FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aseptic containers, and more particularly to a container that can extract a liquid from a first opening and frozen contents from a second opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A "juice box" is a small container used to carry and consume drinks (most often juice). They are most popular with parents, who enjoy the ability to quickly give their children a single serving of juice. The shape of the product makes them easy for kids and adults to hold and use.

[0003] Juice boxes were originally designed in a specific fashion, a style that proved successful as it has remained, mostly, unchanged since the 1980s. Manufacturers chose a box shape because they foresaw this shape as being the most convenient and easily handled. Juice boxes typically come with a covered hole and an attached straw which makes it easier for children to drink and results in less of a mess. However, there are some juice boxes available for purchase equipped with sides that are penetrable by the straw anywhere or a pull tab.

[0004] They are frequently made of paperboard with an aluminum foil lining, but variations exist. Paperboard is used to shape the product and give the box an extra source of strength, an outer layer of Polyethylene forms a liquid-tight seal and is the layer used to print the information and graphics on the packaging, and an inner layer of aluminum is used to keep light and oxygen out (as well preventing the juice from becoming spoiled without having to use extra preservatives). One issue with current juice box packaging is it is designed for the juice to be consumed in its liquid form only. If the contents were frozen, one would have to wait for them to thaw or would have to use a tool to destroy the box to access the contents.

[0005] An "ice pop" or "popsicle" is a water-based frozen snack. It is made by freezing flavored liquid, such as fruit juice, or soda-pop around a stick. Once the liquid freezes solid, the stick can be a handle to hold the treat. In 1905 the first recorded "ice-pop" was created by Frank Epperson of San Francisco, who left a glass of "soda pop water and flavored powder" outside on his back porch with a wooden mixing stick extending therefrom. Today, the annual sales are of ice-pops exceed two billion dollars.

[0006] One issue with current ice-pop packaging is it is that it is designed for the ice-pop to be consumed in its solid frozen form only. Many consumers, however, would like to have the option to consume the ice-pop, which is usually made of juice, in a liquid state from the same packaging. Thawed ice-pops become very messy and it is usually impossible to set the ice-pop container down without the thawed contents spilling out.

[0007] The opposite is also true. Consumers would like the option of freezing juice to create an ice-pop and be able to consume it in a frozen form. Consumers are forced to choose between purchasing an ice-pop to consume frozen contents or a juice box to consume liquid contents. Alternatively, the consumer can buy both and waste storage space.

[0008] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention provides a dual-purpose disposable aseptic container that overcomes the fore-mentioned disadvantages of the single-purpose ice-pop and single- purpose juice container packaging known in the art.

[0010] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, under the invention, a consumable-product container that includes a plastically deformable straw, an aseptically sealed flexible body defining an interior volume, and an amount of fluid disposed within the interior volume. The fluid, for example, fruit juice, has a liquid state and a frozen state. A first selectively openable aperture is at a first end of the body, the first selectively openable aperture being openable by penetrating a portion of the first end of the body with the plastically deformable straw. The first selectively openable aperture is sized to permit the fluid to escape the interior volume in a liquid state but is too small to allow it to escape in a frozen state. A second selectively openable aperture is at a second end of the body and is large enough to permit the fluid to escape the interior volume in its frozen state.

[0011] In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the second end of the body is removable to open the second selectively openable aperture.

[0012] In accordance with another further feature of the present invention, the removable member is a tear-line located at the second end of the body and, when pulled, it causes a first portion of the second end of the body to separate from a second portion of the second end of the body, thereby exposing the second selectively openable aperture. [0013] In accordance with one more feature of the present invention, the aseptically sealed flexible body is a traditional children's single-serve juice box.

[0014] In accordance with a further embodiment, the present invention provides a consumable-product container that includes an aseptically sealed body defining an interior volume and an amount of fluid disposed within the interior volume. The fluid has a liquid state and a frozen state. The body features a straw receiving area formed with a material soft enough to be penetrated by a flexible plastic straw and not requiring any other tools. When penetrated, the straw receiving area forms at least a partially watertight seal around the straw. A removable member is provided that, when removed from the body, creates an opening in the body sized to permit the fluid to escape the interior volume in the frozen state.

[0015] In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the removable member is a strip of material along the body and formed to separate from the body when pulled.

[0016] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the removable member is integral with the body.

[0017] In accordance with one more feature of the present invention, the removable member is created by forming lines of weakness on either side thereof, so that when the removable member is pulled, the body tears along the lines of weakness, which allows the strip to separate from the body.

[0018] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the removable member is a first section of the body that separates from a second section of the body to expose the opening. [0019] The present invention also provides a consumable-product container that includes a straw and an aseptically sealed body defining an interior volume. The body includes a first end with a liquid removal opening, the liquid removal opening forming at least a partial watertight seal around the straw, a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a frozen content removal opening sized to permit contents of the body having a volume of at least 50% of the interior volume of the body to be removed from the body in a frozen state, and a selectively removable member operable to expose the frozen content removal opening when activated by a user.

