GB2523797A

GB2523797A - Container assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2523797A
Application number: GB1403902.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Kingsley Myles Stainfield; Robert John Wattie
Original assignee: D A B DRINKS Ltd
Current assignee: D A B DRINKS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2015-09-09
Also published as: GB201403902D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a container assembly (2) comprising a first container (6) having a first mouth (10) comprising protrusions (14) on its outer surface, a second container (8) having a second mouth (16) comprising a flange (22) on its inner surface, and a lid (4) for sealing the second container (8). The first container (6) is positioned in the second mouth (16) such that the protrusions (14) are engaged with the flange (22). The flange (22) comprises one or more through grooves (24) for receiving the protrusions (14), the grooves (24) being formed at positions on the flange (22) corresponding to the positions of the protrusions (14). The container assembly (2) comprises means configured to, when the lid (4) is rotated with respect to the second container (8), cause rotation of the first container (6) with respect to the second container (8). When the protrusions pass through the grooves, the first container drops below the flange and sinks to the bottom of the second container. In an alternate embodiment (figs 8-9), the assembly may include two containers, both having a rim surrounding respective openings, the first container being positioned in a mouth of the second container such that the rim are flush, with a flexible peelable lid attached to the rims sealing the containers.

Description

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to container assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Duel container systems are known.

For example, KR 20110032584 discloses a beverage container for easily mixing two different kinds of drinks. The beverage container comprises an internal container formed in the inside of a cap of the beverage container.

WO 2005/014428 discloses a dual container assembly in which, upon removal of a cap, an inner container received in an outer container is separated from the cap and spontaneously falls down so that contents contained in the inner container can be blended with contents contained in the outer container.

GB 924663 discloses a method of packing components of a mixture in which the components must be segregated until they are used, comprising sealing a component in a first container and another component in a second container and suspending the second container in the mouth of the first container by means of a plug, axially displaceable through the closure of the first container, so that when the plug is withdrawn from the second container, the second container falls into the first container.

JP 2006044693 discloses a container for mixing two kinds of contents which has a cap member with a storage cylinder that is fitted on a main cylinder member fitted into the mouth-to-neck part of a container body. The storage cylinder drops into a liquid in the container body upon removing the cap member and dissolves a component into the liquid from the dropped article.

AU 2005100366 discloses a wine system by which preservatives in wine can be removed. The method uses a plastic cork stopper and capsule. The capsule has a calibrated preservative added and seals onto the stopper. The whole device is then inserted into a full wine bottle. Inserting the stopper creates a positive pressure ensuring the capsule does not drop off with normal movement of the bottle. When the wine is to be consumed the stopper is removed approximately half way. At this point the base of the capsule becomes wedged against the tapered edge of the bottles neck and falls into the wine.

However, conventional duel container systems tend to have many different parts and be relatively complicated to manufacture and assemble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a container assembly comprising: a first container having a mouth comprising one or more protrusions formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the first container, a second container having a mouth comprising a flange formed on an inner peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container, and a lid for sealing the second container with the first container located therein. The first container is positioned in the mouth of the second container such that the first protrusions are engaged with the flange. The flange comprises one or more grooves (i.e. slits) therethrough, each groove being for receiving at least one of the protrusions, the number of grooves being greater than or equal to the number of protrusions, the grooves being formed at positions on the flange corresponding to the positions of the one or more protrusions on the first container. The container assembly further comprises rotation causing means, the rotation causing means being configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container.

In other words, the first aspect provides a container assembly comprising a first container having a first mouth comprising protrusions on its outer surface, a second container having a second mouth comprising a flange on its inner surface, and a lid for sealing the second container. The first container is positioned in the second mouth such that the protrusions are engaged with the flange. The flange comprises one or more through grooves for receiving the protrusions, the grooves being formed at positions on the flange corresponding to the positions of the protrusions. The container assembly comprises means configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container.

S The second container may further comprise a threaded portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container. The lid may comprise a further threaded portion formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof to be engaged with the threaded portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container.

The first container may be hermetically sealed by the lid.

The second container may be hermetically sealed by the lid.

Rotation of the lid may causes removal of the lid from the first container.

Rotation of the lid may cause removal of the lid from the second container.

The rotation causing means may be formed on the lid.

The rotation causing means may comprise one or more further protrusions formed on the lid, each further protrusion being configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, push against a respective protrusion thereby causing the first container to rotate.

