Patent Grant
11286103
This invention relates to a novelty confectionery product combining a compressible flavored liquid chamber and a co-aligned solid confectionery food product affixed to a mounting cap that is secured to and covers the liquid chamber, supports the solid confectionery product and incorporates an offset, flavored liquid dispensing nozzle for application of the flavored liquid to the solid confectionery product upon compression of the chamber.
Novelty candy products that include a plurality of confections have grown in popularity. Confectionery products, packaging, and resulting novel methods of consumption, have evolved to appeal to consumers desiring co-packaged confectionery that incorporates multiple flavors and textures.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,870, Hoeting et al., FIGS. 7-10, illustrates a confectionery storing device having a handle and a confection at one end of the handle and a particulate edible coating stored within the device which can be manipulated to bring the particulate edible coating material into contact with the surface of the confection to coat the confection.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,527, Coleman, depicts a confectionery dispensing device having a lollipop with apertures mounted on a hollow tubular member through which liquid confectionery stored in a reservoir is dispensed by a lever and plunger mechanism.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,350, Gallart et al., describes a hard candy confectionery into which a cavity is formed and a second particulate candy is sealed, wherein the consumer breaks the first hard candy to access the compartment housing the second candy for consumption.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,352, Crosbie, illustrates a candy-holding and liquid-dispensing apparatus, wherein the candy is supported on a pivoting candy holder coupled to the reservoir containing the liquid, and the liquid may be sprayed from the liquid reservoir directly into the mouth of the person to provide a cooling effect after consuming the associated hot-flavored candy.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,447, Baker, depicts a confectionery product comprising a handle portion, a body portion and a container, with a flowable confectionery disposed therein. The confectionery is shaped with human-like features.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,316, Hart et al., describes a two-piece candy housing combining a hard candy mounted on a handle and a cover housing a liquid reservoir with a nipple that can be removed from the hard candy and applied to the candy.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,233, Cameron, illustrates a refillable food tank attached to a feeding spoon. The food tank is designed to be used by a caregiver or parent who uses the spoon to feed a disabled person or a young person with underdeveloped motor skills.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0082279, Chan, depicts an ice cream cone-shaped confectionery product in which the first hard candy is shaped like soft-serve ice cream, and the handle, made to resemble an ice cream cone, is hollow packaging filled with a powder or particulate second confectionery. The consumer shakes the product, protected with a lid, to adhere the interior fluid candy to the exterior surface of the hard candy.
The present application discloses a novel confectionery dispensing product in light of the aforementioned references. Specifically, the present invention features a solid confectionery retaining combination with a compressible liquid chamber housing a fluid confectionery onto which a collar, having integrally formed thereon a nozzle which, upon compression, dispenses liquid onto the outer surface of the solid confectionery.
It is an object of the present invention is to provide a novel confectionery dispensing product having an axially offset dispensing nozzle to the solid confection.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel, unitary confectionery dispensing product that combines a liquid and solid confectionery.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel delivery confectionery system to allow for controlled coating of a hard confectionery with a liquid confectionery.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a confectionery dispensing product that is resealable for further use after opening.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a confectionery dispensing product having a bottle, collar, nozzle, and confectionery components that are visually and dimensionally customizable.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing a liquid confectionery onto a solid confectionery with a multiple component confectionery dispensing product that is used as one unit.
These and other objects are satisfied by a multiple component confectionery delivery product for dispensing a flowable liquid confectionery onto the surface of a solid confectionery, comprising: a hollow elongated base defining at least one compressible liquid confectionery chamber having walls, a closed end, and an open end defined by a neck, said compressible liquid chamber holding a liquid confectionery, said neck extending from the end of the hollow elongated base and having a matingly engageable outer surface, a collared lid having an interior surface dimensioned to sealingly matingly engage with said outer surface of said neck, said collared lid including an exteriorly exposed surface conformed to cover the open end of the base when the collared lid is engaged with said neck, a solid confectionery mounting protruding from the exteriorly exposed surface, and a nozzle integrally formed on and projecting from said exteriorly exposed surface and adjacent to said solid confectionery mounting, said nozzle forming an axial throughway and providing fluid communication with the interior of said compressible liquid confectionery chamber when said collared lid is secured to the neck of the elongated base; a solid confectionery with a base portion and a liquid receiving portion projecting therefrom, said solid confectionery base portion being affixed to said solid confectionery mounting and said liquid receiving portion positioned to receive liquid confection from said nozzle upon compression of said liquid confectionery chamber; a cover sized to encase said solid confectionery liquid receiving portion and sealingly engage with an exterior surface of said collared lid; and a nozzle plug conformed to seal the axial throughway of the nozzle.
