Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of and claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/941,771 filed Sep. 15, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to containers, and, in particular, to multi-chamber beverage containers that have a flanged secondary container between a lid and primary chamber. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    People the world over consume mixed drinks—sometimes such drinks are a mixture of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, flavorings and water, nutritional supplements and water, or any combination of fluids and/or fluid compatible ingredients. Sometimes the combination of such ingredients may produce an unsavory flavor if they are mixed with one another for some extended period of time. One component may settle, absorb carbonation or otherwise react with the other components. Usually, the flavor of these mixed drinks is optimized by consuming the beverage immediately after mixing the constituents. As a result, the component fluids are usually kept in separate containers until they are mixed. 
         [0004]    For example, when a beverage such as a wine spritzer is mixed, the wine and carbonated beverage are mixed only immediately before consumption. Otherwise, the adverse affect of the wine and carbonated beverage when they are combined for some extended period of time would render the drink unpalatable. The wine often acquires a bitter taste, while the carbonated beverage becomes “flat.” The same general effects are observed as an alcoholic beverage such as rum is mixed with cola or fruit juice. 
         [0005]    Because of the adverse effects associated with the extended mixing of certain components of common mixed drinks, these components are often stored separately until immediately before consumption. Individuals must therefore mix drinks. Not only is such mixing tedious, but the process is inherently imprecise, resulting in some drinks that are much stronger or weaker than others. Additionally, the ingredients are stored separately and tend to be depleted at different times, making it difficult to maintain an inventory of adequate amounts of all constituents of a mixed drink. 
         [0006]    Recognizing the advantages that a multi-compartment container would provide, innovators have conceived various dual chamber containers over the years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,368 discloses a container having a top wall and a shallow compartment wall underlying and spaced adjacent to the top wall. The compartment wall provides a hermetic seal and divides the interior of the container into an upper compartment for storing a small volume of syrup and a lower compartment for storing a much larger volume of carbonated water. The compartment wall is in sufficiently close proximity to the top wall to be ruptured by the blade of a can opener. U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,114 discloses a composite container with a plurality of separable, independently closed container compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,295 discloses a can having a cup-shaped insert with an open top essentially in the same plane with the open top of the can. A cover seals the can and the insert. The cover includes two separate pull tabs, one sealing the insert and the other sealing the can. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,813 discloses a can with a hollow internal vessel having a top rim engaged in channels of the lid to provide a good seal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,244 discloses a partitioned can with a rotatable tab that allows opening each partitioned section. U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,677 discloses a can with an indented cup formed in the lid and configured to hold a removable tube-like container. 
         [0007]    While the above cited inventions disclose useful multi-compartment containers, they do not address the unique conveniences inherent in the present invention. In the art, there is no known container that is compatible with conventional beverage can manufacturing techniques, keeps constituents in discrete hermetically sealed compartments, is capable of opening both compartments simultaneously with a conventional flip tab, and facilitates mixing of the constituents within the container after opening and during consumption. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a multi-compartment beverage container that is compatible with conventional beverage can manufacturing techniques, is capable of keeping constituents in discrete hermetically sealed compartments, is capable of opening both compartments simultaneously with a conventional flip tab, and facilitates mixing of the constituents within the container after opening and during consumption. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An objects of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a multi-compartment beverage container that is compatible with conventional beverage can manufacturing techniques. Another object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a multi-compartment beverage container that keeps separate constituents in discrete hermetically sealed compartments. Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a multi-compartment beverage container that allows opening several compartments simultaneously with a conventional flip tab or by removal of screw-on caps. Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a multi-compartment beverage container that facilitates mixing of the constituents within the container or within a mixing chamber defined by a cap attached to the lid after opening and during consumption. 
         [0010]    To solve one or more of the problems set forth above and achieve one or more of the objectives set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a beverage container includes a thin walled canister with a closed bottom, an open top and a top sidewall edge. An inner tubular cylinder has a penetrable flanged head with a central opening and a rim for engaging the top sidewall edge. A lid is connected to the container. The penetrable flanged head is disposed between the top sidewall edge and the lid. The lid has a top surface and a bottom surface and a pull tab attached to the top surface of the lid. The tab has a tip. A scored panel is disposed on the top surface of the lid in functional alignment with the tip of the pull tab and configured to partially detach from the lid when depressed by the tip of the pull tab. The scored panel penetrates the flanged head when depressed. The canister contains a first liquid and the inner tubular cylinder contains a second liquid. The penetrable flanged head hermetically seals the first liquid from the second liquid. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the pull tab is riveted to the lid. In another embodiment, the pull tab is hingedly coupled to the lid and removable from the lid. The inner tubular cylinder has a bottom abutting the closed bottom of the thin walled canister. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the flanged head includes a scored horizontal panel adjacent to the central opening, and the inner tubular cylinder includes a scored vertical panel adjacent to the horizontal panel. The scored panel disposed on the top surface of the lid is aligned and configured to detach the vertical panel and the horizontal panel when depressed by the tip of the pull tab. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the penetrable flanged head includes a concentric recessed plateau scored around the periphery thereof and configured to partially detach when depressed by the scored panel. The partially detached recessed plateau provides a fluid communication path from the central opening of the inner tubular cylinder to the panel. 
