WO2002100731A1

WO2002100731A1 - Combined beverage and snack or premium containers

Info

Publication number: WO2002100731A1
Application number: PCT/CA2002/000852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard R. Harrison
Original assignee: Hb Innovation Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-06-11
Filing date: 2002-06-11
Publication date: 2002-12-19

Abstract

A combined container has (a) a first sub-container having a first removable lid; (b) a second sub-container having a second removable lid, and; (c) an attachment component to releasably secure said first sub-container to said second sub-container; wherein said first sub-container and said second sub-container are coaxially aligned while said first sub-container is secured to said second sub-container. Also provided is a combined container comprising: (a) a first sub-container containing food; (b) a second sub-container containing a beverage, said second sub-container having a second removable lid, and; (c) an attachment component to releasably secure said first sub-container to said second sub-container; wherein said first sub-container and said second sub-container are coaxially aligned while said first sub-container is secured to said second sub-container.

Description

Combined Beverage and Snack or Premium Containers

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a combined beverage and snack or premium container that allows a beverage and a snack or premium to be independently packaged, and then combined to form a new single container that remains intact and sealed until opened by the consumer. The invention will allow beverage and snack producers to co- market complementary products using established and profitable channels of distribution, such as vending machines and retail outlets, using a combined package that meets standard packaging specifications.

Acknowledgement of Prior Art

The desire to market beverages and snacks or premiums in a combined manner has risen dramatically in recent years as suppliers look for new ways to increase market share. Package differentiation has become more important as consumers have an increased number of options to choose from. Further, growing concerns over contamination have raised consumer demand for tamper evident seals and clean drinking surfaces.

This has driven a tremendous amount of inventive activity in the filed as evidenced by numerous recent patents including US patent number 6,398,078 issued June 4, 2002 to Moran, et al, US patent number 6,397,193 issued May 28, 2002 to Walker, et al, (assigned to Walker Digital, LLC), US patent number 6,354,460 issued March 12, 2002 to Cornell, et al (assigned to The PopStraw Company, LLC), US patent number 6,293,393 issued September 25, 2001 to Clay (assigned to SDK Co., Inc.), US patent number 6,006,945 issued December 28, 1999, to Kirkland, US patent number 5,960,973 issued October 5, 1999 to Markson (assigned to Markson Rosenthal & Company), US patent number 5,922,376 issued July 13, 1999 to Privert, US patent number 5,728,415 issued March 1998 to Troska (assigned to The Coca-Cola Co.), US patent number 5,613,620 issued March 25, 1997 to Center, et al, (assigned to Recot, Inc.), US patent number 5,524,788 issued June 11, 1996 to Plester (assigned to The Coca-Cola Co.), US patent number 5,445,287 issued August 29, 1995 to Center, et al (assigned to Recot, Inc.), US patent number 4,054,205 issued October, 1977, to Blow, et al, US patent number 4,318,489 issued March 9, 1982 to Snyder, et al (assigned to PepsiCo), US patent number 4,309,835 issued June 12, 1982 to Neeve, US design patent D435.219 issued December 19, 2000 to William, et al (assigned to PepsiCo), and US design patent number D392.566 issued March, 1998 to Vahjen, et al (assigned to PepsiCo).

Several of these, including US 6,397,193 to Walker, et al, US 6,006,945 to Kirkland, US 5,613,620 to Center, et al, and US 5,445,287 to Center, et al, teach that beverages and snacks may be dispensed from the same vending machine, the snack being packaged in a container that resembles that of a standard beverage can. Various means have been devised to deliver a combination of products, accommodate for the lighter weight of the snack containing can, and so on.

Other patents, including US 6,398,078 to Moran, et al, US 6,293,393 to Clay, US 5,960,973 to Markson, US 5,922,376 to Privert, US 5,728,415 to Troska, US 5,524,788 to Plester, and US 4,309,835 to Neeve teach various ways to combine beverages and snacks or premiums in composite containers. US '078, US '393, and US '835 teach a caddy, carton, and structure, respectively, adapted to hold multiple beverage containers and a snack food container. US ' 973 teaches a carrier clip for bags of snack food and the like, the carrier clip being adapted to fit over the neck of a beverage bottle. US 376 teaches a compartmentalized food container adapted to hold several types of related foods such as may comprise a lunch, one compartment being adapted to hold a beverage. US '415 teaches a method to suspend a premium within a standard beverage container, such method being undetectable from outside the beverage container so that it may be used for contest and promotional purposes. Finally, US '788 teaches a closure for a beverage bottle that includes a recessed compartment for accommodating a hidden premium.

Others, including US 6,354,460 to Cornell and US 4,054,205 to Blow, et al, teach various means to provide a clean drinking surface for the consumer. The former teaches a pop-up straw that is stored within the beverage container while the latter teaches a re-useable drinking attachment that may be removably attached to a variety of different cans. The drinking attachment is a funnel shaped apparatus may be mounted on the top of a beverage can to provide a cleaner and more comfortable "cup-like" drinking edge, and it may be further adapted to re-seal the beverage container for storage and future use. A second removable cap allows the same attachment to temporarily hold a small amount of food product on the top of the can, bearing in mind that the food must be consumed or removed prior to using the attachment for drinking purposes.

US design patent D392.566 to Vahjen is representative of a large number of related patents that attempt to provide differentiation by creating a unique beverage can shape. Likewise, US patent 4,318,489 to Snyder and US design patent D435.219 to Williams, et al, are representative of a large number of related patents that attempt to provide differentiation by creating a unique beverage bottle shape. This approach is prevalent with many soft drink and brewing companies alike. While it does provide visual and perhaps tactile differentiation, it does not provide the type of underlying functional differentiation that will change consumer expectations and therefore substantially change consumer behaviour over the longer term.

Summary of the Invention

The most obvious way to market beverages and snacks in a combined manner, in the absence of a suitable combined beverage and snack or premium container, is to co-locate beverages and snacks in a vending or retail environment. This line of thinking has driven the development of several vending machines designed to dispense snacks such as chips and chocolate bars in their current format, as well as several combined retail marketing programs. More recently this has driven the development of snack containers that resemble beverage cans and various vending machine enhancements as outlined above. It must be noted, however, that the vast majority of the market still uses two different channels, such as two different vending machines, to distribute beverages and snacks because of the vastly different packaging formats.