The protrusions and the one or more further protrusions may be configured such that when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a first direction, the one or more further protrusions push against the one or more protrusions thereby causing the first container to rotate in the first direction, and, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a second direction, the one or more further protrusions do not push against the one or more protrusions with sufficient force to cause rotation of the first container is in the second direction. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction.

The one or more further protrusions may be flexible to allow the further protrusions to move over the protrusions when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in the second direction.

The lid may be flexible so as to allow the lid to be pushed onto the S second container so as to seal the second container.

The rotation causing means may be configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a first direction, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container in the first direction. The container assembly may further comprise rotation prevention means configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a second direction opposite to the first direction, prevent or oppose rotation of the first container with respect to the second container in the second direction.

The rotation prevention means may comprise one or more surfaces formed on the flange, the one or more surfaces being arranged to prevent or oppose rotation of the first container with respect to the second container in the second direction.

The rotation prevention means may comprise a saw-tooth shaped surface formed on a surface of the flange with which the protrusions of the first container are engaged.

The container assembly may be a beverage container. The first container may contain a first liquid. The second container may contain a second liquid.

The first container may be sufficiently dense such that, when the first container is released into the second liquid contained in the second container, the first container sinks to the bottom of the second container. The volume of the second liquid in the second container may be such that, when the first container is located at the bottom of the second container, the level of the contents of the second container is above an upper level of the first container. The first liquid may have a higher fluid density than the second liquid.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a container assembly, the method comprising providing a container assembly in accordance with the first aspect, and rotating the lid with respect to the second container, thereby causing the first container to rotate with respect to the second container until the one or more protrusions pass through respective grooves in the flange and the first container to drop into a portion of the second container below the flange.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a container assembly, the method comprising providing a first container having a mouth comprising one or more protrusions formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the first container, providing a second container having a mouth comprising a flange formed on an inner peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container, positioning the first container in the mouth of the second container such that the first protrusions are engaged with the flange, positioning a lid sealing the second container with the first container located therein. The flange comprises one or more grooves therethrough, each groove being for receiving at least one of the protrusions, the number of grooves being greater than or equal to the number of protrusions, the grooves being formed at positions on the flange corresponding to the positions of the one or more protrusions on the first container. The lid comprises rotation causing means formed thereon, the rotation causing means being configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a container assembly, comprising: a first container having a rim surrounding an opening of the first container; a second container having a rim surrounding an opening of the second container, the first container being positioned in a mouth of the second container such that the rim of the first container is substantially flush with the rim of the second container; a flexible lid; first attachment means for attaching the lid to the rim of the first container such that the first container is hermetically sealed by the lid; and second attachment means for attaching the lid to the rim of the second container such that the second container is hermetically sealed by the lid. The lid is configured to be peeled away from the lids of the first and second containers. Peeling the lid away from the first and second containers may cause the first container to drop into the second container. The lid being attached to the first and second containers may provide that the first container is suspended within the mouth of the second container.

The lid may be a thin sheet of material e.g. plastic or foil.

The lid may comprise a tab for facilitating the peeling of the lid from the containers.

The first attachment means may comprise adhesive for adhering the lid to the first container. At least one of the lid and the first container may include a layer of thermoplastic, and the first attachment means is a heat seal.

The second attachment means may comprise adhesive for adhering the lid to the second container. At least one of the lid and the second container includes a layer of thermoplastic, and the second attachment means is a heat seal.

The first and second attachment means may be arranged as concentric loops on the lid.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a container assembly, the method comprising providing a container assembly in accordance with the preceding aspect, and peeling the lid away from the rims of the containers, thereby causing the first container to drop towards a bottom of the second container, the bottom of the second container being at an end of the second container opposite to the rim of the second container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a container assembly, the method comprising providing a container assembly in S accordance with the preceding aspect, and peeling the lid away from the rim of the second container in such a way that the first container is pulled out of the second container and remains hermetically sealed by the lid and, thereafter, peeling the lid away from the rim of the first container. The method may further comprise inserting the first container into the second container via the opening of the second container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a container assembly, the method comprising providing a first container having a rim surrounding an opening of the first container, providing a second container having a rim surrounding an opening of the second container, positioning the first container in a mouth of the second container such that the rim of the first container is substantially flush with the rim of the second container, providing a flexible lid, attaching, using first attachment means, the lid to the rim of the first container such that the first container is hermetically sealed by the lid, and attaching, using second attachment means, the lid to the rim of the second container such that the second container is hermetically sealed by the lid. The lid is configured to be peeled away from the lids of the first and second containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded perspective view of a container assembly Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of a lid; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing the lid from below; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a plan view of a second container; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the second container; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the container assembly in an assembled state; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) illustrating rotation of a first container with respect to the second container; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded perspective view of a further container assembly; and Figure 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the further container assembly in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

The following description is based on embodiments of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the invention with regard to alternative embodiments that are not explicitly described herein.

It will be appreciated that relative terms such as top and bottom, upper and lower, above and below, and so on, are used merely for ease of reference to the Figures, and these terms are not limiting as such, and any two differing directions or positions and so on may be implemented.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a container assembly 2 for containing beverages. Liquids that are to be contained in the container assembly 2 are not shown in Figure 1 and will be described in more detail later below.

The container assembly 2 comprises a lid 4, a first container 6, and a second container 8.

In this embodiment, the lid 4 is a made of plastic: for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The lid 4 comprises a top portion 100 and a cylindrical extension portion 102 extending from the top portion 100. An outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical extension portion 102 is ridged so as to facilitate gripping of the lid 4 by a user. The lid 4 is described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

In this embodiment, the first container 6 is a made of a clear plastic, for example clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first container 6 is a relatively rigid container. The first container 6 comprises a mouth 10, hereinafter referred to as the first mouth", communicating with a content-containing space formed therein. A rim 12 (hereinafter referred to as the first rim") is formed on an upper surface of the first mouth 10. The first container 6 further comprises two protrusions 14 (hereinafter referred to as first protrusions") extending from an outer peripheral surface of the first mouth 10 at or proximate to the first rim 12.

In this embodiment, the second container 8 is a made of a clear plastic, for example clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The second container 8 is a relatively rigid container. The second container 8 comprises a mouth 16, hereinafter referred to as the second mouth", communicating with a content-containing space formed therein. The second mouth 16 is for receiving the first container 6 as described in more detail later below. The second container 8 is for containing inter a/ia the first container 6 and its contents, as described in more detail later below. The second container 8 further comprises male threads 18 formed on an outer peripheral surface of the second mouth 16 and for threadly engaging with female threads formed on the lid 4. A rim 20 (hereinafter referred to as the second rim") is formed on an upper surface of the second mouth 16. The second container 8 further comprises a flange 22 extending from an inner peripheral surface of the second mouth 16 proximate to the second rim 20. The flange 22 comprises two grooves 24, each groove extending through the flange 22 from an upper surface of the flange 22 to a lower surface of the flange 22. The positions of the grooves 24 on the flange 22 correspond to those of the protrusions 14 on the first container 6.

In this embodiment, the first container 6 has an internal radius of 15mm and a height of 45mm. However, in other embodiments, the first container 6 has a different shape and/or dimensions. Preferably, the first container 6 is configured to contain at least 25m1 of liquid.

S In this embodiment, the second container 8 has an internal radius of 25mm and a height of 70mm. However, in other embodiments, the second container 8 has a different shape and/or dimensions. Preferably, the second container 8 is configured to contain at least 75m1 of liquid when the first container 6 is within the second container 8.

In this embodiment, the lid 4 has an internal radius of about 35mm.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the lid 4.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing the lid 4 from below.

In this embodiment, the lid 4 comprises female threads 26 formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical extension portion 102. The female threads 26 of the lid 4 are for engaging with the male threads 18 on the second container 8. The lid further comprises two protrusions 28 (hereinafter referred to as second protrusions") extending from a lower surface of the top portion 100 of the lid 4. The positions of the second protrusions 28 on the lower surface of the lid 4 correspond to those of the protrusions 14 on the first container 6 such that, as described in more detail later below, rotation of the lid 4 with respect to the second container 8 (e.g. when unscrewing the lid 4 from the second container 8 to remove the lid 4 from the second container 8) causes the second protrusions 28 to engage with the first protrusions 14, thereby rotating the first container 6 with respect to the second container 8.

In some embodiments, the lid 4 is sufficiently flexible to allow for the lid 4 to be pushed or pressed onto the second mouth 16 of the second container 8, thereby causing the male and female threads 18, 26 to engage with one another.

In some embodiments, the lid 4 is a screw cap which may include a tamper-evident band which may be fitted onto the second container using any appropriate method.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of the flange 22 (i.e. the S surface of the flange which contacts with the first protrusions 14 when the first container 6 is placed into the second container 8) may be configured to allow the rotation of the first container 6 in one direction (e.g. anti-clockwise) with respect to the second container 8, whilst preventing the rotation of the first container 6 in the opposite direction (e.g. clockwise). For example, the upper surface of the flange 22 may be a saw-tooth shape that allows the first container to be moved in one direction but not the other. In such embodiments, the second protrusions 28 may have a degree of flexibility to allow them to pass over the first protrusions 14 when the lid 4 is being screwed onto the second containerS. In some embodiments, a ratchet system may be used.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing the second container S from above.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the second container S. Figures 4 and 5 have been provided to more clearly illustrate the second container S. For ease of illustration, the grooves 24 are not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the container assembly 2 in a sealed, or assembled, state.

In this assembled state, the first container 6 located in the mouth 16 of the second container 8 in such a way that lower surfaces of the first protrusions 14 are in contact with an upper surface of the flange 22. Thus, the first container 6 is prevented from dropping into the second container 8 by the flange 22 and the first protrusions 14. The lid 4 is arranged so as to hermetically seal the openings of both the first and second containers 6, 5. The lid 4 is arranged such that the female threads 26 of the lid 4 are engaged with the male threads 18 of the second container 8. Also, the second protrusions 28 extend down from the lower surface of the top portion 100 of the lid 4 to contact with the first protrusions 14.

In this embodiment, the lid 4 may be unscrewed and released from the container assembly 2 by rotating the lid 4 with respect to the second container 8 S in an anti-clockwise direction. When the lid 4 of the container assembly 2 of this embodiment, which is in an assembled state as shown in Figure 6, is unscrewed, the rotation of the lid 4 in an anti-clockwise direction causes the second protrusions 28 to push against the first protrusions 14 of the first container 6, thereby causing the first container 6 to rotate, along with the lid 4, with respect to the second containerS. This rotation of the first container 6 with respect to the second container 8 is illustrated in Figure 7 which shows a top down view of the first and second containers 6, 8. Rotation of the first container 6 with respect to the second container 8 is indicated in Figure 7 by solid arrows and the reference numeral 30. The rotation of the first container 6 with respect to the second container 8 caused by rotation of the lid 4 continues until the first protrusions 14 are aligned with the grooves 24 in the flange 22. At this point, the first protrusions 14 fall through the grooves 24 under the action of gravity and the first container 6 drops into the content-containing space of the second container 8.

In some embodiments, the first container 6 contains, in its content-containing space, a first liquid. Also, the second container B contains, in its content-containing space, a second liquid. The first liquid may be an alcoholic beverage. The second liquid may be a non-alcoholic beverage, such as an energy drink. The second liquid may be carbonated to some extent, e.g. lightly carbonated, or be uncarbonated. Preferably, the amount of the first liquid is 25m1, 35m1, 50m1, or 70m1. Preferably, the amount of the second liquid is 200m1, 250m1, 300m1, 400m1, or 500m1. Preferably, the first container 6 is sufficiently dense such that, when the first container 6 is dropped into the second liquid contained in the second container 8, the first container 6 sinks to the bottom of the second container 8. Also, preferably, there is sufficient second liquid in the second container 8 such that when the first container 6 is located at the bottom of the second container 8, the level of the contents of the second container 8 is above an upper level of the first container 6. Also, preferably, the first liquid has a higher fluid density than that of the second liquid such that when the first container 6 is dropped into the second container 8 and the first container 6 sinks to the bottom of the second container 8, the first liquid remains, at least to some extent, separate from the second liquid and inside the first container 6.

After removal of the lid 4, the first and second liquids in combination may be removed (e.g. drunk) from the container assembly via the second mouth 16.

Thus, the above described container assembly 2 is particularly useful for packaging bomb shot" or "depth charge" type drinks that include two liquids that are to be stored separately and then combined immediately prior to consumption. The container assembly 2 advantageously tends to improve the value of those goods. The above described container assembly 2 may also be used for containing other contents such as other consumables, e.g. drugs, that are to be stored separately and mixed prior to use/consumption.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a container assembly for containing beverages, hereinafter referred to as the further container assembly" 31.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side-view cross section of the further container assembly 31 in a sealed, or assembled, state.

The further container assembly 31 comprises a seal 32, and two containers hereinafter referred to as the third container 34 and the fourth container 36.

In this embodiment, the seal 32 is a thin flexible layer of plastic or foil comprising a pull tab 37, a first ring of adhesive 38, and a second ring of adhesive 40. The first and second rings of adhesive 38, 40 are concentric loops or rings.

In this embodiment, the third container 34 is a made of a clear plastic, for example clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The third container 34 is a relatively rigid container. The third container 34 comprises a mouth 42, hereinafter referred to as the "third mouth", communicating with a content-containing space formed therein. A rim 44 (hereinafter referred to as the "third rim") is formed on an upper surface of the third mouth 42.

In this embodiment, the fourth container 36 is a made of a clear plastic, for example clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The fourth container 36 is a relatively rigid container. The fourth container 36 comprises a mouth 46, hereinafter referred to as the "fourth mouth", communicating with a content-containing space formed therein. The fourth mouth 46 is for receiving the third container 34 as described in more detail later below. The fourth container 36 is for containing inter alia the third container 34 and its contents, as described in more detail later below. A rim 48 (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth rim") is formed on an upper surface of the fourth mouth 46.

In this embodiment, the third container 34 has an internal radius of 15mm and a height of 45mm. However, in other embodiment, the third container 34 has a different shape or dimensions. Preferably, the third container 34 is configured to contain at least 25m1 of liquid.

In this embodiment, the fourth container 36 has an internal radius of 25mm and a height of 70mm. However, in other embodiment, the fourth container 36 has a different shape or dimensions. Preferably, the fourth container 36 is configured to contain at least 75m1 of liquid when the third container 34 is within the second containerS.

In this embodiment, the seal 32 has a radius of 35mm. In its assembled state, the third container 34 is located in the fourth mouth 46 of the fourth container 36 in such a way that the third rim 44 is substantially flush with the fourth rim 48. The seal 32 is arranged over the upper surfaces of the third and fourth containers 34, 36 such that the first ring of adhesive 38 is attached to the fourth rim 48 and the second ring of adhesive 40 is attached to the third rim 44.

The third container 34 and the fourth container 36 are both hermetically sealed by the seal 32. The third container 6 is prevented from dropping into the fourth container 8 by the second adhesive ring.

In this embodiment, the seal 32 may be removed from the further container assembly 31 by peeling the seal 32 away from the rims 44, 48 of the third and fourth containers 34, 36. The pull tab 37 may facilitate this peeling of the seal 32 by a user. When the seal 32 of the further container assembly 31 of this embodiment, which is in an assembled state as shown in Figure 9, is removed from the further container assembly 31, the third container 34, whose position relative to the fourth container had been fixed by the seal 32, is released and drops into the content-containing space of the fourth container 36.

Removal of the seal 32 from the further container assembly 31 may cause the third container 34 to be pulled out of the fourth container 36 at least to some extent. However, in this embodiment, the dimensions of the third and fourth containers 34, 36 are such that movement of the third container 34 with respect to the fourth container 36 tends to be restricted or prevented so as to prevent the third container 34 being moved out of the fourth container 36 by removal of the seal 32. For example, the outer diameter of the third container 34 may be only very slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the mouth 46 of the fourth container 36.

Nevertheless, in some embodiments, it is desired that the removal of the seal 32 from the further container assembly 31 causes the third container 34 to be completely removed from the fourth container 36. After its removal from the fourth container 36, the third container may still be attached to, e.g. hermetically sealed by, the seal 32. In such embodiments, a user may then peel the seal 32 away from the third container 34 and drop the third container 34 (along with its contents) into the fourth container 38.

In some embodiments, the third container 34 contains, in its content-containing space, the first liquid as described above. Also, the fourth container 36 contains, in its content-containing space, the second liquid as described above. Preferably, the third container 34 is sufficiently dense such that, when the third container 34 is dropped into the second liquid contained in the fourth container 36, the third container 34 sinks to the bottom of the fourth container 36. Also, preferably, there is sufficient second liquid in the fourth container 36 such that when the third container 34 is located at the bottom of the fourth container 36, the level of the contents of the fourth container 36 is above an upper level of the third container 34. After removal of the seal 32, the first and second liquids in combination may be removed (e.g. drunk) from the further container assembly 31 via the fourth mouth 46. Thus, similar to the container assembly 2, the above described further container assembly 31 is particularly useful for packaging "bomb shot" or "depth charge" type drinks, and the further container assembly 31 advantageously tends to improve the value of those goods. The further container assembly 31 may also be used for containing other contents such as other consumables, e.g. drugs, that are to be stored separately and mixed prior to use/consumption.

Advantages provided by the above described container assemblies include a reduction in component parts compared to conventional duel container assemblies. This tends to reduce manufacturing costs of producing the container assemblies. Also, costs associated with packaging goods using the container assemblies tend to be reduced.

Furthermore, particularly in cases where beverages or drugs that have been stored separately are intended to be mixed in use prior to consumption, the above described container assembly provides that accurate amounts of the beverages or drugs can be mixed conveniently.

In the above embodiments, the containers of the container assemblies are made of clear plastic. The clear materials advantageously allow consumers to see the contents of those containers. In other embodiments, one or more of the above containers is made of a different type of material, e.g., a different type of clear material such as glass or a clear resin.

In the above embodiments, the containers of the container assemblies have the above provided dimensions. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the above containers may have different appropriate dimensions and may be configured to contain any amount of any appropriate substance.

In the above embodiments, the seal is attached to the rims of the third and fourth containers by a ring of adhesive. However, in other embodiments, the seal is attached to one or both of those rims in a different appropriate way.

For example, in some embodiments, the seal is attached to the rims of the third and fourth containers using a heat sealing process.

Claims

CLAIM S1. A container assembly comprising: a first container having a mouth comprising one or more protrusions formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the first container; a second container having a mouth comprising a flange formed on an inner peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container; and a lid for sealing the second container with the first container located therein; wherein: the first container is positioned in the mouth of the second container such that the protrusions are engaged with the flange; the flange comprises one or more grooves therethrough, each groove being for receiving at least one of the protrusions, the number of grooves being greater than or equal to the number of protrusions, the grooves being formed at positions on the flange corresponding to the positions of the one or more protrusions on the first container; and the container assembly further comprises rotation causing means, the rotation causing means being configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container.
2. A container assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the second container further comprises a threaded portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container; and the lid comprises a further threaded portion formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof to be engaged with the threaded portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container.
3. A container assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first container is hermetically sealed by the lid.
4. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second container is hermetically sealed by the lid.
5. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein rotation of the lid causes removal of the lid from the first container.
6. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein rotation of the lid causes removal of the lid from the second container.
7. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotation causing means are formed on the lid.
8. A container assembly according to claim 7, wherein the rotation causing means comprises one or more further protrusions formed on the lid, each further protrusion being configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, push against a respective protrusion thereby causing the first container to rotate.
9. A container assembly according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions and the one or more further protrusions are configured such that: when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a first direction, the one or more further protrusions push against the one or more protrusions thereby causing the first container to rotate in the first direction; and when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a second direction, the one or more further protrusions do not cause rotation of the first container in the second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
10. A container assembly according to claim 9, wherein the one or more further protrusions are flexible to allow the further protrusions to move over the protrusions when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in the S second direction.
11. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lid is flexible so as to allow the lid to be pushed onto the second container so as to seal the second container.
12. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein: the rotation causing means is configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a first direction, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container in the first direction; and the container assembly further comprises rotation prevention means configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in a second direction opposite to the first direction, prevent or oppose rotation of the first container with respect to the second container in the second direction.
13. A container assembly according to claim 12, wherein the rotation prevention means comprises one or more surfaces formed on the flange, the one or more surfaces being arranged to prevent or oppose rotation of the first container with respect to the second container in the second direction.
14. A container assembly according to claim 13, wherein the rotation prevention means comprises a saw-tooth shaped surface formed on a surface of the flange with which the protrusions of the first container are engaged. -20 -
15. A container assembly according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more further protrusions are flexible to allow the further protrusions to move over the protrusions when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container in the second direction.S
16. A container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein: the container assembly is a beverage container; the first container contains a first liquid; and the second container contains a second liquid.
17. A container assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first container is sufficiently dense such that, when the first container is released into the second liquid contained in the second container, the first container sinks to the bottom of the second container.
18. A container assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the volume of the second liquid in the second container is such that, when the first container is located at the bottom of the second container, the level of the contents of the second container is above an upper level of the first container.
19. A container assembly according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first liquid has a higher fluid density than the second liquid.
20. A method of using a container assembly, the method comprising: providing a container assembly in accordance with any of claims 1 to 19; and rotating the lid with respect to the second container, thereby causing the first container to rotate with respect to the second container until the one or -21 -more protrusions pass through respective grooves in the flange and the first container drops into a portion of the second container below the flange.
21. A method of assembling a container assembly, the method comprising: providing a first container having a mouth comprising one or more protrusions formed on an outer peripheral surface of the mouth of the first container; providing a second container having a mouth comprising a flange formed on an inner peripheral surface of the mouth of the second container; positioning the first container in the mouth of the second container such that the first protrusions are engaged with the flange; and positioning a lid sealing the second container with the first container located therein; wherein the flange comprises one or more grooves therethrough, each groove being for receiving at least one of the protrusions, the number of grooves being greater than or equal to the number of protrusions, the grooves being formed at positions on the flange corresponding to the positions of the one or more protrusions on the first container; and the lid comprises rotation causing means formed thereon, the rotation causing means being configured to, when the lid is rotated with respect to the second container, cause rotation of the first container with respect to the second container.
22. A container assembly, comprising: a first container having a rim surrounding an opening of the first container; a second container having a rim surrounding an opening of the second container, the first container being positioned in a mouth of the second -22 -container such that the rim of the first container is substantially flush with the rim of the second container; a flexible lid; first attachment means configured to attach the lid to the rim of the first container such that the first container is hermetically sealed by the lid; and second attachment means configured to attach the lid to the rim of the second container such that the second container is hermetically sealed by the lid; wherein the lid is configured to be peeled away from the lids of the first and second containers.
23. A container assembly according to claim 22, wherein the lid is a thin sheet of material.
24. A container assembly according to claim 23, wherein the lid is made of plastic or foil.
25. A container assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the lid comprises a tab for facilitating the peeling of the lid from the containers.
26. A container assembly according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the first attachment means comprises adhesive for adhering the lid to the first container.
27. A container assembly according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein at least one of the lid and the first container includes a layer of thermoplastic, and the first attachment means is a heat seal. -23 -
28. A container assembly according to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the second attachment means comprises adhesive for adhering the lid to the second container.
29. A container assembly according to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein at least one of the lid and the second container includes a layer of thermoplastic, and the second attachment means is a heat seal.
30. A container assembly according to any of claims 22 to 29, wherein the first and second attachment means are arranged as concentric loops on the lid.
31. A container assembly according to any of claims 22 to 30, wherein: the container assembly is a beverage container; the first container contains a first liquid; and the second container contains a second liquid.
32. A container assembly according to claim 31, wherein the first container is sufficiently dense such that, when the first container is released into the second liquid contained in the second container, the first container sinks to the bottom of the second container.
33. A container assembly according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the volume of the second liquid in the second container is such that, when the first container is located at the bottom of the second container, the level of the contents of the second container is above an upper level of the first container.
34. A container assembly according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the first liquid has a higher fluid density than the second liquid. -24 -
35. A method of using a container assembly, the method comprising: providing a container assembly in accordance with any of claims 22 to 34; and peeling the lid away from the rims of the containers, thereby causing the first container to drop towards a bottom of the second container, the bottom of the second container being at an end of the second container opposite to the rim of the second container.
36. A method of using a container assembly, the method comprising: providing a container assembly in accordance with any of claims 22 to 34; and peeling the lid away from the rim of the second container in such a way that the first container is pulled out of the second container and remains hermetically sealed by the lid; and thereafter peeling the lid away from the rim of the first container.
37. A method according to claim 36, the method further comprising inserting the first container into the second container via the opening of the second container.
38. A method of assembling a container assembly, comprising: providing a first container having a rim surrounding an opening of the first container; providing a second container having a rim surrounding an opening of the second container; -25 -positioning the first container in a mouth of the second container such that the rim of the first container is substantially flush with the rim of the second container; providing a flexible lid; attaching, using first attachment means, the lid to the rim of the first container such that the first container is hermetically sealed by the lid; and attaching, using second attachment means, the lid to the rim of the second container such that the second container is hermetically sealed by the lid; wherein the lid is configured to be peeled away from the lids of the first and second containers.
39. A container assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
40. A method of using a container assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
41. A method of assembling a container assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.