Beverage Container With Self-contained Straw Or Prize Capsule

Abstract

A container is formed as a container body having a wall that defines a beverage chamber for holding a beverage and an upper end and lower closed end. The upper end has a chamber opening. A closure is over the chamber opening and seals the chamber opening to prevent the beverage from passing through the chamber opening. A closure has a straw opening. A straw is contained within the beverage chamber and has an upper end passing through the straw opening. A removable cap is on the closure that temporarily seals the straw from the environment whereupom removal of the cap the straw is exposed for use by a user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based upon prior filed copending provisional application Ser. No. 60/628,364 filed Nov. 16, 2004 and provisional application Ser. No. 60/648,662 filed Jan. 31, 2005, the disclosures which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly, the present invention relates to beverage containers having a self-contained straw.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Drinking beverage out of a can or bottle is not elegant compared to drinking beverage out of a straw. When drinking beverage out of a bottle or can, the user is not fully enjoying the beverage taste because the user typically "gulps" the beverage contents. By drinking out of a straw, however, the user better enjoys the beverage taste. Another drawback of drinking beverage or bottle without a straw concerns a child. The beverage can spill over the child when no straw is used. When a child is drinking out of a straw, however, the child will enjoy the beverage better with less spillage. It is also possible to regulate how much beverage a child (even an adult) drinks when using a straw. Additionally, drinking from a straw is healthier. When drinking from a can or bottle, the user typically bends their head back to finish the beverage, making it possible to hurt one's neck. This typically would not happen by drinking from a straw. Also, using straws is a more sanitary practice. Unfortunately, most advertisements in newspapers, magazines, television, movies, and stores depict a user drinking a beverage from a can or bottle without using a straw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one non-limiting invention of the present invention, a container is formed as a container body having a wall that defines a beverage chamber for holding a beverage. It has an upper end and a lower closed end. The upper end has a chamber opening. A closure is over the chamber opening and seals the chamber opening to prevent beverage from passing through the chamber opening. The closure has a straw opening. A straw is contained within the beverage chamber and has an upper end passing through the straw opening. In one non-limiting embodiment, the straw opening has a diameter for frictional engagement with the straw to minimize beverage within a beverage chamber and for passing around the straw from the beverage chamber. A removable cap is on the closure that temporarily seals the straw from the environment. Upon removal of the cap, the straw is exposed for use by a user.

[0005] In another aspect, the closure is formed as a straw mounting insert that extends into the chamber opening. Frictional engagement prevents the insert from being readily removed. The straw mounting insert has an upper surface substantially flush with the chamber opening. The straw mounting insert can be formed as a wall defining an insert receptacle such that any beverage that passes through the straw opening collects within the insert receptacle and can later pass back around the straw through the straw opening and back into the beverage container. A central neck is formed at the upper end of the container body and the closure can be formed as a cap received on the central neck. The container body can be formed as a can and include a can lid at the upper end, wherein the closure is mounted on the can lid. An enlarged diameter portion can be formed on the straw and of such diameter to prevent the straw from rising through the straw opening a predetermined amount. A float can be formed on the straw to add buoyancy to the straw to allow the straw to rise. A prize capsule can be contained within the beverage container and accessible to a user after removing the removable cap.

[0006] The straw can be longer than the beverage chamber and comprise a lower flexible portion, engaging the lower end of the beverage chamber such that when the removable cap is removed, the flexible portion springs the straw upward to allow the straw to extend a greater amount through the straw opening and assist the user in using the straw for drinking the beverage. The closure could be formed as a can lid and the removable cap could be formed as a flip lid. The straw opening comprises of an opening defined by the cylinder mounted on the underside of the flip lid where upon flipping of the flip lid from off the can lid, the straw is removed from the cylinder to be used by the user.

[0007] A method aspect is also set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention, which follows when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1A is an exploded isometric view of a can lid and removable screw cap to be applied onto a can.

[0010] FIG. 1B shows a container formed as a can with the can lid applied onto an open end and seamed thereto.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a container having a can lid and sealing closure cap.

[0012] FIG. 3 is another isometric view similar to FIG. 2, showing a pressure-fitted central closure and the use of a prize capsule with a straw.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a more conventional container as a bottle with a screw top opening, which receives a closure cap that screws on, and a removable cap on the closure cap and showing a prize capsule and straw.

[0014] FIGS. 5A-5D are fragmentary isometric views of a flange that can be used with a straw and inserted within a container opening.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a partial fragmentary and isometric exploded view of a can and flange that can be inserted within an opening of a can and use of a removable cap.