[0020] Although the invention is illustrated and described as embodied in a dual-purpose disposable aseptic container, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described or will be omitted so as not to obscure the details of the invention.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used should have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Sometimes, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined for clarity and/or for ready reference, and including such definitions should not be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is understood in the art. Many of the techniques and procedures described, or referenced, are well understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art. [0022] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one," or as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two.

[0023] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present sometimes and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements identified unless indicated to the contrary. As a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0024] As used in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. When separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also including over one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. The term "or" as used shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0025] The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. As used, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). Often these terms may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0026] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "ice-pop" comprises, solidified water like substances with artificial or natural flavor. Non-limiting examples are: freezer pops, popsicles, or ice creams.

[0027] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "aseptic" refers to sealing that prevents germs from penetrating the sealed barrier.

[0028] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "selectively openable" refers to two items that rarely separate during their normal intended use, but can be separated from each other by a user through designed, built-in feature. Examples of such a feature include line of weakness built into the material that tears when pressure is applied, an area of glue with less adhesion than other areas of the container, lids, caps, covers, closures, top, membranes, foil, paper, plastic, strips, string, tear-lines, any combination, and more. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which, with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all under the present invention. Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0030] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0031] FIG. 1 A is an upward-looking perspective view of an embodiment of a dual- purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container depicting a straw and an aseptically sealed flexible body defining an interior volume. [0032] FIG. IB is a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 1A with the straw inserted in a first selectively openable aperture within the body.

[0033] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 1A and IB turned upside down, a removable member, and a first portion of the bottom of the body removed and exposes a second selectively openable aperture sized to permit fluid to escape the interior volume in a frozen state.

[0034] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a conical dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container with a liquid selectively openable removal aperture where at least a partial watertight seal around is created when a straw is inserted into the aperture.

[0035] FIG. 2A1 is a close-up detailed view of FIG. 2A, depicting the area of material creating a water-tight seal on the first selectively openable aperture, and ready to be pulled away and discarded or penetrated by a straw.

[0036] FIG. 2B is a downward perspective view of the conical shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 2A turned upside down, a removable member, and a first portion of the bottom of the body removed and exposes a second selectively openable aperture that allows the fluid to escape the interior volume in a frozen state.

[0037] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the conical shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 2A and 2B turned upside down, without the removable member and first portion of the bottom of the body in FIG. 2B and exposing the second selectively openable aperture wherein fluid escapes the interior volume in a frozen state.

[0038] FIG. 3 A is a downward perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container depicting a lid and an aseptically sealed flexible body defining an interior volume.

[0039] FIG. 3B is a downward perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 3 A with the lid removed to expose a first selectively openable aperture within the body.

[0040] FIG. 3C is a downward perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 3 A and 3B turned upside down, a removable member, and a first portion of the bottom of the body removed and exposes a second selectively openable aperture that allows fluid to escape the interior volume in a frozen state.

[0041] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container depicting a straw inserted in a first selectively openable aperture within an aseptically sealed flexible body defining an interior volume.

[0042] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 4A turned upside down, and a first portion of the bottom of the body removed and exposes a second selectively openable aperture that allows fluid to escape the interior volume in a frozen state.

[0043] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 4A turned upside down, without the first portion of the bottom of the body in FIG. 4B and exposing the second selectively openable aperture that allows fluid to escape the interior volume in a frozen state.

[0044] FIG. 4D is a flow diagram illustrating a method of consuming a frozen treat with the container of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container that includes a tubular shaped aseptic container with a straw puncturing one end of the container to create a liquid removal aperture forming at least a partial watertight seal around the straw.

[0046] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 5 A, wherein a handle made out of wood is used to puncture one end of the container to create a handle before freezing the liquid inside.

[0047] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 5 A and 5B, turned upside down, wherein a removable member allows for the separation of the container body from the removable top.

[0048] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container, that includes a spiral tubular shaped body, and a straw used to puncture one side of the container allowing for liquid to be extracted and forming at least a partial watertight seal around the straw.

[0049] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 6A turned upside down, a removable member, the bottom of the body in FIG. 6A is removed exposing the second selectively openable aperture that allows fluid to escape the interior volume in a frozen state. [0050] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 6A, turned upside down, wherein the spiral tubular shaped aseptic container is contracted to remove the solid content through the second removable aperture, by pushing on the bottom of the container body.

[0051] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container, a straw, a removable end cover, wherein the straw is inserted through the removable cover forming at least a partial watertight seal around the straw that allows for the removal of liquid.

[0052] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 7A, with the removable end cover removed and exposing the second selectively openable aperture wherein fluid escapes the interior volume in a frozen state by squeezing of the container body.

[0053] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tubular shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container, depicting a straw-handle combination and a lid that covers the liquid removal opening.

[0054] FIG.8B is a perspective view of a tubular shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 8 A, and a cap on the liquid removal opening removed to allow fluid to escape in the liquid state but not in the solid state.

[0055] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a tubular shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 8A and 8B turned upside down, wherein the straw- handle with the lid on is a handle and a selectively removable member that separates the straw-handle from the container to expose the frozen content. [0056] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a tubular shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 8A, and 8B turned upside down, wherein the frozen content is exposed and held by the straw-handle.

