US20150344178A1

US20150344178A1 - Container system

Info

Publication number: US20150344178A1
Application number: US14/545,507
Authority: US
Inventors: Aaron Szymanksi; LoriAnn Lombardo; Jane Gilmartin; Eric Langberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-13
Filing date: 2015-05-13
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

The present invention provides for a container system comprising a drink and food cup with a hinged lid and sidewalls formed by double wall construction with compartments.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/967,386 filed on May 13, 2014 entitled “Combination Drink Cup and Snack Cup System”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a container having at least two compartments and more specifically, a combination drink and second container 6 system with a hinged lid and additional storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a container system comprising: a first container comprising sidewalls, a topside, an opening adjacent to the topside leading to a cavity; a second container having a topside opening, a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the second container is adapted to fit on the topside of the first container thereby enclosing the opening of the first container, the bottom portion of the second container is adapted to be situated within the cavity of the first container, the top portion of the second container is slanted; and at least one lid is pivotally attached to a portion of the top portion of the second container, and the pivotally attached lid is adapted to close the topside opening of the second container during a first closed position, and the pivotally attached lid is adapted to open and contact at least a portion of the sidewalls of the first container during a second opened position.
In another embodiment, the second container comprises at least one hinge situated on the top portion of the second container, and at least a portion of the lid is attached to the hinge. In a further embodiment, the wherein the hinge is formed by mating an integral hinge feature protruding from edge of lid with an integral hinge feature extending from the top portion of the second container. In still another embodiment, the lid moves from the first closed portion to the second open position at an angle greater than 180 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the lid moves from the first closed portion to the second open position at an angles from about 0 degrees to about 270 degrees. In still a further embodiment, the lid is removable. In still yet another embodiment the lid is dome shaped.
In yet still another embodiment, the slanted top portion of the second container creates a high point and a low point. In a further embodiment, the hinge is situated at the low point of the slanted top portion of the second container. In yet a further embodiment, the system further comprises an aperture situated on the high point of the slanted top portion of the second container such that the top portion slants away from a user's face when drinking from the aperture. In still yet a further embodiment, the aperture leads to the cavity of the first container.
In another further embodiment, the system further comprises a straw having top and bottom ends, and the straw is adapted to fit within the aperture and the bottom end of the straw is adapted to be situated within the cavity of the first container.
In yet another further embodiment, the system further comprises a sleeve, and the first container having an exterior surface, the sleeve is situated on the exterior surface of the first container to create a grip. In still another further embodiment, the sleeve is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting essentially of plastic, rubber, synthetics, silicone, polymers, fabric, metal, ceramic, insulated materials and combinations thereof. In still yet another further embodiment, the first container has a stepped positioning portion adapted to position the sleeve.
In another embodiment, the first container comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall thereby forming an interior space, the interior space forms a storage compartment.
In yet another embodiment, the first container comprises access to the interior space, the access allows for the insertion elements in between the first and second sidewalls. In still another embodiment, the elements are selected from a group consisting essentially of thermal element, decorative element, utensils, implements, napkins, wipes and combinations thereof. In still yet another embodiment, the thermal element is configured to remain hot when heated and remain cold when chilled.
In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a container system comprising: a first container comprising a topside, an opening adjacent to the topside leading to a cavity, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls thereby form an interior space configured for storage; and a second container having a topside opening, a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the top portion of said second container is adapted to fit on said topside of the first container thereby enclosing the opening of the first container, the bottom portion of the second container is adapted to be situated within the cavity of the first container, the top portion of the second container being slanted.
In yet a further embodiment, the system further comprises at least one lid is pivotally attached to a portion of the top portion of the second container, and the pivotally attached lid is adapted to close the topside opening of the second container during a first closed position, and the pivotally attached lid is adapted to open and contact at least a portion of the sidewalls of the first container during a second opened position.
In another further embodiment, the present invention relates to a container system comprising: a first container comprising a topside, an opening adjacent to the topside leading to a cavity, sidewalls with double wall construction, wherein said double walled construction forms an interior space comprising a storage compartment; and a second container having a topside opening, a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the top portion of said second container is adapted to fit on said topside of the first container thereby enclosing the opening of the first container, the bottom portion of the second container is adapted to be situated within the cavity of the first container, the top portion of the second container being slanted; and at least one lid is pivotally attached to a portion of the top portion of the second container, and the pivotally attached lid is adapted to close the topside opening of the second container during a first closed position, and the pivotally attached lid is adapted to open and contact at least a portion of the sidewalls of the first container during a second opened position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of one of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is frontal and top view of one of the embodiments of the present invention with out grip and showing the stepped positioning portion;

