US20220267063A1 - Dispenser cap - Google Patents
Dispenser cap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220267063A1 US20220267063A1 US17/180,953 US202117180953A US2022267063A1 US 20220267063 A1 US20220267063 A1 US 20220267063A1 US 202117180953 A US202117180953 A US 202117180953A US 2022267063 A1 US2022267063 A1 US 2022267063A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser cap
- capsule
- plunger
- bottle
- holding area
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims description 49
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 25
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 11
- 235000020510 functional beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229940088623 biologically active substance Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000037147 athletic performance Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001720 carbohydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000014633 carbohydrates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000005189 cardiac health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000084 colloidal system Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000029087 digestion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004715 ethylene vinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013350 formula milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036039 immunity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000037231 joint health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 231100000252 nontoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003000 nontoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011496 sports drink Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
Definitions
- beverage bottles are sold or distributed using containers that will be referred to herein as “bottles”. For example, many beverages are sold or distributed using plastic water bottles. In the United States alone, in 2014, it has been estimated that over 100 billion plastic beverage bottles were sold. Of those, an estimated 57 billion were water bottles. Many other types of beverage bottles are sold or distributed, including containers designed to reduce the use of plastics. These beverage bottles (whether formed of plastic or other materials) are typically sold or distributed with caps that are designed to seal the beverage inside the bottle. Some have caps that seal as well as provide a resealable opening to access the beverage.
- efficacy can be reduced due to the amount of time the mixed beverage sits in the bottle (which can vary based on supply chain and distribution issues), variations in temperature, exposure to ultraviolet light, or the like. In general, it is difficult to ensure that any biologically beneficial properties are not reduced or even substantially eliminated when functional beverages are pre- mixed.
- Some functional beverages are mixed just prior to consumption by the user.
- some manufacturers provide the biologically active substance in powder or other form shipped or distributed separately from the beverage in which the substance is to be mixed. The user is then responsible for measuring and mixing the substance with the liquid.
- a user may not mix the appropriate amount of substance with the appropriate amount of fluid which can further reduce the efficacy of the mixture.
- such powders are typically produced in bulk and are not customized for each individual user.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 2A is a partial cross section view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1A pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge for use with a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a cartridge pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a dispenser cap with a cartridge installed for use pursuant to some embodiments.
- FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a dispenser cap with a cartridge installed in a dispensing position pursuant to some embodiments.
- a dispenser cap can be removably fitted to a mouth of a container containing a fluid.
- the dispenser cap can be operated to dispense a compound into a body of the container to mix with the fluid.
- a dispenser cap comprises a body having a cap covering a first end and an opening formed by a second end, the opening sized to mate with a neck of a bottle or other container.
- the body includes a holding area positioned proximate the opening, the holding area holding a capsule containing a compound.
- the cap further includes a plunger positioned between the cap and the holding area, the plunger movable between a resting position and a depressed position, such that when the plunger is in the depressed position, the plunger causes the capsule to dispense the compound.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser cap 100 pursuant to some embodiments.
- the dispenser cap 100 is shown installed on a neck of a bottle 150 .
- the dispenser cap 100 includes a top 102 , a flexible shell 104 , and a body 106 which together form a sealed enclosure when mounted on a neck of a bottle 150 .
- the bottle 150 may have a gasket 152 to provide an additional seal.
- the dispenser cap 100 when the dispenser cap 100 is securely mounted on a bottle 150 , liquid in the bottle is retained within the bottle 150 and an interior portion of the dispenser cap 100 .
- the interior of the dispenser cap 100 may also include an area in which a capsule (not shown in FIG. 1 ) can be placed which holds one or more compounds.
- an optional external removable protective element may be provided.
- the external removable protective element may be shaped like a ring and may encircle the flexible shell 104 such that it provides a rigid connection between the top 102 and the body 106 . This element may prevent accidental depression of the flexible shell 104 before use (e.g., during transit or storage).
