WO2010085137A2

WO2010085137A2 - A pendulum cap apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010085137A2
Application number: PCT/MY2010/000015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kuang Ling @ Siew Kuang Choong Siow
Original assignee: Siow Kuang Ling Siew Kuang Choong
Priority date: 2009-01-21
Filing date: 2010-01-21
Publication date: 2010-07-29
Also published as: MY158539A; CN102292269A; WO2010085137A3

Abstract

A pendulum cap apparatus (100) for dispensing a liquid out of a container (50) includes a body (10) and a covering member (30). The body (10) includes a lower portion (15) configured to operably couple to an opening of the container (50) and a top surface (20) includes at least one indentation (210) and a first orifice (60) for dispensing the liquid. The covering member (30) further includes at least one elongated side edge(35) for preventing excessive liquid from flowing out of the top surface (20) of the body (10) and at least one weight frame (45) coupled to the at least one elongated side edge (35). A pivot joint is formed between the at least one indentation (210) of the body (10) and at least one pivot bar (305) of the covering member (30).

Description

A PENDULUM CAP APPARATUS

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to dispensing caps for container, and more particularly, to a pendulum cap apparatus that includes a covering member to open automatically while liquid is poured from the container.

Background Art

Generally, liquid containers, vessels, cups, bottles and the like are well known in the art, which allow for both transportation and consumption of liquids. Typically, such containers may include a hollow body, which are made of a light weight material such as plastic, and a removable cover or closure that may be disposed on the container for sealing the container against leaks and spills.

In recent times, bottled water has gained immense popularity as people are mo'-e interested in mamtaining a superior healthiness by staying hydrated. This trend has led to the developments of portable water containers of various shapes and sizes, which serve the needs of the user, who is frequently on the move, or travels during the day for studies, work or needs to stay hydrated while, driving or travelling.

Broadly, there exist three classes of containers designed for transportation. The first class includes containers having a cap with a push-pull valve for manually opening and closing. A second and well-liked class of containers includes a straw-like tube that protrudes through the cap or closure of the container. The tube runs to the very bottom of the container and liquid is drawn from the bottle by sucking on the tube. Various versions of this type of container exist, including flexible, silicone tube tips, which are foldable for protection against dust and other contaminants contacting the tube while it is not in use. The third and final class of containers includes a cap that simply screws on and off the bottle,

As a common trend, the push-pull valve is utilized for almost all bike bottles, as well as bottled water containers available commercially for people on the move. However, the standard push-pull valve, although desirable, has a number of drawbacks that make its use difficult and cumbersome. Firstly, push-pull valves continuously require the use of the thumb and index ringer for operating the valve, thereby transferring harmful micro- organisms and other germs from the user's fingers to the drinking spout. As it is very well known that hands and fingers are almost always covered with a variety of bacteria and viruses omnipresent on everything we touch, consequently, the push-pull valve creates a very uncertain boundary between the liquid being consumed and the user, since there is no effective way of opening it without using it as a stepping stone for spreading bacteria and other germs. Yet another drawback with the push-pull valve is that it actually requires both hands, since one hand must hold the container while the other hand operates the valve. While some users grasp the valve in their teeth to pull the valve open, they eventually will have to push the valve closed which is typically accomplished by using the palm of their hand. Finally, since the push-pull valve is almost always a two-handed operation, performing typically safe activities that require at least one hand at all times, such as driving a car or bicycle, leave the user at a risk as they are not using their hands to steer or drive their vehicle safely.

Subsequently, as a result of the various drawbacks associated with the push-pull valves, as mentioned above, many users opt for the widely available sports mug, which employs a straw-like tube that is held upright by an aperture in the bottle's closure. The outer diameter of the aperture is about the same size as the inner diameter of the straw-like tube, thus allowing the straw to fit snugly over the aperture in a stationary manner. The sports mug is generally meant to remain stationary and the user sucks on one end of the straw-like tube to draw the liquid up and out of the mug. This configuration is as popular as the push-pull style closures, but appears more in offices, schools and places where the bottle has a stable resting place. The major disadvantage with all straw-like tube containers is that they are more difficult to transport when full of liquid, since the liquid is prone to spill during travel. The disadvantages of the non-valved closure is that two hands are always required to screw the cap on or off the bottle and it too easily spills if the bottle is knocked over and the cap is not securely fastened.

