CONDIMENT DIPPING CONTAINER

Abstract

A disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment is adaptable for securement atop a beverage cup lid and includes a body having a sidewall and a bottom wall defining a cavity such that a condiment may be stored in the cavity. A securement hub having a central aperture and defining a central axis is coupled to the body and includes a flange portion and a cone portion, where the cone portion is nestable with a cone portion on another container in a complementary relationship with their body portions adjacent one another and configured to receive a straw extending from the beverage cup lid and through the nested cone portions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/577,158, filed Apr. 5, 2023. The entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a condiment dipping container.

BACKGROUND

Products, such as condiment containers, may be designed as portable condiment containers or stationary condiment bottles. For example, portable condiment containers are often sold as plastic pouches that users squeeze to access the condiment. Portable condiment containers may also be designed to enable both dipping and squeezing, wherein the user accesses the condiment either by squeezing the condiment out through a small opening or dipping their article into a larger opening. The characteristics of the dipping container, such as the ease of use without tipping, can impact the desirability of the dipping container.

Some portable condiment dipping containers use one mechanism of support: the flat surface on an underside of the dipping container. Thus, these containers may be required to be placed on a flat, stationary surface to prevent tipping the container and spilling the condiment during use of the container. These containers may also require that the food article is dipped by a steady, controlled hand to prevent tipping of the container during use. As a result, it may be difficult for users to dip articles into portable dipping containers in an uncontrolled environment without tipping the container and spilling the condiment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment that is adaptable for securement atop a beverage cup lid includes a body having a sidewall and a bottom wall defining a cavity such that a condiment may be stored in the cavity. A securement hub having a central aperture and defining a central axis is coupled to the body and includes a flange portion and a cone portion, where the cone portion is nestable with a cone portion on another container in a complementary relationship with their body portions adjacent one another and configured to receive a straw extending from the beverage cup lid and through the nested cone portions.

In another embodiment, a disposable, single-serving container for a condiment includes a body portion with a sidewall defining a cavity configured for storage of the condiment and a ledge formed in the sidewall. The container further includes a substantially flat peripheral flange surrounding the cavity that releasably engages a foil membrane seal. The container further includes a securement tab which is integrally formed with the body portion and extends from the flange above the ledge. The securement tab includes a first portion with a first aperture and a second portion with a second aperture, wherein a living hinge is located between the first and second portion. The second portion is downwardly foldable about the living hinge to a deployed position with a terminal end of the second portion resiliently engaged with the ledge. Once in the deployed position, the first and second apertures are configured to receive a drinking straw extending therethrough in a frictional engagement.

In another embodiment a disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment adaptable for securement atop a beverage cup lid includes a body portion having a sidewall defining a cavity configured for storage of the condiment. A substantially flat peripheral flange surrounds the cavity and releasably engages a foil membrane seal. A single-sided adhesive tab has a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to an external surface of the side wall and the second end configured to wrap around the straw and adhere to the sidewall.

In yet another embodiment a disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment adaptable for securement atop a beverage cup lid includes a body portion having a sidewall and a bottom wall defining a cavity configured for storage of the condiment, and a securement tab extending from the body portion and having an aperture configured to receive a straw extending from the beverage cup lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

FIG. 1A-1D are views of a condiment dipping container having complementary modular compartments.

FIG. 2A-2C are views of another condiment dipping container having complementary modular compartments.

FIG. 3A-3D are views of a squeezable condiment dipping container.

FIGS. 4A-4D are views of a condiment dipping container with a foldable securement tab design according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A-5C are views of another squeezable condiment dipping container.

FIGS. 6A-6B are views of a condiment dipping container with an adhesive securement tab according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a condiment dipping container with a recess and adhesive securement tab according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a condiment dipping container with a through-hole passage according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9A-9E is an illustrative listing of different straw-receiving apertures for a condiment dipping container according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a condiment dipping container having an adhesive attachment region according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a condiment dipping container with an indented bottom surface configured to matingly-engage a beverage cup lid according to an exemplary embodiment; and

It will be recognized that some or all the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, and apparatuses, for condiment containers that are configured to be more readily secured to the top of a beverage cup, such as by engagement with a lid of the cup or a straw of the cup. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

I. Overview

Condiment containers may be sold as either stationary bottles or portable containers. Portable condiment dipping containers are often used in conjunction with fast food, or similar food items.