- the protective element also could be formed as one or more vertical plastic elements (formed to connect the top 102 and the body 106 .
- FIG. 2A is a partial cross section view of dispenser cap 100 . More particularly, FIG. 2A shows a cross section of the dispenser body 106 .
- the dispenser body 106 may be generally cylindrical in shape. At one end of the dispenser body 106 is an opening 108 which receives, for example, an open mouth of a neck of a bottle 150 (not shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the dispenser cap 100 may be mounted on the neck of a bottle 150 using threaded stubs 112 which are sized and formed to allow the dispenser cap 100 to be screwed onto and off of a neck of a bottle 150 . When screwed onto a bottle 150 , the dispenser cap 100 forms a seal on the bottle 150 preventing any fluid from escaping.
- the dispenser body 106 includes a holding area 120 which holds a capsule (not shown) from which a compound may be released to be dispensed into the bottle 150 (the compound is not shown in FIG. 2 ). More particularly, the compound is held in a capsule that keeps the compound dry and protected from other elements until the compound is dispensed (as will be described further below).
- the holding area 120 of dispenser body 106 has a top stop 124 which may be formed as a lip or ledge that surrounds an interior of the cylindrical dispenser body 106 at a top portion of the dispenser body 106 .
- the holding area 120 is further defined by a bottom stop 122 which may be formed as a lip or ledge that surrounds an interior of the cylindrical dispenser body 106 at a bottom portion of the holding area 120 .
- the holding area 120 in general, is shaped and formed to hold a capsule in the holding area 120 .
- the bottom stop 122 may be somewhat flexible, allowing a capsule to be inserted into the holding area 120 for use and to be removed from the holding area 120 after use.
- a top of the neck of the bottle 150 is positioned proximate the bottom stop 122 .
- a layer of elastic material e.g., such as a rubber or silicone
- a gasket of same material is attached to the exterior side of the bottom stop 122 to seal the dispenser cap 100 and prevent liquid from leaking.
- the dispenser cap 100 also includes a flexible shell 104 which is positioned proximate the holding area 120 of the dispenser body 106 .
- the flexible shell 104 is flexible such that the flexible shell 104 can be depressed (in a direction toward the neck of a bottle 150 ). When the flexible shell 104 is depressed and then released, the flexible shell 104 returns to its original position (extended away from the neck of the bottle 150 ).
- the flexible shell 104 further has (or is connected to) a plunger 130 which extends towards the holding area 120 .
- the plunger 130 has a tip 132 which is formed to pierce or otherwise open or puncture a capsule when the plunger 130 is moved by the action of the flexible shell 104 .
- the plunger 130 and the tip 132 may be formed of a hard plastic such that the tip 132 may be reused to pierce, open or puncture capsules more than once.
- the plunger 130 is sized such that the length of the plunger 130 extends beyond the bottom stop 122 of the holding area 120 when the flexible shell 104 is depressed.
- FIG. 2B a side view of one embodiment of a plunger 130 is shown.
- the plunger 130 is formed in a triangular or arrow shape extending from a base (at the top of the flexible shell 104 ) to a narrow tip 132 .
- Other shapes and configurations of the plunger 130 may be used so long as the member operates as described herein in conjunction with the flexible shell 104 and the capsule.
- FIG. 3 A further view of a dispenser cap 100 pursuant to some embodiments is shown in FIG. 3 where a bottom perspective view of a dispenser cap 100 is shown.
- the body 106 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is formed with ridges 107 to improve the grip when a user screws the dispenser cap 100 on or off a bottle.
- the body 106 has an opening 108 which would receive a neck of a bottle (not shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the body 106 is secured to the neck of a bottle using, for example, threaded stubs 112 which mate with corresponding threads on the neck of the bottle.
- a holding area 120 within the body 106 is shaped to hold a capsule (not shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the body area 106 extends from a bottom stop 122 to a top stop (not shown in FIG. 3 ).
