WO2002098764A1

WO2002098764A1 - Dippable hard candy enclosed confectionery and self-sealing cap

Info

Publication number: WO2002098764A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/017877
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brad Baker; Gerald A. Sciarini; Daniel G. Hart; Gary D. Weiss
Original assignee: Impact Confections, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-06-04
Filing date: 2002-06-04
Publication date: 2002-12-12
Also published as: WO2002098764B1

Abstract

A confectionery set comprising a top portion (102), a lower portion (104), a flowable confectionery disposed within either the top portion (102), the lower portion (104), or both, and a hard candy or coatable item (110) extending from the upper portion (102) into the lower portion (104) to dip into the flowable confectionery. The preferred shape of the confectionery set is a soda-pop bottle. A self-sealing rotatable cap (120) is also disclosed for confectionery products.

Description

DIPPABLE HARD CANDY ENCLOSED CONFECTIONERY AND SELF-SEALING CAP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Applications entitled;

"Soda Bottle Confectionery," SN 09/874,440, filed June 4, 2001; "Soda Bottle Confectionery," Serial No. 10/072,179, filed February 5, 2002; "Self-Sealing Cap with Spring and Post," Serial No. 09/072,269, filed February 5, 2002; "Confectionery With Body, Handle and Container," Serial No. 09/874,446, filed June 4, 2001; "Soda Bottle With Open Top," Serial No. 09/874,447, filed June 4, 2001; and "Self-Sealing Cap," Serial No. 09/874,448, filed June 4, 2001; and to U.S. Design Patent Applications entitled "Alien Head for Confectionery Product," Serial No. 29/142,921 , filed June 4, 2001 ; "Alien Head for Confectionery Product," Serial No. 29/142,928, filed June 4, 2001 ; "Alien Head for Confectionery Product," Serial No. 29/142,929, filed June 4, 2001; "Alien Head for Confectionery Product," Serial No. 29/142,930, filed June 4, 2001 ; and "Alien Body for Confectionery Product," Serial No. 29/142,932, filed June 4, 2001 , and the specifications and drawings thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and of the related applications listed above contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention (Technical Field):

The present invention relates to a soda bottle or shaped confectionery, including openable items with rotatable, self-sealing caps. Background Art:

The confectionery industry uses a variety of tools or utensils to facilitate extraction of a candy material from a reservoir. For instance, the following design patents disclose candy dipping tools: U.S. Patent No. Des. 264,298, entitled "Candy Dipping Tool," to Guttman, issued May 11 , 1982, discloses a candy dipping tool with an elongated handle and a loop end; U.S. Patent No.

Des. 264,169, entitled "Candy Dipping Tool," to Guttman, issued May 4, 1982, discloses a candy dipping tool having an elongated handle and a forked end comprising two prongs; and U.S. Patent No. Des. 264,038, entitled "Candy Dipping Tool," to Guttman, issued April 27, 1982, discloses a candy dipping tool having an elongated handle and a spiral end for candy dipping. Another patent, U.S. Patent No. 2,281 ,267, entitled "Eating Utensil," to Chapman, issued April 28, 1942, discloses eating utensils wherein the food-holding portion of the eating utensil contains a layer of edible flavored material.

The dipping of a foodstuff directly into another foodstuff is relatively common practice in food manufacturing, food service, and amongst consumers in general. The following patents disclose matter germane to these practices:

U.S. Patent No. 5,676,990, entitled "Method of Food Article Dipping and Whipping in a

Condiment Container," to Wawrzynski, issued October 14, 1997, discloses a method for removing excess condiment from a food article. The method has three steps: manipulating, inserting and removing. In the first step, manipulating, a slit is formed in a container containing the condiment. In the next step, inserting, the food article is inserted through the slit into the condiment container. The final step entails removing the food article from the container. As the food article is removed from the container, excess condiment is stripped off the food article as it passes through the slit.

U.S. Patent No. 3,312,555, entitled "Handle-Anchored Formed Sugar Block and Method of

Producing Same," to Rossi et al., issued April 4, 1967, discloses a handle-anchored formed sugar block for stirring a beverage in a container. The purpose of the apparatus is to sugar-sweeten beverages.

U.S. Patent No. 1,718,997 entitled "Frozen Confection," to Burt, issued July 2, 1929, discloses a frozen confection substantially in the shape of a rectangular block attached to a stick handle. The confection may contain an edible shell composed of any suitable material such as chocolate, which will provide a relatively hard outer surface at normal temperatures. When chocolate is used, the frozen body portion is preferably dipped in the heated chocolate in substantially the same way that other candies and confections are dipped.

U.S. Patent No. 5,370,884, entitled "Combination Sucker and Edible Powder," to Coleman, issued December 6, 1994, discloses a confectionery apparatus having a top plastic cap for housing a hard candy sucker and a lower plastic container for housing a powder or granular candy. After removing the top cap, the hard candy is moistened and then dipped into the powder or granular candy. A similar product is marketed by The Topps Company, Inc., under the name "Baby Bottle Pop™".

U.S. Patent No. 3,840,678, entitled "Edible Spooning Device," to Price, issued October 8, 1974, discloses an edible product having food receiving cavities for spooning and consuming foodstuff.