[0057] FIG. 9A is a downward-looking perspective view of an embodiment of a dual- purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container depicting an aseptically sealed flexible body defining an interior volume and a window to see inside the interior volume.

[0058] FIG. 9B is a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 9 A showing as the solid volume is removed through a second selectively openable aperture within the body by discarding a removable member.

[0059] FIG. 9C is an upward-looking perspective tilted view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 9A and 9B, wherein a "v" shaped structure at the bottom end of the body is shown and the window that allows for the solid content to be viewed inside the container.

[0060] FIG. 9D is a side view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIGS. 9 A 9B and 9C, showing how a user uses the "v" shaped structure at the bottom end to remove the solid content of the container.

[0061] FIG. 1 OA is a downward-looking perspective view of an embodiment of a dual- purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container depicting a removable member on top of a foldable triangle top end that allows for stacking of the containers.

[0062] FIG. 10B is a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 10A showing as the solid volume is removed through a second selectively openable aperture within the body by discarding a removable member.

[0063] FIG. IOC is a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container of FIG. 10A showing an arrow to indicate that when folded, the cross-fold-lines in concert with vertical-fold-line collapse within itself to allow for stacking of the container one on top of the other.

[0064] FIG. 10D is a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container and continuation sequence of FIG. IOC showing the top surface as it folds and covers the openable aperture.

[0065] FIG. 10E is a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink containers and continuation sequence of FIG. 10D showing how the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container are stacked one on top of another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0067] The present invention provides a novel dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container. Embodiments of the invention provide for a liquid container that allows for extraction of the contents in liquid and solid form. Embodiments of the invention provide for a method to use this drink container so a person can enjoy the contents within this container both in liquid and solid form.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 1 A, one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in an upward-looking perspective view. The illustrated embodiment shows several advantageous features of the novel container 100, but, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of the novel dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 100 includes a plastically deformable straw 107, an aseptically sealed flexible body 106 defining an interior volume, a first selectively openable aperture 101 at a first end 103 of the body 106, a second selectively openable aperture, generally represented by reference number 112 in FIG. 1A, but not visible in this view, at a second end 111 of the body 106. It also features a straw pouch 110 wherein the straw 107 is placed during manufacturing and is readily available to a user. In this embodiment, the drink container 100 is openable by penetrating a portion of the first end 103, i.e., the first selectively openable aperture 101, of first end 103 of the body 106 with the straw 107. The first aperture 101 is an area of foil 104 penetrable by a tip of the straw 107. The invention is in no way limited to foil and can use other materials that serve to seal the container and are penetrable by a flexible plastic straw. In some embodiments, the entire side of the container is a foil or other material that is penetrable by the end of a straw. In some embodiments, the aperture 101 is preformed and is not created by the straw's penetration, although the straw can pass through it in a penetrating manner. In one such embodiment, the aperture can be resealed by pressing the foil 104 against the body 106 once the straw is removed. The area of foil 104 may also be pulled away and discarded. At the opposite end of 103, a removable member 105, such as a tear-line is shown. If removed, the tear-line would separate the first portion 113 of the second end 111 of the body 106 from a second portion 102 of the second end 111 of the body 106.

[0069] FIG. IB provides a downward-looking perspective view of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 100 of FIG. 1A. The drink container 100 contains an amount of fluid 108 disposed within the interior volume, the fluid having a liquid state and a frozen state. The fluid disposed within the container 100 could be fruit juices or any other consumable beverage. The volume of fluid can be equivalent to that within a traditional children's single-serve juice box. As a non-limiting range, the liquid disposed within the interior volume of the aseptic purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 100 can be between about 4 oz. and 10oz., or between about 100 ml. and 300 ml. but the invention is not so limited.

[0070] FIG. IB also depicts how the drink container 100 is openable by penetrating, or otherwise inserting, the straw 107 into a aperture 101 of the first end 103 of the body 106, e.g., through the foil 104. The selectively openable aperture 101 is sized to permit the fluid 108 to escape the interior volume in a liquid state but not in a frozen state. The aperture 101 is too small to allow the frozen contents to escape. Here, the straw pouch

110 of FIG.1 A is peeled away and discarded.

[0071] FIG. IB also shows a removable member 105 operable to separate a first portion 113 of the second end 111 of the body 106 from a second portion 102 of the second end

111 of the body 106 to open the second selectively openable aperture 112 (shown best in FIG. 1C). [0072] FIG. 1C depicts a downward looking perspective view of the juice box container 100 of FIGS. 1 A and IB turned upside down. Here, the second portion 102 of the second end 111 of the body 106 is removable to open the second selectively openable aperture 112. The exposed second selectively openable aperture 112 is sized to permit the fluid to escape the interior volume of the juice box container 100 in a frozen state 109. The aperture is big enough to allow the entire contents to slide out. More specifically, the first portion 113 of the second end 111 is separable from the second portion 102 of the second end 111 of the body 106 to expose the second selectively openable aperture 112. The first end 103 and second end 111 are separated by tear-line member 105. This is shown in FIG. 1C removable member 105, a strip of material that can be removed from the body 106 by pulling on it. Strips such as tear-line member 105 are well known in the art. One of the main advantages of the present invention is that the ice-pop 109 can be easily enjoyed using the same drink container body 106, without the need to transfer to another container before freezing.