FIG. 3 is a frontal and top view of one of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a frontal, side, top and perspective view of one of the embodiments of the present invention with a domed lid;

FIG. 5 is a frontal, side, top and perspective view of one of the embodiments of the present invention with first and second side wall construction of the first container.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
FIG. 1 depicts a container system with a first container 1 comprising sidewalls 2, a topside 3, an opening 4 leading to a cavity 5. It further depicts a second container 6 having a topside opening 7 (not shown), a top portion 8, and a bottom portion 9. At least a portion of the bottom portion 9 of the second container 6 is adapted to be situated inside the cavity 5 of the first container 1.
FIG. 2 depicts the container system wherein the first container 1 has a stepped positioning portion 15 adapted to position a sleeve 14 but with no sleeve 14 on the exterior surface of the first container.
FIG. 3 depicts the container system wherein the first container 1 has a sleeve 14 positioned by the stepped positioning portion 15.
FIGS. 2 & 3 further depict the top portion 8 of the second container resting on said topside 3 of the first container 1, and it shows the bottom potion 9 of the second container 6 inside the cavity 5 of the first container 1. The figures show that the top portion 8 is slanted, having a low point and a high point. The figures also show the slanted top portion 8 of the second container having a hinge 11 at the low point of the top portion, and the straw 13 sticking out of the aperture 12 (not shown) of the top portion 8 at the high portion. The figures further show a lid 10 pivotally attached by a hinge 11 to the top portion 8 of the second container 6.
FIG. 4 depicts a container system with a domed lid 10. The figure further depicts a hinge 11 is formed by mating an integral hinge feature 19 protruding from edge of lid 10 with an integral hinge feature 18 a and 18 b extending from the top portion 8 of the second container 6.
FIG. 5 depicts a container system a first container having a first sidewall 2 a and second sidewall 2 b, first sidewall 2 a and second sidewall 2 b form an interior space 16 for storage. The figure further depicts an element 17 stored in the interior space 16 between sidewalls 2 a and 2 b.
The consumption of small foodstuffs or comestibles, such as snack items, is frequently accompanied by consumption of a drink to quench the thirst. During certain activities, it would be advantageous to enable a person to hold a single container system to house both a snack and a drink. The snack should be kept separate from the liquid to prevent the snack from growing soggy and to prevent commingling of the snack and the drink. In addition, the system should provide for easy access to both the drink and the snack when in use, but minimize the chance for spills or leaks if the device is accidentally tipped.
One embodiment of the invention is to provide a single container system to house both a food item and a drink item without the drink item coming into contact with the food item. Such an embodiment provides for a single system which contains a food item and a drink item, and which can be easily held in a person's first hand, leaving the person's second hand free to aid in eating the food item. Such an embodiment further provides a single device to house both a drink item and a food item which minimizes the amount of food item or drink item released if the device is accidentally tipped.
The invented system includes a first container 1 for containing a drink item in liquid form, a second container 6 for containing a snack item or other food item, a lid 10 for closing the second container 6, a straw 13 for accessing the drink item without removing the second container 6, a sealing means to prevent the liquid from spilling from the first container 1 if the system is tipped, and a gripping region or sleeve 14. The second container 6 is configured to be secured to the top portion 3 of the first container 1 to form an assembled system and, simultaneously, substantially seal the first container 1 to prevent escape of a liquid contained in the first container 1. The straw 13 is configured with a means to prevent the straw 13 from being pulled completely out of the system when the system is fully assembled. A cap or plug may be placed over, or within, the exposed end of the straw to minimize leaking if the system is accidentally tipped. The gripping region 14 may be integral to the formation of the first container 1, such as through texturing of the outer surface of the first container 1, or by adding a separate material with higher friction coefficient, such as TPR, TPE, other elastomeric material, paint, or other surface coating. If an additional material for the gripping region 14 is used, the additional material may comprise a separate part that is attached to the first container 1 or the additional material may be co-molded with, over-molded on, or coated on the first container 1. Similarly a gripping region 14 may be established on the outer surface, or some portion of the outer surface, of the second container 6. The gripping region 14 may also serve a decorative purpose through color and other artistic design choices. In an embodiment, the gripping region 14 is created by an elastomeric band which is stretched around at least a portion of the exterior surface of the first container 1. In an embodiment, the gripping region 14 comprises an elastomeric band which includes a feature, such as a channel, for retaining at least one eating utensil, such as a spoon, fork, knife, flat stick, or other implement.