In the vending environment the beverage machine is usually installed first. A distributor wishing to sell snacks with the beverage must then install a second vending machine for the reasons outlined above. This requires a substantial incremental investment, extra space that may or may not be available, more power throughout the life of the installation, as well as additional maintenance.

Accordingly the present invention discloses a combined beverage and snack or premium container that resemble an existing beverage can, and that may be used in standard vending machines or retail environments throughout the world. A beverage sub-container and a snack or premium sub-container may be co-axially attached such that the geometry of the combined container matches the appropriate beverage container specification.

The availability of such a combined beverage and snack or premium container will allow for unique and profitable alliances of beverage and snack producers to sell highly complimentary product offerings, such as a soft drink and chocolate or a salty snack, through the widest distribution network in the world. Premiums such as small gifts or toys may be used to further enhance sales. The producers of snacks and premiums will have access to a massive distribution channel that was previously not available due to incompatible packaging formats. It is important to note that the distribution network includes beverage vending machines as well as the wide variety of retail formats, such as 6, 12 or 24 can cartons, that are based on a the same standard formats.

Further, the present invention discloses combined beverage and snack or premium containers that protect the beverage, the drinking surfaces, and the snack against contamination. In contrast, most existing beverage cans have a lid that is exposed to contamination prior to use. These contaminants may be unknowing consumed as the beverage flows past the section of the "pull tab" that is pushed into the can when it is opened, a situation that occurs while drinking or pouring out of the can. Drinking presents a greater risk since the user's lips also touch the potentially contaminated top of the beverage can.

Further, the disclosed beverage and snack sub-containers are attached in a manner that will, under normal circumstances, prevent them from being accidentally separated during the distribution process. The combined beverage and snack or premium container would become worthless if it came apart during transportation, even though the two sub-containers may be independently sealed. A more serious situation would occur if the sub-containers were to burst and spill their contents, especially if this were to occur in a vending environment, as this would jam the machine and necessitate a service call before further revenues could be realized.

Further, the present invention discloses a method whereby the combined beverage and snack or premium containers may be sealed with a tamper evident seal to assure the consumer of the integrity of the contents while remaining easy to open when required. The beverage and snack sub-containers may be separated without causing any excess litter beyond the sub-containers themselves, and the two sub- containers may be recycled after use.

Further, the present invention discloses combined beverage and snack or premium containers that provide more branding space than is available with the existing beverage can configuration. Certainly the ability to co-market two complimentary products such as a soft drink and a snack in a single container represents a tremendous advantage over the existing two container format. This is enhanced by the fact that the combined beverage and snack or premium container, once opened, presents a larger and more effective canvas for branding than is possible with the existing single purpose beverage cans.

Finally, the methods and principles taught by the present invention may be applied to a variety of shapes and sizes of combined beverage and snack or premium containers, including those not specifically designed for vending machines. Examples may include larger format beverage and snack combinations implemented in plastic to compliment the 2 litre / 2 quart beverage containers available in retail stores, various beverage combinations such as beer and tequila to form a "chaser", nutritional combinations such as sports nutrition and a sports drink, or even medical combinations such as a medicine combined with a beverage to assist in taking the medicine.

Accordingly, the disclosed methods of attaching a beverage sub-container and a snack or premium sub-container in a co-axial configuration may be implemented in a mass production environment, remain secure during distribution, and may be easily separated and opened by the consumer. The current inventor has identified and disclosed several such methods, however it should be noted that these are simply ways to implement the fundamental aspect of the invention, which is a combined beverage and snack or premium container. Several additional methods of attaching the two sub-containers may become obvious to those skilled in the art, however these will not depart from the spirit and the essential characteristics of the combined beverage and snack or premium containers as taught herein. Embodiments

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example with reference to the following diagrams in which;

Figure 1 is a side view of the beverage and snack sub-containers; Figure 2 is a side view of the assembled beverage and snack sub-containers; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a pull string seal; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of an external flexible seal; Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of an internal flexible seal; Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of a breakaway seal; Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a necked-in seal; Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of a necked-in seal with a security feature, Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the assembled beverage and snack sub- containers using a necked-in seal,

Figure 10 is a bottom view of a snack sub-container with a security ring, stiffening baffles, and a release point,

Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of the assembled beverage and snack sub- containers using the existing lip as part of the attach mechanism, Figure 12 illustrates the combined use of the existing lip and a necked-in seal,

Figure 13 illustrates an alternative method of improving the rigidity of a vertical stack of combined beverage and snack or premium containers,

Figure 14 provides an exploded view of the interface between the snack sub- container and the existing lip, Figure 15 illustrates how the snack sub-container, once removed, may be opened, Figure 16 illustrates a partially open snack sub-container, Figure 17 illustrates a method of assembling the snack sub-container. Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of a beverage bottle sub-container with a bottom mounted snack sub-container, Figure 19 illustrates an alternative method of attaching a beverage bottle sub- container to a bottom mounted snack sub-container,

Figure 20 is a cross sectional view of a beverage bottle sub-container with a top mounted snack sub-container, Figure 21 illustrates an alternative method of attaching a beverage bottle sub- container to a top mounted snack sub-container,

Figure 22 illustrates a second alternative method of attaching a beverage bottle sub- container to a top mounted and threaded snack sub-container, Figure 23 is a cross sectional view of a beverage bottle sub-container with two bottom mounted snack sub-containers,

Figure 24 illustrates a beverage bottle sub-container configured with a rectangular snack sub-container, and; Figure 25 illustrates a rectangular combined beverage and snack or premium container that may be implemented in the form of a common drink box.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4. Beverage sub-container 2 may be similar to a standard soft drink can, albeit shorter in length. The beverage may be dispensed through beverage dispensing lid 6 using a standard pull-tab mechanism. Beverage sub-container 2 has a shoulder area 12 in which the overall diameter of the sub-container tapers down to that of dispensing lid 6.

