Container and method for producing the same

Abstract

A container comprising a wall and base portion for partially defining a volume, an opening opposite the base portion, and a grommet attached to the opening. The grommet is adapted to cooperate with an elongate bottle by gripping a portion of the exterior wall of the elongate bottle, and the internal chamber is sized to retain a wipe member.

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 cold beverages to provide refreshment during various activities. For example, people attending sporting events with outdoor seating, such as, but not limited to, baseball games, football games, motor bike races, and stock car races, commonly visit concession stands or vendors to purchase a cold beer or soft drink to refresh themselves, especially if the weather is relatively hot and humid. As another example, families commonly purchase cold soft drinks from vending machines or concession stands when attending amusement parks in the summer in order to quench their thirst and prevent dehydration.

[0004] One common mode of delivering cold beverages to the consuming public is plastic containers. Soft drink and beer distributors regularly use plastic bottles of varying sizes to deliver cold beverages to consumers. To ensure that the beverage is cold at the point of sale, the plastic bottles can be placed in a bucket of ice (i.e. next to a concession stand), or in a refrigeration unit (i.e. a refrigerator or vending machine).

[0005] Various systems have been proposed for keeping beverages cold until point of sale and beyond. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,894, entitled “Method of Making Beverage Container With Heating or Cooling Insert” and granted to Searle, discloses a beverage container having a conventional external configuration with a cylindrical wall closed by a top member. The base member closing the other end of the wall is shaped to form an external cavity which extends within the container along its longitudinal axis. The wall defining the external cavity has a surface in contact with the contents of the container and this surface has a large surface area. The contents of the container can be cooled or kept cold by insertion of an insert into the external cavity. The primary focus of the Searle proposal is to create a self-cooling container that limits the investment by beverage manufacturers.

[0006] As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,022, entitled “Refrigerated Bicycle Beverage Carrier” and granted to Snyder, discloses a beverage carrier adapted to fit into a bicycle water bottle cage. At one end of the beverage carrier body is a circular axial opening which gives way to a hollow core that can be inserted into the beverage carrier. The core is adapted to be filled with a refrigerant mixture and permanently sealed within the body of the beverage carrier via an ultrasonic welder. The primary focus of the Snyder proposal is to provide a bicycle water carrier with a refrigerated core for prolonging the cooling of the beverage contained in the water carrier.

[0007] In addition to the refreshing effect of consuming a cold beverage provided in a plastic container, systems have been proposed to enhance the refreshing effect by providing a towel around the outside of the plastic container. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,944, entitled “Insulated Outer Layer For A Thermal Bottle” and granted to Rueter, discloses means to maintain a thermos bottle cool while providing the user “with a towel that can be wetted to cool the body.” (Column 5, Line 16.) The thermos bottle includes a three-layer insulating cover, the interior layer which is a fabric, preferably terry cloth, that can double as a towel to keep the body cool.

[0008] One disadvantage associated with the Rueter proposal is that the insulating cover is open to the environment. Consequently, germs and bacteria contained within dust and debris can collect on the insulating cover. Upon using the towel side of the insulating cover, the user may come in contact with these contaminants.

[0009] Another disadvantage of prior art insulating cover proposals is that the covers are typically provided for a specific bottle configuration. For example, the insulating cover disclosed in Rueter was primarily developed for the purpose of maintaining a Thermos bottle cool while providing the user with a towel that can be wetted to cool the body.

[0010] Yet another disadvantage of prior art insulating cover proposals is that the covers are commonly relatively expensive to fabricate in order to survive environmental conditions. For example, Rueter discloses an insulating cover that requires a three-layer construction: a flexible plastic outer layer, an insulating middle layer, and a terry cloth inner layer.

[0011] In light of the foregoing, there exists a need for a container including a primary chamber for retaining a liquid with a secondary chamber for enclosing a wipe member for providing essentially germ free and relatively inexpensive refreshment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a container suitable for retaining a liquid with a chamber for enclosing an article for providing refreshment. This container can be distributed through a variety of mediums to a broad range of target markets and can be advertised as providing enhanced refreshment by virtue of the wipe member. The mediums can include, but are not limited to, vending machines and retail markets, for example, grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations. Examples of target markets include, but are not limited to, sporting events, theme parks, medical organizations (i.e. Red Cross, hospitals, and government agencies), zoos, tourist spots, cruise ships, golf courses, manufacturing plants, truck stops, beaches, and summer concerts.