Furthermore, with containers used in restaurants and food corners for providing customers with various condiments, such as tomato ketchup and mustard sauce, to name a few, a squeezing mechanism is generally provided, that allows the user to pour the condiments by first inverting and then squeezing the container. The tip of such containers is mostly uncovered and sometimes capped with a small cap that is very much prone to breakage and non-functioning. Also, as the condiments are generally more viscous than normal liquids, these condiments often get accumulated over an upper surface of the container. Moreover, since the condiments stored in such containers are preserved edibles, the upper portion of such containers as a result become an attraction for flies and other common insects that possess a serious threat to various communicable diseases and other harmful infections.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a container cover or a container cap, that is , hygienic in use, simple in design, and that can be used for a wide variety of liquids stored in containers having varying shapes and sizes. There exists a further need for a container cover which may allow the container to function in a manner similar to either that of a push-pull valve and /or a container having a straw. In addition to the above, there is a further need for a container cap that facilitates the container for being operated with only one hand, where the hand does not need to come into direct contact with the closure, and which is further able to be used with a straw-like tube, such as in sports mugs. Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention aims to provide a pendulum cap apparatus pendulum cap apparatus that includes a covering member to open automatically while liquid is being poured frorh the container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a pendulum cap apparatus for dispensing a liquid out of a container includes a body and a covering member. The body includes a lower portion configured to operably couple to an opening of the container and a top surface includes at least one indentation and a first orifice for dispensing the liquid. The covering member includes at least one pivot bar mounted on either ends of an inner periphery of the covering member. The at least one pivot bar is configured to couple the covering member to the at least one indentation on the top surface of the body. The covering member further includes at least one elongated side edge for preventing excessive liquid from flowing out of the top surface of the body and at least one weight frame coupled to the at least one elongated side edge.

hi one embodiment of the present invention, a pivot joint is formed between the at least one indentation of the body and the at least one pivot bar of the covering member.

hi one embodiment of the present invention, the top surface of the body further includes a second orifice for allowing the excessive liquid to re-enter the container from the top surface of the body. The second orifice further helps in maintaining air pressure for a better flow of the liquid.

hi one embodiment of the present invention, the top surface of the body further includes a spout positioned at a front end of the first orifice for providing a precise path for the liquid to flow out of the container. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one indentation is mounted on rear end of the top surface of the body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one elongated side edge of the covering member includes a protrusion protruding outwards from outer surface of the at least one elongated side edge.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one weight frame of the covering member is coupled to the protrusion of the at least one elongated side edge of the covering member.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one weight frame is a ring.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one weight frame is a metallic ring.

In one embodiment of the present invention, any material (of any shape and size) that possesses a weight may be utilized as the weight frame for self-opening and closing of the container having the liquid.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion of the body is configured to be mounted on a lid of the container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the covering member is detachable from the body.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a pendulum cap apparatus for dispensing a liquid out of a container includes a body and a covering member. The body includes a lower portion configured to operably couple to an opening of the container and a top surface. The top surface includes at least one indentation, a first orifice for dispensing the liquid and a second orifice for allowing the excessive liquid to re-enter in the container.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a pendulum cap apparatus further includes a covering member. The covering member includes at least one pivot bar mounted on either ends of an inner periphery of the covering member, the at least one pivot bar being configured to couple the covering member to the at least one indentation on the top surface of the body. The covering member further includes at least one elongated side edge for preventing excessive liquid from flowing out of the top surface of the body and at least one weight frame coupled to the at least one elongated side edge.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the pivot joint is formed between the at least one indentation of the body and the at least one pivot bar of the covering member.

While the invention is described herein by way of example using several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described, and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form apart of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modification, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and "includes" mean including, but not limited to. Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means one or more, unless otherwise mentioned. Descriptive Key

10 Body 15 Lower Portion

20 Top Surface 210 Indentation 60 First Orifice 30 Covering Member

305 Pivot Bar 35 Elongated Side Edge

45 Weight Frame 205 Second Orifice

25 Spout 40 Protrusion

50 Container 55 Lid

Description of Drawings and Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figures, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

FIG. IA illustrates a perspective view of a pendulum cap apparatus to be positioned on a container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view of the pendulum cap apparatus positioned on the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of numerous components of the pendulum cap apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates various perspective views of a covering member of the pendulum cap apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the pendulum cap apparatus mounted on a lid, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4B illustrates a lower perspective view of a body of the pendulum cap apparatus mounted on the lid, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. IA, it illustrates a perspective view of a pendulum cap apparatus 100 to be positioned on a container 50, and FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view of the pendulum cap apparatus 100 positioned on the container 50, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pendulum cap apparatus 100 for dispensing a liquid out of the container 50 includes a body 10 and a covering member 30. The body 10 includes a lower portion 15 and a top surface 20. The lower portion 15 is configured to operably couple to an opening of the container 50.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion 15 of the body 10 may vary in size according to the size of the container 50.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion 15 of the body 10 is mounted on a lid 55 of the container 50. The lower portion 15 of the body 10 may be mounted on the lid 55 by any mechanism known in the art, such as, for example, but not limited to, direct engagement, adhesive engagement, sealed engagement, and the like.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in certain embodiments of the present invention, the pendulum cap apparatus 100 may be designed in a manner such that the body 10 and the lid 55 are combined to form a single element. In one embodiment, the lid 55 is positioned on the container 50 by any known mechanism, such as, for example, but not limited to, threaded engagement, stop cork engagement, and the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the covering member 30 is detachable from the body 10.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 20 includes a first orifice 60 for dispensing the liquid. The covering member 30 includes at least one elongated side edge 35 for preventing excessive liquid from flowing out of the top surface 20 of the body 10. The at least one elongated side edge 35 of the covering member 30 includes a protrusion 40 protruding outwards from outer surface of the at least one elongated side edge 35.

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one weight frame 45 of the covering member 30 is coupled to the protrusion 40 of the at least one elongated side edge 35 of the covering member 30. The pendulum cap apparatus 100 is based on pendulum effect in which the at least one weight frame 45 coupled to the protrusion 40 of the at least one elongated side edge 35 of the covering member 30 holds a gravitational axis and allows the covering member 30 to open automatically when the container 50 is tilted in order to pour the liquid.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one weight frame 45 is a ring.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one weight frame 45 is a metallic ring.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one weight frame 45 may be made from iron, wood, alloy and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, any material (of any shape and size) that possesses a weight may be utilized as the weight frame 45 for self-opening and closing of the container 50 having the liquid.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 20 of the body 10 includes a first orifice 60 for dispensing the liquid.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 20 of the body 10 further includes a spout 25 positioned at a front end of the first orifice 60 for providing a precise path for the liquid to flow out of the container 50.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the spout 25 may be configured such that the liquid may be placed into and dispensed from the container 50. In general, the spout 25 may have any shape and/or configuration.

Moreover, the covering member 30 will not come in contact with the liquid poured out from the container 50 on which the pendulum cap apparatus 100 is positioned, as the covering member 30 will automatically open when the container 50 is tilted before the liquid even touch the spout 25.

One skilled in the art will recognize that while the pendulum cap apparatus 100 preferably has a slightly triangular shape as described herein, the pendulum cap apparatus 100 may have various other configurations without deviating from the invention. In an example embodiment, the pendulum cap apparatus 100 may have two sides or may have four or more sides. Similarly, the sides may not taper inward, thereby giving the container 50 a column-like shape. In one embodiment, the container 50 does not need to include distinct sides but rather, may by one single continuous surface, thereby giving container 50 a rounded appearance. One skilled in the art will recognize that numerous other configurations are also possible. In one embodiment of the present invention, the covering member 30 detachably secures to the spout 25, thereby sealing the container 50.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view 200 of various components of the pendulum cap apparatus 100 (of Fig. IA), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top surface 20 (of Fig. IA) of the body 10 (of Fig. IA) further includes at least one indentation 210. The covering member 30 (of Fig. IA) is coupled to the body 10 via the at least one indentation 210.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 20 of the body 10 further includes a second orifice 205 for allowing the excessive liquid to re-enter the container 50 from the top surface 20 of the body 10. Moreover, the second orifice 205 functions as a passage for outer air to reach equilibrium with air inside the container 50 (of Fig. IA). Thereby, the second orifice 205 facilitates in maintaining air pressure for a better flow of the liquid. Subsequently, the liquid is poured out of the container 50 without touching the covering member 30 because of the gravitational force.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one indentation 210 is mounted on the rear end of the top surface 20 of the body 10.

In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more pendulum cap apparatus 100 may be coupled together to form a multiple pendulum cap apparatus covering the tip of the container 50.

FIG. 3 illustrates numerous perspective views 300 of the covering member 30 (of Fig. IA) of the pendulum cap apparatus 100 (of Fig. IA), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The covering member 30 includes at least one pivot bar 305 mounted on either ends of an inner periphery of the covering member 30. The at least one pivot bar 305 of the covering member 30 is configured to couple the covering member 30 to the at least one indentation 210 (of Fig.2) on the top surface 20(of Fig.1 A) of the body 10 (of Fig.1 A). The at least one pivot bar 305 extends perpendicularly inwards within the inner periphery of the covering member 30 from either ends. The at least one pivot bar 305 may be made of any suitable material known in the art including but not limited to wood, plastic, rubber, glass, metal, and the like. As the covering member 30 is placed over the spout 25 (of Fig. IA), the at least one pivot bar 305 may be seated within the at least one indentation 210 on the top surface 20 of the body 10, thereby securing the covering member 30 to the body 10.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a pivot joint (not shown) is formed between the at least one indentation 210 of the body 10 and the at least one pivot bar 305 of the covering member 30.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the exterior shape of the covering member 30 may vary without deviating from the present invention. As an example and as shown in Fig. 3 the covering member 30 may have beak like shape which makes the pendulum cap apparatus 100 more attractive. The beak like shape of the covering member 30 may vary in size. The covering member 30 may be formed from any material(s) known in the art including composite plastic, glass, metal, and/or wood and may have any color. The covering member 30 is detachable from the body 10. Subsequently the covering member 30 and the body 10 of the pendulum cap apparatus 100 may be cleaned very easily after use.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the covering member 30 may be oval, triangle or the like in shape.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an assembly 400 of the pendulum cap apparatus 100 (of Fig. IA) mounted on the lid 55 (of Fig. IA), and FIG. 4B illustrates a lower perspective view of the body 10 (of Fig. IA) of the pendulum cap apparatus 100 mounted on the lid 55 (of Fig. IA), according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The pendulum cap apparatus 100 may be mounted on the Hd 55 by any of the known methods in the art. The assembly 400 may be positioned over the container 50. The assembly 400 is based on pendulum effect in which the at least one weight frame 45 (of Fig. IA) is coupled to the protrusion 40 (of Fig. IA) of the at least one elongated side edge 35 (of Fig. IA) of the covering member 30 (of Fig. IA) that holds a gravitational axis and allows the covering member 30 to open automatically when the container 50 is tilted in order to pour the liquid.

Moreover, the covering member 30 will not come in contact with the liquid poured out from the container 50 on which the assembly 400 is positioned, as the covering member 30 will automatically open when the container 50 is tilted before the liquid even touch the spout 25 (of Fig. IA). Furthermore, the covering member 30 is detachable from the body 10.

Therefore, as can be seen, embodiments of the present invention provide a pendulum cap apparatus. However, the pendulum cap apparatus further relates to a self-closing tilting cap apparatus. Subsequently, the pendulum cap apparatus provides hygiene food serving as well as efficiency in serving one or more powders and/or liquid based foods ( for e.g., water, salt, pepper, coffee, spices, sauce, ketchup, milk and the like) to the customers.

Moreover, the pendulum cap apparatus provides a detachable covering member which provides convenience to clean up the covering member and the body of the apparatus. Furthermore, the beak shape design of the covering member makes the overall assembly more attractive to the consumers.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the various embodiments discussed above and the claims that follow.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements as described herein.

Claims

1. A pendulum cap apparatus for dispensing a liquid out of a container, said apparatus comprising: a body comprising a lower portion configured to operably couple to an opening of said container and a top surface comprising at least one indentation and a first orifice for dispensing said liquid; and a covering member comprising at least one pivot bar mounted on either ends of an inner periphery of said covering member, said at least one pivot bar being configured to couple said covering member to said at least one indentation on said top surface of said body, said covering member further comprising at least one elongated side edge for preventing excessive liquid from flowing out of said top surface of said body and at least one weight frame coupled to said at least one elongated side edge; wherein a pivot joint is formed between said at least one indentation of said body and said at least one pivot bar of said covering member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said body further comprises a second orifice for allowing said excessive liquid to re-enter said container from said top surface of said body.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said body further comprises a spout positioned at a front end of said first orifice for providing a precise path for said liquid to flow out of said container.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one indentation is mounted on rear end of said top surface of said body.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one elongated side edge of said covering member comprises a protrusion protruding outwards from outer surface of said at least one elongated side edge.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said at least one weight frame of said covering member is coupled to said protrusion of said at least one elongated side edge of said covering member.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said at least one weight frame is a ring.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said at least one weight frame is a metallic ring.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower portion of said body is configured to be mounted on a lid of said container.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said covering member is detachable from said body.

11. A pendulum cap apparatus for dispensing a liquid out of a container, said apparatus comprising: a body comprising a lower portion configured to operably couple to an opening of said container and a top surface comprising at least one indentation , a first orifice for dispensing said liquid and a second orifice for allowing said excessive liquid to re-enter in said container; and a covering member comprising at least one pivot bar mounted on either ends of an inner periphery of said covering member, said at least one pivot bar being configured to couple said covering member to said at least one indentation on said top surface of said body, said covering member further comprising at least one elongated side edge for preventing excessive liquid from flowing out of said top surface of said body and at least one weight frame coupled to said at least one elongated side edge; wherein a pivot joint is formed between said at least one indentation of said body and said at least one pivot bar of said covering member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said top surface of said body further comprises a spout positioned at a front end of said first orifice for providing a precise path for said liquid to flow out of said container.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said at least one indentation is mounted on rear end of said top surface of said body.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said at least one elongated side edge of said covering member comprises a protrusion protruding outwards from outer surface of said at least one elongated side edge.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said at least one weight frame of said covering member is coupled to said protrusion of said at least one elongated side edge of said covering member.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said at least one weight frame is a ring.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said at least one weight frame is a metallic ring.

18. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said lower portion of said body is configured to be mounted on a lid of said container

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said covering member is detachable from said body.