Confectioneries having a shape of a non-edible are disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. Des. 269,559, entitled "Confection on a Stick," to Sellares, issued July 5, 1983, discloses a confection on a stick shaped in the form a fist with an extended index finger; U.S. Patent No. Des. 260,045, entitled "Frozen Confection or Similar Article," to Frankel et al., issued August 4, 1981 , discloses a frozen confection or similar article that is in the shape of a foot; U.S. Patent No. Des. 177,206, entitled "Confection," to Babcock, issued March 27, 1956, discloses a tube piece confection shaped substantially like a spoon wherein the spoon end portion comprises a confection; U.S. Patent No. Des. 92,473, entitled "Lollipop or Similar Article," to Keller, issued June 12, 1934, discloses a lollipop or similar article in the shape of a mug with over-flowing froth; U.S. Patent No. Des. 62,611 , entitled "Hard Candy Confection," to Hochstraser, issued July 3, 1923, discloses a hard candy confection having the shape of a face; and U.S. Patent No. 16,030, entitled "Candy or Confection," to Schwarzschild and Greenfield, issued April 7, 1885, discloses a candy or confectionery in the shape of a broom wherein both the whisk and handle portion comprise the confectionery.

Food products, comprising multiple foodstuffs, having at least one discrete compartment that allows for or facilitates mixing are disclosed in the following patents:

U.S. Patent No. 3,413,128, entitled "Bottle," to Steinbarth et al, issued November 26, 1968, discloses a bottle having two container portions. One container is designed to hold a liquid, such as an alcoholic beverage, while the other container is designed to hold a granular solid, such as salt.

U.S. Patent No. 1 ,889,882, entitled "Container for Food Products," to Woods, issued December 6, 1932, discloses a container for food products that has at least two sections. The sections hold different food products and can be opened to allow co-mingling of the different food products.

U.S. Patent No. 1 ,983,685, entitled "Receptacle for Food Products," to Townsley, issued December 11 , 1934, discloses a receptacle for holding food products having a main bag portion and an auxiliary compartment. The auxiliary compartment is designed to contain a dry flavoring material. The auxiliary compartment may be opened such that the material contained within that compartment mixes with the material in the main bag portion.

U.S. Patent No. 2,647,681 , entitled "Seasoning Dispenser," to Paoli, issued August 4, 1953, discloses a package for bulk food such as potatoes or popcorn having a separate compartment for seasoning.

U.S. Patent No. 2,824,010, entitled "Flavor-Containing Milk Container Top," to Pedersen, issued February 18, 1958, discloses a flavor-containing milk container top that affixes to a glass milk bottle, plastic milk bottle, or a carton milk container. The flavoring ingredients are released from the receptacle in the milk container top such that they mix with the milk.

Non-food products, having multiple components, having at least one discrete compartment that allows for or facilitates mixing are disclosed in the following patents:

U.S. Patent No. 2,832,981 , entitled "Device for Applying Liquid Adhesive or the Like," to Breuhan, issued May 6, 1958, discloses a flexible-bodied container for liquid adhesive paint. The device also has a brush that can be in either an inverted or extended position. In the extended position, liquid from the container flows through the bristles of the brush for application. In the inverted position, the brush is in contact with the liquid in the container or the gaseous environment created by the liquid in the container such that the bristles do not harden.

U.S. Patent No. 3,386,792, entitled "Paint Kit," to Ireland, issued June 4, 1968, discloses a device with a paintbrush and an integral container for paint. The paint container is housed on one end of the device while the paintbrush is positioned at the other end. The Lollipop Paint Shop product, made by Impact Confections, Inc., has a separate paintbrush hard candy portion, that is dipped into confectionery in a paint can portion.

None of these references disclose a confectionery in the shape of a soda bottle wherein the top attaches to the bottom, and a candy extends into the bottom into a flowable confectionery. None of these references disclose a self-sealing cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION) The present invention is a confectionery set for dipping a hard candy into a flowable confectionery. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a container having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions are removably attachable to each other. The lower portion comprises a reservoir, and at least one of said upper and lower portions includes a flowable confectionery. The upper portion additionally comprises a solid edible candy extending downward from the upper portion into the lower portion (when the upper and lower portions are attached to each other).

Optionally, the upper portion may comprise a reservoir, wherein the flowable confectionery is disposed within the upper portion reservoir. In such embodiments, the upper portion will additionally have an opening. When an opening is present, the upper portion may have a removable, rotatable, and/or a self-sealing cap covering the opening. The flowable confectionery is dispensed through the opening when the upper portion is open.

The upper portion also comprises a lower surface having at least one element which provides a lower surface on which to dispose a solid edible. The upper portion may comprise an insert for attachment of the stem. In such cases, the insert may be removably insertable into the upper portion. A lower edge of the upper portion may engage with an upper edge of the lower portion. These portions may be engaged with a set of mating attachment elements, which may comprise a ' set of mating twist attachment elements. Such elements may comprise at least one correlating set of ridges and grooves.

The flowable confectionery of the confectionery set may comprise a luminiferous confectionery, a gas-generating or gas-releasing confectionery, a fluid, and/or a fluid having viscoelastic rheological properties.

The invention is also directed to a self-sealing cap assembly. The cap assembly preferably comprises a cap, an aperture through the cap, and a spring. The aperture provides an opening for a bottle or other container. This cap assembly is particularly useful for the confectionery products, as described herein, but can be used for any container with a fluid, or removable solids.