Snack sub-container 4 may contain several items including a snack, a premium, a contest related item, or some combination thereof. Snack sub-container 4 may be similar in diameter to beverage sub-container 2 and constructed of metal, cardboard, plastic, or any other suitable material. Snack sub-container 4 may have a sealed end 10 and a snack dispensing lid 8. The snack will remain fresh until accessed by removing snack dispensing lid 8. Snack dispensing lid 8 may be inset to provide a cavity 14 to the left of snack dispensing lid 8 when viewed in this orientation. Alternatively, the contents of snack sub-container 4 may be self contained, precluding the requirement for snack dispensing lid 8.

FIG. 2 is a side view of combined beverage and snack or premium container 1 with co-axially attached beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4. Shoulder 12 of beverage sub-container 2 is inserted into cavity 14 of snack sub-container 4 until the sides of the two sub-containers touch at sub-container intersection line 16. Sub-container intersection line 16 may be sealed to keep the two sub-containers together throughout the distribution process and to prevent the ingress of dust and other contaminants into cavity 14. This later feature is important since cavity 14 now contains both beverage dispensing lid 6 and snack dispensing lid 8.

Combined beverage and snack or premium container 1 may be designed such that the geometry matches that of a standard beverage can. Therefore combined beverage and snack or premium container 1 may be dispensed through standard vending machines and / or distributed using standard beverage can packaging materials.

It is important to note that the total length of beverage sub-container 2 plus the length of snack sub-container 4 actually exceeds that of combined beverage and snack or premium container 1. This is because the shoulder 12 and dispensing lid 6 region of beverage sub-container 2 fit into cavity 14, and the overall length of combined beverage and snack or premium container 1 is therefore shortened by the depth of cavity 14. This provides for very compact packaging and offers two additional advantages; (1) the size of snack sub-container 4 will appear larger than the actual contents and (2) the combined branding area available on beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 is actually greater than that available on a standard beverage can.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of pull string seal 30 which may be used to hold together beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Pull string seal 30 consists of flexible seal or tape 32 and pull string 34. Pull string 30 may protrude through the surface of flexible seal or tape 32 at some point around the perimeter of combined beverage and snack or premium container 1. The user may separate beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 by simply pulling on pull string 34. A portion of flexible seal or tape 32 will remain attached to beverage sub-container 2, and another portion of flexible seal or tape 32 will remain attached to snack sub-container 4 once the two sub-containers have been separated.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of external flexible seal 40 which may be used to hold together beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. External flexible seal 40 may be affixed to beverage sub-container 2 in the area of shoulder 12. External flexible seal 40 may also contain a groove 42 around the inside surface to flexibly attach to a mating protrusion 44 on snack sub-container 4. The user may separate beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 by simply moving external flexible seal 40 away from protrusion 44 such that snack sub- container 4 becomes separated from external flexible seal 40. External flexible seal 40 will remain attached to beverage sub-container 2 once the two sub-containers have been separated.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of internal flexible seal 50 which may be used to hold together beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Internal flexible seal 50 may be affixed to beverage sub-container 2 in the area of shoulder 12. Internal flexible seal 50 may also contain a groove 52 around the outside surface to flexibly attach to a mating protrusion 54 on snack sub- container 4. The user may separate beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub- container 4 by simply moving snack sub-container 4 away from internal flexible seal 50, such that snack sub-container 4 becomes separated from internal flexible seal 50. Internal flexible seal 50 will remain attached to beverage sub-container 2 once the two sub-containers have been separated.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of breakaway seal 60 which may be used to hold together beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Breakaway seal 60 is comprised of seal 62, which may be comprised of any type of non-toxic adhesive bonded to both beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub- container 4, and break point 64, which may be a scored line around the perimeter of snack sub-container 4. Break point 64 may be scored on either the inside or outside surface of snack sub-container 4. The user may separate beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 by simply "snapping" snack sub-container 4 along break point 64 such that snack sub-container 4 becomes separated from the small portion of snack sub-container 4 that remains attached to seal 62. Seal 62, together with this small remaining portion of snack sub-container 4, will remain attached to beverage sub-container 2 once the two sub-containers have been separated.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of necked-in seal 70 which may be used to hold together beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Necked-in seal 70 is comprised of necked-in feature 74, which may be formed during the production of the beverage can and more specifically during the necking in process. Necked-in feature 74 is formed to mate with the inside surface of snack cap 72 such that snack cap 72 remains in place until removed by the user prior to consuming the beverage and snack. This forms a physical bond as well as a seal against the ingress of contaminants into the area between beverage dispending lid 6 and snack dispensing lid 8. The physical bond and the seal may be enhanced with a bonding adhesive that may be easily broken by the user, or a visible sealing tape around the perimeter of the bond, or a shrink warp seal around all or part of the combined beverage and snack or premium container, or by some other method or combination of methods. Necked-in seal 70 may be re-attached after the beverage and snack have been consumed to consolidate waste. FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of necked-in seal with security feature 80 which may be used to more securely hold together beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub- container 4 during the distribution process. Necked-in seal with security feature 80 is similar in function to necked-in seal 70 except that in this case beverage sub- container 2 is formed with necked-in security feature 82 to mate with security ring 84 on the inside surface of snack cap 72. This adds to the security of the physical bond as well as the quality of the seal against the ingress of contaminants into the area between beverage dispensing lid 6 and snack dispensing lid 8. The physical seal may be easily disconnected by the user by distorting flexible snack sub-container 4 such that security ring 84 begins to "pop" out of security feature 82, at which time snack sub-container 4 may be easily removed from beverage sub-container 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an assembled combination beverage and snack container 1 using necked-in seal 70. Snack cap 72 surrounds and forms snack sub- container 4. The bottom edge of snack cap 72 mates securely with necked-in feature 74 on beverage sub-container 2 to hold the two sub-containers together during distribution and vending operations. The user may separate the two sub-containers prior to consuming the contents.

Beverage sub-container 2, containing beverage 90, is sealed with beverage dispensing lid 6. Beverage 90 may be dispensed by activating pull-tab 92 to open a dispensing hole in beverage dispensing lid 6.

Snack sub-container 4 is sealed with snack dispensing lid 8. Snack dispensing lid 8 may be constructed of flexible material and fastened to the inside perimeter of snack sub-container 4 by adhering it to lid sealing ring 94. Alternatively, snack dispensing lid 8 may be attached directly to the inside walls of snack sub-container 4, or attached by some other means. Snack dispensing lid 8 may be lifted, and the contents of snack sub-container 4 accessed, by pulling snack access tab 96 which lifts the lid from lid sealing ring 94.

