Patent Publication Number: US-2004040979-A1

Title: Dispenser for food or beverage container

Description:
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and hereby expressly incorporates herein by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/388,460 entitled “FLIP-TOP DISPENSER”, which was filed on Jun. 13, 2002. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0003] The present invention relates to a dispenser for a food or beverage container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispenser for a food or beverage container that incorporates a three-dimensional design therein without significantly compromising the appearance of the three-dimensional design with the functionality of the device&#39;s dispensing apparatus. The present invention finds particular application as a flip-top dispenser that incorporates a sculpted figure or character and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention may relate to other similar environments and applications.  
       [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art  
       [0005] Three-dimensional designs are often incorporated in consumer product designs to create purchase appeal. For example, a consumer product may include a sculpted figure, character, person, bust, emblem, logo or any other three-dimensional shape. The incorporated design may be a true likeness of someone or something or may be entirely fictional or fanciful. Further, the design may be generic or may be protected by, for example, patent, trademark, and/or copyright laws and the like. Often, well-known and protected characters, such as those from television and movies, are incorporated in consumer product designs to further increase purchase appeal.  
       [0006] One category of consumer products where it is particularly desirable to incorporate three-dimensional designs of well-known characters is in food and beverage containers. In particular, it is often desirable to incorporate such designs in the caps, also referred to herein as lids and covers, of food and beverage containers. However, the caps of many food and beverage containers already include one or more functional aspects that present unique problems to the incorporated three-dimensional design. More specifically, the functional aspects of the cap often interfere with the quality and integrity of the incorporated three-dimensional design and detract from the overall appearance thereof.  
       [0007] For example, beverage containers often include some type of screw-on cap that includes a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus is required to function for purposes of dispensing the beverage held in the container through the cap. When this type of beverage container and, more specifically, the cap of this type of beverage container includes a three-dimensional design, the dispensing apparatus either protrudes from the three-dimensional design or is included as part of the three-dimensional design.  
       [0008] When the three-dimensional design uses a well known character, it is often difficult to include the dispensing apparatus as part of the character because the character already has a predetermined shape and requires this shape in order to be recognizable. Allowing the dispensing apparatus to protrude from the three-dimensional design is also problematic. In particular, a dispensing apparatus protruding from a well known character is unsightly and detracts from the overall appearance of the three-dimensional character. This negatively affects the quality and integrity of the incorporated design.  
       [0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a dispenser and/or cap with a dispenser for a food or beverage container that permits a three-dimensional design to be incorporated therein without significantly compromising the appearance of the three-dimensional design while maintaining the dispenser&#39;s functionality. There is a further need for a dispenser and/or cap that permits a well-known three-dimensional design to be incorporated therein without negatively impacting the quality or integrity of the incorporated design with the functionality of the device&#39;s dispensing apparatus.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010] The present invention provides a new and improved dispenser for a food or beverage container that overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others and provides the aforementioned and other advantageous features. More particularly, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the dispenser includes a dispensing cap connected to an associated container and a three-dimensional design having (1) a first portion mounted on the dispensing cap and (2) a second portion pivotally connected to the first portion.  
       [0011] The second portion is movable between a closed position wherein the second portion engages the first portion and an open position wherein the second portion is at a location pivoted away from engagement with the first portion. The dispenser assembly further includes a spout extending from the dispensing cap through the first portion of the three-dimensional design. The spout is accessible when the second portion is in the open position and the spout is hidden when the second portion is in the closed position.  
       [0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser for a food or beverage container is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the dispenser includes a dispensing cap connected to an associated container and a three-dimensional design piece. A connector pivotally connects the three-dimensional design piece to the dispensing cap and allows the design piece to be movable between a closed position wherein the design piece is positioned on the dispensing cap and an open position wherein the design piece is spaced apart from the dispensing cap. An opening is defined in the dispensing cap. The opening is hidden under the design piece when the design piece is in the closed position and the opening is accessible when the design piece is in the open position. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0013] The invention may take physical form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.  
     [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flip-top dispenser on a beverage container according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0015]FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the flip-top dispenser on the beverage container of FIG. 1 shown in an open position.  
     [0016]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the flip-top dispenser of FIG. 1 showing a bottom three-dimensional design portion, a top three-dimensional design portion and a connector for pivotally connecting the top and bottom design portions.  
