Multi-functional container apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-functional container. The container is adapted to keep contents separated until combined. The container has an outer rim and an inner rim, a pocket between the outer and inner rims, and the inner rim is adapted to translate downward below the outer rim to dispense one content on top of other contents in the container. A method for storing contents separate from each other until combined is also provided. The method includes supporting the container by the base and pressing the bottom of the container downward toward the base to combine the contents.

1 . A container adapted to keep a condiment separate from food in the container until dispensed, the container comprising:
 an outer rim and an inner rim, said inner rim aligned co-axially with said outer rim;   a pocket between said outer and inner rims, said pocket adapted to hold said condiment; and   said inner rim adapted to translate downward below said outer rim to dispense said condiment on top of food in said container for eating.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said inner rim further comprises an outer sidewall portion adapted to pivot about said inner rim and said pocket to translate said inner rim downward below said pocket. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a cup formed by said inner rim, said cup adapted to hold said food. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 3  wherein said inner rim translates downward from a first position to a second position below said pocket. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 4  wherein said inner rim in said first position retains said condiment in a stored position in said pocket. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5  wherein said condiment is unobstructed by said inner rim in said second position to release said condiment from said stored position into said cup. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 4  wherein said inner rim in said first position is coplanar with said outer rim. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a cover adapted to seal against said outer and inner rims to keep said condiment in said pocket separate from said food. 
   
   
       9 . A container adapted to keep contents separated until combined, the container comprising:
 an inner rim and a concentric outer rim having a base;   a pocket between said rims adapted to store a first content;   a cup formed by said inner rim, said cup adapted to store a second content; and   said inner rim having an outer sidewall portion adapted to pivot about said inner rim and said pocket to translate said inner rim downward below said pocket to release said first content into said cup with said second content.   
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 9  wherein said inner rim translates downward from a first position to a second position. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 10  wherein said inner rim in said second position is above said base and below said pocket. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11  wherein said cup further comprises a bottom, said bottom is above said base and below said pocket when said inner rim is in said second position. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 9  wherein said first content comprises:
 a. a condiment;   b. a topping;   c. a coating;   d. an ingredient; or   e. a part of a mixture or compound.   
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 9  wherein said second content comprises:
 a. a food product;   b. a part of a mixture or compound;   c. a liquid product;   d. an ingredient; or   e. a frozen confection.   
   
   
       15 . A container adapted to keep a condiment separated from contents in said container until dispensed, the container comprising:
 an outer rim having a base;   an inner rim concentric with said outer rim, said inner rim having a living hinge;   a pocket between said rims adapted to store said condiment;   a cup formed by said inner rim, said cup adapted to store said contents; and   said inner rim having an outer sidewall portion connected to said living hinge, said outer sidewall portion adapted to pivot about said living hinge to translate said inner rim downward to release said condiment into said cup.   
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15  wherein said outer sidewall portion is connected between a first living hinge and a second living hinge, said outer sidewall portion adapted to pivot about said first and second living hinges to translate said inner rim downward below said pocket. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 16  wherein downward force applied on bottom of said cup induces a torque on said first and second living hinges, said torque pivoting said outer sidewall portion inward to translate said inner rim from a first position, parallel with said outer rim, to a second position below said pocket. 
   
   
       18 . A method for storing a condiment separate from food in a container until dispensed, the method comprising:
 providing said container having a base, an inner rim, an outer rim concentric with said inner rim, and a pocket between said rims for holding said condiment;   supporting said container by said base; and   pressing bottom of said container with food downward toward said base to release said condiment into said container.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the step of removing a cover sealed against said rims to expose said condiment and food in said container. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the step of translating said inner rim downward below said outer rim. 
   
   
       21 . A method for storing contents separate from each other in a container until combined, the method comprising:
 providing said container having a base, concentric outer and inner rims, a pocket between said rims, and a cup formed by said inner rim;   pressing bottom of said cup downward;   pivoting an outer sidewall portion of said inner rim about a living hinge between said inner rim and said pocket to translate said inner rim downward; and   combining contents of said pocket and cup.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising the step of removing a cover from off of said container to expose contents in said pocket and cup. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising the step of translating bottom of said cup downward to a position above said base and below said pocket. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein contents in said pocket comprise:
 a. a condiment;   b. a topping;   c. a coating;   d. an ingredient; or   e. a part of a mixture or compound.   
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21  wherein contents in said cup comprise:
 a. a food product;   b. a part of a mixture or compound;   c. a liquid product;   d. an ingredient; or   e. a frozen confection.