Drinking container with additional compartment for dispensing towelettes

Abstract

This invention relates to a drinking container with a storage compartment that dispenses moist towelettes which provides a convenient way for people to sanitize their hands and contaminated surfaces when no restroom facilities are available or when eating on the go. It's ideal for sports events, shoppers, tourists, work, school, law enforcement, hospitals, military and many more markets. The moist towelettes are protected from contamination by a door covering the dispenser output. When ready for use the door is opened and a moist towelette is pulled and a towelette is dispensed individually. The top portion of the container holds liquids for consumption. The bottom portion of the container houses the moist towelettes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a container with a dispense mechanism that stores an item in its base. More particularly, a drinking container with a bottom that houses a towelette dispenser which dispenses a moist towelette for wiping hands when needed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the art of germ prevention we must keep our hands clean, especially before eating. A typical way persons have tried germ prevention before eating is to visit the restroom to wash their hands. Cleaning hands in the art of germ prevention has been done by applying soap and water to hands and rubbing them together under running water.

[0003] However, a restroom is not always accessible when eating out. If they're accessible they're not always in the most sanitary state. Nor are they always adequately stocked with soap, or paper towels. Sometimes there is no running water in the restroom.

[0004] As one way of satisfying this need, cleaning or sanitizing hands can be done on the run by carrying a damp towel in a zip-lock bag. However, the towel will eventually begin to develop bacteria and mildew. And start to carry a sour odor. The other alternative is to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer to rub on hands before eating. As far as hand sanitizer, it's cumbersome because of its size so not everyone carries it.

[0005] There are daily reports of deaths from deadly viruses such as SERS, H1 N1 (AKA Swine Flu), and seasonal influenza stemming from germs resulting from unsanitary habits. People not covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing spreads germs over surrounding surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a more sanitary and germ free environment, especially when eating on the go that's convenient to carry. Also, one that's conveniently distributed by retail and food establishments.

[0007] The above and other objects of the present invention are provided by: A drinking container with a hollow base for housing a towelette dispenser comprising a sturdy unit having one open end, and a second end with a door for securing the towelette dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 Shows one embodiment of the container of the present invention showing the towelettes in its housing compartment;

[0009] FIG. 2 Shows one embodiment of the container of the present invention with the moist towelette dispenser door open and a towelette in dispense position;

[0010] FIG. 3 Shows front view of towelette dispenser with door closed protecting moist towelette from contamination;

[0011] FIG. 4 Shows the front view of the towelette dispenser door open with the moist towelette ready to dispense;

[0012] FIG. 5 Shows the drinking container and towelette dispenser compartment separated and how the two are kept attached. Top portion holds fluids for consumption;

[0013] FIG. 6 Shows the moist towelette dispenser compartment and the method that keeps it attached to the top of drinking container; and

[0014] FIG. 7 Shows one embodiment of the drinking container showing a moist towelette being dispensed individually by pulling on the exposed towelette after the dispenser door has been opened according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In the container with a hollow bottom device of the present invention, the sturdy container can be made of any non-porous material as long as it does not contain any chemicals that will be released inside or outside of the container, into the liquids that will be inside the container or onto the individual in contact with the container. One example is plastic. A second example is glass. A third example is cardboard. A fourth example is eco-friendly material. A fifth example is stone. A sixth is clay.

[0016] The container can be any size as long as it is small enough for a person to transport. Preferably, small enough to be carried in hand. Preferably, in the shape of a drinking container. A good example of the drinking container is a sports or water bottle, coffee mug, or a plastic restaurant carryout beverage cup.

[0017] The base of the drinking container is hollow. Inside the base is a towelette dispenser so hands can be conveniently cleaned before eating whenever needed.

[0018] FIG. 1 Prior to every time a towelette is dispensed the dispenser door has to be opened. While closed it protects the towelette from contamination. Prior to the towelette cartridge being placed in the dispenser compartment the tab covering the end of the towelette is removed. The tab protects the towelette from germs and contamination. After the tab is removed the end of the towelette is lined up with the opening where the towelette is dispensed behind the towelette dispense door and pulled through the dispenser opening;

[0019] FIG. 2 The towelettes are dispensed individually;

[0020] FIG. 3 The dispenser door is kept closed to protect the towelette from contamination;

[0021] FIG. 4 The dispenser door is open and the next towelette is ready to be dispensed;

[0022] FIG. 5 The top of the container that holds the liquid safe for drinking. The drinking spout on top of the container is for placing a person's mouth on to drink the consumable liquids stored inside the top portion of the container. When the drinking spout is up liquids can be released and the liquids can be drank. When the drinking spout is pushed down no liquids can be released and there can be no spills if the container is tipped over. This a key feature because it allows the container to be conveniently carried in many ways without spilling. Such as while running or jogging, or transporting it in a book bag or handbag. Or other non-stable situations. The towelette dispenser compartment is screwed onto the bottom of the drinking container;

[0023] FIG. 6 Bottom part of container that houses the towelettes. The towelettes are dispensed from this compartment. The towelette dispenser housing compartment is screwed onto the top part of the drinking container;

[0024] FIG. 7 Towelette is about to be pulled from the drinking container for use to sanitize hands or contaminated surfaces;

Claims

1. A container comprising: a sturdy material made of two sections, where a larger section of the two sections is a compartment containing a drink and a smaller section of the two sections is a dispenser, which can dispense sanitizer.

2. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from stainless steel.

3. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from plastic.

4. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from porcelain.

5. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from clay.

6. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from wood.

7. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from glass.

8. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from stone.

9. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sturdy material is made from eco-friendly material.

10. A container as in claim 10, wherein the smaller section dispenses liquid.

11. A container as in claim 10, wherein the smaller section dispenses gel.

12. A container as in claim 10, wherein the smaller section dispenses foam.

13. A container as in claim 10, wherein the smaller section dispenses paper.

14. A container as in claim 10, wherein the smaller section dispenses cloth.

15. A container as in claim 10, wherein the smaller section dispenses a spray.

16. A container as in claim 11, wherein the gel is hand sanitizer.

17. A container as in claim 13, wherein the paper are hand wipes.

18. A container as in claim 14, wherein the cloth is baby wipes.

19. A container as in claim 15, wherein the spray is pepper spray.

20. A container as in claim 15, wherein the spray is water.

21. A container as in claim 1, wherein the two sections are cylindrical.

22. A container as in claim 1, wherein the two sections are square in shape.

23. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sections are connected by screwing the container and dispenser compartment together.

24. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sections are connected by velcro.

25. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sections are connected with a clamp.

26. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sections are connected with glue.

27. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sections are connected with snaps.

28. A container as in claim 1, wherein the sections are connected when they are built as one unit.

29. A container as in claim 1, wherein the large section of the container is 6 oz. or larger.