[0073] The straw 107 is a tube used to suck a beverage or fluid out of a container such as 106. Straws 107 are usually made from polypropylene plastic. Polypropylene is a resin made by polymerizing, or stringing together, molecules of a propylene gas. The polypropylene resin must first be mixed with the plasticizers, colorants, antioxidants, stabilizers, and fillers. These materials, in powder form, are dumped into the hopper of an extrusion compounder that mixes, melts, and forms beads of the blended plastic. The resin exits the die in a long string in the shape of a straw 107.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2A, another embodiment of the present invention, namely, a cone shaped popsicle mold/liquid drink box container 200 is depicted. FIG. 2A1 is a close-up detailed view of the upper portion of FIG. 2A, depicting the area of foil 204 creating a water-tight seal on the first selectively openable aperture 201, and ready to be pulled away and discarded by a user. FIG. 2A shows, that once the area of foil 204 is removed, it allows for the straw 207 to be introduced into body 206 for the liquid 208 to be extracted. FIG. 2A also shows an embodiment that includes a straw 207, and an aseptically sealed flexible body 206 defining an interior volume and having a first end 203 with a liquid removal opening 201 crated by the straw 207 as it punctures the body

206. The liquid removal opening forms at least a partial watertight seal around the straw

207. The body 206 here conforms a sloping transition between the first end 203 to the second end 211 terminating in removable member 205.

[0075] FIGS. 2B and 2C depict the juice box 200 of FIG. 2A upside-down. The second end 211 has a frozen content removal aperture 212 sized to permit frozen state contents 209 of the body 206 to be removed in a solid state. There is a difference between the sizes of the first opening 201 (shown in FIG. 2 A) at the first end 203 and the second aperture 212 at the second end 211. Because of the size difference, if the contents 209 of the juice box 200 were frozen, the contents 209 could not be removed through the smaller first opening 201. If the contents 209 were partially frozen or if the there was a small amount of contents 209 within the body 206, it is possible that some contents 209 could fit through the smaller first opening 201 (shown in FIG. 2A). However, it is contemplated that if the body was filled at least 50% with the contents 209, and the contents 209 were frozen to a solid state, the contents 209 could not be removed from the first end 203 but could easily be removed from the second end 211. FIG. 2B also depicts how the selectively removable member 205 will expose the frozen content 209 through the second selectively openable aperture 212 when removed by a user. Here, the selectively removable member 205 is glued to the second portion 202 of the second end 211. The glue/adhesive allows for easy removal of the removable member 205. The drink box container 200 shows the straw 207 folded on the outside of the body 206.

[0076] FIG. 2C depicts a downward looking perspective view of the juice box 200 of FIGS. 2 A turned upside down. Here, the exposed second selectively openable aperture 212 is sized to permit the fluid to escape the interior volume of the juice box 200 in a frozen state 209. The aperture is big enough to allow the entire contents to slide out. The strip of material of removable member 205 of FIG. 2B was removed completely from the body 206 and is not shown in this view. Again, one of the main advantages of juice box 200 is that the ice-pop content 209 can be easily enjoyed using the same drink container body 206, without the need to transfer to another container before freezing.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 1 A and 2A, the shape of the containers 100 and 200 may vary. These embodiments encompass a liquid removal opening and a solid removal opening, in relative opposite ends. The following body shapes could be used for the same function, in the same way, to achieve the same result: sphere, cube, cuboid, cylinder, hexagonal prism, cone, square pyramid, triangular-based pyramid, triangular prism, and others.

[0078] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict yet another embodiment of the invention in a downward looking perspective view. A dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 300, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-C, is in the shape of a cone, the body 306 defining a sloping transition from the first end 303 to the second end 311 ending in removable member 305. The container 300 includes a lid 301 screwable onto a lid-thread 302 disposed at the first selectively openable aperture 321 at a first end 303 of body 306. The lid 301 could attach in other ways in other envisioned embodiments. The first end 303 of the body 306 is openable by removing the screw-able lid 301 to permit the fluid 308 to escape. The aperture 321 is the smallest diameter of the cone-shaped body 306. The aperture 321 allows the contents of the body 306 to easily escape in a liquid form 308. However, if the contents of the body 306 are frozen 309 (as shown in FIG.3C), or even partially frozen, the aperture 321 is too small for the entire contents to escape.

[0079] The aseptically sealed flexible body 306 defines an interior volume typically between about 4 oz. and 10 oz., or between about 100 ml. and 300 ml. The fluid within the interior volume is inserted into the container body 306 in a liquid state 308 and later converted into a frozen state 309 after being placed in a freezer.

