Measured Shot Liquor Bottle Cap / Top

Abstract

A multifunctional bottle cap / top designed to seal liquor bottles and to measure a variety of volumes for serving alcohol is disclosed. The cap / top is of one-piece construction with a tapered wall extending from a circular top end to a circular bottom end, and an inner cavity calibrated to hold a measured volume(s). The cap / top includes a plurality of threads on the inner surface for engaging with various bottlenecks. In another embodiment, the cap / top includes a digital display on the outer surface, an embedded weight sensor for accurate volume measurement, and a plurality of LEDs. The cap / top is adapted to be used as a shot glass for direct consumption of, for example, 1-ounce of alcohol, or portions / multiples thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 594,606, which was filed on Oct. 31, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of bottle caps / tops and lids and alcohol measuring devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel cap / top for liquor bottles designed to measure out at least 1-ounce of alcohol and any other beverage. The cap / top performs a dual purpose to seal liquor bottles and to measure liquid volumes for serving alcohol. The cap / top is designed to be secured to the neck of a bottle and can be removed to measure at least 1-ounce of alcohol for direct consumption and mixing with other beverages. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] By way of background, individuals often blend their beverages with different types of liquors and ingredients to make cocktails and other beverages. However, individuals do not use precise measuring devices when adding alcohol to their drinks, primarily due to the unavailability of such tools or the extra effort required to use them. Accordingly, individuals may add more alcohol than required which can lead to drinks that are too strong, potentially affecting the taste and the effects of alcohol consumption. Sometimes, individuals may add less alcohol than required which can result in a weaker drink which may be unsatisfactory in flavor and experience of the cocktail.

[0004] Generally, a 1-ounce shot is frequently used in mixing alcohol but is estimated by eye. A jigger is a common bartending tool used to measure liquor. However, jiggers may not always be calibrated for 1-ounce pours, as jiggers often come in various sizes, such as 1.5 ounces on one side and 0.75 ounces on the other. For direct 1-ounce shots, shot glasses are used but shot glasses may not always be available in every setting where alcohol is served. Individuals face the practical challenges of consistently measuring and serving alcohol when mixing drinks. Individuals desire an improved device that can precisely measure 1-ounce of alcohol for both drink mixing and direct consumption.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a precise measuring device for at least 1-ounce servings. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an improved cap / top for liquor bottles that functions as a measuring device for serving 1-ounce of alcohol, or portions / multiples thereof. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel bottle cap / top that has dual functionality of sealing the contents of liquor bottles and as a measuring device for serving alcohol. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel bottle cap / top that can eliminate the use of shot glasses for direct consumption of 1-ounce of alcohol, or portions / multiples thereof. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a specially designed liquor bottle cap / top that measures at least 1-ounce (and portions / multiples thereof) beverage and provides an accurate measurement of alcohol shot and portions / multiples thereof. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel bottle cap / top that enables users to measure out an accurate amount of alcohol for consuming a single measured shot or for mixing with beverages. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an aluminum or plastic cap / top or lid for the top of liquor bottles of all sizes, wherein the cap / top measures at least 1-ounce (and portions / multiples thereof) and enables users to consume a measured shot directly or mix with other beverages.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises at least a one-ounce volume shot cap / top for sealing a liquor bottle and measuring 1-ounce liquid volume and portions / multiples thereof. The bottle cap / top features a wall that extends between a circular top end and a circular bottom end, the top end has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the bottom end giving a tapered orientation to the wall, a plurality of threads are disposed along (i.e., extend around) the inner surface of the tapered wall and configured to engage with a neck of the liquor bottle to secure the cap / top, an inner cavity is defined by the tapered wall and has a volume of at least one ounce (1-ounce or 1 oz.). The cap / top is used for measuring 1-ounce of alcohol (or portions / multiples thereof) for direct consumption and mixing with other beverages.

[0007] In this manner, the measured shot cap / top of the present invention for the liquor bottles accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a specialized type of bottle cap / top designed with dual functionality as a conventional bottle cap / top to seal the contents of liquor bottles and as a measuring device for serving alcohol. The cap / top is designed to measure at least a 1-ounce serving (and portions / multiples thereof) and eliminates the need for a separate shot glass or jigger when serving liquor or consuming a liquor shot. The cap / top simplifies the process of measuring and serving shots, making it quicker and more efficient. The cap / top reduces the need for additional bar equipment such as jiggers and shot glasses, thereby saving space and potentially reducing cleaning efforts.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bottle cap / top for sealing a liquor bottle and measuring 1-ounce liquid volume and portions / multiples thereof. The bottle cap / top further comprises a tapered wall that extends between a circular top end and a circular bottom end, the top end has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the bottom end, a plurality of threads are disposed along (i.e., extend around) the inner surface of the tapered wall and configured to engage with a neck of the liquor bottle, an inner cavity is defined by the tapered wall and has a volume of at least one ounce. The bottle cap / top can have a first marking on the outer surface of the wall indicating 1.50-ounce, a second marking on the outer surface of the wall indicating 1.00-ounce, a third marking indicating 0.75-ounce, and a fourth marking indicating 0.50-ounce (i.e., for measuring volumes less than, equal to, or greater than one ounce).

[0010] In another aspect, a bottle cap / top for sealing the bottle and measuring one ounce of beverage is disclosed. The bottle cap / top includes a cylindrical wall with an internal surface that has a plurality of threads for securing to a neck of a bottle, a digital outer surface adapted to display the volume of the beverage poured into the cap / top, and an embedded weight sensor at the top end of the cap / top for measuring the volume of the beverage. The bottle cap / top is made of a durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight material.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a bottle cap / top designed to be used for an alcohol shot is disclosed. The bottle cap / top includes a wall and a top closed end, wherein the bottle cap / top accommodates one ounce of alcohol for direct consumption by a user. The bottle cap / top includes a plurality of threads for securing to the neck of a bottle for sealing the contents of the bottle.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the bottle cap / top includes a liner disposed at the top thread for providing a seal against leakage and contamination.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the outer surface of the tapered wall has a logo or indicia disposed thereon for marketing and branding purposes.

[0014] In another aspect, the digital display is configured to indicate the volume of the beverage in real time as the beverage is poured into the cap / top.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, a plurality of LEDs are disposed along (i.e., extend around) the skirt periphery for aesthetic purposes and to facilitate locating the cap / top in low-light conditions.

[0016] Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

[0017] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the measured shot cap / top of the present invention for beverage bottles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the measured shot cap / top of FIG. 1 secured to the neck of a liquor bottle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the measured shot cap / top of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user drinking a direct shot of alcohol using the measured shot cap / top of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a precise measuring device for at least 1-ounce servings. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an improved cap / top for liquor bottles that functions as a measuring device for serving 1-ounce of alcohol, or portions / multiples thereof. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel bottle cap / top that has dual functionality of sealing the contents of liquor bottles and as a measuring device for serving alcohol. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel bottle cap / top that can eliminate the use of shot glasses for direct consumption of 1-ounce of alcohol, or portions / multiples thereof. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a specially designed liquor bottle cap / top that measures at least 1-ounce (and portions / multiples thereof) beverage (i.e., a shot) and provides an accurate measurement of alcohol shot and portions / multiples thereof. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel bottle cap / top that enables users to measure out an accurate amount of alcohol for consuming a single shot or mixing beverages. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an aluminum or plastic cap / top or lid for the top of liquor bottles of all sizes, wherein the cap / top measures at least 1-ounce (and portions / multiples thereof) and enables users to consume a measured shot directly or mix with other beverages.

[0025] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a bottle cap / top for sealing the bottle and measuring one ounce of beverage. The bottle cap / top includes a cylindrical wall having a top closed end and an open end, an internal surface that has a plurality of threads for securing to a neck of a bottle, a digital outer surface adapted to display the volume of the beverage poured into the cap / top, and an embedded weight sensor at the top end of the cap / top for measuring the volume of the beverage. The bottle cap / top is made of a durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight material.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the measured shot cap / top of the present invention for beverage bottles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The measured shot cap / top 100 of the present invention is designed to function as a typical bottle cap / top to seal the contents of bottles such as liquor bottles and also to function as a measuring device for serving alcohol. The measured shot cap / top 100 is preferably made of a durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight material such as a metal, an aluminum, or a plastic. More specifically, the measured shot cap / top 100 is designed to measure at least a 1-ounce serving and other measures, which represent standard sizes for mixing or drinking alcoholic beverages.

[0027] The liquor bottle shot cap / top 100 has a one-piece construction and includes a tapered wall 102 that extends between a circular top closed end 104 and a circular bottom open end 106. The top end 104 has a smaller diameter 108 than the diameter 110 of the bottom end 106. The top end 104 is adapted to rest on the top end of a neck of a beverage / liquor bottle for sealing the bottle. A plurality of threads 112 are disposed along (i.e., extend around) the inner surface 114 of the tapered wall 102 wherein the threads 112 originates from the periphery 116 of the top end 104. The plurality of threads 112 are designed to thread / engage with the neck of the bottle for securing the measured shot cap / top 100.

[0028] A liner 118 is disposed at the top thread 120 of the plurality of threads 112 for providing a seal against the leakage and contamination. The outer surface 122 of the tapered wall 102 has a logo or indicia 124 disposed thereon for marketing and branding purposes. The inner cavity 126 of the measured shot cap / top 100 has a volume of at least one ounce from the top end 104 to the skirt periphery 128. The measured volume enables the measured shot cap / top 100 to be used for measuring, for example, 1-ounce of alcohol for consuming a single shot or for mixing with beverages. The measured shot cap / top 100 can reduce the use of cocktail jiggers for making beverages. The threads 112 enable the measured shot cap / top 100 to be secured to the top end of a neck of any beverage bottle. Further, the tapered shape of the measured shot cap / top 100 enables the cap / top 100 to be used with both cylindrical and tapered necks of the beverage bottles.

[0029] The liquor bottle shot cap / top 100 can include a first marking 130 on the outer surface 122 of the wall 102 indicating 1.50-ounce, a second marking 131 on the outer surface 122 of the wall indicating 1.00-ounce, a third marking 132 indicating 0.75-ounce, and a fourth marking 133 indicating 0.50-ounce. It is to be appreciated that the markings can be on the inner surface of the wall. The measured shot cap / top 100 can be used for different beverages and offers a way for individuals to consume a specific amount of alcohol by functioning as a shot glass. The measured shot cap / top 100 can be made in different colors and designs. A plurality of LEDs 134 can be disposed along (i.e., extend around) the skirt periphery 128 for aesthetic reasons.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the measured shot cap / top of FIG. 1 secured to the neck of a liquor bottle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the measured shot cap / top 100 is positioned with the top end 104 positioned on the top end 202 of the neck 204 of the bottle 206. The tapered wall 102 secures to the neck 204 and the threads 112 engage with the receiving threads 208 disposed on the neck 204 of the bottle 206 to secure the measured shot cap / top 100. It is to be appreciated that the threads 112 matingly engage the receiving threads 208 in the neck 204 of a beverage bottle 206 (i.e., alcohol bottle).

[0031] The measured shot cap / top 100 serves as a conventional cap / top by creating an airtight seal when screwed to the neck 204. When the measured shot cap / top 100 is removed or unscrewed, the measured shot cap / top 100 is used to measure an exact 1.50-ounce serving, 1.00-ounce serving, 75-ounce serving, or 0.50-ounce serving, et. al. In one embodiment, the shot cap / top is translucent plastic and the measured markings 130, 131, 132, 133, and liquid contained in the shot cap / top 100 are visible through the tapered wall 102. This eliminates the need for a separate shot glass or jigger when serving liquor. A user can also fill the cap / top 100 with liquor and consume the alcohol directly from the cap / top 100, treating the cap / top 100 as a shot glass.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the measured (i.e., 1.0 oz.) shot cap / top of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the measured shot cap / top 300 has a cylindrical wall 302 and has a digital outer surface 304. The digital outer surface 304 of the cylindrical wall 302 is adapted to display the volume 305 of the beverage poured into the measured shot cap / top 300. The top end 306 of the cap / top 300 has an embedded weight sensor 308 for measuring the volume of the beverage which is displayed on the digital outer surface 304.

[0033] The internal surface 310 of the wall 302 has a plurality of threads 312 disposed thereon for securing to the neck of a bottle. The threads 312 are designed to secure to the neck of different types of beverage bottles. It is to be appreciated that the threads 312 matingly engage the threads in the neck of a beverage bottle (i.e., alcohol bottle).

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user drinking a direct shot of alcohol using the measured (i.e., 1-ounce) shot cap / top of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the user 402 removes the cap / top 300 from the bottle 206 and pours the alcohol 404 into the cap / top 300 for direct consumption similar to the use of a shot glass. The cap / top 300 can be handled easily without requiring the use of any additional equipment.

[0035] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “shot cap / top”, “measured shot cap / top”, “liquor bottle shot cap / top”, “1-ounce shot cap / top”, and “cap / top” are interchangeable and refer to the measured liquor shot cap / top 100, 300 of the present invention.

[0036] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the measured liquor shot cap / top 100, 300 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the measured liquor shot cap / top 100, 300 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the measured liquor shot cap / top 100, 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the measured liquor shot cap / top 100, 300 are important design parameters for user convenience, the measured liquor shot cap / top 100, 300 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0037] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0038] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A cap for an alcohol bottle comprising;a shot cap having a plurality of threads for sealing on a neck of a bottle;wherein said shot cap having a tapered wall extending from a circular top closed end to a circular bottom open end;wherein said shot cap having a plurality of measures;wherein said circular top closed end having a first diameter;wherein said circular bottom open end having a second diameter;wherein said first diameter is less than said second diameter;wherein said plurality of threads extend around an inner surface of said tapered wall proximal to said circular top closed end;wherein said plurality of threads matingly engage a plurality of threads on an alcohol bottle; andfurther wherein said plurality of measures selected from the group consisting of 1.50-ounce, 1.00-ounce, 0.75-ounce, and 0.50-ounce.

2. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 1, wherein said circular top closed end rests on a top end of the alcohol bottle when said plurality of threads are fully engaged with the plurality of threads of the alcohol bottle to seal the alcohol bottle.

3. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 2, wherein said plurality of threads originate at a periphery adjacent to said circular top closed end.

4. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 3, wherein said circular top closed end having an inner surface including a liner for providing a seal with the top end of the alcohol bottle.

5. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 4, wherein said shot cap having a volume of at least one ounce.

6. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 5, wherein said tapered wall having said plurality of measures including 1.00-ounce, 0.75-ounce, and 0.50-ounce.

7. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 6, wherein said tapered wall having a plurality of LEDs extending around a terminal edge of said tapered wall.

8. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 6, wherein said sealable shot cap having a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an aluminum, and a plastic.

9. A cap for an alcohol bottle comprising;a shot cap having a plurality of threads for sealing on a neck of a bottle;wherein said shot cap having a tapered wall extending from a circular top closed end to a circular bottom open end;wherein said shot cap having a plurality of measures;wherein said circular top closed end having a first diameter;wherein said circular bottom open end having a second diameter;wherein said first diameter is less than said second diameter;wherein said plurality of threads extend around an inner surface of said tapered wall proximal to said circular top closed end;wherein said plurality of threads matingly engage a plurality of threads on an alcohol bottle; andwherein said shot cap having a material of translucent plastic;wherein said plurality of measures and a liquid contained in said shot cap are visible through said tapered wall; andfurther wherein said plurality of measures selected from the group consisting of 1.50-ounce, 1.00-ounce, 0.75-ounce, and 0.50-ounce.

10. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 9, wherein said circular top closed end rests on a top end of the alcohol bottle when said plurality of threads are fully engaged with the plurality of threads of the alcohol bottle to seal the alcohol bottle.

11. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 10, wherein said plurality of threads originate at a periphery adjacent to said circular top closed end.

12. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 11, wherein said circular top closed end having an inner surface including a liner for providing a seal with the top end of the alcohol bottle.

13. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 12, wherein said shot cap having a volume of at least one ounce.

14. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 13, wherein said tapered wall having said plurality of measures including 1.50-ounce, 1.00-ounce, 0.75-ounce, and 0.50-ounce.

15. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 14, wherein said tapered wall having a plurality of LEDs extending around a terminal edge of said tapered wall.

16. A cap for an alcohol bottle comprising;a shot cap having a plurality of threads for sealing on a neck of a bottle;wherein said shot cap having a digital outer surface extending from a circular top closed end to a circular bottom open end;wherein said circular top closed end having a weight sensor for measuring a volume of a beverage contained in said shot cap;wherein said digital outer surface displays the volume of the beverage contained in said shot cap;wherein said plurality of threads extend around an inner surface of said shot cap proximal to said circular top closed end; andfurther wherein said plurality of threads matingly engage a plurality of threads on an alcohol bottle.

17. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 16, wherein said circular top closed end rests on a top end of the alcohol bottle when said plurality of threads are fully engaged with the plurality of threads of the alcohol bottle to seal the alcohol bottle.

18. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 17, wherein said plurality of threads originate at a periphery adjacent to said circular top closed end.

19. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 18, wherein said circular top closed end having an inner surface including a liner for providing a seal with the top end of the alcohol bottle.

20. The cap for an alcohol bottle of claim 19, wherein said shot cap having a volume of at least one ounce.

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