Because condiment dipping containers are typically supported by the flat surface underneath the container, a user may use a condiment dipping container with ease in a controlled environment. For example, when the container sits on a flat, stationary surface and an article is dipped into the container with a controlled, steady hand, then the container can be used without a high risk of tipping. However, because these containers require a controlled environment, they are less desirable for use while users are engaged in another task. As a result, these dipping containers cannot, for example, be easily used while users are engaged in some applications, such as standing, walking, riding in a vehicle, etc. The instability of condiment dipping containers may also make them undesirable even in controlled environments where condiment spills are a hassle.

Implementations described herein are related to a stable condiment dipping container with one or more mechanisms of support. Instead, the condiment dipping container described herein uses at least two mechanisms of support. As a result, a user can use the condiment dipping container herein in a less-controlled environment or environment where a spill would be a hassle. Additionally, the condiment dipping container described herein is capable of rapidly being assembled for use. As a result, a user can quickly assemble and effectively use the condiment dipping container described herein.

II. Overview of a Complementing Design for a Condiment Dipping Container

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a condiment dipping container 10 according to an embodiment with a complementing design. The condiment dipping container 10 includes a body portion 12 with a sidewall 14 and a cavity 16 for storing the condiment. A substantially flat peripheral flange 18 may surround the cavity 16 and is configured to resealably engage a foil membrane seal. The body portion 12 of each dipping container 10 has a bottom wall 15 which may be coincident with the lid of a cup. The container 10 is shown to include a securement hub 24 with a central aperture for securing one or more containers 10 atop a cup lid by a drinking straw extending therethrough. Securement hub 24 includes a flange portion 26 and a cone portion 30, where the cone portion 30 is shaped in the form of a truncated cone and extends from an underside of the flange portion 26. Cone portion 30 defines an inwardly and downwardly sloping side wall 32 having a top opening and a bottom opening. Side wall 32 is sized and sloped such that the cone portion 30 of one container 10 is nestable with a cone portion 30 of another container, so that two or more complementary containers 10 may have their securement hubs vertically nested together atop a cup lid with a drinking straw extending through the nested hubs and the body portions 12 of each container deployed adjacent one another on the cup lid.

In some embodiments, the bottom wall 15 of the condiment dipping container 10 may have a central angle which is less than 360 degrees and a sidewall 14 with at least one edge with a radius R from the center axis of the securement hub 24 which is less than or equal to the radius of the cup. In one embodiment shown by way of example in FIG. 1A-1D, the central angle of the bottom wall 15 is approximately 120 degrees and the radius R of at least one edge of the sidewall 14 is approximately equal to the radius of the cup lid, such that two or three containers 100 may be complementary (i.e., adjoining) and can be arranged on one cup lid. In another embodiment (not shown), the central angle of the bottom wall 15 is approximately 90 degrees and the radius of at least one edge of the sidewall 14 is approximately equal to the radius of the cup lid, such that four containers may be complementary (i.e., adjoining) and can be arranged on one cup lid.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a condiment dipping container 100 according to another embodiment with a complementing design. The condiment dipping container 100 includes a body portion 112 with a sidewall 114 and a cavity 116 for storing the condiment. A substantially flat peripheral flange 118 may surround the cavity 116 and is configured to resealably engage a foil membrane seal. The body portion 112 of each dipping container 100 has a bottom wall 115 which may be coincident with the lid of a cup. The container 100 is shown to include a securement hub 124 with a central aperture for securing one or more containers 100 atop a cup lid by a drinking straw extending therethrough. Securement hub 124 includes a flange portion 126 and a cone portion 130, where the cone portion 130 extends from an underside of the flange portion 126. Cone portion 130 defines an inwardly and downwardly sloping side wall 132 having a top opening and a bottom opening. Side wall 132 is sized and sloped such that the cone portion 130 of one container 100 is nestable with a cone portion 130 of another container, so that two complementary containers 100 may have their securement hubs vertically nested together atop a cup lid with a drinking straw extending through the nested hubs and the body portions 112 of each container deployed adjacent one another on the cup lid.

In some embodiments, the bottom wall 115 of the condiment dipping container 100 may have a central angle which is less than 360 degrees and a sidewall 114 with at least one edge with a radius R from the center axis of the securement hub 124 which is less than or equal to the radius of the cup. In one embodiment shown by way of example in FIG. 2A-2C, the central angle of the bottom wall 115 is approximately 180 degrees and the radius R of at least one edge of the sidewall 114 is approximately equal to the radius of the cup lid, such that two or three containers 100 may be complementary (i.e., adjoining) and can be arranged on one cup lid.