The cap assembly has a resting position wherein the opening is closed by lack of alignment of the cap aperture and the opening. The cap assembly and the container preferably have an open position when the opening is aligned with the cap assembly aperture. The cap assembly is rotatable by a user exerting force on the cap assembly from the resting position about the object or container to align the opening with the cap assembly aperture in the open position, thereby allowing material from the object to pass through both the opening and the cap assembly aperture. The spring of the cap assembly provides automatic counter rotation of the cap assembly back to the original position to thereby close the opening after the user removes force from the cap assembly.

The cap assembly optionally comprises a central post about which the spring is disposed. The cap optionally comprises a thumb wedge, and one end of the spring may be disposed in the thumb wedge. The cap assembly may further comprise at least one rim upon which the spring is stopped in rotation. The spring may be housed in a recess in the cap assembly, and may have a fixed end and a rotatable end. The cap assembly may also comprise at least one stop for the fixed end of the spring and at least one stop for the rotatable end of the spring. Optionally, the cap may comprise two stops wherein the fixed end of the spring is disposed therebetween. Further, the cap may comprise two stops, an open position stop and a closed position stop, and the rotatable end of the spring is rotatable therebetween. Optionally, the rotatable end of the spring may be engageable for rotation and counter-rotation by a post extending from an underside of the cap. The cap assembly may be rotatable about a central axis of the cap. Further, the central axis of the cap may be coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the object.

The cap assembly may optionally comprise an o-ring disposed in relation to at least one of the cap aperture and the opening, one of which may comprise a circular opening.

The thumb wedge may comprise a surface for applying rotational force, and may comprise a vertical element and/or horizontal elements, wherein the vertical element may comprise a height approximately equal to the height of said cap. Further, the thumb wedge may comprise outer curved surfaces for applying the rotational force.

The spring may disposed around the central post and may comprise a fixed end and a rotatable end. Optionally, the fixed end is straight for disposition between the stops, and optionally, the rotatable end is curved for engagement with a post.

The cap optionally comprises knurls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the confectionery set in a closed position;

Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1 embodiment in an open position, depicting the rotatable cap;

Fig. 3 is a top view of the Fig. 1 embodiment, depicting the rotatable cap;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the cap assembly depicting the thumb wedge elements of the cap of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a side view of an alternate elongated cap;

Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the Fig. 5 cap embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a top view of a cap assembly without the cap;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a bottle, depicting the cap assembly of Fig. 7 without the cap;

Fig. 9 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a cap assembly without a cap;

Fig. 10 is a side view of a bottle, depicting the attachment area of the upper and lower positions;

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the Fig. 10 upper portion;

Fig. 12 is a side view of an alternate attachment configuration to Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a side view of an upper portion of a bottle, depicting a removable insert with stem; Fig. 14 is a side view of an alternate bottle embodiment;

Fig. 15 is a side view of an alternate bottle embodiment; and

Fig. 16 is a side view of an upper portion of a bottle, depicting a fixed insert with stem having sidewalls and protrusions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION)

The present invention is a confectionery product in the shape of a bottle, preferably an old- time soda pop bottle, including embodiments with a cap/lid.

Several non-limiting embodiments of the container of the present invention are shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view of the preferred bottle-shaped container 100 of the present invention comprising an upper portion (also referred to as a reservoir) 102 and a lower portion (also referred to as a reservoir) 104. Bottle container 100 is attachable and separable at a juncture between upper portion 102 and lower portion 104. Lower portion 104 and/or upper portion 102 contain a flowable confectionery 103, preferably a powder or liquid. A hard confectionery, as shown in Fig. 14, is attached to upper portion 102 and extends into lower portion 104. The hard confectionery is then wetted (e.g., licked) and dipped into the flowable confectionery 103. Upper portion 102 serves as a handle in dipping the hard confectionery. Bottle container 100 may further comprise a cap 120.

Closed Caps In one embodiment, cap 120 is integral to upper portion 102 and does not open upper portion.

Open Caps

In a preferred embodiment, cap 120 is openable to upper portion 102. In such embodiments, upper portion 102 further comprises a cavity, or container, in which flowable confectionery 103 is also preferably disposed for containment. In these embodiments, confectionery 103 may be poured from open upper portion 102 into lower portion 104 for dipping, either initially or to replace used confectionery 103. Confectionery 103 may comprise different confections in upper portion 102 and lower portion 104, e.g., different flavors. Further, cap 120 may be of any configuration, such as a twist-on lid, but other types of caps, such as metal crimped, snap-on lid, form fit lid, integral lid with confectionery-access opening and the like may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

Self-Sealing Caps

Fig. 2 is a side view of a bottle-shaped container 100 of the present invention utilizing an attached self-sealing cap. Figs. 2-7 show the preferred self-sealing cap 1020 of the present invention, comprising a rotating cap 1020 on bottle 100 or other object, as shown in the drawings. Cap 1020 is part of a cap assembly. Cap 1020 comprises a central aperture 1032 to fix cap 1020 to bottle 100. A screw 1026 passes through central aperture 1032 and may also pass through post 1617. Alternatively, cap assembly is integral with the bottle or other object. Cap 1020 is rotatable about a central axis of screw 1026, which is preferably, but optionally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of bottle 100. Rotatable cap 1020 further comprises an off-center aperture 1028 that is positioned to allow for removal of material (e.g., a flowable liquid or confectionery) from bottle 100.