In an embodiment the first container 1 is in the form of a truncated cone with flat ends and a circular transverse cross-section, wherein the diameter at the topside 3 of the cup is greater than the diameter at the base of the cup and wherein the vertical height of the cup is larger than the diameter at the topside 3 of the cup. The first container 1 may, however employ other shapes including, without limitation, substantially cylindrical, pyramidal, or elongated rectangular forms. Cross-sections may be in nearly any geometric shape, including that of a circle, oval, rectangle, square, triangle, polygon, etc. The first container 1 comprises a vertical sidewall 2 with a topside 3, a bottom wall 17, and an opening 4 defining a volume of space or cavity 5 below the topside 3 and within the confines of the inner surface of the sidewall 2 and the inner surface of the bottom wall 16. The outer surface of the bottom wall 17 may, but need not, entirely rest on a flat surface when the first container 1 is in its normal vertical orientation.
The first container 1 may be made from a transparent, translucent, or opaque material and may also be made from a plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or other suitable material. In some embodiments the first container 1 is made from a metal, glass, or ceramic material to alter its physical properties, including thermal coefficient. The first container 1 may be constructed from a combination of materials, where different elements of the first container 1, for example the sidewall 2 and bottom wall 17, are made from different materials.
In one embodiment, the first container 1 includes a bottom wall 17 and a substantially circular flange wall extending below the bottom wall 17, such that the bottom wall is elevated above any surface on which the first container 1 rests (as shown in FIG. 1). The combination of the elevated bottom wall 17 and the flange wall provides a recess for installation of an optional light module which can illuminate the first container 1 and its contents. The bottom surface of the bottom wall 17 comprises a series of ridges and valleys arranged to provide a scattering effect to the light emitted by the light module. Mounting posts project downward from the bottom of the bottom wall 17 for receiving screws to secure the light module when it is optionally installed. The flange wall need not be circular and may be constructed to conform to or complement the cross-sectional shape of the first container 1 side walls.
In one embodiment, the second container 6 is configured to nest inside the first container 1, with the sides of the first container 1 extending substantially above the bottom wall of the second container 6 and ending near a top portion 8 of the second container 6 when the second container 6 is fully seated in the cavity 5 of the first container 1. A gasket between the bottom of the second container 6 and the topside 3 of the sidewall seals the first container 1 to prevent liquid from escaping the first container 1 if the system is tipped. In this embodiment, the second container 6 is secured to the first container 1 with a threaded engagement to draw the second container 6 toward the top surface of the first container 1 and in the process compress the gasket for better sealing.
In an embodiment, the bottom portion 9 of the second container 6 is proximal to the topside 3 of the first container 1 such that a substantial majority of the second container 6 is above the topside 3 of the first container 1. The second container 6 comprises a sidewall, a bottom portion 9, a top opening 7, and an interior region for containing a food item. The bottom portion 9 may appear domed, flat, or have other geometry when viewed in cross-section. In an embodiment, the exterior of the bottom portion 9 is substantially flat or slightly concave to enable the second container 6 to rest with good stability on a flat horizontal surface when not attached to the first container 1.
The second container 6 may further include a lid 10 which is hinged 11 in one region of the perimeter so that the lid may be fully opened yet remain attached to the second container 6. In a further embodiment, the hinge maybe formed by mating an integral hinge feature protruding from the edge of lid with an integral hinge feature extending from the top portion of the second container. The hinge 11 is configured such that the lid may swing past 180° from the closed position to the open position and preferably past 270°. This allows the top of the lid 10 to contact the outside surface the sidewall 2 of the first container 1 when fully opened, minimizing the total area needed around the system when the lid 10 is open. The second container 6 lid 10 may secure in the closed position using a friction fit, a snap fit with catches, a latching means, or other securing or locking means to hold the snack lid 10 closed, regardless of the second container 6 orientation. In one embodiment the second container 6 lid 10 is slightly dome shaped to increase the total volume of the second container 6 and to provide extra strength to the lid 10. In an embodiment, the second container 6 secures to the first container 1 using a threaded engagement. In an embodiment, the second container 6 is configured to secure to the first container 1 using a snap fit engagement.
Although the second container 6 lid 10 described includes a hinged attachment 11, it may be advantageous in some embodiments for the lid 10 to be constructed in a manner that provides for easy removal of the lid 10 from the second container 6, whether hinged or not. Separation of the lid 10 and second container 6 would, among other things, provide for easier cleaning of the second container 6 and lid 10. Where it is advantageous for the lid 10 to be retained with the second container 6, retention via a flexible member, such as a string or elastomeric material, may be employed in place of a hinge. In an embodiment, the lid 10 is configured to be easily assembled or removed from the second container 6 using a snap fit engagement.
The second container 6 includes a aperture 12 for a straw 13 to be installed, and in one embodiment the aperture 12 includes a compressible region, or gasket, to seal against the outside wall of the straw 13 in order to minimize leaking if the system is tipped. The straw 13 is inserted from the underside of the second container 6 and the straw 13 may include an enlarged region on the straw 13 which prevents the straw 13 from being pulled completely through the aperture 12 in the second container 6. A straw 13 without an enlarged region may be installed through the hole from the top side or the bottom side. The second container 6 wall may include a bump, rib, or other feature to separate the interior, food retaining region of the second container 6 from the aperture 12 for the straw 13. The lid 10 may include a corresponding feature, such as a notch or rib, in its perimeter to close off the interior region of the second container 6 without contacting the straw 13. A notch would permit opening and closing of the second container 6 lid without interfering with the aperture 12, or straw 13, in the second container 6.
In an embodiment the aperture 12 for the straw 13 exits the second container 6 below the top portion 8 of the second container 6 through the second container 6 side wall. This configuration enables the second container 6 lid 10 to completely cover the top portion 8 of the second container 6. In this configuration, the second container 6 lid 10 may be made to seal to the inside surface of the second container 6 side wall, the top portion of the second container 6 wall, or the outer surface of the second container 6 wall. If the second container 6 is made with a separate rim, the lid 10 may seal to the rim in the manner described above regarding the second container 6 wall.
Alternatively, the second container 6 may include a notch or recess in a portion of its exterior wall for insertion of a straw 13 into the first container 1 outside of the second container 6 wall.
In an embodiment, the straw 13 comprises flexible tubing, which may be bent yet still retain a passageway for liquid to pass through. The straw 13 constructed in this manner may be coiled or otherwise stored inside the first container 1, second container 6, under the second container 6 lid 10, or in a recess in the exterior bottom of the first container 1 when the system is not in use. In an embodiment the straw 13 is constructed with a series of flexible sections, so the straw 13 may be compressed along its axis for storage and then expanded along its axis for use. The straw 13 may also incorporate a series of telescoping sections which enable the straw 13 to be collapsed along its axis for storage and expanded along its axis for use. The straw 13 may also include a flattened region on one end so that it may be employed as a spoon for certain foodstuffs. This may be especially useful when there is a desire to combine the snack and drink at the time of consumption, but keep them isolated until such time. The flattened region of the straw 13 could aid in eating such combined items as cereal and milk, soda and ice cream, hot chocolate and marshmallows, water and fruit pieces, or other food and drink combinations.
The second container 6 may also be configured with an integrated channel forming a drinking opening in a portion of the second container 6 such that liquid may directly pass through the channel without the need for a straw. The user may drink directly from the drinking opening by tipping the first container 1 as one would normally drink from a glass or cup. A recess and rim may be formed around the drinking opening at the top edge of the second container 6 to assist in drinking without spilling, with the channel opening into the recess.
Liquid not consumed when taking a drink may drain back into the recess, through the channel, and back into the first container 1 after a drink is taken. The top of the second container 6 and second container 6 lid are preferably angled relative to the top surface of the first container 1, with the highest portion of the second container 6 wall closest to the straw 13 or drinking opening and sloping downward on the opposite side of the second container 6 from the straw or drinking opening. In embodiments where the user drinks directly from an opening in the second container 6, the downward slope of the second container 6 lid 10 away from the opening provides extra clearance for the user's nose when drinking.
In an embodiment, the second container 6 is constructed from two primary pieces, a bottom portion 9 and a top portion 8. The bottom portion 9 comprises a top opening, side perimeter wall, and a bottom wall. The side perimeter wall includes a lip at the top with a channel to receive a portion of the top rim during construction. Normally the side perimeter wall and bottom wall would be integral, formed from a continuous molding, casting, or drawing process. The top rim may be glued, welded, or otherwise attached to the bottom bowl during construction. A sealing element, such as a gasket, may be included to seal the interface where the bottom bowl and top rim come together. Threads or other engagement features may be molded or formed on the exterior surface of the second container 6 perimeter wall for interface with appropriate mating features on the first container 1. The top rim of the second container 6 may include features for retaining the second container 6 lid 10, such as hinge attachment(s) 11, and recesses, catches, or latches to retain the lid in the closed position. The second container 6 lid 10 may be held in the closed position by friction via an interference fit between a portion of the lid and a portion of the second container 6. Alternatively, the lid 10 may be retained in the closed position using moving latches, catches, or other securing means. The hinge attachment 11 may be a single point of engagement, or may employ multiple points and preferably be formed with the rest of the top rim during molding or casting. Alternatively, the hinge 11 features may be added through an additional component or a secondary manufacturing process.
The second container 6 lid 10 may include a tab to provide a convenient feature for the user to lift up the lid 10. The tab may protrude beyond the outer perimeter of the second container 6 top rim, or the rim may include a depression or other feature(s) to make it easy for the user to get one or more fingers below the lid 10 for easy opening. In embodiments where the lid 10 is retained by a means other than friction, a button or other mechanical release may be provided to make the lid 10 easier to open. In an embodiment, a spring is employed between the lid 10 and the second container 6 to urge the lid 10 into an open position when a release is activated; thereby enabling the user to open the lid 10 using the same hand that is holding the snack system.
In an embodiment, the second container 6 is configured for selective attachment or insertion of a thermal element with high thermal mass to provide longer term heating or cooling of its contents. In this embodiment, the bottom wall is constructed to have high thermal conductivity either through material choice or by minimizing its thickness. The thermal element with high thermal mass, such as a fluid filled container, is retained in physical contact with the bottom wall. The thermal element may be chilled or heated to keep the snack in the second container 6 cold or hot respectively. In an embodiment, the second container 6 is constructed to have high thermal mass so that it may be chilled or heated to provide cooling or heating, respectively, of its contents for an extended period of time. In similar fashion, the first container 1 may be constructed for selective attachment of a thermal element or it may be constructed to have a high thermal mass.
The system may include a threaded or snap fit first container 1 lid to substantially seal the first container 1 when the second container 6 is not attached to the first container 1. In this manner the second container 6 may be used separately from the first container 1. The first container 1 lid may then be removed and the second container 6 attached to the first container 1 for added portability or ease of consumption of the drink and snack.
In normal use, the user would pour the liquid drink into the first container 1, leaving enough space between the top of the liquid and the top of the first container 1 for the second container 6 to fit. The straw 13 would be inserted into the hole in the second container 6, from the bottom of the hole upwards through the top of the hole until the straw 13 at least protrudes above the top of the second container 6 rim. The second container 6 and straw 13 assembly would then be attached to the first container 1. Food may be added to the second container 6 before or after attachment to the first container 1. If desired, the straw 13 may be capped or plugged and the lid closed on the second container 6 to minimize spillage if the system is tipped or knocked over. The system provides a convenient way for the user to consume the food and beverage. The user may conveniently hold the system in one hand and open the snack lid 10 for accessing a food item with the other hand, which may easily be consumed. When the user desires a drink, the system may be lifted to the user's face so the user can withdraw the drink through the straw. When drinking, there is no need for the user to set down, or even close, the second container 6, since the user does not need to tip the first container 1 to take a drink.
In an embodiment, the system further includes a spoon to aid the user in consuming a food item which is in more of a colloidal, suspension or semi-liquid state, for example, and without limitation, apple sauce, chili, milk shake, ice cream, Jello™ or other food in non-solid form. The spoon would also be advantageous for eating a food, even in solid form, which is likely to leave a residue on the fingers due to some coating or liquid on the food, such as, and without limitation, powdered sugar, honey, seasonings, milk on cereal, or other coated foodstuffs. The spoon may be designed to be inserted or attached to another component of the system, such as the first container 1, second container 6, or second container 6 lid, either directly or with an additional element added such as an elastic band, a hook, or other retaining means. For example, the spoon may be retained by a feature in the side wall of the first container 1, a slot or other provision in the second container 6, or a feature in the second container 6 lid. In one embodiment the spoon is designed to fold and be retained by a holding feature, such as a clip or rail, in the second container 6 lid or in a recess on the bottom of the first container 1. In an embodiment, the spoon is positioned in a channel on the outside surface of the first container 1 and retained by an elastomeric material. The channel may be recessed into the outer surface of the first container 1 or may be formed by rails or other features on the first container 1 outer surface.
To further aid in portability and stowage for eating utensils, the first container 1 may be designed with a first sidewall 2 a and a second sidewall 2 b forming an interior space 16 between the two sidewalls 2 a, 2 b for eating utensils to be stored when transporting the system. The first sidewall 2 a would define a drink region for containing the drink and the eating utensils would be stowed between the first sidewall 2 a and second sidewall 2 b. In this manner, the eating utensils would be fully enclosed within the system when the second container 6 or the first container 1 lid was installed. When the user is ready to consume the food with the aid of the utensils, the first container 1 would be opened and the utensils retrieved. This would ensure the utensils could be kept clean until the user was ready to use them.
The first container 1, second container 6, and second container 6 lid may selectively be, or may all be, made using a thermally insulating construction to limit thermal transfer between the comestibles and ambient air. This may be done through selection of materials with low thermal conductivity, for example foamed plastics, or through multiple walls separated by additional insulating materials, which could be solids such as Styrofoam, or gasses, such as air. The insulating construction may be used to help hot drink items and/or hot food items retain their heat longer or alternatively keep cold items cold longer. In an embodiment, an insulated first container 1 includes a first sidewall 2 a and a second sidewall 2 b separated by an air gap. The first sidewall 2 a and second sidewall 2 b are formed to meet and seal together near the top of the insulated first container 1. Other than the region in which the two walls are joined, there is substantially no physical contact between the two walls, creating a cup within a cup, with the inner cup surrounded by an air gap.
The mechanism including, but limited to the device for moving the movable element and the pivoting mechanism can be used and interchanged to form various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container system comprising:

a first container comprising sidewalls, a topside, an opening adjacent to said topside leading to a cavity;

a second container having a topside opening, a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said second container is adapted to fit on said topside of said first container thereby enclosing said opening of said first container, said bottom portion of said second container is adapted to be situated within said cavity of said first container, said top portion of said second container being slanted; and

at least one lid being pivotally attached to a portion of said top portion of said second container, said pivotally attached lid is adapted to close said topside opening of said second container during a first closed position, said pivotally attached lid is adapted to open and contact at least a portion of said sidewalls of said first container during a second opened position.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said second container comprises at least one hinge situated on said top portion of said second container, at least a portion of said lid is attached to said hinge.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said hinge is formed by mating an integral hinge feature protruding from edge of lid with an integral hinge feature extending from said top portion of said second container.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said lid moves from said first closed portion to said second open position at an angle greater than 180 degrees.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said lid moves from said first closed portion to said second open position at an angles from about 0 degrees to about 270 degrees.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said lid is removable.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said lid is dome shaped.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said slanted top portion of said second container creates a high point and a low point.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said hinge is situated at said low point of said slanted top portion of said second container.

10. The system of claim 8 further comprises an aperture proximal to said high point of said slanted top portion of said second container, such that said top portion slants away from a user's face when drinking from the aperture.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said aperture leads to said cavity of said first container.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a straw having top and bottom ends, said straw adapted to fit within said aperture and said bottom end of said straw is adapted to be situated within said cavity of said first container.

13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve, said first container having an exterior surface, said sleeve is situated on said exterior surface of said first container to create a grip.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said sleeve is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting essentially of plastic, rubber, synthetics, silicone, polymers, fabric, metal, ceramic, insulated materials and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein said first container has a stepped positioning portion adapted to position said sleeve.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein said first container comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from said first sidewall thereby forming an interior space, said interior space forming a storage compartment.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein said first container includes access to said interior space access configured to allow insertion of at least one element in between said first and second sidewalls.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said at least one element is selected from a group consisting essentially of thermal element, decorative element, utensils, implements, napkins, wipes and combinations thereof.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said thermal element is configured to remain hot when heated and cold when chilled.

20. A container system comprising:

a first container comprising, a topside, an opening adjacent to said topside leading to a cavity, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, said first and second sidewalls thereby form an interior space configured for storage; and

a second container having a topside opening, a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said second container is adapted to fit on said topside of said first container thereby enclosing said opening of said first container, said bottom portion of said second container is adapted to be situated within said cavity of said first container, said top portion of said second container being slanted.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein said first container first container includes access to said interior space access configured to allow insertion of at least one element in between said first and second sidewalls, wherein said at least one element is selected from a group consisting essentially of thermal element, decorative element, utensils, implements, napkins, wipes and combinations thereof.

22. The system of claim 20 further comprises at least one lid being pivotally attached to a portion of said top portion of said second container, said pivotally attached lid is adapted to close said topside opening of said second container during a first closed position, said pivotally attached lid is adapted to open and contact at least a portion of said sidewalls of said first container during a second opened position.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein said hinge is formed by mating an integral hinge feature protruding from edge of lid with an integral hinge feature extending from said top portion of said second container.

24. The system of claim 20 wherein said top portion of said second container has an exterior perimeter, at least a portion of said hinge is situated beyond the exterior perimeter of said top portion of said second container.

25. A container system comprising:

a first container comprising a topside, an opening adjacent to said topside and a cavity, sidewalls with double wall construction, wherein said double walled construction forms an interior space comprising a storage compartment;

a second container having a topside opening, a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said top portion of said second container is adapted to fit on said topside of said first container thereby enclosing said opening of said first container, said bottom portion of said second container is adapted to be situated within said cavity of said first container, said top portion of said second container being slanted; and