     [0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing spout of the flip-top dispenser of FIG. 1 shown in an open position.  
     [0018]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing spout of FIG. 4 shown in a closed position.  
     [0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first alternative connector which may be substituted for the connector of FIG. 3.  
     [0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative connector which may also be substituted for the connector of FIG. 3.  
     [0021]FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a flip-top dispenser having a bottom three-dimensional design portion, a top three-dimensional design portion and a connector for pivotally connecting the top and bottom design portions according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0022]FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 8A.  
     [0023]FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of the connector of FIG. 8A.  
     [0024]FIG. 8D is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 8A.  
     [0025]FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of a flip-top dispenser having a bottom three-dimensional design portion, a top three-dimensional design portion and a connector for pivotally connecting the top and bottom design portions according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0026]FIG. 9B is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 9A.  
     [0027]FIG. 9C is a side elevational view of the connector of FIG. 9A.  
     [0028]FIG. 9D is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 9A.  
     [0029]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a flip-top dispenser according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flip-top dispenser having a dispenser cap and a stationary three-dimensional design mounted thereon according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0031]FIG. 12 is a partial exploded perspective view of a flip-top dispenser having a bobbling three-dimensional design mounted on the dispenser cap of FIG. 11.  
     [0032]FIG. 13 is a broken-away perspective view of the flip-top assembly according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention  
     [0033]FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the flip-top assembly of FIG. 13.  
     [0034]FIG. 15 shows a dispenser cap having a carrying clip disposed thereon. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0035] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows a flip-top dispenser according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention generally designated by reference numeral  10 . In this embodiment, the dispenser  10  is configured for attachment to a container  12 . More particularly, as will be described in more detail below, the dispenser  10  is threadedly attached to the container  12  for selective removal therefrom and reattachment thereto.  
     [0036] As shown, the dispenser  10  incorporates a three-dimensional design. The purpose of the incorporated design may be, for example, to increase the purchase appeal of the container  12  or a food or beverage item contained in the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the design is a three-dimensional sculpted character and, more particularly, a snowman head. Alternatively, the design could be any other sculpted character, figure, person, bust, emblem, logo or other three-dimensional shape. The design can be a true likeness of someone or something or may be entirely fictional or fanciful. Moreover, the design can be a protected design used by the owner of the protected design or with permission of the owner or the design may be entirely generic.  
     [0037] In contrast to the prior art, the dispenser  10  incorporates a design and maintains its usefulness as a dispenser without compromising the quality or integrity of the incorporated design. For example, the dispenser  10  includes minimal disturbances to the incorporated design while still providing the functional requirements necessary for a dispensing device. As discussed above, the prior art dispensers that incorporate three-dimensional designs often compromise the quality and/or integrity of the design through their employment of functional aspects of a dispenser appearing in the incorporated design. For example, some prior art dispensers incorporate a character and have a dispensing spout protruding from the character&#39;s head or back.  
     [0038] With additional reference to FIG. 2, the dispenser  10  includes a dispensing cap  14  threadedly connected to the container  12 . The dispensing cap  14  includes a movable spout  16  that allows a fluid or other substance held in the container  12  to be dispensed through the cap  14  when the spout is in an open position as will be described in more detail below. The dispenser  10  further includes a three-dimensional design or snowman head having a lower portion or piece  18  and an upper portion or piece  20 . The upper piece  20  is hingedly or pivotally connected to the lower portion  18  by a frame connector  22 .  
     [0039] With specific reference to FIG. 1, the dispenser  10  is shown in a closed position wherein the snowman head design is intact and hides the dispensing spout  16  (FIG. 2). Thus, the snowman head design is unaffected by the dispensing function of the cap and spout and the overall quality of the snowman head design is not detrimentally impacted. With specific reference to FIG. 2, when the dispenser  10  is in an open position, the upper portion  20  folds open to reveal the dispensing spout  16 . With the upper portion  20  folded out of the way, the spout  16  can be moved to its open position to allow the liquid or other substance in the container  12  to be dispensed through the cap  14 .  
     [0040] Alternatively, the dispensing spout  16  can be replaced with any another means for dispensing from a container. For example, the dispensing spout could be replaced with a straw or sipper, a chute, an opening, etc. In these and any further alternative configurations, the means for dispensing could be used to dispense a liquid, semi-solid or a solid or plurality of solids from the container  12 .  
