Abstract:
A collection of containers for dispensing food stuffs. This multi-compartmental dispenser comprises a liquid dispenser which doubles as a handle. The design is such that a small child can hold onto the handle while sipping liquids from the handle/straw.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/608,225 filed 8 Mar. 2012; entitled “Sippy Snack Cup”. The entire contents being hereby incorporated by reference and for which benefit of the priority date is claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to food packaging and dispensing. More specifically, the present invention relates to multi-compartment food packages wherein one of the compartments comprises a liquid dispenser which doubles as a handle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Most combination cups for carrying drinks and snack foods are bulky and hard for the child to hold. Children are also prone to tipping their drinks and require safeguards to keep liquids and snacks from spilling out on to adjacent surfaces. 
         [0004]    Also holding a container while accessing it is hard for a child who has small hands not adapted for fitting around a container. 
         [0005]    It is also easy to lose a straw which is separated from the cup. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a hand held container having at least two compartments wherein at least one compartment stores a liquid. The compartment which stores the liquid is also in communication with the entry to a cannula or straw which is formed inside the handle. It is easy to use as a child can hold the container in one hand and easily manipulate the handle which doubles as a straw which is held in one hand up to the mouth for sipping. Having the straw double as the handle is advantageous as it can fit easily in to a small child&#39;s hand. 
         [0007]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cup having the handle also serve as a cannula or straw. 
         [0008]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multi food container which can easily be carried and manipulated by a small child&#39;s hands. 
         [0009]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multi food container which does not easily spill the contents. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the invention that this structure to provide improved ergonomics for a multi food container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical embodiment of a food container wherein the dispenser forms a handle for the container; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a first embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a base member; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a base member. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is another embodiment of the invention that includes two handles 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Elements of the invention:
     10 —sippy snack cup™     12 —lid member     14 —first compartment     16 —second compartment     18 —access portal     20 —lip     22 —interface     24 —sidewall     26 —seal     28 —interface     30 —latch member     32 —catch member     34 —flooring     36 —sidewall     38 —base flooring  38 A—alternate inclined base     40 —handle member     42 —orifice     44 —male threaded member     46 —female threaded member     48 —cannula     50 —support member     52 —extended portion     54 —second handle   
 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1 through 3  depict two embodiments of the present invention being a sippy snack cup™ comprising a lid member being associated with a first compartment by means of a latch member and catch member in one embodiment or, alternatively, a male and female threaded member. The lid member may comprise an access portal, generally comprising flexible plastic flaps, for accessing the first compartment without having to remove the lid. The lid member can be made of other flexible material. The lid member can be spill proof. One or more interface(s) may be deployed in order to nest the compartments together. 
         [0043]    Optionally a seal such as a gasket, o-ring, flap or the like, can be deployed to aid in retention of liquids. 
         [0044]    In this instance, the compartments are comprised of sidewalls and flooring or base flooring members in order to provide a volume for retaining materials, such as food stuffs or the like. As known to those skilled in the art, a floor member of one compartment may also form an enclosure for an adjacent compartment. 
         [0045]    A handle member which can optionally comprise one or more support member(s) is formed having a cannula for the carrying of a liquid. Further an extended portion can be provided for providing easier access to the orifice above a first compartment by the user. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the floor member can also comprise an alternate inclined base. The inclined base being adapted for the gravity aided flow of liquids toward the entry to the cannula. 
         [0047]    The invention is used by providing food stuffs to the first and second compartments. Preferably the compartment having the cannula is provided with a liquid substance which is then sucked through the orifice. 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0048]    Although the present invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. The invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0049]    For example, although the foregoing refers to two compartments, it is contemplated that the embodiment can comprise more than two compartments. Further, dimensional, coupling, and sealing details may vary from embodiment to embodiment in terms of dimensions and exact position of handle and compartmental structural members, depending on the physical arrangement of the structural members, as well as the needs of the user. 
         [0050]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequent appended claims.