CAP ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A cap assembly for containers includes a body, an exit aperture and a closure mechanism. Externally, the body may be shaped and designed to provide fun and entertainment value. The aperture is in fluid communication with the container to enable contents to exit the assembly. A closure mechanism closes the aperture and facilitates storage. The cap assembly includes a connector portion configured to be coupled to the container. The connector portion may be configured to be removably coupled to different containers having different spout configurations.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/121,826 filed Dec. 11, 2008 and entitled SPREAD HEADS, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to cap assemblies for containers.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

Containers for consumer products such as condiments and toothpaste typically come with conventional caps which do not provide any entertainment value. While such conventional caps might be generally manufactured with cost in mind, caps of consumer product containers generally lack fun.

Also, typical containers for consumer products are designed to be disposable. Accordingly, conventional caps are discarded along with the corresponding container, leading to environmental waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides structures and methods which overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

In one aspect, a cap assembly is configured to be coupled to a container. The container may comprise a vessel carrying contents or a conduit through which contents may be directed. The cap assembly comprises a body resembling an object and defining an opening. The body includes a connector portion configured to be coupled to the container. A closure mechanism is configured to close the aperture.

The connector portion may comprise an internally threaded plastic insert having a single or multiple sets of thread configurations to be mated to differently configured external threads on spout containers. The body defines a passageway in fluid communication with the opening and the container. The cap connector portion may also comprise a snap-on fitting having an inner cylindrical tube that defines the passageway, and an outer concentric wall that together with the inner cylindrical tube defines an annular space for receiving the container spout.

The body may resemble objects having entertainment value such as a human face, the head of an animal, body parts, etc.

The closure mechanism may comprise a movable hinged arm configured to plug the aperture. The closure mechanism may also comprise a self-closing valve.

The cap assembly may be configured to be coupled to different types of containers. Where a container comprises a first container having a first spout, the connector portion is configured to mate with the first spout. The connector portion may also be configured to mate with a second container having a second spout different than the first spout.

In another aspect, a cap assembly configured to be coupled to a container comprises a body defining an opening resembling an orifice. The opening is in fluid communication with the container. The body has a connector portion configured to be coupled to the container. A closure mechanism closes the opening and facilitates storage.

The connector portion may be internally threaded. The connector portion may also comprise a snap-on fitting defines an annular space, or groove, configured to receive the conduit or the container. The body defines a passageway in fluid communication with the opening and the container or conduit. The body may resemble objects having entertainment value such as a human face, the head of an animal, body parts, etc.

The closure mechanism may comprise a movable arm configured to plug the aperture. The closure mechanism may also comprise a self-closing valve. The cap assembly may be configured to be coupled to different types of containers. Where a container comprises a first container having a first spout, the connector portion is configured to mate with the first spout. The connector portion may also be configured to mate with a second container having a second spout different than the first spout.

In another aspect, a cap assembly configured to be coupled to a container comprises a body resembling an object that provides entertainment value. The body defines an exit opening and a passageway. The passageway is in fluid communication with the container and the exit opening. The body has a connector portion configured to be removably coupled to the container. The body is configured to be removed from the container having a first spout and to be assembled onto a second container having a second spout different than the first spout. A closure mechanism closes the opening and facilitates storage.

The connector portion may be internally threaded. The connector portion may also comprise a snap-on fitting having an inner tube and a concentric outer wall which collectively define an annular space configured to receive the first container spout and the second container spout. The closure mechanism may comprise a movable arm configured to plug the aperture. The closure mechanism may comprise a self-closing valve.

A method of capping a container is also provided.

A cap assembly for containers includes a body, an exit aperture and a closure mechanism. Externally, the body may be shaped and designed to provide fun and entertainment value. The aperture is in fluid communication with the container to enable contents to exit the assembly. A closure mechanism closes the aperture and facilitates storage. The cap assembly includes a connector portion configured to be coupled to the container. The connector portion may be configured to be removably coupled to different containers having different spout configurations.

The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be better appreciated by the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first preferred embodiment of a cap assembly

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a cap assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the cap assembly assembled onto a container;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second preferred of a cap assembly;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the cap assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second preferred embodiment of the cap assembly assembled onto a container;

FIG. 7 is a perspective, exploded view of a third preferred embodiment of the cap assembly comprising a detachable closure mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a cap assembly comprising a self-closing mechanism;

FIG. 9 is top view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the cap assembly;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a cap assembly with a screw-on topper;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a cap assembly with an inner twist valve;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a cap assembly; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a preferred method of capping a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a cap assembly 10 configured to be coupled to a container 12. It is to be expressly understood that the term “container” refers to any vessel or conduit adapted to carry or direct contents, which may be in solid, liquid or gaseous form. Such contents may be dry, wet or a mixture of both, and may be used and/or consumed by humans or other living things. Accordingly, the cap assemblies according to the invention may be used on products for pets, for example. As examples and not by way of limitation, a container may comprise a bottle, tube, hose, jar, box, can and more. In one preferred embodiment, the container 12 comprises a condiment bottle, such as a ketchup or mustard bottle. Thus, the cap assembly 10 is preferably configured to be retrofitted onto standard condiment bottles generally sold at stores.

In FIG. 1, the cap assembly 10 preferably comprises a body 20 and a closure mechanism 22. in the preferred embodiment, the cap assembly 10 is designed to provide fun and entertainment value for children or adults. Thus, the body 20 may be configured to resemble a variety of different objects, such as cartoon faces, animal faces, human faces, caricatures, body parts, fictional creatures, etc. The body 20 may comprise colors internally throughout and/or applied to the external surface. As an example and not by way of limitation, the body may be composed of a generally softer and malleable plastic material such as polypropylene or thermoplastic material.

The body 20 defines at least one exit opening, or aperture, 24 through which dry or wet contents from the container 12 may exit. To enhance the fun and entertainment value of the cap assembly 10, the apertures 24 may be shaped as orifices of a face, such as the nostrils, ears or mouth.

When coupled to a container 12, such as condiment bottle for example, the cap assembly 10 serves as a dispenser as shown in FIG. 3. The exit opening 24 is in fluid communication with the container 12 preferably through a passageway 26 defined within the body 20. The passageway 26 comprises the hollow cavity defined within the body 20 that is in fluid communication with the container 12.

In FIG. 2, the body 20 comprises a connector portion 31 configured to mate with a plurality of differently sized containers having different connections. In the first preferred embodiment, the connector portion 31 may comprise an internally threaded section 33. The section 33 may comprise multiple threads for coupling to different externally threaded configurations of varying bottles. The internally threaded section 33 may be formed in the body 20 itself or in an insert 35 adapted to fit within the body 20. For manufacturing purposes, it may be preferable to form the insert 35 out of a second plastic material that is generally more rigid than the first malleable material forming the body 20. Providing internal threads on the more rigid insert 35 also facilitate a more secure coupling to the container 12.

In the preferred embodiment, the internally threaded connector portion 31 is configured such that the cap assembly 10 may be retrofitted on existing spouts of conventional food and drink containers, such as condiment bottles, water bottles and the like. To increase flexibility, a kit of inserts 35 may be provided with different internal diameters and different pitches of internal threads in order to accommodate different types of bottles.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure mechanism 22 closes the openings 24 and thus seals or blocks the contents from exposure to ambient air, thereby preserving the freshness of the contents of the container 12. Thus, the cap assembly 10 not only serves as a dispenser, but also provides storage. The closure mechanism 22 can comprise any movable structure, such as a hinged arm 28, adapted to block or seal the exit opening 24, such as with a plug 29. In FIG. 3, the closure mechanism 22 may comprise a tab 37 that fits into a slot 38 defined in the body 20.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the cap assembly 10b where elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “b”. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the second preferred cap assembly 10b comprises a snap-on connector portion 31b which may be preferable for coupling to containers 12 having spouts or connectors with smaller diameters and/or finer external threads, such as containers for toothpaste, lotion, liquid soaps and cleansers, etc. In particular, the connector portion 31b as shown in FIG. 5 comprises an inner tube 40 that is configured to be inserted into the top opening of a container 12, such as a toothpaste spout, to direct contents through the passageway 26b.

In FIG. 5, the inner tube 40 defines the passageway 26b which directs contents from the container to the exit aperture 24b. As an example and not by way of limitation, the inner tube 40 may have an outer diameter in the preferred range of 0.1 inches to 2 feet. A generally cylindrical outer wall 42 is concentric with the inner tube 40 and is preferably formed with axial slots 44. The concentric outer wall 42 and inner tube 40 collectively form an annular groove 46 for receiving the spout or connector of the container 12. It will be appreciated that the axial slots 44 enable the outer wall 42 to expand and contract radially and thus provide flexibility in accommodating differently sized container spouts. Axial ribs 46 are formed on the inner surface of the outer wall 42 to help grip the container spout and provide a more secure fitting. Accordingly, the snap-on connector portion 31b provides the cap assembly 10b with a universal fitting of a variety of differently sized containers and corresponding spouts.

The closure mechanism 22b may comprise a movable arm 51 connected to the body 20b. in the preferred embodiment, the arm 51 is made rotatable by a hinge 53, such as a free hinge, formed at a base of the arm adjacent to the connection to body 20b. A stopper 55 disposed at a distal end of the arm 51 is configured to plug the exit aperture 24b and thus seal the contents therein. It is to be expressly understood that the closure mechanism 22b may comprise any structure configured to close the assembly 10b so as to prevent spoilage of the contents within the container 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second preferred cap assembly 10b assembled onto a container 12, such as a toothpaste container. The ribbed annular groove 46 receives the spout 57 of the container 12 while the inner tube 40 is inserted into the container 12 to enable contents therein to be directed into the passageway 26b and out the aperture 24b. The closure mechanism 22b thus provides a secure, universal fitting for a variety of container spouts regardless of whether such spouts are externally threaded or otherwise configured for mating with their original caps.

The closure mechanism 22b is configured to plug and thus close the passageway 26b to prevent the container contents from spoiling. Thus, the cap assembly 10b provides not only entertainment value, but storage capability as well. Accordingly, the cap assembly 10b can replace original caps of existing containers. Furthermore, once the container contents are depleted and the original container 12 is discarded, the cap assembly 10b can be saved and easily cleaned in order to be used for a new container having a similar or different spout configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third preferred cap assembly 10c having a separate detachable closure mechanism 22c. In this embodiment, elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “c”. In the illustrated embodiment 10c where the body 20c resembles the head of a cow, the third embodiment may be used as a cap assembly for a milk bottle container 12, for example. Here, the closure mechanism 22c comprises a cork which is not tethered to the body 20, but rather completely separate and detachable therefrom. The cork 22c, designed to resemble a corn cob for entertainment purposes, plugs the aperture 24c to close the assembly 10c.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth preferred cap assembly 10d having an internal or self-closing mechanism, or valve, 22d. In this embodiment, elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “d.” The self-closing valve 22d may comprise a plastic member having flexible pie-shaped segments 60. When the user squeezes the container 12 or otherwise causes contents to flow from the container through the cap assembly 10d, the pie-shaped segments 60 open outwardly to enable contents to exit. The pie-shaped valve segments 60 are biased to a closed position and thus return to close off the passageway when contents are no longer being forced out of the container 12.

FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth preferred cap assembly 10e having a separate screw-on topper 62. In this embodiment where elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “e,” the body 20e comprises external threads 64 formed around a base 66 of the body 20e. The external threads 64 are configured to mate with internal threads 68 formed in the topper 62.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sixth preferred cap assembly 10f having an internal twist valve 70. In this embodiment where elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “f,” the body 20f may be substantially similar to the body 20 of the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 excepting the closure mechanism 22. In this embodiment 10e, the internal twist valve comprises internal threads formed within a base 72 which is configured to be screwed onto a container. A conical spout 74 directs contents from the container to the exit opening 24f of the body 20f. The body 20f encloses the conical spout 74 with the exit aperture 24f aligned with an valve opening 76 at the top of the conical spout 74.

FIG. 12 illustrates a seventh preferred cap assembly 10g directed for use on bottles for wine and other drinks. In this embodiment where elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “g,” the body 20g resembles a human face and defines an exit opening 24g which may resemble a mouth. In this embodiment 10g, the closure mechanism 22g comprises a detachable cork 22g resembling a party blower. The assembly 10g may comprise a tapered pourer 80 to facilitate pouring of the beverage contents.

FIG. 13 illustrates a preferred method 100 of installing a fun and/or entertaining cap assembly onto a container. The method 100 may comprise retrofitting an existing container by replacing an original cap with an entertaining cap assembly according to the invention. The method 100 may also comprise providing a new package altogether with an entertaining cap assembly according to the invention assembled onto a new container from the outset.

The method 100 comprises a step 110 of providing a new container or removing an original cap from an existing container. Step 120 comprises providing a fun and/or entertaining cap assembly having a closure mechanism and a connector portion. The closure mechanism may comprise any variety of structures adapted to close fluid communication to the contents of the container and thus prevent exposure to ambient air. Such closure mechanisms may require manual operation, such as hinged arms with plugs or detachable corks, or not, e.g., self-closing valve. In step 130, the cap assembly is assembled or coupled to the container. This may comprise screwing the cap assembly onto an externally threaded spout, such as with condiment containers and milk bottles, or partially inserting the cap assembly into container spout using a snap-on connector. In step 140, contents from the container may be dispensed through the cap assembly, exiting the aperture defined in the body, which aperture may be configured to resemble an orifice of a face, for example. In step 140, contents of the container are stored by closing the cap assembly using the closure mechanism.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Claims

1. A cap assembly configured to be coupled to a container, comprising:

a body resembling an object, the body defining an opening and having a connector portion configured to be coupled to the container; and

a closure mechanism to close the aperture.

2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector portion is internally threaded.

3. The nap assembly of claim 1, wherein the body defines a passageway in fluid communication with the opening and the container.

4. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector portion comprises a snap-on fitting.

5. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the snap-on fitting comprises:

an inner cylindrical tube that defines the passageway; and

an outer concentric wall that together with the inner cylindrical tube defines an annular space.

6. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the object comprises a face.

7. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a movable arm configured to plug the aperture.

8. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a conduit.

9. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a self-closing valve.

10. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the container comprises a first container having a first spout;

the connector portion is configured to mate with the first spout; and

the connector portion is configured to mate with a second container having a second spout different than the first spout.

11. A cap assembly configured to be coupled to a container, comprising:

a body defining an opening resembling an orifice, the opening being in fluid communication with the container, the body having a connector portion configured to be coupled to the container; and

a closure mechanism to close the opening.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the connector portion is internally threaded.

13. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the body defines a passageway in fluid communication with the opening and the container or conduit.

14. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the connector portion comprises a snap-on fitting.

15. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the snap-on fitting defines an annular space configured to receive the conduit or the container.

16. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the object comprises a face.

17. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a movable arm configured to plug the aperture.

18. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a self-closing valve.

19. The cap assembly of claim 11, wherein:

the container comprises a first container having a first spout;

the connector portion is configured to mate with the first spout; and

the connector portion is configured to mate with a second container having a second spout different than the first spout.

20. A cap assembly configured to be coupled to a container, comprising:

a body resembling an object that provides entertainment value, the body defining an exit opening and a passageway, the passageway being in fluid communication with the container and the exit opening, the body having a connector portion configured to be removably coupled to the container, wherein the body is configured to be removed from the container having a first spout and to be assembled onto a second container having a second spout different than the first spout; and

a closure mechanism to close the opening.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the connector portion is internally threaded.

22. The cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the connector portion comprises a snap-on fitting having an inner tube and outer wall, the inner tube and outer wall defining an annular space configured to receive the first container spout and the second container spout.

23. The cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a movable arm configured to plug the aperture.

24. The cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a self-closing valve.