[0016] FIG. 5A is a fragmentary, isometric view of a removable cap that can be used in accordance with another non-limiting example of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, isometric view of a straw and flange, and a removable cap that can be used with a more conventional bottle.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a conventional bottle that can have the straw, flange and removable cap shown in FIG. 7 applied thereto.

[0019] FIG. 9A-9E are isometric views showing the use of a flip tab used on a can and modified for use to withdraw a straw.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a container production line that is modified for use with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a production line that can be used in accordance with one non-limiting example of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, one or more ordinary, straight or flexible straws can be added inside a beverage container, e.g., a can or bottle, and can be closed by sealing off with a closure cap that incorporates a removable cap or lid. After removing the removable cap or lid from the can or bottle, the straw will emerge from the can or bottle and the user can drink the beverage contents from a straw, enjoying the beverage "sip-by-sip".

[0024] The sealing or closure cap together with a removable cap, seals a straw inside a can or bottle, and can take the form of a screw top, twist top, flip top, snap top, metal or plastic cap, plastic or metal covered lid, or other device which can be made from a safe, sanitary material as known to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The can or bottle can be made from plastic, tin, aluminum, metal, glass or other safe sanitary materials. The contents of these cans or bottles can contain soda, dairy products or other nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverage, for example, beer, juice, water, lemonade and any other similar beverages. The straws can be plain, or formed as a glow material, and can be made in different colors, in different sizes, and in different shapes.

[0026] A bottle, can or other container as described can have a straw inside the bottle, can or other container and have a metal closure cap sealing the contents of the bottle, together with a twist off removable cap, screw off cap, a flip off cap, snap off cap, or other removable cover or cap to close a bottle over the closure cap.

[0027] A can could have a straw inserted in the beverage can. It can have a lid or "flip" handle which opens up the beverage can. The straw would emerge out of the beverage container and a person could drink a beverage from the straw. For purposes of description, the term beverage container can describe all matters of glass and plastic containers or bottles, metal cans, and other consumer containers commonly sold in retail or wholesale establishments.

[0028] The container can be sealed with a closure and a customer can open the beverage container by taking off a removable cap from the closure, and drink the beverage contents directly from a can. In some instances, the user can remove a prize capsule or tube which can be a coupon, game, prize or whatever promotion the manufacturer wants to offer as a reward.

[0029] An improved one-piece can with a seamed can lid and a closure can be formed with or without straw and/or prize capsule or tube and can replace a common flip top on a can. It should be understood that the beverage container can be made from plastic, tin, aluminum, glass, canisters, paper cartons, gable tops, plastic coated boxboard, and laminated cardboard. The beverage container can be different sizes and shapes and have different size openings, including square, round, rectangular or cylinder. A new and improved closures as described can also be used without a straw in some beverage containers.

[0030] The straw or flexible straws could extend to the bottom of the beverage container. There are no springs, flotation chambers, floats, weights, or similar elements in the beverage container as required by some prior art systems using straws inserted within the container. In one non-limiting example, there are only straws or flexible straws and/or a prize capsule.

[0031] Existing cans or similar beverage container production lines can be used to seal these beverage containers by using pressure sealing, press down, crimping or any other type of sealing mechanism depending on the type of beverage container in production. Different types of closure mechanisms can be used. The can lid can be a sealed one-piece closure with a removable cap.

[0032] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a container 20 having a one-piece can lid 22 for sealing an open end of the container body 21 and having a threaded portion 24 as a central neck attached to the top of the can lid. The containers through this description are formed by a container body 20a having a wall that defines a beverage chamber for holding a beverage and an upper end and closed lower end. It also has a removable screw cap 26 having no illustrated holes in the cap to hold a straw or prize capsule, although holes could be used for a straw or prize capsule if another type of closure cap is used such as explained below. The removable screw cap 26 is attached to the threaded portion 24 and is tightened and sealed without a straw in the can in this embodiment. The can lid 22 is a one-piece construction. The lower portion of regular cans 21 could be used, and thus, regular can manufacturing techniques could be modified without having a flip lid or pull top as commonly used with cans.