[0013] The container can be filled with a liquid, for example, but not limited to, carbonated soft drinks, non-carbonated soft drinks, electrolyte solutions, water, tea, milk, Powerade, juice, isotonic beverages, or beer and the article can be placed within the chamber so that the liquid is separated from the article. The container can then be cooled, thereby cooling the liquid and the article. For example, the container can be placed in a vending machine or a bucket of ice and the article can be a wipe member. Upon purchase, the user can access the wipe member, which has been kept cool by the cold liquid and/or refrigeration mechanism to provide refreshment in addition to the refreshment provided by drinking the cold liquid. As another non-limiting example, the container can be sold at room temperature through retail markets. It is fully contemplated that the wipe member provides a refreshing effect even if used at room temperature or cooled by the user after purchase.

[0014] Accordingly, a container for use with an elongate bottle is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The container includes a cup-like member having a circumferential wall, base portion, and an open mouth opposite the base portion for partially defining a volume; and a grommet attached to the wall adjacent the open mouth. The grommet is adapted to cooperate with an elongate bottle by gripping a portion of an exterior wall of the elongate bottle to define an enclosed chamber. The grommet can be sized to retain a plurality of elongate bottles, where each elongate bottle in the plurality has a different volume than the others. The grommet can include one or more apertures adapted to vent air. The container can further include a closure adapted to cooperate with the interior side of the wall portion or the opening for enclosing the volume. The closure can include a metal foil pull-tab that is transfer printed. The grommet can be comprised of a flexible, plastic material.

[0015] Additionally, the container can further include an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an internal chamber, a bottle mouth at an upper end of the elongate bottle in communication with the internal chamber, and a closed end; and a bottle closure adapted to cooperate with the bottle for enclosing the internal chamber. The grommet can be adapted to cooperate with the exterior wall of the elongate bottle for enclosing the enclosed chamber bounded by the grommet and the wall and base portions. The container can further include a wipe member placed within the enclosed chamber.

[0016] According to another 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 primary mouth opening at an upper end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end; an end cap having an edge and a cap wall which defines a secondary chamber isolated from the primary chamber, 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; a primary closure adapted to cooperate with the elongate bottle mouth opening for enclosing the primary chamber and a wipe member placed within the secondary chamber. The primary chamber is sized to retain liquid and the secondary chamber is sized to retain the wipe member.

[0017] The wipe member can be a cloth material. The container can further include a sealed plastic bag for enclosing the wipe member therein. The wipe member can be at least partially permeated with a liquid and sealed within the sealed plastic bag. The wipe member can be a shirt. The container can further include a promotional item contained within the secondary chamber. The promotional item can be a coupon or a gift card. The container can further include an annular seal joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle. The annular seal can be 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. The cap wall of the end cap can be a thermo-molded plastic. The end cap can be formed from an opaque plastic.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, a container is disclosed which includes an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an elongate internal primary chamber, a mouth opening at one end of the elongate bottle in communication with the primary chamber, and a closed end portion; an elongate tubular member having a cylindrical wall which defines an elongate internal secondary chamber, a tube opening at a proximal end of the tubular member in communication with the secondary chamber, a closed end portion at a distal end of the tubular member, and a circular flange attached to the proximal end of the tubular member which surrounds the tube opening and extends radially outward from the cylindrical wall; a primary closure adapted to cooperate with the elongate bottle mouth opening for enclosing the primary chamber; and a wipe member placed within the secondary chamber. The tubular member is sized such that it can be substantially inserted into the primary chamber through the mouth opening, the distal end inserted first, the circular flange mating with the mouth opening such that it rests outside the primary chamber preventing the tubular member from complete insertion into the primary chamber, the circular flange being sized such that it rests atop the mouth opening without interfering with the engagement of the mouth opening and the primary closure. The container can further include a secondary closure adapted to cooperate with the tube opening of the secondary chamber for enclosing the secondary chamber. The secondary chamber can retain the wipe member and a liquid can be enclosed therein by the secondary closure.

