Consumables container with multi-functional cap

Abstract

An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The container allows for the storage of multiple products separately within the container as well as consumption of the products while “on the go.” The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, allows for the nesting of a sub-container or a promotional item inside the cap, and allows the products to be resealed without contaminating each other. The container is ergonomically and stylishly shaped to provide a comfortable hand grip for a variety of consumers.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container for holding a plurality of items for use by a consumer, said container comprising: 
 a receptacle for holding a first product, said receptacle having a first end and a second end; and    a removable cap placed over said first end of said receptacle, wherein said removable cap is adapted for holding a second product while allowing said removable cap to be joined together with said first end of said receptacle, and wherein said container is shaped such that it is portable.    
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a removable seal attached to said first end of said receptacle for sealing said first product in said receptacle and keeping said second product separate from said first product.  
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2  wherein said first product is a food product and said second product is a promotional item.  
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3  wherein said second product is a promotional item chosen from the group consisting of a prize, a toy, a coupon, a ball, a contest item, and a collectible.  
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4  further comprising an outer layer wrapped over said receptacle and said cap.  
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5  wherein said outer layer comprises a graphics carrier.  
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 5  wherein said receptacle and said outer layer provide complimentary oxygen and moisture barrier properties.  
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said cap is seatable on said first end of said receptacle such that said cap is usable as a bowl for holding product during consumption.  
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said container comprises a generally cylindrical shape such that said container will fit in a cup holder.  
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said receptacle comprises a shape that provides a hand grip for a consumer using said container.  
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said cap comprises a collar.  
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said cap comprises a lip protruding inward from an outside edge of said cap for engaging a groove on said first end of said receptacle such that said cap and said receptacle are held together securely.  
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said removable cap comprises a transparent material to allow said second product to be seen through said removable cap.  
     
     
         14 . A consumables container for separately holding a food product and a promotional item, said consumables container comprising: 
 a receptacle for holding a food product, said receptacle having a first end defining an opening into said container;    a removable seal covering said opening for sealing said food product in said receptacle and separating said promotional item from said food product; and    a removable cap for holding said promotional item, wherein said removable cap is placed over said first end of said receptacle to close said container.    
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said removable cap seats in said opening of said first end when inverted from a closed position over said opening, thus acting as a cup and sealing said first end.  
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said promotional item is chosen from the group consisting of a prize, a toy, a coupon, a ball, a contest item, and a collectible.  
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 14  further comprising an outer layer wrapped over said receptacle and said cap.  
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said outer layer comprises a graphics carrier.  
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said receptacle and said outer layer provide complimentary oxygen and moisture barrier properties.  
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said cap is seatable on said first end of said receptacle such that said cap is usable as a bowl for holding product during consumption.  
     
     
         21 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said container comprises a generally cylindrical shape such that said container will fit in a cup holder.  
     
     
         22 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said receptacle comprises a shape that provides a hand grip for a consumer using said container.  
     
     
         23 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said cap comprises a collar.  
     
     
         24 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said cap comprises a lip protruding inward from an outside edge of said cap for engaging a groove on said first end of said receptacle such that said cap and said receptacle are held together securely.  
     
     
         25 . The container of  claim 14  wherein said removable cap comprises a transparent material to allow said promotional item to be seen through said removable cap.  
     
     
         26 . The container of  claim 14  further comprising a promotional item removably attached to said second end of said receptacle.