- a flexible shell 104 extends from a top portion of the body 106 and, when depressed, drives an plunger 130 and a tip 132 towards the holding area 120 and the neck of the bottle.
- the dispenser cap 100 has a cap 102 which encloses an interior of a flexible shell 104 and body 106 such that when the dispenser cap 100 is mounted on a bottle, the fluid in the bottle is contained within the dispenser cap 100 and the bottle (as is any substance contained within a capsule mounted therein).
- the components of the dispenser cap 100 may be formed from one or more molds and constructed of plastic. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be formed using additive manufacturing processes.
- the plunger 130 is sized such that when the flexible shell 104 is in a resting or non-depressed state, the tip 132 extends well into the holding area 120 . If a capsule were installed in the holding area 120 the top film of the capsule would be pierced by the plunger 130 as shown in FIG. 4 , while the bottom film of the capsule would be intact (and would prevent the contents of the capsule from dispensing from the capsule).
- different sizes of elongated members 130 may be used (and, in some embodiments, different travel lengths of plungers 104 ). For example, in some embodiments it may be desirable to prevent the top film of a capsule from being pierced before the capsule contents are to be used.
- the flexible shell 104 may be formed such that it is capable of moving the plunger 130 over a greater travel distance when the flexible shell 104 is depressed, and the plunger 130 may be shorter than the plunger 130 shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., such that the plunger 130 does not extend past the top stop 124 when the flexible shell 104 is in a resting or non-depressed position).
- the plunger 130 may be shorter than the plunger 130 shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., such that the plunger 130 does not extend past the top stop 124 when the flexible shell 104 is in a resting or non-depressed position).
- FIG. 5 a side perspective view of a capsule 200 is shown.
- the capsule may be formed with a body 204 and a top film 202 and a bottom film (not visible in FIG. 5 ).
- the body 204 is sized to fit within the holding area of a dispenser cap (such as, for example, the holding area 120 of FIG. 4 ).
- the body 204 may be formed of a plastic or other non-toxic material in which compounds may be stored without degradation.
- the top film 202 and bottom film may be a thin film material that hermetically seals the compound within the capsule 200 .
- the film material is sufficiently thin to allow the film to be punctured using the tip of the protruding member described above, yet thick enough to prevent the film from being unintentionally punctured during transit or storage.
- the film material may be formed using one or more (or a combination of) materials such as: aluminum foil, paper, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl nylon (OPA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide (PA), fiberglass, rubber, silicone. Other suitable materials also could be used.
- the capsule may be manufactured using food grade plastic materials that are sufficiently strong to withstand transportation and handling.
- a plastic reinforcing plate could be attached to the film (or used instead of a film).
- the plastic reinforcing plate may be provided with a hole in the shape of the cross-section of the plunger 130 .
- the hole would be covered with a film.
- the plunger 130 will enter the hole in the reinforcing plate and break the film covering the hole.
- the broken film may act as a seal between the edge of the plunger 130 and the hole, thus preventing powder or other substances within the capsule 200 from entering the upper part of the cap and ensuring that the powder is available to be properly dispensed into the container once the plunger 130 is further depressed (to break the bottom film).
- FIG. 6 A cross section view of the capsule 200 is shown in FIG. 6 .
- the capsule 200 has an interior 206 defined as the space between the walls of the body 204 and the top film 202 and the bottom film 208 .
- the interior 206 may be filled (either partially or fully depending on a dosage) with a compound that is to be mixed with a fluid in a bottle to achieve a desired functional beverage.
- the compound may be any of a number of different compounds.
- substances in various aggregate states and degrees of humidity can be placed in the capsule 200 .
- the compound may be formed of powders or monodisperse or polydisperse systems (such as colloids, emulsions, suspensions or gels).
- different color coding or other labeling conventions may be used to mark capsules 200 so that users can easily identify which compound(s) are contained therein.
- different sizes of capsules 200 may be provided for use with different sizes of bottles and fluid amounts.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 cross sectional views of a dispenser cap 300 are shown in which a capsule 200 is installed within the holding area 120 of the body 106 .