[0033] The can lid 22 can be pressure sealed and most types of sealing machines can seal the contents inside the open top of the can 21, making it a one-piece sealed beverage container. The customer can open the can and drink the contents in a beverage container without a straw or with a straw and/or prize capsule in accordance with one non-limiting example of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a similar container 30 as shown in FIG. 1B, and a can lid 32 having a central closure 34 formed as a threaded portion attached to the top of the can lid, and a sealing closure cap 36 screwed to the threaded portion on top of the can lid and sealed. The lid is sealed around its rim 32a to the can. This removable closure cap 36 has a hole 38 in the cap and could act as holder for the straw 40 and/or prize capsule that extends from the can interior outward through the holes. The straw and/or prize capsule will fit in the closure cap hole 38. A removable cap 39 is positioned over the closure cap 36. The cover 39 can be removed and the straw exposed for drinking from the straw. The can lid 32 is a one-piece unit. A straw holder could be used to aid in holding the straw. The hole 38 is typically small enough to prevent excess beverage from passing out between the hole edge and straw.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric fragmentary and partial view in elevation of a modified container 40, as a can with an open top 41, that includes a sealing one-piece can lid 42, for example, of the type as described before, which can be pressure sealed to the lower body 41a along its rim 42a of the can lid. Many different types of sealing closure mechanisms can be used, with or without a straw and/or prize capsule. The can lid 42 includes a central closure 44 which could be pressed fit into a central opening 45 of the can lid and operative as a closure cap through which beverage exits. It has a removable cap 46 thereon. Any one of different central closures can be used including a push closure, snap closure, or pull top closure. Any one of those central closures 44 can be attached to a smooth surface element of a can lid and sealed. The central closure 44 has a hole 44a to hold a straw 50 and/or a prize capsule 52. Two holes can hold a straw and prize capsule. The removable cap 46 can be formed as a screw cap, flip cap or other removable cap to expose the straw. The customer can remove the cap 46 off from the central closure 44 and drink the contents with or without a straw. The central closure 44 could also be screwed-in, pressed-fit, or attached by a snap collar. The prize capsule 52 could extend into another hole in the central closure 42.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows another fragmentary and partial isometric view in elevation of a container 80, such as a conventional bottle, having a threaded opening 81 at its top portion and a threaded closure or screw cap 82 to be applied thereon. This removable closure cap 82 has a hole 83 for the straw. A straw holder piece 84 is on each inner topside of a removable cap 85, which could be attached to the closure cap 82 by a flip mechanism or screw threads, or even formed as a pull tab type. The straw holder piece 84 could be formed as two extended pieces or a circumferential piece to hold a straw 86 in place. The straw 86 and a prize capsule 87 could extend into the two extended pieces (or separate extended pieces) and will hold the straw and prize capsule as shown in FIG. 4. If a straw 86 and prize capsule 87 are used, the closure cap 82 would include two holes and two holder pieces as explained on one non-limiting example. The removable cap 85 is removed to expose the straw 86 for drinking and remove the prize capsule.

[0037] Bottler and container companies often have not implemented these straw-in-bottle systems as described because the companies would have to purchase one-piece cans and bottles made with or without a straw and/or prize capsule, using purchased cans and bottles, typically without a corporate logo. Machinery would have to be reset and retooled and conveyor production assembly lines changed since different containers are used.

[0038] When using different embodiments of the present invention, the bottling companies do not have to buy unique beverage containers, such as bottles or cans, but can use the same containers as bottles and cans in use today, without purchasing any new type of cans or bottles.

[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to use a straw mounting insert also referred to as a neck flange (FIGS. 5A-5D) in the particular embodiments with or without straw and/or prize capsule. A neck flange prevents the straw from coming up from a neck opening of a bottle or other container because of any bloating effect caused by carbonated or non-carbonated beverage fluid. The neck flange with or without straw and prize capsule can be inserted manually or by machine on a conveyor assembly line. A removable cap typically would be inserted over the neck flange. Also, by inserting the neck flange with or without straw and/or prize capsule it is relatively easy for the removable cap to be sealed tight on the bottle or can. The neck flange can hold a straw or prize capsule. The neck flange can be used and implemented on all beverage containers. The neck flange could be formed as a flat or lip collar with only a straw in the bottle and a removable cap.

[0040] The beverage container, such as a bottle or can, its neck flange, straw or prize capsule can be made from plastic, rubber, tin, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, canisters, paper cartons, gable tops, plastic coated boxboard, and laminated cardboard as noted before.

[0041] The beverage containers and any flanges can be different sizes and shapes in height and width. Different size neck openings can be used and different shapes can be used, such as square, round, rectangular and cylinder. The beverage containers can have different fluid capacity. All different fluids can be used, including, carbonated, non carbonated soda, soda pop, beer, Gatorade, water, milk, chocolate milk, juice, lemonade, alcohol, non alcohol, wine, pet food, food, beverage, coffee or any other type of liquid, semi-liquid, moist, dry and wet products, and numerous others.