[0080] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the conical shaped dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 300 of FIGS. 3 A and 3B turned upside down. The lid 301 is put and closed at the now bottom end 303 of the body 306. The second aperture 312, on the top end 311, is selectively openable by removing a removable member 305 (tear-line) and exposing the ice content 309. Here, the aperture 312 allows the contents to escape the interior volume of the body 306 in the frozen state, i.e., as a solid ice-pop or ice cream. As a user holds the container 300 and melts the frozen contents where they contact the body 306, the smooth slope of the wall of body 306 allows for easy removal of the frozen content. The removable member 305 is operable to separate the second portion 302 of the second end 311 of the body 306 to open the second selectively openable aperture 312. Instead of being a removable tear strip, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the removable member 305 can be integral with the removable lid 302 and be removably coupled to the second end 311 of the body 306 with adhesive or other mechanical measures. [0081] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, another embodiment of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 400 is shown. FIGS. 4A-4C will be described in conjunction with the steps shown in the process flow chart of FIG. 4D, which illustrates a novel method for using a drink container. Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4D, the method starts at step 421 by filling the body with a fluid and moves directly to step 423 where an aseptically sealed flexible body 406 with fluid inside is introduced to a freezing temperature for a time sufficient to place the fluid into a frozen state. In step 425, the flexible body 406 is turned upside down from its normal drinking orientation in FIG. 4 A. In step 427, a selectively removable member 405 is removed to expose the contents of the body 406 in their frozen state as shown in FIG. 4B. In step 429, as shown in FIG. 4C, the user squeezes the flexible body 406 to remove the contents in the frozen state 409.

[0082] With more specific reference to FIG. 4A, a first selectively openable aperture 421 at a first end 403 of the body 406 is openable by penetrating end portion 420 with the straw 407. As in the previously described embodiments, the aperture 421 is sized to permit the fluid to escape the interior volume in a liquid state but not in a frozen state. On the opposite second end 411 of body 406, a second selectively openable aperture 412 allows the fluid to escape the interior volume in the frozen state 409 (shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C).

[0083] FIG. 4B is FIG. 4A turned upside down, and shows removable member 405 resembling a lid as it is removed from body 406. The lid 405 is secured at the end 411 of body 406 in a sealed arrangement. In the embodiment shown, the removable member 405 further includes a tongue-tab 401 for easy removal by the user. By completely removing member 405, the fluid is exposed in the frozen state 409, and, as shown in FIG. 4C, the flexible body 406 then allows the contents to be extracted through second selectively openable 412 by squeezing the sides of the body 406.

[0084] The dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink package 400 should be sturdy enough to sustain freezing. Freezing or solidification is a phase transition in which a liquid turns into a solid when its temperature is lowered to or below its freezing point. Most of fluid drinks to be used with the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 400 are composed mostly of water. For most fluid drinks, the melting and freezing points are the same temperature; however, certain substances possess differing solid-liquid transition temperatures. As an example, the freezing point or melting point of water is the temperature at which water changes phase from a liquid to a solid or vice versa. The freezing point describes the liquid to solid transition while the melting point is the temperature at which water goes from a solid (ice) to liquid (water). Ordinarily the freezing point of water is 0° C or 32° F.

[0085] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the dual- purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 500 is in the shape of a traditional cup. One main feature of the container 500 is that the liquid removal and solid removal occurs at the same end 503 of body 506, and end portion 521 acts a barrier for both liquid and solid. Here, the popsicle mold/liquid drink container 500 includes a handle 501, and a straw 517. Both are usually disposed on the outside the container body 506 inside its own pouch, such as pouch 510. The handle 501 could be made out of wood or plastic, preferably disposable. The handle 501 and the straw 517 are to be removed from pouch 510 and inserted into the same end 503 through end portion 521 of body 506 by a user. When the straw 517 is inserted using straw tip 507, a liquid removal aperture 531 is created. Since the straw tip 507 is sharp or angled, it allows for an easy insertion. Because of the penetration of end portion 521, the liquid removal aperture 531 forms a partial watertight seal around the straw 517. Liquid is then allowed to escape the container 500 by suction placed on the straw 517 or by squeezing the sides of body 506. Selectively removable a member 505 is also disposed on the same end 503 along second removal aperture 512.

[0086] In FIG. 5B, before freezing, a user can form a handle by locating the tip 513 of handle 501, inserting it into end portion 521 of same end 503 of the body 506, and allowing the liquid content to transform into a solid. The frozen liquid solidifies around handle 501 making it an excellent tool for extraction of the solid content. After the selectively removable member 505 is removed to expose removal aperture 512, body 506 is then removed downward, allowing the interior volume to be removed in a frozen state 509 (not shown). Since solidification occurred around handle 501, handle 501 allows holding the ice treat upside down, as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0087] FIG. 5C is an upside-down view of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Here, the selectively removable member 505 has been removed to expose the frozen content 509. The advantage of this embodiment is significant. Its novel approach allows this dual-purpose container 500 to minimize production costs. In the same package, a user can use the tip of the straw 507 to penetrate end portion 521 of the body 506 and allow for its content in liquid form to exit. Keeping the same orientation, if punctured by the tip 513 (shown in FIG. 5 A) of handle 501, a frozen-treat 509 could be held if frozen. Another advantage of being openable in an upright orientation is that if handle 513 or straw 517 is not available or lost, by removing the end portion 521, the ice-treat 509 could be eaten using a spoon, and the juice could be consumed as if drinking from a regular cup.