     [0041] With reference to FIG. 3, the upper portion  20  is generally a hollow structure that is manufactured through a rotational molding process utilizing any type of thermoplastic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, vinyl is the material used for rotational molding the upper portion  20 . After molding, the upper portion  20  is decorated with a paint, dye, stain or other decorative substance. Of course, alternative manufacturing processes and materials could be used to make the upper portion and all known processes and materials are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, an injection molding process could be used to produce the upper portion  20  and/or a synthetic material, other than vinyl, could be used to form the upper portion  20 , particularly those materials that can be easily decorated after molding with a paint, dye, stain or other decorative substance.  
     [0042] The upper portion  20  includes a mating surface, bottom surface  24 , defining a recessed area  26  and a plurality of slots  28  in the recessed surface. An opening  30  defined in the bottom surface  24  connects to an interior cavity of the upper portion  20 . The opening  30  and the hollow interior of the upper portion  20  receive the dispensing spout  16  when the dispenser  10  is in the closed position to hide the dispensing spout  16  and maintain the integrity of the three-dimensional design  18 ,  20  (FIG. 1).  
     [0043] The bottom portion  18  is also a generally hollow structure and is manufactured in the same manner and formed of the same material as the top portion  20 . Like the upper portion  20 , the bottom portion  18  includes a mating surface, top surface  32 , that defines a recessed area  34  and a plurality of slots  36  in the recessed area  34 . An opening  38  is defined in the top surface  32  that connects to an interior cavity of the lower portion  18 . Another opening  40  is defined on an underside of the bottom portion. The underside opening  40  is aligned with the opening  38  and connects to the interior cavity of the lower portion  18 . The bottom portion openings  38 ,  40  allow the dispensing spout  16  to pass through the bottom portion  18  as will be described in more detail below.  
     [0044] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the frame connector  22  includes an upper rectangular section  42  and a lower rectangular section  44 . The lower section  44  is pivotally connected to the upper section  42  by a pivot or hinge  46 . In the preferred embodiment, the hinge  46  is a bow-tie-type hinge. However, alternative hinge types are contemplated and all known hinge types are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, the hinge  46  could be a strap-type hinge, a loop and pin hinge, a living hinge or any other hinge or structure that enables the frame sections  42 ,  44  to pivot relative to one another.  
     [0045] The upper section  42  includes a plurality of tabs  48  that are received in the slots  28  of the bottom surface  24  of the upper portion  20  for securing the upper section  42  to the bottom surface  24 . Optionally, the tabs  48  include barbs  50  for further securing the upper section  42  to the upper portion  20 . Also optionally, an adhesive can be added between the upper section  42  and the bottom surface  24  to even further secure the upper section  42  to the upper portion  20 . When the upper section  42  is connected to the bottom surface  24 , the upper section  42  rests in the recessed area  26  of the bottom surface  24  so that the upper section is flush or level with an area of the bottom surface that is not recessed. The upper section  42  includes an opening  52  aligned with the opening  30 .  
     [0046] Similar to the upper section  42 , the lower section  44  includes a plurality of tabs  54  that are received in the slots  36  of the top surface  32  of the lower portion  18  for securing the lower section  44  to the top surface  32 . Also like the upper section  42 , the tabs  54  can optionally include barbs  56  and/or an adhesive can be optionally used between the top surface  32  and the lower section  44  for purposes of further securing the lower section  44  to the lower portion  18 . When the lower section  44  is connected to the top surface  32 , the lower section  44  rests in the recessed area  34  of the top surface  32  so that the lower section  44  is flush or level with an area of the top surface that is not recessed. The lower section  44  includes an opening  58  aligned with the opening  38 .  
     [0047] Although the upper portion  20  is shown having six (6) slots  28  for receiving six (6) corresponding tabs  48  and the lower portion  18  is shown having six (6) slots  36  for receiving six (6) corresponding tabs  54 , any number of slots and tabs can be used for connecting the upper section  42  to the upper portion  20  and for connecting the lower section  44  to the lower portion  18 . Additionally, other means for connecting the upper and lower sections  42 ,  44  to the respective upper and lower portion  18 ,  20  can be used in place of or in addition to the respective tab and slot arrangements  28 ,  48  and  36 ,  54  including, for example, a tongue and groove arrangement, a latch and catch arrangement, snaps, etc.  