Rotatable cap 1020 optionally, but preferably, comprises a thumb wedge or protrusion 1022 and/or knurls 1024, as shown in Figs. 3-5. Knurls 1024 mimic those of a traditional metal-capped or crimped soda bottle. Thumb wedge 1022 and knurls 1024 facilitate rotation of cap 1020. Thumb wedge 1022 may also help a user grasp the bottle 1010 or other item to which cap 1020 is attached. Thumb wedge 1022 preferably comprises vertical element 1025 and horizontal element 1027. Vertical element 1025, as depicted in Fig. 9, encompasses end region 1200 of thumb wedge 1022 and provides an extra gripping surface to prevent finger slippage when a user movably engages thumb wedge 1022. Horizontal element 1027 is disposed between vertical element 1025 and cap 1020 and preferably comprises a substantially planar upper surface 1202 and curved outer sides 1204 for engagement of a user's thumb or other fingers. In alternate embodiments, additional vertical elements may be utilized to improve the gripping upper surface, and, additionally, the outer sides of both elements 1025, 1027 may comprise a different shape. Cap 1020, in this preferred embodiment, may additionally comprise post 1136 which extends from under side of cap 1020 to effectively provide tension to spring 1116 (see Fig. 6) and rotate and bias cap 1020 to an open or engaged position.

An alternate embodiment of cap assembly 1020 comprises elongated outer cylindrical wall 1023 of cap 1021 (see Fig. 5). Outer cylindrical wall 1023 additionally comprises knurls 1024 and/or a thumb wedge or protrusion 1022. As in the preferred embodiment, thumb wedge 1022 facilitates rotation of cap 1020. Thumb wedge 1022, as depicted in Fig. 5 comprises a vertical element 1025 extending from cylindrical wall 1023 having the same or substantially the same vertical height as cylindrical wall 1023. Horizontal element 1027 additionally extends from wall 1023 at a point 1213 at a distance approximately 1/6 of the circumference of cylindrical wall 1023. Horizontal element 1027 comprises a substantially planar surface with outer curving side 1214 extending to intersection 1216 of outer side 1218 and lower side 1220 of vertical element 1025. Horizontal element 1027 may serve as a thumb slide or as a strengthening element for vertical element 1025, depending on its orientation to the rotatable end of the spring in the cap assembly. While a substantially rectangular wedge shape has been depicted and described for vertical element 1025, other wedge shapes are within the purview of the invention. Additionally, horizontal element 1027 may extend from points further from and closer to vertical element 1025, and may comprise different outer side configurations.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing bottle 100 and partially depicting the preferred rotatable cap assembly 1020 of the present invention. As shown therein, and in Figs. 6 and 7, opening 1712 allows for passage of confectionery from bottle 100 through opening 1712, then through aperture 1028 of cap 1020, when cap 1020 is engaged (when the user rotates cap 1020 about central axis of screw 1026). The user needs to turn bottle 100 upside down or at a downward angle to allow confectionery to flow out of opening 1712 and aperture 1028. When cap 1020 is in a resting or disengaged position, aperture 1028 does not align with opening 1712, opening 1712 and aperture 1028 are thereby closed, and the confectionery remains in bottle 100, even when tilted or inverted.

Fig. 7 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of a cap assembly 1020 without the cap portion disposed above bottle 100 (see Fig. 8). As shown therein, cap base 1113 provides for rotation of spring 1116 and cap 1020 (see Figs. 7 and 8). Spring 1116 spirals about central post 1617, is fixed in position on one end between two stops 1123 and 1124 and rotates between two stops 1122 (closed or disengaged position) and 1125 (open or engaged position). Cap base 1113 has a 360 degree reference system having 0 degrees and 180 degrees defined along a horizontal axis from right to left and 90 degrees and 270 degrees defined along a vertical axis from to top to bottom. Recessed region 1120 comprises the entire 360 degrees, with the exception of several protruding stops 1122, 1123; 1124 and 1125. Cylindrical opening 1712, defined by cylindrical wall 1111, is intersected by the 0 - 180 degree axis and is located adjacent to a side wall of cap base 1113 of recessed region 1120. Recessed region 1120 additionally comprises four vertically protruding stops 1122, 1123, 1124 and 1125. One stop 1123 is located at approximately 225 degrees, another stop 1124 is located adjacent to stop 1124 at approximately 250 degrees. These two stops 1123 and 1124 extend at an axis slightly off radius and directed toward opening 1712. Stops 1123 and 1124 lie in a side-by-side arrangement comprising space 1126. Space 1126 is sufficient for receipt of straight end 1128 of spring 1116 extending from a lower end of its spiral core. Curved end 1128 extends from a substantially straight extension 1130 from the spiral core. Straight end of spring 1128 is disposed within space between stops 1123 and 1124 and does not move or only slightly moves. Stop 1125 is positioned at approximately 110 degrees. Stop 1122 is positioned at approximately 45 degrees. Curved end 1129 of spring 1116 is disposed between and rotates between stops 1125 and 1122. Curved end 1129 of spring 1116 is engaged by cap post 1136 (see Fig. 6) for this rotation.