[0019] According to another embodiment, a method for producing a container is disclosed. The method can include forming a cup-like member having a circumferential wall, base portion, and an open mouth opposite the base portion for partially defining a volume; attaching a grommet to the wall adjacent the open mouth; placing a wipe member within the volume; and enclosing the volume by attaching the grommet to an elongate bottle by gripping a portion of the exterior wall of the elongate bottle with the grommet. The grommet can include one or more apertures to allow for venting air within the volume during the enclosing step.

[0020] 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

[0021] 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:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a container in a disassembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a container in a disassembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a container in a disassembled state in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a container in an assembled state in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a side view and top view, respectively, of a container in a disassembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 illustrates a side 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

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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, 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The primary chamber 18 can be sized to retain liquid. As non-limiting examples, carbonated soft drinks, non-carbonated drinks, milk, water, and alcoholic beverages (such as beer or malt beverages) can be retained in the elongate internal primary chamber 18.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 be formed such that the cap wall 26 has a substantially constant diameter.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The container 10 is further comprised of an article 36 that can be placed within the secondary chamber 34 and enclosed therein by connecting the elongate bottle 12 and the end cap 14. Accordingly, the secondary chamber 34 is sized to retain the article 36. To obtain access to the article 36, a consumer can release the adhesive pull tape strip 28 by grasping onto and pulling tab 42. However, other methods of accessing the article 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.

[0040] According to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article 36 is a wipe member 38 for providing consumer refreshment. The wipe member 38 can be enclosed within a sealed plastic bag 40. Further, the wipe member 38 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 wipe member 38 is placed within the secondary chamber 34, it can be further enclosed therein by connecting the elongate bottle 12 and the end cap 14. The wipe member 38 is preferably rolled or folded into a shape which generally conforms with the shape of the end cap 14. However, it should be understood that the wipe member 38 may not necessarily have to be rolled or folded depending on the dimensions of the wipe member. In certain embodiments, wipe member 38 is a cloth material having unrolled dimensions of about 6 inches by about 6 inches. The cloth material can be a cotton towel, and in certain embodiments, a 100% cotton towel, that is permeated with a liquid solution. Examples of suitable liquid solutions include, but are not limited to, saline solution and reverse osmosis filtered water. The liquid solution functions to keep the wipe member 38 wet to provide refreshment upon use. A user may apply the wipe member 38 directly to an area of the skin to provide a cooling effect. The cooling effect can be heightened if the container 10 comprising the wipe member 38 is refrigerated, or otherwise cooled. It is fully contemplated that the wipe member 38 may be any number of items, including, but not limited to, non-woven paper, synthetic fabric, etc. It is also contemplated that the wipe member 38 can be infused with a scent, i.e. lemon scent, fresh scent, etc. Moreover, the wipe member 38 can be oxygenated so that upon use, the consumer receives a tingling sensation from the released oxygen.

[0041] Further, the article 36 placed within secondary chamber 34 can be a shirt or other article of clothing, or a promotional item. Moreover, the shirt or other article of clothing, which can be vacuum compressed to fit in the secondary chamber, can be used as a promotional item. For example, shirts can be embroidered with a corporate or school logo and compressed to fit in the secondary chamber. The container with the shirt can be sold or given away at sporting events, etc. Further, the shirts can also be permeated with a liquid solution similar to that of the wipe member 38 described in detail above. The promotional item may be an article other than a shirt. For example, the promotional item can be a coupon, or gift card. In a certain embodiment, the end cap is formed from an opaque plastic to conceal the promotional item within the secondary chamber such that a purchaser will be unable to determine the nature and extent of the promotion prior to the purchase of the container. However, it is fully contemplated that the end cap can be formed from a transparent plastic and that the nature and extent of the promotional item can remain concealed from a potential purchaser's view by other methods prior to removing the end cap.