     [0048] When the dispenser  10  is in the closed position, the connector  22  is entirely hidden. This occurs as a result of the upper and lower sections  42 ,  44  residing in the recessed areas  26 ,  34  of the top and bottom surfaces  24 ,  32 . With the connector  22  not visible when the dispenser is closed, the integrity of the three-dimensional design incorporated in the dispenser  10  is maintained and unaffected by the connector  22 .  
     [0049] With reference still to FIG. 3, the connector  22  includes a locking device or locking means for maintaining the dispenser  10  in a closed position. The lock device includes a tab  60  depending from the upper section  42  and a slot  62  for receiving the tab  60  defined in the lower section  44 . The tab  60  includes a barb  64  so that when the tab  60  is received in the slot  62  the upper section  42  is prevented from pivoting from the lower section  44 . Thus, the dispenser can be maintained in its closed position and generally prevented from flipping open unintentionally when the dispenser is shipped, handled or stored. Of course, the tab could be on lower section  44  and the corresponding slot could be on the upper section  42 .  
     [0050] To open the dispenser  10  and pivotally move the upper section  42  from the lower section  44 , a pull-out force is applied to the upper section via the upper portion  20  sufficient enough to overcome the locking engagement between the tab  60  and the slot  62 , i.e., the tab  60  and barb  64  and/or the slot  62  are elastically deformed a sufficient amount to allow the tab  60  to be removed from the slot  62 . Of course, other locking devices or locking means can be employed. For example, an interference fit arrangement could be employed between a tab and a receiving opening, a latch arrangement could be employed, etc.  
     [0051] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the dispensing cap  14  is generally a conventional-type cap that threadedly connects to the container  12 . The cap  14  includes a base portion  70  having threads for connecting to the container  12  and an opening  72  defined in the base portion  70 . The cap  14  further includes a tubular portion  74  having a passageway  76  fluidly connected to the opening  72 . At a distal end of the tubular portion  74 , an opening  78  is defined that connects to the passageway  76 . The dispensing spout  16  is telescopingly received over the tubular portion  74  and slidably movable relative to the base portion  70 . The spout  16  is movable a distance of preferably about one-quarter (¼) inch to about two (2) inches, preferably about one-half (½) inch to one and half (1½) inches, and more preferably , one-half (½) inch to one (1) inch, depending on the shape and position of the lower and upper portions  18 ,  20  that need to be cleared when the dispenser  10  is open.  
     [0052] The spout  16  includes an opening  80  at one end thereof which, together with the opening  78 , forms a valve that controls the passage of fluid or any other substance from the container  12  and through the opening  80 . Thus, when the spout  16  is in a first, closed position (FIG. 5), the valve is closed and the contents of the container  12  are prevented from passing through the cap  14 , i.e., an interior wall  82  defining the opening  80  seals closed the annular opening  78 . When the spout  16  is in a second, open position (FIG. 4), the valve is open and the contents of the container  12  are allowed to pass through the cap  14 , i.e., the opening  80  is unobstructed and the container&#39;s contents are free to pass from the container  12  and through the openings  72 ,  78 ,  80 .  
     [0053] The tubular portion  74  includes one or more barbs  84  positioned adjacent the base portion  70  for securing the lower portion  18  on the cap  14 . More particularly, an outer diameter of the barbs  84  is larger than a diameter of the opening  40  at the bottom of the lower portion  18  which generally prevents pull-off of the lower portion  18  from the cap  14 . To connect the bottom portion  18  to the cap  14 , a force is applied sufficient enough to elastically deform the lower opening of the lower portion  18  such that it stretches over the barbs  84 .  
     [0054] To assemble the three-dimensional design  18 ,  20 , the connector  22  is attached to the lower and upper portions  18 ,  20 . The openings  30 ,  38 ,  40 ,  52 ,  56  allow the tubular portion  74  and the spout  16  to pass therethrough and be concealed by the portions  18 ,  20  of the three-dimensional design. Thus, when the dispenser  10  is in the closed position, the dispensing components  14 ,  16  are concealed and do not adversely affect the quality or integrity of the three-dimensional design. When the dispenser is moved to its open position, i.e., the top portion  20  is pivoted back along the hinge  46 , the spout  16  is accessible and movable to its open position to allow the contents of the container  12  to be dispensed therefrom.  
