BOTTLE CAP

A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space is soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the flow path of the liquid is characterized by being configured to lead the liquid to the storage space of the additives to facilitate dissolution of the additives.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bottle cap which contains one or more flavor substances formed in pellets in a storage space formed inside the cap.

In addition, the present invention relates to a technology which configures said storage space in a selective manner so that the liquid in a container, in the course of drinking, can easily pass through and dissolve the flavor pellets, and deliver the flavor to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to improve the known art disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,109,538, 6,333,050, 6,482,451, 5,156,335 and 5,989,590.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Object

A related art disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,109,538 and 6,333,050 provide filters at the top and bottom of the storage space of the flavor substance in the straw, so that the flavor substance is not discharged at once but melted slowly in the flow of the beverage. However, this kind of art has the disadvantage of flow resistance caused by the filter elements.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,451—provides another related art, wherein the filter elements are formed with additional closures and assembled and jointed onto the inner top and bottom of straw, which leads to rather excessive cost compared to the benefit and has limited effect in the appearance of the product.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 487,375 describes an art wherein the top portion of straw is adhered and a part of side wall is formed with small holes to prevent the flavor substance from being discharged out before being dissolved. The disadvantage of this are is the complicated structure and manufacturing process, and the possibility of the flavor granules clogging the small holes while sucking the beverage.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 487,375 further describes pressing the end of straw to retain the flavor substance. However, a straw is extruded in thin film, cut to desired length, and bored or formed with folded part by press or roller. Therefore, simple pressing of thin straw end leads to closing of the end by sucking pressure. To solve this problem, the straw wall must be formed thicker than normal straws.

In addition, said related arts disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,109,538, 6,333,050, 6,482,451, 5,156,335, and 5,989,590 are substantially limited to the applications to beverage straws, not applicable, or applicable with limited effect, to the bottle caps in compliance with the present invention.

Said known arts relate to a technology where the liquid in a container flows through a straw by the suction force of the user, dissolves and delivers the flavor substance or substances contained in the straw to the user. When any one of said arts is applied to a bottle cap, the user can suck the liquid in the bottle, but cannot drink it, which the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention enables. Therefore, the art pursued in the present invention is a different technology from the technologies disclosed in said patents.

For information purpose, the related arts set forth and described hereinabove have been designed and implemented partially, for example, to add flavor, such as chocolate, banana, strawberry, etc., to milk at off-line to eliminate the flushing process of production facilities.

The present invention relates to a technical variation of the above described arts, by implementing the arts in a cap which is applicable to plastics or glass bottles, carton packs, pouches, or metal cans.

Technical Solution

As an embodiment of the present invention, the bottle caps can be implemented in various shapes in accordance with the bottle or container, and as a means of configuration, the caps in compliance with the present invention can be a screw type, one-touch type, or applied to containers by assembling, bonding, welding, etc.

In addition, solid flavor pellets are filled in the storage space formed in said cap, and the ends of the storage space are sealed, leaving holes for the flow path of the liquid, to hold the pellets within the space, and all these can be designed and implemented in various configurations according to the packaging method of the cap on bottle.

In addition, said caps can be distributed being assembled with the containers (bottles), or separately so that the users can apply them to available containers. To enable the caps to be coupled with various shapes of container necks, the main body is designed in multiple bottle neck adaptation configuration.

In addition, the diameter of the flavor pellets to be filled in the storage space of the cap is preferable 5 mm or larger (or 2 mm-5 mm according to the application). The pellets can incorporate foam generating agent for foaming and dissolving when contacting liquid, or only aromatic substance which will be dissolved out gradually. The pellets can be made of a polymer or a mineral material. If a mineral is used, it may be magnetized to magnetize the liquid. However, the selection of the mineral type is another field of art and not included in the present invention.

In addition, said storage space in the cap can be shaped in a long, spiral tubular structure to provide long contact between the liquid and the pellets to facilitate dissolution, and the method and design of the extension of the contacting path need not be specified specifically.

In addition, said storage space in the cap can be formed as an integral part of the cap, or produced separately and assembled with the cap by various methods including insertion or bonding, to achieve the functional object.

In addition, the method of discharging the ingredients of the pellets contained in the cap can be removing the lid formed on the spout of the main body, or lift up or lower down the cap or closure assembled to the spout, or rotating the cap or closure, however, these variations apply only to a limited part of the present invention and do not limit the expansive interpretation of the present invention.

Effect of the Present Invention

The cap in compliance with the present invention has flavor substance or substances in the storage space inside the cap to allow drinking or sucking the flavor substance(s), as appropriate, easily and promptly, whenever and wherever.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 show an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross section of the cap in compliance with the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows the state of use—drinking the content in the cap,

FIG. 3 shows the state of use—sucking the content in the cap,

FIG. 4 is a view of the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention coupled with another container neck,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the storage member,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the storage member, and

FIG. 7 is a view of the assembly of the storage space and the sealing above the space.

FIGS. 8(a, b) show another embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 8(a) is a longitudinal cross section and FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of the storage space.

FIGS. 9(a, b, c) show longitudinal cross section of another embodiment of the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 show longitudinal cross sections of other embodiments of the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention.

FIGS. 16(a, b) show another embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 16(a) is a view of drinking the content in the storage space and FIG. 16(b) is a view of sucking up the content in the storage space.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 show longitudinal cross sections of other embodiments of the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention.

FIGS. 19(a, b) show another embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 19(a) is a longitudinal cross section and FIG. 19(b) is a view of the use of the bottle cap.

FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 show longitudinal cross sections of other embodiments of the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention.

FIGS. 23(a, b) show another embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 23(a) is a longitudinal cross section and FIG. 23(b) is a view of the use of the bottle cap.

FIG. 24 to FIG. 27 show longitudinal cross sections of other embodiments of the bottle cap in compliance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail referring to the attached drawings.

To describe an exemplary embodiment of the present invention referring to the attached drawings, as presented in FIG. 1, the cap (1) consists with the main body (100) and a cover (200), and said main body (100) is formed with a storage member (300).

The content in the storage member (300) can be spherical shape, such as pellets or tablets, and preferably, can afford the flow paths within them and can be dissolved in the liquid. As long as the content can be dissolved or emit flavor substance into the liquid, the configuration is not specifically limited in any case.

In addition, the storage member (300) is preferably a long tubular shape to promote dissolution of the content into the liquid flow. For example, the storage member (300) can be a spiral tube, that is a cochlea.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of said storage member (300). As illustrated, the first storage space (301) and the second storage space (302) are formed at the center and outer part, respectively, and connected with a connection path (303) whose size or shape can be implemented in a wide range of variation and are not limited to a specific design.

In addition, filter holes (304) are formed at the bottom of the first storage space (301), the first (301) and second (302) storage spaces are filled with flavor pellets, and preferably, can afford the flow paths within them and can be dissolved in the liquid. As long as the content can be dissolved or emit flavor substance into the liquid, the configuration is not specifically limited.

In addition, filtering holes (101) are formed inside the spout (102) of the main body (100) to keep the content in the first (301) and second (302) storage spaces, a space sealing part (305) is formed in the upper part to facilitate the liquid flow from the first storage space (301) to the second (302) storage spaces, and an outlet (306) is provided as the path of the liquid into the discharge opening (101).

In addition, the spout (102) at the cap (1) is to be shaped as to enable sucking up of the content in the storage member (300), therefore, the spout (102) can be designed in a wide variety of shapes and configurations, not departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In addition, the suction hole (304) formed in said storage member (300) need not be positioned at the center. For example, when said suction hole (304) is formed on the bottom of said second storage space (302), the outlet (306) above it is preferable positioned at the upper part of the first storage space (301), however, the discharge opening (101) formed on the spout (102) may take the role of the outlet (306), or the outlet (306) itself may take the role of the discharge opening (101).

To explain an embodiment of the present invention, under the condition shown in FIG. 1, assume removing the sealing member (S), designed to preserve the flavor, formed at the bottom of the main body (100) and connect the main body (100) directly to the spout (401) of the container (400). In this state, if the user tilt the cap (1) sideways and suck the spout (401), the liquid in the container (400) flows to the first storage space (301) of the storage member (300) through the suction hole (304), and then to the second storage space (302) through the connection path (303), and dissolves the contents in the storage spaces.

For supplementary description, the liquid flows into said storage member (300) dissolves the flavor ingredient in the first storage space (301) and then into the second storage space (302), and to the discharge opening (101) via the outlet (306, and exit through the spout (102)

Therefore, the first and second storage spaces (301, 302) can be filled with diverse kinds of substances according to their rate of dissolution. An additional storage space (103) can be formed below the discharge opening (101) to contain other flavor substance, as shown in FIG. 1.

When the cap (1) is jointed with the container (400) and distributed, the lower space (307) below the suction hole (304) is preferable sealed, or the cap (1) should be packed to maintain air-tightness.

For a still another embodiment of the present invention, the straw (500) is extended to or separately assembled with the lower space (307) at the bottom of the storage member (300) for sucking, as shown in FIG. 3. In this state, when the user sucks the spout (102), the liquid in the container (400) flows into the storage member (300) through the straw (500).

And, the liquid moved into the storage member (300) flows through the first and second storage spaces (301, 302) and exit through the spout (102), and said straw (500) is inserted and fixed on the interior or exterior of the lower space (307) and its length can be adjusted according to the shape of the container (400).

For a still another embodiment of the present invention, in FIG. 4, the cap (1) is combined with the neck of another container (400) whose size is different from that of the previous container (400). In the state of FIG. 4, the first thread (104) is engaged with the spout (402) of the container (400) neck, and in FIG. 3, the second thread (105) is engaged with the spout (401) of a container (400) of difference size.

In addition, the design and application of the first threads (104) and the second threads (105) formed on the inner side wall of the main body (100) can be varied in various ways. For example, two or more threads can be formed to be able to be assembled to the container necks of different size, or shaped differently in latches for one-touch coupling and decoupling.

For a still another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 8(a, b), the internal volume of the storage member (300) can be implemented in a large volume. Referring to the drawing, the first storage space (308) is formed above the central suction hole (312), and connected to the second storage space (309) through the connection path (311), and the second storage space (309) is connected to the third storage space (310) through the connection path (311), too.

To facilitate smooth functioning of said storage spaces, the storage member (300) can be provided with a space sealing part (313) above, and the discharge part (314) which facilitates the liquid flowing to the storage spaces (308, 309, 310) to be discharged through the spout (102).

When using the cap described hereinabove, remove the sealing member (S) beneath the storage member (300), assemble the cap (1) at the center of the container, tilt the container and suck the spout (102). The liquid in the container will enter the suction hole (312), flow through the first storage space (308), second storage space (309), and third storage space (310), dissolve the flavor substances contained in the spaces, and flow through the discharge part 314), discharge opening (101) and exit through the spout (102).

In addition, said bottle cap (1), as shown in FIG. 8(a), can be combined with a straw (500) beneath the suction hole (312), and the internal space of the storage member (300) assembled into the main body (100) of the bottle cap (1) can be designed in various shapes and sizes according to the characteristics of the content.

For a still another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 9(a), the configuration of the storage member (300) can be varied. For example, the suction hole below can be designed in diverse shapes, or as shown in FIG. 9(b), the first (315), second (316) and third (317) storage spaces can be provided from the outer side into the inner side of the storage member (300), and suction hole (318) can be formed at an arbitrary position of the first storage space (315).

For a still another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 9(c), the internal space of the storage member (300) can be formed in folding type, instead of spiral type, and the method can be varied in diverse ways. For example, the first (319), second (320) and third (321) storage spaces can be provided, in up/down wave form, from outer to inner direction, as shown in the drawing.

It is preferable that, at a place beneath the first storage space (319) is formed a suction hole (322), and the internal design of the main body (100) is important for the interconnection between the storage spaces (319, 320, 321), however, the interconnection is substantially implemented by the connection paths (323, 324), the bottom of the storage member (300) is sealed by the sealing member (S), and the suction hole (322) opens for use.

In addition, said sealing member (S) is preferable formed with a cutting line (SC) so that, when opening, the connection path (324) is closed (see the designation “S1” in the drawing), and other part only is opened.

In still another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 10, the storage member (300) is formed with plural storage spaces (325) in various shapes, and each storage space (325) is formed with a suction hole (326) on the bottom, and the top of said storage member (300) is formed with a certain shape of connection path (327) which is a discharge path to facilitate the discharge of the flavor substances through the discharge opening (101) formed on the inner wall of the spout (102) on the main body (100).

In still another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 11, the bottle caps (1) provided with various types of storage members (300) can have different final discharging outlets. In an exemplary embodiment presented in FIG. 11 showing the spout (102) of the main body (100), the closure (201) can close or open the discharge hole (202) according to the vertical displacement of the lid (200). The lid (200) can be structured to open or close the discharge hole (202) by moving up or down, or by a slight rotation.

The method of using the bottle cap shown in FIG. 11 is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member (S), assemble the bottle cap (1) with the spout of the container, lift up the lid (200), tilt the container, and suck the lid (200). Then, the liquid in the container will flow through the suction hole (331) and the first storage space (328), second storage space (329) and third storage space (330), dissolve the active agent in the storage spaces, and finally exit through the discharge hole (202).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. The storage member (300) formed in the main body (100) provided by the known arts so far have been an assembly type. However, the storage member (300) according to the present invention is characterized by being an integral part of the main body (100). Referring to FIG. 12, the bottoms of the first (332) and second (333) storage spaces formed in the main body (100) are sealed air-tight by a spatial sealing member (334) which is a film-shape or an injection molded part, and the spatial sealing member (334) of the first storage space (332) is formed with a suction hole (335).

The method of using the bottle cap shown in FIG. 12 is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member (S), assemble the bottle cap (1) with the spout of the container, lift up the lid (200), tilt the container. Then, the liquid in the container will flow through the suction hole (335) and the first storage space (332), second storage space (333) and finally exit through the discharge opening (101) and spout (102).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. Regarding the bottle cap (1) integrated with the storage member (300) and the main body (100) as shown in FIG. 12, wherein said spout (102) is not applied with the lid (200) but covered with a film-type sealing member (336) to achieve air-tightness, and at the bottom of the spatial sealing member (334) of the storage member (300) is formed an auxiliary lid (106) in which the straw (500) can be inserted.

The method of using the bottle cap of this exemplary embodiment is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member (S), assemble the bottle cap (1) with the neck of the container, remove the sealing member (336) which is sealing the spout (102) of the cap (1), tilt the container, and suck the spout (102). Then, the liquid in the container will flow through the first storage space (332), second storage space (333) and finally exit through the discharge opening (101) and spout (336).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the storage member (300) is integrated with the main body (100), or regardless or not of the assembly of the storage member (300), the storage member (300) is expanded upward to a certain level, and the expanded space incorporates a spiral storage space (337), and the bottom of the storage member (300) is formed with a suction hole (338).

The method of using the bottle cap of this exemplary embodiment is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member (S), assemble the bottle cap (1) with the container, remove the lid (200), tilt the container, and suck the spout (102). Then, the liquid in the container will flow through suction hole (338) and storage member (300), and flows in the spiral path of the spiral storage space (337), dissolve the content in the storage member (300), and exit through the spout (102).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the storage member (300) formed in the main body (100) is a single space (339) formed with filter-type suction holes.

The method of using the bottle cap of this exemplary embodiment is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member, if any, from the bottom of the cap (1), assemble the cap (1) to the neck of the container, remove the lid (200), tilt the container and suck the spout (102). The liquid in the container will flow through the suction hole (340) into the storage space (339), dissolve the content in the storage space (339), and discharged through the discharge opening (101) and spout (102). Here, the suction hole (340) on the bottom of the storage member (300) can be coupled with the straw (500).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 16(a, b), wherein the storage member (300) formed with a storage space (341) is integrated with the main body (100), and the storage member (300) is provided with a spatial sealing member (342), which is formed with the suction hole (343), on its bottom, and above the storage space (341) is the spout (102) formed with the discharge opening (101).

The method of using the bottle cap of this exemplary embodiment is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member (S), assemble the bottle cap (1) with the container, remove the lid (200), tilt the container, and suck the spout (102). Then, the liquid in the container will flow through suction hole (343) and storage member (300), and flows in the spiral path of the spiral storage space (341), dissolve the content in the storage member (101), and exit through the spout (102).

And if necessary, as illustrated in FIG. 16(b), an auxiliary lid (344) which can be assembled with the straw (500) can be provided below the storage member (300).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 17, wherein the spout (102), which is above the storage member (300) comprising storage space (341) and spatial sealing member (342) and also above the main body (100), is formed with a up/down opening/closing type lid (200).

The method of using the bottle cap of this exemplary embodiment is described hereinbelow. Remove the sealing member (S), assemble the bottle cap (1) with the spout (401) of the container (400), raise the lid (200) to make the discharge hole (204) come out of the closure (203), and suck the lid (200). Then, the liquid in the container (400) will flow through the suction hole (343) into the storage space (341), dissolve the content in the storage space, and exit through the discharge opening (101) and discharge hole (204).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 18, which is substantially the same as that presented in FIG. 17. However, the present embodiment shows that the shapes of the lid (200) and the spatial sealing member (346), formed with the suction hole (345), at the bottom of the storage member (300) can be varied in diverse ways. When using the present embodiment, remove the sealing member (S) if exists, assemble the bottle cap (1) with the spout (401) of the container (400), raise and suck the lid (200). Then, the liquid in the container (400) will flow through the suction hole (345) into the storage space (341), dissolve the content in the storage space, and exit through the discharge hole (204).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 19(a, b), wherein the bottle cap (1) is assembled with container and distributed. The user can open the lid (200) on the cap (1) for drinking the liquid in the container. The cap consist of the main body (100), spout (102), and the lid (200) which can close or open the discharge hole (348) by being lifted up or lowered down. At the same time, the suction hole (350) on the bottom of the storage member (300) formed with the storage space (347) is closed by the lifting-up of the lid (200), and when the lid (200) is lowered down, the notch projection (351) opens the sealing ring (352).

The FIG. 19(b) is a view of the lid (200) of the cap (1) opened and then closed, and then lifted up again. As shown in the drawing, the connecting rod (353) extended into the upper sealing member (349) is inserted with a member having a sealing ring (352). In the state of the drawing, reclosing the lid (200) cannot make the sealing ring re-seal the suction hole (350).

The purpose of this configuration is to prevent foreign material entering the storage space (347) unwantedly. This intention will be able to be overcome by different technical design changes, which will extend the application of the present invention.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 20, which is a variation of the embodiment presented in FIG. 19(a, b). The present embodiment is provided with a discharge rod (600) which closes the suction hole (354) formed on the bottom of the storage member (300), and the rod (600) is connected with the lid (200) above. When using this embodiment, lifting the lid (200) up will raise the discharge rod (600) with the discharge rod connector (206) formed with a discharge groove (205), by the liquid in the container, and the suction hole is opened.

In more particular, the liquid entering the suction hole (354) dissolves the content in the storage space (355) and comes out through the discharge groove (205) and discharge hole (207). When the lid (200) is lowered again, the discharge rod (600) does not go down, thus, said suction hole (354) is not closed.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 21, which is a variation of the embodiment presented in FIG. 19. When the lid (200) is raised, the sealing member (359), which is positioned beneath the connecting rod (356) to close the suction hole (358), is opened, and the liquid in the container (400) flows into the storage space (360), dissolves the content in the storage space (360) and exits through the discharge hole (362), which is isolated from the sealing closure (361) and opened. If desired, a straw (500) can be connected on the bottom of the suction hole (358), as illustrated with the dotted line in the drawing.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 22. When the lid (200) is raised, the sealing member which has been closing the suction hole (364) is lifted up by the connecting rod (363). The liquid in the container (400) enters and dissolves the content in the storage space (366), and then flows out through the discharge hole (367) and (368).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 23(a, b). When the lid (200) is opened, the sealing member (701) closing the suction hole (369) is lifted up. The liquid in the container enters through the suction hole (369) and dissolves the content in the storage space (370), and then flows out through the discharge hole (371) above.

In the course described above, when the lid (200) opens the spout (102), the notch projection (208) catches the discharge spout (702) and rises until the fixed projection (703) of the discharge rod (700) is caught and stopped by the bottom end of the pout (102). In this state, if the lid (200) is opened wider, the discharge rod (700) is separated from the lid (200), as shown in FIG. 23(b).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 24, which is a variation of the embodiment presented in FIGS. 23(a, b). The difference is that the sealing member (701) is opened when the discharge rod (700) is raised and then lowered. When using this embodiment, if the discharge rod (700) is raised, the gap between the projections (372) is open to the outside, and for example, the liquid in the container can be transferred to the storage space (370), and when the discharge rod (700) is lowered, the sealing member (701) is caught by the projection (373) and separated from the discharge rod (700).

As described above, because the sealing member (701) is separated by the projection (373), the sealing member (701) cannot seal the storage space (370) again, consequently, the mechanism cannot be reused. In addition, a straw can be inserted into the slot (373) below the suction hole.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 25, which is a variation of the embodiment presented in FIG. 23(a). Here, when the discharge rod (700) is raised, the suction hole (369) is opened and when the discharge rod (700) is lowered, the sealing member is caught by the projection (375) and separated from the discharge rod (700).

The intention of this mechanism is to prevent reclosing of the storage space (370) to prohibit the illegal reuse of the bottle cap (1).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 26, which is a variation of the embodiment presented in FIG. 23(a). Here, when the discharge rod (700) is raised, the suction hole (378) is opened because the sealing member (376) is raise by the connecting rod (377). Consequently, the liquid in the container flows in through the suction hole (378) into the storage space (370), dissolves the content in the storage space (370), and flows out of the discharge rod (700) through the discharge hole (107, 704).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 27, which is a variation of the embodiment presented in FIG. 26. Here, when the discharge rod (700) is raised, the suction hole (379) is opened because the sealing member (380) is raise. Consequently, the liquid in the container flows into the storage space (370), dissolves the content in the storage space (370), and flows out of the discharge rod (700) through the discharge hole (107, 704). When the discharge rod (700) is lowered, the sealing member (380) connected with the connecting rod (108) does not reclose the suction hole (379). A straw (500) or similar can be connected below the suction hole (379).

In the description of the bottle cap (1) in compliance with the present invention, above, if omitted, and if the application or intention of the cap is to dissolve the flavor substance (content) contained in the storage space and drink the liquid together with the flavor, it would be more than natural to tilt the container combined with the cap in a direction.

In addition, if any description regarding the filling of the content into said storage space is omitted or insufficient, the storage space can be filled with the content and then assembled with the main body (100), or the storage space can be filled with the content through the spout (102) or through the discharge rod (600, 700), and/or the filter member formed with discharge hole or holes can be assembled.

In addition, the main body of the cap was described to have the first screw threads (104) or the second screw threads (105), or general screw threads, however, the screw thread can be implemented in accordance with the shape of the container neck, or the main body (100) can have a quick coupling mechanism, or can be bonded to paper cartons.

In addition, it should be noted that the inside of the storage member (300) set forth and described from the FIG. 19 and afterwards can be designed with multiple number of storage space set forth and described in FIG. 1 through FIG. 18.

In addition to the description above, the shape of the contents in the storage space of the storage member (300) is preferable balls, pellets or tablets, and can be added with foam agent to facilitate dissolution as required, and the average diameter of the balls, pellets or tablets can be 2˜5 mm or 5˜7 mm, or larger. The inner volume of the storage member may be around 5 cc (mL), or larger or smaller.

EFFECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The bottle cap in compliance with the present invention is applicable for various drinks, including beverages, milk, alcoholic beverages, etc. Especially, when applied to drinking water, the user can drink the water added with the flavor or aroma added from the cap, which will promote the sales of the product.

Claims

1. A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body to be combined with the container; a storage member inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage member to keep the additives within the storage member; and the additives in the storage member are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the flow path of the liquid is characterized by being configured to lead the liquid to the storage space of the additives to facilitate dissolution of the additives.

2. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being shaped in a cochlea-type tube.

3. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being comprised of multiple number of compartments connected in a series and the last compartment is connected to the spout.

4. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plural storage spaces formed in the storage member are further partitioned by the upper or lower part of the main body or by space sealing members.

5. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the spout of said main body is characterized by being formed with filtering discharge hole or holes.

6. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage spaces in the storage member are comprised of the first storage space in the center and one or more storage spaces around the first storage space, and said storage spaces are connected by connecting paths, and the storage spaces are further partitioned by the upper or lower part of the main body or by space sealing members.

7. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 6, wherein said space sealing member formed above the storage space is formed with a discharge outlet at the end of the space, so that the solution in the storage space can flow out to the discharge hole of the spout of the main body of the cap.

8. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the spout of said main body is characterized by being formed with a lid for closing.

9. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 8, wherein said closing lid is structured to be separated from the spout or open and close by upward and downward movement.

10. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said main body is characterized by being formed with a sealing member, on its bottom, to retain the content in the storage space.

11. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said main body is characterized by being formed with two or more types of screw threads on its inner wall to be applicable to the containers whose necks are of different standards.

12. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein a lower space where straw or similar can be connected is formed beneath the suction hole formed on said storage member.

13. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being comprised of multiple number of compartments connected in a series, and the intake hole is formed to begin from the center.

14. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being comprised of multiple number of compartments connected in a series, and the intake hole is formed to begin from the outer side of the storage space.

15. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage member is characterized by being assembled to the main body.

16. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage member is characterized by being integrated with the main body.

17. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 16, wherein the bottom of said storage member is sealed by the space sealing member when said storage member is integrated into the main body.

18. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a crisscross type.

19. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 18, wherein the crisscross formation of said storage member leads the liquid incoming through the suction hole to flow upward and downward, and then upward again and exit through the spout of the main body.

20. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 19, wherein a discharge path is provided to crisscross the flow path in said storage member.

21. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said cochlea-type storage space is formed in said storage member, filter-type suction hole are through which liquid can enter are formed outer part, and the liquid entering the suction hole flow up while rotating.

22. A bottle cap combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the storage space in the storage member contains a certain volume of soluble solid substances.

23. A bottle cap combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a opening-closing lid formed above the main body, a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter-type discharge hole formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the storage space in the storage member contains a certain volume of soluble solid substances.

24. A bottle cap combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container, a opening-closing lid formed above the main body, an assembly-type storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter-type discharge hole formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the storage space in the storage member contains a certain volume of soluble solid substances.

25. A bottle cap combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a opening-closing lid formed above the main body, an integrated-type storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter-type discharge hole formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the storage space in the storage member contains a certain volume of soluble solid substances.

26. A bottle cap combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container, a opening-closing lid formed above the main body, an assembly-type storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter-type discharge hole formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, the storage space in the storage member contains a certain volume of soluble solid substances, and the content in the storage member can be sucked up through the spout of said main body.

27. A bottle cap combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a opening-closing lid formed above the main body, an integrated-type storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter-type discharge hole formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space are soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, the storage space in the storage member contains a certain volume of soluble solid substances, and the content in the storage member can be sucked up through the spout of said main body.

28. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 26, wherein the bottom of said storage member which is formed in the lower part of said main body is designed to be connected with a straw to suck up the content in said storage member into the storage space of said storage member.

29. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 27, wherein the bottom of said storage member which is formed in the lower part of said main body is designed to be connected with a straw to suck up the content in said storage member into the storage space of said storage member.

30. A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space is soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the when the user tilts the container and sucks the spout of the main body, the liquid in the container flows into the storage member to facilitate dissolution of the additives in the storage space.

31. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 30, wherein the liquid in the container assembled with said bottle cap, when the spout of the main body is sucked up, flows through the straw connected to the bottom of said storage member, dissolve the content in the storage space in the storage member, and the solution exits through the spout formed at the top of the cap.

32. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 30, wherein said storage space in the storage member is so shaped as to make the liquid, flowing into the suction hole circulate the storage space or crisscross vertically, while flowing through the compartments of the storage space.

33. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 32, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a Cochlea type.

34. A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of a main body combined with the container; a lid which can move up and down for opening and closing; a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space is soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the when the user tilts the container and sucks the spout of the main body, the liquid in the container flows into the storage member to facilitate dissolution of the additives in the storage space.

35. A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container; a hinged lid which can open and close the spout a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space is soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the when the user tilts the container and sucks the spout of the main body, the liquid in the container flows into the storage member to facilitate dissolution of the additives in the storage space.

36. A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of; a main body combined with the container, a closure which can open and close the spout by raising up and lowering down; a storage space inside the main body which contains additives, and; filter holes formed above and below the storage space to keep the additives within the storage space; and the additives in the storage space is soluble in the liquid in the container and discharged through a spout above, and the when the user tilts the container and sucks the spout of the main body, the liquid in the container flows into the storage member to facilitate dissolution of the additives in the storage space.

37. A bottle cap which is combined with a beverage container in the direction of discharge or drinking, comprised of a main body combined with the container; a lid which can open and close the spout a storage space inside the main body which contains soluble additives; said storage space in the storage member is closed tightly by a sealing member, which is opened by touching or opening said lid to connect the space in the container and the storage space, so that the solution in the storage member can be sucked up by tilting the container and sucking through the spout.

38. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage member is characterized by being formed with filter-type suction and discharge hole above and below it.

39. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said lid formed on said spout of the main body, when raised up, removes the sealing member which is closing the lower suction hole of the storage member with the connecting rod extending from the bottom of the lid, to connect the storage space and the space in the container.

40. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said sealing member is opened when said lid is opened, and when the user tilts the container and sucks the lid, the lid is raised to allow the solution in said storage space in the storage member flow out through the discharge hole.

41. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein if said closing lid is once opened, reclosing it does not make the sealing member close the suction hole.

42. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 41, wherein the prevention of the reclosing of the suction hole is ensured by the configuration where the sealing ring or discharge rod is caught by a reclose-prevention member or by the inner wall of the spout.

43. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a Cochlea type.

44. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a spiral type.

45. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a vertical crisscross type.

46. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage member is characterized by being partitioned into plural storage spaces.

47. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being assembled to the main body.

48. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being integrated with the main body.

49. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein the bottom of said suction hole which is formed in the lower part of said storage member is designed to be connected with a straw which connects the container and the storage space of said storage member.

50. A bottle cap in accordance with the claim 37, wherein said main body is characterized by being formed with one or more coupling member on its inner wall to be applicable to the containers whose necks are of different standards.

51. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 50, wherein said coupling member is characterized by being formed with the first screw threads on the top and the second screw threads on the lower inner wall.

52. A bottle cap in accordance with the claim 37, wherein said storage member is characterized by being formed with filter-type suction and discharge holes above and below it.

53. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said discharge hole is characterized by being formed on the inner wall of the spout of the main body.

54. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said discharge hole is characterized by being formed on the inner wall of the discharge rod connected to the lid.

55. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said storage space in the storage member is characterized by being filled with pellet-type solid content which is soluble in the liquid in the container.

56. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said bottle caps are designed to be able to be distributed separately from containers in air-tight packing.

57. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a foaming type.

58. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is characterized by being a foaming type.

59. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is characterized by being flavoring substance.

60. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is characterized by being flavoring substance.

61. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is shaped in sphere, pellet, granule, or tablet, whose diameter is at least 2 mm˜5 mm.

62. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is shaped in sphere, pellet, granule, or tablet, whose diameter is at least 2 mm˜5 mm.

63. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is shaped in sphere, pellet, granule, or tablet, whose diameter is at least 5 mm˜7 mm.

64. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is shaped in sphere, pellet, granule, or tablet, whose diameter is at least 5 mm˜7 mm.

65. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is shaped in sphere, pellet, granule, or tablet, whose diameter is at least 7 mm.

66. A bottle cap in accordance with claim 37, wherein said content in the storage space in the storage member is shaped in sphere, pellet, granule, or tablet, whose diameter is at least 7 mm.

67. A bottle neck in accordance with the claim 1, wherein the inner volume of said storage space in the storage member is at least 5 cc (mL).

68. A bottle neck in accordance with the claim 37, wherein the inner volume of said storage space in the storage member is at least 5 cc (mL).

69. A bottle neck in accordance with the claim 1, wherein the inner volume of said storage space in the storage member is less than 5 cc (mL).

70. A bottle neck in accordance with the claim 37, wherein the inner volume of said storage space in the storage member is less than 5 cc (mL).

Patent History
Publication number: 20120279939
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 18, 2008
Publication Date: Nov 8, 2012
Inventors: Jeong-Min Lee (Seoul), Seong-Jae Lee (Seoul)
Application Number: 13/517,353
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Structure For Removably Holding An Article Or Material (215/227)
International Classification: B65D 51/00 (20060101);