According to another embodiment, the complementing dipping containers 10 and/or 100 may utilize any embodiments discussed in this application to further secure the condiment dipping container (e.g., an adhesive bottom wall, a ledge or recess on the bottom wall to match contours of the cup lid, etc.).

III. Overview of a Design for a Squeezable Complementary Condiment Dipping Container

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a condiment dipping container 200 according to an embodiment with a squeezable design. The condiment dipping container 200 may include structural features that are the same as or similar to containers 10 or 100, for complementary securement by a drinking straw atop a beverage cup lid. Container 200 includes a body portion 212 with an arcuate sidewall 214 and a cavity 216 for storing the condiment. A substantially flat peripheral flange 218 may surround the cavity 216 and is configured to sealably engage a substantially rigid seal 220 that is intended to be non-removable. The body portion 212 of each dipping container 200 has a bottom wall 215 which may be coincident with the lid of a cup and has a sloped region 217 that angles upwardly toward a corner 219 of sidewall 214. According to one embodiment, at least one of bottom wall 215 and sidewall 214 may be formed from a flexible material that is squeezable by a user. Near a top or neck portion of the sloped region 217 and corner 219, a tear line 221 is formed through the sloped region 217 of the bottom wall 215 and the seal 220. The tear line 221 may be formed by scoring or other method of localized weakening of the material such that a user may separate the corner 219 from the body portion 212 by tearing along the tear line 221, to leave an opening through which a condiment stored in the cavity may be extruded by squeezing the body portion.

IV. Overview of a Condiment Dipping Container with a Foldable Securement Tab Design

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a condiment dipping container 300 according to an embodiment with a foldable securement tab. The condiment dipping container 300 includes a body portion 312 with a sidewall 314 and a cavity 316 for storing the condiment. A substantially flat peripheral flange 318 surrounds the cavity 316 and is configured to resealably engage a foil membrane seal 320. The condiment dipping container 300 may include a ledge 322 formed into the external sidewall 314. A securement tab 330 is integrally formed with the body portion 312 and extends from the flange 318 above the ledge 322. The securement tab 330 includes a first portion 332 having a first aperture 334 and a second portion 336 having a second aperture 338 with a living hinge 340 formed between the first portion 332 and second portion 336. The second portion 336 is downwardly foldable about the living hinge 340. The terminal end of the second portion 336 may be engaged with the ledge 322. The apertures 334, 338 may be used to secure the container 300 to a straw 342 protruding through a cup lid (not shown) with the straw 342 extended through the first and second apertures 334, 338. The frictional engagement of the apertures 334, 338 on the straw 342 operate to secure the container 300 atop the cup lid in a relatively hands-free manner. According to other embodiments, the apertures on the securement tab may be replaced with one or more hooks that are engageable with a straw.

In some embodiments, the ledge 322 may be located towards the bottom of the condiment dipping container 300, such that an approximate right triangle is formed between the sidewall 314 of the condiment container 300, the first portion 332, and the second portion 336. In other embodiments, in addition to the living hinge, the securement tab may have a first living hinge formed between the first portion and the body portion, such that the first portion is downwardly foldable about the first living hinge. In these embodiments, the ledge may be located towards the bottom of the condiment dipping container, such that an oblique triangle is formed between the sidewall of the condiment container, the first portion, and the second portion.

V. Overview of a Design for a Squeezable Condiment Dipping Container with a Securement Tab

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a condiment dipping container 400 according to an embodiment with a squeezable design. The condiment dipping container 400 may include structural features that are the same as or similar to containers 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500, for securement by a drinking straw atop a beverage cup lid. Container 400 includes a body portion 412 with a sidewall 414 and a cavity 416 for storing the condiment. A substantially flat peripheral flange 418 may surround the cavity 416 and is configured to sealably engage a substantially rigid seal 420 that is intended to be non-removable. The body portion 412 of each dipping container 400 has a bottom wall 415 which may be coincident with the lid of a cup and has a sloped region that angles upwardly toward securement tab 424. According to one embodiment, at least one of bottom wall 415 and sidewall 414 may be formed from a flexible material that is squeezable by a user. The sidewalls 414 include converging portions 419 that are generally aligned with sloped region 417 of the bottom wall 415. Near a top or neck portion of the sloped region 417, a tear line 421 is formed through the sidewalls 414, the sloped region 417 of the bottom wall 415 and the seal 420. The tear line may be formed by scoring or other method of localized weakening of the material such that a user may separate the body portion 412 from the securement tab 424 by tearing along the tear line 421, to leave an opening through which a condiment stored in the cavity may be extruded by squeezing the body portion.