     [0055] With reference to FIG. 6, a frame connector  22 ′ is illustrated that can be substituted for the frame connector  22 . In most respects, the frame connector  22 ′ is like the frame connector  22 . However, the frame connector  22 ′ includes a strap-type hinge  46 ′. With reference to FIG. 7, another frame connector  22 ″ is illustrated that can be substituted for the frame connector  22 . Again, in most respects, the frame connector  22 ″ is like the frame connector  22 . However, the frame connector  22 ″ includes a hinge assembly  46 ″ having hinge pin receiving structures  46   a ″ and a hinge pin  46   b ″ extending through the receiving structures  46   a ″ for pivotally connecting the upper section  42 ″ to the lower section  44 ″. In another alternative embodiment, it is also possible to replace the connector  22  with an integrally formed hinge between the upper and lower portions  18 ,  20 . The integrally formed hinge could be achieved by molding one continuous piece as the three-dimensional design which would include a hinge built into the mold.  
     [0056] With reference to FIG. 8A, a dispenser  90  is shown according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In many respects, the dispenser  90  is like the dispenser  10  of the first preferred embodiment. The dispenser  90  includes a cap  92  having a dispensing spout (not shown), a lower portion  96  of a three-dimensional design, an upper portion  98  of the three-dimensional design and a connector  100  for pivotally connecting the upper portion  98  to the lower portion  96 .  
     [0057] With additional reference to FIGS.  8 B- 8 D, unlike the connector  22 , the connector  100  includes a lower circular section  102  and an upper circular section  104  pivotally connected to the lower circular section  102  by a hinge  106 . The circular section  104  includes a dome  108  extending upwardly from an upper annular frame  110 . An interior wall of the dome  108  is formed contiguously with an interior wall of the annular frame  110 . An annular flange  112  is spaced apart from the annular frame  110  and extends radially outwardly from an exterior wall of the dome  108 . The annular frame  110 , the dome  108  and the flange  112  together form an annular groove structure. An opening  114  is provided through the annular frame  110  opposite the hinge  106  and an optional recess is provided in the annular flange  112  aligned with the opening  114 .  
     [0058] A tubular flange  118  extends downwardly from a lower annular frame  120  of the lower circular section  102 . An interior wall of the tubular flange  118  is formed contiguously with an interior wall of the annular frame  120 . An annular flange  122  is spaced apart from the frame  120  and extends radially outwardly from an exterior wall of the tubular flange  118 . The annular frame  120 , the tubular flange  118  and the annular flange  122  together form an annular groove structure. A tab  124  extends upwardly from the annular frame  120  opposite the hinge  106  and is receivable in the opening  114  when the upper and lower sections  102 ,  104  are pivoted toward one another.  
     [0059] The hinge  106  includes two slits  126  oriented generally normal to a pivot axis of the hinge  106 . The slits  126  divide the hinge  106  into three sections  128  which provides increased strength and flexibility to the hinge  106 . Further, failure of one of the hinge sections  128  does not render failure of any of the other sections  128  more likely. In a typical, single section hinge, a tear in the hinge can severely weaken the hinge and will likely result in failure of the entire hinge. Thus, the slit and sectional hinge arrangement provides a more resilient hinge. Of course, any number of slits and sections could be used and other slit configurations could be employed. All such slit and sectional hinge arrangements are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.  
     [0060] The lower portion  96  includes an opening  128  and a recessed area  130  for flushly receiving the connector lower section  102 . Further, the lower portion  96  includes an annular flange  132  that is received in the groove structure of the lower section  102 . Below the flange  132 , the lower portion  96  includes a groove structure  134  having a groove for receiving the annular flange  122 . The cooperation or engagement between lower circular section groove structure and the flange  132  and the cooperation or engagement between the lower portion groove structure  134  and the flange  122  secures the connector  100  to the lower portion  96 .  
     [0061] Similarly, the upper portion  98  includes an opening  138  and a recessed area  140  for flushly receiving the connector upper section  104 . Further, the upper portion  98  includes an annular flange  142  that is received in the groove structure of the upper section  104 . Above the flange  142 , the upper portion  98  includes a groove structure  144  having a groove for receiving the annular flange  112  of the upper section  104 . The cooperation or engagement between the upper circular section groove structure and the annular flange  142  and the cooperation or engagement between the upper portion groove structure  144  and the flange  112  secures the connector  100  to the upper portion  98 .  