When cap 1020 is in its resting position (closed position), curved spring end 1129 rests or stops at stop 1122 and aperture 1028 of cap 1020 does not align with opening 1712 of cap base 1113. In this position, confectionery cannot flow out of bottle 100. When cap 1020 is rotated (e.g., by thumb wedge 1022), spring curved end 1129 rotates to stop 1125 by engagement with post 1136, thereby aligning opening 1712 and aperture 1028 so confectionery can flow out of bottle 100. In the open position, spring 1116 is in tension, so that the user must continue to use force (e.g., by thumb wedge 1022) to keep this rotation and alignment. As soon as the user releases the force (e.g., stops holding thumb wedge 1022), curved end 1129 of spring 1116 immediately returns to stop 1122 (thereby releasing spring tension), in its closed or disengaged position. In this position aperture 1028 and opening 1712 are not aligned, are closed, and confectionery does not flow out of bottle 100. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other embodiments and equivalents can be utilized to accomplish the rotation, engagement/ disengagement, stops and alignment. For instance, straight end 1128 of spring 1116 need not be straight and curved end 1129 of spring 1116 need not be curved; rather one end needs to be substantially fixed and the other end needs to freely rotate between two stops or positions. Likewise, the approximate angles noted above may be changed to any angles desired to effectively provide tension to spring 1116 and bias cap 1020 to an open position.

A side, cross-sectional view of bottle 100, is shown in Fig. 2, depicting another preferred cap embodiment. The cap base comprises aperture 1110 (preferably circular) for removal of material from bottle 100. Cap assembly comprises an approximately 270 degree pie-shaped, recessed region 1120 for housing, in part, spring 1116. Cap 1020 further comprises an aperture 1028 (preferably circular) therein. When a user wants to remove material from bottle 100, the user rotates cap 1020 to align off-center aperture 1028 with aperture 1110 in cap 1020. In the embodiment shown, alignment of cap and bottle apertures 1028, 1110 is achieved, for example, by rotating cap 1020 in a counter-clockwise direction about the axis of screw 1026. O-ring 1114, seated in annular recess 1113, may be used to minimize undesirable migration of material from bottle 1010. Annular recess 1113 surrounds aperture 1110 of bottle 1010. O-ring 1114, is seated therein, forming a seal between cap 1020 and bottle 100.

Screw 1026 fixes cap 1020 to the cap base or bottle 100. Screw 1026 passes through central aperture 1032 of cap 1020 and is secured in a cylindrical opening 1112, which is defined by a cylindrical wall 1111. Cylindrical wall 1111 further serves as a post around which spiral-wound spring 1116 is seated. As shown in Fig. 2, part of o-ring 1114 extends over part of spring 1116; this arrangement helps to secure spring 1116 around cylindrical post 1111. Spring 1116 is positioned within the cap assembly to keep cap 1020 in a closed position; thus, force must be applied to cap 1020 to align cap aperture 1028 with bottle aperture 1110, and thus allow the user to remove material from bottle 100. Thus, the term "self sealing cap" is used to describe the present invention. This self sealing is particularly important when a flowable confectionery is disposed within bottle 100.

Referring to Fig. 9, a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the rotatable cap base or bottle 100 is shown. The cap base shown herein has a 360 degree reference system having 0 degrees and 180 degrees defined along a horizontal axis from right to left and 90 degrees and 270 degrees defined along a vertical axis from to top to bottom. As shown in Fig. 9, recessed region 1120 comprises an approximately 270 degree pie-shape. Cylindrical opening 1112, defined by cylindrical wall 1111, is located at the center of this recessed region 1120. Recessed region 1120 comprises two internal walls that both start from a radius just greater than the radius of cylindrical wall 1111. One of the walls is located at approximately 0 degrees, wall 1123 (0 degree wall) and the other located at approximately 270 degrees, wall 1124 (270 degree wall). These two walls extend radially and terminate against rim 1119. Rim 1119 surrounds recessed region 1120, except for an approximately 45 degree cutout section, section 1125. The cutout section is bounded/defined by two walls or stops, one at approximately 180 degrees, stop 1122 (180 degree stop) and another at approximately 225 degrees, stop 1125 (225 degree stop).

In this preferred rotatable cap embodiment, spring 1116 comprises a long end 1117 and a short end 1118. Long end 1117 extends from the spring's spiral core and is seated in channel 1034 in the cap's thumb wedge 1022. This end 1117 is biased directly or indirectly against the 180 degree stop, stop 1122, of rim 1119. Short end 1118 also extends from the spiral core of spring 1616 and is biased against the 270 degree stop, stop 1124, of recessed region 1120. Thus, application of force to rotate cap 1020 in a counter-clockwise direction causes long end 1117 of spring 1116 and consequently, cap 1020. In the preferred rotatable cap embodiment, rotation of cap 1020 to the 225 degree stop, stop 1125 results in alignment of cap aperture 1028 and bottle aperture 1110, in an open position. Once the applied force is released, tension in spring 1616 causes long end 1117 of spring to sweep in a clockwise direction towards the 180 degree stop 1122 to close cap 1020, in a resting position.

Upper and Lower Portion Attachment

Fig. 10 shows a side view of container 100 in an open position (without stem and candy). A locking or flange mechanism 160 blocks upper and lower portions 102, 104 together to form the soda bottle shape. A bottom view of flange mechanism 160 of upper portion 102 is shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Figs. 10-11, locking mechanism 160 extends from upper portion 102 and is substantially matched to an inner diameter of lower portion 104. Insert 160 of the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of ridges: large ridges 164, 164", 164", 164'", and small ridges 168, 168", 168", 168"'. A notch or space 165 separates each large ridge 164 from each small ridge 168. Referring to Fig. 10, an interior surface of lower portion 104 comprises a plurality of grooves 172 for receiving ridges 164, 168 of upper portion 102. Each groove 172 further comprises a slightly raised ridge 173 and extended groove 174 that is cooperably positioned respectively with ridge 164, notch 165 and ridge 168 of upper portion 102. An approximate 30 degree to approximate 45 degree turn of lower portion 104 with respect to inserted upper portion 102 sets ridge 168 of upper portion 102 into groove 174; ridge 164 into groove 172; and ridge 173 into notch 165. Upper portion 102 and lower portion 104 are unlocked by a simple turn in the opposite direction.

In an alternate embodiment as depicted in Fig. ^'12, two sets of large ridges 164, 163 are positioned in parallel relation, and two sets of small ridges 168, 169 are additionally correspondingly placed. As a result, corresponding deep groove 171, with dual ridges 173, 175 and dual extended grooves 174, 177, are correspondingly positioned in parallel relation for receipt of dual large and small ridges 164,163,168, 169. This alternate embodiment is engaged for closure and release in the same manner as the preferred embodiment. In further alternate embodiments, additional grooves and corresponding notches may be utilized.

Upper and lower portions portion 102, 104 are preferably made of a plastic material (e.g. injection or vacuum molded plastic), but can also be made of other materials, such as metal, glass, wood, and the like. Upper and lower portions 102, 104 should be of a material that is easily held and attached by a user. In that regard, upper and lower portions 102, 104 are preferably made of a rigid material.

Although a twist-type attachment is illustrated as the preferred closure in the drawings, the invention is not limited to this type of attachment. For example, upper portion 102 may be disposed on lower portion 104 by the following: screw-on attachment, molded lip/rim, snap on, clamp, form or friction fit, and the like. The invention is not limited to the particular twist attachment shown in the drawings. ln the preferred embodiment, as show in the drawings, upper portion 102 is attached to and directly above lower portion 104. Stem 364 extends from upper portion 102 and may be disposed within lower portion 104. Stem 364 cannot interfere with attachment of upper portion 102 to lower portion 104 and is therefore of a smaller diameter or width than upper and lower portions 102, 104.

The term "lower portion" as used throughout the specification and claims is intended to include a lower portion complimentary to upper portion. The examples shown in the drawings are of soda bottles or soda pop bottles that are cut in halves. However, the invention is not limited to soda bottles, but can be upper and lower portions of other bottles and items, e.g., a baseball bat.

Stem

Fig. 13 is an expanded view of insert 360 with stem 364. This insert 360 fits into upper portion 102 of bottle shaped container 100 (the lower portion is not shown in Fig. 13). Insert 360 may be integral with or separable from upper portion 102. Stem 364 is used as a surface for attachment of a hard confectionery or coatable item (see Fig. 14) to dip into flowable confectionery 103. This hard confectionery or item 110 may be of any shape. The item may be edible or non-edible. The item 110 is preferably coatable so that it can be licked by a user and then dipped into flowable confectionery 103 disposed in lower portion 104, which then sticks to the item. The item 110 is dipped into flowable confectionery 103 disposed within lower portion 104, either before or after the user licks the item. In the preferred embodiment, the item is preferably an edible and coatable candy. The candy 110 can be molded into the desired shape (e.g., see Fig. 14).

Fig. 16 is an expanded view, as in Fig. 13, depicting a preferred embodiment of stem 364. Stem 364 may comprise a single cylindrical or rectangular unit as depicted in Fig. 13, or it may comprise multiple stems or stem 364 having one or more projections 366 or protruding side walls 368 for receipt of the candy as depicted in Fig. 16. These alternate embodiments may comprise adjacent protruding side walls comprising channels 370 disposed between the side walls, or side walls comprising apertures 372 for receipt of candy. Any number of side walls or protrusions may be utilized, including one, and may extend from a central cylinder or rectangular stem.

Alternate Container Shapes Fig. 15 shows a side view of alternate embodiment of container 100 in an open position, illustrating a handle portion (generally referred to herein as "head portion") 10, a body portion 12, a container 14 in which the body portion 12 is disposed, a closure 16 between head portion 10 and container 14, and a confectionery 18 within container 14.

In the alternate embodiment, head portion 10 comprises an alien head 20, neck 22 and collar 24. However, the invention is not limited to alien heads or even heads, but rather can be any type of object or handle. The head can be a head of a human, humanoid, mammal, insect, creature, and the like. The term "head portion," as used throughout the specification and claims, includes all such embodiments and is not limited to heads. The term "humanoid head," as used throughout the specification and claims is intended to include a human head, alien head, or other humanoid creature heads.

Head portion 10 is preferably a non-edible and serves as a handle for the confectionery product. Head portion 10 is preferably made of a plastic material (e.g. injection or vacuum molded plastic), but can also be made of other materials, such as metal, wood, rubber and the like.

Handle 10 should be of a material that is easily held by a user, particularly when it is attached to container 14. In that regard, handle portion 10 is preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

Collar 24 of head portion 10 attaches to container 14 so that head portion is disposed directly on top of container 14 and preferably seals container 14. The drawings show a twist-type 26 of attachment or closure 16 in which tab 30 on container 14 fits into a corresponding slot in collar 24. Collar 24 is then twisted or turned relative to container 14 so that tab 30 slides under a ridge on collar 24. Collar preferably comprises at least two slots and two ridges and container 14 preferably comprises at least two tabs 30 so that the user can easily fit either tab 30 into either slot and turn or slide tab 30 under either ridge.

Although a twist-type attachment 26 is illustrated as the preferred closure 16 in Fig. 15, the invention is not limited to this type of attachment. For example, head portion 10 may be disposed on container 14 by the following: screw-on attachment, molded lip/rim, snap on, clamp, form or friction fit, and the like. The invention is not limited to the particular twist attachment 26 shown in the drawings.

The term "body" as used throughout the specification and claims is intended to include a lower portion complimentary to handle/head portion 10. The examples shown in the drawings are of alien arms/torso/legs 12 that correlate to the alien heads 10. However, the invention is not limited to alien heads and bodies, but can be heads and bodies of other creatures, or handle/body arrangements of other items or objects.

Body portion 12 is preferably an edible material, but can be a non-edible material. Body portion 12 is preferably coatable so that it can be licked by a user and then dipped into flowable confectionery 18 disposed in container 14, which then sticks to body portion 12. Body portion 12 is dipped into flowable confectionery 18 disposed within container 14, either before or after the user licks body portion 12. In the preferred embodiment, body portion 12 is preferably an edible and coatable candy. The candy can be molded into the desired shape.

In an alternative embodiment, handle portion 10 further comprises a cavity and a cap (not shown) wherein flowable confectionery (e.g., candy powder) is stored and removable when the cap is taken off. In one embodiment, the flowable confectionery is initially provided in container 14 and in the cavity of handle portion 10, where it is capped off. When the flowable confectionery in container 14 is all or partially used up, it can be refilled by uncapping handle portion 10, and pouring the flowable confectionery contained therein into container 14. Alternatively, the flowable confectionery is provided initially only in handle portion 10. When the user wants to eat the flowable confectionery, he/she uncaps handle portion 10 and pours the flowable confectionery into container 14.

Flowable

Flowable confectionery 103 of the present invention comprises a flowable substance such as a liquid or a powder, or combination thereof. The confectionery is preferably a powder, and optionally may comprise a gas-generating, gas-releasing or "popping" type of powder. Confectionery 103 may also be a fluid or liquid, e.g. a viscous liquid.

Regarding the composition of confectioneries of the present invention, a hard candy portion (e.g., a candy attached to stem 364) is preferably manufactured from, for example:

Sugar (from between approximately 55% and approximately 75% by weight);

Corn syrup (from between approximately 20% and approximately 40% by weight);

Water (from between approximately 1% and approximately 5% by weight);

Flavor agent (from between approximately 0.1% to approximately 2% by weight); and Color agent (from approximately less than 1% by weight).

A candy powder portion (e.g., flowable confectionery 103), is preferably manufactured from, for example:

Sugar (from approximately 90% to approximately 98% by weight); Malic Acid (from approximately 1% to approximately 6% by weight);

Flavor Agent (from approximately 1 % to approximately 5% by weight); Color Agent 9from approximately 0.1% to approximately 2% by weight); and Flow Agent (from approximately 0.1% to approximately 5% by weight).

The flow agent comprises a substance that promotes flowability of the candy powder. Flow agents may comprise, but are not limited to, for example, powdered cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, polyethylene waxes, mineral and other lubricating oils, talc, silicone dioxide, lactose, calcium citrate and the like. In general, flow agents reduce attractive and/or frictional forces between particles and/or absorb moisture. Flow agents are sometimes known as anti-caking agents and/or desiccating agents. Examples of useful flow agents include CAB-O-SIL® (Cabot Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts) and SYLOID® (W.R. Grace & Co., New York, New York).

Alternatives are given below where a hard candy portion is manufactured from ingredients in the following possible ranges:

Sugar (from approximately 0% to approximately 95% by weight); Corn Syrup (from approximately 0% to approximately 80% by weight);

Water (from approximately 0% to approximately 50% by weight); Flavor Agent (from approximately 0% to approximately 20% by weight); and Color Agent (from approximately 0% to approximately 10% by weight).

Likewise, a candy powder portion may be manufactured from ingredients in the following possible ranges:

Sugar (from approximately 0% to approximately 100% by weight);

Malic Acid (from approximately 0% to approximately 40% by weight);

Flavor Agent (from approximately 0% to approximately 20% by weight); Color Agent (from approximately 0% to approximately 10% by weight); and

Flow Agent (from approximately 0% to approximately 5% by weight). ln an alternative embodiment, upper portion 102, lower portion 104, stem 364 or confectionery may be luminiferous in that they give off or transmit light. The term luminiferous encompasses, but is not limited to, luminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence. For example, a light source may be housed within upper portion 104, lower portion 104, insert 360 or stem 364. In such an embodiment of the present invention, a light source comprises, for example, but is not limited to, a light bulb or a light emitting diode. Power for driving the source comprises, for example, but is not limited to battery power, mechanical-to-electrical energy power, and/or solar-to- electrical energy power.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and such variation and modifications are covered in this disclosure to the extent that they are modifications and/or equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A confectionery set for dipping a hard candy into a flowable confectionery, the apparatus comprising: a container comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper and lower portions removably attachable to each other; wherein said lower portion comprises a reservoir, and wherein at least one of said upper and lower portions includes a flowable confectionery; and said upper portion comprising a solid edible candy disposed thereon extending downward from said upper portion into said lower portion when said upper and lower portions are attached.

2. The confectionery set according to claim 1 , wherein said upper portion additionally comprises a reservoir, wherein said flowable confectionery is disposed within said upper portion reservoir, and said upper portion additionally comprises an opening; optionally further comprising a removable cap covering said opening; optionally further comprising a rotatable cap covering said opening; and optionally further comprising a self-sealing cap covering said opening wherein said flowable confectionery is dispensable through said opening.