[0042] The rigid, semi-rigid or flexible straw can extend to the bottom of the beverage container. Any straw can also be high enough out of the can and bottle for a customer to drink readily a beverage. The prize capsule can extend into and to the bottom of the beverage container in one non-limiting example. The prize capsule can be used with a straw, or alone with no straw, or not at all, and can be inserted manually or by machine.

[0043] The height for any threaded opening and its diameter for a closure cap can vary. In some container embodiments, a threaded removable cap is used on a can lid with a smooth surface top portion or a snap type collar or another type top can be inserted on the top of a can lid. Different types of closing mechanisms can be used. Sealing mechanisms for a can lid or closure cap could be pressure sealed, crimped, or seamed.

[0044] A prize capsule could have different colors or different writing on its exterior. The prize capsule could include a removable adhesive or coating that can be removed from outside the capsule to determine if it is a winning prize. The prize capsule could have a prize or information inside the capsule, showing the winning prize or instructions about receiving a prize. The prize capsule can be formed from the same material as the straw, plastic, rubber, or any other material as long as it is not prone to be contaminated and it is leak free. The straw could be formed as a prize capsule.

[0045] FIGS. 5A through 5D shows examples of neck flanges that can be inserted into the container opening with or without a straw, a flexible straw and/or prize capsule inside a beverage container. The flanges could be tapered (FIGS. 5A and 5B) or non-tapered (FIG. 5C or 5D) as shown in the figures, and extend into the container openings to be secured therein and act as a closure cap.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5A, a straw 102 is inserted in a neck flange 100 through a hole 101 at the bottom of the neck flange. A section of the straw 102 can include an extended or enlarged diameter portion 104 inside the neck flange. Because this straw portion 104 is larger, the straw will extend up but will stop when the straw is pushed or forced toward the bottom of the container. A removable cap would be sealed on a beverage container over the straw. The straw 102 and hole 101 are of such diameter that carbonated (or noncarbonated) beverage is limited from passing from the container through the hole into the open area bounded by the flange. Even if any fluid does pass, the small amount of fluid will collect into the interior flange area defined by a wall of the insert forming an insert receptacle for holding a small amount of beverages and pass back through the hole, and back into the beverage container.

[0047] FIG. 5B shows a straight straw inside a neck flange 100 and a hole 101 on the bottom of the neck flange. The neck flange and straw can be inserted inside the neck of a beverage container and pressed tight to prevent the carbonated or non-carbonated liquid from passing. The straw will pass up or down. The neck flange and straw can also be stationary, such that when the neck flange is inserted inside the neck of a beverage container, the straw will stay at one height such as by friction (also acting as a seal), and will not be able to pass up or down. At a conveyor production assembly line, a flange and removable cap can be picked-up and inserted onto the container and the contents sealed in the beverage container, until the removable cap is removed and beverage drunk from the straw.

[0048] FIG. 5C shows a straw 102 having a flexible lower section in a neck flange 100 with hole 101 on the bottom of the neck flange. The straw can be longer than the container, allowing it to have a spring action. The straw also has a protrusion 106 below the lower portion of the flange that aids in and sealing the bottom hole of the neck flange tighter, when the carbonated liquid pushes the straw up. The protrusion also aids in preventing the straw from completely passing through the hole. The spring action from the lower straw section could allow the straw to extend more readily out of the neck of a beverage container. A removable cap could then be inserted and sealed on a beverage container.

[0049] FIG. 5D is another embodiment showing a flexible straw 102 in a neck flange 100 with a hole 101 on the bottom of the neck flange as in previous figures. This embodiment includes a float collar 110 which could allow the straw to extend out of the neck of a beverage container more easily. A removable cap would be inserted and sealed over the flange and onto the beverage container as explained before. A prize capsule can also be used in this manner.