[0042] 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 article 36 within secondary chamber 34 provided by end cap 14, and (4) affixing end cap 14 to the elongate bottle 12 to enclose article 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 soda pop. 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. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the liquid can be a non-carbonated sports drink and the article can be a wipe member that first permeated with a liquid solution and then folded to fit into the secondary chamber. The assembled container can then be sold to consumers either chilled or at room temperature. The consumer can access the wipe member by removing the end cap 14 from the elongate bottle 12, and can access the non-carbonated sports drink by removing the primary closure 22. The liquid can be chilled and the consumer is provided with cooled wipe member (cooled by the surrounding cooled liquid) and a refreshing cold non-carbonated sport drink in one container.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The container 50 is further comprised of an article 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 article 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 article 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.

[0048] The article 48 can be comprised of a wipe member 52. As best shown in FIG. 3, the wipe member 52 can be vacuum compressed in a sealed plastic bag 54 and shaped to conform to the secondary chamber 46 defined by the end cap 14 and the generally cylindrical neck portion 17. The wipe member 52 can be permeated with a liquid solution to produce a greater cooling effect upon use by a consumer. Examples of suitable liquid solutions include, but are not limited to, saline solution and reverse osmosis filtered water. It is fully contemplated that wipe member 52 may be any number of items, including, but not limited to, non-woven paper, synthetic fabric, etc. It is fully contemplated that the wipe member material can be a shirt or other article of clothing, in certain embodiments, vacuum compressed to fit in the secondary chamber and used as a promotional item. It is also contemplated that the wipe member 52 can be infused with a scent, i.e. lemon scent, fresh scent, etc. Moreover, the wipe member 52 can be oxygenated so that upon use, the consumer receives a tingling sensation from the released oxygen.

[0049] With regard now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a container 110 for retaining an article 112, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed.

[0050] Container 110 in FIGS. 5 and 6 is comprised of an elongate bottle 12 and an elongate tube 114, which can be formed from plastic and having a generally circular cross section. The elongate bottle 12 can be of standard size, for example, 12 ounces, 20 ounces, or 2 liter volume. 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 which is surrounded by an upper circumferential edge 115. The primary mouth opening 20 is provided for dispensing liquid from the primary chamber 18 through generally cylindrical neck portion 17. The primary chamber 18 can be sized to retain liquid.

[0051] The container 110 is also comprised of a primary closure 22 adapted to cooperate with the primary chamber 18 for enclosing the primary chamber 18. Again, 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.

[0052] The elongate tube 114 has a cylindrical wall 124 which defines an elongate internal secondary chamber 126 (otherwise referred to as the secondary chamber). The elongate tube 114 further comprises a proximal end 128 and a distal end 130. A tube opening 132 is located at the proximal end 128 for providing access to the secondary chamber 126, while a closed end portion 134 is located at the distal end 130. A circular flange 136 is formed at the proximal end 128 of the elongate tube 114. The circular flange 136 surrounds the tube opening 132 and extends radially outward from the cylindrical wall 124.

[0053] The diameter of the cylindrical wall 124 is sized such that the elongate tube 114 can be inserted through the primary mouth opening 20 into the elongate bottle 12, while still providing ample volume to retain an article 138. The article 138 can be, but is not limited to, any item previously described herein. For example, the article can be a wipe member permeated with a liquid solution or a shirt.

[0054] The distal end 130 of the elongate tube 114 can be inserted through the primary mouth opening 20, followed by the remainder of the cylindrical wall 124. The circular flange 136 provides a stop which rests upon the upper circumferential edge 115 surrounding the primary mouth opening 20 for preventing the elongate tube 114 from being entirely submerged within the primary chamber 18. Accordingly, the elongate tube 114 can be stored within the primary chamber 18, while its contents remain separated from the liquid contents of the elongate bottle 12. In this arrangement, the amount of space consumed by the container 110 is minimized, while the article 138 within the secondary chamber 126 can be easily retrieved by a consumer.

