METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING EDIBLE SUBSTANCES WITH A BEVERAGE
The present technology relates to apparatus and methods having a plurality for chambers for storing edible substances. More particularly, the present technology relates to container caps, storage units, kits, and methods for sealing and isolating a plurality of edible substances. Certain embodiments present storage units comprising a plurality of sealed and isolated substances that connect to the cap of a beverage container using a snap-fit or a friction fit connection.
This application makes reference to, and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/706,913 (the “'913 application”), filed on Feb. 13, 2007 by Christopher Ramsden, titled “Methods And Apparatus For Providing Edible Substances With A Beverage,” which, in turn, claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/817,267 filed Jun. 28, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present technology relates to apparatus and methods for providing a plurality of edible substances with a beverage. More particularly, the present technology relates to containers and kits having a plurality of chambers and a removable cover for sealing and isolating a plurality of edible substances and for attaching to a beverage container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBeverages are widely sold in disposable and non-disposable containers in which the container has a removable cap. For example, bottled water, soda, sports drinks, and other beverages are sold throughout the world in plastic bottles and other containers. Those bottles and other containers typically have a cap to be unscrewed, unsnapped, or otherwise removed by the consumer.
Devices have been proposed for storing pills with a drinking fluid. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,017 (Muza et al.) discusses a pill dispenser including at least one closeable chamber for storing pills therein, and threads for attaching the pill dispenser to the opening of a drinking fluid container such that the dispenser serves as a cap for the container. The pill dispenser of the Muza '017 patent does not seal and isolate each chamber of the pill dispenser. As a result, the contents come into physical contact with each other, which may result in physical deterioration of the contents, or other physical or chemical alterations of the contents. The Muza pill dispenser also includes a rotating lid that has an opening so that only one of the chambers of the pill dispenser is open at a given time. As a result, at least one chamber cannot be used to store pills. Further, only one chamber's pills are dispensed at a given time, and the contents of all the chambers cannot be dispensed together.
As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,709 (Esau) discusses an infinitely stacking receptacle cap that cooperates with existing bottles and bottle caps for holding pills and other articles separate from liquid within the bottle. The Esau '709 patent discloses that a plurality of receptacles are stacked vertically on a bottle in order to provide pills and other articles (referred to as medicaments). To remove the medicaments from all of the stacked receptacles, each of the receptacles must be disconnected, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. Moreover, the receptacles are stacked vertically, so each additional receptacle increases the height, which can make the Esau device unwieldy to carry, unstable and prone to tipping, or undesirably tall for retail shelf space.
Other limitations or disadvantages of existing and proposed devices may become apparent in light of the present disclosure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAs one aspect of the presently described technology, container caps are disclosed which have a plurality of chambers and a removable cover that seals and isolates the chambers. More particularly, the container caps comprise an exterior wall defining an interior volume and an opening. The container caps also comprise at least one interior wall surrounded by the exterior wall, and the interior wall divides the interior volume into a plurality of chambers. A removable cover engages the exterior wall and the interior wall(s), so as to seal and isolate each of the plurality of chambers. Additionally, the container caps comprise a connector adapted for connecting the container cap to an opening of a beverage container.
As another aspect of the present technology, storage units adapted for connection to a beverage container at various locations on, within or around the beverage container are disclosed. The storage units have a plurality of chambers, and a removable cover is engaged with the storage unit to seal and isolate the chambers. More particularly, the storage units comprise an exterior wall defining an interior volume and an opening. The storage units also comprise at least one interior wall surrounded by the exterior wall, and the interior wall divides the interior volume into a plurality of chambers. A removable cover engages the exterior wall and the interior wall(s), so as to seal and isolate each of the plurality of chambers. Additionally, the storage units can include a connector adapted for connecting the storage unit to a connector surface on either the interior or exterior of a beverage container. Alternatively, a connector may be provided as a separate piece from the storage unit. In certain embodiments, the storage units can be connected about the cap of a beverage container. For example, the storage units may be removably connectable to, or about the cap of a beverage container via a connector that uses a snap-fit or a friction-fit configuration.
