CAP ASSEMBLY FOR DISPENSING A DISPENSABLE COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

Abstract

Cap can include a cap body mountable to a container. A main bore is disposed in the cap body. A movable component holder has a lower end, an upper end, and a space sized and configured to contain a dispensable component. At least a first seal provides sealing between an inner surface of the cap body and an outer surface of the component holder. The first seal at least one of is disposed on a generally circumferential wall and is located axially above an annular upper wall of the cap body, is arranged on a generally circumferential wall that can deflect slightly radially outwardly, projects from the inner surface of the cap body, is axially fixed to the inner surface of the cap body, is disposed at an upper end of the main bore, is arranged above an uppermost annular surface of the cap body, is slidably engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the component holder, is located adjacent an upper end of an inner tubular section of the cap body. The can further includes a cover installable on the upper end of the component holder.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a US non-provisional Application claiming the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/677,728, filed Jul. 31, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a cap, cap assembly or a dispensing or dosing closure adapted to be installed on a container and which can contain therein or accommodate at least one dispensable component such as e.g., a powder or tablets. With such a cap, the dispensable component can be kept or maintained separate from one or more components in a container even while installed thereon. Additionally, the cap can also be activated or placed in a dispensing position so that the dispensable component is caused to pass from within the cap into the container and thereby, e.g., mix with the component(s) in the container.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Many different styles of caps, lids and closures have been well documented and described in the prior art. They include tamper evident closures, caps that seal the container using a check valve taking advantage of the squeeze action of a flexible bottle to create the pressure differential to activate the valve, and other devices. Also prior art concerning containers with two compartments, separating two ingredients to be mixed before consumption, exist; but few if any of these containers are commercially available mostly because of complicated parts, difficulty of filling and high manufacturing cost.

Many of these devices consist of a piercing tip or cutter that perforates or cuts a foil seal, blister pack or membrane releasing one component into a supplemental component, usually tablets, granules or powders into a liquid. Minor differences, consisting mostly of how the piercing tip is activated, differentiate these devices. Whether piercing tips or cutters are used to remove the seal between compartments, there is always the danger of having fragments of foil or other residue fall into the mixed components.

Caps have been disclosed which overcome many of the above-noted disadvantageous. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. discloses various cap embodiments which can dispense a dispensable component into a container. FIGS. 1-5 of the instant application show one embodiment of CRONIN (see FIGS. 8-13 of CRONIN). As can be seen in FIGS. 1-5, the cap C is installed on a neck opening 102 of a container 100. The container 100 has a body or wall 101 and can include a collar 103. As can be seen from comparing FIGS. 1 and 2 with FIGS. 3 and 4, when a user desires to dispense the dispensable component from within the cap C into the container 100, the user need only remove the tear strip TS and move the dome-shaped upper end of the cap C towards the container 100. This allows the dispensable component to pass out of the cap C into the container 100 (not shown, but see FIG. 13 of CRONIN). The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

This invention provides a cap or cap and container that can overcome one or more, and preferably many, of disadvantages of prior art caps while providing a cap or cap assembly and container that is easy to use, uses a minimum number of parts, and that is simple to manufacture and assemble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for a cap comprising a cap body mountable to a container. A main bore is disposed in the cap body. A movable component holder comprises a lower end, an upper end, and a space sized and configured to contain a dispensable component. At least a first seal provides sealing between an inner surface of the cap body and an outer surface of the component holder. The first seal at least one of: is disposed on a generally circumferential wall and is located axially above an annular upper wall of the cap body, is arranged on a generally circumferential wall that can deflect slightly radially outwardly, projects from the inner surface of the cap body, is axially fixed to the inner surface of the cap body, is disposed at an upper end of the main bore, is arranged above an uppermost annular surface of the cap body, is slidably engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the component holder, is located adjacent an upper end of an inner tubular section of the cap body. The cap can further include a cover installable on the upper end of the component holder. When the cover is installed and the component holder is in an initial or retracted position, a portion of each of the cap body, the component holder, and the cover is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component. When the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is arranged in a dispensing position, the dispensable component can pass into the container through a portion of the component holder disposed between the lower end and a portion of the cap body.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise a removable strip connected to the cap body.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise a removable strip at least one of: is arranged between a portion of the component holder and a surface of the cap body, has an upper end removably connected to a portion of the component holder, has a lower end contacting or arranged adjacent a portion of the cap body, and is integrally formed with the component holder,

In embodiments, the cover is at least one of: non-removably installed on the upper end of the component holder, arranged to close off an opening in the upper end which allows the dispensable component to pass into the space, and generally dome-shaped.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise at least one of a second seal arranged in an area of the lower end of the component holder and being in a sealing position when the component holder is in the initial or retracted position, a second seal having a sealing engagement diameter that is smaller than a sealing engagement diameter of the first seal, a second seal axially spaced from the first seal by an axial distance that is greater than a maximum allowable axial movement of the component holder, a second seal axially spaced from the first seal by an axial distance that is greater than an axial distance between a locking projection arranged on the component holder and an annular shoulder arranged on the cap body, a second seal axially spaced from the first seal and being arranged on a generally circumferential wall disposed axially below a bottom wall of the component holder, and a second seal comprising a primary seal preventing the dispensable component from passing out of the space into the container and the first seal being a sliding seal.

In embodiments, the first and second seals may provide sealing when the component holder is in the initial or retracted position and only the first seal provides sealing when the component holder is in the dispensing position.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise a locking arrangement structured and arranged to lock the component holder in the dispensing position.

In embodiments, the locking arrangement may comprise a locking projection arranged on the component holder and a locking shoulder arranged on the cap body.

In embodiments, the locking arrangement may comprise a circumferential locking projection arranged on the component holder and an annular locking shoulder arranged on the cap body.

In embodiments, the locking arrangement may comprise an axially movable projection arranged on the component holder and an axially fixed annular shoulder arranged on the cap body.

In embodiments, the component holder may further comprise an integrally formed removable strip.

In embodiments, at least one of: the cap body is a one-piece member and the cover is a one-piece member and the cap body has an outer portion and a concentrically arranged inner portion and an axial length of the outer portion is shorter than an axial length of the inner portion.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise a removable strip that at least one of: prevents movement of the component holder from the initial or retracted position to the dispending position until the removable strip is removed and is a generally cylindrical strip-shaped member having a pull-tab and being connected with a frangible or breakable connection to the upper end of the component holder.

In embodiments, the component holder may comprise one of a tapered bottom, a conical shaped bottom wall and a bottom wall having a shape configured to facilitate a flowing out of the dispensable component when the component holder is arranged in the dispensing position.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise at least one of: legs connecting a bottom wall to a main body portion of the component holder, openings disposed between legs allowing the dispensable component to pass out of the space, and openings and legs axially arranged between first and second axially spaced seals of the component holder.

In embodiments, the original or retracted position is a releasably lockable storage position and the dispensing position is a non-releasably lockable position.

In embodiments, the cover is at least one of structured and arranged to receive a desiccant, press fit attached to the upper end of the component holder, and in sealing engagement with the upper end of the component holder.

In embodiments, in the dispensing position, the cap body, the component holder and the cover comprise an integral unit.

In embodiments, the main bore of the cap body is defined by a generally cylindrical inner wall, and wherein the cap body further comprises at least one of: an outer wall spaced from and surrounding the inner wall and having an internal thread or thread segments arranged on an inner surface of the outer wall and a tamper-evident ring connected to a lower end of the outer wall of the cap body.

In embodiments, the upper end comprises one of: a center opening sized to receive therein the cover, an outermost diameter that is larger than a diameter of an inner wall of the cap body and smaller than a diameter of an outer wall of the cap body, a generally dome-shaped annular portion of the component holder, a lower surface axially spaced above an upper surface of the cap body when the component holder is in the initial or retracted position, and a lower surface axially arranged adjacent an upper surface of the cap body when the component holder is in the dispensing position.

In embodiments, the space is at least one of: a generally cylindrical space, axially disposed between the cover and the lower end of the component holder, and sized and configured to contain a predetermined amount of dispensable component and a predetermined amount of gas or air.

In embodiments, there is provided a method of assembling the cap of any of the types described herein, wherein the method comprises inserting the component holder, lower end first, into the main bore of the cap body, after the inserting, placing a measured amount of the dispensable component into the space, and attaching the cover to the upper end of the component holder.

In embodiments, the method may further comprise mounting the cap onto a container until a tamper evident ring locks behind a collar of the container.

In embodiments, the cap of the type described herein can be used in combination with at least one of: a container, a single wall container, and a container contains a component different from the dispensable component.

In embodiments, the cap can include therein a dispensable component.

In embodiments, there is provided a method of using the cap of any of the types described herein, wherein the method comprises applying a force to the upper end of the component holder sufficient to cause the component holder to move from the initial or retracted position to the dispensing position, wherein, in the dispensing position, at least one of: substantially all of the dispensable component passes into the container from the space, substantially all of the dispensable component automatically passes into the container from the space, and substantially all of the dispensable component passes into the container from the space under the influence of gravity.

The invention provides for a cap comprising a cap body mountable to a container and comprising a bore. A component holder comprises an upper portion, an internal space for accommodating a dispensable component, a lower portion, and a bottom wall. The lower portion is positionable inside the bore. First and second axially spaced seals providing sealing between the component holder and the cap body. The first seal is axially fixed to a portion of the cap body. The second seal is movable from an initial sealing position to a non-sealing position when the component holder is moved to an activated position. At least one opening is arranged between the first and second axially spaced seals. The upper portion comprises at least a partially dome-shaped surface and an opening allowing the dispensable component to enter into the space. A removable tear strip at least one of: is structured and arranged to prevent the component holder from moving downward relative to the cap body until the tear strip is removed and provides a compression barrier against activation of the cap. In a storage position, a portion of each of the cap body and the component holder is adapted to come into contact with a dispensable component. When the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is moved to the activated position, the dispensable component can pass into the container through the at least one opening.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise a cover sized to close off the opening of the upper portion, wherein the internal space is arranged between the bottom wall and the cover.

In embodiments, the internal space is a generally cylindrical internal space.

In embodiments, at least one of: in the activated position, the second seal is separated from a lower end of an inner wall of the cap body and the component holder is in locking engagement with the inner wall and in the storage position, the second seal is in sealing engagement with a lower portion of an inner wall of the cap body and the first seal is in sealing engagement with an outer cylindrical surface of the component holder.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise a cover having a generally dome-shaped outer surface.

In embodiments, the activated position is a non-releasably lockable activated position.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise at least one of struts arranged in an area of the lower end of the component holder and being disposed between the first and second seals and the at least one opening comprises apertures disposed between struts.

The invention provides for a cap comprising a cap body mountable to a container and comprising an inner wall having a bore. A movable component holder comprises a lower end, an upper end, a space sized to contain a dispensable component, and an axial length greater than an axial length of the cap body. First and second axially spaced seals are arranged to provide sealing between the component holder and the inner wall of the cap body. The first seal is arranged on the lower region of the component holder and is in sealing engagement with an inner surface of the inner wall of the cap body. The second seal is arranged on an upper region the inner wall and is in sealing engagement with an outer surface of the component holder. A generally dome-shaped cover is in sealing engagement with a portion of the upper end of the component holder. When the component holder is in an original or retracted position, a portion of each of the cap body, the component holder, and the cover is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component. When the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is in a dispensing position, the dispensable component can pass into the container from the space disposed within the component holder.

In embodiments, the cap may further comprise at least one of: a sipper arranged on the upper end of the component holder, a nozzle or sipper coupled to the cover, a cover comprising a nozzle or sipper portion, a combination of an outer cover and a nozzle or sipper, and a drink through feature.

In embodiments, the cap or cap assembly may be of a standard size such as 20 mm, 38 mm or 43 mm.

The invention also provides for a cap for carbonated beverages comprising a cap body mountable to a container and comprising an inner wall having a bore. A movable component holder comprises a lower end, an upper end, a space sized to contain a dispensable component. First and second axially spaced seal zones arranged to provide sealing between the component holder and the inner wall of the cap body. The first seal zone is arranged on the lower region of the component holder and utilizing sealing engagement with an inner surface of the inner wall of the cap body. The second seal zone is arranged on an upper region the inner wall and utilizing sealing engagement with an outer surface of the component holder. A cover is in locking engagement with a portion of the upper end of the component holder. When the component holder is in an original or retracted position, a portion of each of the cap body, the component holder, and the cover is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component. When the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is in a dispensing position, the dispensable component can pass into the container from the space disposed within the component holder.

In embodiments, one or more features of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/249,987 to CRONIN et al. (attorney Docket No. P40074) filed on Sep. 30, 2011 can be utilized with one or more features of the invention described herein. The entire disclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 13/249,987 to CRONIN et al. is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-5 show various views of a known cap and container system in which the cap contains a component that can be dispensed into the container and thereby mix with another component in the container. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cap in an original, initial or storage position and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the cap in an activated or dispensing position. FIG. 5 shows the cap before it is threaded onto the container;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged solid-shading cross-section of a cap or cap assembly in a fully assembled state and mounted to an upper end of a container in accordance with the invention. For clarity purposes, the dispensable component is not shown arranged within the component holder;

FIG. 7 shows the cap of FIG. 6 after a tear strip has been removed to allow activation of the cap;

FIG. 8 shows the cap of FIG. 7 after it is fully moved to the activation or dispensing position;

FIG. 9 shows assembly of the cap assembly with the component holder being inserted into or assembled to the cap body and prior to it being fully assembled thereto;

FIG. 10 shows the cap of FIG. 9 after assembly of the component holder and as the cover is being inserted into or assembled to a subassembly of the cap body and the component holder;

FIG. 11 shows the cap of FIG. 10 in a fully assembled state except that the dispensable component is not shown disposed therein for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 12 shows enlarged view of an upper seal section of the cap assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows enlarged view of a lower seal section of the cap assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows enlarged view of an upper section of the cap assembly of FIG. 11 and shows a sealing connection between the cover and component holder;

FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively show top side perspective and cross-section views of the cap assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 17 and 18 respectively show side and side cross-section views of the cap assembly shown in FIG. 11, but in a disassembled state so as to show its main components individually;

FIGS. 19-23 show top, side, perspective, cross-section and bottom views of the cap body used in the cap shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 24-29 show top, side, perspective, cross-section and bottom views of the component holder used in the cap shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 30-34 show top, side, perspective, cross-section and bottom views of the cover used in the cap shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 35-37 show top, cross-section and perspective views of the cap shown in FIG. 11, but with the cover removed or not yet installed. Prior to installing the cover, the dispensable component can be placed into the space inside the component holder;

FIGS. 38-40 show top, cross-section and perspective views of the cap shown in FIG. 11 in a fully installed state and mounted to an upper end of a container, but without the dispensable component;

FIGS. 41-43 show top, cross-section and perspective views of the cap shown in FIGS. 23-40, but with the tear strip removed thereby exposing an annular space which will allow for axial movement of the component holder relative to the cap body when the cap is placed in the activated or dispensing position;

FIGS. 44-46 show top, cross-section and perspective views of the cap shown in FIGS. 41-43 after it has been placed in the activated or dispensing position;

FIGS. 47 and 48 show side and cross-section views of the cap assembly in accordance with the invention and containing therein a dispensable component (shown in cross-hatching in FIG. 48);

FIG. 49 shows a perspective view of a cap or cap assembly in a fully assembled state in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 50 shows the cap of FIG. 49 after a tear strip has been removed to allow activation of the cap;

FIG. 51 shows the cap of FIG. 50 after it is fully moved to the activation or dispensing position;

FIG. 52 shows a side view of the cap shown in FIG. 49 mounted to an upper end of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 53 shows the cap of FIG. 52 after a tear strip has been removed to allow activation of the cap;

FIG. 54 shows the cap of FIG. 53 after it is fully moved to the activation or dispensing position;

FIG. 55 shows a top view of a scaled down version of the cap shown in FIG. 52 and FIG. 56 shows an enlarged cross-section of the cap of FIG. 55. For clarity purposes, the dispensable component is not shown arranged within the component holder;

FIG. 57 shows a top view of a scaled down version of the cap shown in FIG. 53 and FIG. 58 shows an enlarged cross-section of the cap of FIG. 57. For clarity purposes, the dispensable component is not shown arranged within the component holder;

FIG. 59 shows a top view of a scaled down version of the cap shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 60 shows an enlarged cross-section of the cap of FIG. 59. For clarity purposes, the dispensable component is not shown arranged within the component holder;

FIGS. 61-63 show top, cross-section and perspective views of the cap shown in FIG. 49, but with the cover removed or not yet installed. Prior to installing the cover, the dispensable component can be placed into the space inside the component holder;

FIGS. 64-68 show top, side, perspective, cross-section and bottom views of the cap body used in the cap shown in FIG. 49;

FIGS. 69-74 show top, side, perspective, cross-section and bottom views of the component holder used in the cap shown in FIG. 49;

FIGS. 75-79 show top, side, perspective, cross-section and bottom views of the cover used in the cap shown in FIG. 49;

FIG. 80 shows an enlarged cross-section view of the cap shown in FIG. 49 in a fully installed state and mounted to an upper end of a container, but without the dispensable component;

FIG. 81 shows enlarged view of a lower or primary seal section of the cap assembly of FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 shows enlarged view of an upper or cover seal section of the cap assembly of FIG. 80;

FIG. 83 shows enlarged view of a middle or sliding seal section of the cap assembly of FIG. 80; and

FIGS. 84 and 85 show side and cross-section views of the cap assembly of FIG. 49 and containing therein a dispensable component (shown in cross-hatching in FIG. 85).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 6-46, there is shown a first non-limiting embodiment of a cap or cap assembly 1. As can be seen in FIG. 6, in embodiments, the cap 1 can include three main components, i.e., a cap body 10, a component holder 30, and a cover 50. The component holder can have an integrally formed and removable tear strip 60. FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively show installed and removed positions of the tear strip 60. The cap body 10 is installable or mountable to a container such a container 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, and specifically to an upper end 103 of a container 100 as shown in FIG. 6. Of course, containers of other types, sizes and shapes can be used with the cap 1 in accordance with the invention.

The cap body 10 can also include a tamper evident (T/E) ring 13 below the thread, as will be described in detail below. A T/E ring, however, need not be utilized. Furthermore, other tamper evident devices can also be utilized such as, e.g., a shrink band/sleeve.

In one non-limiting advantageous aspect of the invention, an upper seal of the type shown in FIG. 12 is utilized, as will be described in detail below. The seal should maintain sealing not only in the initial (see FIG. 6) and activated position (see FIG. 8), but also throughout the movement of the component holder 30 in relation to the cap body 10 so that a seal or sealing is maintained even if the component holder 30 is not fully activated. To provide such sealing, an interference fit can be maintained between the seal of the cap body 10 and the wall of the component holder 30 shown in FIG. 12. Such sealing can be ensured and/or maintained by controlling the wall thickness, material or material properties, and/or wall length of the wall containing the seal. Such sealing should also be able to resist the pressure in the container (and prevent leaking of the container contents past this seal) when the component holder 30 is activated or while it is moved to the activated position.

Another advantageous aspect of the invention relates to the utilization of a lower seal of the type shown in FIG. 13, as will be described in detail below. FIG. 13 shows a seal bead of the cap body 10 located below a seal bead of the component holder 30. This former bead can function to keep the component holder 30 from moving/sliding downward relative to the cap body 10 after the tear strip 60 of the component holder 30 is removed and before a downward force is applied to the component holder 30.

Additionally, as is the case with the cap C shown in FIG. 5, the cap 1 of FIG. 6 is sized and configured to contained therein one or more dispensable components (in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference). In embodiments, the dispensable component(s) can be of any type that can be stored in a cap of the type disclosed herein. By way of non-limiting example, the dispensable component(s) can be of any type disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Moreover, a container, e.g., container 100, usable with the cap 1 can include any substance(s) and/or component(s) that can be stored in a container of the type disclosed herein. By way of non-limiting example, the substance(s) and/or component(s) can be of any type disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Non-limiting examples of herein discussed dispensable component(s) as well as the substance(s) and/or component(s) that can be stored in a container are described below.

The dispensable component(s) can advantageously be stored in the cap 1 until it is desired that it/they be dispensed into the container. Furthermore, the cap 1 in accordance with the invention can be almost fully assembled (and optionally even installed onto a container) before it receives therein the dispensable component(s). That is, the cover 50 can be installed on the cap 1 either after the dispensable component(s) is placed within the cap 1 and/or after the sub-assembled cap 1 is installed on a container.

With reference to FIGS. 11, 15 and 16, it can be seen that the cap 1 can be assembled into a single or self-contained unit. The unit is essentially complete once the dispensable component(s) is placed inside the cap 1 and the cover 50 is installed thereon. Moreover, the cap 1 shown in FIGS. 11, 15 and 16 can be handled in a manner which has one or more of the following advantageous: first, it can be packaged as a unit; second, it can be manipulated (e.g., rotated, shaken, turned up-side-down, etc.,) in the form shown without concern that the dispensable component(s) (not shown in FIGS. 11, 15 and 16) will spill out of the cap 1; third, the cap 1 seals in the dispensable component(s) so that it is not substantially contaminated with any outside substance(s); fourth, the cap 1 ensures that the dispensable component(s) remain separated from any substance or component in a container (e.g., container 100 shown in FIG. 1) until it is activated; fifth, the cap 1 can include a mechanism that prevents inadvertent or accidental activation, i.e., it can include a mechanical device which prevents accidental dispensing of the dispensable component(s), e.g., a tear strip 60; sixth, the cap 1 can include a mechanism that can provide an audible signal to a user indicating that the cap 1 is locked or has reached a locked position when in an activated position; seventh, the cap 1 can require two specific or distinct steps to cause activation of the cap 1, i.e., first a user must remove a mechanical device, e.g., a tear strip 60 and then the user must apply a force sufficient to activate the cap 1, e.g., move component holder 30 from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. 8 ; eighth, by forming a component holder 30 and a tear strip 60 into an integral unit, the resulting cap 1 can be formed of only three main components which can each be one-piece synthetic resin members. This may reduce manufacturing and/or assembly costs; ninth, the cap 1 can be configured such that a portion of each main component 10, 30 and 50 is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component(s), e.g., an inside surface 53 (see FIG. 18) of the cover 50, the portions 33, 34 and 40 (see FIGS. 24-29) of the component holder 30, and portions of an inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 17 (see FIG. 22); tenth, the space MS within the cap 1 sized and configured to accommodate, store, retain or receive therein the dispensable component(s) (see e.g., FIG. 16) can be sufficient to accommodate any desired amount of each dispensable component(s) and also optionally include an air, gas or empty space; and eleventh, the cap 1 can be sized and configured so that the dispensable component(s) are substantially automatically dispensed into the container such as can occur when the container is substantially vertically arranged. Such automatic dispensing can occur based on one, more than one, or a combination of the following: the force of gravity acting on the dispensable component(s); openings 35 and legs 34 (see FIGS. 24-29) of certain number (e.g., four), size and configuration so as to reduce frictional forces and thereby allow the dispensable component(s) to flow out of the space MS and into the container more easily or freely or with less friction; a transfer of some of the kinetic energy and/or momentum resulting from the force causing activation of the cap 1 to the dispensable component(s) so that it can be used to facilitate movement of the dispensable component(s) from the space MS into the container. Other non-limiting advantages or benefits will also be apparent from a discussion of the invention which follows.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, it can be seen how the cap 1 can be assembled axially into a single or self-contained unit. With the cap body 10 positioned below or otherwise axially aligned with the component holder 30, the lower portion 31 can be inserted into the main bore or opening 11 of the cap body 10. The component holder 10 is fully or substantially inserted or assembled into the cap body 10 when the lower end 64 of the tear strip 60 is arranged adjacent to or contacts surface 22 of the cap body 10 and also when lower sealing projection 36 is seated in the sealing area arranged above the sealing projection 19 of the cap body 10 and also when shoulder 37 is arranged just below the shoulder 21 of the cap body 10. Thereafter, a dispensable component(s) is inserted via the opening 42 arranged at an upper end of the component holder 30 and placed in the space MS. Next, the cover 50 is axially aligned over the opening 42 and inserted therein until the sealing projection 56 sealingly engages with the sealing area disposed below sealing projection 43 and the annular surface 55 extends into the space MS until the flange 57 contacts or abuts the annular surface 47 of the wall 40. In embodiments, the configuration of the component holder 30 and cap body 10 is such that once assembled or connected to one another as just described (see also FIG. 11), they cannot be disassembled without causing damage to one or more portions of these components. Similarly, in embodiments, the configuration of the component holder 30 and cover 50 is such that once assembled or connected to one another as just described (see also FIG. 11), and after a dispensable component(s) is placed into space MS, they cannot be disassembled without causing damage to one or more portions of these components. In one or both cases, these connections can be said to be non-removable and/or permanent. Moreover, in embodiments, the connection of the component holder 30 and the cover 50 can be reversed such that the cover 50 can include a recess and the component holder 30 can include a projection engaging therewith. Other connections can also be utilized such as adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc. Still further, in embodiments, the sealing engagement between the component holder 30 and the cap body 10 can be configured than that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 as will be described further on. Moreover, within the context of the invention, different sealing engagements (other than sealing projections and recesses) as well as more than two sealing projections or recesses can be utilized to provide sealing engagement between the component holder 30 and the cap body 10—provided the sealing engagement allows the cap 1 to store the dispensable component(s) and to dispense the same at a desired point in time as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-23, it can be seen how the cap body 10 can be embodied. In embodiments, the cap body 10 is a one-piece integrally formed member having two main parts or sections. One part is main cap portion 12 and another part is the tamper evident ring 13. The tamper evident ring 13 can be of any type known, but is preferably similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. As is the case with known tamper evident rings, the tamper evident ring 13 has an internal thread and is connected via a frangible connection or breakable connection zone 14 to the main cap body 12. As regards the main cap portion 12, this member can include internal threads or thread segments 15 which can be of any type known, but is preferably similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. These internal threads 15 are arranged on an inner circumferential surface of an outer wall 16 whose bottom annular edge is connected via connection 14 to the tamper evident ring 13. An inner wall 17 is arranged generally concentrically within the outer wall 16. The main opening 11 which receives therein the component holder 30 is defined by the inner wall 17. A downward projecting and axially shorter sealing wall 18 is arranged generally concentrically between the inner wall 17 and the outer wall 16. The size, shape and configuration of the sealing wall 18 can be of any type known, but is preferably similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. A circumferential lower seal or sealing projection 19 is arranged on a lower end of the inner wall 17 and is axially spaced from a shoulder 21. As discussed above and clearly shown in FIG. 13, the sealing projection 19 is sized, shaped and configured to almost sealingly engage with the lower sealing projection 36 of the component holder 30. The shoulder 21 functions as a locking mechanism and locks to the projection(s) 38 when the cap 1 is in the dispensing position (see FIG. 8). In embodiments, the locking shoulder 21 is arranged axially closer to the projection 19 than to the sealing projection 20 as shown in FIG. 22. The sealing projection 20 is sized, shaped and configured to frictionally and sealing engage (see FIG. 12) with an outer generally cylindrical surface of the wall 40 of the component holder 30 when the component holder 30 is in the initial position shown in FIG. 7, when it is moved to the dispensing position shown in FIG. 8, and when locked in the dispensing position. In embodiments, when the locking engagement occurs between projection(s) 38 and shoulder 21 (see FIG. 8), this engagement produces a tactile and/or an audible signal so that a user will be aware that cap 1 has become locked in the dispensing position. Such engagement also ensures that the component holder 30 cannot be moved any further—thereby serving a device for limiting axial movement of the component holder 30. As should be apparent, at least two axially spaced seals 20 and 36 are sized, shaped and configured to provide sealing engagement between the component holder 30 and the cap body 10. The cap body 10 also can include an upper annular surface 22 which, in embodiments, is axially spaced from or slightly below an uppermost surface of the cap body 10. The surface 22 extends to a shoulder 23 whose size, shape and configuration is larger than an outer diameter of bottom end 64 of the tear strip 60. In this way, the end 64 can be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the surface 22 when the cap 1 is arranged in the storage position (see FIG. 11). An axial length of a main portion of the cap body 10 is defined by an axial distance between the lower end 24 and the upper end 25 of the cap body 10. An overall axial length of the cap body 10 is defined by the bottom end 24 and an upper annular end 26 of the inner wall 17. In embodiments, both lengths are greater than an axial length of the cover 50 but less than that of the component holder 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-29, it can be seen how the component holder 30 can be embodied. In embodiments, the component holder 30 is a one-piece integrally formed member which, after being formed with a tear strip 60, has two main parts. One part includes all of the features shown in FIGS. 24-29—excluding the tear strip 60 and another part is the tear strip 60 shown attached to this member in FIGS. 24-29 and removed therefrom in FIG. 7. The tear strip 60 can be of any type known such as one that is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, however, it has the configuration shown in FIGS. 24-29, i.e., the tear strip 60 can include a main strip portion 61, an upper end 62 that is connected to the annular surface 45 via a breakable or frangible connection 63, a lower end 64 configured to contact, abut or be arranged adjacent to the surface 22 when the cap 1 is in the storage position (see FIGS. 6 and 11), and a pull tab 65 which can be gripped by a user and which allows the user to remove the tear strip 60 and thereby break the frangible connection 63.

Referring again to FIGS. 24-29, it can be seen that the component holder 30 can include a lower portion or region 31 that is sized, shaped and configured to pass into the main opening 11 of the cap body 10. The component holder 30 also can include a lower end 32 and a bottom wall 33. The bottom wall 33 can be of a known type such as one that is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, however, it has the configuration shown in FIGS. 24-29, i.e., it has a generally tapered configuration so as to facilitate dispensing of the dispensable component under the force of gravity. The component holder 30 also can include struts or legs 34, e.g., four, which can be substantially equally spaced, which serve to define substantially equally sized openings 35 and to connect the bottom wall 33 to the cylindrical wall 40. The struts 34 can be of a known type such as ones that are similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, however, they have the configuration shown in FIGS. 24-29, i.e., they have a generally tapered configuration so as to facilitate dispensing of the dispensable component under the force of gravity. The component holder 30 also can include a circumferential lower sealing projection 36 arranged at a lower end of the component holder 30. As discussed above, the sealing projection 36 is sized, shaped and configured to sealingly engage with a generally cylindrical area of the cap body 10 arranged between the shoulder 21 and projection 19. The component holder 30 further can include an annular shoulder 37 as well as one or more locking projections 38. As discussed above, the one or more locking projections 38 are sized, shaped and configured to lockingly engage with the shoulder 21 of the cap body 10 in the dispensing position. However, they are also spaced from the inner wall 17 when in the initial or storage position (see FIGS. 6 and 11). The component holder 30 also can include an inner space MS sized, shaped and configured to receive therein the dispensable component(s) and optionally also air, gas or empty space. This space MS extends axially from the bottom wall 33 to the projection 43 and can also extend into an axial space within the cover 50, when installed. The component holder 30 also can include upper portion or region 39 which is sized, shaped or configured to project or extend above the main bore 11 of the cap body 10 in the storage position. The generally cylindrical wall 40 extends nearly to an upper end 41 of the component holder 30. An inlet opening 42 is arranged in an area of the upper end 41 and is sized, shaped and configured to allow for the dispensable component(s) to pass into the space MS (prior to installation of the cover 50) and can receive therein and be closed-off by the cover 50. A circumferential sealing/locking projection 43 is arranged in the inlet opening 42 and sized, shaped and configured to sealingly and lockingly engage with the circumferential sealing projection 56 of the cover 50. A dome-shaped outer portion 44 is also arranged in an area of the upper end 41 of the component holder 30. In embodiments, the portion 44 can be of an alternative shape such as e.g., flat or planar. A lower annular surface 45 is arranged at a lower end of the dome-shaped outer portion 44 and is sized, shaped or configured to contact, abut or be located adjacent to the surface 22 when the cap 1 is moved to the dispensing position (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This serves as an alternative or redundant mechanism to limit axial movement of the component holder 30 relative to the cap body 10. An annular space 46 is produced in the component holder 30 when the tear strip 60 is removed (see FIGS. 41-43).

Referring now to FIGS. 30-34, it can be seen that the cover 50 can be a one-piece integrally formed member that can include a generally dome-shaped wall 51 having a dome-shaped outer surface 52 as well as a dome-shaped inner surface 53 (see FIG. 33). In embodiments, the cover 50 can be of an alternative shape such as, e.g., inwardly curved, flat or planar. The cover 50 also can include a circumferential surface 54, a circumferential projection 56, and an annular end surface 55, as well as an annular shoulder 57. An inner space 58 is defined within the cover 50 and can, among other things, receive therein an amount of the dispensable component, provide an air or gas space, and receive or house a desiccant material.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 14 and 35-40, there can be seen one non-limiting way in which the cap 1 can be preassembled prior to receiving therein a dispensable component(s). Prior to full assembly (and optionally even after being installed onto a container), the cap 1 can receive therein the dispensable component(s) via the opening 42. Once a desired amount of dispensable component(s) is placed in the space MS, the cover 50 can be installed on the cap 1 so that the cap 50 assumes the configuration shown in FIG. 38 (the dispensable component(s) is not shown in FIG. 40 but its arrangement can be like that shown in FIG. 48). At this point, the cap 1 can be installed on an upper end of a container as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40.

With reference to FIGS. 41-43, there can be seen one non-limiting way in which the cap 1 can be used to dispense a dispensable component(s)—after it is installed on an upper end of a container in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 or FIG. 46. First, a user removes the tear strip 60 so that the cap 1 assumes the configuration shown in FIGS. 41-43 or FIG. 7. Doing so creates the space 46 which is defined as being axially disposed between the surface 45 and the surface 22. Then, the user moves the component holder 30 to the dispensing position shown in FIGS. 44-46 or FIG. 8 which results in the surface 45 abutting or nearly abutting the surface 22 and generally simultaneously results in the locking projections 38 becoming locked with the shoulder 21. The movement of the component holder 30 from the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 41-43 to that shown in FIGS. 8 and 44-46 can occur by a user applying a downward pushing force against the cover 50 or the dome-shaped surface 44, or both, using the palm of one hand while either holding the container in the other hand or steadying it on a static surface such as a table top. In the dispensing position, the dispensable component(s) (not shown) stored in the cap 1 is/are allowed to pass out of the openings 35 and into the container in a manner similar to that described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. mentioned above. This dispensing out of the dispensable component can occur as a result of the movement and sudden stopping of the component holder 30 and/or under the action of gravity, or both, and is facilitated by, among other things, appropriately shaped and sized bottom wall 33, legs 34 and openings 35. As is apparent from FIGS. 8 and 46, a significant portion of the openings 35 are arranged below the lower end of the inner wall 17 located directly beneath the projection 19. The dispensable component can thus be said to exit the cap 1 and enter into the container from this area or zone located between this lower end and the bottom wall 33.

With reference to FIGS. 49-85, there is shown a second non-limiting embodiment of a cap or cap assembly 1′. Unless otherwise specified or apparent, each reference number that corresponds to a comparable feature of the previous embodiment utilizes the same reference number but designated with “prime”. For example, the reference number for a cap body is designed 10′ in this embodiment whereas the cap body of the previous embodiment was designed with reference 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 49-60, in embodiments, the cap 1′ can include three main components, i.e., a cap body 10′, a component holder 30′, and a cover 50′. The component holder 30′ can have an integrally formed and removable tear strip 60′. FIGS. 49 and 50 respectively show installed and removed positions of the tear strip 60′. The cap body 10′ is installable or mountable to a container such a container 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, and specifically to an upper end 103′ of a container as shown in FIGS. 52-60. Of course, containers of other types, sizes and shapes can be used with the cap 1 in accordance with the invention. Additionally, it should be noted that the cap or cap assembly 1′ is more adaptable for use with containers utilizing carbonated beverages and utilizes more robust sealing features as will be described later on.

The cap body 10′ can also include a tamper evident (T/E) ring 13′ below the thread, as was utilized in the previous embodiment. A T/E ring, however, need not be utilized. Furthermore, other tamper evident devices can also be utilized such as, e.g., a shrink band/sleeve.

With reference to FIGS. 52-60, there can be seen one non-limiting way in which the cap 1′ can be used to dispense a dispensable component(s)—after it is installed on an upper end 103′ of a container. First, a user removes the tear strip 60′ so that the cap 1′ assumes the configuration shown in FIGS. 53 and 58. Doing so creates the space 46′ which is defined as being axially disposed between the surface 45′ and the surface 22′. Then, the user moves the component holder 30′ to the dispensing position shown in FIGS. 54 and 60 which results in the surface 45′ abutting or nearly abutting the surface 22′ and generally simultaneously results in the locking projections 38′ becoming locked with the shoulder 21′. The movement of the component holder 30′ from the position shown in FIGS. 50 and 53 to that shown in FIGS. 51 and 54 can occur by a user applying a downward pushing force against the cover 50′ or the dome-shaped surface 44′, or both, using the palm of one hand while either holding the container in the other hand or steadying it on a static surface such as a table top. In the dispensing position, the dispensable component(s) (not shown) stored in the cap 1′ is/are allowed to pass out of the openings 35′ and into the container in a manner similar to that described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. mentioned above. This dispensing out of the dispensable component can occur as a result of the movement and sudden stopping of the component holder 30′ and/or under the action of gravity, or both, and is facilitated by, among other things, appropriately shaped and sized bottom wall 33′, legs 34′ and openings 35′. As is apparent from FIG. 60, a significant portion of the openings 35′ are arranged below the lower end of the inner wall 17′ located directly beneath the sealing zone PSZ. The dispensable component can thus be said to exit the cap 1′ and enter into the container from this area or zone located between this lower end of wall 17′ and the bottom wall 33′.

Referring now to FIGS. 64-68, it can be seen how the cap body 10′ can be embodied. In embodiments, the cap body 10′ is a one-piece integrally formed member having two main parts or sections. One part is main cap portion 12′ and another part is the tamper evident ring 13′. The tamper evident ring 13′ can be of any type known, but is preferably similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. As is the case with known tamper evident rings, the tamper evident ring 13′ has an internal thread and is connected via a frangible connection or breakable connection zone 14′ to the main cap body 12′. As regards the main cap portion 12′, this member can include internal threads or thread segments 15′ which can be of any type known, but is preferably similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. These internal threads 15′ are arranged on an inner circumferential surface of an outer wall 16′ whose bottom annular edge is connected via connection 14′ to the tamper evident ring 13′. An inner wall 17′ is arranged generally concentrically within the outer wall 16′. The main opening 11′ which receives therein the component holder 30′ is defined by the inner wall 17′. A downward projecting and axially shorter sealing wall 18′ is arranged generally concentrically between the inner wall 17′ and the outer wall 16′. The size, shape and configuration of the sealing wall 18′ can be of any type known, but is preferably similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. Instead of a circumferential lower seal or sealing projection (i.e., projection 19) utilizes in the previous embodiment, a generally circumferential sealing zone PSZ is arranged on a lower end of the inner wall 17′ and is axially spaced from a shoulder 21′. As discussed above and clearly shown in FIG. 81, the sealing zone PSZ is sized, shaped and configured to sealingly frictionally engage with the lower sealing projection 36′ of the component holder 30′. The shoulder 21′ functions as a locking mechanism and locks to the projection(s) 38′ when the cap 1′ is in the dispensing position (see FIG. 60). In embodiments, the locking shoulder 21′ is arranged axially closer to the zone PSZ than to the sealing projection 20′ as shown in FIG. 67. The sealing projection 20′ is generally axially longer than that of the previous embodiment and is sized, shaped and configured to frictionally and sealing engage (see FIG. 83) with an outer generally cylindrical surface of the wall 40′ of the component holder 30′ when the component holder 30′ is in the initial position shown in FIG. 58, when it is moved to the dispensing position shown in FIG. 60, and when locked in the dispensing position. In embodiments, when the locking engagement occurs between projection(s) 38′ and shoulder 21′ (see FIG. 60), this engagement produces a tactile and/or an audible signal so that a user will be aware that cap 1′ has become locked in the dispensing position. Such engagement also ensures that the component holder 30′ cannot be moved any further—thereby serving a device for limiting axial movement of the component holder 30′. As should be apparent, at least two axially spaces seals 20′ and 36′ are sized, shaped and configured to provide sealingly engage between the component holder 30′ and the cap body 10′. The cap body 10′ also can include an upper annular surface 22′ which, in embodiments, is axially spaced from or slightly below an uppermost surface 25′ of the cap body 10′. The surface 22′ extends to a shoulder 23′ whose size, shape and configuration is larger than an outer diameter of bottom end 64′ of the treat strip 60′. In this way, the end 64′ can be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the surface 22′ when the cap 1′ is arranged in the storage position (see FIG. 85). An axial length of a main portion of the cap body 10′ is defined by an axial distance between the lower end 24′ and the upper end 25′ of the cap body 10′. An overall axial length of the cap body 10′ is defined by the bottom end 24′ and an upper annular end 26′ of the inner wall 17′. In embodiments, both lengths are greater than an axial length of the cover 50′ but less than that of the component holder 30′.

Referring now to FIGS. 69-74, it can be seen how the component holder 30′ can be embodied. In embodiments, the component holder 30′ is a one-piece integrally formed member which, after being formed with a tear strip 60′, has two main parts. One part includes all of the features shown in FIGS. 69-74—excluding the tear strip 60′ and another part is the tear strip 60′ shown attached to this member in FIGS. 69-74 and removed therefrom in FIGS. 50, 53 and 58. The tear strip 60′ can be of any type known such as one that is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, however, it has the configuration shown in FIGS. 69-74, i.e., the tear strip 60′ can include a main strip portion 61′, an upper end 62′ that is connected to the annular surface 45′ via a breakable or frangible connection 63′, a lower end 64′ configured to contact, abut or be arranged adjacent to the surface 22′ when the cap 1′ is in the storage position (see FIGS. 80 and 85), and a pull tab 65′ which can be gripped by a user and which allows the user to remove the tear strip 60′ and thereby break the frangible connection 63′.

Referring again to FIGS. 69-74, it can be seen that the component holder 30′ can includes a lower portion or region 31′ that is sized, shaped and configured to extend or pass into the main opening 11′ of the cap body 10′. The component holder 30′ also can include a lower end 32′ and a bottom wall 33′. The bottom wall 33′ can be of any type such as one that is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, however, it has the configuration shown in FIGS. 69-74, i.e., it has a generally tapered configuration so as to facilitate dispensing of the dispensable component under the force of gravity. The component holder 30′ also can include struts or legs 34′, e.g., four, which can be substantially equally spaced, which serve to define substantially equally sized openings 35′ and to connect the bottom wall 33′ to the cylindrical wall 40′. The struts 34′ can be of any type such as ones that are similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, however, they have the configuration shown in FIGS. 69-74, i.e., they have a generally tapered configuration so as to facilitate dispensing of the dispensable component under the force of gravity. The component holder 30′ also can include a circumferential lower sealing section 36′ arranged at a lower end of the component holder 30′. As discussed above, the sealing section 36′ can be generally cylindrical and is sized, shaped and configured to sealingly engage with a generally cylindrical area PSZ of the cap body 10′ arranged beneath the shoulder 21′ (see FIG. 81). The component holder 30′ further can include an annular shoulder 37′ as well as one or more locking projections 38′. Like the previous embodiment, the shoulder 37′ is configured to abut or substantially abut the shoulder 21′ when the cap 1′ is in the original or storage position (see FIG. 81). As discussed above, the one or more locking projections 38′ are sized, shaped and configured to lockingly engage with the shoulder 21′ of the cap body 10′ in the dispensing position. However, they are also spaced from the inner wall 17′ when in the initial or storage position (see e.g., FIG. 56). The component holder 30′ also can include an inner space MS' sized, shaped and configured to receive therein the dispensable component(s) and optionally also air, gas or empty space. This space MS' extends axially from the bottom wall 33′ to the generally circumferential sealing surface 48′ and can also extend into an axial space within the cover 50′, when installed. The component holder 30′ also can include upper portion or region 39′ which is sized, shaped or configured to project or extend above the main bore 11′ of the cap body 10′ in the storage position. The generally cylindrical wall 40′ extends nearly to an upper end 41′ of the component holder 30′. An inlet opening 42′ is arranged in an area of the upper end 41′ and is sized, shaped and configured to allow for the dispensable component(s) to pass into the space MS' (prior to installation of the cover 50′) and can receive therein and be closed-off by the cover 50′. Plural equally spaces circumferential locking projection 43′ are arranged in or above an area of the inlet opening 42′ and are sized, shaped and configured to lockingly engage with the circumferential recess 54′ and projection 56′ of the cover 50′ (see FIG. 82). A dome-shaped outer portion 44′ is also arranged in an area of the upper end 41′ of the component holder 30′. In embodiments, the portion 44′ can be of an alternative shape such as e.g., flat or planar. A lower annular surface 45′ is arranged at a lower end of the dome-shaped outer portion 44′ and is sized, shaped or configured to contact, abut or be located adjacent to the surface 22′ when the cap 1′ is moved to the dispensing position. This serves as an alternative or redundant mechanism to limit axial movement of the component holder 30′ relative to the cap body 10′. An annular space 46′ is produced in the component holder 30′ when the tear strip 60′ is removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 75-79, it can be seen that the cover 50′ can be a one-piece integrally formed member that can include a generally dome-shaped wall 51′ having a dome-shaped outer surface 52′ as well as a dome-shaped inner surface 53′ (see FIG. 79). In embodiments, the cover 50′ can be of an alternative shape such as, e.g., inwardly curved, flat or planar. The cover 50′ also can include a circumferential recess 54′, a circumferential projection 56′, and an annular end surface made up of alternating projections and recesses 55′, as well as an annular shoulder 57′. A sealing surface or zone 59′ is structured and arranged to sealingly engage with surface 48′ to provide sealing even under the relatively high pressures generated by carbonated beverages. An inner space 58′ is defined within the cover 50′ and can, among other things, receive therein an amount of the dispensable component, provide an air or gas space, and receive or house a desiccant material.

Although discusses above, it should be noted that an advantageous benefit of the lower seal arrangement shown in FIG. 81 relates to the use of a lock configuration provided by the shoulders 21′ and 37′ as well as a main or primary seal zone for the cap 1′ provided by sealing engagement between the surfaces 36′ and PSZ. The lock prevents and/or limits upward axial movement of the component holder 30′ in relation to the cap body 10′ while the surfaces 36′ and PSZ provide sealing even under the relatively high pressures generated by carbonated beverages.

An advantageous benefit of the interlock arrangement shown in FIG. 82 relates to the use of locking projections 43′ and 56′. This locking arrangement is designed to be permanent and functions as a blow-off prevention system and is also designed to maintain the sealing provided between surfaces or. zones 48′ and 59′ even under the relatively high pressures generated by carbonated beverages.

An advantageous benefit of the middle or secondary seal arrangement shown in FIG. 83 relates to the use of a sliding seal configuration provided by the inwardly oriented projection 20′ and the movable generally circumferential surface 40′. This seal is maintained regardless of the upward or downward axial movement of the component holder 30′ in relation to the cap body 10′ and provide sealing additional even under the relatively high pressures generated by carbonated beverages.

Although not shown, the cap(s) 1, 1′ described herein can also be modified to utilize a sipper interface similar to that disclosed in FIGS. 28-31 of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/249,987 filed on Sep. 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. P40074). The entire disclosure of this application is herein incorporated by reference. Additionally or alternatively, it may utilize one or more of those sipper interfaces described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. mentioned above.

In each of the herein disclosed embodiments, there can optionally be provided a mechanism for holding, retaining or storing a desicant similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 to CRONIN et al. In embodiments, the cover 50, 50′ can include such a mechanism.

The following is an exemplary and/or non-limiting list of substances which can constitute a dispensable component usable with the cap of the invention: granules or tablets including Creatine, wolfberry, calcium, guanine, arginine, Vitamins B, B12, C, D, ibuprofen, electrolytes, niacin, folic acid, biotin, choline bitartate, inositol, manganese, calcium, Saint John's wart, yohimbe, chromium polynicotinate, carnitine, taurine, astragulus, schizandra, kava kava, lemon grass, Echinacea, prolione, bee pollen, amino acids, chitin oligomers, water soluble oral chitosan oligomers and zinc, among others. The component may comprise granules having different sizes and weights. For example, a first component, a supplemental component and a third component may be utilized. In an embodiment, the first component weighs approximately 0.10-0.50 grams, the supplemental component weighs approximately 0.15-0.75 grams and the third component weighs approximately 0.20-1.0 grams. In the stored condition, the dispensible component may be disbursed by weight/size within the chamber. In an alternate embodiment, the first, second and third components may be disbursed randomly throughout the chamber. It is also to be understood that in other embodiments the chamber may include a single component having one size and shape, two components having two sizes and shapes or any number or combination of components having different sizes and shapes. In a further alternate embodiment, the component in a second chamber may be a powder, liquid, gas, slurry or other particles.

The following is a list of materials which can be used to form the container as well as the cap body 10, 10′ the component holder 30, 30′, the cover 50, 50′, and/or the tear strip 60, 60′: these components may be formed or manufactured by any known methods in the art. For example, the container or bottle may be blow molded. The cap components may be injection molded. One, many, most or all parts may be made of FDA approved materials. Materials may include Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyester and Co-Polyester (PET and PET-G), Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), Polystyrene (PS).

EXAMPLES OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

Example A

With reference to the Figures, in embodiments, there is provided a cap 1, 1′ comprising a cap body 10, 10′ mountable to a container 100 and a main bore disposed in the cap body 10, 10′. A movable component holder 30, 30′ comprises a lower end, an upper end, and a space sized and configured to contain a dispensable component. At least a first seal (see FIG. 12 or 83) provides sealing between an inner surface of the cap body 10, 10′ and an outer surface of the component holder 30, 30′. The first seal is disposed on a generally circumferential wall and located axially above an annular upper wall of the cap body 10, 10′. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal is arranged on a generally circumferential wall that can deflect slightly radially outwardly. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal projects from the inner surface of the cap body 10, 10′. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal is axially fixed to the inner surface of the cap body 10, 10′. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal is disposed at an upper end of the main bore 11′, 11′. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal is arranged above an uppermost annular surface 25, 25′ of the cap body 10, 10′. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal is slidably engageable with an outer circumferential surface 40, 40′of the component holder 30, 30′. Alternatively or additionally, the first seal is located adjacent an upper end of an inner tubular section of the cap body 10, 10′. The cap assembly 1, 1′ can also include a cover 50, 50′ installable on the upper end of the component holder 30, 30′. When the cover 50, 50′ is installed and the component holder 30, 30′ is in an initial or retracted position (see FIGS. 47 and 48 or 84 and 85), a portion of each of the cap body 10, 10′, the component holder 30, 30′, and the cover 50, 50′ is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component. When the cap 1, 1′ is arranged on the container 100 and the component holder 30, 30′ is arranged in a dispensing position, the dispensable component can pass into the container 100 through a portion 35, 35′ of the component holder 30, 30′ disposed between the lower end and a portion of the cap body 10, 10′.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cap comprising:

a cap body mountable to a container;

a main bore disposed in the cap body;

a movable component holder comprising a lower end, an upper end, and a space sized and configured to contain a dispensable component;

at least a first seal providing sealing between an inner surface of the cap body and an outer surface of the component holder;

the first seal at least one of: being disposed on a generally circumferential wall and located axially above an annular upper wall of the cap body; being arranged on a generally circumferential wall that can deflect slightly radially outwardly; projecting from the inner surface of the cap body; being axially fixed to the inner surface of the cap body; being disposed at an upper end of the main bore; being arranged above an uppermost annular surface of the cap body; slidably engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the component holder; and being located adjacent an upper end of an inner tubular section of the cap body; and

a cover installable on the upper end of the component holder,

wherein, when the cover is installed and the component holder is in an initial or retracted position, a portion of each of the cap body, the component holder, and the cover is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component, and

wherein, when the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is arranged in a dispensing position, the dispensable component can pass into the container through a portion of the component holder disposed between the lower end and a portion of the cap body.

2. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a removable strip connected to the cap body.

3. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a removable strip at least one of:

is arranged between a portion of the component holder and a surface of the cap body;

has an upper end removably connected to a portion of the component holder;

has a lower end contacting or arranged adjacent a portion of the cap body; and

is integrally formed with the component holder,

4. The cap of claim 1, wherein the cover is at least one of:

non-removably installed on the upper end of the component holder;

arranged to close off an opening in the upper end which allows the dispensable component to pass into the space; and

generally dome-shaped.

5. The cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

a second seal arranged in an area of the lower end of the component holder and being in a sealing position when the component holder is in the initial or retracted position;

a second seal having a sealing engagement diameter that is smaller than a sealing engagement diameter of the first seal;

a second seal axially spaced from the first seal by an axial distance that is greater than a maximum allowable axial movement of the component holder;

a second seal axially spaced from the first seal by an axial distance that is greater than an axial distance between a locking projection arranged on the component holder and an annular shoulder arranged on the cap body;

a second seal axially spaced from the first seal and being arranged above an annular shoulder disposed on the cap body;

a second seal axially spaced from the first seal and being arranged on a generally circumferential wall disposed axially below a bottom wall of the component holder; and

a second seal comprising a primary seal preventing the dispensable component from passing out of the space into the container and the first seal being a sliding seal.

6. The cap of claim 5, wherein the first and second seals provide sealing when the component holder is in the initial or retracted position and only the first seal provides sealing when the component holder is in the dispensing position.

7. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a locking arrangement structured and arranged to lock the component holder in the dispensing position.

8. The cap of claim 7, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a locking projection arranged on the component holder and a locking shoulder arranged on the cap body.

9. The cap of claim 7, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a circumferential locking projection arranged on the component holder and an annular locking shoulder arranged on the cap body.

10. The cap of claim 7, wherein the locking arrangement comprises an axially movable projection arranged on the component holder and an axially fixed annular shoulder arranged on the cap body.

11. The cap of claim 1, wherein at least one of:

the cap body is a one-piece member and the cover is a one-piece member; and

the cap body has an outer portion and a concentrically arranged inner portion and an axial length of the outer portion is shorter than an axial length of the inner portion.

12. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a removable strip that at least one of:

prevents movement of the component holder from the initial or retracted position to the dispensing position until the removable strip is removed; and

is a generally cylindrical strip-shaped member having a pull-tab and being connected with a frangible or breakable connection to the upper end of the component holder.

13. The cap of claim 1, wherein the component holder comprises one of:

a tapered bottom;

a conical shaped bottom wall;

a bottom wall having a shape configured to facilitate a flowing out of the dispensable component when the component holder is arranged in the dispensing position;

legs connecting a bottom wall to a main body portion of the component holder;

openings disposed between legs allowing the dispensable component to pass out of the space; and

openings and legs axially arranged between first and second axially spaced seals of the component holder.

14. The cap of claim 1, wherein the original or retracted position is a releasably lockable storage position and the dispensing position is a non-releasably lockable position.

15. The cap of claim 1, wherein the cover is at least one of:

structured and arranged to receive a desiccant;

press fit attached to the upper end of the component holder; and

in sealing engagement with the upper end of the component holder.

16. The cap of claim 1, wherein the main bore of the cap body is defined by a generally cylindrical inner wall, and wherein the cap body further comprises at least one of:

an outer wall spaced from and surrounding the inner wall and having an internal thread or thread segments arranged on an inner surface of the outer wall; and

a tamper-evident ring connected to a lower end of the outer wall of the cap body.

17. A method of assembling the cap of claim 1, the method comprising:

inserting the component holder, lower end first, into the main bore of the cap body;

after the inserting, placing a measured amount of the dispensable component into the space; and

attaching the cover to the upper end of the component holder.

18. A method of using the cap of claim 1, the method comprising:

applying a force to the upper end of the component holder sufficient to cause the component holder to move from the initial or retracted position to the dispensing position,

wherein, in the dispensing position, at least one of: substantially all of the dispensable component passes into the container from the space; substantially all of the dispensable component automatically passes into the container from the space; and substantially all of the dispensable component passes into the container from the space under the influence of gravity.

19. A cap comprising:

a cap body mountable to a container and comprising a bore;

a component holder comprising an upper portion, an internal space for accommodating a dispensable component, a lower portion, and a bottom wall;

the lower portion being positionable inside the bore;

first and second axially spaced seals providing sealing between the component holder and the cap body;

the first seal being axially fixed to a portion of the cap body;

the second seal being movable from an initial sealing position to a non-sealing position when the component holder is moved to an activated position;

at least one opening arranged between the first and second axially spaced seals;

the upper portion comprising at least a partially dome-shaped surface and an opening allowing the dispensable component to enter into the space; and

a removable tear strip at least one of: being structured and arranged to prevent the component holder from moving downward relative to the cap body until the tear strip is removed; and providing a compression barrier against activation of the cap,

wherein, in a storage position, a portion of each of the cap body and the component holder is adapted to come into contact with a dispensable component, and

wherein, when the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is moved to the activated position, the dispensable component can pass into the container through the at least one opening.

20. A cap for carbonated beverages, comprising:

a cap body mountable to a container and comprising an inner wall having a bore;

a movable component holder comprising a lower end, an upper end, a space sized to contain a dispensable component;

first and second axially spaced seal zones arranged to provide sealing between the component holder and the inner wall of the cap body;

the first seal zone arranged on the lower region of the component holder and utilizing sealing engagement with an inner surface of the inner wall of the cap body;

the second seal zone arranged on an upper region the inner wall and utilizing sealing engagement with an outer surface of the component holder;

a cover in locking engagement with a portion of the upper end of the component holder,

wherein, when the component holder is in an original or retracted position, a portion of each of the cap body, the component holder, and the cover is adapted to come into contact with the dispensable component, and

wherein, when the cap is arranged on the container and the component holder is in a dispensing position, the dispensable component can pass into the container from the space disposed within the component holder.