Squeeze bottle cap

Abstract

A bottle cap including a cover having a front end defining a pair of substantially parallel flanges extending generally perpendicularly from the cover, a deformable panel extending between the flanges, and an opposed rear end defining a pair of body-engaging hinges extending from a portion thereof. The cap includes a body having a top portion defining an outwardly projecting spout at one end and an inwardly projecting cavity at another end that may pivotally receive the body-engaging hinges for rotating the cover about an x-axis relative the body when attached thereto. Pressure applied to the flanges causes the panel to resiliently deform and disengage from the body allowing the cover to transition from a closed position mating the front end of the cover with the top portion of the body for providing a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and an open position retaining the rear end of the cover against the body.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to field of bottle caps and more specifically to portable water bottles having flip-top dispenser caps attached thereto. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] (Not Applicable) STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT [0003] (Not Applicable) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Portable water bottles are well known and typically used to hold water and other hydrating drinks. Such bottles are frequently tucked into backpacks, stored in handbags and other carrying totes that allow for relatively quick and simple access to the contents. Carrying portable water bottles are useful in staying hydrated when traveling outdoors, exercising at the gym, hiking, skiing, and countless other situations where it is necessary to continuously replenish one's bodily fluids. [0005] When a consumer purchases a water bottle there are at least three factors they consider important to their decision. First, the size and amount of liquid the bottle c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] A further advantage of the present invention is the spill-proof feature of the bottle cap. The bottle cap is preferably fitted with a rubber-like plug that is retained within the cover and mateably engages a spout from the body of the cap. A liquid-tight seal may be formed between the spout and the plug such that when the cover is in a first closed position, no liquid may seep out therefrom. The shape and configuration of the spout also provides for a drip-proof pour such that is advantageous when compared to standard round openings. A concave and substantially flanged profile to the spout allows for liquid to be drawn away from the opening, allowing air to pass into the opening for quicker pouring. The curved flanged profile of the spout allows assists the flow of liquid such that any remaining liquid that may normally dribble from a standard round opening will flow back into the spout.

[0010] A further advantage of the present invention is the lockable cover. The cover may rotate up to 180 degrees from the first closed position to the second open position and removably lock itself within a cavity of the body. The locking protrusion engages a tab within the cavity so that the cover does not inadvertently fall and hit the consumer in the face when they try to take a drink. This may also be useful when pouring the liquid into a container so the that cover is out of the way and does not inadvertently close when tipped at an angle.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention includes an alternate embodiment including a combination of a bottle and the cap. The novel cap as described herein may be attached to a bottle which preferably defines a substantially concave grip portion in a center portion of the bottle body. The concave grip portion is preferably formed having a plurality of ribs extending concentrically around the bottle body. The ribs allow for enhanced grip and may additionally aid in retaining the bottle in backpacks and other bags with water bottle containers due to the slim profile.

Problems solved by technology

First, the size and amount of liquid the bottle can hold.

A twist-off cap is sometimes disadvantageous to those consumers who wish to have quick access to the bottle's contents without having to stop and unscrew the cap.

Other types of caps such as the conventional pull-spout found on popular water bottles are quick and simple to use, but may be inadvertently opened to release the bottle's contents when traveling.

This type of design is cumbersome because the two-piece design allows for the possibility that the consumer will lose the protective cap, requires too many actions, and is generally difficult to drink from with one hand.

This is especially a problem when hiking because a brief stop on the trail would require others ahead of the hiker to stop and wait for the consumer to finish drinking from their water bottle.

Third, consumers are also concerned about the bottle design and how the design will aid their purpose.

However, such cylindrical bottles can become slick if water is spilled upon the surface.

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