         [0014]    Optionally, a removable drink cap may be attached over the lid, the drink cap defining a mixing chamber between the drink cap and the lid. The drink cap includes an opening for consumption. 
         [0015]    In another exemplary embodiment, a beverage container includes a thin walled canister with a closed bottom and an open top with a top sidewall edge. An inner vessel has a plurality of elongated fluid storage compartments, a central top opening for each storage compartment and a flanged head and a rim for engaging the top sidewall edge. A lid is connected to the container. The penetrable flanged head is disposed between the top sidewall edge and the lid. The lid has a top surface and a bottom surface, and a scored panel disposed on the top surface in alignment with and associated with each central top opening. A pull tab is riveted to the lid in functional alignment with a scored panel. The pull tab has a tip configured to depress and partially detach the scored panel from the lid when the pull tab is lifted. The scored panel is configured to provide an opening in the lid for consumption of a liquid contained in a storage compartment in alignment with the scored panel. A form fitting penetrable gasket is disposed between the lid and flanged head. The form fitting penetrable gasket is comprised of plastic and has a partially detachable panel associated with and in alignment with each central top opening. Thus, the gasket is configured to seal the central top opening for each storage compartment and rupture over and in alignment with a central top opening when the scored panel associated with the central top opening is depressed and partially detached from the lid. Each elongated fluid storage compartment has a bottom abutting the closed bottom of the thin walled canister. 
         [0016]    The inner vessel may have two elongated fluid storage compartments and one pull tab configured to depress and partially detach the scored panel associated with each central top opening. The inner vessel may have three elongated fluid storage compartments and one pull tab configured to depress and partially detach the scored panel associated with each central top opening. The inner vessel may have four elongated fluid storage compartments and one pull tab configured to depress and partially detach the scored panel associated with each central top opening. The inner vessel may have four elongated fluid storage compartments and two pull tabs, each pull tab being configured to depress and partially detach the scored panel associated with two central top openings. 
         [0017]    Optionally, a removable drink cap is attached over the lid. The drink cap defines a mixing chamber between the drink cap and the lid. The drink cap includes an opening for consumption. 
         [0018]    In yet another embodiment, a beverage container includes a thin walled canister with a closed bottom and an open top with a top threaded sidewall edge. An inner vessel has at least one elongated fluid storage compartment, a central top opening for each elongated fluid storage compartment and a flanged head and a rim for engaging the top threaded sidewall edge. A cap with a threaded opening threadedly engages the top threaded sidewall edge. A form fitting removable gasket disposed between the cap and flanged head seals the central top opening for each fluid storage compartment. 
         [0019]    In still another embodiment, a beverage container includes a thin walled canister with a closed bottom and an open top with a top sidewall edge. An inner vessel has a plurality of elongated fluid storage compartments, a central top opening for each of the elongated fluid storage compartments and a flanged head and a rim for engaging the top sidewall edge. A lid is connected to the container. The flanged head is disposed between the top sidewall edge and the lid. The lid has a top surface and a bottom surface. A threaded neck projects from the top surface in alignment with and associated with each central top opening and defining a fluid communication path through the neck into the associated central top opening. A cap with a threaded opening threadedly engages the threaded neck. A form fitting perforated gasket disposed between the lid and flanged head is configured to seal the central top opening for each fluid storage compartment from each other central top opening for each other fluid storage compartment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0020]    The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a first exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, an inner cylinder with a flanged head, a lid and a tab configured to open the lid and inner cylinder according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a second exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, an inner cylinder with a flanged head, a lid and a reinforced tab configured to open the lid and inner cylinder according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a third exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, an inner cylinder with a recessed scored flanged head, a lid and a tab configured to open the lid and recessed scored flanged head according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a fourth exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, a dual (2)chamber insert, a gasket, a lid and a tab configured to open the lid above each chamber according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a fifth exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, a dual (2) chamber insert, a gasket, a lid, a tab configured to open the lid above each chamber, and a removable perforated drinking cap according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a sixth exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, a quadruple (4) chamber insert, a gasket, a lid and a tab configured to open the lid above each chamber according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective and side plan view of components of a seventh exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can, a quadruple (4) chamber insert, a gasket, a lid with threaded open necks above each chamber and a threaded cap for each neck according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of components of an eighth exemplary multi-compartment fluid storage device having a can with a threaded neck, a tubular insert, a gasket, and a threaded cap for each neck according to principles of the invention. 
           [0029]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions shown in the figures. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]    Referring to the Figures, in which like parts are indicated with the same reference numerals, various views of exemplary multi-chamber beverage containers and components thereof are provided. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a beverage container according to principles of the invention is comprised primarily of an aluminum alloy. A thin sheet of aluminum is cut into a circle, called a blank, which forms the bottom and sides of the can. After the circular blank is cut, it is drawn, pulled and pressed into a cup  100  having an open compartment  115 , bottom  105  and cylindrical sidewall  110 . After the cup is formed, a punch presses up against the base (i.e., the bottom), causing the bottom  105  to bulge inward. This concavity counteracts the pressure of carbonation contained in the can  100 . Afterwards the top edges of the cylindrical sidewall  110  are trimmed, leaving the upper walls straight and level. The can  100  may then be cleaned and imprinted with a label. After the can  100  is decorated, it is squeezed in slightly at the top to a make a neck  175 , and the neck  175  is given an outward flange at the very top edge, which will be folded over once a lid  150  is added. 
         [0031]    A lid  150  is cut to a diameter for attachment to the walls of the container. The center of the lid  150  is stretched upward slightly and drawn to form a rivet. A pull tab  145  is inserted under the rivet and secured by it. Then the lid  150  is scored in a generally elliptical or oval path that defines a separable panel, referred to herein as a tongue  160 . When the tab  145  is pulled by a consumer, scored edges of the tongue  160  will detach easily, allowing the tongue to bend downwardly into the can  100  and leave a proper opening  165 . A rim defining the periphery of the lid is configured to engage the top edges  110  of the can  100 . 
         [0032]    An inner tubular cylinder  120  includes a flanged head  125  with a central opening  130 , a rim  135  for engaging the top edges  110  of the can  100 , and a scored horizontal and vertical tongues  140 ,  170 . The inner tubular cylinder  120  may comprise an aluminum alloy comparable to, or the same as, the aluminum alloy comprising the can  100  and/or lid  150 . The inner tubular cylinder  120  may be formed from a circular blank that is drawn, pulled and pressed into the appropriate shape. 
         [0033]    The assembly is completed by filling the compartments and bending or rolling and then seaming the edges of the can  100 , flange  125  and lid  150 , to form a hermetic seal. First, the can  100  may be filled with a volume of liquid equal to the total volume of the can  100  minus the volume occupied by the tube  120  and any ullage. Then the tube  120  may be filled and installed on the can  100 , with the tube  120  extending downwardly into the filled cavity  115  of the can  100  and the flange  125  resting atop the top edges of the sidewall  110  of the can  100 . Then the lid  150  is placed atop the flange  125 . Then the lid  150 , flange  125  and neck  175  are adjoined by bending. By way of example and not limitation, the neck  175  may be bent around the peripheral edges of the flange  125  and lid  150  and seamed shut, to provide a strong hermetic seal. This step, which entails bending the neck  175  around peripheral edges of the lid  150 , is performed in conventional aluminum can manufacturing processes, without the presence of a flange  125  and corresponding inner tube  120 . Skilled artisans will appreciate that this embodiment of the present invention preserves conventional aluminum can manufacturing processes and merely adds steps of forming, inserting and filling the inner tube  120  with the flanged head  125 . 
         [0034]    In use, when the tab  145  is pulled upwardly in a familiar manner, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the tip of the tab  145  presses against the top of the tongue  160 , thus rupturing the scored periphery of the tongue  160 . The pressure caused by the tip of the tab  145  depresses the tongue  160  of the lid  150  against the scored horizontal tongue  140  of the inner tube flange  125 , rupturing the scored periphery of the horizontal tongue  140 . The scored horizontal tongue is then urged into the scored vertical tongue  170 , which also ruptures, thus providing a path for fluid communication from the interior cavity  130  of the inner tube  120  to the interior cavity  115  of the can  100  and to the opening  165  formed in the lid  150 . This allows contained fluid to be dispensed from the interior cavity  130  of the inner tube  120  as well as from the interior cavity  115  of the can  100 , through the opening  165 . Thus, advantageously, a single stay on tab  145  provides a means for opening all compartments of the container. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an alternative exemplary embodiment of a beverage container according to principles of the invention includes a robust pull tab opener comprising a finger tab  215 , a pointed tip  210  and a pivoting hinge  205  coupled to the lid  150 . The hinge  205  may be connected to the lid via a weld, bond, or rivet. In use, when the finger tab  215  is urged upwardly, the tip  210  presses against the top of the scored tongue  220 , thus rupturing the scored periphery of the tongue  220 . The pressure caused by the tip  210  depresses the tongue  220  of the lid  150  and pierces both the inner tube flange  125  and sidewall of the inner tube  120 , thus providing a path for fluid communication from the interior cavity  130  of the inner tube  120  to the interior cavity  115  of the can  100  and to the opening formed in the lid. This allows contained fluid to be dispensed from the interior cavity  130  of the inner tube  120  as well as from the interior cavity  115  of the can  100 , through the opening. Thus, advantageously, a single stay on tab provides a means for opening all compartments of the container. After the can is opened, the robust pull tab opener may be torn from the lid  150 , by pulling it away from the lid  150 . Upon pulling, the scored path surrounding the robust pull tab ruptures, allowing the robust pull tab and the panel  220  of the lid to which it is attached to separate from the lid  150 . 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , another alternative beverage container according to principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. In this embodiment, the inner tubular cylinder  120  includes has a central opening  130  and a flanged head  305  with a rim  135  for engaging the top edges  110  of the can  100  and a recessed scored horizontal plateau  3   10 . The recessed plateau  310  is scored around its outer periphery. Thus, the plateau  310  does not have to be rotated in alignment with the tongue  160  of the lid  150 . In use, when the tab  145  is pulled upwardly in a familiar manner the tip of the tab  145  presses against the top of the tongue  160 , thus rupturing the scored periphery of the tongue  160 . The pressure caused by the tip of the tab  145  depresses the tongue  160  of the lid  150  against the scored recessed plateau  310  of the inner tube flange  125 , rupturing a portion of the scored periphery of the recessed plateau  310 . The ruptured portion of the recessed plateau  310  is then urged into the interior cavity  115  of the can  100 . As the plateau  310  is recessed, fluid in the inner tube  120  may freely flow from the inner tube  120  through the space between the lid  150  and the recessed plateau  310 . Thus a path is formed for fluid communication from the interior cavity  130  of the inner tube  120  to the interior cavity  115  of the can  100  and to the opening  165  formed in the lid. This allows contained fluid to be dispensed from the interior cavity  130  of the inner tube  120 , as well as from the interior cavity  115  of the can  100 , through the opening  165 . Thus, advantageously, a single stay on tab  145  provides a means for opening all compartments of the container. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , another alternative beverage container according to principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. In this embodiment, an inner container  415  includes two separate compartments  425 ,  430  formed by drawing, pulling and pressing. Each compartment  425 ,  430  has an opening  410 ,  420  level with a flanged head and rim  405  for engaging the top edges  110  of the can  100 . A plastic gasket  475  with scored recessed panels  465 ,  470  for sealing the chambers  425 ,  430  is sandwiched between the lid  150  and flanged head and rim  405 . Each recessed panel  465 ,  470  is configured to be partially received in an opening  410 ,  420  of a compartment  425 ,  430  to provide a tight seal. 
         [0038]    The lid  150  includes a pair of pull tabs  665 ,  670  pivotally attached by a rivet. The lid  150  is scored in two opposed generally elliptical or oval paths that each defines a separable tongue  440 ,  455 . When the tab  450  is pulled by a consumer, scored edges of the tongue  440 ,  455  being urged will detach easily, allowing the urged tongue  440 ,  455  to bend downwardly into a recessed panel  465 ,  470  thereby urging the recessed panel  465 ,  470  open. The downwardly bent metal tongue  435 ,  455  holds the opened recessed panel  465 ,  470  in an open position. After one opening  435  or  460  has been created, the tab may be rotated  180  degrees to urge open the un-detached tongue  440 ,  455 , thereby creating the second opening  435  or  460 . A rim defining the periphery of the lid  445  is configured to engage the top edges of the can  100 . This allows contained fluid to be selectively dispensed from either or both of the two separate compartments  425 ,  430 . Thus, advantageously, a single stay on tab  450  provides a means for selectively opening either one and/or all of the compartments of the container. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4  further includes a plastic drinking cap  510  configured to releasably engage the top edge of the assembled container. The drinking cap  505  includes either an opening or a perforated panel  505  which may readily be removed to create an opening and through which fluids contained in the compartments  425 ,  430  may flow. The installed drinking cap  505  and lid  445  define a mixing chamber in which fluids from both compartments  425  may mix before flowing through the opening  505  for consumption. Optionally, various baffles, protuberances, barriers and/or textures (not shown) may extend from the interior walls of the drinking cap  510  to facilitate mixing. Another advantage of the drinking cap  510  is that it insulates the consumer&#39;s lips from the top of the lid, which may provide a sanitary cover for drinking. Such a drinking cap  510  may be utilized on any and all embodiments described herein to facilitate mixing prior to consumption and to provide a sanitary drinking surface. 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , another alternative beverage container according to principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. In this embodiment, an inner container  630  includes four separate compartments  635 ,  640  formed by drawing, pulling and pressing. Each compartment  635 ,  640  has an opening  605 ,  610 ,  615 ,  620  level with a flanged head and rim  625  for engaging the top edges  110  of the can  100 . A plastic gasket  695  with scored recessed panels  685 ,  687 ,  690 ,  692  for sealing the chambers  635 ,  640  is sandwiched between the lid  660  and flanged head and rim  625 . Each recessed panel  685 ,  687 ,  690 ,  692  is configured to be partially received in an opening  605 ,  610 ,  615 ,  620  of a compartment  635 ,  640  to provide a tight seal. Without such a form fitting gasket to provide a good seal, liquid contained in a compartment may seep into another compartment before the lid is opened and the beverage is ready to be consumed. 
         [0041]    The lid  660  includes a pair of pull tabs  665 ,  670 , each of which is pivotally attached by a rivet. A rim defining the periphery of the lid  660  is configured to engage the top edges of the can  100 . For each pull tab  665 ,  670 , the lid  660  is scored in two opposed generally elliptical or oval paths that each defines a separable tongue  655  for each scored path. When a tab  665 ,  670  is pulled by a consumer, scored edges of the tongue  655  being urged will detach easily, allowing the urged tongue  655  to bend downwardly into a recessed panel  685 ,  687 ,  690 ,  692  thereby urging the recessed panel  685 ,  687 ,  690 ,  692  open. The downwardly bent metal tongue  655  holds the opened recessed panel  685 ,  687 ,  690 ,  692  in an open position. After one opening  645 ,  650  or  675 ,  680  has been created, each tab  655 ,  670  may be rotated  180  degrees to urge open the un-detached tongue  655 , thereby creating the second opening  645 ,  650  or  675 ,  680 . This allows contained fluid to be selectively dispensed from either or both of the two separate compartments  635 ,  640 . Thus, advantageously, the pair of stay on tab  665 ,  670  provides a means for selectively opening either one and/or all of the compartments of the container. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , another alternative beverage container according to principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. In this embodiment, an inner container  630  includes four separate compartments  635 ,  640  formed by drawing, pulling and pressing. Each compartment  635 ,  640  has an opening  605 ,  610 ,  615 ,  620  level with a flanged head and rim  625  for engaging the top edges  110  of the can  100 . A plastic gasket  790  with scored perforated recessed panels  770 ,  775 ,  780 ,  785  for sealing the chambers  635 ,  640  is sandwiched between the lid  700  and flanged head  630  and rim  625 . Each recessed panel  770 ,  775 ,  780 ,  785  is configured to be partially received in an opening  605 ,  610 ,  615 ,  620  of a compartment  635 ,  640  to provide a tight seal. Without such a form fitting gasket to provide a good seal, liquid contained in a compartment may seep into another compartment before the lid is opened and the beverage is ready to be consumed. 
         [0043]    The lid  700  includes a threaded neck  710 ,  715 ,  720 ,  725 , and a panel  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750  for each compartment  635 ,  640 . A removable threaded cap  750 ,  755 ,  760 ,  765  is provided to close the threaded necks  710 ,  715 ,  720 ,  725 . 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , a beverage container according to principles of the invention a cup-shaped vessel  805  having an open top  815  providing access to an interior compartment, a bottom  800  and a cylindrical sidewall  805 . A collar  820  with a threaded neck  825  is permanently or releasably attached to the top  815  of the vessel  805 . An inner tubular cylinder  810  includes a flanged head  830  with a central opening, and a rim with a plurality of perforations  835 ,  840 ,  845 ,  850  configured to engage the top edges of the neck  825 . A removable form-fit gasket  855  seals the open top of the inner cylinder  810 . A threaded cap  860  threadedly engages the neck  825  and encloses the gasket  855  on the top of the inner cylinder  810 . 
         [0045]    While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Technology Category: 7