[0088] FIG. 6A shows another embodiment of the dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 600. Here, the body 606 is formed as a tubular-spiral. The container 600 includes: a straw 607, a first selectively openable aperture 631, at a first end 603 and a second selectively openable aperture 612 (hidden from this view) at the opposite second end 611 of a tubular-spiral body 606. The sealed flexible tubular-spiral body 606 includes a helix accordion edge 601 running from the first end 603 to the second end 611, for the entire length of the body 606. In this view, the second end 611 is the bottom end. The bottom end 611 includes a removable member 605 to open the second selectively openable aperture 612 (hidden from this view). In Fig. 6A, as in previous figures, by inserting the straw 607 into the first end portion 621, a first selectively openable aperture 631 is created allowing a user to sip the liquid contents inside.

[0089] FIGS. 6B and 6C show FIG. 6 A upside-down. After placing the aseptically sealed flexible body 606 filled with fluid or juice into a freezer, the frozen treat is ready for extraction from the second end 611. By turning the body 601 upside down, the second end 611 becomes the top end. Now, the removable member 605, depicted here as a strip of cardboard or plastic, is removed to open the second selectively openable aperture 612 previously hidden. The second end portion 623 can then be removed and discarded. Then, the contents of the body may be removed from the body in a frozen state 609 by pushing from the bottom of the accordion shaped body 606 as shown in FIG. 6C. The accordion-like shape body 606 folds within itself in a spiral formation along edge lines 601 [0090] FIGS. 7 A and 7B depict dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 700 depicting a square pyramid body 706. FIG. 7A includes a square removable end portion 703 that is a lid to cover and protect the inside contents of the body 706. The lid 703 is sufficiently frail to allow a straw 707 to puncture to create a first liquid removal aperture 721, but strong enough to protect the liquid content. The lid 703 is also removable, disposable, and comprises tongue-tab 731 for easy grabbing by a user. As the lid 703 is removed, the solid removal opening 712 is exposed. The pyramid aseptic package container 700 internally contains a cuboid 702 volume of liquid of between about 4 oz., and lOoz., or between about 100 ml. and 300 ml. By exposing the aseptically sealed flexible body 706 to a freezing temperature for a time sufficient to place the fluid into the frozen state, a cuboid 702 ice-pop 709 is created inside as shown in FIG. 7B. This design incorporates flexible holding-wings 701 at the bottom end of body 706. The holding- wings 701 are used to push up the frozen treat 709 through the solid removal opening 712. The large surface area of the holding-wings 701 is helpful to children because it allows them for a better grip. It also prevents the rapid melting of the ice-treat since there is no direct contact with the cuboid 702 volume of frozen liquid.

[0091] The dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 800 of FIGS. 8A and 8B is a cylinder shaped body 806 that uses a straw-handle 801 for extraction of liquid. The straw-handle 801 should be made of a stiff enough material to enable a user to hold an ice-treat after freezing. Since, the straw-handle 801 is also a straw; a user can likewise sip the juice content. A removable cover 821 or screwable lid is disposed to seal the first selectively openable aperture 811. The straw-handle 801 combo is further disposed on a selectively openable aperture 812 (not shown). Before using the drink container to have a drink, the lid 821 is removed to allow the contents inside the body 806 to escape in liquid form. By putting it back on, it will allow the container to be used multiple times until all the contents of the body are extracted. After exposing the aseptically sealed flexible body 806 to a freezing temperature an ice-pop (hidden) will be created inside the body 806. The straw-handle 801 is then used to hold the ice-pop by a user's hand. One of the advantages of this embodiment is that a user might drink half the liquid and freeze half of the liquid content for later consumption in solid form.

[0092] In FIGS. 8C and 8D, a depiction of FIG. 8 A upside down shows the drink container 800 with its contents in solid form after freezing. The cylindrical drink container 800 contains an amount of fluid equivalent to a traditional children's single- serve square juice box. FIG. 8C shows selectively removable member 805, which is a tear-line made out of cardboard. The tear-line 805, as it is removed, exposes the selectively openable aperture 812 that allows the body 806 to be separated from straw- handle 801. When member 805 is removed in its entirety, the body 806 is then separated away from straw-handle 801. As shown in FIG. 8D, as long as the first removable cover 821 is in place, no liquid content should exit, unless so wanted by the user. At least one advantage of this embodiment is that a separate straw or a handle-stick is not needed, saving in packaging and assembly costs. The straw-handle 801 should be made of hard enough materials for it not to bend when holding the ice-pop. A durometer hardness of between: 10 to 85 could be used. Examples of such as a hard plastic usable for this embodiment include: acetals, acrylics, amino resins, cellulosics, phenolics, polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, styrenes, vinyls and any combination and more. Although FIGS. 8A-D show the treat 809 being removed from the body 806 in the direction of the handle 801, the handle can also be used to push the treat 809 upward. [0093] Referring now to FIG. 9 A, another embodiment of the novel dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container 900 is illustrated in a downward-looking perspective view. The illustrated container 900 shows several advantageous features of the present invention. The novel drink container 900 is made of an aseptically sealed flexible material defining an interior liquid 908 volume. A first selectively openable aperture 921 at a first end 903 of the body 906 is created for the penetration of a straw (not shown). A second selectively openable aperture 912, (not visible in this view) is disposed on the same end 903 of body 906 and is created after the removal of a tear-line 905. Tear-line 905, a strip of material, is created for the entire length of the circumference of body 906. In this embodiment, the drink container 900 is openable both by penetrating a portion of the first end 903, with a straw or removing tear-line 905 at the same first end 903. The first selectively openable aperture 921, of first end 903 of the body 906 is covered by an area 924 of foil or thin plastic either removable or penetrable by a tip of a straw. Because of the size difference, if the contents of the juice box 900 were frozen, the contents could not be removed through the smaller first aperture 921.

[0094] FIG. 9A features an optional window 913. This window 913 allows for a user to see how much liquid or solid content is inside container 900. Window 913 could be made of clear plastic material and be part of the aseptic packaging. Aseptic paper packages are usually made of several layers of laminated paper and plastic. In one of the paper laminates, a sliver of paper can be cut off before the plastic lamination is placed. Hence, the clear plastic laminate would cover the paper cut-out creating a window 913 into the liquid 908 inside the package. After placing the container of FIG. 9A into a freezer, and giving it enough time for the liquid to solidify, a frozen treat is created as shown in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9B shows how the exposed second selectively openable aperture 912 allows the previously fluid content to escape in a frozen state 909. In this figure, the first end 903, the removable tear-line member 905, was removed completely. After removal, the tear- line separates removable portion 902 from the main body 906 of the container. One feature of container 900 is that the liquid removal and solid removal occurs at the same end 903 of body 906. One of the advantages of container 900 that the body 906 is kept in an upright position allowing for removal of liquid without a straw at all.

[0095] At the opposite end 911, in FIG. 9B, at first end 903 of body 906, a wedge-like edge 901 is created as part of the container 900. This "v" shaped folded structure at the bottom end 911 of body 906 creates a wedge-like edge 901 for pushing the ice treat after solidification. Using this structure, a user can use two fingers to remove the ice-treat through openable aperture 912. Here, the window 913 allows for the bottom edge 919 of the ice-treat 909 to show how much is left inside the body 906.

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 9C, an upward tilted view allows for a closer look into the "v" shaped folded structure 901 at the bottom end 911 of body 906. The "v" shaped folded structure creates a grabbing surface 917, for two or more finger to be inserted into the bottom of the container 900. Flexible straw 907 is still attached to the outside surface of body 906 as it was not used since ice-treat solid 909 is coming out of aperture 912. As depicted in FIG. 9D, a user 921 uses the thumb and index finger to squeeze the "v" shape grabbing surface 917. The heat released from the thumb and index finger melts some solid 909 allowing the easy removal of the frozen content through aperture 912. Window 913 and solid bottom edge 919 shown on the side of the container 900, is used to view the inside content now in solid form. [0097] FIG. 10A shows a further embodiment 1000 of the present invention, which features a square shaped body with a triangular top. As in previous embodiments, FIG. 10A depicts the area of foil or other material 1004 creating a water-tight seal on the first selectively openable aperture 1001. This area of material, e.g., plastic, 1004 is ready to be pulled away and discarded by a user or penetrated by straw 1027 shown here on the side of container body 1006. Once the area of material 1004 is removed, it allows for the liquid to be extracted. Body 1006 includes an optional window 1033 similar to the one found in FIG. 9A that allows viewing of the inside contents of the container. Also similar to previously presented FIG.9A and FIG. 9B, the liquid removal and solid extraction occurs at the same end 1003 of body 1006.

[0098] On top of the triangular top of end 1003, in FIG. 10A, a selectively removable member 1005 (also described previously as a tear-line) is removable and dischargeable by a user. In this view horizontal-fold-line 1007 is depicted, a pre-formed folding-line made by pressing the aseptic material laminate with sharp edge. As removable member 1005 is detached, the content in liquid or solid form can be extracted through the same aperture

1012. This feature is very useful since, in many occasions, the straw 1027 is lost or removed from the body 1006 by accident; hence a user can drink the content in liquid form with no straw 1027. Another advantage is that if aperture 1012 is defective or leaking, by keeping the container body 1006 upright, none of the contents will be spilled. On the opposite second end 1011, a vertical-fold-line 1019 is shown with folding wings

1013. Folding wings 1013 have similar purpose as folding wings previously described in FIGS. 7 A and 7B. [0099] FIG. 10B depicts the juice box container 1000 of FIG. 10A after the fluid inside was exposed to a freezing temperature for a time sufficient to convert the fluid into its frozen state. On the same first end 1003, the frozen content removal aperture 1012 allows content 1029 to be removed from body 1006 in a frozen state 1029. This view shows cross-fold lines 1009 that form the triangular top first end 1003 as previously shown in FIG. 10A. When folded in concert with cross-fold-lines 1009, it creates a flat surface that allows for stacking of the containers one on top of the other (not shown). These types of fold-lines 1009, as shown, are used to create the triangular top at first end 1003 of FIG. 10A. The selectively removable member 1005, after removal, will expose the frozen 1029 or liquid content (reference number 1008 in FIG. 10A). After letting the container 1000 of FIG. 10A sit inside a freezer for a time sufficient to solidify its content, an icecream or ice-pop 1029, is created. The container 1000 (similarly to previously depicted FIG. 9A and 9B) uses optional window 1033 to see how much liquid or solid content is left inside the container body 1006. Window 1013 could be made of clear plastic material and be part of the aseptic packaging 1000. At the second end 1011 of the body 1006, the vertical folding lines 1013, with the folding wings 1013 create a way for the contents to be squeezed out by a user.

[00100] FIGS. IOC, 10D, and 10E are downward looking perspective views of the juice box container 1000 that show the ability to stack one container 1000 on top of the other. Here, the main advantage of cross-fold-lines 1009 and the vertical-fold-line 1007 is shown. FIGS. IOC shows cross-fold lines 1009 forming the triangular top first end 1003 in its upright position. As the arrow 1021 indicates, when folded, the cross-fold-lines 1009 in concert with vertical-fold-line 1007 collapse within themselves and create a flat surface as shown in FIG. 10D. This fold is beneficial in two ways: first, top-surface 1017 is the stronger surface because it does not have an aperture. Every time a material is pierced, stress-concentrations are created in the material. Such stresses could make a material vulnerable to failures and cracks. In this case, for instance, the first selectively openable aperture 1001 covered with foil 1004 can be easily damaged or removed by accident. By folding along the vertical-fold-line 1007, the openable aperture 1001 will be concealed and protected against any sudden rips and tears. Second, top-surface 1017 is flat, and this allows for other containers to be placed on top as shown in FIG. 10E. The ability to stack is beneficial during packaging, and when displayed at a store front. At the same time, window 1033 allows for a user to see how much liquid 1008 or solid volume is in the container 1000 even when stacked together as a pack. It is envisioned that the bottom portion 1011 of the container 1000 depicted in FIGS. 10A-E can be provided with the same bottom portion 911 of the container 900 of FIGS. 9A-D.

[00101] In summary, as shown in FIGS. 5 A, 7 A, 8 A, 9 A, and 10A, the shape of the dual- purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink container may vary, to include a liquid removal aperture and a solid removal aperture, on the same end. As an alternative, and as seen in FIGS., 1 A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 6A, the liquid removal aperture and a solid removal aperture, are shown at opposite ends. Correspondingly, the following container shapes could be used for the same function, in the same way, to achieve the same result: spheres, cubes, cuboids, cylinders, hexagonal prisms, cones, square pyramids, triangular-based pyramids and triangular prisms.

[00102] The material used in the aseptic dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink box containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 can vary depending on packaging and the type of liquid deposited inside. The packaging can accommodate severe temperature changes and thermal stresses. From extreme heat for sterilization, to extreme cold, sufficient to freeze its content without tearing or cracking. In addition, the materials will, preferably, be robust enough to sustain the stresses of the children that bring the drink container into harsh environments such as lunch boxes, playtime, and camping trips.

[00103] Packaging materials of the aseptic dual-purpose popsicle mold/liquid drink box containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000, that could be used for the same function, in the same way, to achieve the same result include: 1) Laminates and metallized films which involve the binding of aluminum foil to paper or plastic film to improve barrier properties; 2) Tinplates produced from low-carbon steel (Tinplate results from coating both sides of blackplate with thin layers of tin. Although tin provides steel with some corrosion resistance, tinplate containers are often lacquered with epoxy phenolic and oleoresinous groups and vinyl resins, to provide an inert barrier between the metal and the food product); 3) Plastics (made by condensation polymerization (polycondensation) or addition polymerization (polyaddition) of monomer units); 4) Polyolefins (a collective term for polyethylene and polypropylene, the two most widely used plastics in food packaging, and other less popular olefin polymers. Polyethylene and polypropylene both possess a desirable combination of properties, including flexibility, strength, lightness, stability, moisture and chemical resistance, and easy processability); and 5) Paper laminates (coated or uncoated papers based on pulp. They can be laminated with plastic or aluminum to improve various properties. Paper can be laminated with polyethylene to make it heat sealable and to improve gas and moisture barrier properties. Paper is almost always treated, coated, laminated, or impregnated with materials such as waxes, resins, or lacquers to improve functional and protective properties). [00104] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is the best mode, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[00105] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented. The phraseology or terminology is for description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only under the following claims and their equivalents.