     [0062] With reference to FIG. 9A, a dispenser  150  is shown according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser  150  includes a dispensing cap  152  having a dispensing spout  154 . In most respects, the dispensing cap  152  is like the dispensing cap  14  of the first preferred embodiment. A connector  156  pivotally attaches a three dimensional design piece  158  to the dispensing cap  152 . More particularly, the design piece  158  is pivotally movable between a closed position wherein the piece  158  fits over the dispensing spout  154  to hide the dispensing spout  154  and an open position wherein the piece  158  is removed from the dispensing spout  154  allowing access to the dispensing spout for use thereof.  
     [0063] The dispensing cap  152  includes a base portion  160  and a tubular portion (not shown) extending from the base portion  160 . The tubular portion is like the tubular portion  74  of the first preferred embodiment but does not include barbs. Rather, the tubular portion includes a shoulder  164  adjacent a top  166  of the base portion  160  and a flange  168  extending radially outwardly adjacent a top of the shoulder  164 . Thus, the flange  168  is spaced slightly apart from the top  166  of the base portion  160 . The height of the tubular portion is such that the dispensing spout  154  rests against or close to the shoulder  164  when the spout  154  is in its closed position.  
     [0064] With additional reference to FIGS.  9 B- 9 D, the connector  156  includes a lower section  170  and an upper section  172  connected to the lower section  170  by a hinge  174 . The lower section  170  is an annular ring having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the shoulder  164  and smaller than a diameter of the flange  168 . Thus, when assembled, the lower section  170  is free to rotate about the shoulder  164  but generally cannot be removed from its position between the top  166  of the base portion  160  and the flange  168 .  
     [0065] The upper section  172  includes a generally flat circular wall  176  having a skirt  178  depending from an outer edge of the wall  176 . An inner diameter of the skirt  178  is substantially similar or slightly larger than the diameter of the flange  168  such that when the upper section is pivoted to a closed position the skirt  178  frictionally grips the flange  168  to lock the connector  156  in the closed position. To unlock the skirt  178  from the flange  168 , a sufficient force must be applied to the upper section  172  to pull it apart from the lower section  170 . A tab  180  is disposed on the skirt  178  at a location opposite the hinge  174  for providing a surface to apply said force when it is desired to unlock the connector  156 .  
     [0066] A cup member  182  extends from the wall  176  in a direction opposite of the skirt  178 . The cup  182  has an inner diameter large enough to receive the spout  154  when the connector  156  is in its closed position. An outer diameter of the cup  182  is appropriately sized to be received in an opening  184  on an underside of the three-dimensional design piece  158 . An exterior wall of the cup  182  includes barbs  186  for securing the piece  158  to the connector  156 .  
     [0067] The hinge  174  includes one or more waves  188  for allowing the design piece  158  to be positioned in a non-interfering location when the connector  156  is in its open position. More particularly, the waves  188  in the hinge  174  allow the design piece  158  to pivot to a location spaced apart from dispensing cap  152  which allows generally unhindered access to the dispensing spout  154 . The rotational connection between the lower section  170  and the cap  152  allows the three-dimensional design piece  158  to be rotated relative to the container such as might be necessary to align a front of the piece  158  with a desired portion of a label (not shown) on the container.  
     [0068] With reference to FIG. 12, a connector  156 ′ and cap  152 ′ are shown according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. In most respects, the connector and cap  152 ′,  156 ′ are like the connector and cap  152 ,  156  of the third preferred embodiment. However, the connector  156 ′ includes hinge  174 ′ that is a living hinge. Thus, a 3-D design piece carries on cup  182 ′ is urged toward either its open position or its closed position and requires a sufficient force to overcome this urging. Generally, whichever position the design piece is closer to is the position that it will be urged toward by the living hinge  174 ′.  
     [0069] With reference to FIG. 10, a portion of a dispenser  190  is shown according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. In many respects, the dispenser  190  is like the dispenser  10  of the first preferred embodiment. However, the dispenser  190  includes a dispenser cap  192  that can be used to mount a generally stationary three-dimensional design or, alternatively, to mount a moving or bobbling three-dimensional design as will be described in more detail below. In FIG. 10, the cap  192  is used in a configuration for mounting a stationary three-dimensional design.  
