Consumables container with multi-functional cap

#1. Technical Field

#The present invention relates to a rigid container or canister suitable for storing food products (consumables) with a multi-functional cap. In one embodiment, the cap nests over the mouth end of the container when the container is sealed, but can also nest with the base end of the container for storage while the container is in use. A sub-container can be placed within the cap and later inverted, inserted into the mouth end of the container and re-sealed by the cap. Further, when inverted, the cap seats into the open end, thereby acting as a bowl. The container consists of a molded body that can be wrapped with a thin film graphics carrier. In one embodiment of the invention, the thin film graphics carrier contributes to the barrier properties of the container. The container stands unsupported for a shelf display or can be vendable from soft drink vending machines.

#2. Description of Related Art

#The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views showing a cylindrical embodiment of the invention;

#FIGS. 2a and 2b are perspective views illustrating the removal and filling of the multifunctional cap in one embodiment of the invention;

#FIGS. 1a and 1b show perspective views of a cylindrical embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1a, the container comprises a receptacle 100 which provides for the rigidity of the container as well as necessary oxygen and moisture barrier properties. The receptacle 100 can also be opaque in order to preclude exposure to light on the product contained therein. The receptacle 100 is typically blow molded and can be constructed of high density polyethylene, which provides for effective moisture barrier properties, or ethethylene vinyl alcohol, which provides for effective oxygen barrier properties. Examples of other suitable material for use in constructing the receptacle include polyethylene and polyester. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle 100 can be multi-layers or constructed of a material that provides for both effective oxygen and moisture barrier properties.

#The receptacle 100 comprises a mouth end 102, a base end 104, and a slightly circumferentially constricted central section 106. The constricted central section 106, in one embodiment, comprises corrugation 108 about the circumference of the container. This corrugation 108 provides additional circumferential strength and, in combination with the tapering to slight constriction of the central section 106, a convenient hand grip for the consumer.

#The mouth end 102 of the receptacle 100 is tapered to nest with a cap 110. The mouth end 102 is also dimensioned such as to allow the cap 110 to be inverted and act as a cup when placed or seated into the mouth end 102, as will be described in further detail in conjunction with FIG. 3. The cap 110 is also dimensioned to nest over the container base 104, as will be further described in connection with FIG. 4.