Dual-compartment container

Abstract

A container and container cap for storage and dispensing of moist articles and for storing at least one normally dry article. The container includes a body defining a first compartment for storage of moist articles. The cap defines a second compartment for storage of at least one normally dry article. The cap also defines an opening for dispensing moist articles from the first compartment. A lid is coupled to the cap and includes a pair of sealing flaps for selectively closing the first and second compartments. The ventilated flap for closing the second compartment includes openings for ventilating the second compartment to help dry the normally dry article.

1 . A container for storage and dispensing of a first article and for storing a second article, the container comprising:
 a body at least partially defining a first compartment for storage of the first article;   a cap supported by the body and defining a second compartment for storage of the second article, the cap further defining an opening facilitating access to the first compartment for dispensing the moist article from the first compartment; and   a lid supported by the cap, the lid having a first flap for selectively closing the first compartment, and a second flap for selectively closing the second compartment, the second flap having an opening for ventilating the second compartment when the second flap is closed.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first article is a moist article, and the second article is a dry article. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the cap is coupled to the body by a press fit. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is substantially circular, and wherein the first and second flaps are substantially semi-circular. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid includes a central portion that substantially bisects the lid, and wherein the first and second flaps are pivotally coupled to the central portion. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein the central portion includes a plurality of posts, and the cap includes an attachment portion that defines a plurality of openings, and wherein each of the plurality of openings receives a respective one of the plurality of posts. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the cap defines a substantially circular opening, and the first flap includes a peripheral rim that selectively engages an edge surrounding the circular opening, and wherein engagement between the rim and the edge provides a seal for retaining moisture within the first compartment. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the opening for ventilating the second compartment includes a plurality of holes in a grid-like pattern. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the cap that facilitates access to the first compartment includes a plurality of intersecting slits. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises more than two compartments. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes a substantially continuous edge that defines an opening to the second compartment and the opening facilitating access to the first compartment, the cap also including an attachment portion for the lid that extends between the opening for the second compartment and the opening facilitating access to the first compartment. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the opening for the second compartment and the opening facilitating access to the first compartment are substantially semi-circular. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the cap defines at least one recess adjacent the substantially continuous edge that provides access to an underside of the lid for opening at least one of the first and second flaps. 
   
   
       14 . A combination cap and lid for forming a dual-compartment storage container from a single-compartment storage container, the combination comprising:
 a body for attachment to the single-compartment storage container, the body defining a secondary storage compartment that extends into the single compartment storage container when the body is attached to the single compartment storage container, and an opening having a first portion that communicates with the single compartment storage container and a second portion that communicates with the secondary storage compartment;   a first flap configured to selectively overlie the first portion of the opening to open and close the single compartment storage container;   a second flap configured to selectively overlie the second portion of the opening to open and close the secondary storage compartment; and   a central portion extending across the opening between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first and second flaps are flexibly coupled to the central portion.   
   
   
       15 . The combination cap and lid of  claim 14 , wherein the first flap is substantially semi-circular includes a peripheral rim configured to engage an edge of the opening to seal at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the opening. 
   
   
       16 . The combination cap and lid of  claim 14 , wherein the second flap is substantially semi-circular and defines an opening for ventilating the secondary storage compartment. 
   
   
       17 . The combination cap and lid of  claim 14 , wherein the central portion bisects the lid and is flexibly coupled to the first and second flaps. 
   
   
       18 . The combination cap and lid of  claim 14 , wherein the central portion includes a plurality of posts, and the cap includes an attachment portion that defines a plurality of openings, and wherein each of the plurality of openings receives a respective one of the plurality of posts.