provided by end cap 14, and (4) affixing end cap 14 to the elongate bottle 12 to enclose sample-size package 36. It is fully contemplated that steps (1) and (2) can be carried out by a beverage manufacturer to produce a standard size container containing a liquid, such as water. Step (3) can be carried out by an end cap manufacturer or other party or entity producing the end cap. Accordingly, the beverage company can ship the standard size container to a vending site, such as a sporting event venue, and the end cap manufacturer can send the end cap to the sporting event venue. Step (4) can be carried out at this venue.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a container 50 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The container 50 in FIG. 3 is shown in a disassembled state, while FIG. 4 depicts the container 50 in an assembled state.

[0037] The container 50 is comprised of an elongate bottle 12 and an end cap 14, which can be formed from plastic and having a generally circular cross section. The elongate bottle 12 has an exterior wall 16 which defines an elongate internal primary chamber 18 (otherwise referred to as the primary chamber) and narrows at its upper end 15 to form a generally cylindrical neck portion 17 having a primary mouth opening 20. The primary mouth opening 20 is provided for dispensing liquid from the primary chamber 18 through generally cylindrical neck portion 17. A closed end 19 is provided at an end opposite the upper end 15. The primary chamber 18 can be sized to retain liquid.

[0038] The container 50 is also comprised of a primary closure 22 adapted to cooperate with the primary chamber 18 for enclosing the primary chamber 18. The primary closure 22 may be a screw cap as described in detail above, or rather, the primary closure 22 may be any item which protects the contents of the primary chamber from spillage, evaporation, and/or contact with foreign substances. A non-limiting example includes a pull-tab on the edge of upper end 15. The pull-tab can be removed by the customer to obtain access to the liquid contents of the primary chamber 18. The pull-tab can be comprised of, for example, foil, plastic, etc. Another non-limiting example includes a perforated tab integrally connected to the generally cylindrical neck portion. The customer breaks the perforations to obtain access to the liquid contents of the primary chamber.

[0039] The end cap 14, which can be formed from plastic, has a generally circular cross-section and includes an edge 24 and a cap wall 26. According to a certain embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the end cap 14 can be connected to the elongate bottle 12 with an annular seal, such as an adhesive pull tape strip 28. The adhesive tape pull strip 28 can adhere to edge 24, portion 30 of cap wall 26, and portion 44 of exterior wall 16 to connect the end cap 14 near the upper end 15 of elongate bottle 12 and to define a secondary chamber 46. Alternatively, the end cap 14 can be attached with an annular bead of adhesive, a solvent weld joint or an annular label covering exterior wall 16 and overlapping end cap 14. It is also contemplated that the end cap 14 is sized to maintain a press fit with the elongate bottle 12, such that an annular seal or adhesive is unnecessary. That is, when the portion 30 of cap wall 26 is selectively engaged with the portion 44 of exterior wall 16, the exterior wall 16 provides sufficient surface contact with cap wall 26 to retain end cap 14 in place.

[0040] The container 50 is further comprised of a pain relief medication sample-size package 48 that can be placed within the secondary chamber 46 and enclosed therein by connecting the elongate bottle 12 and the end cap 14. Accordingly, the secondary chamber 46 is sized to retain the package 48. To obtain access to the article 48, a consumer can release the adhesive pull tape strip 28 by grasping onto and pulling tab 42. However, other methods of accessing the package 48 may be employed depending on the method utilized for connecting the end cap 14 to the elongate bottle 12. For example, a consumer may twist the end cap in relation to the elongate bottle breaking the seal created by an annular label. Furthermore, a consumer may simply remove the end cap 14 by pulling on the end cap 14 with sufficient force.

[0041] According to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, sample-size package 36 is provided for pain relief purposes. Container 10 can also provide a vendable article that can be purchased by a consumer to provide quick pain relief. Sample-size package 36 can be placed within the secondary chamber 34 and sealed therein by a secondary closure 43. The secondary closure 43 can be a thin film, such as foil or plastic, having an adhesive layer for adhering to the inner edge of cap wall 26. Moreover, once the sample-size package 36 is placed within the secondary chamber 34, it can be further enclosed therein by connecting the elongate bottle 12 and the end cap 14.

[0042] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate side views of a container in dissembled and assembled states and a perspective view of the container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Container 51, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, includes end cap 52, sample-size package 54, shrink wrap seal 56, bottle 58 and bottle cap 60. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, container 51 can be partially assembled by placing sample-size package 54 in end cap 52 and sealing mouth 62 of end cap 52 to exterior wall 64 of bottle 58. Bottle 58 can be filled with liquid and capped with bottle cap 60 while the placing and sealing steps are carried out, although it is understood that the filling and capping steps can be carried out before or after the placing and sealing steps.

[0043] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber, a mouth opening at a first end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end portion at a second end of the elongate bottle;

an end cap having a cap wall which defines a cap opening at one end of the end cap, a portion of the cap wall adjacent the end cap opening being at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle to form a secondary chamber isolated from the primary chamber;

a primary closure adapted to cooperate with the elongate bottle mouth opening for enclosing the primary chamber; and

a medication situated within the secondary chamber;

wherein the primary chamber is sized to retain liquid and the secondary chamber is sized to retain the medication.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the medication is comprised of an over-the-counter drug single-dose package.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the over-the-counter drug single-dose package is comprised of two pills and a tamper-resistant package.

4. The container of claim 2 wherein the over-the-counter drug single-dose is comprised of a pain relief medication and the liquid is water.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein a portion of the cap wall adjacent the edge being at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle enclosing the secondary chamber which is bounded by the end cap and the elongate bottle closed end.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein a portion of the cap wall adjacent the edge being at least partially attached to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle enclosing the secondary chamber which is bounded by the end cap and the elongate bottle upper end.

7. The container of claim 1 further comprising an annular seal joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle.

8. The container of claim 7 wherein the annular seal is comprised of an adhesive tape pull strip.

9. The container of claim 1 further comprising an annular bead of adhesive joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle.

10. The container of claim 1 wherein the exterior wall of the end cap is comprised of thermo-molded plastic.

11. The container of claim 1 wherein the end cap is formed from an opaque plastic.

12. The container of claim 1 wherein the end cap is formed from a transparent plastic.

13. A method for producing a container, the method comprising:

providing an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber, a mouth opening at a first end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end portion at a second end of the elongate bottle;

producing an end cap having an edge and a cap wall which defines a secondary chamber having an opening;

placing a medication within the chamber; and

enclosing the secondary chamber by attaching the end cap to an end of the elongate bottle containing a liquid,

wherein the chamber is sized to retain the medication.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the medication is comprised of an over-the-counter drug single-dose package.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the over-the-counter drug single-dose package is comprised of two pill and a tamper-resistant package.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the over-the-counter drug single-dose is comprised of a pain relief medication and the liquid is water.