Further objects are satisfied by a confectionery product for delivery of a liquid confectionery onto an outer surface of a solid confectionery, comprising: a compressible liquid chamber housing a liquid confectioner, said chamber including an open end defined by a neck having a threaded exterior surface, compressible chamber walls, and a base; a collared lid, having an interior threaded surface to be matably engageable with said exterior surface of said compressible liquid chamber neck, a solid confectionery mounting element defining a first select configuration, and a nozzle to provide fluid communication with the interior of the compressible liquid chamber when the collared lid is engaged with said compressible liquid chamber neck; a solid confectionery with a mounting base and a liquid confection receiving surface, said mounting base dimensionally conforming to said first select configuration to establish an interference fit to said sold confectionery mounting element; a cover dimensioned and conformed to sealably engage with an exterior surface of said collared lid, and overlie the solid confectionery, said cover having formed integrally thereon a plug member conformed for insertion into the nozzle and obstruct fluid communication with the interior of the compressible fluid chamber when the cover is engaged with the collared lid.
The foregoing and still other objects are satisfied by a method for using a multiple component confectionery delivery product for a liquid food product and a solid food where the multiple component confectionery delivery product includes a liquid-confection containing compressible base defining at least a closed end and threaded neck with an open end projecting from the compressible elongated base, a collared lid having a threaded interior surface to sealingly engage with the threaded neck, the collared lid dimensioned to cover the open end of the compressible base when the collared lid is threadingly secured to the neck, the collard lid further defining a protruding solid confectionery mounting and an integrated projecting nozzle adjacent to the solid confectionery mounting member, said nozzle forming an axial throughway and providing fluid communication from the liquid-confection containing compressible base; a solid confectionery affixed to the solid confectionery mounting member with a liquid confection receiving surface portion projecting therefrom proximate to the nozzle; and a cover dimensioned to enclose the solid confectionery upon engagement with the collared lid, said cover including an insertable nozzle plug conformed to seal the axial throughway of the nozzle when said cover is engaged with the collared lid, said method comprising the steps of: disengaging the cover from the collared lid to remove the nozzle plug from the nozzle; compressing the liquid-confection containing compressible base to induce flow of and dispense the liquid confectionery from the base through the nozzle and onto the liquid confection receiving surface portion of the solid confectionery; consuming at least a portion of the solid confection with the liquid confection dispensed thereon; and reengaging the cover with the collared lid to enclose unconsumed solid confectionery and to reinsert the plug into the nozzle.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the nozzle is formed on said exteriorly exposed surface at a location axially offset from the midpoint of said exteriorly exposed surface.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the nozzle incorporates a flow-controlling dispensing valve.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that nozzle plug is integrally formed on a surface of the cover.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the nozzle plug is disposed on an interior surface of the cover.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the solid confectionery and the liquid confectionery chamber are substantially co-aligned along a single vertical axis.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in the neck and collared lid are matingly engagable by way of a snap fit or coacting threading.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the collared lid further includes a lip projecting from its lower edge dimensioned to abut and be secured to the collared lid by an interference fit.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the cover is tethered with a restraining strap.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the confectionery delivery product represents a three-dimensional characterization of a human, an animal, fictional, or animated character.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that an exterior surface of the collared lid is molded to comprise the likeness of a one of a human face, an animal face, a fictional being or a cartoon character.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the cover comprises the likeness of the head of a select character or head covering.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that liquid confectionery chamber comprises a body configuration of molded to resemble at least a torso of any one of a human, an animal, a fictional or a cartoon character.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the solid confectionery is molded to resemble a human tongue.
