Ultimate Communion

Abstract

This invention creates a unique and simplified version of the disposable communion container. Two compartments are formed at opposite ends of the container from one piece of food grade, clear plastic material requiring only one thermo-forming application. This prevents the confusion and difficulty opening overlapping lids or closures that requires thinly pressed, circular wafers to be used for the bread element. This invention also prevents the possibility of opening a compartment by accident possibly causing a spill of the elements. The compartment created for the bread is large enough to hold a biscuit shaped cracker with distinct flavors and texture. A simpler container with larger compartments accommodating elements that conform closer to the Scriptural description of traditional and sacred communion elements.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Endeavor

This invention pertains to the field of food, processes, compositions and products (Class 426), specifically including food and drink dispensing or serving. Field of search included 426/115, 426/119, 426/120, 426/123, 426/124, 426/86, 206/19, 206/196, 206/217, 220/23, 220/500, 220/522.

2. Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,702 titled Communion Container (Powell) describes as an improved communion container for containing a portion of wine/grape juice and a portion of bread. The container includes a lid secured to the cup around the open mouth and to seal the portion of wine or grape juice within the cup. Also, a separate receptacle to hold a portion of bread specifically designed to fit into a separate cavity as shown in FIG. 8 of the patent drawings.

Another Communion receptacle, U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,570 titled Dual-Compartment Communion Container (Richmond) describes a container that has a dual-compartment, disposable and sanitary. The first compartment is formed by a cup which is closed off by a first, removable closure element. A second compartment is formed by a recess within the sidewall of the cup, and is closed off by a second closure element. Sidewall compartment details are shown in patent drawings FIGS. 2B and 3B.

The previously patents describe separate cavities for traditional communion sacrament elements of wine/grape juice and bread.

One has the bread cavity located on the side while the other has the bread cavity located on the base of the cup. This patent requires a separate receptacle to hold the bread that then can be place and secured into the cavity in the base.However, only the first patent cited (U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,702) bears any similarity in design, utility or operating principle to the communion cup disclosed herein. The Ultimate Communion cup described in this application uses a similar dual compartment concept featuring and opening located at the top of the cup and cavity opening located at the base of the cup. This is where the rudimentary similarities end. The communion cup described in this application enlarges the space provided for the bread while simplifying the process for opening both top and base compartments of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Ultimate Communion cup is designed to provide a unique and efficient serviceability to a product widely used for food and drink dispensing. It provides greater space for the elements while using minimal materials.

None of the inventions and patents noted, taken either in combination or singly, is shown to describe the invention disclosed herein as claimed. The Ultimate Communion cup is comprised of just two primary components:(1) A thermo-formed cup featuring a compartment at the top of the container used for grape juice with an additional compartment/cavity at the base of the container used for the bread/biscuit/cracker.(2) Two peel-off, heat-sealable closures consisting of thermoplastic and paper-backed foils treated with heat activated adhesives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an elevated view of the container base with its thermo-formed compartment/cavity that holds the bread. The heat-sealed, closure is shown partially removed by using the finger tab.

FIG. 2 shows an elevated view of the container top with its thermo-formed compartment/cavity that holds the grape juice. The heat-sealed, foil-backed, coated-paper closure is shown partially removed using the finger tab.

FIG. 3 shows a side view which easily identifies both compartments of this plastic, thermo-formed, disposable, Ultimate Communion container.

FIG. 4 shows an elevated, detailed view of the closures and dual compartment, Ultimate Communion container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a complete and elevated view of the container with the base facing upward. 101 shows the clear, food grade plastic closure with a finger tab 102 used to show opening of the lid. 103 shows where the heat-sealable adhesive is activated to adhere the lid to the container 104. Compartment 105 is where the Communion bread/biscuit/cracker is placed. 106 points to the side wall of the container. 107, 108, 109 show the parts of the opposite opening which are detailed in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a complete and elevated view of the container with the top compartment facing upward. 201 shows the coated paper, foil backed closure with a finger tab 202 and the area of heat activated sealing 203 occurs when said closure is placed over the ledge 204 around the opening. This compartment/cavity is filled with a portion of wine/grape juice. 205 points to the side wall of the container. 205 and 206 show the under-side of the circular cavity holding the bread/biscuit/cracker detailed in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of this one piece, two compartments, thermo-formed container. 301 shows the upper ledge where the heat-sealed closure is located. 302 shows the side wall of the container. The cavity at the base of the container 303 holds the bread/biscuit/cracker. 304 points to the base ledge where the clear base closure is located and is heat-sealed to the container.

FIG. 4 shows an elevated view with the elements of the container separated for clarity and illustrative purposes. 401 and 402 show the foil backed, coated paper lid with finger tab. 403 shows the upper ledge used to heat-seal the lid to the container. 404 points to the side wall of the thereto-formed container. 405 is the thermo-formed cavity used for holding the bread/biscuit/cracker. 406 show the ledge used for heat-sealing the closure with finger tab 407, 408 to the Ultimate Communion container.

Claims

1. A single, two compartment, thermo-formed plastic container with heat-sealed, peel-off closures to secure the contents of both compartments.

2. The base compartment of the container is pre-filled with the first communion element, a solid selected from the group consisting of bread, biscuit and cracker.

3. The upper compartment of the container is pre-filled with the second communion element, a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, wine and red grape juice.