[0050] It is possible to use a similar straw and flange structure with a one-piece cap closure having a flip pull tab that opens the can. Other embodiments could include a one-piece, one-unit threaded closure cap with removable cap that has no straw. This type of closure cap could be placed on top of a filled beverage can, such that bottling companies seal it tight, making it a one-piece can. The customer can remove or open the removable cap and drink the contents from the open portion or other design at the top of the can with or without a straw. Any threaded portion on top of a can lid as described before relative to FIGS. 1A, 1, 2 and 3 can also be made with a smooth surface and include a snap type collar, including a sealed snap type removable cap, or any other removable cap. A smooth surface allows a consumer to drink a beverage out of a smooth surface, instead of a threaded portion and snap fits could be used. Two holes can be used for a straw and prize as noted before.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a can 110 with a sealed closure cap 112 formed as a can lid such as described before and sealed along its periphery to the can opening and a screw top 114. A neck flange 116 as an insert and straw 118 can be inserted within the opening of the screw top 114. A larger section 120 on the straw is operative as described before. A removable cap 122 having threads is screwed onto the screw top 114 and sealed. The larger section 120 also stops the carbonated or other beverage from exiting through the hole as it floats. The larger section 120 also prevents the straw from extending too far. If any beverage does pass through the hole, it collects in the flange area and can drain back. The internal area of the flange acts as a collection area, especially if carbonated beverage rises through the hole. Carbonated beverage could allow the straw to rise, but the extended section 120 would prevent the straw from rising too much.

[0052] Any container with a threaded top could have a straw, flexible straw and/or prize capsule inside a neck flange as described.

[0053] Any container could have a threaded or non-threaded top, which is filled with carbonated or non-carbonated beverage. A one-piece straight straw and/or prize capsule could be inserted through a neck flange. It should be understood that the neck flange as an insert can be press-fitted and an extra plastic sealing or another type of sealant or sealant section can be added to the neck flange. The straw could move up or down, or the straw could be stationary in the neck flange, but high enough to drink from the container, but low enough to be useful. In production, the container could pass along a bottling conveyor production assembly line where a closure cap or removable cap with a flange or other device as described before can be placed onto the container.

[0054] It is also possible to use a one-piece combined straw and prize capsule with a closure cap, flange, or other device, having two holes that will hold the straw and prize capsule. The closure cap or flange, together with a straw and/or prize capsule can be inserted inside a bottle and sealed tight. If required, a neck flange can be used to force the straw or capsule tighter.

[0055] It should be understood that a twist-off cap 124 such as shown in FIG. 6A can also be used. Twist off caps are typically used on beer bottles and similar containers. It should also be understood that a slight space can be inserted at the bottom of a flange hole between a straw and hole such that fluid can drain back into the container. This is common when carbonated fluid is used. The flange can also be molded inside a neck of a can lid, closure cap or other closure and adhesive could be used to aid in maintaining the flange in the container.

[0056] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a straw 150 inserted within a neck flange 152 such as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. A regular type of container 154 such as a carbonated beverage bottle has the neck flange 152 inserted within its regular opening at its upper neck. A removable screw cap 156 is screwed over the container opening. The straw 150 includes an enlarged section 160 that acts as a seal and prevents the straw from extending too far out of the flange opening. A float 162 is formed to raise the straw upwards such that a drinker can more readily drink and allow the straw to extend outward from the opening and the container. The removable cap 150 could be formed such as a regular sized cap or an enlarged and heightened cap as illustrated, including a recess 156a within the top portion to receive the straw.

[0057] FIGS. 9A-9E show the use of a flexible straw 200 that can be used in a cylindrical container 202 such as a can with a normal top having a flip, pull-off tab 204 commonly used on can tops. A slit 206 can be included in the top can lid 208 as shown in FIG. 9B. The straw 200 is substantially L-shaped and has a horizontal section received in a cylinder 210 on the lower portion of the can lid, and extends downward into the can as shown in FIG. 9C. When the tab 204 is flipped as shown in FIG. 9D, the straw is extended out of the slit 206 and the tab is pulled outward, such that the straw horizontal section is removed from the circular cylinder 210 that is adhered to the tab 204, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9E.

[0058] It should be understood that existing container production lines can be implemented to include another conveyer track as controlled by a computer system to allow a straw and closure cap, can lid, removable cap, flange or other closure to be inserted at the container. The prize capsules can also be inserted.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a container production line 300 showing a portion of an existing system with no straws to be added, using a rinser 302 and filler 304 with a capper 306 (but without caps) as known to those skilled in the art. The container, for example, a bottle, would be filled with beverage and the bottle conveyed to a straw and capper device 310, having a trigger pump, or any type of straw inserter to insert a flange with a straw, or some other closure cap, can lid or other closure member applied. The capper portion could then insert or place a removable cap or other member over or into the container, sealing and maintaining the straw and/or prize capsule within the container. The bottle would then be labeled at the label section 312 and packaged. The straw and removable cap could be placed on at the same time or different times depending on the design.

[0060] In the system shown in FIG. 10, the straw and capper 310 does not have to be used and the capper portion could be used such that existing bottles could also be filled and capped. There could also be a separate line for a straw and capper device where the straws and flanges are added, followed by capping.

[0061] Although bottles have been described, cans or other containers could also be used and additional processing stations provided, such that cans leave a filler and pass directly into a seamer where can ends can be fed from a separate source. Air is displaced by further injection of carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen in the case of still drinks and then mechanically sealed. An interlocking seam can be formed at high speed and up to 2000 cans could be passed through the process each minute.

[0062] In an existing bypass system, cans can be filled and the beverage fluid would not be visible and a can lid could be used. The filled can and its can lid and appropriate central closures, caps or flanges could be inserted and sealed.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a production system 400 showing a computer control system 402 on an existing line 404, in which no straws are inserted and containers passed through a first line with a rinse and fill station 406, followed by inserting a flip can lid at a second station 408 and a seamer station 410. Labels are applied at the label station 412 and the cans packaged. Other cans can be bypassed into a second track by the control system 402, where a first station 420 allows rinsing and filling. A second station 422 allows the can lid to be applied, which includes an access hole. Seaming occurs at the seamer station 424. At an insert straw station 426, a trigger pump or other straw inserter would insert the straw, for example, a closure cap that could be screwed or pressed fit together with a straw and removable cap such as described before. Labeling can occur at a labeling station 428. It should be understood also that the can lid could include a threaded central portion such that a flange could be added into the central portion with a straw, followed by a removable cap. The trigger pump or other straw inserter could be adapted to apply different types of closure caps or flanges. After inserting the straw and the removable cap, a label is applied at station 428 and the computer control system could send the container to packaging. Also it should be understood that only one track could be used instead of two tracks or more as illustrated.

[0064] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a container body having a wall that defines a beverage chamber for holding a beverage and an upper end and closed lower end, said upper end having a chamber opening; a closure over the opening chamber and sealing the chamber opening to prevent beverage from passing through the chamber opening, said closure having a straw opening therein; a straw contained within the beverage chamber and having an upper end passing through the straw opening; and a removable cap on the closure that temporarily seals the straw from the environment, wherein upon removal of the cap, the straw is exposed for use by a user.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein said closure comprises a straw mounting insert that extends into the chamber opening in frictional engagement therewith to prevent the insert from being readily removed, wherein said straw mounting insert when inserted within the chamber opening has an upper surface substantially flush with the chamber opening.

3. A container according to claim 2 wherein said straw mounting insert comprises a wall defining a insert receptacle such any beverage that passes through the straw opening collects within the insert receptacle and can later pass back around the straw through the straw opening and back into the beverage container.

4. A container according to claim 1 and further comprising a central neck, at the upper end of the container body, said closure comprising a cap received on the central neck.

5. A container according to claim 1 wherein said container body comprises a can, and including a can lid at the upper end, wherein said closure is mounted on the can lid.

6. A container according to claim 1 and further comprising an enlarged diameter portion formed on the straw and of such diameter to prevent the straw from rising through the straw opening at predetermined amount, such as to maintain the straw within the beverage chamber and allow beverage drinking therefrom.

7. A container according to claim 1 and further comprising a float formed on the straw for imparting buoyancy to the straw to allow the straw to rise outward from the closure.

8. A container according to claim 1 and further comprising a prize capsule contained within said beverage container and accessible to a user after removing the removable cap.

9. A container according to claim 8 wherein said closure has a prize capsule opening through which the prize capsule extends.

10. A container according to claim 1 wherein said straw comprises a prize capsule.

11. A container according to claim 1 wherein said straw is longer than the beverage chamber and comprises a lower flexible portion engaging the lower end of beverage chamber such that when the removable cap is removed, the flexible portion springs the straw upward to allow the straw to extend a greater amount through the straw opening and assist a user in using the straw for drinking the beverage.

12. A container according to claim 1 wherein said closure comprises a can lid and said removable cap comprises a flip lid, and said straw opening comprises an opening defined by a cylinder mounted on the underside of the flip lid, wherein upon flipping of the flip lid from off the can lid, the straw is removed from the cylinder to be used by a user.

13. A container according to claim 1, wherein a straw contained within the beverage chamber and having an upper end passing through the straw opening, wherein said straw opening has a diameter for frictional engagement with the straw to minimize beverage within the beverage chamber from passing around the straw from the beverage container.

14-20. (canceled)