The opening created by lifting snack dispensing lid 8 may be used to access the snack with one's fingers, "pour" the snack into one's hand, or "drink" the snack directly into one's mouth in the case of snacks comprised of small pieces - e.g. Smarties. A greater amount of adhesive may be applied between snack dispensing lid 8 and lid sealing ring 94 at points diametrically opposite pull tab 96 to prevent snack dispensing lid 8 from being completely removed from snack sub-container 4, thereby preventing excess waste. Snack dispensing lid 8 and snack sub-container may then be disposed of and even recycled together - if they are made of similar materials. Alternatively snack dispensing lid 8 may be pushed back into snack sub- container 4, and snack sub-container 4 re-attached to the empty beverage sub- container 2 for disposal at a later time.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a snack cap 72 configured with security ring 84 to mate with necked-in security feature 82 on beverage container 2 (reference FIG. 8). Stiffening braces 100 may be molded into some of the vertical inside surfaces of snack cap 72 to create strength and rigidity. Of note is the fact that there is no stiffening brace on one side of snack cap 72, i.e. in the area of release point 102. Rather, snack cap 72 may be of lesser thickness on either side of release point 102, i.e. in flexible areas 104, to allow an easy distortion of the material in close proximity to release point 102, and a corresponding distortion of security ring 84 in the same area. This will break the seal between security ring 84 and necked-in feature 82, thereby making it much easier to remove snack cap 72 from beverage container 2 (reference FIG. 8).

Release point 102 may be marked with some means to allow users, especially very young users, to find it easily. Note that release point 102 may be placed at any point relative to beverage sub-container 2, making it easier to assemble snack cap 72 and beverage sub-container on an assembly line. The release point principle may also be applied to other fastening methods, e.g. standard necked-in seals (see FIG. 7 and 9), to make it easier for the user to separate the two sub-containers.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of existing lip attach mechanism 110 which may be used to attach snack sub-container 4 to beverage sub-container 2 using existing lip 116 which is formed at the top of beverage sub-container 2 during the filling and sealing process. In this case snack sub-container 4 is comprised of outer cap 112 and lid / attach mechanism 114. Lid / attach mechanism 114 may be formed with an outer ring 115 which snaps onto existing lip 116, and a thin lid membrane 119 which spans the inside area bounded by outer ring 115.

In this case snack sub-container 4 may be removed from beverage sub-container 2 by activating access lever 118 which may be accessed through access opening 120.

Access lever 118 may be configured to separate outer ring 115 from existing lip 116, when activated, at a point near access lever 118 in order to facilitate the easy removal of snack sub-container 4. Access lever 118 may be configured to be pushed in by the user to initiate this action. Alternatively access lever 118 may be configured to be pulled out by the user, thereby simulating the action of pull-tab 92 on top of beverage sub-container 2 (reference FIG. 9) and making the process more intuitive from a user's perspective.

Several combined beverage and snack or premium containers 1 may be shipped together in a stacked vertical format, in which case a downward force 122 may be exerted on the top of snack sub-container 4 equalling several times the weight of combined beverage and snack or premium container 1. When this occurs, downward force 122 is translated to existing lip 116 and shoulder 12, two of the strongest points of beverage sub-container 2 (i.e. points when viewed in partial cross section), and the points which currently take the load when existing full sized beverage cans are stacked in this manner. The intentional positioning of access opening 120 preserves the full bottom circumference of snack sub-container 4 where it contacts shoulder 12, thereby preventing the bottom of snack sub-container 4 from spreading over shoulder 12 when downward force 122 is present. Beverage sub-container 2 and snack sub- container 4, attached in this manner, will remain co-axial throughout the distribution process, and be much more resistant to off-axis loads as may be presented by shifting stack of combined snack and beverage or premium containers 1.

Circumference breakout section 121, i.e. the portion of the bottom circumference of snack sub-container 4 that lies immediately below access opening 120 when in the vertical orientation, may be removably attached the to the remainder of the bottom circumference of snack sub-container 4. Circumference break-out section 121 , when detached from snack sub-container 4 on at least one side, will break away from shoulder 12 and allow snack sub-container 4 to move off axis relative to beverage sub-container 2, thus allowing for easier removal of snack sub-container 4 from beverage sub-container 4. Circumference breakout section 121 may be in mechanical communication with access lever 118 such that the breaking away of circumference breakout section 121 will activate access lever 118 to initiate the removal of snack sub-container 4 from beverage sub-container 2. Circumference breakout section 121 may also be extended to cover access opening 120 such that access opening 120 is sealed from the ingress of possible contamination and such that the premature removal of circumference breakout section, i.e. prior to planned consumption by the user, will provide evidence of possible tampering. This translation of downward and off-axis forces may be improved by combining existing lip attach mechanism 110 with necked-in seal 70 as shown in FIG. 12. The horizontal shoulder 130 formed by necked-in seal 70 is better able to accept the translated downward pressure 122 through the walls of snack sub-container 4 without causing the spreading problem as described above. This is particularly important since downward force 122 may not always be vertical, especially when a stacked load of combined beverage and snack or premium containers 1 becomes skewed off the vertical access when in transit.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative method of improving the rigidity of a vertical stack of combined beverage and snack or premium containers 1. In this case the area between the bottom of outer ring 115 and outer cap 112 may be filled in at certain areas or points around the perimeter of snack sub-container 4 in order to form a triangular brace 140. This serves to translate downward pressure 122 across a greater surface area of shoulder 12, thereby reducing the force borne by any point on the surface of shoulder 12. Further, the extra rigidity provided by triangular brace 140 will help to prevent the spreading of the bottom edge of outer cap 112 as described above, perhaps to the extent that necked-in feature 70 (reference FIG. 12) may not be required. Excess material may be saved by removing central area 142 without substantially changing this distribution of forces.