The invention provides a further embodiment to any one of the previous embodiments characterized in that the exterior surface of the cover is molded or printed with the likeness of a face of any one of a human, an animal, or a cartoon character
The present invention relates to a novelty confectionery product combining a flavored liquid confectionery in a compressible chamber and a solid confectionery affixed to a mounting cap which seals the compressible chamber. The invention provides a unique delivery system for liquid confectionery onto a solid confectionery in a solitary unit. Compression of the compressible liquid chamber expels the liquid confectionery onto an adjacent outer surface of the mounted solid confectionery. The product is resealable, enabling the consumer to save some of the product for later consumption if they do not wish to eat it immediately after opening. The improved design aids in minimizing spills. The design enables users of various ages and physical abilities to independently enjoy the confectionery product due to its ease of use.
Particular terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention and is intended to mean the following:
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “in embodiments” mean that the feature being referred to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover, separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated, and except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention can include any variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
As used herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the root terms “include” and/or “have”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of at least one other feature, step, operation, element, component, and/or groups thereof.
As used herein, the term “affixed” refers to the attachment of a component of the invention to another component of the invention. For example, the solid confectionery is affixed to the solid confectionery mounting by secure frictional engagement, for example by interference fit. Alternatively, “affixed” can mean permanent attachment to the confectionery mounting by mechanical attachment. Further alternatives include attachment by means including ultrasonic welding or gluing.
As used herein, the term “collar” refers to a component of an embodiment of the invention that engages with the compressible fluid chamber and has integrally formed thereon the nozzle. For example, the component can be a cap collar, screw top closure, snap cap, lid, overlay, seal, crown, cover, top, stopper, etc. In addition to engagement means, the collar may vary in dimension, shape, or size. For example, the collar may be circular, oval, or square, and conformed to engage sealingly with the chamber neck having corresponding dimensions.
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
As used herein, and unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
As used herein “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and preferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic.
Embodiments of the invention are depicted in
Given the following description of the drawings, the inventive multiple component confectionery delivery product should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
With reference now to the drawings, in particular to
A neck 16 projects from the open end of the compressible liquid chamber 12 opposite to its closed end. The neck 16 has a threaded outer surface 18 which engages with a threaded interior surface 22 of a collared lid 20. Threaded engagement creates a pressure resistant seal between the external environment and the compressible liquid chamber inside the hollow elongated base 12 such that compression of the compressible liquid chamber forces the liquid confectionery 14 from within the hollow elongated base 12 out through the axial throughway of the nozzle 28. Alternative to a threaded engagement, the collared lid in certain embodiments may be secured to the neck 16 of the hollow elongated base 12 through any known securing means, such as a snap fit, an interference fit, glue on, or ultrasonic welding. In such an embodiment, the surfaces of the collared lid and the neck would not be threaded, and instead would be equipped with appropriate structures, such as annular projections or recesses to enable a sealing closure.
Integrally formed on the exteriorly exposed surface 24 of the collared lid 20 are a solid confectionery mounting 26 and a nozzle 28. The hard candy mounting 26 comprises a wall onto a portion of which the nozzle 28 is molded. The nozzle 28 has an axial throughway that enables fluid communication with the interior of the compressible liquid chamber when the collared lid 20 is sealably engaged with the neck 16.
The nozzle 28 in certain embodiments is molded to an exterior surface of a wall of the hard candy mounting 26 such that expression of the liquid confectionery 14 from the compressible liquid chamber through the nozzle 28 results in coating of the adjacent exterior surface of a solid confectionery candy 30 that is affixed to the hard candy mounting 26. In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle 28 is formed on the exteriorly exposed surface 24 independently of the wall of the solid confectionery mounting 26 though still located sufficiently proximately on the exteriorly exposed surface 24 to enable discharge of the liquid confectionery 14 onto an adjacent exterior surface of the solid confectionery 30 upon compression of the compressible liquid chamber.
The solid confectionery 30 installed in the solid confectionery mounting 26 can be, for example, a chocolate or a hard candy. The hard candy can be manufactured by any known candy manufacturing method. For example, a low-water content sugar mixture is heated to a sufficient temperature to be formed into a taffy-like consistency, flavoring and coloring is added, and then is run through a roller and cut to make blanks. The blanks are stamped or molded to be formed into the desired product shape. This method of candy-making allows for a virtually unlimited variety in candy shape and configuration.