VI. Overview of a Condiment Dipping Container with an Adhesive Securement Tab

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a condiment dipping container 500 according to an embodiment with a single sided adhesive tab 550 (e.g., strip, flap, sleeve, sticker, etc.). The condiment dipping container 500 includes a body portion 512 with a sidewall 514 and a cavity 516 for storing the condiment. The sidewall 514 has an internal side which is adjacent to the condiment and an external side. A substantially flat peripheral flange 518 surrounds the cavity 516 and is configured to releasably engage a foil membrane seal 520.

In some embodiments, one member of single sided adhesive tab 550 engages with the external sidewall 514 of the condiment dipping container 500. In one embodiment, the single sided adhesive tab 550 has a distal portion 552, middle portion 554, and proximal portion 556, such that the proximal portion 556 of the tab 550 is more permanently attached to the external sidewall 514 of the cavity 516 and the middle portion 554 and distal portion 552 is capable of being releasably attached to the external sidewall 514 of the cavity 516 via a suitable adhesive. In this embodiment, the adhesive side of the tab is adjacent to the external sidewall. In some versions of this embodiment, the tab 550 may be used to adhesively engage a straw 542, such that straw 542 will extend between the external sidewall 514 and the (inner) adhesive side of the middle portion 554 of the member, with the distal portion 552 adhesively reattaching to the external side wall 514. In this embodiment, the container 500 may be placed atop a cup lid (not shown), and the distal end 552 of the tab 550 may be peeled from the external sidewall 514, the middle portion 554 wrapped around a straw that protrudes through the cup lid, and the distal end 552 re-adhered to the external side wall 514 to secure the container 500 atop the cup lid in a relatively hands-free manner. When the straw 542 is not engaged with the adhesive surface of tab 550, the adhesive side of the middle portion 554 and distal portion 552 may be covered in a layer of removable liner. In other versions of this embodiment, the adhesive tab 550 may be used to adhesively engage a straw, such that a straw will extend between the external sidewall and the adhesive side of the middle portion of the member, wherein the proximal portion of the tab releasably adheres to the external sidewall. In this embodiment, when the straw is not engaged with the adhesive tab, the adhesive side of the middle and proximal portion may be covered in a layer of removable liner.

FIG. 7 illustrates a condiment dipping container 600 according to an embodiment with a single sided adhesive tab 650 and a semicircular recess or notch 622 along one sidewall 614 of the container 600. The condiment dipping container 600 includes a body portion 612 with opposite sidewalls and opposite end walls 615. A substantially flat peripheral flange 618 surrounds the cavity 616 and is configured to releasably engage a foil membrane seal 620. In at least one of the sidewall 614 or end wall 615, a notch 622 or recess is shown as provided in the shape of an approximate semicircle with a minimum diameter D, wherein D is the diameter of the straw.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a single sided adhesive member 650 with a proximal, middle, and distal side may adhere to either of the sidewall or end wall and across the notch 622. The container 600 may be placed atop a cup lid with a straw protruding from the cup lid with the straw fit into the recess, so that the adhesive tab may be releasably wrapped over the straw to secure the container atop the cup lid.

VII. Overview of a Condiment Dipping Container with a Through-Hole Design

FIG. 8 illustrates a condiment dipping container 700 according to an embodiment with a through-hole design. The condiment dipping container 700 includes a first body portion 712 with a sidewall 714 and a cavity 716 for storing the condiment. The sidewall 714 has an internal side which is adjacent to the condiment and an external side. A substantially flat peripheral flange 718 surrounds the cavity 716 and is configured to releasably engage a foil membrane seal 720. A passage (e.g., securement tab, etc.) 750 is formed within the cavity 716 interior to the sidewall 714 and engages at least a bottom wall of the container 700 and is sized to receive a straw 742 with a mild interference fit (e.g., sufficient to permit insertion of the straw and flow of the beverage therethrough, while holding the container is a relatively stable position relative to the straw). The passage 750 may have a shape that is cylindrical, or as a tube with multiple flat sides, or may be formed from conical sections that diverge from a midpoint to the endpoints of the passage. In this manner, the wall of the straw 742 may be slightly, resiliently, deformed by the walls of the passage 722 to provide a retention force and a mild interference fit. The condiment container 700 may be secured atop a cup lid by removing the foil membrane 720 from the container 700 and fitting a straw 742 that protrudes from the cup lid through the passage 750 in the container.

In some embodiments, the opening to the passage 750 at a top portion may include two linear portions which intersect at the top central axis, such that they form an X shape. In other embodiments, the opening at the top portion may include a circle with the center aligned with the central axis of the passage 750. The opening at the top portion and the opening in the bottom portion may be the same or may differ. For example, the opening in the top portion may have an X shape aperture and the opening at the bottom portion may have a circular aperture. Other aperture shapes may be used (e.g., rectangular, octagonal, square, etc.).

According to any embodiment, the passage and/or the openings at either end of the passage may be provided having features as shown in FIG. 9A-9E. For example, the diameter of the aperture on the top portion is shown in FIG. 8 as equal to the diameter of the aperture on the bottom portion, while the aperture on the body plane is smaller than the aperture on the top portion. As illustrated in FIG. 9D, in the hourglass embodiment, the slope of the through-hole between the top portion and body portion is constant and equal to the slope of the through-hole between the bottom portion and body portion. The smaller diameter of the aperture in the body plane enables a frictional engagement between the through-hole and the straw. Another example illustrated in FIG. 9B is a cone-shaped through-hole embodiment, wherein the diameter of the opening at the top portion is smaller than the diameter of the opening at the bottom portion (or vice-versa), while the slope of the through-hole between the top and bottom portion is constant.

VIII. Overview of an Adhesive Bottom Design for a Condiment Dipping Container

FIG. 10 illustrates a condiment dipping container 800 according to an embodiment with a design having an adhesive bottom portion. The condiment dipping container 800 includes a body portion 812 with a sidewall, a bottom wall 815 and a cavity 816 for storing the condiment. The bottom wall 815 is configured to directly engage with the lid of a cup. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 815 is at least partially coated in an adhesive (e.g., sticky, tacky, etc.) material, such that the bottom wall 815 may releasably adhere to the lid of a cup. In some embodiments, the adhesive material may be fugitive glue. In other embodiments, the adhesive material may be an adhesive paper, or a double-sided tape, and that the adhesive material facing outward is covered by a removable liner sheet.

This embodiment may be used in combination with any of the other embodiments contained in this specification, such that the straw may engage with the condiment dipping container, and the condiment dipping container is releasably adhered to the lid of the beverage cup.

IX. Overview of an Indented Bottom Design for a Condiment Dipping Container

FIG. 11 illustrates a condiment dipping container 900 according to an embodiment with an indented bottom portion. The condiment dipping container 900 includes a body portion 912 with a sidewall 914, a bottom wall 915, and a cavity 916 for storing the condiment. The bottom wall 915 is shaped to be coincident with the topography of a lid of a beverage cup. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 915 is substantially flat with at least one depression 450 (indent, recess, channel, etc.). The depression 950 in the bottom wall 914 may have a shape that is complementary (i.e., completing one another) to a raised topography (e.g., raised structural pattern, etc.) on the lid of the beverage cup. In some embodiments, the surface area of the depression 950 may be greater than the raised pattern on the lid such that the depression 950 can surround the raised pattern when the bottom wall 915 is coincident with the lid of the cup. Engagement between the depression 950 and the corresponding raised structural features on the lid is intended to provide a matched fit between the bottom of the container and the lid of the cup that is sufficient to temporarily maintain the container on the lid of the cup during use. In other embodiments, the surface area of the depression may be less than the raised pattern on the cup such that the depression at least partially surrounds the raised pattern when the bottom portion is coincident with the lid of the cup. Alternatively, in this embodiment the depression may surround the raised pattern in an interference-fit manner. In other embodiments, the surface area of the depression may be equal to the raised pattern of the cup such that the depression surrounds the depression in a press-fit manner. The depression may mirror the shape of the raised pattern on the cup, or the depression may take a shape other than the raised pattern on the cup. For example, the depression could be rectangular while the raised pattern on the cup is semispherical. By engaging the depression with a raised pattern on the lid of a cup such that the surface area of the depression, the condiment dipping container will be prevented from moving in all axial directions.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, this embodiment may be used in combination with any of the other embodiments contained in this specification, such that the straw may engage with the condiment dipping container. In one exemplary embodiment, a substantially flat peripheral flange 918 surrounds the cavity and is configured to resealably engage a foil membrane seal 920. A securement tab 930 with an aperture sized to receive a straw may be integrally formed with the flange 918 or body portion 912. By combining the indented bottom wall with a securement tab embodiment, the condiment dipping container may advantageously deploy two retention strategies at the same time and restrict container motion in both axial and rotational directions. According to other embodiments, the apertures on the securement tab may be replaced with one or more hooks that are engageable with a straw.

