US20170225848A1 - Bottle Cap Restrictor - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for restricting and controlling the flow rate of liquid from a bottle. The bottle is coupled to a cap. The cap has at least one opening which allows the flow of liquid from the inside of the bottle to the outside of the bottle. This allows the flow rate from the bottle to be controlled to allow and object to be properly cleaned, sanitized, etc. by the flow of liquid.

Description

PRIORITY
• This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional 62/291,450 entitled “Bottle Cap Restrictor” filed Feb. 4, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Technical Field
• The present invention relates to a system and method for restricting and controlling the flow of a fluid from a bottle.
• Description of Related Art
• Bottles of drinking liquid, particularly bottled water, are always available. They are in offices, cars, homes, and often carried in purses, backpacks, etc. However, one downside of bottled water is that when it is inverted it is very difficult to control the flowrate of water from the bottle. Consequently, it is desirable to have a system to control the flowrate of liquid exiting from an inverted bottle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inverted bottle featuring a cap in one embodiment;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a cap in one embodiment;
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cap with a valve in one embodiment;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cap with two connectors in one embodiment;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap with two connectors in one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inverted bottle featuring a cap in one embodiment. Thebottle101 can comprise any bottle known in the art. Thebottle101 can comprise virtually any material suitable for housing a liquid, including but not limited to, plastic, glass, rubber, etc. The liquid can comprise virtually any pourable liquid. In one embodiment the liquid comprises a drinkable liquid such as water. The liquid can further comprise salt water, cleaners, soap, etc.
• As depicted, thebottle101 is inverted such that the bottle opening is pointed in the downward direction. Coupled to thebottle101 is thecap102, which is discussed in more detail below. Thecap102 provides a path through which the liquid can flow from within thebottle101 to outside of thebottle101. As depicted, astream103 of liquid is shown exiting thecap102.
• If thecap102 were not present, liquid would flow unrestricted from the bottle opening. Removing the cap from a bottled water, and inverting the bottle, provides at most a few seconds of flow of water. The time for an inverted bottle to become empty is referred to as the flow time. As noted, the flow time for a standard bottle of water is about 5 seconds.
• Often, as discussed in more detail below, a consumer will not have ready access to a sink, for example, to wash their hands. A bottled water provides water, but as noted above, the flow time is too limited to provide an adequate washing. Thus, if a painter, for example, desires to wash her hands with a bottled water, the result is a messy and inefficient attempt. Consequently, acap102, in one embodiment, is used to provide a restriction to the flow rate and increase the flow time. Further, in some embodiments, thecap102 also divides the flow into two or more streams which can more efficiently be used to wash hands, etc. These and other uses will be described in more detail below.
• Turning now toFIG. 2,FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a cap in one embodiment. Thecap102 can comprise virtually any material. It can comprise plastic, rubber, metal, etc. Virtually any material which can couple to thebottle101 can be utilized.
• As depicted inFIG. 2, thecap102 has at least one opening104. As depicted, thecap102 comprises a plurality of openings. An opening, as used herein, refers to a channel, hole, or void which fluidly connects the inside of a coupled bottle to outside of a bottle. Thus, fluid can flow from the inside of the bottle to the outside of the bottle through the opening.
• Theopenings104 can be formed via any method or device known in the art. For example, theopenings104 can be made by piercing thecap102 to form the opening. In other embodiments theopenings104 are formed simultaneously with the formation of thecap102. For example, if the cap is blow molded, theopenings104 can be formed during the blow molding process. In other embodiments the cap can be injection molded. One skilled in the art will understand the various methods which can be used to form theopenings104.
• The number, size, and configuration of theopenings104 can be adjusted depending on the desired flow time, flow rate, flow pattern, etc. Generally, smaller andfewer openings104 result in increased flow time.Larger openings104 increase the flow rate of fluid through thatparticular opening104. In some applications an increased flow rate will be preferred while in other applications a slower flow rate will be preferred.
• In some embodiments theopenings104 are linear such that the fluid flows in a straight pattern, similar to the pattern shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, however, theopenings104 have a non-linear pattern such that a swirl is imparted into the exiting liquid. A swirl or other similar feature, in some embodiments, can aid in the cleaning of hands, for example.
• In one embodiment theopenings104 are configured to resemble a shower head. In this fashion, the pattern is sufficiently large to allow a user to wash an object such as a utensil, their hands, their children's hands, etc. In other embodiments, however, theopenings104 are configured to have fewer streams such that the streams will be comparatively more concentrated. As noted, the size and configuration of theopenings104 can be adjusted depending upon the application, the object to be cleaned, etc.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cap with a valve in one embodiment. Avalve106, as used herein, refers to a device which can open and close to control the flow of fluid through an opening. Thevalve106 can comprise any valve known in the art. For example, thevalve106 can comprise a ball valve, a gate valve, etc. In one embodiment thevalve106 allows only for extreme positions: open or closed. In other embodiments, however, thevalve106 allows for additional positions such as partially open, partially shut, etc. This allows a further control and refinement of the flow of liquid. In one embodiment the flow pattern can be controlled with thevalve106. As an example, with somevalves106 the liquid will only flow throughcertain openings104 on thecap102. This allows the pattern of the stream to be adjusted by adjusting thevalve106.
• Avalve106 provides the ability to stop the flow of fluid when thecap102 is installed. Without avalve102, in one embodiment, thecap102 will allow a liquid to flow through thecap102. As such, if the bottle becomes tilted accidentally, liquid can leak through thecap102. Avalve106, however, provides the user the ability to control and stop the flow of fluid when desired. Thus, thecap102 can be coupled to thebottle101 and stored in a bag without fear of leakage, for example. When the user desires to use thebottle101, the user can retrieve thebottle101, open thevalve106, and invert the bottle.
• Coupled to thecap102 is aconnector105. Aconnector105 is any device which is used to couple thecap102 to thebottle101. In one embodiment theconnector105 comprises internal threads which couple to the external threads on the bottle's101 neck. In this fashion, the bottle's original cap can be removed and replaced with thecap102 which comprisesopenings104.
• As noted theconnector105 can comprise threads. It can also comprise a snug-fit cap which uses friction to secure and couple to the top of thebottle101. In other embodiments, thecap102 comprises a clamp which fits and clamps over the neck of the bottle. Virtually any device which couples a cap to abottle101 can be used as theconnector105.
• As depicted the connector is upstream of thevalve106 and theopening104. As used herein, the terms upstream and downstream refer to relative locations along the cap. An upstream portion is closer to thebottle101 whereas a downstream portion is further from thebottle101. As seen in the embodiment depicted, theopening104 is downstream of theconnector105 and thevalve106. In other embodiments, however, thevalve106 is downstream of theopening104.
• In one embodiment, thevalve106 comprises a sleeve, lid, or covering which fits downstream of theopenings104 to prevent the flow of liquid. Thevalve106 in this embodiment comprises no moving parts. Instead, it either allows or disallows the flow of liquid depending on whether thevalve106 is coupled to thecap102. If thevalve106 is coupled to thecap102, then the flow of liquid is stopped. If thevalve106 is removed, however, then the liquid is allowed to flow through thecap102.
• As noted, thevalve106 can be integrally formed within thecap102 as shown inFIG. 3, or it can comprise an external piece which removably couples to thecap102. In one embodiment thevalve106 comprises an anchor line which maintains thevalve106 removably secured to thecap102. In one embodiment, for example, the anchor line (not shown) tethers thevalve106 to thecap102 such that thevalve106 remains tethered even when it is not coupled to theopenings104 in such a way as to prevent the flow of fluid. Such an embodiment prevents thevalve106 from being lost when not in use.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cap with two connectors in one embodiment. As depicted, the cap comprises two dissimilarly sized connectors. This increases the likelihood that thecap102 will fit various bottles. As an example, in one embodiment thetop connector105bhas a diameter and/or threading which is dissimilar from thebottom connector105a. In this fashion, the odds are increased that thecap102 can be coupled to a bottle. Thus, in one embodiment the cap comprises a top thread size which is dissimilar from a bottom thread size in that the top and bottom will be different bottles with different threads.
• As depicted, thebottom connector105acouples to the bottle whereas thetop connector105bdoes not function as a connector. If thecap102 is inverted, thetop connector105bcould be used as a connector to couple to a dissimilar bottle. Thecap102 depicted inFIG. 4 does not comprise a valve, and does not comprise any moving pieces.
• Thecap102 inFIG. 4 further comprises acoupler107. As depicted this is a hole but it can comprise a hoop, loop, hook, etc. which can couple to an anchor as described above. The anchor can be directly or indirectly coupled to a zipper, backpack, etc. so that thecap102 can be found when needed.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap with two connectors in one embodiment. As can be seen with thecap102 ofFIG. 5, the flow pattern comprises a three by three matrix ofopenings104. The flow pattern is three openings wide by three openings tall. As noted, the pattern on thecap102 can be adjusted to achieve the desired flow pattern.
• Now that thecap102 has been described, various methods of using thecap102 will now be described. First, thecap102 is installed and coupled to a bottle. In one embodiment thebottle101 comprises a bottle which already has fluid and which is sealed and confined within its own sealed bottled cap. A sealed bottle cap is a cap which does not have openings such that when the bottle is inverted fluid does not flow through the cap. The sealed bottle cap is removed. If desired or required, fluid can be added or removed from the bottle.
• Thereafter, thecap102 is installed onto thebottle101 via theconnector105 discussed above. In one embodiment, this comprises the step of threading thecap102 onto the threads of thebottle101.
• After thecap102 is installed, thebottle101 can be stored or stowed for future use. As noted, thebottle101 can be placed in a backpack, purse, car, etc.
• Once thebottle101 is needed, the user inverts thebottle101, opens thevalve106, and allows liquid to pour out of thecap102. The user can place an object to clean underneath the flow of liquid. The object can be an item such as a knife, utensil, other container, food, etc. Likewise, the object can comprise a body part such as a finger, hand, foot, etc. Even still, the object can comprise another animal such as a dog, cat, etc. Virtually any item, object, person, or thing which can be cleaned can be cleaned, sanitized, treated, or rinsed with thecap102 discussed herein.
• Suppose, for example, a hunter is in a remote location and has just killed and field dressed a deer. The hunter does not have ready access to a sink. The hunter can now use the bottle to clean and wash his or her hands. Absent thecap102 discussed above, the flow of water, for example, from thebottle101 cannot be controlled or restrained. Thus, the hunter will have inadequate flow time to wash their hands. However, with the controlled flow rate through thecap102, and the increased flow time, the hunter has increased time to efficiently wash their hands. When the hunter is finished, the hunter can thereafter wash a knife or other object which needs to be cleaned. Once completely finished, the hunter can close thevalve106 and store thebottle101 for future use.
• Consider also a mother and a toddler at the park. If the toddler has a sticky candy the toddler's hands will become very sticky. Accordingly, the mother can use the bottle with thecap102 and provides a stead, constant flow of liquid from a bottle to allow the toddler to wash its hands.
• Further consider a hiker who falls and gets a cut on their leg. The hiker is undoubtedly carrying water. Acap102 can be coupled to thebottle101 and the wound can be properly washed and treated.
• As can be seen, thecap102 provides ready ability to clean an object when a sink or running water is not available or convenient. A common bottle of water can be instantly converted to a portable washing station. In embodiments comprising avalve106, the portable washing station can be controlled even further by providing the ability to stop the flow of liquid.
• The size of thecap102 can vary depending upon the application. As noted, in one embodiment thecap102 is sized to fit traditional bottles of water. In other embodiments, however, thecap102 is sized to fit a canteen or work-out bottle such as a wide lipped neoprene bottle. In still other embodiments thecap102 is sized to couple to a CamelBak® or other such hydration pack. Thecap102 can be sized to couple to virtually any container which houses a liquid.
• As noted, in one embodiment thebottle101 is coupled to thecap102 in advance in anticipation of future need. In other embodiments, however, thecap102 is simply carried as an additional tool which may be needed in the future. Accordingly, the hiker may not attach thecap102 until it is needed. The hiker will carry the bottled water and use it for hydration and will also carry thecap102 in a backpack. If thecap102 becomes necessary, the hiker can then couple thecap102 to thebottle101.
• In one embodiment thecap102 can be removably tethered to a bottle, container, etc. In this fashion, thecap102 remains tethered or otherwise connected to the bottle even when in its uninstalled position. This ensures thecap102 is handy when thecap102 becomes necessary.
• In one embodiment, and as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, thecap102 comprises a single connected piece. In one embodiment thecap102 comprises a single piece integrally made. In one embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 2, thecap102 comprises no moving parts. This is an advantage in some embodiments as a piece with no moving parts is often easier to assemble and is less prone to malfunction during use.
• While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additional Description
• The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.
• Clause 1. A system for controlling the flow rate of liquid from a bottle, said system comprising:
• • a bottle;
  • a cap coupled to said bottle;
  • wherein said cap comprises at least one opening to allow the flow of liquid from inside the bottle to outside of the bottle;
  • and wherein said cap has a connector to couple said cap to said bottle.
• Clause 2. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause further comprising a valve.
• Clause 3. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said valve is upstream of said at least one opening.
• Clause 4. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said valve is downstream of said at least one opening.
• Clause 5. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said cap comprises a single connected piece.
• Clause 6. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said cap comprises two dissimilarly sized connectors,
• Clause 7. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein cap further comprises a coupler.
• Clause 8. The system of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said cap comprises threads.
• Clause 9. A cap configured to couple to at least one bottle, said cap comprises:
• • at least one opening to allow the flow of liquid form inside a bottle to outside the bottle;
  • at least one connector for coupling to a bottle.
• Clause 10. The cap of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said cap comprises a first connector at an upper most end, and a second connector at a lower most end.
• Clause 11. The cap of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said first connector comprises a first connector thread size, and wherein said second connector comprises a second connector thread size, and wherein said first connector thread size is different than said second connector thread size.
• Clause 12. The cap of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said first connector thread size is sized to fit a bottle which comprises threads.
• Clause 13. The cap of any proceeding or preceding clause further comprises a coupler.
• Clause 14. The cap of any proceeding or preceding clause further comprising a valve.
• Clause 15. The cap of any proceeding or preceding clause which does not comprise any moving parts.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. A system for controlling the flow rate of liquid from a bottle, said system comprising:

a bottle;

a cap coupled to said bottle;

wherein said cap comprises at least one opening to allow the flow of liquid from inside the bottle to outside of the bottle;

and wherein said cap has a connector to couple said cap to said bottle.

2. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising a valve.

3. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said valve is upstream of said at least one opening.

4. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said valve is downstream of said at least one opening.

5. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said cap comprises a single connected piece.

6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said cap comprises two dissimilarly sized connectors,

7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein cap further comprises a coupler.

8. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said cap comprises threads.

9. A cap configured to couple to at least one bottle, said cap comprises:

at least one opening to allow the flow of liquid form inside a bottle to outside the bottle;

at least one connector for coupling to a bottle.

10. The cap ofclaim 9 wherein said cap comprises a first connector at an upper most end, and a second connector at a lower most end.

11. The cap ofclaim 10 wherein said first connector comprises a first connector thread size, and wherein said second connector comprises a second connector thread size, and wherein said first connector thread size is different than said second connector thread size.

12. The cap ofclaim 11 wherein said first connector thread size is sized to fit a bottle which comprises threads.

13. The cap ofclaim 9 further comprises a coupler.

14. The cap ofclaim 9 further comprising a valve.

15. The cap ofclaim 9 which does not comprise any moving parts.

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