U.S. patent application number 12/203917 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for container cap with aqua tissue.
Invention is credited to Wayne Doherty, David Koskinen, QUOC A. TRAN.
Application Number | 20100051576 12/203917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41723773 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100051576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TRAN; QUOC A. ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
Container cap with aqua tissue
Abstract
The present invention relates to a container cap with tissue
used for drinking container. According to one preferred embodiment
(FIG. 2), the container is a bottle (10) and the bottle cap with
tissue of the invention comprises a bottle cap (11) a
pre-compressed coined tissue (12), and a shrink wrap (13). The
outer diameter of the tissue (12) is smaller than that of the cap
(11), thereby the tissue can nicely sit on the bottle cap (11).
After the bottle (10) is closed by the cap with tissue, both the
tissue and the bottle cap are covered by the shrink wrap (13) that
is heated to cause shrinkage and tight fit to the shoulder of the
bottle. As a result, it is possible to protect the tissue from dirt
and contamination and keep it clean and hygienic for end
consumers.
Inventors: |
TRAN; QUOC A.; (ct. Grayson,
GA) ; Doherty; Wayne; (Port Perry, CA) ;
Koskinen; David; (Washago, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Quoc A. Tran
1352 Stratford Hall
ct. Grayson
GA
30017
US
|
Family ID: |
41723773 |
Appl. No.: |
12/203917 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/386 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0078 20130101;
B65D 51/28 20130101; B65D 51/185 20130101; B65D 2251/0031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/386 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/12 20060101
B65D023/12 |
Claims
1. A container cap with tissue used for drinking container
comprising a container cap, a pre-compressed tissue which is
suitably attached to said container cap, and an outer cover to
cover over said pre-compressed tissue and said container cap.
2. The cap with tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
pre-compressed tissue is formed into a pre-determined shape so as
to sit nicely on the top surface of said container cap.
3. The cap with tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer
cover covers over both said pre-compressed tissue and said
container cap after the cap with tissue closes the container.
4. A container cap with tissue used for container comprising a
container cap having a depression defining a storage compartment
therein, a pre-compressed tissue that snugly fits into said storage
compartment of said container cap and an outer cover to cover over
said pre-compressed tissue and said container-cap.
5. The cap with tissue as claimed in claim 4, wherein said
pre-compressed tissue is formed into a pre-determined shape that
snugly fits into said storage compartment of said container
cap.
6. The cap with tissue as claimed in claim 5, wherein said
pre-compressed tissue is entirely immerged in said storage
compartment or protrudes partially out of said storage
compartment.
7. The cap with tissue according to claim 6, wherein said outer
cover covers over said pre-compressed tissue and a part or the
entirety of said container cap.
8. The cap with tissue according to claim 1 or 4, wherein said
outer cover is a shrink wrap that is heated to cause shrinkage to
cover over both said tissue and said container cap and tight fit to
the container body.
9. A container cap with tissue used for container comprising a
container cap having a depression to define a storage compartment
therein a pre-compressed tissue that is entirely disposed in the
storage compartment of the container cap, and a plastic film to
cover and seal up the top opening of the storage compartment of
said container cap.
10. The cap with tissue according to claim 9, wherein said
pre-compressed tissue is formed into a pre-determined shape,
thereby said tissue is entirely immerged in said storage
compartment of said container cap.
11. The cap with tissue according to claim 10, wherein said film is
an easily tearable film that can be easily and manually torn off in
order to obtain said pre-compressed tissue.
12. The cap with tissue according to any of claims 1, 4, or 9,
wherein said pre-compressed tissue is folded or rolled prior to
being pre-compressed into a pre-determined shape.
13. The cap with tissue according to any of claims 1, 4, or 9,
wherein said tissue is printed on with logo or advertisement
information.
14. The cap with tissue according to any of claims 1, 4, or 9,
wherein said tissue is made of any material selected from the group
consisting of cotton, rayon, wood fiber, natural fibers, synthetic
fibers, synthetic materials, or combination thereof.
15. The cap with tissue according to any of claims 1, 4, or 9,
wherein said tissue is a dry or wet tissue.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a container cap
used for drinking containers. More particularly, the invention
relates to a container cap with tissue that comprises a container
cap, a pre-compressed tissue that is suitably attached to the
container cap. The pre-compressed tissue is covered by an outer
cover or a plastic film.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is very usual that consumers when drinking beverage from
drinking bottles/containers may need a tissue or a towel to clean
and refresh their face and/or to wipe their mouth and/or hands.
Especially in case of outing, traveling around in vehicles, doing
exercise in the fitness centers, or the like, tissue or towel may
be needed not only for refreshing and cleaning face and/or hands,
but also needed for cleaning the beverage spills, for other
cleaning applications such as cleaning tables, counters, cars, or
the like.
[0003] A bottle and towel combination should require as minimum
amount of space as possible to form a more compact and convenient
package as a whole for use. Also, the tissue/towel should be kept
out of dirt and ambient air where they might be in the way of a
hygienic hazard. Some of the prior art disclose towels/absorbent
wraps that are attachable to bottles at the neck or the body
thereof. However, none of the prior art reports an arrangement of
towel on the cap of the container to provide a more compact and
convenient package while the tissue/towel is able to be completely
protected from possible dirt and contamination to keep it hygienic
for users.
[0004] PCT/US2006/040736 discloses a towel that is attachable to a
baby bottle or a sports bottle at the neck of the bottle. The towel
is easily accessible for wiping up and absorbing water or other
fluid and has means for removable attachment to a bottle at the
neck. The means comprise a pair of straps attached to one end of
the towel that can be constructed of elastic material, hook and
loop and/or snap attachment elements. These elements, plus the
design of the towel, allow it to fit snugly around a drinking
bottle or a baby bottle. However, the tissue is constructed in the
form of sheets that are attached to the attaching straps of the
attachment means and completely exposed to ambient air. Since the
tissue is completely exposed to ambient air, it cannot be well
protected from contamination. Another problem is that during
transportation the tissue may touch other items resulting to
causing the tissue falling off the bottle.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,459 discloses an absorbent wrap for
placement on a neck of a drinking bottle includes a flexible,
absorbent sheet having a configuration that permits the absorbent
wrap to be wrapped around the neck of the bottle. The wrap can
absorb drips and spillage of the beverage running down the neck of
the bottle. Again, since the absorbent wrap is completely exposed
to ambient air, it can readily be contaminated and may be no longer
hygienic for use to wipe face and/or hands. Another problem is that
the bottles with the absorbent wrap when packed in the box may
touch each other resulting to causing the absorbent wrap falling
off the bottle.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,452 discloses apparatus for attachment
to drinking vessels, such as baby bottles, which is designed to
absorb excess liquid beverage spilled or dripped from the drinking
vessel. U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,452 discloses a bib that slides onto a
drinking bottle to form a protective barrier against spills or
spit-up by the person drinking. The bib is made of lightweight,
soft, and absorbent materials. Both inventions still have problems
with the hygiene as well as the compactness as discussed above.
[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0081748 and
2006/0081749 disclose apparatus and method for a combined bottle
and towel holder that can be removably attached to various support
structures in an exercise or fitness center; and slip-resistant
releasably self-adhering straps for the removable attachment.
Although convenient for use, the towel disclosed is completely
exposed to ambient air, therefore there might be a hygienic
problem. Additionally, since this configuration provides with the
towel holding portion at one side of the apparatus, the whole
package is not sufficiently compact to facilitate its
transportation around individually or in a box.
[0008] It is apparent from the prior art that when the tissue/towel
is not pre-compressed prior to attaching to the apparatus and
arranged at one side of the apparatus, compactness of the package
as a whole is an issue in the design. In many cases, when the
tissue or towel is hang over the neck of the bottle, or just
strapped to one side of the apparatus, the tissue/towel cannot be
protected from potential dirt or contamination on their entire
exposure to ambient air.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
above-mentioned limitations of the prior art by providing a
container cap combined with a tissue that is used to close drinking
containers. The cap with tissue of the invention contains a tissue
that is pre-compressed and suitably attached to the container cap.
The pre-compressed tissue can sit on the top surface of the
container cap, or disposed in a storage compartment defined by a
depression formed in the container cap. The pre-compressed tissue
shall be covered by an outer cover that covers over the
pre-compressed tissue and a part or the entirety of the container
cap or by a plastic film that closes and seals up the top opening
of the storage compartment of the container cap. Thereby the
pre-compressed tissue shall be protected from dirt and
contamination and provider safety seal for the container as well.
Also, it cannot be failed off the container during transportation
and/or distribution prior to the end use.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention that the
tissue of the invention is pre-compressed into a pre-determined
shape prior to attaching to the container cap, therefore, a more
compact combination of the cap with tissue is provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, a container cap with
tissue used for container is provided comprising a container cap, a
pre-compressed tissue which is suitably attached to the container
cap, and an outer cover to cover the pre-compressed tissue and the
container cap.
[0012] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the
pre-compressed tissue of the cap with tissue of the invention is
formed into a pre-determined shape in order to sit nicely on the
top surface of the container cap. Preferably, the pre-compressed
tissue is formed into a coin shape wherein the outer diameter of
the coin is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the container
cap. The outer cover of the cap with tissue of the invention shall
cover over both the pre-compressed tissue and the container cap
after the cap with tissue closes the container to ensure a tight
fit on the container.
[0013] In an another embodiment, the invention provides a container
cap with tissue used for container which comprises a container cap
having a depression to define a storage compartment therein, a
pre-compressed tissue that can be suitably received in the storage
compartment of the container cap, and an outer cover to cover over
the pre-compressed tissue and the container cap. The pre-compressed
tissue can be entirely immerged in the storage compartment or
partially protrudes out thereof. When the cap with tissue closes
the container, according to one aspect, an outer cover shall cover
over entirely both the pre-compressed tissue and the container cap.
According to another aspect, the outer cover shall cover over the
pre-compressed tissue and only a part of the container cap.
[0014] In a further embodiment, a container cap with tissue used
for container is provided which comprises a container cap having a
depression to define a storage compartment therein, a
pre-compressed tissue that can be entirely disposed in the storage
compartment of the container cap, and a plastic film that covers
and seals up the top opening of the storage compartment. In one
aspect of this embodiment, the pre-compressed tissue is formed into
a pre-determined shape that can be entirely immerged in the storage
compartment of the container cap. In another aspect, the film is an
easily tearable film that can be easily and manually torn off in
order to obtain the pre-compressed tissue.
[0015] According to the invention, the pre-compressed tissue can be
made of material selected from the group consisting of cotton,
rayon, wood fiber, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, synthetic
materials, or combination thereof.
[0016] Further according to the invention, the pre-compressed
tissue can be a dry tissue or a wet tissue.
[0017] Since the pre-compressed tissue is covered by an outer cover
that covers over the pre-compressed tissue and a part or the
entirety of the container cap or sealed up by a plastic film that
closes and seals up the top opening of the storage compartment of
the container cap, its exposure to ambient air can be limited.
Therefore, it is possible to protect the tissue from dirt and
contamination to make it hygienic for use in wiping face and/or
hands. Also, the pre-compressed tissue cannot be failed off the
container during transportation and/or distribution prior to the
end use. In addition, since the tissue has been pre-compressed into
a pre-determined shape that is suitably attached to the top surface
of the container cap or disposed in the storage compartment of the
container cap, it is possible to provide an extra compact
combination that is still convenient for end users and meets the
aesthetic requirements.
[0018] Other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent in reference to the following figures and
description of preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the bottle cap
with tissue according to the first preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottle with the bottle
cap with tissue according to the first preferred embodiment of the
invention in the state that the tissue has been sit on the top
surface of the bottle cap;
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bottle cap
with tissue according to the second preferred embodiment of the
invention, and
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottle with the bottle
cap with tissue according to the second preferred embodiment of the
invention where the bottle is closed by the bottle cap with tissue
of the invention wherein the tissue entirely immerged in the
depression of the bottle cap.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the bottle cap with tissue
of the invention of FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the bottle cap with tissue
of the invention of FIG. 4 where the bottle is closed by the bottle
cap with tissue of the invention wherein the tissue entirely
immerged in the depression of the bottle cap.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-section view of the bottle cap
with tissue according to the third preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-section view of the bottle
closed by the bottle cap with tissue according to the third
preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODES
[0027] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of the
presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments
only.
[0028] Referring initially to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is
illustrated one exemplary preferred embodiment of the present
invention, which solves the various above-mentioned problems of the
prior art. More specifically, a container cap with tissue used for
the container is shown, wherein the container is the water drinking
bottle 10. Such bottle cap with tissue comprises a bottle cap 11
and a coin-shaped and pre-compressed tissue 12. The coin-shaped and
pre-compressed tissue 12 has the outer diameter smaller than the
diameter of the bottle cap and is nicely sit on the top surface of
the cap 11. The bottle cap 11 has a threaded inner surface to be
threaded into the threaded neck of the bottle 10. After the bottle
10 is closed by the cap with the coin tissue, both the coin-shaped
and pre-compressed tissue 12 and the bottle cap 11 are covered by a
shrink wrap 13 that is heated to cause shrinkage and tight fit to
the shoulder of the bottle. As a result, it is possible to protect
the tissue from dirt and contamination and keep it clean and
hygienic for the end consumers. Also, as the pre-compressed tissue
sits suitably on the bottle cap and covered by the shrink wrap, it
cannot be failed off the bottle during transportation and/or
distribution prior to the end use.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, according to the second preferred
embodiment of the invention, a container cap with tissue used for
container is illustrated, wherein the container is the water
drinking bottle 20. The bottle cap with tissue according to this
embodiment comprises a bottle cap 21 having a depression 211
defining a storage compartment therein, a pre-compressed tissue 22
and a shrink wrap 23. More specifically, the depression 211 of the
bottle cap 21 has a bottom extending towards the interior of the
bottle 20 when the cap with the tissue closes the bottle to define
a coin-like hollow storage compartment in order to receive the
pre-compressed tissue 22 therein. Prior to being fit into the
coin-like hollow storage compartment of the depression 211 of the
bottle cap 21, the pre-compressed tissue 22 is shaped into a coin
shape that can snugly fit into the storage compartment. The
cylindrical wall of the lower portion of the bottle cap 21 has a
threaded inner surface to be threaded into the threaded neck of the
bottle 20. After the bottle 20 is closed by the cap with the coin
tissue, both the coin-shaped and pre-compressed tissue 22 and the
bottle cap 21 are covered by the shrink wrap 23 that is heated to
cause shrinkage and tight fit to the shoulder or the body of the
bottle. Due to the depression 211 in the bottle cap 21, when the
cap with the tissue is threaded into the threaded neck of the
bottle 20, the tissue 22 entirely immerged in the coin-like hollow
storage compartment, thereby a more compact and convenient drinking
bottle 20 containing the tissue 22 in the bottle cap 21 is formed
while aesthetic requirements are still satisfied. As the
pre-compressed tissue is entirely immerged in the storage
compartment of the bottle cap, and covered by the shrink wrap, the
tissue can be protected from falling off the bottle during
transportation and/or distribution prior to the end use.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, according to the third
preferred embodiment of the invention, a container cap with tissue
used for container is illustrated, wherein the container is the
water drinking bottle 30. The bottle cap with tissue according to
this embodiment comprises a bottle cap 31, a pre-compressed tissue
32, and a plastic film 33 to close and seal up the top opening of
the storage compartment of the bottle cap to house the
pre-compressed tissue 32 therein. Prior to being disposed inside
the storage compartment of the bottle cap 31, the pre-compressed
tissue 32 is shaped into a pre-determined shape that can be
entirely immerged therein. The plastic film 33 is an easily
tearable film that can be easily and manually torn off in order to
remove the pre-compressed tissue from the bottle cap. The
cylindrical wall of the lower portion of the bottle cap 31 has a
threaded inner surface to be threaded into the threaded neck of the
bottle 30. Since the pre-compressed tissue 32 is entirely immerged
inside the storage compartment of the bottle cap 31, a more compact
and convenient combination is produced and the tissue 32 cannot be
failed off the bottle during transportation and/or distribution
prior to the end usage. Also, as the pre-compressed tissue 32 is
not exposed to the ambient air, it can be effectively protected
from dirt and contamination and remained clean and hygienic for end
consumers.
[0031] In use, the tissues 12, 22, 32 can be removed by the users
at the time of their choosing. The end users only need to tear off
the shrink wrap 13, 23 to obtain the tissues 12, 22 or tear off the
plastic film 33 to obtain the tissue 32 in order to use them as a
hand and face cloth for cleaning and refreshing on a hot day with a
variety of drinking liquids for a variety of functions. For
example, the tissue of the invention may be used for a number of
cleaning applications, such as, for example, for cleaning tables,
counters, cars, etc. The tissue of the invention can also be used
in other applications such as any commercially sold wipes.
[0032] The tissue 12, 22, 32 of the invention can be made of any
suitable material selected from the group consisting of cotton,
rayon, wood fiber, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, synthetic
materials, or combination thereof.
[0033] Optionally, the pre-compressed tissue 12, 22, 32 of the
invention can be folded or rolled prior to being pre-compressed
into a pre-determined shape.
[0034] The tissue 12, 22, 32 of the invention can be a dry tissue
or a wet tissue. In case of a dry tissue, the end users can use the
water in the bottle to wet the tissue prior to the use. When the
water bottle 10, 20, 30 is placed in a refrigerator, the tissue 12,
22, 32 will be cooled down to provide a refreshing cool tissue when
wetted with the accompanying cool water in the bottle.
[0035] The tissue 12, 22, 32 can be printed on for
advertising/information purposes. This can give an advertiser an
8''.times.8'' or larger space that the end user will see when using
the tissue. Both sides of the tissue 12, 22, 32 can be printed on.
The tissue 12, 22, 32 will provide a quick and easy method of
delivery of the advertisement, contest information, instructions
for us, or the like. This is helpful in brand association and
product brand relationships and development. This will provide a
place in close proximity to the beverage for an advertisement or
contest information or other information.
[0036] The tissue 12, 22, 32 of the invention can be shaped into
any suitable size. The common size is 1/4'' high and 3/4'' in
diameter and weighing approximately 2 grams. These dimensions are
not limits in size or weight. The tissue 12, 22, 32 of the
invention can have different shapes depending oh the application or
the size and shape of the container cap provided that the tissue
12, 22, 32 can be compressed and shaped into a desired shape that
can suitably sit on the container cap. The tissue can be compressed
into any size and shape other than a coin shape. They can be
compressed into a mold wet or dry with high weight or compressed
air with a metal ram. They can be put into a vacuum to remove the
gases in proximity of the towel and pre-compressed in to mold. The
wet tissue will dry in the molds to retain their shape. They can be
folded or rolled into a desired shape.
[0037] The container 10, 20, 30 can be made from any conventional
material such as glass, natural fibers, clay, pottery, plastics,
wax treated paper-products, paper products, metals, tin, aluminums,
steel, alloys.
[0038] While the present invention has been illustrated and
described in detail with reference to the drawings and several
preferred embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art
that such description is considered as illustrative only and not
restrictive in character. The description is not intended to limit
the invention to the particular forms set forth. For example, in
addition to the water drinking bottle, the container that is to be
closed by the container cap with tissue according to the invention
can be any suitable kind of containers such as jars, jugs, or the
like. Thus, the present invention is intended to comprise all
alternatives, alterations, modifications, and equivalents thereof
that come within the spirit of the present invention as defined
within the appended claims.
* * * * *