X. Construction of Example Embodiments

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

As utilized herein, the terms “substantially,” “generally,” “approximately,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

Additionally, the use of ranges of values (e.g., W to P, etc.) herein are inclusive of their maximum values and minimum values (e.g., W to P includes W and includes P, etc.), unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, a range of values (e.g., W to P, etc.) does not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the range of values (e.g., W to P can include only W and P, etc.), unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment adaptable for securement atop a beverage cup lid, comprising:

a body having a sidewall and a bottom wall defining a cavity such that a condiment may be stored in the cavity;

a securement hub having a central aperture and defining a central axis and coupled to the body, the securement hub comprising a flange portion and a cone portion, where the cone portion is nestable with a cone portion on at least one other container in a complementary relationship with their body portions disposed adjacent one another and configured to receive a straw extending from the beverage cup lid and through the nested cone portions.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the sidewall is at least partially arcuate and has a central angle of approximately 90 degrees, 120 degrees, or 180 degrees.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein at least a bottom wall of the body portion comprises a flexible material such that the flexible material may be squeezed by a user.

4. The container of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises a scored or weakened section to facilitate removal of a portion of the sidewall to create an aperture through which a condiment may be squeezed a user.

5. The container of claim 2, further comprising a condiment stored in the cavity.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the containers are stackable with the securement hubs and body portions nested together to permit high-density shipping of the containers in bulk.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall is arcuate and further comprising a tear line disposed adjacent to a corner of the arcuate sidewall.

8. A disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment, comprising:

a body portion having a sidewall defining a cavity configured for storage of the condiment and a ledge formed in the sidewall;

a substantially flat peripheral flange surrounding the cavity and configured to releasably engage a membrane seal;

a securement tab integrally formed with the body portion and extending from the flange above the ledge;

the securement tab having a first portion having a first aperture and a second portion having a second aperture, and a living hinge formed between the first portion and the second portion,

wherein the second portion is downwardly foldable about the living hinge to a deployed position with a terminal end of the second portion resiliently engaged with the ledge; and

wherein the first and second apertures in the deployed position are configured to receive a drinking straw extending therethrough in a frictional engagement.

9. The container of claim 8, further comprising a condiment stored in the cavity.

10. The container of claim 8, wherein the containers are stackable with the securement hubs and body portions nested together to permit high-density shipping of the containers in bulk.

11. A disposable, single-serving, container for a condiment adaptable for securement atop a beverage cup lid, comprising:

a body portion having a sidewall and a bottom wall defining a cavity configured for storage of the condiment;

a securement tab extending from the body portion and having an aperture configured to receive a straw extending from the beverage cup lid.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the securement tab comprises a loop.

13. The container of claim 11 wherein the aperture comprises at least one of cross slits, a circular hole, or a flat-sided hole.

14. The container of claim 11 wherein the bottom wall comprises a central angle of approximately 90 degrees, 120 degrees, or 180 degrees, so that two or more containers may be deployed on the beverage cup lid in a simultaneous and complementary arrangement.

15. The container of claim 11, wherein the bottom wall comprises an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior side of the bottom wall and a release liner disposed on the adhesive layer.

16. The container of claim 11, wherein the bottom wall comprises one or more recesses formed therein that correspond to ridges formed in a lid for a beverage cup.

17. The container of claim 11, wherein the securement tab comprises a tube extending upwardly from the bottom wall within the cavity, and the tube is configured to receive the straw.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the tube comprises walls that are at least partially cone-shaped.

19. The container of claim 11, wherein at least the bottom wall is flexible and further comprising a tear line adjacent the securement tab.

20. The container of claim 11 wherein the securement tab comprises an inside surface with an adhesive, the tab having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to an external surface of the side wall and the second end configured to wrap around the straw with the inside surface adhered to at least one of the straw and the sidewall.