Patent Publication Number: US-8523837-B2

Title: Nutritive substance delivery container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     U.S. patent applications entitled ‘Nutritive Substance Delivery Container’ having Ser. Nos. 12/250,585 and 12/250,588, respectively, are related hereto, and the details of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of container constructions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many nutritive substances which would be beneficial if included in food or drink products are sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, and/or moisture. For example, a nutritive substance which is sensitive to heat cannot be added to a food or drink product that requires heat sterilization because the high sterilization temperatures may damage or destroy the nutritive substance. As a result of these limitations, containers have been developed that can separate the nutritive substance from the food or drink product prior to consumption. The user can then dispense the nutritive substances into the food or drink product just before consumption. The present invention, therefore, relates to a container which can separately contain a nutritive substance and a food or drink product and deliver the nutritive substance to the food or drink product just before consumption. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment, the invention comprises a novel apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance comprising a container body having a base at one end thereof, an upper portion adapted for removable receipt of a closure, the upper portion defining an opening therein, and a chamber defined by the container body, the chamber being in fluid communication with the upper portion opening. A laminate seal having at least two layers is bonded across the upper portion opening and is adapted to provide an airtight seal across the opening and prevent contact between said nutritive substance and the contents of said container until said seal is altered. The laminate seal comprises a first layer permanently bonded to a rim defining the opening in the container upper portion and a second layer that is releasably coupled to the first layer. A nutritive substance is bonded to the first layer of the laminate seal. The container additionally comprises a closure removably coupled to the upper portion. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance comprising a container body having a base at one end thereof, an upper portion adapted for removable receipt of a closure, said upper portion defining an opening therein, and a chamber defined by said container body, the chamber being in fluid communication with the upper portion opening. The invention also comprises a laminate seal having at least three layers, the laminate seal being bonded across the upper portion opening and adapted to provide an airtight seal across the opening, wherein a centrally-positioned layer of the laminate seal comprises a nutritive substance and wherein the laminate seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and the contents of the container until said seal is altered. Additionally, the invention comprises a closure removably coupled to said upper portion. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for making a delivery apparatus, said method comprising the steps of providing a container body having a base at one end thereof, an upper portion at the other end of said body, wherein said upper portion is adapted for removable receipt of a closure, said upper portion defining an opening therein, a chamber defined by said container body, said chamber being in fluid communication with said body upper portion opening, and a closure adapted to be removably received on said upper portion; filling said container with a product; sterilizing the product-filled container; sealing said container upper portion with a laminate seal, said laminate seal having at least two layers, wherein a first layer of said laminate seal is bonded to a rim of said container, a second layer of said laminate seal is removably bonded to said first layer, and a nutritive substance is bonded to said first layer; and placing said closure on said body upper portion, wherein said seal prevents said nutritive substance from contacting said product and the atmosphere surrounding said container until the seal is altered. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a container top in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a plan view of a seal for use in the container of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary construction. A repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings represents the same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     As set forth above, the present invention relates generally to the field of container constructions. References related to container constructions may include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,707,353 and 5,921,955 to Mazer, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,795 to Mollstam, et al. 
     The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide novel containers that are useful in delivering a nutritive substance to the contents of a container just before consumption of the contents. Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container having a nutritive substance disposed between at least two layers of a laminate seal. Before consumption of the contents of the container, the laminate seal may be pierced or altered such that the nutritive substance is released into the contents of the container. In other embodiments, the nutritive substance may be present on an insert or may be coated onto the interior of the container such that it does not contact the contents of the container until the container is altered by the consumer just before consumption. 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of the container  10  having a cylindrical top portion  12 , a body portion  14 , and a closure  16  is shown. Cylindrical top portion  12  and body  14  may be integrally molded of a suitable polymer material, which may be blow molded, by extrusion or injection, so that it is a unitary member of uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. 