As another aspect of the present technology, kits are disclosed for providing a plurality of edible substances in isolated chambers. The kits contain a storage unit, a plurality of edible substances in a plurality of chambers, and a removable cover that seals and isolates the chambers. More particularly, the storage unit of the kits comprises an exterior wall which defines an interior volume and an opening. The storage unit also comprises at least one interior wall surrounded by the exterior wall, and the interior wall divides the interior volume into a plurality of chambers. The plurality of edible substances are stored within the storage unit of the kits, such that at least one edible substance is isolated from at least one other edible substance. The removable cover is engaged with the exterior wall and the interior wall(s), so as to seal and isolate the chambers, such that the edible substance in each individual chamber is isolated from the edible substances in the other chambers. The kits further comprise a connector adapted for connecting the kit to a beverage container, such as to the opening of the beverage container so that the storage unit also serves as a container cap on the beverage container, or to a connector located on the interior of the beverage container, or to a recessed portion on the exterior of the beverage container. The storage unit can be any of the container caps described herein or may have a different design. For example, the storage unit may be as described herein that attaches to a connector within the interior of the beverage container, such as within the neck, or to the exterior of the beverage container, such as within a recessed portion on the underside of the beverage container. The kits can include any desired beverage in the beverage container, and the kit isolates the edible substances from the beverage.
As yet another aspect of the present technology, methods for providing a plurality of edible substances with a beverage are described. The methods comprise disposing a plurality of edible substances among a plurality of chambers within a container cap or other storage unit. At least one edible substance can be isolated from all other edible substances. One or more chambers can be isolated from one or all of the other chambers. The methods further comprise sealing the container cap or storage unit by placing a removable cover over an opening on the container cap to close the container cap and form a seal between each of the plurality of isolated chambers. The storage unit can then be connected to a beverage container. For example, the beverage container is capped by physically connecting the container cap to an opening on the beverage container so as to form a liquid tight seal between the container cap and the beverage container. Also, for example, the storage unit may be snapped into place on a mating portion on the exterior of the beverage container, or inserted into a compartment located within the interior of the drinking container. The storage unit may also be connected about the cap of a beverage container via a snap-fit or a friction-fit configuration, for example. The storage unit may additionally be permanantly affixed to the beverage container. The container cap or storage unit comprising a plurality of edible substances and the beverage container can be provided as a single unit.
The present disclosure describes novel apparatus and methods for storing and isolating a plurality of edible substances such as vitamins, medicines, or other nutritional and dietary supplements. Container caps and storage units can be connected to beverage containers containing a liquid beverage or a dry beverage-producing agent, to provide kits and beverage assemblies. The apparatus and methods are suitable and adapted for storing and isolating different edible substances, including various edible substances that are not stable when combined with each other or that should not be mixed together prior to consumption.
The present apparatus and methods are useful for providing a plurality of edible substances to a consumer, including where it is desirable to store the edible substances in isolation from each other. Some individual edible substances such as nutritional, pharmaceutical and other compounds may have a limited efficacy in combating a particular disease or malady or in promoting health. For instance, an individual edible substance may interact or interfere with one of several molecular pathways, or it may have a therapeutic window such that a dosage amount desired for high efficacy may be toxic to some consumers. As a result, some pharmaceutical, nutritional or other edible substances (each of which may target a distinct function) may have a combined effect when taken together that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Such a strategy, termed synergy (or synergistic supplementation), may limit toxicity while increasing efficacy.
Accordingly, many individuals are instructed or desire to ingest multiple distinct chemical substances, compounds, medicines or supplements in a single serving. Such an instruction or desire may, however, mean that the individual has to acquire several different compounds from different locations and in various quantities with later “mixing and matching” before consumption. Because this process is laborious and requires multiple steps, there are several opportunities for error as well as an increased risk of noncompliance. It is therefore desirable to have a container that is capable of storing and isolating a plurality of edible substance in a convenient and efficient manner.
Additionally, many edible substances such as vitamins dietary supplements, medicines, and pharmaceutical, nutritional or chemical substances are easier or more pleasant to consume when consumed with a beverage. Having a beverage readily available is convenient for those who require or desire to consume such substances regularly, with the aid of a beverage. Those individuals, however, may have to carry a beverage along with any supplements at all times, in a separate container, or may have to purchase a beverage separately from the edible substances. It is therefore further desirable to produce an apparatus that is capable of storing and separating a plurality of edible substances that is readily connectable to a beverage container such that one unit may replace a plurality of containers of beverages and edible substances. Accordingly, it is one object of the present technology to provide apparatus and methods that store and isolate a plurality of edible substances while being connectable to a beverage container such that a beverage and a plurality of edible substances may be transported as a single unit.
Many edible substances come in a variety of forms such as liquids, powders, granules, and pills (tablets and capsules). The present methods and apparatus facilitate the storage of multiple edible substances where one or more of the substances are in a rigid or non-rigid form without the potential interaction of the substances. Such interaction could be deleterious or harmful in that it may lead to undesirable chemical alterations or reactions of the substances. The physical contact, or interaction, of one substance with another may result in physical or chemical changes in the substances, which may lead to undesirable effects or changes in the substances. For example, the substances may be unstable when in physical contact. Additionally, the physical interaction of the substances may cause physical alterations of the substances, such as chipping, cracking or other deterioration of the substances. The physical alterations can be particularly problematic where the contents undergo shaking or jostling during transportation. The interaction of substances may result in loss of efficacy or hasten spoilage of one or more of the interacting substances, thereby reducing the shelf life of the substance. Physical contact of the substances may even lead to toxicity of individual substances. Additionally, where even traces of one substance contact another substance, unsuspecting consumers may consume traces of substances not intended to be consumed. This can be particularly dangerous to those consumers with highly sensitive allergies. Accordingly, the present apparatus and methods provide a plurality of chambers where each chamber is isolated from the other chambers, such that an individual edible substance may be disposed within each individual chamber without coming into contact with the other edible substances prior to consumption by the consumer. Optionally, the present apparatus and methods may be arranged so that the consumer can remove the cover for one or more of the chambers without removing the cover from another chamber.
The present apparatus and methods can be used to provide a plurality of edible substances with a beverage as a single unit while overcoming many of the disadvantages of existing and proposed devices. A single container cap or storage unit connected to a beverage container provides for convenient access to a plurality of isolated edible substances without requiring the removal and connection of multiple containers. A kit comprising edible substances connected to a beverage container can be arranged and stacked for attractive and convenient retail shelf display. The removable cover of the container cap or storage unit can allow for a plurality of chambers of various sizes or shapes to selectively store greater or smaller quantities of certain edible substances. Sealing and isolating each chamber comprising an edible substance can allow for a longer shelf-life of the edible substance. The edible substances may be purchased by a user for consumption at a time of the user's choosing. A kit may provide a plurality of edible substances that have a synergistic effect towards achieving a particular goal such as the prevention or treatment of disease or the improvement of health, when the substances are consumed at substantially the same time. One or more of these and other advantages can be provided by various embodiments of the present apparatus and methods.
The present container caps, storage units and beverage containers can be any suitable size, shape, and material. For example, the container caps or storage units and beverage containers can be plastic (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), metal (such as aluminum), glass, or another material. These apparatus can be disposable or non-disposable. Beverage containers are commonly and widely used to contain drinking fluids or dry, beverage producing substances such as teabags, coffee and soluble powdered beverage mixes. In the present apparatus and methods, the beverage containers can be a standard size (e.g., 12 ounce, 20 ounce, 32 ounce, 1 liter, 2 liter) or can be another size.
The present apparatus and methods generally include a removable cover. The removable cover engages a container cap or storage unit, preferably by intimate physical contact and/or by an adhesive. The removable cover engages the exterior and/or interior walls of the container cap or storage unit. The removable cover can be engaged in any suitable way, such as by corresponding threads so that the cover can be screwed onto the container cap. The cover may snap onto the container cap, or the cover may be glued or adhered to the container cap with an adhesive. The cover can be any suitable material and shape, such as a plastic or metal cover having the approximate height of a conventional bottle cap, or a foil or film with a thickness of 1 mm or less. The cover can be a peelably removable cover, such as a foil, laminate, or plastic sheet. The removable cover can optionally be connected to the container cap via a tamper evident seal. A tamper evident seal may be integral with or part of the exterior wall of the apparatus, and/or it may be provided as a separate component of the apparatus, such as a plastic wrapper around the exterior wall and the removable cover and/or a portion of the beverage container.
The present apparatus and methods may be more easily envisioned by reference to the Figures and associated descriptions through it. However, the present technology is not limited to the particular Figures and associated descriptions.
Interior walls 14 divide the interior volume into a plurality of chambers 18. Although the figures depict an embodiment comprised of six substantially identically sized chambers 18 established by three intersecting interior walls 14, the container cap could have two, four, five, or any other number of interior walls 14, and the container cap could have two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or any other number of chambers. The chambers can be arranged in any fashion, though it is preferable that the chambers are horizontally disposed around the container cap, so as to reduce the height of the container cap. Generally there will be at least one interior wall 14 defining at least two chambers 18. Each interior wall 14 is integral with or joined to the bottom surface 12, the exterior wall 20, and another interior wall 14. The top surfaces 14a of the interior walls 14 extend at least as high as the top surface 20a of the exterior wall 20. The chambers 18 are horizontally disposed around the axis of the opening of the beverage container. The present apparatus need not be limited by the number of interior walls 14, or the number, size or shape of the chambers 18 within the cap 10. For example, alternative embodiments can include differently sized chambers, such as a larger chamber and a smaller chamber. This embodiment may be desirable if one wishes to provide different volumes of various edible substances in the container cap.
In
The seal between the removable cover 30 and the interior walls 14 establishes a plurality of isolated chambers 18 within the container cap 10. The chambers 18 are isolated from each other and the outside environment. The seal can be a hermetic seal or a water or liquid impermeable seal. As a result of forming a seal, contents 22 disposed within each individual chamber 18 can be isolated from one another when the cover 30 is engaged with the container cap 10. Isolating each individual chamber 18 allows for the placement of a plurality of different edible substances 22 of solid, liquid, powder or granule form within the cap 10, without the interaction of the different substances 22 before removal of the cover 30.
As yet another alternative, the container cap 10 may be connected to a beverage container 50 that contains a dry substance 80 such as a tea bag, coffee, or a soluble powder as depicted in
In a further embodiment of the present technology, the storage unit 210 is permanently affixed to the beverage container 50. In this embodiment, the connector 207 may be a permanent attachment such as an adhesion or a weld. Alternatively, the walls of the storage unit 210 may be extrusions or protrusions from the beverage container 50 itself. In this embodiment, only the removable cover 206 is removable from the beverage container, and the user may either reach into the storage unit 210 or tip the beverage container 50 to remove the contents 22.
Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the storage unit 310 may be provided at retail locations where beverages are sold. A consumer may place the storage unit 310 onto the cap of a beverage and proceed to purchase the items together, for example. The storage unit 310 containing edible substances and the beverage may then be easily transported together.
Kits for providing a plurality of isolated edible substances with a beverage can be arranged as shown in any of
The kits may comprise a plurality of edible substances that have a desirable effect (preferably a synergistic effect) when consumed at substantially the same time. For example, the kit may contain combinations of protein capsules, lipids or oil capsules, fibers capsules, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and/or vitamins. By way of example, each edible substance in a combination may synergistically assist to reduce cholesterol levels, reduce arterial inflammation and blood clotting, and reduce blood sugar and insulin responses to sugars. The kits can be used to facilitate synergistic supplementation. Consumption of such combinations of edible substances can be an effective means to combat coronary heart disease. Additionally, a kit can be designed for consumption before, during and after periods of exercise to increase energy, improve performance, increase muscle mass, and/or speed recovery where the kit comprises an electrolyte-rich beverage to hydrate and replenish electrolytes together with supplements that produce the aforementioned effects.
Another example of synergistic supplementation includes combinations of insoluble fibers, proteins and other compounds that slow blood sugar elevations and reduce blood insulin responses, and supplements to increase metabolism. Regular consumption of such substances together can have a synergistic effects help to minimize weight gain or encourage weight loss.
Methods for providing a plurality of edible substances with a beverage may be performed as disclosed above in connection with
In the present disclosure, use of the singular includes the plural except where specifically indicated. In the present disclosure, any of the functions recited herein may be performed by one or more means for performing such functions. The present apparatus and methods may include various means for performing one or more of the steps or actions described in this disclosure. It is expressly contemplated and disclosed that the present specification provides a written description for claims comprising such means.
All patents, test procedures, and other documents cited herein are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.
While particular steps, elements, embodiments and applications of the presently described technology have been shown and described, it will be understood that the present technology is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.
Although the dependent claims have single dependencies in accordance with U.S. patent practice, each of the features in any of the dependent claims can be combined with each of the features of other dependent claims or the main claim.
Claims
1. A kit for providing a plurality of isolated edible substances with a beverage, the kit comprising:
- (1) a storage unit comprising: (a) an exterior wall defining an interior volume and an opening; (b) at least one interior wall surrounded by the exterior wall that divides the interior volume into a plurality of chambers; (c) a removable cover engaged with the exterior wall and the at least one interior wall so as to seal and isolate each of the plurality of chambers, such that the first edible substance is isolated from the second edible substance; and (d) a connector adapted for connecting the storage unit about the cap of a beverage container; and
- (2) a first edible substance stored within at least one of the chambers of the storage unit;
- (3) a second edible substance stored within at least one of the chambers of the storage unit, provided that the second edible substance is in a different chamber than the first edible substance.
2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the first edible substance and the second edible substance have a synergistic effect when consumed at substantially the same time.
3. The kit of claim 1 wherein the storage unit comprises an interior void, wherein the void receives the cap of a beverage container when the kit is connected to the beverage container.
4. The kit of claim 3, wherein the connector forms a snap-fit connection about the cap of a beverage container.
5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the connector is adapted to connect to a protrusion on the neck of the beverage container such that, when connected to the beverage container, the kit surrounds the cap of the beverage container.
6. The kit of claim 3, wherein the connector forms a friction-fit connection with the cap of the beverage container.
7. The kit of claim 1 wherein the seal formed between the removable cover and the exterior wall of the storage unit is tamper evident.
8. The kit of claim 7 wherein the removable cover is peelably removable.
9. The kit of claim 1 further comprising a beverage container containing a liquid, wherein the connector of the storage unit is connected to the beverage container at the cap of the beverage container.
10. The kit of claim 9 wherein the liquid provided in the beverage container and at least one of the first and second edible substances have a synergistic effect when consumed at substantially the same time.
11. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first edible substance and the second edible substance undergo at least one of a chemical or physical change when the first and second edible substances are in physical contact.
12. The kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance has a reduced shelf life when the first and second edible substances are in physical contact.
13. The kit of claim 1 wherein the first edible substance is a liquid.
14. The kit of claim 1 wherein the first edible substance is a solid selected from the group consisting of powders and granules.
15. The kit of claim 1 wherein each of the isolated chambers is hermetically sealed.
16. A method for providing a plurality of edible substances with a beverage, the method comprising:
- (a) disposing a plurality of edible substances in a plurality of isolated chambers within a storage unit, wherein at least one edible substance is isolated from all other edible substances;
- (b) sealing the storage unit by placing a removable cover over an opening on the storage unit to close the storage unit and form a seal between each of the plurality of isolated chambers;
- (c) providing a connector adapted for attaching the storage unit about the cap of a beverage container.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming a tamper evident connection between the container cap and the beverage container.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a void in the storage unit, wherein the void is adapted to fit around the cap of a beverage container.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising connecting the storage unit to a beverage container by placing the cap of the beverage container into the void of the storage unit.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising pressing on the storage unit to establish a snap-fit connection with the beverage container.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising pressing on the storage unit to establish a friction-fit connection with the beverage container.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 20, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 11, 2008
Inventor: Christopher Ramsden (Durham, NC)
Application Number: 12/195,144
International Classification: B65D 25/04 (20060101); B65D 51/00 (20060101); B65B 7/00 (20060101);