- the capsule 200 sits in the body 106 in the area between the lower lip 122 and the upper lip 124 .
- the plunger 130 pierces the top film 202 of the capsule 200 .
- the compound in the capsule 200 does not get dispensed into the bottle (which may be attached to the body 106 at the opening 108 using the thread stubs 122 ) because the compound is sealed from the bottle by the lower film 208 and the lower lip 122 .
- the position of the flexible shell 104 and the plunger 130 in the capsule 200 shown in FIG. 7 may be referred to herein as “the resting position” of the flexible shell 104 and the plunger 130 .
- the flexible shell 104 and the plunger 130 are shown in a second “depressed position” in which the flexible shell 104 has been depressed (e.g., by a user's thumb or finger or the like) thereby causing the tip 132 of the plunger 130 to pierce the bottom film 208 of the capsule 200 .
- the action of the flexible shell 104 causes it to return to the “resting position” shown in FIG. 7 .
- the contents of the capsule 200 may be dispensed into the bottle via the opening 108 .
- the user may shake the bottle while the dispensing cap 300 is mounted on the bottle to mix the contents of the capsule 200 with the liquid in the bottle to achieve a desired functional beverage.
- the dispenser cap 100 may be modified to allow fluid to be dispensed through the top 102 .
- a nipple may be attached to the top 102 allowing the dispenser cap 100 to be used with baby formula or other compounds to feed an infant without having to remove the dispenser cap 100 from the bottle.
- the plunger 130 may be modified to allow fluid to flow through or past the plunger 130 into a hole in the top 102 .
Abstract
Description
- Beverages are frequently sold or distributed using containers that will be referred to herein as “bottles”. For example, many beverages are sold or distributed using plastic water bottles. In the United States alone, in 2014, it has been estimated that over 100 billion plastic beverage bottles were sold. Of those, an estimated 57 billion were water bottles. Many other types of beverage bottles are sold or distributed, including containers designed to reduce the use of plastics. These beverage bottles (whether formed of plastic or other materials) are typically sold or distributed with caps that are designed to seal the beverage inside the bottle. Some have caps that seal as well as provide a resealable opening to access the beverage.
- There is increasing demand for beverages that are functional—such as sports drinks that are formulated to improve an athlete's performance and which have been mixed with substances such as carbohydrates, minerals or electrolytes. In addition to athletic performance improvements, functional beverages may be formulated to provide benefits such as improvement of heart health, immunity, digestion, or joint health. These beverages that are mixed or infused with biologically active substances will generally be referred to herein as “functional beverages.” Many functional beverages are pre-mixed (e.g., they are sold and distributed in bottles in which the biologically active substance has already been mixed with liquid). Unfortunately, pre-mixing can lead to a reduction in the efficacy of many biologically active substances. For example, efficacy can be reduced due to the amount of time the mixed beverage sits in the bottle (which can vary based on supply chain and distribution issues), variations in temperature, exposure to ultraviolet light, or the like. In general, it is difficult to ensure that any biologically beneficial properties are not reduced or even substantially eliminated when functional beverages are pre- mixed.
- Some functional beverages are mixed just prior to consumption by the user. For example, some manufacturers provide the biologically active substance in powder or other form shipped or distributed separately from the beverage in which the substance is to be mixed. The user is then responsible for measuring and mixing the substance with the liquid. Unfortunately, such an approach is inconvenient and potentially messy for the user. Further, a user may not mix the appropriate amount of substance with the appropriate amount of fluid which can further reduce the efficacy of the mixture. Even further, such powders are typically produced in bulk and are not customized for each individual user.
- It would be desirable to provide improved systems, methods and apparatus that allow on- demand mixing and dispensing of functional beverages.
- Features and advantages of the example embodiments, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 2A is a partial cross section view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser cap ofFIG. 1A pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge for use with a dispenser cap pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a cartridge pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a dispenser cap with a cartridge installed for use pursuant to some embodiments. -
FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a dispenser cap with a cartridge installed in a dispensing position pursuant to some embodiments. - Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be exaggerated or adjusted for clarity, illustration, and/or convenience.
- In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various example embodiments. It should be appreciated that various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, in the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that embodiments may be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not shown or described in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
- Provided herein is dispenser cap. The dispenser cap can be removably fitted to a mouth of a container containing a fluid. The dispenser cap can be operated to dispense a compound into a body of the container to mix with the fluid. More particularly, pursuant to some embodiments, a dispenser cap comprises a body having a cap covering a first end and an opening formed by a second end, the opening sized to mate with a neck of a bottle or other container. The body includes a holding area positioned proximate the opening, the holding area holding a capsule containing a compound. The cap further includes a plunger positioned between the cap and the holding area, the plunger movable between a resting position and a depressed position, such that when the plunger is in the depressed position, the plunger causes the capsule to dispense the compound.
- Features of some embodiments will now be described by first referring to
FIG. 1 which is a perspective view of adispenser cap 100 pursuant to some embodiments. InFIG. 1 , thedispenser cap 100 is shown installed on a neck of abottle 150. Thedispenser cap 100 includes atop 102, aflexible shell 104, and abody 106 which together form a sealed enclosure when mounted on a neck of abottle 150. Thebottle 150 may have agasket 152 to provide an additional seal. In general, when thedispenser cap 100 is securely mounted on abottle 150, liquid in the bottle is retained within thebottle 150 and an interior portion of thedispenser cap 100. The interior of thedispenser cap 100 may also include an area in which a capsule (not shown inFIG. 1 ) can be placed which holds one or more compounds. - In some embodiments, an optional external removable protective element (not shown) may be provided. For example, the external removable protective element may be shaped like a ring and may encircle the
flexible shell 104 such that it provides a rigid connection between thetop 102 and thebody 106. This element may prevent accidental depression of theflexible shell 104 before use (e.g., during transit or storage). The protective element also could be formed as one or more vertical plastic elements (formed to connect thetop 102 and thebody 106. Once the (optional) external removable protective element(s) are removed, thedispenser cap 100 can be operated to dispense the compounds into thebottle 150 for mixing with a fluid as will be described further herein. - Further details of some embodiments of
dispenser cap 100 will be described by reference toFIG. 2A which is a partial cross section view ofdispenser cap 100. More particularly,FIG. 2A shows a cross section of thedispenser body 106. Thedispenser body 106 may be generally cylindrical in shape. At one end of thedispenser body 106 is anopening 108 which receives, for example, an open mouth of a neck of a bottle 150 (not shown inFIG. 2 ). Thedispenser cap 100 may be mounted on the neck of abottle 150 using threadedstubs 112 which are sized and formed to allow thedispenser cap 100 to be screwed onto and off of a neck of abottle 150. When screwed onto abottle 150, thedispenser cap 100 forms a seal on thebottle 150 preventing any fluid from escaping. - The
dispenser body 106 includes a holdingarea 120 which holds a capsule (not shown) from which a compound may be released to be dispensed into the bottle 150 (the compound is not shown inFIG. 2 ). More particularly, the compound is held in a capsule that keeps the compound dry and protected from other elements until the compound is dispensed (as will be described further below). The holdingarea 120 ofdispenser body 106 has atop stop 124 which may be formed as a lip or ledge that surrounds an interior of thecylindrical dispenser body 106 at a top portion of thedispenser body 106. The holdingarea 120 is further defined by abottom stop 122 which may be formed as a lip or ledge that surrounds an interior of thecylindrical dispenser body 106 at a bottom portion of the holdingarea 120. The holdingarea 120, in general, is shaped and formed to hold a capsule in the holdingarea 120. In some embodiments, thebottom stop 122 may be somewhat flexible, allowing a capsule to be inserted into the holdingarea 120 for use and to be removed from the holdingarea 120 after use. When thedispenser cap 100 is mounted on the neck of a bottle 150 (via threads 112), a top of the neck of thebottle 150 is positioned proximate thebottom stop 122. In some embodiments, a layer of elastic material (e.g., such as a rubber or silicone) of a gasket of same material is attached to the exterior side of thebottom stop 122 to seal thedispenser cap 100 and prevent liquid from leaking. - The
dispenser cap 100 also includes aflexible shell 104 which is positioned proximate the holdingarea 120 of thedispenser body 106. Pursuant to some embodiments, theflexible shell 104 is flexible such that theflexible shell 104 can be depressed (in a direction toward the neck of a bottle 150). When theflexible shell 104 is depressed and then released, theflexible shell 104 returns to its original position (extended away from the neck of the bottle 150). Theflexible shell 104 further has (or is connected to) aplunger 130 which extends towards the holdingarea 120. Theplunger 130 has atip 132 which is formed to pierce or otherwise open or puncture a capsule when theplunger 130 is moved by the action of theflexible shell 104. In some embodiments, theplunger 130 and thetip 132 may be formed of a hard plastic such that thetip 132 may be reused to pierce, open or puncture capsules more than once. Theplunger 130 is sized such that the length of theplunger 130 extends beyond thebottom stop 122 of the holdingarea 120 when theflexible shell 104 is depressed. Referring briefly toFIG. 2B , a side view of one embodiment of aplunger 130 is shown. In the embodiment depicted, theplunger 130 is formed in a triangular or arrow shape extending from a base (at the top of the flexible shell 104) to anarrow tip 132. Other shapes and configurations of theplunger 130 may be used so long as the member operates as described herein in conjunction with theflexible shell 104 and the capsule. - A further view of a
dispenser cap 100 pursuant to some embodiments is shown inFIG. 3 where a bottom perspective view of adispenser cap 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , thebody 106 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is formed withridges 107 to improve the grip when a user screws thedispenser cap 100 on or off a bottle. Thebody 106 has anopening 108 which would receive a neck of a bottle (not shown inFIG. 3 ). Thebody 106 is secured to the neck of a bottle using, for example, threadedstubs 112 which mate with corresponding threads on the neck of the bottle. A holdingarea 120 within thebody 106 is shaped to hold a capsule (not shown inFIG. 3 ). Thebody area 106 extends from abottom stop 122 to a top stop (not shown inFIG. 3 ). Aflexible shell 104 extends from a top portion of thebody 106 and, when depressed, drives anplunger 130 and atip 132 towards the holdingarea 120 and the neck of the bottle. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , a cross sectional view of adispenser cap 100 pursuant to some embodiments is shown. Thedispenser cap 100 has acap 102 which encloses an interior of aflexible shell 104 andbody 106 such that when thedispenser cap 100 is mounted on a bottle, the fluid in the bottle is contained within thedispenser cap 100 and the bottle (as is any substance contained within a capsule mounted therein). In some embodiments, the components of thedispenser cap 100 may be formed from one or more molds and constructed of plastic. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be formed using additive manufacturing processes. - In the
dispenser cap 100 ofFIG. 4 , theplunger 130 is sized such that when theflexible shell 104 is in a resting or non-depressed state, thetip 132 extends well into the holdingarea 120. If a capsule were installed in the holdingarea 120 the top film of the capsule would be pierced by theplunger 130 as shown inFIG. 4 , while the bottom film of the capsule would be intact (and would prevent the contents of the capsule from dispensing from the capsule). In some embodiments, different sizes ofelongated members 130 may be used (and, in some embodiments, different travel lengths of plungers 104). For example, in some embodiments it may be desirable to prevent the top film of a capsule from being pierced before the capsule contents are to be used. In such embodiments, theflexible shell 104 may be formed such that it is capable of moving theplunger 130 over a greater travel distance when theflexible shell 104 is depressed, and theplunger 130 may be shorter than theplunger 130 shown inFIG. 4 (e.g., such that theplunger 130 does not extend past thetop stop 124 when theflexible shell 104 is in a resting or non-depressed position). Those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure will now appreciate that different sizes and shapes ofelongated members 130 andplungers 104 may be used to achieve the performance described herein. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 5 where features of acapsule 200 that may be used in conjunction with the dispenser cap of the present invention are shown. InFIG. 5 , a side perspective view of acapsule 200 is shown. The capsule may be formed with abody 204 and atop film 202 and a bottom film (not visible inFIG. 5 ). Thebody 204 is sized to fit within the holding area of a dispenser cap (such as, for example, the holdingarea 120 ofFIG. 4 ). Thebody 204 may be formed of a plastic or other non-toxic material in which compounds may be stored without degradation. Thetop film 202 and bottom film may be a thin film material that hermetically seals the compound within thecapsule 200. Preferably, the film material is sufficiently thin to allow the film to be punctured using the tip of the protruding member described above, yet thick enough to prevent the film from being unintentionally punctured during transit or storage. - In some embodiments, the film material may be formed using one or more (or a combination of) materials such as: aluminum foil, paper, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl nylon (OPA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide (PA), fiberglass, rubber, silicone. Other suitable materials also could be used. In some embodiments, the capsule may be manufactured using food grade plastic materials that are sufficiently strong to withstand transportation and handling. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the top film and bottom film a plastic reinforcing plate could be attached to the film (or used instead of a film). For example, the plastic reinforcing plate may be provided with a hole in the shape of the cross-section of the
plunger 130. The hole would be covered with a film. In use, when acartridge 200 is inserted into thearea 120 theplunger 130 will enter the hole in the reinforcing plate and break the film covering the hole. The broken film may act as a seal between the edge of theplunger 130 and the hole, thus preventing powder or other substances within thecapsule 200 from entering the upper part of the cap and ensuring that the powder is available to be properly dispensed into the container once theplunger 130 is further depressed (to break the bottom film). - A cross section view of the
capsule 200 is shown inFIG. 6 . As shown inFIG. 6 , thecapsule 200 has an interior 206 defined as the space between the walls of thebody 204 and thetop film 202 and thebottom film 208. The interior 206 may be filled (either partially or fully depending on a dosage) with a compound that is to be mixed with a fluid in a bottle to achieve a desired functional beverage. The compound may be any of a number of different compounds. For example, substances in various aggregate states and degrees of humidity can be placed in thecapsule 200. For example, the compound may be formed of powders or monodisperse or polydisperse systems (such as colloids, emulsions, suspensions or gels). In some embodiments, different color coding or other labeling conventions may be used to markcapsules 200 so that users can easily identify which compound(s) are contained therein. Further, in some embodiments, different sizes ofcapsules 200 may be provided for use with different sizes of bottles and fluid amounts. By sealing the compounds in thecapsule 200, embodiments improve the shelf life and efficacy of compounds for use in functional beverages. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 7 and 8 where cross sectional views of adispenser cap 300 are shown in which acapsule 200 is installed within the holdingarea 120 of thebody 106. As shown, thecapsule 200 sits in thebody 106 in the area between thelower lip 122 and theupper lip 124. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 , when thecapsule 200 is pushed into position within thebody 106, theplunger 130 pierces thetop film 202 of thecapsule 200. However, the compound in thecapsule 200 does not get dispensed into the bottle (which may be attached to thebody 106 at theopening 108 using the thread stubs 122) because the compound is sealed from the bottle by thelower film 208 and thelower lip 122. In general, the position of theflexible shell 104 and theplunger 130 in thecapsule 200 shown inFIG. 7 may be referred to herein as “the resting position” of theflexible shell 104 and theplunger 130. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8 , theflexible shell 104 and theplunger 130 are shown in a second “depressed position” in which theflexible shell 104 has been depressed (e.g., by a user's thumb or finger or the like) thereby causing thetip 132 of theplunger 130 to pierce thebottom film 208 of thecapsule 200. When theflexible shell 104 is released, the action of theflexible shell 104 causes it to return to the “resting position” shown inFIG. 7 . With a hole now punctured in thebottom film 208, the contents of thecapsule 200 may be dispensed into the bottle via theopening 108. The user may shake the bottle while the dispensingcap 300 is mounted on the bottle to mix the contents of thecapsule 200 with the liquid in the bottle to achieve a desired functional beverage. - While the above embodiments have been described in conjunction with a