     Referring particularly to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, cylindrical top portion  12  includes a threaded cylindrical portion  18 . Threaded cylindrical portion  18  may have a rim  20  formed at one end thereof that defines an aperture  22  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) that is in fluid communication with an inner chamber (not shown) of body  14 . A helical thread  24  may be integrally formed on an outer surface of threaded cylindrical portion  18  for threadably receiving closure  16 . Helical thread  24  may begin proximate to rim  20  and may terminate proximate a flange  26  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     In an embodiment, closure  16  includes an annular cap  28  having a helical thread (not shown) on its inner circumference for operatively engaging threaded cylindrical top portion  18 . The outer circumference of annular cap  28  may contain ribs or knurling  32  to allow the user to more easily grip closure  16  to remove it from, or fit it on, top portion  12 . In addition to its internally threaded cylindrical wall, cap  28  may include an annular end wall  34  having an extension  36  defining a though hole (not shown) therein. A second annular enclosure  38 , having an opening  40  formed therein, may be operatively secured to annular end wall extension  36  so that second annular enclosure  38  is moveable between a first position where second annular enclosure  38  prevents the contents of the container from flowing through opening  40  and a second position where the contents of the container are able to flow through opening  40 . It should be understood that closure  16  may be formed from any type of closure known in the art. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a releasable seal  42  may be attached to rim  20  over aperture  22  ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, releasable seal  42  contains a semicircular tab  44  attached across the center of releasable seal  42  along a line  45  ( FIG. 3 ). Tab  44  may be formed from the same material as releasable seal  42  or may be formed of, or coated with, a different material to increase gripability of the tab. Referring to  FIG. 4 , releasable seal  42  may be a laminate having at least three layers. In an embodiment, the laminate comprises a first layer  46 , a second layer  48 , and a third layer  52 . The first layer  46  may comprise a tab  44 , which may be bonded or integrally formed therewith. The second layer  48  may define at least one hole  50  therethrough. The third layer  52  may define at least one hole  54  therethrough as well. The third layer  52  may comprise a nutritive substance bonded to at least one of layers  46  and  48 . In some embodiments, the third layer  52  may be disposed between layers  46  and  48 . In this embodiment, the third layer is centrally-positioned between layers  46  and  48 . In a certain embodiment, the third layer  52  may be disposed on a top side of second layer  48 . In this configuration, nutritive substance layer  52  is sealed between first and second seal layers  46  and  48  so as to prevent the nutritive substance from contacting the contents of the container and/or the atmosphere before removal of first layer  46 . 
     Second layer  48  may be permanently bonded to rim  20 , while first layer  46  may be releasably bonded to rim  20 , second layer  48 , or third layer  52  so that when first layer  46  is removed, second layer  48  and third layer  52  remain bonded to rim  20  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). One skilled in the art should be familiar with such releasably attached seals. Specifically, adhesive or heat attaches a seal formed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, or other suitable material to rim  20  to form an airtight seal. 
     In a particular embodiment, first layer  46  is releasably bonded to second layer  48  such that third layer  52 , disposed between first layer  46  and second layer  48 , cannot contact the container content until first layer  46  is removed. In this embodiment, the second layer hole  50  may be slightly smaller than the third layer hole  54 . This configuration allows first layer  46  to bond directly to second layer  48  at the rim of the container and at the hole  50 , sealing third layer  52  between the first and second layers. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , in use, a consumer may remove closure  16  to reveal releasable seal  42 . Removal of closure  16  will not disturb the seal unless the seal is cut or removed by the consumer. In this arrangement, the nutritive substance layer  52  may be protected from exposure to the atmosphere by releasable seal first layer  46  and from the contents of the container  14  by releasable seal second layer  48 . When the consumer is ready to consume the contents of the container, tab  44  may be gripped and pulled away from rim  20  causing the bond to fail between releasable seal first and second layers  46  and  48  and exposing nutritive substance layer  52  to the atmosphere. When the first seal layer  46  is removed, the second seal layer  48  maintains its bond with rim  20 . Once the first seal layer  46  is removed, closure  16  may be replaced on threaded cylindrical portion  18  thereby resealing the container. When closure  16  is replaced onto the container, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through aperture  22 , hole  50 , and hole  54 , into contact with nutritive substance layer  52 , providing a gradual release of the nutritive substance prior to or during consumption. 
     In other embodiments, releasable seal  42  comprises two layers: a first layer  46  and a second layer  48 . The first layer may comprise a tab  44  which may be bonded or integrally formed therewith. The second layer  48  may define at least one hole  50  therethrough. A nutritive substance may be bonded to the upper side of second layer  48 , disposed between first layer  46  and second layer  48 . Second layer  48  may be permanently bonded to rim  20 , while first layer  46  may be releasably bonded to second layer  48  so that when first layer  46  is removed, second layer  48  remains bonded to rim  20 . In use, tab  44  may be gripped and pulled away from rim  20  causing the bond to fail between releasable seal first and second layers  46  and  48  and exposing nutritive substance to the atmosphere. Closure  16  may then be replaced on threaded cylindrical portion  18  thereby resealing the container. When closure  16  replaced onto the container, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through aperture  22  and hole  50  into contact with the nutritive substance, providing a gradual release of the nutritive substance prior to or during consumption. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in another embodiment, container  110  includes a cylindrical top portion  112 , a body portion (not shown but similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 ), and a closure  116 . Cylindrical top portion  112  and the body portion may be integrally molded of a suitable polymer material, which may be blow molded, by extrusion or injection, so that it is a unitary member of uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. 
     Referring particularly to  FIG. 6 , cylindrical top portion  112  may include a threaded cylindrical portion  118  that defines a rim  120  at one end thereof. Rim  120  may define an aperture  122  in fluid communication with an inner chamber  130  defined by cylindrical top portion  112 . Cylindrical top portion  118  may be adapted for the removable receipt of closure  116  by a helical thread  124 , which may be integrally formed on threaded cylindrical portion  118 . Helical thread  124  may begin proximate to rim  120  and may terminate proximate a flange  126 . 
     In some embodiments, closure  116  includes an annular cap  128  ( FIG. 5 ) having a helical thread  130  on its inner circumference ( FIG. 6 ) for removably securing cap  128  to the externally threaded cylindrical top portion  118 . Outer circumference  132  of annular cap  128  may contain ribs or knurling  134  ( FIG. 5 ) to allow the user to more easily grip closure  116  to remove it from, or fit it on, top portion  112 . In addition to its internally threaded cylindrical wall, cap  128  may include an annular end wall  136  having an extension  138  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) defining a though hole  140  ( FIG. 5 ) therein. A second annular enclosure  142 , having an opening  144  therein, may be operatively secured to annular end wall extension  138  so that second annular enclosure  142  is moveable between a first position where second closure  142  prevents the contents of the container from flowing through opening  140 , and a second position where the contents of the container are able to flow through opening  140 . A cutting portion, or blade  154 , may extend axially downward from the under surface of annular end wall  136  proximate rim  120 . It should be understood that closure  116  may be formed from any type of suitable closure known in the art. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a releasable seal  146  may be attached to rim  120  over aperture  122 . Referring to  FIG. 6A , releasable seal  146  may be formed from a laminate having at least three layers. In some embodiments, the laminate comprises a nutritive substance layer  150  between an upper layer  148  and a lower layer  149 . It should be understood that the nutritive substance layer  150  may be disposed between the upper layer  148  and the lower layer  149 . In other embodiments, releasable seal  146  comprises two layers: an upper layer  148  and a lower layer  149 . A nutritive substance may be bonded to the top side of lower layer  149  or the bottom side of upper layer  148 . In either of these arrangements, releasable seal  146  may be permanently bonded to rim  120 . Therefore, removal of closure  16  will not disturb the seal unless the seal is cut or removed. One of skill in the art should understand that the structure of this seal may be used with any of the embodiments described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a tear band  152  may retain closure  116  on cylindrical top portion  112  in a raised position ( FIG. 5 ) so that blade  154  does not engage releasable seal  146 . That is, when tear band  152  is in place ( FIG. 5 ), the tear band blocks further tightening of closure  116  so that blade  154  cannot engage seal  146 . The tear band also acts as an anti-tamper band to prevent the closure from being removed prior to purchase by a consumer. The tear band may be connected to the bottom edge of annular cap  128  in many ways. For example, tear band  152  may be integrally formed with annular cap  128  with a gap  155  formed therein to allow a consumer to tear the band away from the cap. In other embodiments, tear band  152  may connect to a lower edge of annular cap  128  by a plurality of relatively thin and frangible breakaway tongues or webs (not shown). An internally, radially inwardly projecting and angularly extending ridge(s) (not shown) may be formed on an inner circumference of tear band  152 , which engages an under surface flange  126 . Thus, tensile forces rotationally fix the tear band to the flange as annular closure  116  is unthreaded off the container. As the annular closure is rotationally removed, both tensile and torsional forces acting on the webs cause the webs to sever allowing closure  116  to be completely removed. If closure  116  is removed, releasable seal  146  is maintained, thereby protecting the contents of the container and the nutritive substance from exposure to the atmosphere and each other. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in use, a consumer may remove tear band  152  ( FIG. 6 ) and rotate closure  116  clockwise (with respect to  FIG. 6 ). As closure  116  turns, blade  154  is drawn downward into contact with releasable seal  146 , which causes blade  154  to cut the seal. Continued rotation ( FIG. 7 ) of closure  116  in the clockwise direction causes blade  154  to cut an arc  156  through the releasable seal adjacent to rim  120 , thereby exposing the nutritive substance layer to the atmosphere and the contents of the container. When tear band  152  is attached, blade  154  may be positioned adjacent to releasable seal  146  so that a minimum number of revolutions are necessary to cut releasable seal  146 . In this configuration, when closure  116  is in its rotated position, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through aperture  122  into contact with the nutritive substance layer, which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance during consumption of the product. 
     It should be understood that a tear band is not required in this embodiment. Any device which prevents blade  154  from contacting releasable seal  146  until just before consumption of the product may be utilized in this embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , in yet another embodiment, an exemplary container  210  includes a generally rectangular body  212  and a closure  214 . The container body in this embodiment need not be rectangular and may any suitable shape. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. Body  212  may contain an opening  244  ( FIG. 11 ) formed on a top surface over which closure  214  is bonded. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , closure  214  has a body  216  with a base  218  formed at one end of a vertical wall  220  and a flange  222  formed at the other end. An annular cap  224  may be received by vertical wall  220  and define an inwardly pointing flange  226  that cooperates with vertical wall flange  222 . Annular cap  224  may include a top surface  228  that connects to a shoulder  230  by a plurality of ribs  232 . A plurality of holes  234  may be defined between ribs  232 . Annular cap top surface  228  may define a downward pointing cutting portion, or spike  236 , which may be formed by a flat body or may include multiple ribs or spikes positioned transverse to one another. A tear band  238  ( FIG. 9 ) may connect to a bottom edge of annular cap  224  to maintain annular cap  224  in an extended position relative to body  216 . In other words, tear band  238  may prevent annular cap  224  from being pressed downward with respect to vertical wall  220 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a seal  240  may be bonded to a top surface  242  of container  212  to seal off opening  244  ( FIG. 11 ). Seal  240  may be a laminate having at least three layers, one of which is a nutritive substance layer. In some embodiments, the nutritive substance layer is located between a first and second laminate layer. In other embodiments, seal  240  may be a laminate having two layers and a nutritive substance bonded to the top side of the lower layer or the bottom side of the upper layer, such that the nutritive substance is disposed between the upper and lower layers. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in use, a consumer may remove tear band  238  ( FIG. 10 ) and press annular cap  224  downward with respect to body vertical wall  220 . As annular cap  224  moves downward, spike  236  begins to pierce seal  240 . The consumer can continue to press annular cap  224  downward until inwardly pointing flange  226  bottoms out against base  218 , which will pierce the largest hole  248  in seal  240 , thereby exposing the nutritive substance layer to the contents of the container. In this arrangement, closure  214  is in its closed first position where annular cap inwardly pointed flange  226  engages a second outward extending flange  246  on body vertical wall  220 , thereby retaining the cap in the closed position. While closed, the consumer may shake the contents of the container causing the contents of the container to contact the nutritive substance. 
     If the user pulls annular cap  224  upward, annular cap inwardly pointing flange  226  moves over flange  246  and is prevented further upward movement when it contacts vertical wall outwardly pointing flange  222 . In this position, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through hole  248  into contact with the nutritive substance layer, which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance during consumption of the product. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the configuration of seal  240  protects the nutritive substance from exposure to the atmosphere and the contents of the container prior to piercing of the seal, thereby extending the shelf life of the nutritive substance. In this embodiment, seal  240  provides a seal on container  212  and provides a vehicle for carrying the nutritive substance. 
     It should be understood that a tear band is not required in this embodiment. Any device which prevents spike  236  from contacting releasable seal  240  until just before consumption of the product may be utilized in this embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in still yet another embodiment, a container  310  is shown having a top portion  312 , a body portion  314 , and a closure  316 . Top portion  312  and body  314  may be integrally molded of a suitable polymer material, which may be blow molded, by extrusion or injection, so that it is a unitary member of uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , top portion  312  may include a threaded cylindrical portion  318  that defines a rim  320 . Rim  320  may define an aperture  322  ( FIG. 15 ) in fluid communication with an inner chamber (not shown) of body  314 . In some embodiments, cylindrical top portion  318  is adapted for the removable receipt of closure  316  by a helical thread  324  integrally formed on threaded cylindrical portion  318 . Helical thread  324  may begin proximate to rim  320  and may terminate proximate a flange  326 . 
