Single use substance filled insert for disposable beverage containers

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosed technology are directed to devices, systems and/or methods for storing a substance in the base of a disposable container. Specifically, the disclosed technology is directed to an insert for use with disposable containers such as hot beverage cups. The insert may be wholly or partially formed of a container which is sealed enclosing a substance therein. The insert may be adapted to be detachably received into the base of common containers. In further embodiments, a system may employ the insert already having been nested into the base region of a provided beverage container. The substance enclosed in the insert may be, for example, an oral hygiene product such as mouthwash.

1 . A storage container, comprising:
 a container formed of a first material defining a receptacle having a volume, a generally planar bottom and a generally planar flange, wherein the flange surrounds the receptacle and is generally parallel to the planar bottom, further wherein a sidewall extends between the bottom and the planar flange;   a removable lid formed of a second material having greater flexibility than the first material, wherein the lid substantially covers the planar flange;   adhesive between the planar flange and the removable lid such that the removable lid is releasably adhered to the container, enclosing the volume therein; and   wherein the container is adapted to be releasably nested into a hollow region disposed at a base portion of a larger, second container such that a portion of the planar flange contacts a portion of the hollow region.   
     
     
         2 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the second container is a disposable cup. 
     
     
         3 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the volume of the storage container comprises an oral hygiene substance. 
     
     
         4 . The storage container of  claim 3 , wherein the oral hygiene substance is liquid mouthwash. 
     
     
         5 . The storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall is formed of four or more vertically disposed planar regions forming a polygon shaped cross section. 
     
     
         6 . A system, comprising:
 a cup having a horizontally disposed bottom and a continuous side wall which terminates at a top end with an opening, wherein the bottom is disposed at a distance away from a lower extremity of the sidewall to form a hollow region;   a container formed of a first material defining a receptacle having a volume, a generally planar bottom, a generally planar flange, and a removable lid, wherein the flange surrounds the receptacle and is generally parallel to the planar bottom, further wherein a container wall extends between the bottom and the planar flange; further wherein the removable lid is formed of a second material having greater flexibility than the first material, wherein the lid substantially covers the planar flange, further wherein the container is releasably nested into the hollow region of the cup; and   a substance enclosed in the container.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the container is statically embedded in the hollow region using frictional contact between the flanges of the container and an interior surface of the of the hollow region. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 an indentation disposed below the bottom of the cup in the hollow region, wherein the indentation conforms substantially to an edge of the flange for detachably receiving the container within the hollow region.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a tab extending from the removable lid.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the tab extends downwards past the container wall and is folded to abut the planar bottom of the container. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the substance is an oral hygiene liquid. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising:
 providing a liquid filled container, the container forming a receptacle defining a volume with a substantially planar bottom, wherein a removable lid encloses the liquid in the liquid filled container;   pressing the liquid filled container into a base of a disposable beverage cup until the liquid filled container is statically nested in the base;   using the disposable beverage cup for an intended purpose;   detaching the liquid filled container from the disposable beverage cup; and   opening the liquid filled container by at least partially removing the lid therefrom.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of pressing the liquid filled container into the base is carried out by snapping a side edge portion of the liquid filled container into a receiving indentation in the base of the cup. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of pressing the liquid filled container into the base is carried out by frictionally engaging the side edge portion of the liquid filled container against an interior side wall the base of the cup. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the liquid filled container is below the bottom of the interior of the cup such that liquid in the cup does not contact the liquid filled container.