Product Dispensing Apparatus with Sample Holder

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a dispensing apparatus configured to store and dispense a product, while also providing a storage space for an object, e.g., a sample product container, via a recessed chamber located in the cap.

1 . A dispensing apparatus comprising:
 a body having an inner chamber and a top end; and   a cap secured to the top end of the body, the cap having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the cap comprises a recessed chamber in the top surface, and optionally an opening extending through the top surface and the bottom surface into the inner chamber of the body.   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a lid, wherein at least a portion of the lid is removeably secured to the cap. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the lid is permanently affixed to the cap. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the lid is a flip-top, a screw-on lid or a snap-on lid. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the flip-top comprises at least two sections which flip independently of each other. 
     
     
         9 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein one of the at least two sections of the flip-top resides over the opening of the cap and the other of the at least two sections of the flip-top resides over the recessed chamber. 
     
     
         10 . A cap comprising:
 a) a top surface;   b) a bottom surface;   c) a recessed chamber in the top surface; and   d) optionally, an opening extending through the top surface and the bottom surface.   
     
     
         11 . The cap of  claim 10  further comprising a lid, wherein at least a portion of the lid is removeably secured to the cap. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The cap of  claim 11 , wherein at least a portion of the lid is permanently affixed to the cap. 
     
     
         14 . The cap of  claim 11 , wherein the lid is a flip-top, a screw-on lid or a snap-on lid. 
     
     
         15 . The cap of  claim 14 , wherein the lid is a flip-top. 
     
     
         16 . The cap of  claim 15 , wherein the flip-top comprises at least two sections which flip independently of each other. 
     
     
         17 . The cap of  claim 16 , wherein one of the at least two sections of the flip-top resides over the opening of the cap and the other of the at least two sections of the flip-top resides over the recessed chamber. 
     
     
         18 . A method for storing an object, the method comprising:
 a) providing an apparatus comprising:
 i. a body having an inner chamber and a top end; and 
 ii. a cap secured to the top end of the body, the cap having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the cap comprises a recessed chamber in the top surface; and optionally an opening extending through the top surface and the bottom surface into the inner chamber of the body; and 
   b) placing an object into the recessed chamber.   
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the recessed chamber is cylindrical. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the lid is a flip-top, a screw-on lid or a snap-on lid. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the lid is a flip-top. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the recessed chamber of the cap extends into the inner chamber of the body. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the flip-top comprises at least two sections which flip independently of each other. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein one of the at least two sections of the flip-top resides over the opening of the cap and the other of the at least two sections of the flip-top resides over the recessed chamber. 
     
     
         27 . (canceled)