[0055] The container 110 is also comprised of a secondary closure 140 adapted to cooperate with the secondary chamber 126 for enclosing the secondary chamber 126. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the secondary closure 140 is a thin flexible cylindrical film on the edge of proximal end 130. The film is applied across the tube opening 132 and adhered to the circular flange 136 to seal the contents of the secondary chamber 126. The film can be removed by the customer to obtain access to the article 138 retained within the secondary chamber 126. The film can be comprised of, for example, foil, plastic, etc.

[0056] The circular flange 136 and the primary closure 22 can be sized such that the circular flange 136 does not interfere with the operation of the primary closure 22 to enclose the primary chamber 18. In certain embodiments, the circular flange 136 does not extend radially outward a distance greater than the outside diameter of the elongate bottle upper end 15. Accordingly, the container 110 can be assembled for distribution as best illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment for implementing the present invention illustrated in FIG. 5. The embodiment includes packaging the different elements of container 110 for consumer use. Packaging steps include, but are not necessarily limited to or presented to imply any specific order: (1) placing an article 138 within the secondary chamber 126, (2) attaching secondary closure 140 overtop the tube opening 132, (3) placing a liquid 45 within the primary chamber 18, (4) inserting the elongate tube 114 through the primary mouth opening 20, and (5) screwing primary closure 22 onto generally cylindrical neck portion 17 to enclose the liquid and elongate tube retained in primary chamber 18. It is fully contemplated that steps (1) and (2) can be carried out by an elongate tube manufacturer or other party or entity producing the elongate tube. The elongate tube manufacturer can ship the elongate tube to a beverage manufacturer for further assembly. Steps (3) through (5) can then be carried out by the beverage manufacturer to produce the assembled container. Accordingly, the beverage company can ship the container to a vending site, such as a sporting event venue.

[0058] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7a depicts a side view of container 200 in a disassembled state. Container 200 includes base portion 202 and wall portion 204 for partially defining a volume. FIG. 7b depicts a top view of base and wall portions 202 and 204. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, wall portion 204 includes first, second, and third cylindrical faces 206, 208 and 210 of FIG. 7a and first and second annular circular faces 212 and 214 of FIG. 7b. In certain embodiments, the circular face 212 has a smaller diameter than circular face 214. In other embodiments, the width of circular face 212 is greater than the width of circular face 214. Portions 202 and 204 can be formed of a wide variety of plastic materials based on a number of factors, such as rigidity and recyclability. Non-limiting examples include LDPE, HDPE, and PETE.

[0059] Container 200 also includes grommet 216, which is attached to wall portion 204. In certain embodiments, the attachment area is a portion of the second annular circular face 214. In certain embodiments, grommet 216 can taper from base end 218 to narrow end 220. In yet other embodiments, grommet 216 includes one or more apertures to allow for compression during assembly, which is described in greater detail below. In certain embodiments, grommet 216 is formed of a flexible plastic material.

[0060] Wipe member 222 can be placed with the volume partially defined by portions 202 and 204 and enclosed therein by connecting closure 224 to first annular circular face 212. The closure can be comprised of a metal pull-tab, which can be transfer printed.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8, container 200 can be attached to elongate bottle 226 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Grommet 216 is adapted to cooperate with elongate bottle 226 by gripping a portion of the exterior wall of elongate bottle 226 through suction. In certain embodiments, suction attachment is aided by introducing one or more apertures into grommet 216 to allow compression of the air contained within the volume or between the closed end of elongate bottle 226 and closure 224. The one or more aperture can also facilitate facile removal of elongate bottle 226 from container 200. In certain embodiments, grommet 216 possession versatility such that it can attach to various standard bottle sizes, for example, 8 ounce, 12 ounce, or 20 ounce. In other embodiments, container 200, including grommet 216 are scalable to retain a two-liter elongate bottle.

[0062] It should be understood that the outside surface, i.e. the surface exposed to the consumer, of container 200 or end cap 14, are suitable for receiving printed promotion material. For example, a company or sports team logo can be heat printed on the outside surface. Further, the outside surface, as well as the grommet, in certain embodiments, can be color coordinated. For example, if a team's colors are red and white, the grommet can be died red and the container (or end cap) can be white and the logo can be heat printed in red. This capability imparts a promotional feature upon certain embodiments of the present invention, making them suitable for a wide variety of events, including, but not limited to, sporting events, such as baseball games or NASCAR events and corporate events, such as picnics and retreats.