3. The confectionery set according to claim 1 , wherein said upper portion comprises a lower surface wherein at least one stem is disposed on said lower surface for disposing said solid edible candy thereon; and optionally comprising an insert for attachment of said stem; and optionally wherein said insert is removably insertable into said upper portion.

4. The confectionery set according to claim 1 wherein a lower edge of said upper portion engages with an upper edge of said lower portion; optionally comprising a set of mating attachment elements; optionally comprising a set of mating twist attachment elements; and optionally wherein said upper portion and said lower portion comprise at least one correlating set of ridges and grooves.

5. The confectionery set according to claim 1 wherein said flowable confectionery comprises: optionally a fluid; optionally wherein said fluid comprises viscoelastic rheological properties; optionally a gas-generating confectionery; optionally a gas-releasing confectionery; and optionally a luminiferous confectionery.

6. The confectionery set according to claim 1 comprising a self-sealing cap assembly disposed on said upper portion, for covering and providing an opening to said confectionery set, wherein said cap assembly comprises: a cap; an aperture through said cap; and a spring; said cap assembly and said upper portion having a resting position wherein said confectionery set opening is closed by lack of alignment of said cap aperture and said opening; said cap assembly and said upper portion having an open position when said opening is aligned with said cap assembly aperture; said cap assembly rotatable by a user exerting force on said cap assembly from said resting position about said upper portion to align said opening with said cap assembly aperture in said open position to allow material from said upper portion to pass through both said opening and said cap assembly aperture; and said spring providing automatic counter rotation of said cap assembly back to said original position to thereby close said opening after the user removes force from said cap assembly; optionally further comprising a central post about which said spring is disposed; optionally further comprising at least one rim upon which said spring is stopped in rotation; optionally wherein said spring is housed in a recess in said cap assembly; optionally wherein said spring comprises a fixed end and a rotatable end; optionally further comprising at least one stop for said fixed end of said spring and at least one stop for said rotatable end of said spring; optionally comprising two stops and wherein said fixed end of said spring is disposed therebetween; optionally comprising two stops, an open position stop and a closed position stop and said rotatable end of said spring is rotatable therebetween; optionally wherein said rotatable end of said spring is engageable for rotation and counter-rotation by a post extending from an underside of said cap; optionally wherein said cap assembly is rotatable about a central axis of said cap; optionally wherein said central axis of said cap is coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of said object; optionally further comprising an o-ring disposed in relation to at least one of said cap aperture and said opening; optionally wherein at least one of said cap aperture or opening comprise a circular opening; and optionally further comprising knurls on said cap.

7. The confectionery set according to claim 6, further comprising a thumb wedge comprising a surface for applying said rotational force; optionally wherein one end of said spring is disposed in said thumb wedge; optionally wherein said thumb wedge comprises a vertical element; optionally wherein said vertical element comprises a height approximately equal to the height of said cap; optionally wherein said thumb wedge comprises a horizontal element; and optionally wherein said thumb wedge comprises outer curved surfaces for applying said rotational force.

8. The confectionery set according to claim 6, wherein said spring is disposed around said central post and comprises said fixed end and said rotatable end; optionally wherein said fixed end is straight for disposition between said stops; and optionally wherein said rotatable end is curved for engagement with said post.

9. A self-sealing cap assembly for a container, for covering and providing an opening to said container, said cap assembly comprising: a cap; an aperture through said cap; and a spring; said cap assembly and said container having a resting position wherein an opening in said container is closed by lack of alignment of said cap aperture and the container opening; said cap assembly and said container having an open position when said opening is aligned with said cap assembly aperture; said cap assembly rotatable by a user exerting force on said cap assembly from said resting position about said object to align said opening with said cap assembly aperture in said open position to allow material from the container to pass through both said opening and said cap assembly aperture; and said spring providing automatic counter rotation of said cap assembly back to said original position to thereby close said opening after the user removes force from said cap assembly; optionally further comprising a central post about which said spring is disposed; optionally further comprising at least one rim upon which said spring is stopped in rotation; optionally wherein said spring is housed in a recess in said cap assembly; optionally wherein said spring comprises a fixed end and a rotatable end; optionally further comprising at least one stop for said fixed end of said spring and at least one stop for said rotatable end of said spring; optionally comprising two stops and wherein said fixed end of said spring is disposed therebetween; optionally comprising two stops, an open position stop and a closed position stop and said rotatable end of said spring is rotatable therebetween; optionally wherein said rotatable end of said spring is engageable for rotation and counter-rotation by a post extending from an underside of said cap; optionally wherein said cap assembly is rotatable about a central axis of said cap; optionally wherein said central axis of said cap is coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of said container; optionally further comprising an o-ring disposed in relation to at least one of said cap aperture and said opening; optionally wherein at least one of said cap aperture or opening comprise a circular opening; and optionally further comprising knurls on said cap.

10. The confectionery set according to claim 9, further comprising a thumb wedge comprising a surface for applying said rotational force; optionally wherein one end of said spring is disposed in said thumb wedge; optionally wherein said thumb wedge comprises a vertical element; optionally wherein said vertical element comprises a height approximately equal to the height of said cap; optionally wherein said thumb wedge comprises a horizontal element; and optionally wherein said thumb wedge comprises outer curved surfaces for applying said rotational force.

11. The confectionery set according to claim 9, wherein said spring is disposed around said central post and comprises said fixed end and said rotatable end; optionally wherein said fixed end is straight for disposition between said stops; and optionally wherein said rotatable end is curved for engagement with said post.