Container cap and compound

Abstract

A cap for containing a compound includes a body having an opening. The opening extends through the body from its upper end to its lower end over a first length. A membrane seals the lower end of the opening. A lid is removably coupled to and movable with respect to the body. The lid includes a protrusion extending downward from an inner surface of the lid over a second length longer than the first length. The opening accommodates the lower end of the protrusion. A spacer is removably coupled to the lid and interposed between the lid and the body. The spacer is configurable between a first state in which the spacer is engaged with the lid to prevent the protrusion from penetrating the membrane and a second state in which the spacer is disengaged from the lid to allow the protrusion of the lid to penetrate the membrane of the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 712,504, filed December 12, 2020, entitled "Container Cap and Compounds," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to caps for containers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to caps that include the compounds described herein. [Background technology]

[0003] Various caps for dispensing compounds into containers are known. Conventional caps generally include a lid and a body that essentially form the cap. The lid and body of the cap contain a compound selected for dispensing into the container. To prevent tampering or contamination of the compound, conventional caps are designed for single use. Therefore, separating the lid and body, i.e., inserting additional compound into the cap, requires a force that is large enough to deter users. Furthermore, conventional caps require users to perform complex operations to dispense the compound, such as a combination of rotational and translational movement of the lid relative to the body.

[0004] In view of the above background, what is needed in the art is a capping device that provides an improved operation for dispensing compounds, and in particular, a need for a capping device that provides an improved operation for dispensing compounds into containers and that allows a user to reuse the capping device for further dispensing operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure addresses the above-mentioned needs in the art. In the present disclosure, a capping apparatus and method are provided.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a capping device for containing and dispensing a compound into a container. The capping device includes a body. The body has an upper end, a lower end, and an opening. The opening defines a volume for containing the compound. The opening extends a first length through a central axis of the body. The opening extends from the upper end to the lower end of the body. A membrane is disposed at the lower end of the opening. The membrane has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening so that the membrane seals the lower end of the opening. A lid is removably coupled to and movable relative to the upper end of the body. The lid has an upper end having an outer surface and an inner surface. The lid has a protrusion extending downward from the inner surface of the lid. The protrusion has a second length greater than the first length of the opening of the body. The diameter of the protrusion corresponds to the diameter of the opening. The opening of the body receives the lower end of the protrusion. A spacer removably engages the upper end of the lid. The spacer is interposed between the upper end of the lid and the upper end of the body. The spacer is also configurable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the spacer engages the lid, increasing the distance between the top end of the lid and the bottom end of the opening by a third length. This increase in distance prevents the protrusion from penetrating the membrane or the seal formed by the membrane. In the second state, the spacer disengages from the lid, removing the third length from the distance between the top end of the lid and the bottom end of the opening. With the spacer disengaged, the protrusion on the lid penetrates the membrane of the body. Thus, the compound is dispensed from the cap device into the container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the body further comprises a gate disposed at a lower end of the opening, the gate being movable between a first position in which the gate occupies a first portion of the opening and a second position in which the gate occupies a second portion of the opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gate is positioned inside the lower edge of the opening above the membrane.

[0009] In some embodiments, a first end of the gate is coupled to a lower end of the opening and a second end of the gate is free.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lower end of the protrusion further comprises a wedge configured to abut the second end of the gate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the opening in the body has a first diameter at an upper end of the opening and a second diameter at a lower end of the opening, such that the diameter of the protrusion corresponds to the second diameter of the opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, a transition region of the opening from the first diameter to the second diameter exists over a portion of the first length of the opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lid and the body are movable relative to a first translational degree of freedom.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusion further comprises a gasket interposed between the inner surface of the opening in the body and the outer surface of the protrusion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the spacer is integrally formed with the lid, such that the interface between the spacer and the lid has a first strength that is less than a second strength of the spacer and the lid.

[0016] In some embodiments, the interface comprises a plurality of perforations.

[0017] In some embodiments, the interface comprises a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of the spacer and the lid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the spacer is a shaft collar.

[0019] In some embodiments, the exterior of the lid includes a cylindrical portion having a third diameter. The spacer is thus a cylindrical body of the third diameter with a gap along a portion of the circumference of the cylinder forming the spacer. The gap defines a chord length of the cylinder. The chord length of the gap in the first state of the spacer is less than the third diameter. The chord length of the gap in the second state of the spacer is equal to or greater than the third diameter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spacer is elastically deformable, thereby allowing the spacer to transition between one or more states.

[0021] In some embodiments, the diameter of the spacer is in the range of 85% to 100% of the third diameter.

[0022] In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the top end of the body and the interior surface of the top end of the lid include corresponding mating features.

[0023] In some embodiments, corresponding mating features on the body and lid may allow the cap device to be settable between a first state and a second state, where the body and lid can be freely mated and separated from each other, and where the second state prevents separation of the body and lid from each other.

[0024] In some embodiments, the transition of the cap device from the first state to the second state is effected by relative rotation of the lid.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second state of the cap limits the relative movement of the lid to one translational degree of freedom.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first state limits relative movement of the lid to one translational degree of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom, and the second state limits relative movement of the lid to one translational degree of freedom.

[0027] In some embodiments, the compound comprises a fluid, a solid, a particulate, and / or a combination thereof.

[0028] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for dispensing a dose of a compound contained in a cap device of a container. The cap device comprises a body having an opening. The cap device further comprises a lid including a hollow protrusion and a spacer removably coupled to an upper end of the lid. The spacer is interposed between the upper end of the lid and the body. The method thus comprises sealing a lower end of the opening of the body with a membrane. A dose of compound is filled into either the opening or the hollow portion of the protrusion. The lid and body of the cap device are coupled together by receiving the hollow protrusion of the lid within the opening of the body so that the compound is contained in the cap device. The lower end of the body is coupled to the container so that the cap device is coupled to the container. The spacer is removed from the upper end of the lid. The lid is further pressed toward the body, causing the protrusion to pierce the seal formed by the membrane. Thus, the dose of compound is dispensed into the container.

[0029] In some embodiments, the interior surface of one of the openings or hollow protrusions of the cap device further comprises one or more markings, each respective marking defining a unique predetermined dosage, and thus filling includes filling the compound into one of the openings or protrusions up to one of the markings.

[0030] In some embodiments, the bonding further comprises bonding a spacer to the top end of the lid.

[0031] In some embodiments, a spacer is bonded to the top end of the lid prior to bonding the lid and body.

[0032] In some embodiments, the engagement allows for one translational degree of relative movement between the lid and body.

[0033] In some embodiments, engagement allows one translational degree of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom of relative movement between the lid and body, and restricts one translational degree of freedom of relative movement between the lid and body in one direction prior to removal.

[0034] In some embodiments, the engagement allows for one translational degree of relative movement between the lid and body.

[0035] In some embodiments, the force required for coupling is less than or equal to the force required for depressing and piercing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method further comprises separating the cap device from the container. Thus, in some embodiments, the method further comprises repeating the sealing-to-depressing step for either the second dose of the dispensed compound or another dose of the second compound.

[0037] In some embodiments, the separating further comprises separating the body and lid of the cap.

[0038] In some embodiments, repeated sealing involves removing the pierced membrane from the lid and sealing with a second membrane that is different from the first membrane.

[0039] In some embodiments, repeated sealing includes resealing the lower end of the opening in the body with the membrane, thereby reforming the pierced seal.

[0040] In some embodiments, repeating does not include removing.

[0041] In some embodiments, the spacer is integrally formed with the top end of the lid. Thus, the method further includes separating the body from the container and the lid from the body. Also, in some embodiments, the method includes repeating the sealing and pressing steps of the method with a second lid different from the lid of the dispensed compound.

[0042] In some embodiments, the container comprises a consumable liquid, and therefore the method further comprises consuming a solution comprising and / or containing the consumable liquid and the compound prior to separating the body from the container or the lid from the body.

[0043] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a capping device for containing and dispensing a compound into a container. The capping device includes a body. The body has an upper end, a lower end, and an opening. The opening extends a first length through the body from the upper end to the lower end along an axis of the body. A membrane is disposed at the lower end of the opening. The membrane has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening so that the membrane seals the lower end of the opening. A lid is removably coupled to and movable relative to the upper end of the body. The lid has an upper end having an outer surface and an inner surface. The lid has a protrusion extending downward from the inner surface of the lid. The protrusion has a second length greater than the first length of the opening of the body. The diameter of the protrusion corresponds to the diameter of the opening. The opening of the body receives the lower end of the protrusion. A spacer is removably coupled to the upper end of the lid and is interposed between the upper end of the lid and the upper end of the body. The spacer is configurable between a first state and a second state. In a first state, the spacer is engaged with the lid, increasing the distance between the top end of the lid and the bottom end of the opening by a third length to prevent the protrusion from piercing the membrane, and in a second state, the spacer is disengaged from the lid, removing the third length from the distance between the top end of the lid and the bottom end of the opening, thereby allowing the protrusion on the lid to pierce the membrane on the body to dispense the compound into the container.

[0044] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a capping device for containing and dispensing a compound into a container. The capping device includes a body. The body has an upper end, a lower end, and an opening. The opening extends a first length through the body axis from the upper end to the lower end. A membrane is disposed at the lower end of the opening. The membrane has a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening so that the membrane seals the lower end of the opening. A lid is removably coupled to and movable relative to the upper end of the body. The lid has an upper end having an outer surface and an inner surface. The lid has a protrusion extending downward from the inner surface of the lid. The protrusion has a second length larger than the first length of the opening in the body. The opening in the body receives the lower end of the protrusion. A spacer is configurable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the spacer is engaged with the lid, increasing the distance between the upper end of the lid and the lower end of the opening by a third length and preventing the protrusion from piercing the membrane. In the second state, the spacer is disengaged from the lid and a third length is removed from the distance between the upper end of the lid and the lower end of the opening, thereby allowing the protrusion on the lid to pierce the membrane of the body and dispense the compound into the container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] Embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout.

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a capping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a top view of a lid of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a lid of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 is a top view of a body of a capping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with dashed lines being projections of corresponding lengths; [Figure 4B]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a body of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cap device in a first state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the dashed lines are projections of corresponding lengths. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a capping device in a second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with dashed lines being projections of corresponding lengths. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a first partially exploded side view of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a second partially exploded side view of a capping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another partially exploded perspective view of a capping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart of the processes and features of a capping device for containing and dispensing a compound into a container, where dashed boxes are optional, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present disclosure provides a capping device for containing a compound and dispensing the compound into a container. To this end, U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 706,749, filed September 23, 2019, and entitled "Container Cap," is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The capping device includes a spacer that allows or prevents the capping device from dispensing a compound. When the spacer allows a user to dispense a compound, the capping device is operated by the user with improved ease. Improved user operation allows for compound dispensing with minimal user input, such as no rotation. Improved user operation also allows a user to disengage and reengage various portions of the capping device together without applying significant force. This allows the capping device to be used with additional containers and / or compounds, allows a user to reuse the capping device, and, in some embodiments, allows for multiple dispensing operations with the same capping device over a period of time.

[0048] A cap for containing a compound includes a body having an opening. The opening extends downward a first length from the upper end to the lower end of the body. A membrane seals the lower end of the opening. A lid is removably coupled to and movable with respect to the body. The lid includes a protrusion extending downward a second length from an inner surface of the lid. The second length is equal to or greater than the first length. The opening receives the lower end of the protrusion and, in combination with the membrane, further contains the compound within the cap device. A spacer is removably coupled to the lid and is interposed between the lid and the body and engages with the lid. A first state of the spacer includes the spacer engaged with the lid, thereby preventing the protrusion from penetrating the membrane. A second state of the spacer includes the spacer disengaged from the lid, thereby allowing the protrusion of the lid to penetrate the membrane of the body. In this manner, a user can dispense a compound by disengaging the spacer from the lid, thereby depressing the lid downward to pierce the membrane.

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0050] For components, operations, or structures described herein, multiple examples may be presented as examples. Finally, boundaries between various components are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific exemplary configurations. Other forms of functionality are contemplated and may be included within the scope of implementations. In general, structures and functions presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functions presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are included within the scope of implementations.

[0051] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, it should be understood that these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first compound can be referred to as a second compound, and similarly, a second compound can be referred to as a first compound, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first compound and the second compound are both compounds, but are not the same compound.

[0052] Also, when a reference number includes an "i-th" designation, the reference number refers to a general component, set, or embodiment. For example, a mark referred to as "mark i" refers to the i-th mark of the plurality of marks (e.g., mark 800-i of the plurality of marks 800).

[0053] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. When used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term "and / or" is understood to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms "comprise" and / or "comprising," as used herein, are understood to indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0054] The above description has been set forth with reference to specific embodiments for purposes of explanation. However, the exemplary description below is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles and their practical applications so as to enable others skilled in the art to optimally utilize the embodiments, and various modifications suited to the particular uses contemplated.

[0055] For clarity, not all routine features of the embodiments described herein are shown and described. It is recognized that in developing any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the designer's particular goals, such as adherence to use cases and business-related constraints, and that these particular goals will vary from implementation to implementation and from designer to designer. It is also recognized that such a design effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0056] For ease of description and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "up", "down", "upward", "downward", "lateral", "longitudinal", "inner", "outer", "inner side", "outer side", "inward", "outer side", "internal", "external", "front", "rear", "rearward", and "rearward" are used to describe features of exemplary embodiments with reference to the location of the features as displayed in the figures.

[0057] 1-10, a capping device 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The capping device 10 is configured to removably engage with a container. Containers of the present disclosure include beverage products and laboratory products, such as glassware. For example, in some embodiments, the containers include drinking glasses, such as beakers, bottles, and tumblers, flasks, jars, tubes, and the like. Once engaged with a container, the capping device 10 and the container can be disengaged, thereby allowing the capping device 10 to be reused with any number of different containers.

[0058] In some embodiments, capping device 10 contains one or more compounds (e.g., compound 700 of FIG. 5 ) within a portion of capping device 10. By transitioning capping device 10 between various states (e.g., from a first state of FIG. 5 to a second state of FIG. 6 ), compound 700 contained within capping device 10 is dispensed into a container. In some embodiments, the container contains a solvent (e.g., a potable liquid such as water), and compound 700 includes a material that dissolves in the container's solvent. Thus, when compound 700 is dispensed from capping device 10 into the container (e.g., method 1100 of FIG. 11 ), a solution is formed. In some embodiments, this solution is a consumable (e.g., drinkable) solution for a user of capping device 10.

[0059] Compound 700 comprises a variety of materials, including one or more liquid materials, one or more solid materials, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, compound 700 comprises one or more concentrated liquids, one or more pastes, one or more granular solids, one or more emulsions, etc. In some embodiments, compound 700 is a consumable compound, such as a material that provides one or more physiological benefits upon consumption by a user. Consumable compound 700 includes pharmaceutical compounds, nutritional compounds such as vitamins and minerals, organic compounds, etc. In some embodiments, compound 700 comprises one or more prebiotics, each prebiotic comprising one or more corresponding bacterial populations. In some embodiments, compound 700 comprises an active ingredient (e.g., an active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition).

[0060] The capping device 10 includes a body 100 and a lid 200 that removably engage with one another, thereby allowing a user to repeatedly load and dispense compound 700 into and from the capping device 10. In some embodiments, this repeated use of the capping device 10 (e.g., engaging and disengaging the lid 200 from the body 100) allows a user to utilize the same body 100 and / or the same lid 200 for multiple dispensing operations (e.g., block 1116 of method 1100 of FIG. 11 ). Removably engaging the body 100 and the lid 200 with one another also allows the capping device 10 to be utilized with different containers and / or different compounds 700 in multiple dispensing processes, increasing the usability of the capping device 10.

[0061] In some embodiments, the capping device 10 is configured to engage with a predetermined container or a container of a predetermined size (e.g., a container of a predetermined mouth size, such as a standard 40 millimeter (mm) wide-mouth container). In some embodiments, the body 100 portion of the capping device 10 is configured to engage with a predetermined container or a container of a predetermined size, and the lid 200 portion of the body is a generic component configured to engage with the standard-sized body 100. For example, in some embodiments, a first capping device 10-1 is configured using a first body 100-1 and a first lid 200-1, and a second capping device 10-2 is configured using a second body 100-2 and a second lid 200-2. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first capping device 10-1 is configured using a first body 100-1, a second body 100-2, a first lid 200-1, a second lid 200-2, or a combination thereof (e.g., the capping device 10 allows for interchangeable components). Thus, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides capping devices 10 that are suitable for a variety of containers and / or components (eg, body 100 and / or lid 200) of the capping device 10.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1-10 , in some embodiments, the outer surface of capping device 10 includes a cylindrical shape, allowing a user to grip capping device 10. For example, in some embodiments, each edge or lip of the outer surface of capping device 10 includes a chamfered, rounded edge. Also, as described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the outer surface of capping device 10 includes a slope such that the outer surface of capping device 10 is formed in a conical shape. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other configurations of the outer surface of capping device 10 within this disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Body 100 and lid 200 collectively form an internal cavity that accommodates compound 700 within capping device 10. In some embodiments, the internal cavity includes a portion of opening 110 of body 100 and / or a portion of protrusion 210 extending downward from the surface of lid 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the internal cavity that accommodates compound 700 includes the interior (e.g., hollow) of protrusion 210 and / or the lower end of opening 110.

[0063] Opening 110 is disposed at the top end of body 100 and is configured to accommodate a portion of lid 200 (e.g., a portion of protrusion 210). In some embodiments, opening 110 is formed as a through-hole extending from the top end to the bottom end of body 100. For example, briefly referring to FIG. 4A, a top view of body 100 shows the through-hole for opening 110 sealed at the bottom end by a membrane (e.g., membrane 400 in FIG. 10) and partially blocked by a gate (e.g., gate 500 in FIG. 10). This allows compound 700 to pass from the top end to the bottom end of body 100 by gravity alone.

[0064] Opening 110 has a first length (e.g., length L1 in FIG. 5 ) that defines the distance from the top to the bottom of opening 110. In some embodiments, first length L1 of opening 110 is in the range of 5 millimeters (mm) to 60 mm, 5 mm to 55 mm, 10 mm to 55 mm, 15 mm to 55 mm, 15 mm to 50 mm, 20 mm to 50 mm, 25 mm to 50 mm, 25 mm to 45 mm, 30 mm to 45 mm, 30 mm to 40 mm, 32 mm to 38 mm, or 34 mm to 36 mm. In some embodiments, first length L1 of opening 110 is 34.5±0.4 mm (e.g., 34.66 mm).

[0065] In some embodiments, opening 110 defines a volume for containing compound 700, such as a maximum volume, a dosage volume, etc. In some embodiments, the volume defined by opening 110 is the volume of an interior cavity of cap device 10. For example, in some embodiments, the volume of opening 110 is a function of a first length L1 of opening 110 and a diameter (e.g., D1 in FIG. 5 ) of opening 110. Opening 110 extends through an axis (e.g., axis 160 in FIG. 6 ) of body 100 from a first end to a second end of body 100, thereby allowing a fluid (e.g., compound 700) or a free-flowing material (e.g., a granular solid) to pass through body 100 from the first end and exit through the second end of body 100. In some embodiments, the first end of body 100 includes a side of body 100 or an upper end of body 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second end of body 100 includes a side of body 100 or a bottom end of body 100. In some embodiments, axis 160 is a central axis from the top end to the bottom end of body 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, in some embodiments, opening 110 includes one or more internal curves that redirect the path through opening 110.

[0066] In some embodiments, cap device 10 further includes one or more indicia (e.g., indicia 800-1 in FIG. 5 ) that identify various features of cap device 10. In some embodiments, one or more of indicia 800 are disposed within an internal cavity of cap device 10, such as the interior surface of opening 110 and / or the interior (e.g., hollow) of protrusion 210. In some embodiments, each indicia 800 defines a unique predetermined dosage of compound 700, such as a unique predetermined volume. In some embodiments, each unique predetermined volume of corresponding indicia 800 is in a range of 0.5 milliliters (mL) to 25 mL, 1 mL to 25 mL, 1 mL to 20 mL, 1 mL to 15 mL, 1 mL to 10 mL, 2 mL to 10 mL, or 4 mL to 6 mL (e.g., 5 mL). In some embodiments, each unique predetermined volume of the corresponding indicia 800 is a corresponding portion of the volume of the inner cavity (e.g., a first indicia 800-1 indicates a 10% portion of the volume of the inner cavity, a second indicia 800-2 indicates a 15% portion of the volume of the inner cavity, a third indicia 800-3 indicates a 20% portion of the volume of the inner cavity, etc.) While the illustrated embodiment of the indicia 800 provided within the cap device 10 is shown as a dashed line, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, as one skilled in the art will recognize that other similar representations of the indicia 800 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] Additionally, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of the cap device 10 includes one or more indicia 800 (e.g., indicia 800-4 in FIG. 8 ) that respectively identify degrees of freedom of movement of the cap device 10. For example, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of a spacer (e.g., spacer 300 in FIG. 8 ) of the cap device 10 includes a third indicia 800-3 that identifies a direction of movement of a corresponding degree of freedom of the spacer 300. Similarly, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of the lid 200 of the cap device 10 includes a fourth indicia 800-4 that identifies a direction of movement of a corresponding degree of freedom of the spacer 300 (the first translational degree of freedom in this exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, one or more of the exterior indicia 800 include a first identifying symbol indicating the corresponding degree of freedom (e.g., an arrow), a second identifying symbol (e.g., a number and / or letter) indicating the corresponding operation in a sequence of operations for utilizing the cap device (e.g., method 1100 in FIG. 11 ), or a combination thereof. For example, the third indicium 800-3 includes a corresponding first identifier "←" that identifies a clockwise direction and a corresponding second identifier "1" that identifies the first operation in the operation sequence (e.g., block 1112 of method 1110 of FIG. 11). Further, the fourth indicium 800-4 includes a corresponding first identifier "↓" that identifies a downward direction (e.g., a press) and a corresponding second identifier "2" that identifies the second operation in the operation sequence (e.g., block 1112 of FIG. 11).

[0068] Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the exterior markings 800 include a fifth marking (e.g., fifth marking 800-5 in FIG. 2 ) that identifies the relative orientation of the body 100 with respect to the lid 200. For example, in some embodiments, the fifth marking 800-5 is located on a portion of the body 100 (e.g., the outer surface of the skirt 120). As such, in some embodiments, the relative orientation of the fourth marking 800-4 on the lid 200 and the fifth marking 800-5 on the body 100 allows a user of the cap device 10 to determine the orientation of the protrusion 210 within the opening 110 of the body 100 (e.g., align the wedge portion 230 of the protrusion 210 with the gate 500 of the cap device 10) to the extent necessary for visual inspection of the protrusion 210. In some embodiments, alignment of the fourth mark 800-4 on the lid 200 with the fifth mark 800-5 on the body 100 enables the cap device to transition from a first state to a second state (e.g., from the first state of FIG. 5 to the second state of FIG. 6), such that the cap device 10 does not transition to the second state when at least the fourth mark 800-4 on the lid 200 and the fifth mark 800-5 are not aligned (e.g., when the spacer 300 is engaged with the cap device 10).

[0069] In some embodiments, the opening 110 in the body 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape (e.g., a cylinder with straight walls, a cone with sloping walls, etc.) having a first diameter (e.g., D1 in FIG. 4A ). In some embodiments, the first diameter D1 is a diameter measured from the inner surface of the opening 110, measured from the outer surface of the opening 110, or measured from the average thickness of the walls of the opening 110 (e.g., the walls forming the outer and inner surfaces). Further, in some embodiments, the first diameter D1 spans the length of the opening 110, thereby allowing the opening 110 to at least partially form a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the length of the opening 110 having the first diameter D1 is the entire length of the opening 110 (e.g., the first length L1 in FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the length of the opening 110 having the first diameter D1 is a portion of the entire length L1 of the opening 110, such as the lower end of the opening 110. In some embodiments, the first diameter D1 of the opening 110 is in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, 5 mm to 45 mm, 10 mm to 45 mm, 10 mm to 40 mm, 10 mm to 35 mm, 10 mm to 35 mm, 15 mm to 35 mm, 20 mm to 40 mm, 20 mm to 35 mm, 25 mm to 40 mm, 25 mm to 35 mm, 28 mm to 35 mm, 28 mm to 33 mm, 30 mm to 35 mm, 30 mm to 33 mm, 31 mm to 32 mm, 27 mm to 33 mm, or 29 mm to 32 mm (e.g., 30 mm). In some embodiments, the first diameter D1 of the opening 110 is 31.5 ± 0.4 mm (e.g., 31.43 mm).

[0070] Thus, in some embodiments, opening 110 includes a second diameter (e.g., D2 in FIG. 4A ) that is different from first diameter D1 of opening 110. In some embodiments, second diameter D2 is larger than first diameter D1 of opening 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, second diameter D2 is located at an upper end of opening 110. Also, in some embodiments, second diameter D2 of opening is larger than the diameter of protrusion 210 of lid 200, which can improve (e.g., make it easier) to fit protrusion 210 into opening 110 of body 100. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the opening 110 is in the range of 10 mm to 75 mm, 15 mm to 75 mm, 20 mm to 75 mm, 20 mm to 65 mm, 25 mm to 65 mm, 25 mm to 60 mm, 25 mm to 55 mm, 20 mm to 50 mm, 25 mm to 50 mm, 30 mm to 45 mm, 35 mm to 40 mm, or 37 mm to 39 mm (e.g., 38 mm). In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the opening 110 is 38.5 ± 0.4 mm (e.g., 38.56 mm).

[0071] In some embodiments, opening 110 includes a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, with a transition region (e.g., transition region 112 in FIG. 5 ) interposed between first diameter D1 and second diameter D2 (e.g., a region transitioning from first diameter D1 to second diameter D2). In some embodiments, an outer lower end of transition region 112 abuts a portion of the container (e.g., a spout or mouth of the container) when cap device 10 and the container are engaged with each other. In some embodiments, transition region 112 spans the length of opening 112. In some embodiments, the length of transition region 112 includes the entire length of opening 110 (e.g., first length L1 in FIG. 5 ) such that opening 110 is formed in the shape of a truncated sphere or a truncated cone (e.g., a frustum). In some embodiments, transition region 112 includes a linear slope and / or a smooth curve (e.g., a parabolic curve) such that transition region 112 smoothly transitions from first diameter D1 to second diameter D2, thereby improving accommodation of protrusion 210 of lid 200 into opening 110 of body 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, transition region 112 can funnel the flow of compound 700, thereby improving disposal and / or dispensing of compound 700. For example, in some embodiments, opening 110 includes a slope (e.g., a portion of transition region 112) at a predetermined angle from axis 160. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle of the opening 110 is in the range of -0.1 degrees (°) to -15°, -0.5° to -15°, -0.5° to -10°, -0.5° to -7.5°, -0.5° to -5°, -0.5° to -3°, -1° to -3°, or -1° to -2°. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle of the opening 110 is -1±0.4° (e.g., -1.2°).

[0072] Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more indicia 800 are associated with the transition region 112. For example, in some embodiments, a first indicia 800-1 is associated with the transition 112 and / or a first portion of the body 100 above it, a second indicia 800-2 is associated with a second portion of the body 100 at the transition 112, a third indicia 800-3 is associated with the transition 112 and / or a third portion of the body 100 below it, or a combination thereof.

[0073] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to circular diameters and cross-sectional areas, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, each of the described openings and / or components of cap device 10 (e.g., opening 110 of body 100, protrusion 210 of lid 200, etc.) and their corresponding diameters are instead formed as any polygonal cross-sectional area having a characteristic length equal to the corresponding described diameter (e.g., instead of a circular cross-section of opening 110 having a 1 centimeter (cm) diameter, as first diameter D1 of opening 110 has, a square cross-section having a similar 1 cm length and width).

[0074] In some embodiments, the body 100 includes a skirt 120 that projects outward from the outer surface of the body. The skirt 120 defines an area of ​​the body 100 for receiving a portion of a container, such as the mouth of the container. In some embodiments, the skirt 120 is disposed at the upper end of the body 100, at the lower end of the body 100, or interposed between the upper and lower end portions of the body 100. Further, in some embodiments, the skirt 120 projects outward from the outer surface of the opening 110. Further, in some embodiments, the skirt 120 is disposed so as to project outward from a portion of the opening that includes the transition region 112. In some embodiments, skirt 120 extends outward from the outer surface of opening 110 a distance in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm, 1 mm to 25 mm, 1 mm to 20 mm, 2 mm to 20 mm, 1 mm to 15 mm, 2 mm to 15 mm, 2 mm to 10 mm, 5 mm to 15 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 8 mm (e.g., the difference between D3 and either D1 or D2 of opening 110 in FIG. 4A ). In some embodiments, skirt 120 extends outward from the outer surface of opening 110 a distance of 7.75±0.4 mm (e.g., 7.83 mm). Further, in some embodiments, the outer surface of skirt 120 facing the inner surface includes a slope at a predetermined angle from axis 160. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle of skirt 120 is in the range of 0.5° to 25°, 0.5° to 25°, 0.5° to 20°, 0.5° to 15°, 0.5° to 10°, 1° to 10°, 1° to 7.5°, 1° to 6°, 2° to 6°, or 3° to 5°. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle of skirt 120 is 4±0.4° (e.g., 4.05°).

[0075] Additionally, in some embodiments, the body 100 includes a mating feature (e.g., first mating feature 130 of FIG. 1 ) that facilitates removable engagement of the cap device 10 with the container (e.g., block 1110 of FIG. 11 ). In some embodiments, the container includes a corresponding first mating feature that engages with the first mating feature 130 of the body 100. For example, in some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the body 100 includes a female mating feature, and the corresponding first mating feature of the container includes a corresponding male mating feature. Similarly, in some embodiments, a reverse female-male configuration is employed for the first mating feature 130. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the body 100 includes an internal mating feature (e.g., an internally facing feature such as a female thread), and the corresponding first mating feature of the container includes a corresponding external mating feature (e.g., an externally facing feature such as a male thread). In some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the body 100 is configured to mate with a predetermined corresponding mating feature of a container, such as a predetermined container with a standard mouth (e.g., a mouth diameter of 55 mm to 70 mm) or a wide-mouth container (e.g., a mouth diameter of 70 mm to 90 mm). In some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the body 100 is a continuous thread mating feature that requires a full relative rotation of the lid 200 about the body 100 to disengage and engage the lid 200 and the body 100. In some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the body 100 is a lug mating feature that requires a partial relative rotation of the lid 200 about the body 100 to disengage and engage the lid 200 and the body 100.

[0076] In some embodiments, the skirt 120 of the body 100 includes a first mating feature 130 for engaging (e.g., fastening) the body 100 with a container. In some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the skirt 120 is disposed on an inner surface of the skirt 120 such that a corresponding first mating feature of the container is received within a portion of the skirt 120, maintaining the sanitary condition of the container. In some embodiments, the first mating feature 130 of the skirt 120 includes an interference mating feature (e.g., a press-fit or friction-fit mating feature) such as a latch feature or a pin feature.

[0077] 5, in some embodiments, opening 110 extends below a lower end of skirt 120. For example, in some embodiments, opening 110 extends below one or more protrusions (e.g., protrusion 140) on skirt 120. Accordingly, in some embodiments, opening 110 extends below first mating feature 130 on skirt 120. As such, when capping device 10 is engaged with a container, a lower end of opening 110 is received by a portion of the container and extends beyond the corresponding first mating feature on the container into an interior cavity of the container. This reception of opening 110 within the container cavity allows compound 700 to be dispensed from capping device 10 into container 100 (e.g., dispensing compound 700 directly into a solvent in the container) with reduced risk of residual portions of compound 700 remaining in the neck and / or mouth of the container. Additionally, the opening 110 may extend below the bottom edge of the skirt 120 to improve inspection of the membrane 400 and / or observation of the dispensing of the compound 700 from the cap device 10 .

[0078] Additionally, in some embodiments, skirt 120 includes multiple protrusions 140, each extending below the bottom edge of skirt 120. In some embodiments, protrusions 140 engage the exterior surface of the container, such as a portion of the container's neck. Engagement of protrusions 140 with the container surface increases the surface area of ​​body 100 that contacts the container, thereby increasing the amount of force required to disengage body 100 from the container. For example, in some embodiments, protrusions 140 limit movement of body 100 relative to the container when a user engages a lid (e.g., lid 200 of FIG. 1 ) of capping device 10. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of protrusions 140 impart one or more indicia (e.g., markings such as indentations and / or scratches) to a portion of the container, which acts as evidence that capping device 10 has been coupled to the container (e.g., evidence of tampering, use, etc.). In some embodiments, protrusions 140 include one or more perforations (e.g., one or more perforations 320 of FIG. 2) to allow the second spacer to mate with cap device 10. In some embodiments, protrusions 140 include a number of protrusions ranging from 2 to 150, 3 to 150, 4 to 150, 5 to 150, 10 to 150, 10 to 100, or 20 to 50. In some embodiments, each protrusion 140 extends from the lower end portion of skirt 120 a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm, 0.01 mm to 5 mm, 0.05 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, each protrusion 140 extends from the lower end portion of skirt 120 a distance of 0.5±0.4 mm (e.g., 0.50 mm).

[0079] As described above, the lid 200 of the capping device 10 removably engages with the body 100, thereby allowing each compound 700 to be repeatedly positioned and received (e.g., block 1106 of FIG. 11 ) for dispensing (e.g., block 1114 of FIG. 11 ) into the capping device 10. The lid 200 comprises a top end having an exterior surface (e.g., one or more surfaces of FIG. 3A ) and an interior surface (e.g., one or more surfaces of FIG. 3B ). In some embodiments, the top end of the exterior surface (e.g., the top end of the surface including the logo 240 of FIG. 3A ) includes a flat portion that provides a substantially flat (e.g., within a tolerance of ±1 mm) surface against which a user of the capping device 10 can apply force (e.g., force applied to further depress the lid 200 toward a portion of the body 100, as in block 1114 of FIG. 11 ), thereby reducing the force applied by the user. For example, in some embodiments, the flat portion of the top end of the exterior surface is parallel to or intersects the plane of the gate 500 in the first state.

[0080] Referring briefly to FIG. 3A , the exterior surface of the top of the lid 200, and in some embodiments, the exterior surface of the body 100, provides significant latitude for fashion elements. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the lid 200 includes fashion elements such as a distinctive color, texture, decoration (e.g., markings, logos, etc.), or a combination thereof. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A , the exterior surface of the top of the lid 200 includes decoration including a logo 240 or marking (e.g., fluid droplet 240-1 surrounded by one or more concentric circles or grooves 240-2). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the exterior surface of the top of the lid 200 includes a transparent or translucent material, thereby allowing for inspection of the contents of the cap device 10 (e.g., inspection of compound 700 within the interior cavity of the cap device 10) after the body 100 and the lid 200 are engaged with each other.

[0081] As described above, the lid 200 further includes a protrusion 210 extending downward from the inner surface of the lid 200. Depending on the state of the cap device 10 (e.g., when the lid 200 and the body 100 are in the second state or are transitioning to the second state), the protrusion 210 is received within a portion of the opening 110, thereby allowing the protrusion 210 to traverse the opening 110 in a linear direction (e.g., parallel to the axis 160). Depending on the force applied to the lid 200, the lid 200, and therefore the protrusion 210, is pressed downward toward the lower end of the opening 110.

[0082] The protrusion 210 extends downward from the upper end of the lid 200 by a second length (e.g., L2 in FIG. 5 ). The axis along which the protrusion extends includes the central axis of the upper end of the lid 200 (e.g., axis 160 in FIG. 5 ) or an axis offset from the central axis of the upper end of the lid 200. In some embodiments, the protrusion 210 is formed as a hollow protrusion that extends downward from the upper end of the lid 200 in the shape of a cylinder's circumference and has an open end at the lower end of the protrusion 210. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusion 210 is formed as a solid cylindrical object with a closed end at the lower end of the protrusion 210. This cylindrical configuration allows the protrusion 210 to reduce the internal volume of the interior cavity of the capping device 10 while pressing down the lid 200.

[0083] In some embodiments, second length L2 of protrusion 210 is equal to or greater than first length L1 of opening 110 in body 100. In some embodiments, second length L2 of protrusion 210 is in the range of 10 mm to 75 mm, 15 mm to 75 mm, 20 mm to 75 mm, 20 mm to 70 mm, 25 mm to 70 mm, 25 mm to 65 mm, 30 mm to 65 mm, 30 mm to 60 mm, 25 mm to 60 mm, 25 mm to 55 mm, 30 mm to 55 mm, 30 mm to 50 mm, 35 mm to 50 mm, 35 mm to 45 mm, or 40 mm to 45 mm. In some embodiments, second length L2 of protrusion 210 is 42±0.4 mm (e.g., 41.95 mm). In some embodiments, the second length L2 is measured from the upper end of the protrusion 210 (e.g., the interface between the protrusion 210 and the upper end of the lid 200) to a portion of the lower end of the protrusion (e.g., the average length of the wedge 230, the first edge 232 of the wedge, the second edge 234 of the wedge 230, etc.).

[0084] Additionally, in some embodiments, the diameter of protrusion 210 matches the diameter of opening 110 (e.g., diameter D1) in body 100. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of protrusion 210 is within a predetermined tolerance of diameter D1 of opening 110, thereby allowing protrusion 210 to be received in opening 110 with a snug or tight fit.

[0085] In some embodiments, protrusion 210 of lid 200 further includes a gasket 220 that forms a seal between protrusion 210 and opening 110. When lid 200 is engaged with body 100 (e.g., such that protrusion 210 is received within opening 110), gasket 220 is interposed between the inner surface of opening 110 of body 100 and the outer surface of protrusion 210 to prevent compound 700 from escaping the interface between protrusion 210 and opening 110. In some embodiments, gasket 220 is integrally formed with the outer surface of protrusion 210, such that gasket 220 is formed as an outer protrusion on the outer surface of protrusion 210. In some embodiments, gasket 220 includes an O-ring or sealing liner that provides a seal between protrusion 210 and opening 110 of cap device 10.

[0086] In some embodiments, cap device 10 includes a membrane (e.g., membrane 400 in FIG. 10 ) that seals a portion of body 100 (e.g., block 1104 in FIG. 11 ). For example, in some embodiments, membrane 400 is disposed at a lower end of opening 110 and seals opening 110. In some embodiments, membrane 400 is integrally formed with the lower end of opening 110 (e.g., membrane 400 is formed as a thin surface perpendicular to the wall of opening 110). Membrane 400 includes a diameter larger than a first diameter D1 of opening 110, thereby allowing membrane 400 to seal the lower end portion of opening 110 and couple (e.g., adhere) to the outer surface of opening 110. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the diameter of membrane 400 is larger than an inner diameter of opening 110 (e.g., D1 of opening 110) and equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of opening 110.

[0087] In some embodiments, the surface of membrane 400 comprises an adhesive material (e.g., glue) or a wax-like material that allows membrane 400 to removably engage with the lower end of opening 110. In some embodiments, membrane 400 comprises a metallic material (e.g., an aluminum foil membrane 400) or a plastic material. Membrane 400 is configured such that the strength of the seal between membrane 400 and the lower end of opening 110, or equivalently, the rigidity of membrane 400, is sufficient to support the applied load of compound 700 and, optionally, gate 500 under gravity. Additionally, the strength of the seal must be strong enough to withstand a force applied through protrusion 210 of lid 200 so that the seal can be pierced. Furthermore, in some embodiments, membrane 400 comprises a semipermeable portion. For example, in some embodiments, the semipermeable portion of membrane 400 allows fluid communication between the environment and the interior cavity of cap device 10 such that the internal pressure of the interior cavity of cap device 10 is equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0088] The cap device 10 also includes a spacer (e.g., spacer 300 in FIG. 2 ) disposed at the upper end of the lid 200. The spacer 300 is interposed between a portion of the lid 200 and a portion of the body 100 (e.g., the upper end of the lid 200 and a portion of the skirt 120 of the body 100) and functions as a mechanical stop, such as a shaft collar, between the lid 200 and the body 100 of the cap device 10. The spacer 300 is configured to prevent the cap device 10 from transitioning from a first state (e.g., the engaged state in FIG. 5 ), in which the portion of the lid 200 and the portion of the body 100 do not cross over to a position where they approach each other, to a second state (e.g., the disengaged state in FIG. 6 ), in which the spacer is disengaged from the cap device 10 and the portion of the lid 200 and the portion of the body 100 can cross over to a position where they approach each other, thereby piercing the seal of the membrane 400. In this manner, the spacer 300 is configurable between a first state (e.g., the engaged state in FIG. 5 ) and a second state (e.g., the disengaged state in FIG. 6 ). In a first state, the spacer 300 is engaged with the lid cap device 10, increasing the distance between the upper end of the lid 200 and a portion of the body 100 (e.g., the upper end portion of the skirt 120 of the body 100) so that the lid 200 is restrained by the spacer 300. In a second state, the spacer 300 is disengaged from the lid 200, thereby removing the third length L3 from the distance between the upper end of the lid 200 and the lower end of the opening 110 (e.g., block 1112 of FIG. 11 ). Removal of the third length L3 provided by the spacer 300 allows the protrusion 210 of the lid 200 to pierce the membrane 400 of the body 100, thereby dispensing the compound 700 from the cap device 10 into the container (e.g., block 1114 of FIG. 11 ).

[0089] Spacer 300 has a third length (e.g., length L3 in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, third length L3 of spacer 300 is equal to or less than the length of a portion of the opening having second diameter D2. In some embodiments, third length L3 of spacer 300 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, 1 mm to 20 mm, 0.5 mm to 17.5 mm, 1 mm to 17.5 mm, 1 mm to 15 mm, 1 mm to 15 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, 2 mm to 8 mm, 2.5 mm to 7.5 mm, or 4 mm to 6 mm (e.g., 5 mm). In some embodiments, third length L3 of spacer 300 is 5.0±0.4 mm (e.g., 5.24 mm, 4.73 mm, etc.).

[0090] In some embodiments, spacer 300 includes a feature (e.g., feature 310 in FIG. 9 ) that assists a user in engaging and / or disengaging spacer 300 with cap device 10 (e.g., block 1112 in FIG. 11 ). In some embodiments, feature 310 on spacer 300 includes a protrusion extending outward from a surface of spacer 300. In some embodiments, protrusion on feature 310 includes a holding portion (e.g., a pull tab) configured to be grasped by a user. In some embodiments, protrusion on feature 310 includes a flat portion (e.g., a raised ramp) configured to provide an enlarged area for a user to apply force to disengage spacer 300. In some embodiments, feature 310 is located on an end of spacer 300 (e.g., feature 310 in FIG. 1 ) or an interrupted portion of spacer 300. Further, in some embodiments, the protrusion of feature 310 is oriented relative to logo 240 on lid 200 such that when cap device 10 is placed longitudinally on the plane of a surface (e.g., with length L2 of opening 110 parallel to the plane of the flat surface), feature 130 constrains cap device 10 such that logo 240 is oriented in a user-readable direction, such as the orientation of feature 310 in FIG. 3A . Further, in some embodiments, feature 310 includes one or more exterior indicia for identifying various features of cap device 10 (e.g., feature 310 includes third indicia 800-1).

[0091] Additionally, in some embodiments, an interface (e.g., interface 320 in FIG. 5) is formed between spacer 300 and lid 200. Interface 320 includes a mechanical interface, a magnetic interface, or a combination thereof that aids in configuring spacer 300 to releasably engage. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated third length L3 in FIG. 5, interface 320 is contained within third length L3 of spacer 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0092] In some embodiments, the spacer 300 is integrally formed with the lid 200. For example, in some embodiments, the spacer 300 and the lid 200 are formed during an additive manufacturing process (e.g., a 3D printing process, an injection molding process, a vat photopolymerization process, etc.), forming the spacer 300 into the lid 200 as a single, integrally formed component. In some embodiments, the spacer 300 and the lid 200 are integrally formed such that a portion of the capping device 10 deforms in response to an applied force (e.g., the force required to disengage the spacer 300 from the lid 200), thereby providing the interface 320 with a first material strength that differs from a second strength of the spacer 300 and / or the lid 200. In some embodiments, the difference in strength of the lid 200, the spacer 300, the interface 320, or a combination thereof, is caused by differences in relative materials and / or physical design (e.g., differences in material thickness, deformation, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the first strength of interface 320 is less than the second material strength of the second strength of spacer 300 and / or lid 200, allowing an applied force to break a portion of interface 320. In some embodiments, the first strength of interface 320 is greater than the second material strength of the second strength of spacer 300, allowing an applied force to break a portion of the spacer.

[0093] 3B and 7, in some embodiments, the top end of lid 200 comprises a first thickness (e.g., wall thickness) and spacer 300 comprises a second thickness (e.g., wall thickness), which may or may not be equal. In some embodiments, interface 320 comprises a third thickness that is different from the first thickness and / or the second thickness. In some embodiments, this third thickness of interface 320 is less than the first thickness of lid 200 and / or the second thickness of spacer 300, thereby providing interface 320 with a material weakness for disengaging spacer 300 from lid 200 of cap device 10.

[0094] 2, in some embodiments, interface 320 comprises a plurality of perforations interposed between spacer 300 and the top end of lid 200. In some embodiments, the perforations in interface 320 provide a material weakness (e.g., a strength differential) between spacer 300 and lid 200, thereby allowing spacer 300 to disengage from lid 200. In some embodiments, the perforations in interface 320 are as described for protrusion 140 of skirt 120. In some embodiments, each perforation in interface 320 extends from the bottom edge of the top end of lid 200 to spacer 300 a distance in the range of 0.01 mm to 10 mm, 0.01 mm to 5 mm, 0.05 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, each perforation in interface 320 extends from the lower edge of the upper end of lid 200 to spacer 300 a distance of 0.5±0.4 mm (eg, 0.50 mm).

[0095] In some embodiments, the exterior of lid 200 includes a cylindrical portion of a third diameter (e.g., D3 in FIG. 3B ). For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the upper end of lid 200 extends downwardly at third diameter D3 that is larger than first diameter D1 of protrusion 210. In some embodiments, third diameter D3 of lid 200 is larger than second diameter D2 of opening 110 in body 100, thereby allowing the upper end of opening 110 to be received within lid 200. In some embodiments, the diameter of spacer 300 is in the range of 60%-100% of third diameter D3 (e.g., D3 in FIG. 4A ), 65%-100% of third diameter D3, 70%-100% of third diameter D3, 75%-100% of third diameter D3, 80%-100% of third diameter D3, 85%-100% of third diameter D3, 90%-100% of third diameter D3, or 95%-100% of third diameter D3. In some embodiments, the above represents a range of diameters of spacer 300 including a maximum diameter up to 99% (e.g., 75%-99%, 80%-99%, etc.) of third diameter D3. In some embodiments, the diameter of spacer 300 is in the range of 100% to 300% of second diameter D2 (e.g., D2 in FIG. 4A ) of opening 110, 100% to 250%, 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100% to 115%, 100% to 110%, or 100% to 105% of third diameter D3 of opening 110. In some embodiments, the above represents a range of diameters of spacer 300 including a minimum diameter greater than 101% (e.g., 101% to 140%, 101% to 130%, etc.) of second diameter D2 of opening 110.

[0096] Thus, in some embodiments, spacer 300 is a cylindrical body having a third diameter D3 with a gap (e.g., gap 330 in FIG. 2 ) formed in a portion of the circumference of spacer 300. For example, in some embodiments, spacer 300 is formed as an annular body with gap 330 formed in a portion of the circumference of spacer 300. In some embodiments, gap 300 defines a chord length of the cylinder formed by spacer 300. Furthermore, in some embodiments, spacer 300 includes a resilient material, such as a plastic or rubber material, which allows spacer 300 to deform during a transition between the first and second states. Thus, in some embodiments, the length of gap 330 changes depending on the state of spacer 300 and / or during a transition between the states of spacer 300. For example, in some embodiments, the chord length of gap 330 in the first state of spacer 300 is less than third diameter D3 such that spacer 300 forms a snug or tight fit around a portion of cap device 10 (e.g., lid 200) having third diameter D3. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the chord length of gap 330 in the second state of spacer 300, or transitioning between the first and second states, is greater than or equal to third diameter D3 such that spacer 300 can temporarily deform to a diameter greater than third diameter D3 to disengage or similarly engage cap device 10.

[0097] In some embodiments, the lid 200 and the spacer 300 engage via corresponding magnetic fields. For example, in some embodiments, the spacer 300 and the lid 200 each include one or more magnets disposed on or embedded within corresponding surfaces, such as the top surface of the spacer 300 and the bottom surface of the lid 200, respectively.

[0098] In some embodiments, the lid 200 and the body 100 each include a corresponding mating feature (e.g., a second mating feature) that engages the lid 200 and the body 100 with each other (e.g., block 1108 of FIG. 11 ). For example, in some embodiments, the body 100 includes a second mating feature (e.g., second mating feature 150 of FIG. 5 ), and the lid 200 further includes a second mating feature (e.g., second mating feature 250 of FIG. 7 ). In some embodiments, the second mating feature 150 of the body 100 is disposed on an outer surface of the upper end of the opening 110. Also, in some embodiments, the upper end of the opening 110 having the second mating feature 150 includes a portion of the opening having the second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the second mating feature 150 of the body 100 and the second mating feature 250 of the lid 200 are as described for the first mating feature of the container and the first mating feature 130 of the body 100, respectively. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0099] 7 and 10 , in some embodiments, the second mating feature 250 of the lid 200 includes a protrusion that extends inward (e.g., toward the axis 160). Accordingly, the second mating feature 150 of the body 100 includes a groove 152 configured to accommodate (e.g., receive) the protrusion of the second mating feature 250 of the lid 200. Furthermore, the groove 152 is configured to limit movement of the protrusion of the second mating feature 250 such that the lid 200 and the body 100 are constrained in one or more degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the second mating feature 150 of the body 100 includes a protrusion 154 that helps limit relative movement between the lid 200 and the body 100 of the cap device 10. In some embodiments, the protrusion 152 extends from a first edge of the groove 152 toward a second edge of the groove 152 opposite the first edge. 7, in some embodiments, the protrusion 152 extends partially toward the second edge of the groove 152. This partial extension of the protrusion 152 allows the protrusion of the second mating feature 250 of the lid 200 to pass from the first side to the second side of the protrusion 152 through a gap formed between the end of the protrusion 152 and the second edge of the groove 152.

[0100] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second mating features 150 of the body 100 include a first number of grooves 152, and the second mating features 250 of the lid 200 include a second number of protrusions. In some embodiments, the second number of second mating features 250 of the lid 200 is equal to or greater than the first number of grooves 152 of the second mating features 150 of the body 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, in some embodiments, the second number of second mating features 250 of the lid 200 is less than the first number of grooves 152 of the second mating features 150 of the body 100. In some embodiments, the first number of grooves 152 in the second mating features 150 on the body 100 and the second number of second mating features 250 on the lid 200 are in the range of 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 8, 1 to 7, 2 to 8, 3 to 6, 3 to 5 (e.g., 4). In this manner, the second mating features provide a great deal of latitude in the orientation and engagement of the lid 200 and the body 100.

[0101] In some embodiments, when the lid 200 and the body 100 are engaged with one another, the lid 200 and the body 100 are movable relative to one another in at least one degree of freedom. In some embodiments, the lid 200 and the body 100 are limited to one degree of freedom when engaged. Further, in some embodiments, the one degree of freedom is a translational degree of freedom, such as a translational degree of freedom parallel to axis 160 of FIG. 6 . However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0102] For example, in some embodiments, engagement of the lid 200 with the body 100 allows for one translational degree of freedom (e.g., a translational degree of freedom parallel to the axis 160 in FIG. 6) and one rotational degree of freedom (e.g., a rotational degree of freedom perpendicular to the axis 160 in FIG. 6) of relative movement between the lid 200 and the body 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, the body 100 further includes a gate (e.g., gate 500 in FIG. 4A ) disposed at a lower end of the body 100. The gate 500 is formed at a lower end of the opening 110 in the body 100 proximate the membrane 400, thereby allowing the gate 500 to engage with the membrane 400 in response to movement of the lid 200 from the first state to the second state.

[0104] Thus, gate 500 is movable between a first position (e.g., the first position of gate 500 shown in FIG. 5 ) and a second position (e.g., the second position of gate 500 shown in FIG. 6 ). In the first state of gate 500, gate 500 occupies a first portion of opening 110, such as a first portion of an entrance region at a lower end of opening 110. Thus, gate 500 in the first position supports the load of compound 500 that would otherwise be supported by membrane 400. In some embodiments, the occupied area of ​​gate 500 is in the range of 40% to 100% of the inlet area at the lower end of opening 110, 45% to 100%, 50% to 100%, 55% to 100%, 65% to 100%, 70% to 100%, 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 90% to 100%, or 95% to 100% of the inlet area at the lower end of opening 110.

[0105] Gate 500 in the second position occupies a second portion of opening 110 that is smaller than the first portion. For example, in some embodiments, gate 500 rotates from the first state to the second state around a portion of the lower end of opening 110 such that gate 500 no longer occupies the entrance area at the lower end of opening 110. In this manner, gate 500 assists protrusion 210 of lid 200 in disengaging membrane 400 from opening 110, improving dispensing of compound 700.

[0106] In some embodiments, the gate 500 is positioned inside the lower end of the opening 110 above the membrane 400 (e.g., such that the loading of the compound 700 forms a recess 530 of the gate 500 on the membrane 400, as shown in FIG. 1).

[0107] In some embodiments, a first end of gate 500 (e.g., portion 510 in FIG. 10 ) is coupled to the lower end of opening 110, and a second end of gate 500 (e.g., portion 520 in FIG. 4A ) is free from opening 110. Further, in some embodiments, first end of gate 500 includes portion 512 with a material weakening, such as a reduced thickness, to provide an area for gate 510 to rotate. In this manner, gate 500 functions as a hinge device that rotates about first end 510. Referring to FIG. 4A , in some embodiments, gate 500 is formed with one or more edges (e.g., edge 520) or corners that help disengage membrane 400 from opening 110. In some embodiments, one or more edges 522 of gate 500 are disposed at first end 510 and / or second end 520 of gate. In some embodiments, one or more edges 522 are formed on the circumference of the gate 500 such that the circumference of the gate 500 forms a serrated edge that assists in piercing the seal of the membrane 400 .

[0108] In some embodiments, the lower end of the protrusion 210 further comprises a wedge-shaped portion (e.g., wedge portion 230 in FIG. 8 ) configured to pierce the seal of the membrane 400 and / or abut a portion of the gate 500 (e.g., first end 510 of the gate 500). In some embodiments, the wedge-shaped portion 230 is formed as a protrusion extending outward from the inner surface of the hollow portion 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, in some embodiments, the wedge-shaped portion 230 is formed from the circumference of the lower end of the protrusion 210. In some embodiments, the wedge-shaped portion 230 of the protrusion 210 includes a first edge (e.g., edge 232 in FIG. 9 ) at the first end of the wedge-shaped portion 230. This first edge 232 of the wedge-shaped portion 230 is formed with a smooth shape, allowing the wedge-shaped portion 230 to pierce the seal of the membrane 400 without permanently deforming the membrane 400. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, in some embodiments, the first end 232 of the wedge 230 is formed to include one or more sharp edges or points. In some embodiments, the first edge 232 of the wedge 230 comprises the maximum length of the opening 110 such that the first edge 232 of the wedge 230 is the first portion of the lid 200 that engages with the membrane 400 while pressing the lid 200 further toward the body 100 (e.g., block 1114 of method 1100 of FIG. 11 ).

[0109] In some embodiments, cap device 10 comprises a metal material, a plastic material, a rubber material, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, body 100 and lid 200 of cap device 10 comprise a plastic material configured for medical and / or pharmaceutical use. Additionally, in some embodiments, a top edge of lid 200 and / or a portion of skirt 120 of body 100 comprise a rubber material to provide an improved grip for a user of cap device 10. In some embodiments, spacer 300 comprises a resilient material (e.g., rubber), thereby allowing spacer 300 to resiliently deform (e.g., resiliently deform to disengage from lid 200) during transitions between states.

[0110] Details of the capping device 10 for containing and dispensing compound 700 into a container have been disclosed above. Referring now to Figure 11, details regarding process flow charts and features for implementing a method 1100 utilizing the capping device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are disclosed.

[0111] Block 1102. Referring to block 1102 of FIG. 11, a capping device (e.g., capping device 10 of FIG. 10) for dispensing a first compound 700-1 into a container is provided. The capping device 10 includes a body (e.g., body 100 of FIG. 4B) and a lid (e.g., lid 200 of FIG. 3A) that removably engage to form the capping device 10. The body 100 includes an opening (e.g., opening 110 of FIG. 1) configured to receive a compound (e.g., compound 700 of FIG. 5). The lid 200 includes a protrusion (e.g., hollow protrusion 210 of FIG. 5) extending downwardly from an upper end of the lid 200. In some embodiments, the protrusion 210, such as in embodiments including a hollow protrusion, is configured to receive the compound 700. The capping device 10 further includes a spacer (e.g., spacer 300 of FIG. 2) that removably engages (e.g., removably couples to) the upper end of the lid 200. Thus, the spacer 300 acts as a mechanical stop between the upper end of the lid 200 of the capping device 10 and the body 100, preventing the lid from being further depressed toward a portion of the body 100 (e.g., the upper end of the skirt 120 of the body 100). Additionally, the spacer 300 allows the capping device 10 to transition from the first stage to the second stage without the need for intermittent stages (e.g., rotation stages), providing improved operation (e.g., block 1114 of FIG. 11 ) for the user of the capping device 10.

[0112] Block 1104. The method 1100 includes sealing a lower end of the opening 110 in the body 100. For example, in some embodiments, a membrane (e.g., membrane 400 of FIG. 1 ) engages the lower end of the opening 110, thereby sealing the opening 110. In some embodiments, an adhesive material is disposed on an upper surface of the membrane 400, thereby allowing the membrane 400 to removably engage the lower end of the opening 110. In some embodiments, sealing the lower end of the opening 110 includes placing a gate (e.g., gate 500 of FIG. 4A ) in a first state such that the gate occupies a portion of an entrance area at the lower end of the opening 110. This sealing of the lower end of the opening 110 not only isolates the compound 700 from contaminants but also allows the cap device 10 to engage with the container without prematurely dispensing the compound 700.

[0113] Block 1106. Once the bottom end of the opening 110 is sealed (e.g., the membrane 400 engages with the bottom end of the opening 110), either the opening 110 or the hollow portion of the protrusion 210 is filled with a first dosage of a first compound 700-1.

[0114] In some embodiments, the interior surface of one of the openings or hollow protrusions of the cap further comprises one or more indicia (e.g., indicia 800 in FIG. 5 ). Each indicia defines a unique predetermined dosage, such as a unique fluid volume corresponding to a different dosage. Thus, loading compound 700 into cap device 10 includes loading compound 700 into one of openings 110 or protrusions 210 up to one of the indicia 800. In this manner, a reliable mechanism for measuring the dosage of compound 700 is provided to the user.

[0115] In some embodiments, the opening 110 and / or the protrusion 210 has a first diameter at its lower end (e.g., D1 in FIG. 5 ) and a second diameter at its upper end (e.g., D2 in FIG. 5 ) that is larger than the first diameter, thereby forming a funnel that improves dispensing of the first dose of the first compound 700-1 into the capping device 10, or optionally, improves the flow of the first compound 700-1 from the capping device 10 into the container. In some embodiments, the funnel is formed as a transition region from the first diameter D1 to the second diameter 112 (e.g., transition region 112 in FIG. 5 ), thereby providing the improved dispensing and flow.

[0116] Additionally, in some embodiments, depending on which portion of cap device 10 receives compound 700, method 1110 may engage block 1104 before sealing block 1106. For example, in some embodiments, protrusion 210 receives compound 700 instead of opening 110, thereby allowing sealing of the bottom end of opening 110 after compound 700 is placed within protrusion 210 of lid 200.

[0117] Block 1108. The lid 200 and body 100 of the capping device 10 are engaged by receiving the protrusion 210 of the lid 200 into a portion of the opening 110 of the body 100. With the lid 200 and body 100 engaged, the first compound 700-1 is received in the capping device 10. This engaged state of the lid 200 and body 100 prevents the first compound 700 from flowing out of the capping device 10 unless, for example, the lid 200 and body 100 are disengaged or the capping device 10 is otherwise altered (e.g., disengaging the spacer 300 of the capping device 10, such as at block 1312 of method 1100 of FIG. 11 ).

[0118] In some embodiments, the spacer 300 is coupled to the top end of the lid 200 before engaging the lid 200 and the body 100 (eg, before block 1308 of the method 1100 of FIG. 11).

[0119] In some embodiments, the engagement between the lid 200 and the body 100 further includes coupling a spacer to an upper end of the lid. In some embodiments, the engagement between the lid 200 and the body 100 allows for one translational degree of relative movement between the lid and the body. In some embodiments, the engagement between the lid 200 and the body 100 allows for one translational degree of relative movement between the lid and the body.

[0120] In some embodiments, this state of the spacer 300 engaged with the cap device 10 limits relative movement between the lid 200 and the body 100 to one degree of freedom. In some embodiments, this limited one degree of freedom is a translational degree of freedom parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap device 10 (e.g., axis 160 in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, this limited one degree of freedom is a rotational degree of freedom orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cap device 10 (e.g., axis 160 in FIG. 5).

[0121] In some embodiments, a first force (e.g., the force required to perform block 1108 of the present method 1100) is required to engage the lid 200 and the body 100, and a second force (e.g., the force required to perform block 1114 of the present method 1100) is required to press down on the lid 200 to pierce the seal of the membrane 400. In some embodiments, the first force is less than or equal to the second force. Because the second force required to pierce the seal of the membrane 400 is relatively small (e.g., easily applied by a user of the capping device 10), the lid 200 and the body 100 are easily disengaged with minimal effort by a user of the capping device 10, resulting in reusability of the capping device 10.

[0122] Block 1110. The lower end of the body 100 is engaged with the container such that the cap device 10 is coupled to the container. In some embodiments, the engagement between the body 100 and the container is facilitated by a corresponding mating feature (e.g., first mating feature 130 of the body 100). For example, in some embodiments, engaging the body 100 with the container includes receiving the upper end (e.g., mouth) of the container within the body 100, such as the skirt 120. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions (e.g., protrusion 140 in FIG. 6 ) engage with the upper end of the container upon engagement of the cap device 10 with the container.

[0123] Block 1112. Spacer 300 is disengaged from the top end of lid 200. In some embodiments, spacer 300 includes a feature (e.g., feature 310 in FIG. 2 ) that provides a user of capping device 10 with an improved grip for disengaging spacer 300 from lid 200. In some embodiments, this disengagement of spacer 300 from lid 200 includes deforming an interface formed between spacer 300 and lid 200 (e.g., interface 320 in FIG. 2 ) or removably coupling the spacer to lid 200. For example, in some embodiments, interface 320 includes one or more protrusions that break upon disengagement of spacer 300 from lid 200.

[0124] With block 1114, spacer 300 disengaged from cap device 10, lid 200 can be pressed further toward body 100. When a user applies force to lid 200, protrusion 210 is pressed toward the bottom edge of the opening, piercing the seal formed by membrane 400. This frees the dose of first compound 700-1 to exit cap device 10 and be dispensed into a container.

[0125] In some embodiments, the protrusion 210 engages the gate 500, which in turn engages and pierces the seal on the membrane 400. In some embodiments, the wedge portion 230 of the protrusion 210 engages the gate 500, reducing the force a user must apply to pierce the seal on the membrane 400. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 520 of the wedge portion 530 rotates around the first end 510, which is coupled to the bottom end of the opening 110, amplifying the force applied from the protrusion 210 toward the membrane 400.

[0126] In some embodiments, piercing the membrane 400 perforates the membrane 400, weakening its structural integrity. In some embodiments, puncturing the membrane 400 also forms one or more perforations on the membrane 400, thereby allowing the membrane 400 to remain engaged with the lower end of the body 100 and dispense the compound 700 from the cap device 10 into the container. In some embodiments, piercing the membrane 400 removes or separates at least a portion of the membrane 400 from the lower end of the body 100. For example, in some embodiments, during depression of the lid 200, a first portion of the membrane 400 adjacent the first edge 232 of the wedge 230 disengages from the lower end of the opening 110, while a second portion of the membrane 400 adjacent the second edge 234 of the wedge 230 remains engaged with the lower end of the opening 110. Thus, the membrane 400 remains partially engaged with the lower end of the main body 100, thereby allowing the compound 700 to be dispensed from the cap device 10 into the container without the membrane 400 being dropped (e.g., dropped) into the container.

[0127] Block 1116. In some embodiments, the method 1100 further includes separating the capping device 10 from the container when dispensing the compound 700 into the container. In some embodiments, a period of time passes before separating the capping device 10 from the container, thereby allowing the compound 700 and the solvent (e.g., comprising a consumable liquid) to fully react (e.g., fully dissolve the compound 700). A complete reaction can produce a consumable solution.

[0128] In some embodiments, the container contains a consumable liquid (e.g., a solution including solute compound 700 and a container solvent). Accordingly, separating capping device 10 from container 10 further includes separating body 100 and lid 200 of capping device 10. Thus, in some embodiments, a user separates lid 200 from capping device 10 before separating body 100 from the container. Thus, method 1100 further includes consuming the solution of compound 700 before separating body 100 from the container or lid 200 from body 100. For example, in some embodiments, the top end of opening 110 forms a mouth for a user of capping device 10 to utilize while consuming the solution.

[0129] As such, in some embodiments, method 1100 further includes repeating the sealing of membrane 400 (e.g., block 1104 of FIG. 11 ) and depressing of lid 200 (e.g., block 1114 of FIG. 11 ) of method 1100 for either a second dosage of first compound 700-1 (e.g., another dosage of a previously dispensed compound 700) or a first dosage of second compound 700-2. In this manner, capping device 10 is reusable with multiple different compounds 700 and dosages of each respective compound 700, as selected by the user. In some embodiments, this depressing-sealing iteration of method 1100 includes sterilizing a portion of capping device 10 prior to sealing for this iteration of method 1100.

[0130] In some embodiments, sealing the bottom end of the opening 110 with the membrane 400 involves removing the pierced first membrane 400-1 from the bottom end of the body 100. In some embodiments, repeatedly sealing the bottom end of the body 100 involves resealing the bottom end of the opening in the body with the membrane, thereby restoring the pierced seal. Thus, the membrane 400 is reusable for multiple sealing and dispensing operations of the capping device 10. With the first membrane 400-1 disengaged from the capping device 10, a second membrane 400-2, different from the first membrane 400-1, is applied to the capping device 10, thereby enabling further placement of a second compound 700-2 within the capping device 10 (e.g., repeating block 1106 of FIG. 11 ).

[0131] In some embodiments, repeated dispensing of compound 700 does not involve removing membrane 400. For example, in some embodiments, gate 500 is repositioned to the first position, thereby sealing the lower end of opening 110.

[0132] In some embodiments, spacer 300 is integrally formed with the upper end of lid 200. Accordingly, method 11000 further includes separating body 100 from container 100 and separating lid 200 from body 100 (e.g., disengaging components of capping device 10). Additionally, in some embodiments, method 1100 includes repeating the sealing of membrane 400 (e.g., block 1104 of FIG. 11 ) by depressing method 1100 (e.g., block 1114 of FIG. 11 ) with a second lid 200-2 that is different from the lid 200 used for dispensed compound 700-1 and / or a second body 100-2 that is different from the body 100 used for dispensed compound 700-1. If the first lid 200-1 and / or first body 100-1 are not properly sterilized, this second lid 200-2 and / or second body 100-2 eliminates contamination issues that may arise during repeated dispensing of the second compound 700-2.

[0133] References All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Claims

1. 1. A cap configured to contain and dispense a compound into a container, comprising: The main body and a movable lid that is removably coupled to the upper end of the body, The body comprises: An upper end portion and A lower end portion and an opening defining a volume configured to receive the compound, the opening extending a first length through a central axis of the body from the upper end to the lower end of the body; a gate disposed at the lower end of the body, the gate being movable between a first position in which the gate occupies a first portion of the opening and supports the compound load, and a second position in which the gate occupies a second portion of the opening that is smaller than the first portion; a membrane disposed at the lower end of the opening, the membrane having a diameter greater than a diameter of the opening, thereby sealing the lower end of the opening; Equipped with The lid is an upper end portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface having an upper end portion with a flat portion and a peripheral portion extending downwardly from a periphery of the flat portion; a protrusion extending downward from the inner surface of the lid by a second length greater than the first length of the opening in the body, the protrusion having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the opening, the protrusion further comprising a gasket interposed between the inner surface of the opening in the body and an outer surface of the protrusion, the opening in the body receiving a lower end of the protrusion; a spacer removably coupled to the upper end of the lid and interposed between the upper end of the lid and the upper end of the body; Equipped with the spacer has a third length; and The spacer is a first state in which the spacer is engaged with the lid, thereby increasing the distance between the upper end of the lid and the lower end of the opening by a third length and preventing the protrusion from piercing the membrane; a second state in which the spacer is disengaged from the lid, thereby removing the third length from the distance between the upper end of the lid and the lower end of the opening, thereby allowing the protrusion of the lid to penetrate the membrane of the body; an outer surface of the top end of the body and an inner surface of the top end of the lid include corresponding mating features; The corresponding mating mechanism secures the cap to (i) a third state in which the main body and the lid can be freely coupled and separated; (ii) a fourth state in which separation of the main body and the lid is prevented; can be configurable between the spacer is integrally formed with the lid; A cap wherein an interface between the spacer and the lid has a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of the spacer or the lid.

2. 2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the opening in the body has a first diameter at an upper end of the opening and a second diameter at a lower end of the opening, and the diameter of the protrusion corresponds to the second diameter of the opening.

3. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the lid is linearly movable relative to the body in a first translational degree of freedom parallel to the central axis of the body.

4. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the interface comprises a plurality of perforations.

5. the outer surface of the lid includes a cylindrical portion of a third diameter; the spacer is a cylinder of the third diameter having a gap around a portion of the circumference of the spacer, the gap defining a chord length of the cylinder; a chord length of the gap in the first state of the spacer is smaller than the third diameter; The cap of claim 1 , wherein a chord length of the gap in the second state of the spacer is equal to or greater than the third diameter.

6. The cap of claim 5 , wherein the second state of the cap limits relative movement of the lid to one translational degree of freedom.

7. The cap of claim 5 , wherein the first state limits relative movement of the lid to one translational degree of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom, and the second state limits relative movement of the lid to the one translational degree of freedom.

8. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the gate is disposed inside the lower end of the opening above the membrane.

9. a first end of the gate coupled to the bottom end of the opening; The cap of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the gate is free.

10. 1. An apparatus configured to contain and dispense a compound into a container, comprising: a body having an upper end, a lower end, and an opening defining a volume configured to contain the compound; a movable lid removably coupled to the top end of the body; Equipped with The lid is an upper end portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface having an upper end portion with a flat portion and a peripheral portion extending downwardly from a periphery of the flat portion; a protrusion extending downwardly from the inner surface of the lid by a second length greater than the first length of the body, the protrusion further comprising a gasket interposed between the inner surface of the body and an outer surface of the protrusion; Equipped with an outer surface of the top end of the body and an inner surface of the top end of the lid include corresponding mating features; the corresponding mating features permit the device to be configured between (i) a first state in which the body and the lid are connectable and disconnectable from one another, and (ii) a second state in which the body and the lid are prevented from being disconnected from one another; a spacer is integrally formed with the lid; The apparatus, wherein an interface between the spacer and the lid comprises a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of the spacer or the lid.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the opening in the body has a first diameter at an upper end of the opening and a second diameter at a lower end of the opening, and a third diameter of the protrusion corresponds to the second diameter of the opening.

12. The device of claim 10 , wherein the lid is linearly movable relative to the body in a first translational degree of freedom parallel to a first axis of the body.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the interface comprises a plurality of perforations.

14. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the lid further comprises a spacer removably coupled to an upper end of the lid.

15. The device of claim 14 , wherein the spacer is a shaft collar.

16. The device of claim 14 , wherein the spacer is made of an elastically deformable material.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a gate is located inside the lower end of the opening.

18. a first end of the gate coupled to the bottom end of the opening; 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second end of the gate is free.

19. 17. The device of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the lid is a three-dimensional monolithic piece.

20. 17. The device of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the inner surface of the body comprises at least one first indicia.

21. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein each of the at least one first indicia defines a unique dosage of the compound.

22. 17. The device of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the exterior surface of the lid comprises first markings defining corresponding degrees of freedom of the lid.

23. the body further comprises a membrane disposed at the lower end of the opening; 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the membrane has a fourth diameter greater than or equal to the second diameter of the opening, thereby sealing the lower end of the opening.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a gate disposed inside the lower end of the opening.

25. 17. The device of claim 10, further comprising a skirt projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the body.

26. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the compound comprises a fluid, a solid, a granular material, or a combination thereof.

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