[0063] 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 for use with an elongate bottle, the container comprising:

a cup-like member having a circumferential wall, base portion, and an open mouth opposite the base portion for partially defining a volume; and

a grommet attached to the wall adjacent the open mouth,

wherein the grommet is adapted to cooperate with an elongate bottle by gripping a portion of an exterior wall of the elongate bottle to define an enclosed chamber.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the grommet is sized to retain a plurality of elongate bottles, wherein each elongate bottle in the plurality having a different volume than the others.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein the grommet includes one or more apertures adapted to vent air.

4. The container of claim 1 further comprising a closure adapted to cooperate with the interior side of the wall portion or the opening for enclosing the volume.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the closure is comprised of a metal foil pull-tab.

6. The container of claim 5 wherein the metal foil pull-tab is transfer printable.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the grommet is comprised of a flexible, plastic material.

8. The container of claim 1 further comprising:

an elongate bottle having an exterior wall which defines an internal chamber, a bottle mouth at an upper end of the elongate bottle in communication with the internal chamber, and a closed end; and

a bottle closure adapted to cooperate with the bottle for enclosing the internal chamber;

wherein the grommet is adapted to cooperate with the exterior wall of the elongate bottle for enclosing the enclosed chamber bounded by the grommet and the wall and base portions.

9. The container of claim 8 further comprising a wipe member placed within the enclosed chamber.

10. A container comprising:

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

an end cap having an edge and a cap wall which defines a secondary chamber isolated from the primary chamber, 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;

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

a wipe member placed within the secondary chamber;

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

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the wipe member is comprised of a cloth material.

12. The container of claim 10 further comprising a sealed plastic bag for enclosing the wipe member therein.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the wipe member is at least partially permeated with a liquid and sealed within the sealed plastic bag.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the wipe member is comprised of a shirt.

15. The container of claim 1 further comprising a promotional item contained within the secondary chamber.

16. The container of claim 15 wherein the promotional item is comprised of a coupon or a gift card.

17. The container of claim 10 further comprising an annular seal joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein the annular seal is comprised of an adhesive tape pull strip.

19. The container of claim 10 further comprising an annular bead of adhesive joining the end cap to the exterior wall of the elongate bottle.

20. The container of claim 1 wherein the cap wall of the end cap is comprised of blow molded plastic.

21. The container of claim 10 wherein the end cap is formed from an opaque plastic.

22. A container for liquid comprising:

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

an elongate tubular member having a cylindrical wall which defines an elongate internal secondary chamber, a tube opening at a proximal end of the tubular member in communication with the secondary chamber, a closed end portion at a distal end of the tubular member, and a circular flange attached to the proximal end of the tubular member which surrounds the tube opening and extends radially outward from the cylindrical wall;

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

a wipe member placed within the secondary chamber;

wherein the tubular member is sized such that it can be substantially inserted into the primary chamber through the mouth opening, the distal end inserted first, the circular flange mating with the mouth opening such that it rests outside the primary chamber preventing the tubular member from complete insertion into the primary chamber, the circular flange being sized such that it rests atop the mouth opening without interfering with the engagement of the mouth opening and the primary closure.

23. The container of claim 22 further comprising a secondary closure adapted to cooperate with the tube opening of the secondary chamber for enclosing the secondary chamber.

24. The container of claim 23 wherein the secondary chamber retains the wipe member and a liquid being enclosed therein by the secondary closure.

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

forming a cup-like member having a circumferential wall, base portion, and an open mouth opposite the base portion for partially defining a volume

attaching a grommet to the wall adjacent the open mouth;

placing a wipe member within the volume; and

enclosing the volume by attaching the grommet to an elongate bottle by gripping a portion of the exterior wall of the elongate bottle with the grommet.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the grommet includes one or more apertures to allow for venting air within the volume during the enclosing step.