Multi-functional container apparatus and method

The present invention relates to a multi-functional container, and in particular, relates to a multi-functional container for keeping condiments separate from contents of the container until dispensed.

Condiments for various food items are well known and commonly used. Over time, containers, such as the cup lid, have evolved to include additional compartments, storage points, or receptacles to store one or more condiments. For example, cup lids now have storage compartments adapted to release condiments, such as cream and sugar, into the cup. These types of cups have the added convenience of keeping one or more desirable condiments separated from the contents in the cup until dispensed.

Therefore, a need has been identified to provide a multi-functional container adapted to keep a condiment separate from contents in the container until desired to combine the condiment with the contents in the container by dispensing the condiments into the container.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description includes specific examples that are intended for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings.

In one aspect of the present invention, a container adapted to keep a condiment separate from food in the container until dispensed is disclosed. The container includes an outer rim and an inner rim. The inner rim is aligned co-axially with the outer rim. A pocket is positioned between the outer and inner rims. The pocket is adapted to hold the condiment. The inner rim is adapted to translate downward below the outer rim to dispense the condiment on top of food in the container for eating. In a preferred form, the inner rim has an outer sidewall portion adapted to pivot about the inner rim and the pocket to translate the inner rim downward below the pocket, a cup is formed by the inner rim, wherein the cup is adapted to hold the food, the inner rim translates downward from a first position to a second position below the pocket, the inner rim in the first position retains the condiment in a stored position in the pocket, the condiment is unobstructed by the inner rim in the second position to release the condiment from the stored position into the cup, the inner rim in the first position is coplanar with the outer rim, and a cover is adapted to seal against the outer and inner rims to keep the condiment in the pocket separate from the food.

In another aspect of the present invention, a container adapted to keep a condiment separated from contents in the container until dispensed is disclosed. The container includes an outer rim having a base, an inner rim inner rim concentric with the outer rim wherein the inner rim has a living hinge, a pocket between the rims adapted to store the condiment, and a cup formed by the inner rim. The cup is adapted to store the contents and the inner rim has an outer sidewall portion connected to the living hinge wherein the outer sidewall portion is adapted to pivot about the living hinge to translate the inner rim downward to release the condiment into the cup. In a preferred form, the outer sidewall portion is connected between a first living hinge and a second living hinge, the outer sidewall portion is adapted to pivot about the first and second living hinges to translate the inner rim downward below the pocket, downward force applied on bottom of the cup induces a torque on the first and second living hinges, and the torque pivots the outer sidewall portion inward to translate the inner rim from a first position, parallel with the outer rim, to a second position below the pocket.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a method for storing a condiment separate from food in a container until dispensed is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing the container having a base, concentric outer and inner rims, and a pocket between the rims, supporting the container by the base, and pressing bottom of the container with food downward toward the base to release condiment into the container. In a preferred form, the method also includes the step of removing a cover sealed against the rims to expose the condiment and food in the container and translating the inner rim downward below the outer rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the container shown holding contents in the container pocket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the container wherein the container has been moved downward to allow the condiments to be released from the pocket into the container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of several containers positioned one above the other for stacking the containers together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of several containers stacked together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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