     [0070] The cap  192  includes a base portion  194  having a tubular portion  196  extending therefrom. A flange  198  extends radially outwardly from the tubular portion  196  at a location spaced apart slightly from a top surface  200  of the cap  192 . As in the previously discussed embodiments, the tubular portion  196  supports a dispensing spout  202 . A bottom portion  204  of the three-dimensional design connects to the cap  192 . More particularly, the bottom portion  204  is generally hollow and defines a pair of openings, bottom opening  206  and top opening  208 . The bottom opening  206  pulls over the flange  198  which is slightly larger than the bottom opening to prevent pull-off of the bottom portion  204  from the cap  192 . The bottom portion  204  is elastically deformed for purposes of getting the flange  198  in the opening  206 . Additionally, the bottom portion  204  can be mounted to the cap  192  very soon after molding of the bottom portion such as when it is still warm from the molding process to further assist in getting the flange  198  in the opening  206 . A bottom wall  210  of the bottom portion  204  then rests on the top surface  200  of the cap  192 .  
     [0071] Similar to the connector  22  of the first preferred embodiment, the dispenser  190  includes a connector  214 . A bottom section  216  of the connector  214  is secured to the bottom portion  204  and a top section  218  of the connector  214  is secured to the top portion of the three-dimensional design. The top and bottom sections  216 ,  218  of the connector  214  are optionally rectangular with rounded corners to make assembly to the top and bottom portions of the three-dimensional design relatively easier. The connector  214  further includes a dome  224  that functions like the dome  108  of the second preferred embodiment. In most other respects, the dispenser  190  functions like the dispenser  10  of the first preferred embodiment.  
     [0072] Although the shape of the top and bottom sections  216 ,  218  of the connector  214  varies from the previously discussed preferred embodiments, the function is essentially the same. As should be evident, the shape of the top and bottom sections of the connectors of any of the embodiments herein discussed can vary and may include, for example, an oval shape, a triangular shape, etc. In some instances, it may be desirable to shape the connector sections such that they outline a shape of the three dimensional design. For example, if the three-dimensional design is generally rectangular, then the connector sections could be rectangular.  
     [0073] With reference to FIG. 11, a modified dispenser  190 ′ is shown wherein cap  192 ′ is used to mount a moving or bobbling three-dimensional design  204 ′. In the dispenser  190 ′, a spring  226  is included above flange  198 ′ and below connector  214 ′. Further, base portion  204 ′ of the three-dimensional design has a shortened height. More particularly, bottom wall  210 ′ of the base portion  204 ′ rests against the flange  198 ′. This allows the three-dimensional design to move angularly relative to tubular portion  196 ′ of the dispensing cap  192 ′. The spring  226  functions to return the three-dimensional design to a normal, upright position after the design has been moved angularly relative to the tubular portion  196 ′.  
     [0074] With reference to FIG. 13, a dispenser assembly  240  is shown according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. In most respects, the dispenser assembly  240  functions like the dispenser  150 . However, the dispenser assembly  240  is configured for use with a straw as opposed to a dispensing spout. More particularly, the dispenser assembly  240  includes a dispensing cap  242  that fits over a straw structure  244 . With additional reference to FIG. 14, the cap  242  can include a ridge  246  for holding the straw structure  244  in position relative to the cap  242 . The assembly  240  includes a strap-type hinge connector  248  that functions much like the connector  156 . The connector  248  includes a cup structure  250  that attaches to an end of the stem structure  214  and an annular section  252  that connects to the cap  242 .  
     [0075] With reference to FIG. 15, a dispensing cap  260  is shown having a carrying device connected thereto. More specifically, a bottom portion  262  of the cap  260  includes a U-shaped member  264  extending from a side of the bottom portion. A conventional clip device  266  is connected to the U-shaped member  264  and can be used to connect the dispensing cap  260  and any dispenser assembly the cap  260  is a component in to another item such as a backpack, jacket, etc. The carrying device of the dispensing cap  260  could be added as a feature to any of the dispensing caps discussed herein or, alternatively, to another component of the dispenser assembly.  
     [0076] The invention has been described with reference other preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.