dispenser cap 100 having a sealedtop 102, in some embodiments, thedispenser cap 100 may be modified to allow fluid to be dispensed through the top 102. For example, a nipple may be attached to the top 102 allowing thedispenser cap 100 to be used with baby formula or other compounds to feed an infant without having to remove thedispenser cap 100 from the bottle. In some embodiments, theplunger 130 may be modified to allow fluid to flow through or past theplunger 130 into a hole in the top 102. - The above descriptions and illustrations of processes herein should not be considered to imply a fixed order for performing the process steps. Rather, the process steps may be performed in any order that is practicable, including simultaneous performance of at least some steps. Although the disclosure has been described in connection with specific examples, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations apparent to those skilled in the art can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/180,953 US20220267063A1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2021-02-22 | Dispenser cap |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/180,953 US20220267063A1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2021-02-22 | Dispenser cap |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220267063A1 true US20220267063A1 (en) | 2022-08-25 |
Family
ID=82900438
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/180,953 Abandoned US20220267063A1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2021-02-22 | Dispenser cap |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220267063A1 (en) |
-
2021
- 2021-02-22 US US17/180,953 patent/US20220267063A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2560340C (en) | Pump dispenser and sealed cartridge inserted into container and broken by dip tube | |
US9242773B1 (en) | Dispensing capsule with button blast and drinking feature | |
US8151985B2 (en) | Containers for storing at least two substances for subsequent mixing | |
US7896155B2 (en) | Capsule closure | |
US5941380A (en) | Device for dispensing flowable material | |
US9242772B1 (en) | Drink-through dispensing capsule with snap in activation chamber | |
AU747684B2 (en) | Two-compartment package | |
US7055685B1 (en) | Mixing cap and method for use thereof | |
EP2377772B1 (en) | Additive dispenser/hermetic closure system for containers and/or jars | |
JP4987881B2 (en) | Sealing device with non-continuous circular cutting ring | |
US20140083879A1 (en) | Cutting and dispensing closures | |
US20010013380A1 (en) | Can container device for maintaining separate ingredients in liquid food products | |
US20080061023A1 (en) | Collapsible Fluid Containers | |
CN1767984A (en) | capsule with a piercable cap, stopper provided with said capsule containing a substance which can be added to the contents of a thus closed container and container | |
CN101454045A (en) | Drop dispenser for the delivery of uniform droplets of viscous liquids | |
US20150027913A1 (en) | Pharmaceutical Container System | |
EP3241778A1 (en) | Closing assembly for a container, such as bottles and/or flasks, removable cartridges, closing device, and method | |
JP2017520489A (en) | Universal bottle cap | |
US11834239B2 (en) | Reusable dispenser lid | |
US20220267063A1 (en) | Dispenser cap | |
US11180296B2 (en) | Doser cap for liquid container | |
AU2015258251B2 (en) | A cap and blister pack housing a substance and having an integral piercing implement | |
US10059493B1 (en) | Modified blister blast dispensing capsule | |
CN100355633C (en) | Mixing dispenser | |
CN209291132U (en) | Hybrid Liquid dropping bottle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PSIMOS, INC., CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VALENTINOVICH, KRAMARENKO ALEKSEI;MIKHAYLOVICH, MIKHAYLOV DMITRY;VLADIMIROVICH, GORDEEV VLADIMIR;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:055348/0671 Effective date: 20210220 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PSIMOS, INC., CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHAZHAEV, ILMAN;REEL/FRAME:057715/0513 Effective date: 20211005 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |