US20230126929A1 - Dispensing closure, method of using and making the same - Google Patents
Dispensing closure, method of using and making the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230126929A1 US20230126929A1 US17/970,194 US202217970194A US2023126929A1 US 20230126929 A1 US20230126929 A1 US 20230126929A1 US 202217970194 A US202217970194 A US 202217970194A US 2023126929 A1 US2023126929 A1 US 2023126929A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- pill
- container
- dispensing system
- medium
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 claims description 116
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 30
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 20
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000013343 vitamin Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011782 vitamin Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229940088594 vitamin Drugs 0.000 claims description 6
- 229930003231 vitamin Natural products 0.000 claims description 6
- 150000003722 vitamin derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011573 trace mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013619 trace mineral Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000021554 flavoured beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 claims 10
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims 10
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims 6
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims 6
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 claims 5
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims 5
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims 5
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 claims 5
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims 5
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims 5
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007938 effervescent tablet Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010953 base metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002779 inactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2828—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/049—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means forming a part of a removable closure, e.g. gripping teeth, cavity
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a dispensing closure, method of using and making the same that can be filled with a material to be dispensed into a container and more particularly to a dispensing bottle cap that can be operated so the material inside would dispense into the container for mixing with liquid in the container while the container remains sealed.
- the Bottle cap then can be removed as one unit to open the container.
- the invention is directed to a dispensing closure, method of using and making the same that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An advantage of the invention is to provide a system that allows for rapid exchange of media from the dispensing closure into the container when desired by the user.
- the mediums could be various materials such as a pill that dissolves in liquid so as to activate or mix them when having them initially mixed might cause spoilage or inactivation of the dissimilar mediums during shipping and storage.
- Being able to combine the mediums directly before consumption has advantages such as chemical reactions and keeping the active ingredients fresh.
- Convenience is also achieved because a simple turn of the dispensing closure dispenses its contents into the container while it remains sealed from the outside. This is as opposed to having to open the container and then open a separate container and insert its contents and then reclose the container so the dissimilar ingredients can be mixed or activated.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of the first cap and second cap of FIG. 1 in a connected orientation.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of the second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary top view of a second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary side view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of a first cap and second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of a pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side perspective view of a pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary side exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially connected first orientation.
- FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially connected second orientation.
- FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially connected third orientation.
- FIG. 21 illustrates a method of using dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,110 issued to Moscovitz which relates generally to a storage device engages a container, such as a bottle, to dispense a stored substance into the bottle.
- the device includes a housing for storing the substance, and a breakable seal disposed in the housing adjacent an opening for sealing the substance in the housing.
- the device includes a breaking member carried by the housing between the opening and the breakable seal for being driven by the bottle when engaged with the device to break the seal and allow dispensing of the substance into the bottle.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,797 issued to Kahn, et al. which relates to a device for dispensing pills one at a time or one dose at a time includes a unit chamber sized to fit within/integral with the rim of a bottle.
- the unit chamber includes a plurality of radial projections which project inwardly to define discrete pill holding areas. The distance between adjacent radial projections is slightly larger than the width of the pill sought to be contained and dispensed by the container. As the bottle is inverted, pills will fall into the pill holding areas, one pill or dosage amount per area.
- a dispensing cap is rotatable relative to the unit chamber.
- a single pill-width window in the cap is positionable opposite the pill holding areas of the unit chamber.
- the bottle is inverted or angled downward, and a single pill in the pill holding area opposite the window falls out of the bottle.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,130 issued to Clark, et al. which relates to a single pill dispensing system for a bottle/vial of the type for dispensing a medication pill, where the bottle/vial has a circular body and receives a circular cap.
- an insert, slidably received in the circular body and circular cap is provided.
- the insert includes a body portion containing a circuitous channel of a size to accommodate a single pill as the user inverts or turns over the container body to capture and subsequently transfer the pill through the insert to a nesting recess in the lower surface of the circular cap.
- U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,174 issued to Seelhofer, et al. which relates to a fillable closure is used to trigger the emptying of a capsule that can be inserted in the closure and filled separately.
- the closure consists of a closing cap which can be attached to the neck of a container and in which a separately fillable capsule can be inserted in the closed state from beneath.
- the region above the inserted capsule on the closing cap forms a push button.
- a downwardly projecting protuberance is molded on the lower face. The protuberance abuts against the inserted capsule.
- the push button can be pressed to deform an initially convex shape as seen from above into a concave shape, the protuberance pushing the upper face of the capsule and the content thereof downward.
- a film, which forms the lower face of the capsule, is thus placed under tensile stress such that it breaks or bursts along weakened lines.
- U.S. Pat. No. 9,730,860 issued to Hamilton which relates a pill dispensing assembly for dispensing a pill from a pill bottle includes a first layer having a pill exit passage.
- a second layer is operatively connected to the first layer, and includes a pill entry passage horizontally offset from the exit passage.
- a pill dispensing layer is positioned between the first and second layers, is movable with respect to the first and second layers, and includes a holding chamber sized to receive the pill.
- the holding chamber is horizontally movable from a first loading position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the entry passage and is horizontally offset from the exit passage to receive the pill, to a second dispensing position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the exit passage and is horizontally offset from the entry passage to dispense the pill through the exit passage. Pill dispensing may be timed or time monitored.
- U.S. Pat. No. 9,834,367 issued to Veltri which relates to a medicine bottle cap includes a flip-top assembly and an outer cap pivotably attached to the flip top assembly and having an interior wall of the side wall that includes gear teeth.
- the medicine bottle cap further includes a pill delivery gear having gear teeth that engage the gear teeth in the outer cap and an inner cap having a slot for receiving a tab from the pill delivery gear for rotation thereof.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0090222 issued to Lee which relates to an Apparatus comprising: a main body coupled to a mouth part of a container; and an assembly type accommodating part having a storage space, which is integrated or assembled within the main body, wherein the storage space is configured so that an upper foldable connecting part or a foldable part is disposed on an upper portion of the main body, and when a rotational operable cover assembled with the upper portion is rotated, a foldable part spacing part pushes a spacing part corresponding part to open an accommodating part sealing part, the foldable part spacing part is disposed on the bottom of a top surface part of the rotational operable cover, the spacing part corresponding part is disposed at a center of the foldable connecting part, and the foldable part spacing part and the spacing part corresponding part are coupled to each other through a screw thread or screw groove method.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0113865 issued to Kazakevitch which relates to a convenient, inexpensive and portable effervescent tablets that the consumer can add to water to generate hydrogen-rich water just prior to drinking.
- the effervescent tablets include a base metal and an edible acid that, within about 5-10 minutes of mixing, generate a palatable aqueous solution having about 0.8 mM to about 3 mM hydrogen and a pH of 8-10.
- the dispensing apparatus is configured to a release a pill or material into a container that is releasably attached to the dispensing apparatus uses a sealed material, e.g., pill pack, that has a blister plastic on one side and breakable film or aluminum material, e.g., film on the other.
- the dispensing apparatus includes a first cap releasably attached to a container by a threaded connection that holds the pill pack.
- the pill pack includes a pill or material sealed in the pill pack.
- the pill pack is hermetically sealed with the pill or material inside before being inserted into the first cap to completely protect the pill from outside elements such as moisture and contaminants. This is intended to greatly increase the shelf life of the contents.
- the pill pack is tightly held by a threaded connection between the first cap and the container top edge to seal the container which may contain a liquid.
- the pill or material will be dispensed into the container upon use of the dispensing apparatus.
- the dispensing apparatus also includes a second cap oriented above the first cap.
- the second cap is attached to the first cap by a threaded connection and has a locking mechanism that when turned to a first position, locks the two caps together so they cannot be separated during shipping or store placement.
- This connection also allows the second cap to be further rotated upon the first cap so that it lowers down onto the first cap.
- a plunger, protrusion or pillar then pushes the pill in the sealed pack out through the breakable film or aluminum layer and into the container.
- an internal mechanism e.g., a plunger, protrusion, or pillar, that is oriented and extends orthogonally from a center region of the second, cap pushes on the pill or material through the pill pack to release the pill or material into the container attached to the closure dispensing apparatus.
- This turning action also locks the second cap to the first cap so that once the drink is ready, the caps with pill pack are simply unscrewed and removed all as one dispensing apparatus.
- This type of locking action also acts as a safety feature to ensure the first cap and second cap cannot be separated from one another after use, thereby avoiding two potential choking hazards.
- a locking mechanism prevents the first cap from becoming disconnected from the second cap. That is, the first cap cannot disconnect from the second cap as a safety feature.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary enlarged perspective view of the first cap and second cap of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of the second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary top view of a second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary side view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary enlarged perspective view of the first cap and second cap of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side perspective
- FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a first cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of a first cap and second cap of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- the dispensing system 100 includes a first cap 102 configured to be releasably connected to second cap 104 .
- the first cap 100 is configured to be releasably connected to a container apparatus 106 .
- first cap 102 , second cap 104 , and container 106 can be formed with injection molding or other method from various materials, e.g., thermoplastic material.
- the thermoplastic material includes one or more a polymer such as polypropylene, high-density polyethylene or other similar thermoplastic materials commonly used in the art for liquid contents.
- the first cap 102 includes one or more ergonomic features 106 configured to aid a user in holding, turning, and/or griping the first cap.
- the one or more ergonomic features 106 includes one or more raised portions spaced apart from non-raised portions.
- the second cap 104 includes one or more ergonomic features 108 configured to aid a user in holding, turning, and/or griping the first cap.
- the one or more ergonomic features 108 includes one or more raised portions spaced apart from non-raised portions.
- Other types of ergonomic features may also be utilized, e.g., different materials configured to allow a user to grip the cap, different coatings, combinations of the same and the like.
- the first cap 102 includes a first connection mechanism 110 configured to be releasably attached to a connection mechanism 112 of a container 106 , e.g., neck portion of a container.
- the first and connection mechanism 110 and container connection mechanism includes a threaded connections or other connection as known in the art.
- the first cap 102 includes a plurality of protrusions 107 , e.g., angled teeth configured to engage the plurality of protrusions 109 of the second cap 102 .
- the second cap 104 also includes a connection mechanism 114 configured to be attached to a second connection 116 of the first cap, e.g., a threaded connection mechanism.
- a pill pack or assembly 120 is configured to be arranged into a bottom portion or cavity of the first cap 102 and held by a ridge inside the first cap 102 .
- the second cap 104 also includes opposing dual clips or protrusions 122 inside the second cap that are configured to lock the second cap 104 onto the first cap 102 as it is threaded on to the first position for shipment and storage.
- the clips 122 engage into slots 124 in the first cap 102 so that once inserted, they lock it so the second cap 104 and it cannot be removed from the first cap 102 .
- the clips 122 disengage and allow the second cap 104 to be tightened further onto the first cap 102 .
- the second cap 104 includes a plurality of protrusions 109 , e.g., angled teeth configured to engage the plurality of protrusions 107 of the first cap 102 .
- the first cap 102 has a larger outside diameter than the second 104 cap so that a bottling machine can grip the larger first cap 102 to twist it tightly onto the container 106 .
- the pill pack assembly 120 is engaged to release the medium or pill.
- the second cap 104 further includes a protrusion 105 or plunger configured to engage at least a portion of the pill assembly 120 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a pill pack assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pill pack assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of a pill pack assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side perspective view of a pill pack assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- the pill pack assembly 120 includes upper portion 134 having a cavity 136 sized and configured to hold and at least partially surround a pill 138 .
- the upper portion 134 and the pill 138 are sealed with a lower layer of breakable material, e.g., aluminum film.
- the upper portion 134 can a blister pack material as known in the art formed from a thermoplastic material.
- the pill 138 or medium can be any type of pill or powder material.
- the pill or powder 138 includes a vitamin, a drug, a vitamin, a mineral, a trace element, a salt, a flavoring, a coloring, magnesium, chromium and other elements dissolvable in liquid.
- the bottle 106 also has a chamber configured to hold a fluid that is configured to mix with the medium 138 .
- the fluid can include water, flavored water, colored water, juice, flavored beverage, or other drinkable liquid.
- the cut-away view of FIG. 15 show the components of the pill pack assembly 120 .
- the pill, material, medium or contents 138 is arranged and sealed inside the pill pack assembly 120 .
- the upper layer of blister film 134 and a lower layer of breakable film or aluminum film 140 are hermetically sealed together protecting the contents 134 .
- the hermetic seal can be made by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, glue and the like.
- the foil 140 includes a perforation, e.g., a perforated pattern which is rough on the surface.
- an area of the pill pack can be unsealed 142 so as to provide a smooth surface for surfaces 111 and 113 to securely seal the contents inside the container.
- FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary side exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.
- FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially connected first orientation.
- FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially connected second orientation.
- FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially connected third orientation.
- FIGS. 16 - 20 showing an operation of tightening the second cap 104 onto the first cap 102 where the first cap 102 is attached to the bottle 106 .
- a portion of the pill pack assembly 120 is arranged between the first cap 102 and the second cap 104 being held into place as a concentric edge portion of the pill pack assembly is pinched between the top portion of the first cap 102 and a bottom portion of the second cap 104 . That is, a rim 111 of the first cap 106 tightly holds and seals a portion of the pill pack assembly that is contact with the rim 111 and rim 113 of the second cap 104 as shown in FIG. 18 .
- the first cap 102 has an internal connection mechanism 110 , e.g., threads that are configured to releasably engage with an external connection mechanism 112 , e.g., threads, of the bottle 106 .
- the pill pack 120 is secured between surface 111 of the container 106 and surface 113 of the first cap 102 . In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces 111 and 113 engage region 142 of the pill pack assembly 120 .
- An external connection mechanism 116 engage of the first cap 102 on the upper portion of the first cap 102 engage to a connection mechanism 114 on inside the second cap 104 . Twisting or operation of the second cap 104 onto the first cap 102 causes the second cap 104 to thread onto the first cap 102 with a desired number of turns.
- a protrusion or cylindrical plunger 105 inside the second cap 104 extends down to meet a surface of the pill pack assembly 120 .
- operation of the second 104 is done to push the contents 138 through the aluminum foil 140 of the pill pack 138 . More specifically, this is achieved by rotating the second cap 104 counter clockwise onto the first cap 102 . As the second cap 104 is rotated, it drops down onto the first cap by the connection mechanism 114 and 116 with approximately 300 degrees of rotation. The plunger 115 which rests above the pill pack 120 pushes the contents 138 , e.g., pill, out of the pill pack 120 as the plunger 115 moves vertically downward due to rotation of the second cap 104 . The movement is in a range from about 0.25 inches. The pill or material 138 then drops down into the contents of the container 106 thus mixing or activating the contents. The aluminum portion 140 that the pill 138 has pushed open is not completely torn from the pill pack 120 and remains with the cap assembly.
- the second cap 104 has opposing clips 122 that engage into slots 124 in the first cap 102 to lock the first cap onto the first cap 102 for shipment and sale. This locking is achieved by flat sides on the clip 122 and slot 124 that do not allow counter-clockwise rotation once engaged.
- the clips 122 also have opposing angled sides so as to allow the second cap 104 to be further rotated clockwise onto the first cap 102 so that the plunger 105 can drop down to release the contents of the pill or medium assembly 120 .
- a thin ring on the lower portion of the second cap 104 expands in circumference as it is lowered on to the first cap 102 to avoid pinch points as the caps are twisted together.
- the cap assembly may be left in place for an amount of time so as to allow the contents to dissolve or activate.
- the assembly is sealed, so a user may shake the entire assembly 100 to further mix the contents.
- the cap assembly 102 and 104 can be removed as a unit.
- small angled teeth 109 on the second cap 104 engage into small angled teeth 107 on the first cap 102 .
- the angled portion makes them engage with little resistance when turning clockwise, yet makes them locked to each other preventing counter-clockwise rotation.
- This locking mechanism unitizes the two caps to allow them to be rotated counter-clockwise and removed from the container 106 with the pill pack now clipped inside.
- the mixed contents of the container 106 can then be poured out or removed.
- FIG. 21 illustrates a method of using dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the method includes providing a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention (step 2110 ).
- step 2130 includes shaking the dispensing system. Removing the first cap and second cap simultaneously to expose the mixed contents (step 2140 ).
- inventions and methods described herein can be viewed as a whole, or as a number of separate inventions, that can be used independently or mixed and matched as desired. All inventions, steps, processed, devices, and methods described herein can be mixed and matched as desired. All previously described features, functions, or inventions described herein or by reference may be mixed and matched as desired.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a dispensing closure, method of using and making the same that can be filled with a material to be dispensed into a container and more particularly to a dispensing bottle cap that can be operated so the material inside would dispense into the container for mixing with liquid in the container while the container remains sealed. The Bottle cap then can be removed as one unit to open the container.
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/270,413 filed Oct. 21, 2021, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to a dispensing closure, method of using and making the same that can be filled with a material to be dispensed into a container and more particularly to a dispensing bottle cap that can be operated so the material inside would dispense into the container for mixing with liquid in the container while the container remains sealed. The Bottle cap then can be removed as one unit to open the container.
- Accordingly, the invention is directed to a dispensing closure, method of using and making the same that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An advantage of the invention is to provide a system that allows for rapid exchange of media from the dispensing closure into the container when desired by the user.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide an hermetically sealed container inside the dispensing closure that protects the contents from moisture and contamination yet can be instantly dispensed into the container when desired and then later be removed to open the container
- Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
- To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, an apparatus to introduce a medium stored inside the dispensing closure into a container that has a dissimilar content or medium in order to mix such dissimilar mediums at a time the user desires. The mediums could be various materials such as a pill that dissolves in liquid so as to activate or mix them when having them initially mixed might cause spoilage or inactivation of the dissimilar mediums during shipping and storage. Being able to combine the mediums directly before consumption has advantages such as chemical reactions and keeping the active ingredients fresh. Convenience is also achieved because a simple turn of the dispensing closure dispenses its contents into the container while it remains sealed from the outside. This is as opposed to having to open the container and then open a separate container and insert its contents and then reclose the container so the dissimilar ingredients can be mixed or activated.
- This Summary section is neither intended to be, nor should be, construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Additional benefits, features and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the attached figures and in the description hereinbelow, and as described by the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that this Summary section may not contain all of the aspects and embodiments claimed herein.
- Additionally, the disclosure herein is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner. Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to provide an understanding to those of ordinary skill in the art of one or more representative embodiments supporting the claims. Thus, it is important that the claims be regarded as having a scope including constructions of various features of the present disclosure insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the methods and apparatuses consistent with the present disclosure (including the originally filed claims). Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to encompass and include obvious improvements and modifications of the present disclosure.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of the first cap and second cap ofFIG. 1 in a connected orientation. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of the second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary top view of a second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary side view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of a first cap and second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of a pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side perspective view of a pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary side exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. -
FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a partially connected first orientation. -
FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a partially connected second orientation. -
FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and pill or medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a partially connected third orientation. -
FIG. 21 illustrates a method of using dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. - The following detailed description describes a dispensing closure or dispensing apparatus, and is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more particular implementations. Various modifications, alterations, and permutations of the disclosed implementations can be made and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other implementations and applications, without departing from scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the described or illustrated implementations, but to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the described principles and features.
- In order to more fully appreciate the present disclosure and to provide additional related features, each of the following references are fully incorporated therein by reference in their entireties:
- (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,110 issued to Moscovitz, which relates generally to a storage device engages a container, such as a bottle, to dispense a stored substance into the bottle. The device includes a housing for storing the substance, and a breakable seal disposed in the housing adjacent an opening for sealing the substance in the housing. Furthermore, the device includes a breaking member carried by the housing between the opening and the breakable seal for being driven by the bottle when engaged with the device to break the seal and allow dispensing of the substance into the bottle.
- (2) U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,797 issued to Kahn, et al., which relates to a device for dispensing pills one at a time or one dose at a time includes a unit chamber sized to fit within/integral with the rim of a bottle. The unit chamber includes a plurality of radial projections which project inwardly to define discrete pill holding areas. The distance between adjacent radial projections is slightly larger than the width of the pill sought to be contained and dispensed by the container. As the bottle is inverted, pills will fall into the pill holding areas, one pill or dosage amount per area. A dispensing cap is rotatable relative to the unit chamber. A single pill-width window in the cap is positionable opposite the pill holding areas of the unit chamber. When a pill is meant to be dispensed, the bottle is inverted or angled downward, and a single pill in the pill holding area opposite the window falls out of the bottle.
- (3) U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,130 issued to Clark, et al., which relates to a single pill dispensing system for a bottle/vial of the type for dispensing a medication pill, where the bottle/vial has a circular body and receives a circular cap. To facilitate the dispensing of a single pill, an insert, slidably received in the circular body and circular cap is provided. The insert includes a body portion containing a circuitous channel of a size to accommodate a single pill as the user inverts or turns over the container body to capture and subsequently transfer the pill through the insert to a nesting recess in the lower surface of the circular cap.
- (4) U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,174 issued to Seelhofer, et al., which relates to a fillable closure is used to trigger the emptying of a capsule that can be inserted in the closure and filled separately. The closure consists of a closing cap which can be attached to the neck of a container and in which a separately fillable capsule can be inserted in the closed state from beneath. The region above the inserted capsule on the closing cap forms a push button. A downwardly projecting protuberance is molded on the lower face. The protuberance abuts against the inserted capsule. Using pressure from above, the push button can be pressed to deform an initially convex shape as seen from above into a concave shape, the protuberance pushing the upper face of the capsule and the content thereof downward. A film, which forms the lower face of the capsule, is thus placed under tensile stress such that it breaks or bursts along weakened lines.
- (5) U.S. Pat. No. 9,730,860 issued to Hamilton, which relates a pill dispensing assembly for dispensing a pill from a pill bottle includes a first layer having a pill exit passage. A second layer is operatively connected to the first layer, and includes a pill entry passage horizontally offset from the exit passage. A pill dispensing layer is positioned between the first and second layers, is movable with respect to the first and second layers, and includes a holding chamber sized to receive the pill. The holding chamber is horizontally movable from a first loading position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the entry passage and is horizontally offset from the exit passage to receive the pill, to a second dispensing position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the exit passage and is horizontally offset from the entry passage to dispense the pill through the exit passage. Pill dispensing may be timed or time monitored.
- (6) U.S. Pat. No. 9,834,367 issued to Veltri, which relates to a medicine bottle cap includes a flip-top assembly and an outer cap pivotably attached to the flip top assembly and having an interior wall of the side wall that includes gear teeth. The medicine bottle cap further includes a pill delivery gear having gear teeth that engage the gear teeth in the outer cap and an inner cap having a slot for receiving a tab from the pill delivery gear for rotation thereof.
- (7) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0090222 issued to Lee, which relates to an Apparatus comprising: a main body coupled to a mouth part of a container; and an assembly type accommodating part having a storage space, which is integrated or assembled within the main body, wherein the storage space is configured so that an upper foldable connecting part or a foldable part is disposed on an upper portion of the main body, and when a rotational operable cover assembled with the upper portion is rotated, a foldable part spacing part pushes a spacing part corresponding part to open an accommodating part sealing part, the foldable part spacing part is disposed on the bottom of a top surface part of the rotational operable cover, the spacing part corresponding part is disposed at a center of the foldable connecting part, and the foldable part spacing part and the spacing part corresponding part are coupled to each other through a screw thread or screw groove method.
- (8) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0113865 issued to Kazakevitch, which relates to a convenient, inexpensive and portable effervescent tablets that the consumer can add to water to generate hydrogen-rich water just prior to drinking. The effervescent tablets include a base metal and an edible acid that, within about 5-10 minutes of mixing, generate a palatable aqueous solution having about 0.8 mM to about 3 mM hydrogen and a pH of 8-10.
- In one embodiment or implementation, the dispensing apparatus is configured to a release a pill or material into a container that is releasably attached to the dispensing apparatus uses a sealed material, e.g., pill pack, that has a blister plastic on one side and breakable film or aluminum material, e.g., film on the other. The dispensing apparatus includes a first cap releasably attached to a container by a threaded connection that holds the pill pack. The pill pack includes a pill or material sealed in the pill pack. The pill pack is hermetically sealed with the pill or material inside before being inserted into the first cap to completely protect the pill from outside elements such as moisture and contaminants. This is intended to greatly increase the shelf life of the contents. The pill pack is tightly held by a threaded connection between the first cap and the container top edge to seal the container which may contain a liquid. The pill or material will be dispensed into the container upon use of the dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus also includes a second cap oriented above the first cap.
- The second cap is attached to the first cap by a threaded connection and has a locking mechanism that when turned to a first position, locks the two caps together so they cannot be separated during shipping or store placement. This connection also allows the second cap to be further rotated upon the first cap so that it lowers down onto the first cap. A plunger, protrusion or pillar then pushes the pill in the sealed pack out through the breakable film or aluminum layer and into the container. In operation, when the second cap is rotated, an internal mechanism, e.g., a plunger, protrusion, or pillar, that is oriented and extends orthogonally from a center region of the second, cap pushes on the pill or material through the pill pack to release the pill or material into the container attached to the closure dispensing apparatus. This turning action also locks the second cap to the first cap so that once the drink is ready, the caps with pill pack are simply unscrewed and removed all as one dispensing apparatus. This type of locking action also acts as a safety feature to ensure the first cap and second cap cannot be separated from one another after use, thereby avoiding two potential choking hazards.
- In one embodiment, a locking mechanism prevents the first cap from becoming disconnected from the second cap. That is, the first cap cannot disconnect from the second cap as a safety feature.
- Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the present invention, example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary enlarged perspective view of the first cap and second cap ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of the second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary top view of a second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary side view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a first cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of a first cap and second cap ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. - Referring to
FIG. 1-4 , a dispensing system is generally depicted with reference to 100. Thedispensing system 100 includes afirst cap 102 configured to be releasably connected tosecond cap 104. Thefirst cap 100 is configured to be releasably connected to acontainer apparatus 106. - Each of the
first cap 102,second cap 104, andcontainer 106 can be formed with injection molding or other method from various materials, e.g., thermoplastic material. In on embodiment, the thermoplastic material includes one or more a polymer such as polypropylene, high-density polyethylene or other similar thermoplastic materials commonly used in the art for liquid contents. - The
first cap 102 includes one or moreergonomic features 106 configured to aid a user in holding, turning, and/or griping the first cap. The one or moreergonomic features 106 includes one or more raised portions spaced apart from non-raised portions. Thesecond cap 104 includes one or moreergonomic features 108 configured to aid a user in holding, turning, and/or griping the first cap. The one or moreergonomic features 108 includes one or more raised portions spaced apart from non-raised portions. Other types of ergonomic features may also be utilized, e.g., different materials configured to allow a user to grip the cap, different coatings, combinations of the same and the like. - The
first cap 102 includes afirst connection mechanism 110 configured to be releasably attached to aconnection mechanism 112 of acontainer 106, e.g., neck portion of a container. In this embodiment, the first andconnection mechanism 110 and container connection mechanism includes a threaded connections or other connection as known in the art. Thefirst cap 102 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 107, e.g., angled teeth configured to engage the plurality ofprotrusions 109 of thesecond cap 102. - The
second cap 104 also includes aconnection mechanism 114 configured to be attached to asecond connection 116 of the first cap, e.g., a threaded connection mechanism. A pill pack orassembly 120 is configured to be arranged into a bottom portion or cavity of thefirst cap 102 and held by a ridge inside thefirst cap 102. - The
second cap 104 also includes opposing dual clips orprotrusions 122 inside the second cap that are configured to lock thesecond cap 104 onto thefirst cap 102 as it is threaded on to the first position for shipment and storage. Theclips 122 engage intoslots 124 in thefirst cap 102 so that once inserted, they lock it so thesecond cap 104 and it cannot be removed from thefirst cap 102. When thesecond cap 104 is turned clockwise, theclips 122 disengage and allow thesecond cap 104 to be tightened further onto thefirst cap 102. Thesecond cap 104 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 109, e.g., angled teeth configured to engage the plurality ofprotrusions 107 of thefirst cap 102. - The
first cap 102 has a larger outside diameter than the second 104 cap so that a bottling machine can grip the largerfirst cap 102 to twist it tightly onto thecontainer 106. When thefirst cap 102 is tightened onto thecontainer 106 thepill pack assembly 120 is engaged to release the medium or pill. Thesecond cap 104 further includes aprotrusion 105 or plunger configured to engage at least a portion of thepill assembly 120. -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of a pill pack assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pill pack assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of a pill pack assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side perspective view of a pill pack assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation. - Referring now to
FIGS. 12-15 , thepill pack assembly 120 includesupper portion 134 having acavity 136 sized and configured to hold and at least partially surround apill 138. Theupper portion 134 and thepill 138 are sealed with a lower layer of breakable material, e.g., aluminum film. Theupper portion 134 can a blister pack material as known in the art formed from a thermoplastic material. Thepill 138 or medium can be any type of pill or powder material. In one embodiment, the pill orpowder 138 includes a vitamin, a drug, a vitamin, a mineral, a trace element, a salt, a flavoring, a coloring, magnesium, chromium and other elements dissolvable in liquid. Thebottle 106 also has a chamber configured to hold a fluid that is configured to mix with the medium 138. The fluid can include water, flavored water, colored water, juice, flavored beverage, or other drinkable liquid. - The cut-away view of
FIG. 15 show the components of thepill pack assembly 120. The pill, material, medium orcontents 138 is arranged and sealed inside thepill pack assembly 120. The upper layer ofblister film 134 and a lower layer of breakable film oraluminum film 140 are hermetically sealed together protecting thecontents 134. The hermetic seal can be made by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, glue and the like. Optionally and/or alternatively, thefoil 140 includes a perforation, e.g., a perforated pattern which is rough on the surface. Optionally, an area of the pill pack can be unsealed 142 so as to provide a smooth surface forsurfaces -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary side exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a disconnected orientation.FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a partially connected first orientation.FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a partially connected second orientation.FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary side cross sectional view of a first cap, second cap and medium assembly ofFIG. 1 in a partially connected third orientation. - Referring to
FIGS. 16-20 , showing an operation of tightening thesecond cap 104 onto thefirst cap 102 where thefirst cap 102 is attached to thebottle 106. In operation, a portion of thepill pack assembly 120 is arranged between thefirst cap 102 and thesecond cap 104 being held into place as a concentric edge portion of the pill pack assembly is pinched between the top portion of thefirst cap 102 and a bottom portion of thesecond cap 104. That is, arim 111 of thefirst cap 106 tightly holds and seals a portion of the pill pack assembly that is contact with therim 111 andrim 113 of thesecond cap 104 as shown inFIG. 18 . This is the orientation that theassembly 100 are shipped and sold with the contents sealed inside thecontainer 106 and the medium 138 sealed inside thepill pack assembly 120. It is the believed the shelf life of the package in this orientation is 6 months or more. - The
first cap 102 has aninternal connection mechanism 110, e.g., threads that are configured to releasably engage with anexternal connection mechanism 112, e.g., threads, of thebottle 106. Thepill pack 120 is secured betweensurface 111 of thecontainer 106 andsurface 113 of thefirst cap 102. In a preferred embodiment, thesurfaces region 142 of thepill pack assembly 120. - An
external connection mechanism 116 engage of thefirst cap 102 on the upper portion of thefirst cap 102 engage to aconnection mechanism 114 on inside thesecond cap 104. Twisting or operation of thesecond cap 104 onto thefirst cap 102 causes thesecond cap 104 to thread onto thefirst cap 102 with a desired number of turns. A protrusion orcylindrical plunger 105 inside thesecond cap 104 extends down to meet a surface of thepill pack assembly 120. - In further operation and to release the
contents 138 from thepill pack 120 operation of the second 104 is done to push thecontents 138 through thealuminum foil 140 of thepill pack 138. More specifically, this is achieved by rotating thesecond cap 104 counter clockwise onto thefirst cap 102. As thesecond cap 104 is rotated, it drops down onto the first cap by theconnection mechanism plunger 115 which rests above thepill pack 120 pushes thecontents 138, e.g., pill, out of thepill pack 120 as theplunger 115 moves vertically downward due to rotation of thesecond cap 104. The movement is in a range from about 0.25 inches. The pill ormaterial 138 then drops down into the contents of thecontainer 106 thus mixing or activating the contents. Thealuminum portion 140 that thepill 138 has pushed open is not completely torn from thepill pack 120 and remains with the cap assembly. - The
second cap 104 has opposingclips 122 that engage intoslots 124 in thefirst cap 102 to lock the first cap onto thefirst cap 102 for shipment and sale. This locking is achieved by flat sides on theclip 122 and slot 124 that do not allow counter-clockwise rotation once engaged. Theclips 122 also have opposing angled sides so as to allow thesecond cap 104 to be further rotated clockwise onto thefirst cap 102 so that theplunger 105 can drop down to release the contents of the pill ormedium assembly 120. A thin ring on the lower portion of thesecond cap 104 expands in circumference as it is lowered on to thefirst cap 102 to avoid pinch points as the caps are twisted together. - After the
second cap 104 has been rotated onto thefirst cap 102, and the pill ormaterial 138 has been discharged into a chamber of thecontainer 106, the cap assembly may be left in place for an amount of time so as to allow the contents to dissolve or activate. The assembly is sealed, so a user may shake theentire assembly 100 to further mix the contents. Once this is complete, thecap assembly second cap 104 is rotated all the way onto thefirst cap 102, smallangled teeth 109 on thesecond cap 104 engage into smallangled teeth 107 on thefirst cap 102. The angled portion makes them engage with little resistance when turning clockwise, yet makes them locked to each other preventing counter-clockwise rotation. This locking mechanism unitizes the two caps to allow them to be rotated counter-clockwise and removed from thecontainer 106 with the pill pack now clipped inside. The mixed contents of thecontainer 106 can then be poured out or removed. -
FIG. 21 illustrates a method of using dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. - Referring to
FIG. 21 , the method includes providing a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention (step 2110). Operating the dispensing system (step 2120) to dispense contents, medium and/or pill into a container described herein. Optionally, (step 2130) includes shaking the dispensing system. Removing the first cap and second cap simultaneously to expose the mixed contents (step 2140). - The inventions and methods described herein can be viewed as a whole, or as a number of separate inventions, that can be used independently or mixed and matched as desired. All inventions, steps, processed, devices, and methods described herein can be mixed and matched as desired. All previously described features, functions, or inventions described herein or by reference may be mixed and matched as desired.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (21)
1. A dispensing system, comprising:
a container having a chamber configured to receive contents of the pill or medium assembly, the container having a container connection mechanism;
a first cap configured to be releasably coupled to the container;
a second cap configured to be non-releasably coupled to the first cap,
wherein the pill or medium assembly is arranged between the first cap and the container, wherein the pill or medium assembly comprises a hermetically sealed chamber configured to hold the pill or a medium and the hermetically sealed chamber includes a bottom portion including a breakable material and an upper portion shaped to contain the medium;
wherein the first cap includes first connection mechanism configured to be releasably connected to the container connection mechanism and the first cap includes a second connection mechanism configured to be non-releasably connected to a second cap connection mechanism of the second cap,
wherein the second cap includes a cylindrical protrusion extending from an inside surface of the second cap and a portion of the cylindrical protrusion is configured to engage a surface of the pill or medium assembly and configured to expel the pill or medium in the hermetically sealed chamber upon rotation of the second cap such that the pill or medium are expelled through the breakable material of the bottom portion, and
wherein the first cap and the second cap are configured to be removed simultaneously from the container.
2. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the breakable material comprises one or more of a foil material, paper material, and polymer material.
3. The dispensing system of claim 2 , wherein the breakable material comprises a thickness in a range from about 0.004 inches to about 0.01 inches.
4. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises a thermoplastic material having a thickness in a range from about 0.005 inches to about 0.03 inches.
5. The dispensing system of claim 5 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises one or more a polypropylene material, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, polyethylene material, polymer material, and combinations of the same.
6. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the pill or medium comprises magnesium.
7. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the pill or medium comprises a vitamin mixture.
8. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the pill or medium comprises one or more of a vitamin, a drug, a mineral, a trace element, a salt, a flavoring, a coloring, magnesium, and chromium.
9. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the chamber is configured to contain a solution or fluid comprising water, flavored water, colored water, juice, flavored beverage, or other drinkable liquid.
10. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the first cap comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, ABS, PET, or other injection grade polymer.
11. The dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the second cap comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, ABS, PET, or other injection grade polymer.
12. A dispensing system, comprising:
a container having a chamber configured to receive contents of the pill or medium assembly, the container having a container connection mechanism;
a first cap configured to be releasably coupled to the container;
a second cap configured to be non-releasably coupled to the first cap,
wherein the pill or medium assembly is arranged between the first cap and the container, wherein the pill or medium assembly comprises a sealed chamber configured to hold the pill or other contents and the sealed chamber includes a bottom portion including breakable material including foil or paper and an upper portion;
wherein the first cap includes first connection mechanism configured to be releasably connected to the container connection mechanism and the first cap includes a second connection mechanism configured to be non-releasably connected to a second cap connection mechanism of the second cap,
wherein the second cap includes a cylindrical protrusion extending from an inside surface of the second cap and a portion of the cylindrical protrusion is configured to engage a surface of the pill or medium assembly and configured to expel the pill or contents in the hermetically sealed chamber upon rotation of the second cap such that the pill or medium are expelled through the breakable material of the bottom portion, and
wherein the first cap and the second cap are configured to be removed simultaneously from the container.
13. The dispensing system of claim 11 , wherein the breakable material comprises a thickness in a range from about 0.004 inches to about 0.01 inches.
14. The dispensing system of claim 11 , wherein the upper portion comprises a thermoplastic material having a thickness in a range from about 0.005 inches to about 0.03 inches.
15. The dispensing system of claim 11 , wherein the pill or contents comprises one or more of a vitamin, a drug, a mineral, a trace element, a salt, a flavoring, a coloring, magnesium, and chromium.
16. A dispensing system, comprising:
a container having a chamber configured to receive contents of the pill or medium assembly, the container having a container connection mechanism;
a first cap configured to be releasably coupled to the container;
a second cap configured to be non-releasably coupled to the first cap,
wherein the pill or medium assembly is arranged between the first cap and the container, wherein the pill or medium assembly comprises a hermetically sealed chamber configured to hold the pill or a medium and the hermetically sealed chamber includes a bottom portion including foil material and an upper thermoplastic portion;
wherein the first cap includes a first end and opposite spaced apart second end, the first end of the first cap includes a first cap connection mechanism configured to be releasably attached upon rotation of the first cap to the container connection mechanism and the second end of the first cap includes a second connection mechanism configured to be non-releasably connected to a second cap connection mechanism of the second cap,
wherein the second cap includes a cylindrical protrusion extending from an inside surface of the second cap and a portion of the cylindrical protrusion is configured to engage a surface of the pill or medium assembly and configured to expel the pill or medium in the hermetically sealed chamber upon rotation of the second cap such that the pill or medium are expelled through the breakable material of the bottom portion, and
wherein the first cap and the second cap are configured to be removed simultaneously from the container.
17. The dispensing system of claim 15 , wherein the pill or contents comprises one or more a vitamin, a drug, a mineral, a trace element, a salt, a flavoring, a coloring, magnesium, and chromium.
18. The dispensing system of claim 15 , wherein the first cap comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene material, polypropylene material, polyurethane material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, injection grade polymer material and combinations thereof.
19. The dispensing system of claim 15 , wherein the second cap comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene material, polypropylene material, polyurethane material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, injection grade polymer material and combinations thereof.
20. The dispensing system of claim 15 , wherein the container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene material, polypropylene material, polyurethane material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, injection grade polymer material and combinations thereof.
21. The dispensing system of claim 15 , wherein the container comprises one of an aqueous mixture, water, and carbonated water.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/970,194 US20230126929A1 (en) | 2021-10-21 | 2022-10-20 | Dispensing closure, method of using and making the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202163270413P | 2021-10-21 | 2021-10-21 | |
US17/970,194 US20230126929A1 (en) | 2021-10-21 | 2022-10-20 | Dispensing closure, method of using and making the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230126929A1 true US20230126929A1 (en) | 2023-04-27 |
Family
ID=86056479
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/970,194 Pending US20230126929A1 (en) | 2021-10-21 | 2022-10-20 | Dispensing closure, method of using and making the same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230126929A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11905084B2 (en) * | 2022-05-25 | 2024-02-20 | Barton Wood Watkins | Apparatus for facilitating dispensing payloads into a container |
-
2022
- 2022-10-20 US US17/970,194 patent/US20230126929A1/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11905084B2 (en) * | 2022-05-25 | 2024-02-20 | Barton Wood Watkins | Apparatus for facilitating dispensing payloads into a container |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6527110B2 (en) | Device for storing and dispensing a substance by mating with a container and associated methods | |
US6533113B2 (en) | System, devices and methods for storing and mixing substances | |
US5711420A (en) | Apparatus for dispensing a substance in a liquid beverage | |
US5941380A (en) | Device for dispensing flowable material | |
US4785931A (en) | Molded plastic closure having integral stacking support ribs and rupturable mix compartments | |
US6840373B2 (en) | Beverage storage and discharge cap assembly | |
US6681958B2 (en) | Supplement compartment for beverage container | |
US6263923B1 (en) | Device for maintaining separate ingredients in liquid food products | |
JP5127456B2 (en) | Multi-chamber container and its lid | |
ES2701677T3 (en) | Cartridge for a post-mix beverage system | |
US9592940B2 (en) | Ingredient release spout | |
US7219796B2 (en) | Dispensing capsule for a liquid container | |
EA012123B1 (en) | Capsule closure | |
JP2001510127A (en) | Reloadable containers and dispensers | |
US20230126929A1 (en) | Dispensing closure, method of using and making the same | |
WO2003106292A1 (en) | A drink container for combining a powder with a liquid | |
AU2018234458B2 (en) | Doser cap for liquid container | |
EP2137080B1 (en) | A dispensing device | |
CN109292248B (en) | Closure cap for container | |
WO2006027782A2 (en) | Container | |
KR200495854Y1 (en) | The cap of beverage container for a built-in pill with a separation piece | |
US20040262175A1 (en) | Storage and dispensing device for mating with a liquid container to allow for mixing of a substance and the liquid | |
AU2017208698A1 (en) | Closure for a container | |
KR200415293Y1 (en) | A Bottle-Cover For Water To Drink At Taking A Collection-Room | |
EP1907292B1 (en) | Closure device for a bottle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |