SINGLE SERVING BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A single serving beverage container has a body with a first end and an opposite second end that is relatively smaller than the first end. The first end is open and the second end is closed. The body defines an interior cavity of a predetermined volume for containing a beverage. A protective film is removably mounted to a rim at the first end and forms a liquid-tight seal therewith. The container includes an end cap having a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition. When in the first assembled condition, the end cap does not interfere with the protective film.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates generally to beverage containers, and more particularly to a single serving beverage container that is convertible for use as a drinking vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many types of beverages, including beer, coolers, soft drinks and water, are packaged and sold in single serving containers such as glass or plastic bottles. Depending upon the environment in which the beverage is being consumed, and depending upon a consumer's individual preference, the beverage is either poured into a separate drinking vessel or it is consumed directly from the container. Advantageously, consuming the beverage directly from the container avoids the cost and inconvenience of providing separate drinking vessels, and eliminates the need to clean and store the drinking vessels after use.

However, wine consumers typically associate quality with the traditional packaging of the cork-sealed 750 ml bottle and do not want to purchase premium wine in totally non-traditional packages. Unfortunately, traditional wine packaging makes it inconvenient or impractical to consume wine during many social engagements, such as for instance at barbeques, outdoor parties, sporting events etc., where wine glasses may be unavailable or prohibited. Furthermore, each bottle holds too big a volume (four glasses) for many occasions, and it is difficult to reseal and store the bottle after it has been opened. In addition, the traditional 750 ml bottles are fabricated almost exclusively using glass, making them heavy and susceptible to being broken. Excessive weight, in particular, is an undesirable property in applications aboard aircraft or when the product must be carried over a long distance.

Single serving wine bottles are essentially smaller versions of standard 750 ml wine bottles having a metal cap. Once purchased, the cap is removed and the contents are poured into a separate glass for consumption. In situations where a glass is not readily available, one could drink the wine directly from the bottle. Unfortunately, wine consumers typically associate the enjoyment of wine with the use of a stemmed wine glass and are resistant to consuming wine directly from the bottle. A stemmed wine glass allows one to hold the glass without imparting heat to the wine. It also is designed to maximize the enjoyment of the aroma and bouquet of the wine, allowing the consumer to swirl the wine in the glass and concentrate the volatile components as they come into contact with the olfactory organ where the glass narrows at its opening. Accordingly, there have been some attempts to address the problem of providing a portable container that resembles, or that may be made to resemble, a wine glass. Most solutions provide a container that holds a certain amount of a particular beverage. The top of the container is removable from the container carrying the fluid and is subsequently attached to the bottom of the container, thus resulting in a make shift wine glass. These particular products are little more than a carrying container with a top that can also be used as the container's base. Most current portable container solutions do not properly resemble a glass that is typically used to consume the beverage of choice, i.e. wine. Rather, most current single serving products do not provide the “chic” look that a consumer of the product would prefer. This failure to create a carrying container (i.e. wine bottle) that can be made to resemble a suitable consumption vessel (i.e. a wine glass) has resulted in foregone sales of single serving products.

Meyer et al. in United States Patent Application Publication 2008/00117748 disclose a portable beverage container for wine, wine coolers, beer, or the like, that can also be made to resemble a typical beverage consumption device used to consume the same type of beverage. The container resembles a standard bottle having a narrow neck end and a wide base end, and contains a beverage-containing deformable bag with a nozzle. A cap is secured to the wide base end, with a base connector protruding from one side thereof and extending well into the interior of the container. During use, the cap is removed from the wide base end and is attached to the narrow neck end so as to fashion a makeshift wine glass with a short stem-portion. The deformable bag is removed from the container, and the beverage contained therein is poured into the makeshift wine glass via the nozzle. It is a disadvantage that the deformable bag must be emptied into the wine glass, thus creating the potential for spillage. Furthermore, the deformable bag creates additional refuse, which must be disposed of or carried by the consumer once the contents thereof have been poured into the wine glass.

Lambert et al. in WO 2006/050370 disclose a sealed, single serve container for wine. The container is in the form of a stemmed glass having a receptacle portion with a drinking rim. A removable film seal is peelably affixed to the drinking rim, and a removable closure is secured to the drinking rim so as to protect the film seal from mechanical damage. Notably, the receptacle portion and the base portion are permanently joined together by methods such as ultrasonic welding or solvent welding. Accordingly, the container cannot be made to resemble a standard bottle, thus making the base portion and stem portion very susceptible to being damaged during storage and/or during transportation.

Lopez in U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,038 discloses a container that is capable of being configured into a stemmed drinking vessel. The container has a large open end with external threads for mating with internal threads of a large socket on a concave base end cap. When the end cap is secured to the large open end, the wall of the container compresses an impermeable ring against the inner lull of the large socket so as to prevent leakage of the contents. With the container inverted, the end cap may be removed from the large open end and the threaded neck end may be inserted into the small threaded socket of the end cap. Thus configured, the container resembles a stemmed drinking vessel supported on a base. Unfortunately, the external threads that are located near the large open end of the container result in an uncomfortable drinking experience, and may allow the beverage to run down the outer surface of the container. Furthermore, the opening of the small threaded socket is oriented toward the interior of the container, such that the beverage comes into direct contact with the socket and the interior surface of the base. Accordingly, converting the container to resemble a stemmed drinking vessel is messy and inconvenient. Of course, Lopez suggests that a content separator such as foil, plastic wrap or a molded piece can be attached to the large open end of the container to prevent viscous contents from entering the sockets of the base end cap. However, in practice it would be very difficult to provide such a content separator with the container that is disclosed by Lopez. In particular, since the small threaded socket is disposed entirely within the interior of the container when the concave base end cap is threaded onto the large open end, any such content separator would need to be secured to the inside surface of the sidewall within the interior of the container. It would be difficult to seal the container contents in this fashion during manufacture, and additionally it would be difficult for a consumer to remove the content separator prior to consuming the contents.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a single serving beverage container that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage container, comprising: a body having a large diameter first end and a smaller diameter second end opposite the first end, the first end including a large diameter opening therein defining a rim at the first end, the second end closed, and the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume; a removable barrier element engaging the rim at the first end so as to form a liquid-tight seal therewith; and, an end cap having a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and having a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition, wherein, when in the first assembled condition, the end cap covers the removable barrier element and the second mounting structure is disposed external to the interior cavity of the body.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage container, comprising: a body having a large open first end and a relatively smaller closed second end opposite the first end, the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume, the first end comprising a first mounting structure disposed along an external surface of the body; a removable barrier element sealingly engaging the body at the first end so as to form a liquid-tight seal therewith; an end cap having a second mounting structure for mating with the first mounting structure to detachably mount the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and having a third mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition; wherein, when in the first assembled condition, the base cap covers the removable barrier element and the third mounting structure is disposed external to the interior cavity of the body.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage container, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end that is relatively smaller than the first end, the second end being opposite the first end, the first end being open and having a circumferential rim defined around a perimeter thereof, the second end closed, and the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume; a protective film removably mounted to the rim at the first end and extending across the open first end, the protective film forming a liquid-tight seal with the rim; and, an end cap having a central axis extending along a first direction, the end cap comprising a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and having a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition, the end cap being dimensioned along the first direction such that the first mounting structure is disposed entirely to one side of a plane, P, normal to the central axis, and the second mounting structure is disposed entirely to an opposite side of the plane.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a beverage for being consumed from a single serving container, comprising: detaching an end cap from a first end of the single serving container, so as to expose a removable barrier element that is sealed to the first end in a liquid-tight fashion; mounting the end cap to a second end of the single serving container, the second end being opposite the first end; and, removing the barrier element from the first end of the single serving container, so as to provide access to the beverage that is contained within the single serving container.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of packaging a beverage in a single serving container, the single serving container having a large open end defining a rim and having a small closed end, the method comprising: relatively positioning the single serving container adjacent to a beverage dispensing member, such that the large open end of the single serving container is oriented upward and the small closed end is oriented downward; dispensing via the beverage dispensing member a predetermined volume of the beverage into the single serving container; removably affixing a barrier element to the large open end, so as to form a liquid-tight seal therewith; and, detachably mounting an end cap adjacent to the large open end, the end cap defining a mounting structure for receiving the small closed end, and wherein the mounting structure does not extend through the large open end into the interior of the single serving container.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage container, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end that is relatively smaller than the first end, the second end being opposite the first end, the first end being open and having a circumferential rim defined around a perimeter thereof, the second end closed, and the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume; a protective film removably mounted to the rim at the first end and being stretch-fit across the open first end, the protective film forming a liquid-tight seal with the rim; and, an end cap comprising a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition, wherein the end cap does not interfere with the stretch-fit protective film when the end cap is mounted to the first end of the body in the first assembled condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar reference numerals refer to similar elements:

FIG. 1a is a side cross-sectional view showing a single serving beverage container, according to an embodiment of the instant invention, in an assembled storage configuration;

FIG. 1b is a side cross-sectional view showing the single serving beverage container of FIG. 1a in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 1c is a side cross-sectional view showing the single serving beverage container of FIG. 1a in an assembled consumption configuration;

FIG. 1d is a perspective view showing the single serving beverage container of FIG. 1a in the assembled consumption configuration;

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the rim-area of the single serving beverage container of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the rim-engaging face of the end-cap of the single serving beverage container of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 4a is a side cross-sectional view showing detail of a first end-cap structure;

FIG. 4b is a side cross-sectional view showing detail of a second end-cap structure;

FIG. 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing an end-cap mounted to the rim of a single serving beverage container, according to an embodiment of the instant invention; and,

FIG. 6 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing another end-cap mounted to the rim of a single serving beverage container, according to an embodiment of the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1a is a side cross-sectional view showing a single serving beverage container 10, according to an embodiment of the instant invention, in an assembled storage-configuration. The container 10 comprises a body 12 having a large open end 14 and an opposite, smaller closed end 16. In the present embodiment, a neck-portion 18 of the container 10 is solid along at least a portion of a length thereof. By making the neck-portion 18 at least partially solid, the strength of the neck portion is increased and an air space of an appropriate volume is created above the container contents when the container 10 is placed in an upright storage orientation. Furthermore, the solid neck-portion seals the smaller end 16 without requiring additional components, such as for instance a cap or a cork. As is shown in the inset in FIG. 1a, the sidewall 20 of the container 10 extends to the large open end 14, thereby defining a circumferential rim 22. The circumferential rim 22 is shaped to support drinking directly from the container 10.

A barrier element, such as for example protective seal 24, is affixed to the rim 22 of the container 10. For instance, the protective seal 24 is a foil or plastic film that is peelably adhered to the rim 22. Preferably, residue is not left on the rim 22 after the protective seal 24 is removed. The protective seal 24 is applied to the rim 22 subsequent the container 10 being filled with a beverage. Optionally, at least one of heat and an adhesive is used to affix the protective seal 24 to the rim 22. Once in place, the protective seal 24 prevents leakage of the beverage from the container 10 during shipping, storage, etc. The protective seal 24 also serves as an indicator to the consumer that the contents of the container 10 have not been tampered with. In addition, the protective seal 24 acts as an air barrier to prevent spoilage of the beverage that is contained within the container 10.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, a mounting structure is provided proximate the large open end 14 of container 10, the mounting structure is for engaging a corresponding mounting structure of an end cap 26, so as to removably secure the end cap 26 to the large open end 14 of the container 10. By way of a specific and non-limiting example, the mounting structure comprises a discontinuous circumferential flange 22a, extending outwardly from the rim 22. The discontinuous flange 22a is dimensioned to define an outside diameter d₂ that is larger than the inside diameter d₁ of the container 10 at the large open end 14. Each one of a plurality of discontinuities in the discontinuous circumferential flange 22a defines a space 22b. This is shown in FIG. 2, in which four spaces 22b are arranged around the circumference of the rim 22. Alternatively, any practical number of spaces 22b may be provided, such as for instance two or three spaces.

Referring now also to FIG. 3, the discontinuous flange 22a is sized to fit within a channel 28 that is defined by each of a plurality of inwardly projecting tab-like flanges 28a disposed around the inner circumference of end cap 26. Accordingly, to secure the end cap 26 to the large open end 14 of container 10 each tab-like flange 28a is aligned with a corresponding space 22b in the discontinuous flange 22a, and the end cap 26 is pressed toward the container 10 such that each tab-like flange passes through the corresponding space 22b. The end cap 26 is then turned relative to the container 10 such that each tab-like flange 28a slides past a portion of the discontinuous flange 22a, bringing facing surfaces of the tab-like flange 28a and the discontinuous flange 22a into frictional engagement, thereby mounting securely the end cap 26 to the large open end 14 of container 10, in a removable fashion. Of course, in order to remove the end cap 26 a consumer would merely need to turn the end cap 26 relative to the container 10 so as to align the tab-like flanges 28a with a corresponding space 22b, and then pull the end cap 26 away from the container 10, thereby revealing the protective seal 24.

In order to fit over the large open end 14 of the container 10, the inner diameter of the end cap 26 is at least equal to d₂. In the configuration that is shown in FIG. 3, the distance d₃ between opposite tab-like flanges 28a is less than d₂, such that the tab-like flanges 28a overlap the discontinuous flange 22a for securely and removably mounting the end cap 26 to the large open end 14 of container 10.

Referring again to FIG. 1a, a socket-like mounting structure 30 is defined within the end cap 26 for receiving a corresponding mounting structure 32, which is defined at the smaller closed end 16 of the container 10. The mounting structure 30 is also shown using phantom-lines in FIG. 3. In the specific and non-limiting example that is shown in FIG. 1a, the mounting structures 30 and 32 cooperate to form a bayonet coupling mechanism. Accordingly, protrusions that are provided at the smaller closed end 16 of container 10 are guided into slots defined within the sidewall of the socket-like mounting structure 30 of end cap 26, as shown in FIG. 1b. The protective seal 24 mounted to rim 22 is shown more clearly in the inset in FIG. 1b, in a condition with the end cap 26 removed.

Twisting the end cap 26 relative to the container 10 securely attaches the end cap 26 to the smaller closed end 16, as shown in FIG. 1c. When it is in the assembled consumption configuration, and when it is set upon its end cap 26, the single serving beverage container resembles a typical, stemmed wine glass, as is shown in perspective view in FIG. 1d. In the specific and non-limiting embodiment that is shown in FIGS. 1a-1d, the sidewall of the container 10 is shaped to resemble a wine glass that is used typically for consuming red wines. Of course, the shape of container 10 may be adapted in various ways so as to provide, for instance, a narrower bowl that is more suitable for consuming white wines, or even to provide a fluted glass that is suitable for consuming champagne, etc. Furthermore, the container 10 optionally is fabricated from a plastic material or from glass. The container 10 may be clear and transparent, or optionally clear and opaque or even provided in a variety of “designer” colors. For instance, a multi-pack may be sold containing four or six single serving beverage containers, each being a different “designer” color or at least having a portion thereof that is of a different color one from the other, so as to allow individuals to reliably distinguish their own container from other similar containers. In this way, one individual may avoid drinking accidentally from another individual's container.

Referring now to FIG. 4a, shown is a side cross-sectional view illustrating detail of an end cap 26. The end cap 26 includes a disk-shaped portion having a first side 40 and a second side, or floor, 42 that is opposite the first side. The first and second sides 40 and 42 are substantially parallel, one relative to the other. The mounting structure 30 is defined within the disk-shaped portion, between the first and second sides 40 and 42. In FIG. 4a, the mounting structure 30 defines an opening in the first side 40. Optionally, the mounting structure 30 defines an opening in the second side 42. Other than the mounting structure 30, the disk-shaped portion is substantially “solid,” for instance it is formed of a “solid” plastic material, thus giving the end cap 26 a sturdy and relatively heavy construction. Such construction improves stability when the single serving beverage container is in the assembled consumption configuration that is shown in FIGS. 1e-1d. Optionally, the disk-shaped portion includes additional voids and/or structural ribs, etc., thereby reducing material costs and product weight, whilst still providing a structurally strong protective element.

Referring still to FIG. 4a, a circumferential rim or lip extends substantially perpendicularly away from the second surface 42, so as to define a sidewall around at least a portion of the second surface 42. Tab-like flanges 28a are formed at predetermined spacing around the rim, extending inwardly toward the center of the end cap 26. The rim, a portion of the second surface 42 and a surface of the tab-like flanges 28a define the three sides a series of short channels 28 around the inner perimeter of the end cap 26. As was described above, the channels 28 accommodate portions of the discontinuous flange 22a at the large open end 14 of the container 10, so as to secure the end cap 26 to the large open end 14 of the container 10. The channels 28, which define a first mounting structure of the end cap 26 for securing the end cap 26 to the large open end 14, are defined entirely to one side of a plane “P” that passes through the end cap 26 and that is normal to a central axis “R” of the end cap 26, whilst the mounting structure 30 is disposed entirely to an opposite side of the plane “P.” When in the assembled storage configuration, as shown in FIG. 1a, the end cap 26 protects the protective seal against mechanical damage and/or tampering.

Referring now to FIG. 4b, shown is a side cross-sectional view showing detail of a second end-cap structure 46. The end cap 46 has a first surface 48 and a second surface 52. A mounting structure 54, similar to mounting structure 30 of end cap 26, is defined with an opening in the first surface 48, and protrudes beyond the second surface 52. A surface 50 of the mounting structure 54 is therefore centrally prominent relative to the second surface 52. A circumferential lip or rim extends from the second surface 52, defining a surface 58b that is approximately aligned with the surface 50. A second circumferential rim or lip extends approximately perpendicularly away from the surface 58b, thereby defining a sidewall around at least a portion of the surface 58b. Tab-like flanges 58a are formed at predetermined spacing around the second circumferential rim, extending inwardly toward the center of end cap 46. The second circumferential rim, a portion of the surface 58b and a surface of the tab-like flanges 58a define a series or short channels 58 around the inner perimeter of the end cap 46. As was described above, the channels 58 accommodate portions of the discontinuous flange 22a at the large open end 14 of the container 10, so as to secure the end cap 46 to the large open end 14 of the container 10. The channels 58, which define a first mounting structure of the end cap 46 for securing the end cap 46 to the large open end 14, are defined entirely to one side of a plane “P” that passes through the end cap 46 and is normal to a central axis “R” of the end cap 46, whilst the mounting structure 54 is disposed entirely to an opposite side of the plane “P.” When in the assembled storage configuration, as shown in FIG. 1a, the end cap 46 protects the protective seal against mechanical damage and/or tampering. When in the assembled storage configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1a, the end cap 46 protects the protective seal against mechanical damage and/or tampering.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a partial side cross-sectional view showing an end-cap mounted to the rim of a single serving beverage container, according to an embodiment of the instant invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the protective seal 24 is substantially protected by and supported by the second surface 42 of end cap 26.

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a partial side cross-sectional view showing another end-cap mounted to the rim of a single serving beverage container, according to an embodiment of the instant invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the protective seal 24 is substantially protected by and supported by a convex second surface 62 of end cap 66. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the convex second surface 62 passes through the large open end 14 into the interior of container 10, thereby supporting and protecting the protective seal 24 in a manner substantially similar to that as described above.

Of course, the various mounting structures that are described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6 are intended only to be specific and non-limiting examples. Various modifications and combinations of different mounting structures may also be successfully employed without departing from the scope of the instant invention. For instance, optionally an external thread along the neck-portion at the smaller closed end 16 replace the mounting structure 32, and a threaded socket replaces the mounting structure 30 or 54 of the end cap 26 or 46, respectively. In addition, optionally the mounting structure for securing the end cap 26, 46 or 66 to the large open end 14 of the container 10 is replaced with a different mechanism, such as for instance a bayonet coupling mechanism, or the end cap 26, 46 or 66 optionally utilizes a snap-fit mechanism such that the end cap is simply pressed onto the rim 22. Other suitable mounting structures may also be utilized, provided that when in the assembled storage configuration the mounting structure 30, or another similar mounting structure, does not extend into the large open end 14 of the container 10 to an extent that hinders the formation of the protective seal 24 or causes mechanical damage thereto. Accordingly, the end cap 26, 46 or 66 engages the container 10 at a location proximate the rim 22, or at a flange 22a extending from the rim 22. Furthermore, the mounting structure for securing the end cap to the large open end 14 is spaced apart from the mounting structure for securing the end cap to the smaller closed end 16, along a direction parallel to the central axis of the end cap, which is indicated using the dotted line “R” in FIGS. 5 and 6. Spacing apart the two mounting structures that are carried on the end cap, as described above, supports attachment of the end cap to the container 10 for covering the large open end 14 thereof, in a manner that facilitates mounting a protective seal, such as for instance a foil or plastic film, to the rim 22 of container 10. Stated differently, when the end cap is mounted to the container 10 for covering the large open end 14 thereof, no part of the end cap interferes with a protective seal that is formed at the large open end 14. Of course, a surface of the end cap may be shaped to mechanically support such a protective seal, even extending slightly into the interior of the container through the large open end.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, provided is a single serving beverage container that may be converted between a substantially bottle-shaped storage configuration and a substantially wine-glass shaped consumption configuration. In the consumption configuration, the container resembles a traditional stemmed wine glass and provides many of the advantages associated therewith. Additionally, the beverage container that is described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 may be made using lightweight materials such as plastic, thereby reducing fuel costs associated with transporting the product to distribution points or carrying the product aboard commercial aircraft flights. Furthermore, the product may be distributed to passengers aboard commercial aircraft flights and consumed at some later time during the flight, since the risk of spillage is eliminated until after the protective seal is removed from the container.

Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A beverage container, comprising: wherein, when in the first assembled condition, the end cap covers the removable barrier element and the second mounting structure is disposed external to the interior cavity of the body.

a body having a large diameter first end and a smaller diameter second end opposite the first end, the first end including a large diameter opening therein defining a rim at the first end, the second end closed, and the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume;

a removable barrier element engaging the rim at the first end so as to form a liquid-tight seal therewith; and,

an end cap having a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and having a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition,

2. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the barrier element forms a protective seal at the large diameter first end.

3. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the barrier element is one of a foil film and a plastic film.

4. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein a discontinuous circumferential flange extends from the rim, defining a plurality of spaces around the rim for receiving a corresponding plurality of tab-like flanges of the end cap first mounting structure.

5. A beverage container according to claim 4, wherein the tab-like flanges of the end cap first mounting structure define a plurality of channels, each channel for frictionally engaging a portion of the discontinuous circumferential flange when in the first assembled condition.

6. A beverage container according to claim 1, comprising a mounting structure at the smaller diameter second end, wherein the mounting structure at the smaller diameter second end and the end cap second mounting structure cooperate to form a bayonet coupling mechanism.

7. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the end cap first mounting structure and the end cap second mounting structure are defined one each along opposite sides of the end cap.

8. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the end cap comprises a sidewall and a floor, the sidewall defining an opening that is sized to fit over the large diameter first end of the body, the side wall supporting a plurality of tab-like flanges extending toward a central axis of the end cap and defining the first end cap mounting structure, such that when in the first assembled condition the floor is spaced away from the rim of the body by an amount that is sufficient to maintain the second mounting structure external to the interior cavity.

9. A beverage container according to claim 8, wherein the end cap comprises a base surface along a side thereof opposite the floor, the base surface for supporting the beverage container in an upright storage orientation when in the first assembled condition.

10. A beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the end cap second mounting structure defines an approximately central opening in the base surface thereof.

11. A beverage container, comprising: wherein, when in the first assembled condition, the base cap covers the removable barrier element and the third mounting structure is disposed external to the interior cavity of the body.

a body having a large open first end and a relatively smaller closed second end opposite the first end, the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume, the first end comprising a first mounting structure disposed along an external surface of the body;

a removable barrier element sealingly engaging the body at the first end so as to form a liquid-tight seal therewith;

an end cap having a second mounting structure for mating with the first mounting structure to detachably mount the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and having a third mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition;

12. A beverage container, comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end that is relatively smaller than the first end, the second end being opposite the first end, the first end being open and having a circumferential rim defined around a perimeter thereof, the second end closed, and the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume;

a protective film removably mounted to the rim at the first end and extending across the open first end, the protective film forming a liquid-tight seal with the rim; and,

an end cap having a central axis extending along a first direction, the end cap comprising a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and having a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition, the end cap being dimensioned along the first direction such that the first mounting structure is disposed entirely to one side of a plane, P, normal to the central axis, and the second mounting structure is disposed entirely to an opposite side of the plane.

13. A beverage container according to claim 12, wherein, when in the first assembled condition, the end cap covers the removable barrier element and the second mounting structure is disposed substantially external to the interior cavity of the body.

14. A beverage container according to claim 12, wherein the protective film forms a tamper-resistant seal at the first end.

15. A beverage container according to claim 12, wherein the protective film is one of a foil film and a plastic film.

16. A beverage container according to claim 12, wherein a discontinuous circumferential flange extends from the rim, defining a plurality of spaces around the rim for receiving a corresponding plurality of tab-like flanges of the end cap first mounting structure.

17. A beverage container according to claim 16, wherein the tab-like flanges of the end cap first mounting structure define a plurality of channels, each channel for frictionally engaging a portion of the discontinuous circumferential flange when in the first assembled condition.

18. A beverage container according to claim 12, comprising a mounting structure at the second end of the body, wherein the mounting structure at the second end and the end cap second mounting structure cooperate to form a bayonet coupling mechanism.

19. A beverage container according to claim 12, wherein the end cap first mounting structure and the end cap second mounting structure are defined one each along opposite sides of the end cap.

20. A beverage container according to claim 12, wherein the end cap comprises a sidewall and a floor, the sidewall defining an opening that is sized to fit over the first end of the body, the side wall supporting a plurality of tab-like flanges extending toward the central axis of the end cap and defining the first end cap mounting structure, such that when in the first assembled condition the floor is spaced away from the rim of the body by an amount that is sufficient to maintain the second mounting structure external to the interior cavity.

21. A beverage container according to claim 20, wherein the end cap comprises a base surface along a side thereof opposite the floor, the base surface for supporting the beverage container in an upright storage orientation when in the first assembled condition.

22. A beverage container according to claim 21, wherein the end cap second mounting structure defines an approximately central opening in the base surface thereof.

23. A method of preparing a beverage for being consumed from a single serving container, comprising:

detaching an end cap from a first end of the single serving container, so as to expose a removable barrier element that is sealed to the first end in a liquid-tight fashion;

mounting the end cap to a second end of the single serving container, the second end being opposite the first end; and,

removing the barrier element from the first end of the single serving container, so as to provide access to the beverage that is contained within the single serving container.

24. A method of packaging a beverage in a single serving container, the single serving container having a large open end defining a rim and having a small closed end, the method comprising:

relatively positioning the single serving container adjacent to a beverage dispensing member, such that the large open end of the single serving container is oriented upward and the small closed end is oriented downward;

dispensing via the beverage dispensing member a predetermined volume of the beverage into the single serving container;

removably affixing a barrier element to the large open end, so as to form a liquid-tight seal therewith; and,

detachably mounting an end cap adjacent to the large open end, the end cap defining a mounting structure for receiving the small closed end, and wherein the mounting structure does not extend through the large open end into the interior of the single serving container.

25. A beverage container, comprising: wherein the end cap does not interfere with the stretch-fit protective film when the end cap is mounted to the first end of the body in the first assembled condition.

a body having a first end and a second end that is relatively smaller than the first end, the second end being opposite the first end, the first end being open and having a circumferential rim defined around a perimeter thereof, the second end closed, and the body defining an interior cavity of a predetermined volume;

a protective film removably mounted to the rim at the first end and being stretch-fit across the open first end, the protective film forming a liquid-tight seal with the rim; and,

an end cap comprising a first mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the first end of the body when in a first assembled condition, and a second mounting structure for detachably mounting the end cap to the second end of the body when in a second assembled condition,