The solid confectionery 30 is engaged with the solid confectionery mounting 26 in such a fit that it does not become dislodged during the consumption of the product. This can be for example with an interference/friction fit. This requires the solid confectionery 30 which engages with the solid confectionery mounting 26 to occupy the entire area of the mounting, such that the side and base surfaces of the solid confectionery are in a frictional interference contact with the interior surface of the walls of the solid confectionery mounting 26. The solid confectionery 30 in some embodiments of the invention is secured in the mounting 26 while in the cooling/hardening process to enhance bonding to the interior wall surface of the solid confectionery mounting 30 when fully cooled/hardened.
The solid confectionery 30 can be of virtually any shape, size, or configuration. The solid confectionery 30 may be molded to portray a likeness to a celebrity, an animal, or a cartoon character, for example. In some embodiments, due to the secure frictional engagement fit in the solid confectionery mounting 26, the solid confectionery 30 does not require securement to the solid confectionery mounting 26 via pins or nipples.
A cover 32 fits over the solid confectionery 30 to protect it from adverse ambient conditions, including environmental contagions. The cover 32 when secured to the collared lid 20 abuts a lip 25 which establishes a perimetric annulus from the lower end of the collared lid 20. Additionally, the cover 32 features a nozzle plug 34. When the cover 32 is secured by its base fitting securely over the exterior surface of the collared lid 20, the nozzle plug 34 obstructs the axial throughway of the nozzle 28 to prevent further release of the liquid confectionery 14 from the compressible liquid chamber in the hollow elongated base 12. In certain embodiments, the cover 32 is molded to include a nozzle housing 36 dimensioned to fit the height and circumference of the nozzle 28 projecting from the exteriorly exposed surface 24, and which has integrally formed on its interior surface the nozzle plug 34. Alternatively, the cover 32 may enclose only the solid confectionery 30, and a separate nozzle housing may be conformed to fit the nozzle 28 and include on its interior surface the nozzle plug 34. The engagement of the base of the cover 32 with the collared lid 20 can be an interference fit, a threaded fit, a mating interlockable fit, a bayonet joint, or any other fit known or used in the art. The fit should be sufficiently secure to not be disturbed by compression of the compressible liquid chamber, resulting in dislodgement of the nozzle plug 34 and release of the liquid confectionery 14.
The liquid confectionery 14 stored within the compressible liquid chamber can be any flowable fluid confectionery. For example, it may have the consistency of a honey or syrup, or a thicker, gel-like or paste-like consistency. It may be of a thinner liquid consistency, for example the consistency of water or juice. Embodiments of the invention will be suited to adapt to the specific consistency of the liquid confectionery 14. This may involve, for example, the inclusion of a one-way pressure actuated valve, such as a Heimlich valve, within the nozzle 28 to reduce air backflow into the liquid chamber. Alternatively, the valve could be inverted to inhibit the unwanted flow of a low-viscosity liquid from unintentionally escaping from the liquid chamber.
In view of the foregoing description, without departing from the intent of the invention which employs a customized cover and liquid container that conform to the likeness of a celebrity, such as a musician, athlete, or notable public figure. The compact profile of the invention and customizable nature would lend itself to application as a promotional article at ball games, concerts, etc. Once the confectionery contents of the product are consumed or depleted, the remaining product packaging can be converted to a collectible figurine, the collar, chamber, and cover portions of which can be similarly dimensioned and swapped interchangeably for a mix-and-match collection. Younger consumers can collect and swap figurines, encouraging the purchase of all available models for the most complete collection.
In another embodiment, the cover may be tethered to the compressible fluid container or assuming the geometries are appropriate, hingedly affixed to the collared lid.
The foregoing embodiments are examples that are not to meant be limiting of the present invention, variations of which are contemplated to be within the description and/or scope thereof given the foregoing. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the example and alternative embodiments described above can be devised without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
The utility of the invention is directed to confectionery product production and enjoyment. The invention provides a new unitary confectionary holder and dispenser that both holds and stores a mounted confectionery product and a deformable container containing an edible fluid; where the fluid is dispensed by user control directly onto the confectionary through an axially offset nozzle to allow the user enjoyment of the combined confection.
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