FIG. 14 provides an exploded view of the mating interface between outer ring 115 and existing lip 116. In this case outer ring 115 has been extended over the top of existing lip 116 and down towards beverage dispensing lid 6 in order to form an outer ring extension 152 that more firmly attaches outer ring 115 to existing lip 116. This configuration will help to prevent the dislocation of outer ring 115 when downward force 122 is acting on the point at which outer ring 115 connects with outer cap 112 (reference FIG. 13), and keep it co-linear with beverage dispensing lid 6. This in turn directs a greater portion of downward force 122 onto existing lip 116, and a lesser portion onto shoulder 12 (reference FIG. 13). Note that this configuration does not interfere with thin lid membrane 119, in fact thin lid membrane 119 may be thinner since less flexing will take place when a downward force 122 is present.

Clamping ring 150 is an extension of outer ring 115 that fits snugly under existing lip 116 and clamps existing lip 116 securely between clamping ring 150 and outer ring extension 152. Outer ring 115 will remain locked onto existing lip 112 until such time as access lever 118 is activated to lift clamping ring 150 up and over existing lip 116 at a point proximal to access lever 118. Once the release process has been started in this manner, the remaining portion of clamping ring 150 may also be lifted up and over existing lip 116 - separating outer ring 115 from existing lip 116. The lifting action of access lever 118 may be enhanced with brace 154 positioned to more rigidly translate the action of access lever 115 onto outer ring 115 and clamping ring 150, or through any other means of providing greater rigidity and / or leverage.

FIG. 15 shows snack sub-container 4 now removed from beverage sub-container 2 (reference FIG. 1). Note that thin lid membrane 119 remains intact, preserving the integrity of the contents of snack sub-container 4, and that access lever 118 also remains attached to outer ring 115. In this case tamper evident seal 160, which initially covered access opening 120, has been partially removed to allow access to access lever 118 while snack sub-container 4 was still attached to beverage sub- container 2 (reference FIG. 1). Tamper evident seal 160 and / or access lever 118 may be designed to be inoperable by very young children, preventing them from access the pull tab on the top of the beverage sub-container and thus reducing the probability of injury from the metal opening on the top of the beverage sub-container.

Access lever 118 may now be freely accessed from the inside of outer cap 112, and may be pulled towards the centre of lid / attach mechanism 114 to access the contents of snack sub-container 4. Access lever 118 thus serves two purposes; (1) to remove snack sub-container 4 from beverage sub-container 2 (reference FIG. 1) and (2) to remove lid / attach mechanism 114 from outer cap 112 and provide access to the contents of snack sub-container 4. The action of access lever 118 is intentionally similar to that of a pull-tab on a conventional beverage can, simulating the current method of opening a beverage can and therefore making it more intuitive for the consumer.

FIG. 16 shows outer ring 115 breaking away from the inside of outer cap 112 as lid / attach mechanism 114 is removed. Outer ring 115 may be designed to break away from outer cap 112, or outer ring 115 may be designed with a break line that easily tears, or thin lid membrane 119 may be designed to tear away from outer ring 115 when access lever 118 is activated in the appropriate direction. Several other means of separation are possible using the same basic principle of operation.

The process of filling and sealing snack sub-container 4 may be examined by referring back to FIG. 15. Outer cap 112 may first be filled with any snack(s) and / or object(s) that conveniently fit within the confines of outer cap 112 and level at which outer ring 115 will attach to outer cap 112. Then, lid / attach mechanism 114 may be sealed and secured in place using mechanical means and / or adhesives. The integrity of this seal, the quality of the materials used for all components of snack sub-container 4, the composition of the gases surrounding the snack, and the pressure of those gases will, in combination, impact the shelf life of the contents of snack sub-container 4.

FIG 17 shows how outer ring 115 may be attached to outer cap 112 with channel 170. The flexibility of outer cap 112 may be such that lid / attach mechanism 114 may be pushed into place from the open end of outer cap 112, i.e. by approaching channel 170 from the shallow side. Lid / attach mechanism 114 will remain securely in place once it locks into channel 170, and it will be prevented from moving further into outer cap 112 by the deep side of channel 170. This configuration will ensure a reliable translation of downward force 122 to outer ring 115 through direct contact between outer ring 115 and the deep side of channel 170. Outer ring 115, and therefore lid / attach mechanism 114, may be more securely held in place and the integrity of the seal may be enhanced with the use of adhesives and / or sealants in channel 170.

Again referring to FIG. 15, the top of outer cap 112 may be formed to duplicate the geometry of top of a standard beverage can. This may be required to more accurately match the geometry of the bottom of the can (or combined beverage and snack or premium container) stored above, and therefore to accept the downward force exerted by this can through direct contact. Also, this geometry will allow the use of standard "six pack" plastic sheets used to carry six beverage cans by securely gripping them at the top of each can.

It should be noted that various combinations of the methods taught above might also be used to provide the necessary mechanical connection between beverage sub- container 2 and snack sub-container 4 while allowing the user to easily separate the two when required. As an example, the "pull string" method taught in FIG. 3 may be incorporated into the break point 64 taught in FIG. 6 to make the separation process even easier. Several additional methods will become obvious over time to one skilled in the art, however it should be understood that these will not dilute the novel aspects of the fundamental invention which is combination beverage and snack container 1 (reference FIG. 2). FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of beverage bottle sub-container 180 with a bottom mounted snack sub-container 4 in a coaxial configuration. Beverage bottle sub- container 180 may be constructed of plastic, glass, metal, or any other suitable material or suitable combination of materials. Beverage bottle sub-container 180 may be similar to current single serving beverage containers, such as sport bottles, or multi-serving large format beverage containers for water, juice, soft drinks, and the like. The contents of beverage bottle sub-container 180 may be accessed through bottle cap 182 in the standard manner.

Narrowed base seal 186 may be used to hold together beverage bottle sub-container 180 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Narrowed base seal 186 may be comprised of narrowed base 184 and narrowed base shoulder 188, both of which may be formed during the molding or production of beverage bottle sub- container 180. The physical bond and the seal may be enhanced with a bonding adhesive that may be easily broken by the user, or a visible sealing tape around the perimeter of the bond, or a shrink warp seal around all or part of the combined beverage and snack or premium container, or by some other method or combination of methods. Narrowed base seal 186 may be re-attached, albeit in a less secure manner, after the beverage and snack have been consumed in order to consolidate waste.

Narrowed base 184 and narrowed base shoulder 188 may be formed to mate with the inside surface of snack cap 72 such that the weight of beverage bottle sub- container 180 and its contents will be transferred directly to the walls of snack cap 72, rather than transferred to snack dispensing lid 8, in order to maintain the integrity of combined snack and beverage or premium container 1 during the distribution process.

Narrowed base seal 186 may be further enhanced with tamper evident seal 189. Tamper evident seal 189 may be used to prevent the separation of snack sub- container 4 and beverage bottle sub-container 180 prior to consumption, and to indicate that the contents have not been tampered with prior to consumption. Tamper evident seal 189 may remain in place until removed by the user prior to consuming the snack. FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative method of attaching beverage bottle sub-container 180 bottom mounted snack sub-container 4 with enhanced narrowed base seal 196 which may be used to more securely hold together beverage bottle sub-container 180 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Enhanced narrowed base seal 196 is similar in function to narrowed base seal 186 except that in this case beverage bottle sub-container 180 is formed with molded security feature 190 to mate with security ring 84 on the inside surface of snack cap 72. This adds to the security of the physical bond as well as the quality of the seal against the ingress of contaminants into the area between the base of beverage bottle sub-container 180 and snack dispensing lid 8. Tamper evident seal 189 may be used to provide further assurance for the consumer.

The physical bond and seal formed by enhanced narrowed base seal 196 may be easily disconnected by the user by first distorting flexible snack sub-container 4 such that security ring 84 begins to "pop" out of molded security feature 190, at which time snack sub-container 4 may be easily removed from the base of beverage bottle sub- container 180. Snack sub-container 4 may be formed to distort in this manner as previously described (reference FIG. 10).

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of beverage bottle sub-container 180 with a top mounted snack sub-container 4 in coaxial configuration. In this case narrowed top seal 206 may be used to hold together beverage bottle sub-container 180 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Narrowed top seal 206 may be comprised of narrowed top 204 and narrowed top shoulder 208, both of which may be formed during the molding or production of beverage bottle sub-container 180. The physical bond and the seal may be enhanced with a bonding adhesive that may be easily broken by the user, or a visible sealing tape around the perimeter of the bond, or a shrink warp seal around all or part of the combined beverage and snack or premium container, or by some other method or combination of methods. Narrowed base seal 206 may be re-attached, albeit in a less secure manner, after the beverage and snack have been consumed in order to consolidate waste.

Narrowed top 204 and narrowed top shoulder 208 may be formed to mate with the inside surface of snack cap 72 such that the weight of snack sub-container 4 and its contents, plus the weight of any containers placed on top of snack sub-container 4, will be transferred directly to the walls of beverage bottle sub-container 180, rather than transferred to bottle cap 182, in order to maintain the integrity of combined snack and beverage or premium container 1 during the distribution process.

Narrowed top seal 206 may be further enhanced with tamper evident seal 189. Tamper evident seal 189 may be used to prevent the separation of snack sub- container 4 and beverage bottle sub-container 180 prior to consumption, and to indicate that the contents have not been tampered with prior to consumption. Tamper evident seal 189 may remain in place until removed by the user prior to consuming the beverage and snack.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative method of attaching beverage bottle sub-container 180 to top mounted snack sub-container 4 with enhanced narrowed top seal 216, which may be used to more securely hold together beverage bottle sub-container 180 and snack sub-container 4 during the distribution process. Enhanced narrowed base seal 216 is similar in function to narrowed top seal 206 except that in this case beverage bottle sub-container 180 is formed with top molded security feature 210 to mate with security ring 84 on the inside surface of snack cap 72. This adds to the security of the physical bond as well as the quality of the seal against the ingress of contaminants into the area between the top of beverage bottle sub-container 180 and snack dispensing lid 8. Jamper evident seal 189 may be used to provide further assurance for the consumer.

The physical bond and seal formed by enhanced narrowed base seal 216 may be easily disconnected by the user by first distorting flexible snack sub-container 4 such that security ring 84 begins to "pop" out of top molded security feature 210, at which time snack sub-container 4 may be easily removed from the top of beverage bottle sub-container 180. Snack sub-container 4 may be formed to distort in this manner as previously described (reference FIG. 10).

FIG. 22 illustrates a second alternative method of attaching beverage bottle sub- container 180 to a top mounted threaded snack sub-container 224. In this case threaded snack sub-container 224 replaces bottle cap 182 (reference figure 20) to form the top seal for beverage bottle sub-container 180. The snack contained within threaded snack sub-container 224 may be accessed at any time by removing threaded sub-container dispensing lid 228. Threaded snack sub-container 224 may be removed by turning it counter-clockwise and pulling it away from beverage bottle sub-container 180, also providing access to the beverage contained within beverage bottle sub-container 180. Threaded snack sub-container 224 may be re-attached by reversing this process in order to consolidate waste.

Narrowed top 204 and narrowed top shoulder 208 may be formed to mate with the bottom ridge 226 of threaded snack sub-container 224 such that the weight of threaded snack sub-container 224 and its contents, plus the weight of any containers placed on top of threaded snack sub-container 4, will be transferred directly to both the walls and threaded top of beverage bottle sub-container 180 in order to maintain the integrity of combined snack and beverage or premium container 1 during the distribution process. Beverage bottle sub-container 180 and threaded snack sub- container 224, attached in this manner, will remain co-axial throughout the distribution process, and be much more resistant to off-axis loads as may be presented by shifting stack of combined snack and beverage or premium containers 1.

This configuration may be further enhanced with tamper evident seal 189. Tamper evident seal 189 may be used to prevent the separation of threaded snack sub- container 224 and beverage bottle sub-container 180 prior to the consumption of the beverage within beverage bottle sub-container 180, and to indicate that the contents have not been tampered with prior to consumption. Tamper evident seal 189 may remain in place until removed by the user prior to consuming the beverage. Note that in this case a second type of tamper evident seal may be required for threaded snack sub-container 224 unless threaded sub-container lid 228 is inherently secure and tamper evident.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of beverage bottle sub-container 180 with two bottom mounted snack sub-containers 4a and 4b removably attached in a coaxial configuration. Beverage bottle sub-container 180 may be constructed of plastic, glass, metal, or any other suitable material or suitable combination of materials. Beverage bottle sub-container 180 may be similar to current single serving beverage containers, such as sport bottles, or multi-serving large format beverage containers for water, juice, soft drinks, and the like. The contents of beverage bottle sub- container 180 may be accessed through bottle cap 182 in the standard manner.

Beverage bottle sub-container 180, top snack sub-container 4a, bottom snack sub- container 4b, and further snack sub-containers, when combined in this manner, may be suitably adapted for the packaging of a beverage and multiple snacks, or further adapted for the packaging of a variety of other products such as a shampoo and a multiple of conditioners to provide for a multi-day treatment.

In the latter case a user may, for example, use a conditioner contained in bottom snack sub-container 4b in conjunction with a shampoo contained in beverage bottle sub-container 180 as a first treatment, followed by the use of a second conditioner contained in top snack sub-container 4a in conjunction with the shampoo as a second treatment. Bottom snack sub-container 4b may be discarded after the first treatment to reduce the overall size of the combined container. Top snack sub- container 4a may be left conveniently in place after the first treatment, i.e. attached to beverage bottle sub-container 180, until required. The multi-compartment combined snack and beverage or premium container 201 described herein may be suitably adapted to several other multiple or sequential treatment applications.

Bottom narrowed base seal 186b may be used to hold together top snack sub- container 4a and bottom snack sub-container 4b during the distribution process. Bottom narrowed base seal 186b may be comprised of bottom narrowed base 184b and bottom narrowed base shoulder 188b, both of which may be formed during the molding or production of top snack sub-container 4a. The physical bond and the seal may be enhanced with a bonding adhesive that may be easily broken by the user, or a visible sealing tape around the perimeter of the bond, or a shrink warp seal around all or part of the combined beverage and snack or premium container, or by some other method or combination of methods. Bottom narrowed base seal 186b may be re-attached, albeit in a less secure manner, after the contents have been consumed in order to consolidate waste. Alternatively, bottom snack sub-container 4b may be discarded to reduce the overall size of the container.

Top narrowed base seal 186a may be used to hold together beverage bottle sub- container 180 and top snack sub-container 4a during the distribution process. Top narrowed base seal 186a may be comprised of top narrowed base 184a and top narrowed base shoulder 188a, both of which may be formed during the molding or production of beverage bottle sub-container 180. The physical bond and the seal may be enhanced with a bonding adhesive that may be easily broken by the user, or a visible sealing tape around the perimeter of the bond, or a shrink warp seal around all or part of the combined beverage and snack or premium container, or by some other method or combination of methods. Top narrowed base seal 186a may be re- attached, albeit in a less secure manner, after the contents have been consumed in order to consolidate waste.

Top narrowed base 184a and top narrowed base shoulder 188a may be formed to mate with the inside surface of top snack cap 72a such that the weight of beverage bottle sub-container 180 and its contents will be transferred directly to the walls of top snack cap 72a, rather than transferred to top snack dispensing lid 8a. In like manner, bottom narrowed base 184b and bottom narrowed base shoulder 188b may be formed to mate with the inside surface of bottom snack cap 72b such that the weight of beverage bottle sub-container 180 and top snack sub-container 4a, and their contents, will be transferred directly to the walls of bottom snack cap 72b, rather than transferred to bottom snack dispensing lid 8b. This configuration is designed to maintain the integrity of multi-compartment combined snack and beverage or premium container 201 during the distribution process.

Top narrowed base seal 186a may be further enhanced with top tamper evident seal 189a, and bottom narrowed base seal 189b may be further enhanced with bottom tamper evident seal 189b. Tamper evident seals 189a and 189b may be used to prevent the separation of top snack sub-container 4a and beverage bottle sub- container 180, and bottom snack sub-container 4b and top snack sub-container 4a, respectively, prior to consumption, and to indicate that the contents have not been tampered with prior to consumption. Tamper evident seals 189a and 189b may remain in place until removed by the user prior to consuming the contents of the top snack sub-container 4a and bottoms snack sub-container 4b, respectively.

Multi-compartment combined snack and beverage or premium container 201 may be adapted to form a variety of other combinations, including two beverages and a snack, two beverages or liquids that need to be mixed prior to use, two or three snacks, and so on.

FIG. 24 illustrates a combined beverage and snack or premium container 1 configured with beverage bottle sub-container 180 and rectangular snack sub- container 240. Beverage bottle sub-container 180 and rectangular snack sub- container 240 may be co-axially aligned and attached using a variety of methods similar to those described above. Rectangular snack sub-container 240 may hold a larger quantity of snack or other contents, relative to a cylindrical snack sub-container 4 (reference FIG. 18), without exceeding the outside square dimensions of beverage bottle sub-container 180. This will allow a multiple of combined beverage and snack or premium containers 1, configured in this manner, to be placed on a retail shelf along with traditional beverage bottles of similar height and diameter dimensions without requiring any additional shelf space considerations. Also, this configuration will provide greater stability due to the larger area of the base of rectangular snack sub-container 240 relative to a cylindrical snack sub-container 4 (reference FIG. 18).

In certain applications the dimensions of rectangular snack sub-container 240 may exceed the outside square dimensions of beverage bottle sub-container 180 in order to hold an even greater quantity of snack or other contents, possibly to the point where multiple beverage bottle sub-containers 180, of similar or different dimensions, may be attached to a single rectangular snack sub-container 240. In one example, rectangular snack sub-container 240 may be extended to match the outside rectangular dimensions of two beverage bottle sub-containers placed side-by-side, each beverage bottle sub-container 240 being mounted co-axially with one half of rectangular snack sub-container 240 extended in this manner. Such a configuration may also be placed on a retail shelf along with traditional beverage bottles of similar height and diameter dimensions without requiring any additional shelf space considerations.

FIG. 25 illustrates a completely rectangular combined beverage and snack or premium container 1 that may be implemented in the form of a common drink box. In this case beverage box sub-container 250 may be of lesser height than a standard drink box, and configured with drinking straw 252 that may be sealed and attached to the side of beverage box sub-container 250 and snack box sub-container 254 prior to use, similar to existing drink boxes. Beverage box sub-container 250 and snack box snack container may be constructed of cardboard, plastic, or a variety of other composite materials.

Narrowed box base 256 fits into the top of snack box sub-container 254 such that the sides of beverage box sub-container 256 rest on the sides of snack box sub- container 254 rather than the bottom of beverage box sub-container 256 resting on removable snack box lid 258. Snack box sub-container 254 and beverage box sub- container 256 may be more securely held together with a tamper evident seal affixed along the line of juncture as previously described.

Once the two sub-containers have been separated, the contents of snack box sub- container 254 may be accessed by opening snack box lid 258, a process that may be initiated by lifting and pulling snack box pull tab 260. Snack box lid 258 may remain attached to snack box sub-container 254 along at least on edge to consolidate waste. Further, the opened snack box lid 258 may allow the sides of snack box sub- container 254 to speed to the extent that beverage box sub-container may be pushed fully into snack box sub-container 254, further consolidating waste.

Beverage box sub-container 250 and snack box sub-container 254 may be adapted to suite several other existing formats such as milk cartons, larger juice boxes, and so on, with the beverage / snack configuration inverted or as described. Further, dual or multiple such sub-containers may be configured to accommodate a variety of other foods, such as ice cream and sundae condiments, or other contents, such as motor oil and associated additives.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above-discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A combined container comprising:

(a) a first sub-container having a first removable lid;

(b) a second sub-container having a second removable lid, and;

(c) an attachment component releasably attaching said first sub-container to said second sub-container; wherein said first sub-container and said second sub-container are coaxially aligned.

2. A combined container comprising:

(a) a first sub-container having a first removable lid;

(b) a second sub-container having a second removable lid, and;

(c) an attachment component releasably attaching said first sub-container to said second sub-container; wherein said lid of said first lid is parallel to said second lid.

3. The combined container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first sub container and said second subcontainer are coaxially aligned.

4. The combined container as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first lid is adjacent said second lid.

5. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said first sub-container contains a beverage.

6. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said second sub-container contains a snack, a toy, or a premium.

7. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second sub-container contains a pharmaceutical product.

8. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said second sub-container contains a beverage.

9. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first sub-container contains an alcoholic beverage.

10. A combined container comprising:

(a) a first sub-container containing food;

(b) a second sub-container containing a beverage, said second sub-container having a second removable lid, and;

(c) an attachment component to releasably secure said first sub-container to said second sub-container; wherein said first sub-container and said second sub-container are coaxially aligned while said first sub-container is secured to said second sub-container.

11. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a tamper evident seal to provide evidence of prior removal and replacement of said attachment component.

12. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said combined container is cylindrical.

13. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said combined container is a box.

14. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein at least one of said sub-containers is cylindrical.

15. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein at least one of said sub-containers is a box.

16. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said first sub-container and said second sub-container are concentric.

17. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said attachment component comprises a seal or tape.

18. The combined container as claimed in claim 17 wherein said attachment component further comprises a pull string.

19. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said attachment component comprises a seal or tape and at least one of said sub- containers has a mating protrusion configured for an interference fit with said flexible seal or tape.

20. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 further comprising a female end of said first sub-container, said female end configured to receive a corresponding male end of said second sub-container.

21. The combined container as claimed in claim 20 wherein said attachment component comprises a seal or tape and at least one of said sub-containers has a mating protrusion configured for an interference fit with said seal or tape.

22. The combined container as claimed in claim 20 or 21 further comprising a mating protrusion which protrudes inwardly from said female end and said seal or tape is located between said male end and said female end.

23. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising a sub-container protrusion on said first sub-container, said sub- container protrusion configured for an interference fit with said second sub- container.

24. The combined container as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a sub- container receptacle on said second sub-container, said sub-container receptacle configured to releasably receive said sub-container protrusion.

25. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 further comprising a breaking line on said attachment component.

26. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, further comprising a stiffening brace on said female end, said stiffening brace configured to allow at least a part of said female end to remain flexible.

27. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein said attachment component comprises a gasket between said male end and said female end.

28. The combined container as claimed in claim 27, wherein said gasket is configured to provide an interference fit between said male end and said female end.

29. The combined container as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein said gasket further comprises an access lever, said access lever configured such that, on actuation of said access lever, said gasket is released from at least one of said sub-containers.

30. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein said male end is configured to provide a lip for receiving an outer lip of said female end.

31. The combined container as claimed in claim 27, wherein said gasket is configured to releasably receive a protrusion from at least one of said male end and said female end.

32. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31 , wherein said gasket is attached to at least one of said first and second removable lid.

33. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein said gasket is configured to be releasably received by an indentation in at least one of said male end and said female end.

34. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein first lid and said second lid are not accessible while said first sub-container is secured to said second sub-container.

35. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein at least one of said sub-containers further comprises an outer lid, said outer lid removable when said first sub-container is secured to said second sub- container.

36. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35, further comprising one or more further sub-containers having a further lids and further attachment components, wherein said further sub-containers are coaxially aligned and releasably secured in series by said further attachment components.

37. The combined container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35 wherein said container is configured such that the contents of said first sub-container, the drinking surfaces of said first sub-container, and the contents of said second sub-container are substantially sealed against the ingress of contaminants.

38. The combined container as claimed in claim 19 to 37 wherein the walls of said first container are extended to mate with the walls of said second container to form a continuously supportive wall for said combined container.

39. The combined container as claimed in claim 37 wherein said gasket further comprises an access lever, said access lever configured such that, on actuation of said access lever, said gasket is released from at least one of said sub-containers and wherein said access lever is configured such that, on actuation of said access lever, said continuously supportive wall is interrupted.

40. The combined container as claimed in claim 26 to 31 wherein said access lever is further configured such that, on further actuation of said access lever, said first or second removable top is released from said first or second sub- container.

41. The combined container as claimed in claims 1 to 40 wherein subsequent to release of said attaching component, said first sub-container and said second sub-container may be re-attached to each other.

42. The combined container as claimed in claims 1 to 15 wherein said attachment component is shrink-wrap or some other external full or partial encasement.

43. The combined container as claimed in claims 1 to 15 wherein said attachment component is a male thread and a female thread.

44. The combined container as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first container contains a snack, a toy, or a premium.

45. The combined container as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first container contains a further container, wherein said further container contains a snack, a toy, or a premium.