     Closure  316  may include an annular cap  328  having a helical thread  329  ( FIG. 14 ) on its inner circumference for removably securing cap  328  on externally threaded cylindrical top portion  318 . Outer circumference  330  of annular cap  328  may contain ribs or knurling  332  to allow the user to more easily grip closure  316  to remove it from, or fit it on, top portion  312 . In addition to its internally threaded cylindrical wall, cap  328  includes an annular end wall  334  having an extension  336  defining a hole  337  ( FIG. 14 ) therethrough. A second annular enclosure  338 , having an opening  340  ( FIG. 15 ) therein, may be operatively secured to annular end wall extension  336  so that second annular enclosure  338  is moveable between a first position where second annular enclosure  338  prevents the contents of the container from flowing through opening  340 , and a second position where the contents of the container are able to flow through opening  340 . Specifically, when second annular closure  338  is in the first position ( FIG. 14 ), a top surface  341  plugs hole  340 , and when in its second position ( FIG. 15 ), top surface  341  moves out of hole  240  to allow the contents of the container to flow therethrough. It should be understood that closure  316  may be formed from any type of suitable closure known in the art. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a releasable seal  342  may be attached to rim  320  over aperture  322  ( FIG. 15 ). Releasable seal  342  may contain a pull tab (not shown) for removing the seal from rim  320 . The tab may be formed from the same material as releasable seal  342  or may be formed of, or coated with, a different material to increase gripability of the tab. One skilled in the art should be familiar with such releasably attached seals and pull tabs. Removal of closure  316  will not disturb the seal unless seal  342  is cut or removed. 
     An insert  352 , which is coated with a nutritive substance, may be snap-fitted inside annular end wall extension  336  or may be secured in place by any other suitable method. In the alternative, a nutritive substance may be coated directly on the inside surface of annular end wall extension  336  or any other portion of the annular cap  328  or closure  316  that contacts the contents of the container upon consumption. In yet another embodiment, insert  352  may be secured within annular end wall extension  336  and a nutritive substance may be coated directly on the inside surface of annular wall extension  336 . If utilized, insert  352  may be placed within the closure just prior to the capping procedure down stream from the filling/sealing procedure so that the nutritive substance is exposed to the atmosphere for only a limited period of time. The use of an insert may allow for standard closures to be retrofitted with the inserts without the need to redesign the closure. 
     In use, a consumer may remove closure  316  to reveal releasable seal  342 . As the releasable seal tab is pulled away from rim  320 , the tensile force applied on the bond between releasable seal  342  and rim  320  causes the bond to fail, thereby allowing the user to remove the releasable seal. In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 15 , insert  352  is then exposed to both the atmosphere and the product in container  314 . Closure  316  may then be replaced on threaded cylindrical portion  318 , thereby resealing the container. When closure  316  is replaced onto the container, each time the consumer inverts the container, the product contained therein flows from the container through aperture  322  into contact with insert  352 , which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance prior to or during consumption of the container&#39;s contents. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in still another embodiment, container  410  includes a generally rectangular body  412  and a closure  414 . The container body in this embodiment need not be rectangular and may any suitable shape. Closure  414  may include a threaded cylindrical body  418  defining a rim  420  at one end and terminating in a base  422  at an opposite end. Rim  420  may define an aperture that extends through threaded cylindrical body  418  and that is in fluid communication with a chamber (not shown) of body  412 . The aperture may be configured to releasably receive a removable seal having a pull ring  426  connected to a circular base  428  by a tab  425  ( FIG. 18 ). Removable circular seal base  428  may seal off a through hole  432  ( FIG. 18 ) formed in rectangular body  412 , allowing the contents of container  412  to be sealed therein. 
     Threaded cylindrical body  418  is adapted to threadably receive a removable cover  416 . An inner circumference of threaded cylindrical body  418  may be coated with a nutritive substance layer  430  on the surface above the connection of circular seal base  428  and threaded cylindrical body  418 . It should be understood by those in the art that nutritive substance layer  430  may take various forms so long as the nutritive substance is maintained in place above closure circular seal base  428 . Thus, an insert having a nutritive substance coating may be press fitted into the inner circumference of threaded cylindrical body  418 . 
     Cylindrical top portion  418  and body  412  may be integrally molded of a suitable polymer material, which may be blow molded, by extrusion or injection, so that it is a unitary member of uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. In the alternative, top portion  418  may be bonded to body  412  by threaded cylindrical body base  422 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in use, a consumer may pull on pull ring  426 , ( FIG. 18 ) resulting in circular seal base  428  breaking away from the inner circumference of threaded top portion  418 . Once ring  426  is completely removed, the contents of container  412  may be exposed to nutritive substance coating  430 . The consumer may then place cap  416  onto threaded cylindrical top portion  418  so that the contents can be shaken, thereby introducing the nutritive substance to the contents of the container. Moreover, each time container  412  is tilted to pour the contents, a gradual release of nutritive substance is achieved. 
     In each of the above described embodiments, the nutritive substance may be any known in the art. For example, the nutritive substance may be a macronutrient, a micronutrient, a bioactive agent, a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, a probiotic, a prebiotic, a vitamin, a mineral, or combinations thereof. The nutritive substance may be a substance that is sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, moisture, or any component that is contained within the container body. In an embodiment, the nutritive substance is maintained as sterile until the user desires to mix the nutritive substance and the product within the container. 
     In a particular embodiment, the nutritive substance is a probiotic. The probiotic may be any probiotic known in the art. In particular embodiments, the probiotic is impregnated into a gum substrate. The gum substrate may, in some embodiments, comprise plant starches, instant hydratable starches, pregelatinized starches, instantized cold soluble starches, disintegratable starches, immobilized food-grade resins, or low-melting fats impregnated with disintegrating starches. In a particular embodiment, the gum substrate may comprise a low-melting fat impregnated with a disintegrating starch, which on contact with water can swell and release the probiotic. In another embodiment, the gum substrate may comprise an immobilized food-grade resin, which can be used to adsorb the probiotic. Upon contact with water, the immobilized food grade resin readily dislodges the probiotic. In particular embodiments, hydrophilic substances, such as emulsifiers, can be included in the gum substrate to assist in the release of the probiotic upon contact of the probiotic with the product. 
     In another embodiment, the probiotic may be applied as a powder that is suspended in an oil- or wax-based suspension. Any oil or wax known in the art may be utilized in this embodiment, provided it does not adversely affect the properties of the container or the contents of the container. 
     In at least one embodiment, the probiotic may be  Lactobacillus rhamnosus  GG. In another embodiment, the probiotic may be Bifidobacterium BB-12. In a particular embodiment, the probiotic may be a combination of  Lactobacillus rhamnosus  GG and Bifidobacterium BB-12. In some embodiments, the level of probiotic present is within the range of about 1×10 5  colony forming units (cfu) per gram formula to about 1×10 10  cfu per gram formula. In other embodiments, the level of probiotic present is within the range of about 1×10 6  colony forming units (cfu) per gram formula to about 1×10 9  cfu per gram formula. In some embodiments, the level of probiotic present is within the range of about 1×10 6  colony forming units (cfu) per gram formula to about 1×10 8  cfu per gram formula. 
     Because many probiotics are sensitive to heat and may be damaged or killed if subjected to the heat treatment that is necessary for many food and drink products, the present invention provides the compartmentalized storage of a probiotic. In the present invention, the product contained within the container may undergo heat treatment or sterilization during the packaging process. After the product has been packaged into a container and sterilized, a seal containing a probiotic layer may be affixed to the container. Alternatively, the probiotic may be contained on an insert as described herein or may be coated within the upper portion of the container or the container closure. The package may then be prepared for shipment or display. In these configurations, the probiotic is not subjected to damaging heat treatment during packaging and is kept separate from the product itself until consumption, at which time the two can be intermixed. 
     Thus, in some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for making a delivery apparatus comprising a) providing a container as described herein, b) filling the container with a product; c) sterilizing the product-filled container; d) sealing the container with a laminate seal as described herein; and e) placing a closure on the container. 
     The product contained within the container may be any product known in the art. In some embodiments, the product is in a form selected from a liquid, ready-to-use product, liquid concentrate, fluid, powder, suspension, emulsion, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the product contained within the container is a food or drink product. In a particular embodiment, the product contained within the container is a nutritional supplement for children or adults. 
     While the container itself may be constructed from a polymer such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof, the container may also be constructed from paper, cardboard, or another fibrous material, optionally coated with a plastic material or foil laminate. Similarly, the container could be constructed from a flexible film, thereby providing a flexible pouch. 
     These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole and in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein.