A mixing cap for instant combining substances with a liquid, and methods for using thereof

Abstract

This invention pertains to a versatile and innovative mixing cap designed for efficiently combining two separate components such as liquids, powders, or granulated substances just prior to use. The cap features a inventive mechanism that includes a variable thickness rubber container for storing the additive substance and a pressing plate connected via a threaded hall bar. The pressing mechanism is activated by a user-operated press button, which enables controlled release of the substance through apertures in the container into a liquid held within an attached bottle. The cap's unique design allows for precise control over the amount of substance released, accommodating a wide range of material types and viscosities, from nano-scale particles to high-viscosity liquids. This controlled pressurized release mechanism ensures thorough mixing without clumping, enhancing the solubility and dispersion of the substances within the liquid.

Description

[0001] P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS

[0002] Description

[0003] Title of the invention

[0004] A mixing cap for instant combining substances with a liquid, and Methods for using thereof

[0005] Technical Field

[0006] The invention relates to a cap which can temporarily store materials specifically nano-grade or similar tiny materials and high viscous liquids and then mix with liquid with preferred intensity, especially invention relates pressurized controlled mixing of material which are temporarily stored in cap.

[0007] Background art

[0008] The mixing cap is a specialized device designed to provide precise and quick mixing between a liquid contained in a container and an additive substance stored in the cap itself. It is primarily used in the pharmaceutical field, where certain drugs consist of two components that need to be mixed immediately before administration to ensure stability and effectiveness. Such a cap generally features a chamber for storing the additive substance and a mechanism that releases it into the liquid when activated, allowing for controlled mixing. Once mixed, the cap can be removed, and the drug is ready for consumption. Several inventions disclosed in the prior art. US7464811B2 invention claims a mixing cap for ease of consumer use, pre-loaded during manufacture with a selected dry or liquid ingredient. The mixing cap consists of an inner tube with apertures that can be threaded onto the mouth of a bottle, and an outer housing that is slidably engaged and secured over the inner tube via a flange mechanism. To dispense the preloaded ingredients, the user simply depresses the outer housing, allowing the ingredients to flow through the apertures of the inner tube into the liquid in the bottle. According to them Once mixed, the bottle can be shaken securely without risk of leakage or spillage, providing a convenient and efficient way to combine ingredients just before use. US20130292275 patent disclosed cap is designed to selectively mixing of one or more substances in various forms (e.g., powders, liquids, crystals) with a liquid inside the container, creating a consumable mixture for the end user. The cap includes a body with an outer collar and an annular wall that encloses a P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS storage compartment, a nozzle (e.g., sipper) with an opening, and a cap that covers part of the annular wall and nozzle. The cap has first and second ends and is spaced from the outer collar by an annular pull strip surrounding the annular wall. A plunger is placed within the storage compartment and is prevented from moving towards the collar while the pull strip is in place. When the pull strip is removed or partially separated, the plunger can move towards the collar, breaking a seal at the bottom of the storage section and allowing the ingredients to mix with the liquid in the container to produce the desired mixture. EP2756836A1 invention also discloses a cap that offers customizable mixing based on consumer needs, allowing the combination of a substance stored in the cap with a liquid in a container. Unlike previous designs that rely on multiple teeth and chambers, this cap features a cylindrical containing element with at least one peripheral chamber to hold the substance, which has a removable bottom portion for substance release. An opening element, mounted to allow mutual rotation without axial movement, includes a peripheral tooth designed to remove the bottom portion by pushing its edge in parallel during rotation, enabling the substance to flow through a hole in the opening element into the container.

[0009] Summary of invention

[0010] Technical Problem: The prior art, including designs such as those disclosed in US7464811B2, US20130292275, and EP2756836A1, primarily address adjustable dose control and the complete release of substances stored in a cap for mixing with a liquid. While these designs effectively handle larger particles or standard liquid ingredients, they exhibit significant limitations when dealing with substances that contain extremely fine particles, such as microscale, nano-scale, or other small-scale materials. In these cases, the existing mechanisms struggle to achieve proper dispersion due to the tendency of fine particles to aggregate and form lumps, which are resistant to dissolution in the liquid. For instance, in the design disclosed in US7464811B2, the inner tube's apertures and the mechanism for releasing the preloaded ingredients work well for conventional substances, but when it comes to tiny particles, the simple depress-and-release mechanism fails to break up clumps effectively. Similarly, the plunger and seal-breaking mechanism in US20130292275 and the rotating peripheral chamber design in EP2756836A1 are not optimized for handling fine particles that require more precise P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS dispersion to prevent lumping. These designs do not incorporate features that address the challenge of ensuring homogenous mixing of tiny, micro or nano particles, leading to uneven distribution and poor solubility in the liquid. Therefore, the need arises for a new cap design that not only facilitates complete release at once but also effectively disperses fine particles, preventing lump formation and ensuring uniform mixing.

[0011] Technical Solution: The technical solution addresses the limitations of prior designs by introducing a variable thickness rubber container having a hole punching and a pressing plate mechanisms connected to a threaded hall bar with controlled quantity release by varying the pressure on the rubber container. A key technical solution is the cap's ability to put pressure on substances, release small quantities at once and prevent clumping of fine particles. This setup ensures even dispersion of micro and nano-scale particles, preventing lump formation during mixing. Explanation with Reference to the Figure is as follows; A Press Button (1): The press button is the primary actuator for initiating the mixing process. When pressed, it triggers the release mechanism, once pressed attached needle activates the hole punching mechanism on rubber container. Removable (Cardboard) Ring (2 & 4): These rings are designed for easy assembly and removal, holding the system together until end use. A Quantity Meter (3): The quantity meter allows precise measurement and control over the amount of additive substance being released, ensuring required pressure on the pressure plate according to substance release on user requirements. Spring Connected to Thread Hall Bar (5): The spring provides the necessary tension to maintain controlled movement within the system. It helps in retracting the pressing plate after the release mechanism is engaged. Needle (6): The needle facilitates puncturing or initiating the flow of the additive substance from the rubber container, ensuring precise release through the pressing mechanism of the press button. Permanent Thread Nut (7): The permanent thread nut secures the components together, allowing rotational or linear movement as required by the mechanism. Rubber Sealer (8): The rubber sealer provides an airtight seal, preventing leakage while also allowing flexibility in the movement of the pressing plate. Pressing Plate (9): The pressing plate is key to compressing the variable thickness substance container. It applies uniform pressure, ensuring even distribution of the fine particles within the liquid container. Variable Thickness Substance Container (10): This container is made P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS of rubber with varying thickness to handle initial needling and latter pressing. It adjusts its shape during compression, ensuring consistent and controlled release of the stored substance. Side thickness of the container is high to withstand with the pressure, and bottom thickness is low to easy punch holing and substance releasing. Liquid Container (11): The liquid container holds the primary liquid into which the additive substance is mixed. The design ensures that the liquid remains isolated until the mixing process is activated. The interaction between these sections, particularly the pressing mechanism and the variable thickness container, allows for precise control over the release of micro and nano-scale particles, overcoming the issue of lump formation. The innovative design ensures even dispersion and thorough mixing, resulting in a more effective and consistent mixture.

[0012] Advantageous effects

[0013] The invention offers several technical advantages over prior designs, particularly in handling and mixing substances like liquids, powders, and even tiny-grade particles, such as nanoparticles. One of the major benefits is its ability to accommodate substances with varying physical properties, including high-viscosity liquids like honey. The cap temporarily stores these substances and facilitates their release and mixing only when needed, ensuring the freshness and effectiveness of the mixture.

[0014] A key technical advantage is the cap's ability to put pressure on substances, release small quantities at once and prevent clumping of fine particles. Traditional designs often struggle with uniformly dispersing nano-particles or other tiny particles, leading to the formation of lumps that do not dissolve properly. This invention addresses that issue by incorporating a rubbery holder with tiny holes or a set of holes. When the particles are initially pressed, only a small, controlled amount is released through these holes, allowing for gradual and thorough dissolution within the liquid. This controlled pressurized release mechanism ensures that each particle is fully integrated into the liquid without forming lumps. Furthermore, the cap's design allows for customization based on the specific mixing needs. If the initial amount of substance released is insufficient for complete dissolution, additional pressure can be applied to the rubbery layer, which increases the size of the holes. This adjustment enables a greater quantity P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS of particles to be released, ensuring that the entire substance is fully dissolved and mixed. The bottle can then be shaken thoroughly to achieve a homogenous mixture. This flexibility in controlling the release and mixing of the substance makes the invention highly versatile and effective for a wide range of applications, especially those involving challenging materials like nano-particles and high-viscosity liquids.

[0015] In addition to its technical advantages, this mixing cap design stands out for its contamination free mixing, simplicity, ease of use, and modern aesthetic. The design is intuitive, making it accessible even for users with limited technical experience. The straightforward mechanism comprising essential components like the press button, rubbery holder, and quantity meter ensures that the cap can be operated with minimal effort. This simplicity extends to its assembly and disassembly, allowing for quick cleaning and maintenance. The modern and attractive design also enhances the user experience, combining functionality with a sleek appearance that appeals to contemporary consumers. The cap's streamlined shape and thoughtful engineering not only make it visually appealing but also practical for everyday use. Moreover, the cap is reusable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to single-use designs. Users can easily replace the rubbery holder, allowing the cap to adapt to different substances or mixing needs. This adaptability not only extends the lifespan of the cap but also provides versatility, enabling it to be used across various applications whether for pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, or other products requiring precise mixing.

[0016] Brief description of drawings

[0017] Figure 1 shows detailed component view of the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 shows, cap as a bottle attachment and its cross view in detail.

[0019] The numbers display in the basic components are as follows;

[0020] 1-Press button; 2-Removable (Cardboard) ring; 3-Quantity meter; 4-Removable (Cardboard) ring; 5- a spring connected to thread hall bar; 6- Needle; 7-Permanent thread nut; 8-Rubber sealer; 9-Pressing plate; 10-Variable thickness substance container and 11-Liquid container P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS

[0021] Description of Embodiment;

[0022] The mixing cap device in present embodiment is composed of several well designed components to put pressure on substances, release small quantities at once and prevent clumping of fine particles when spontaneous mixing of substances with liquid, each made from specific materials to ensure functionality and durability. The press button (1) is crafted from durable plastics like polypropylene (PP) or ABS for strength, created through injection molding, and is securely fitted to align with the needle (6) and spring mechanism (5). The removable cardboard rings (2 & 4), die-cut from moisture-resistant cardboard, serve as tamper-evident seals. The quantity meter (3), typically made of transparent plastics like polycarbonate (PC), is precision-molded and integrated into the cap for easy adjustment. The spring (5), wound from stainless steel, provides consistent resistance, while the needle (6), made from stainless steel, is precision-machined to puncture the rubber container (10) when the button is pressed. The permanent thread nut (7), either metal or high-strength plastic, ensures a secure seal with the container's neck. The rubber sealer (8), made from silicone rubber, provides a tight seal, and the pressing plate (9), molded from hard plastic or metal, applies uniform pressure to the substance container (10), which is crafted from flexible silicone or TPE to control substance release. Finally, the liquid container (11), typically made of glass or food-grade PET, interfaces securely with the cap, creating a leak-proof system designed for efficient and controlled mixing. In one embodiment the needle is a single entity, and in another embodiment the needle is set of needles which can pin the rubber container in several places.

[0023] The described mixing cap is a user friendly device designed for instantaneously combining substances with a liquid, ensuring precise and controlled mixing. The cap comprises a variable thickness rubber container (10) that stores additive substances. Attached to this container is a pressing plate (9), which is operatively connected via a threaded hall bar (5). This hall bar facilitates the transfer of turning actions from the quantity meter (3) into mechanical movement, allowing for adjustable pressure on the pressing plate to release the desired quantity of the additive. At the top of the cap, a press button (1) is connected to a needle (6) that extends to the bottom of the rubber container to create an opening mechanism for the substance's release. The entire assembly is held together securely by a permanent thread nut, P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS enabling necessary rotational or linear movements within the mechanism. A rubber sealer ensures an airtight seal, preventing any leakage while maintaining the flexibility needed for the pressing plate's operation. Lastly, a threaded connection between the mixing cap and the liquid container guarantees a secure and leak-proof attachment, ensuring efficient and effective mixing of the components within the liquid container. This system is designed to provide a user- friendly, precise, and leak-proof solution for mixing various substances including nano particles and high viscous substances with liquids across multiple applications.

[0024] To use the mixing cap device: (i) the user first fills the rubber container, attaches it to the container holding the liquid; removable rings (2,4) are attached and sealed with polyehylene or similar means if required, (ii) when it come to use the removable cardboard rings (2 & 4) are removed; (iii) the user presses the press button (1), causing the needle (6) to puncture or open the rubber container (10), allowing the controlled release of the substance; (iv) the user sets the quantity meter (3) to control the precise amount of additive released, the spring (5) connected to the thread hall bar is then rotated, driving the pressing plate (9) downward; ( v) as the pressing plate applies pressure to the variable thickness substance container (10), the rubber sealer (8) ensures a secure seal; (7) once the additive substance flows into the liquid container (11), the mixture can be shaken for thorough blending without clumping. The design's key innovation is the flexible container's ability to adapt under pressure, ensuring even dispersion of fine particles into the liquid, resulting in a consistent and effective mixture.

[0025] Example 01: In this example, a mixing cap preloaded with nano curcumin— a potent antioxidant derived from turmeric— is attached to a bottle of water. The cap's flexible silicone or TPE container (10) securely stores the nano curcumin until use, protected by a rubber sealer (8). Upon use, the user removes the cardboard rings (2 & 4), presses the button (1) to activate the release mechanism and sets the desired quantity with the quantity meter (3). The needle (6) punctures the container, allowing nano curcumin to flow out driven by the pressing plate (9) applies pressure, releasing controlled amounts through tiny holes in the container that expand under pressure to prevent clumping and ensure even dispersion. The user can increase the pressure if needed for greater dissolution. The bottle is then shaken to thoroughly mix the nano P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS curcumin into a uniform beverage, leveraging the cap's design for precise control and effective dissolution of difficult-to-dissolve nano-particles, ensuring a consistent, health-enhancing drink.

[0026] Example 02: In this setup, a mixing cap is preloaded with nano herb particles, designed to be dissolved into a bottle filled with quantum treated water— a special type of water treated to enhance its properties and health benefits. The cap's flexible silicone or TPE container (10) securely stores the nano herb until use, protected by a rubber sealer (8). Upon use, the user removes the cardboard rings (2 & 4), presses the button (1) to activate the release mechanism and sets the desired quantity with the quantity meter (3). The needle (6) punctures the container, allowing nano herb to flow out driven by the pressing plate (9) applies pressure, releasing controlled amounts through tiny holes in the container that expand under pressure to prevent clumping and ensure even dispersion. The user can increase the pressure if needed for greater dissolution. The bottle is then shaken to thoroughly mix the nano herb into a uniform quantum water, leveraging the cap's design for precise control and effective dissolution of difficult-to-dissolve nano-particles, ensuring a consistent, health-enhancing drink.

[0027] Example 03: In this example, a mixing cap is preloaded with mineral fertilizer mix in nano form, intended for dissolution in a water container used for agricultural purposes. The cap's flexible silicone or TPE container (10) securely stores the nano mineral until use, protected by a rubber sealer (8). Upon use, the user removes the cardboard rings (2 & 4), presses the button (1) to activate the release mechanism and sets the desired quantity with the quantity meter (3). The needle (6) punctures the container, allowing nano herb to flow out driven by the pressing plate (9) applies pressure, releasing controlled amounts through tiny holes in the container that expand under pressure to prevent clumping and ensure even dispersion. The user can increase the pressure if needed for greater dissolution. The bottle is then shaken to thoroughly mix the nano mineral into a uniform water, leveraging the cap's design for precise control and effective dissolution of difficult-to-dissolve nano-particles, ensuring a consistent, liquid fertilizer.

[0028] Industrial Applicability: P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS

[0029] 1. Beverage Industry: In the beverage sector, the mixing cap can revolutionize how consumers enjoy drinks by allowing them to mix their preferred flavors, colorings, or nutritional additives into base liquids like water just before consumption. This ensures freshness and maximum flavor. Beverage companies can thus offer customizable drink options, enabling a more interactive consumer experience while maintaining product stability.

[0030] 2. Water Treatment: For water treatment, the mixing cap can precisely release purification agents into containers, crucial in regions lacking dependable water sources. This simplicity in improving water quality is especially beneficial in disaster-stricken or remote areas, where access to safe drinking water is critical, thus enhancing public health and safety.

[0031] 3. Agriculture: The cap finds significant utility in agriculture for the uniform mixing of liquid fertilizers or pesticides. Farmers can attach the cap to spray containers, ensuring that each application has a consistent concentration of the solution, which optimizes resource usage, reduces chemical exposure, and minimizes environmental impact.

[0032] 4. Health and Pharmaceutical: In healthcare, these caps are invaluable for medications that must be freshly mixed before administration, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents. This capability ensures the stability and efficacy of medications, significantly reducing potential errors in drug administration, crucial in treatments requiring precise dosages.

[0033] 5. Wellness and Supplements: The wellness industry can benefit from these caps by facilitating the consumption of vitamin-enriched waters or other supplements. Consumers can add precise doses of health supplements to their drinks on demand, promoting a healthier lifestyle through personalized and convenient nutrition.

[0034] 6. Baby Care: In baby care, the cap can be used to hygienically mix baby formula or medications into water, ensuring that infants receive accurately measured and safely prepared feedings. This not only reduces contamination risks but also ensures that infants get the exact nutrition or medicine dosage needed.

[0035] 7. Elder Care: For elder care, the mixing cap simplifies the preparation of medications or dietary drinks that need to be both precise and easy to consume. This helps caregivers in managing elderly patients' nutritional and medicinal intake more effectively, ensuring they adhere to specific regimens without the usual complexities of preparation. P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS

[0036] 8. Animal Care and Veterinary: The veterinary field can use these caps for preparing medications or nutritional formulas for both domestic pets and livestock. This method ensures that animals receive precisely dosed treatments or supplements, improving health outcomes and simplifying the care process in veterinary practices. 9. Space Exploration: Space missions can leverage these caps to mix nutrients or medications accurately in outer space's controlled environments. This reduces the need to transport multiple pre-mixed solutions and extends the shelf life of essential substances, crucial under the stringent constraints of space travel.

[0037] 10. Remote Areas: The cap is ideally suited for use in remote locations where transporting mixed products is logistically challenging. It allows for on-site preparation of critical medical, nutritional, or water treatment substances, significantly reducing transportation costs and logistical complications.

[0038] 11. Conservation Efforts for Wild Animals: In wildlife conservation efforts, these caps can be used to prepare sedatives, nutrients, or medical treatments in field conditions. This improves the efficiency and safety of treating and managing wild animals, facilitating conservation activities without the stress or risk associated with traditional methods.

Claims

P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DSClaims1. A mixing cap for instant combining substances with a liquid, comprising: a variable thickness rubber container configured to store at least one additive substance; a pressing plate operatively connected to a threaded hall bar (5) for exerting pressure on said rubber container; wherein, the pressing plate is linked to the quantity meter through a threaded hall bar that translates turning action into mechanical movement; a quantity meter (3) connected to the threaded hall bar (5), between the press button and the pressing plate to maintain required pressure on the pressure plate, to release required quantity; a press button (1) connected to needle (6) to provide an hole mechanism, wherein the press button connected needle extended to the rubber container for releasing the additive substance, wherein said press button is at the top and the needle extended to bottom; a permanent thread nut secures the components together, allowing rotational or linear movement as required by the mechanism; a rubber sealer provides an airtight seal, preventing leakage while also allowing flexibility in the movement of the pressing plate; and a threaded connection between the mixing cap and a liquid container to ensure secure attachment and seal.

2. The mixing cap of claim 1: wherein, the rubber container is designed with variable thickness wherein, high thickness at sides to withstand to varying pressures exerted by the pressing plate at sides, and low thickness at bottom facilitating controlled release of the substance through predefined numbers and sizes of holes.

3. The mixing cap of claim 1: wherein, rigid positions of press button and thread hole bar is maintained by removable rings (2,4) wherein said rings are cardboard or similar means.

4. The mixing cap of claim 1: wherein, the hole mechanism is comprised of multiple tiny holes with required sizes strategically positioned to optimize the dispersion of the additive substance into the liquid.P-II-JG-CAP-4624-DS5. A method of using a mixing cap for combining an additive substance with a liquid in a container, the method comprising steps of: pre-loading the variable thickness rubber container within the mixing cap with the additive substance; attaching the mixing cap to a liquid container; pressing a press button to activate a needle mechanism which punctures the rubber container, releasing the substance through holes into the liquid; setting a desired amount of pressure on the pressure plate by rotating integrated quantity meter; and mixing liquid thoroughly until fair mixing of substance in the liquid.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising step of: applying additional pressure via the pressing plate to increase the rate of release of the additive substance if initial dispersion is insufficient.

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