Markable Bottle Cap

Abstract

A markable bottle cap is characterized by a cap configured for use with a variety of bottles, jars, or containers wherein the upper surface of the cap is configured to receive at least one marking by a user. In some embodiments, the upper surface may provide for a scratch-off layer, a rough texture layer, or a magic slate layer. To use the present invention, a user may, in any order, threadedly attach the cap to a container such as a bottle or jar, apply at least one marking to the upper surface, and then identify the user's beverage as needed.

Claims

1. A cap for use with a container, the cap comprising: a cover, the cover having: an upper element, the upper element having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to receive at least one marking; and a lower element having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein the interior portion is configured as a cylinder having at least one threaded element, and wherein the at least one threaded element is configured to threadedly attach the cap to a container.

2. The cap of claim 1, wherein a scratch-away layer covers the upper surface.

3. The cap of claim 1, wherein a magic slate layer covers the upper surface.

4. The cap of claim 3, further comprising a marking instrument.

5. The cap of claim 1, the upper surface having a rough texture layer, wherein the rough texture layer is configured to receive and retain at least one marking.

6. The cap of claim 1, wherein the upper element is a screw band and the lower element is a lid disc.

7. The cap of claim 6, wherein the container is a canning jar.

8. The cap of claim 1, wherein the upper element and the lower element are configured as a contiguous element.

9. The cap of claim 8, wherein the container is a beverage bottle.

10. The cap of claim 8, wherein the container is a food storage container.

11. A method of identifying a container, the method comprising: providing a cover, the cover having; an upper element, the upper element having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to receive at least one marking; and a lower element having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein the interior portion is configured as a cylinder having at least one threaded element, and wherein the at least one threaded element is configured to threadedly attach the cap to a container; marking the upper surface with at least one identifying indication; and threadedly attaching the cap to the container.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a coating covers the upper surface, the coating comprising at least one of a scratch-away layer, a magic slate layer, and a rough texture layer, wherein the scratch-away layer, the magic slate layer, and the rough texture layer are each configured to receive and retain at least one identifying indication.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the interior portion is configured to threadedly attach to at least one of a canning jar, a beverage bottle, and a food storage container.

14. A cap for use with a container, the cap comprising: a cover, the cover having: an upper element, the upper portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to receive at least one marking; and a lower element having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein the interior portion has at least one lip, wherein the at least one lip is configured to removably attach the cap to a container.

15. The cap of claim 14, wherein the interior portion is configured to removably attach to a coffee cup.

16. The cap of claim 14, wherein the interior portion is configured to removably attach to a food storage container.

17. The cap of claim 14, wherein a scratch-away layer covers the upper surface.

18. The cap of claim 14, wherein a magic slate layer covers the upper surface.

19. The cap of claim 14, further comprising a marking instrument.

20. The cap of claim 14, the upper surface having a rough texture layer, wherein the rough texture layer is configured to receive and retain at least one scratch marking.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with in accordance with an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of using a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of using a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0042] The terms first, second, third, fourth, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms include, and have, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0043] The terms couple, coupled, couples, coupling, and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive upper portion 101, lower portion 102, upper surface 103, marking instrument 104, magic slate layer 105, and ribbing 106.

[0046] The markable cap in FIG. 1, including but not limited to upper portion 101, lower element 102, upper surface 103, is contemplated to take any number of dimensions to fit any number of commercially produced bottle necks. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 may be appropriate for use with three-liter bottles, two-liter bottles, one-liter bottles, half-liter bottles, 64-ounce bottles, 40-ounce bottles, 36 ounce bottles, 24-ounce bottles, 20-ounce bottles, 16-ounce bottles, 12-ounce bottles, 10-ounce bottles, 8-ounce bottles, 6-ounce bottles, 4-ounce bottles, and 2-ounce bottles, as well as any size larger or smaller. Such bottles may be glass, metal, plastic, elastomer, wood, any combination of such materials or other materials known in the art, and may be any shape or size. Such bottles may be configured to contain any element capable of flowing, such as any carbonated or un-carbonated liquid, for non-limiting example soda, water, enhanced water, juice, extract, or liquid dairy product, along with any gel, thick dairy product such as yogurt or cottage cheese, oil, or any mixture or suspension. Additionally, such bottles may be configured to retain any granular substance, such as sugar, rice, powders, herbs, spices, sand, or collection of rocks.

[0047] In some embodiments, magic slate layer 105 may cover upper surface 103 in part. In some embodiments, magic slate layer 105 may cover upper surface 103 in total.

[0048] Additionally, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more recessed portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may partly cover the recessed portion(s) and partly the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover both the recessed portion(s) and the un-recessed portion(s).

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more raised portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the raised portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the un-raised (flush) portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may partly cover the raised portion(s) and partly the flush portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover both the raised portion(s) and the flush portion(s).

[0050] Remaining with FIG. 1, in some embodiments marking instrument 104 may comprise a stylus configured for use with a magic slate. In some embodiments, marking instrument 104 may comprise any element capable of making a mark on a magic slate surface, such as a pen, a marker, a highlighter, a stick, a finger, a pin, a coin, a rock, or any other object capable of making such a mark and of being physically manipulated by a user. In the embodiment depicted, marking instrument 104 is shown having a bulbous tip. Such bulbous tip is not necessary, unless mandated by the design of magic slate layer 105.

[0051] Continuing with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that magic slate layer 105 may comprise any of a number of magic slate compositions, such as defined above. Non-limiting examples of magic slate layer 105 may include a commercially produced magic slate product, a magic slate or magic slate layer made by a user, or a magic slate or magic slate layer partially produced by a commercial process and partially made by a user. As discussed above, and by way of illustration and not limitation, such magic slate layers 105 may comprise a waxy black base layer, a thin grey film layer overlaid on top of the waxy black base layer, and a thin clear film overlaid on top of the thin grey film layer (layers not shown). In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the magic slate layer 105 as disclosed in FIG. 1 may comprise a separate disc or dome-shaped element configured to attach to upper surface 103. In some embodiments, magic slate layer 105 may be produced commercially as a contiguous unit with upper surface 103, wherein upper surface 103 is completely and permanently covered by magic slate layer 105.

[0052] Turning attention to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, upper portion 101, lower element 102, rough texture layer 201, and ribbing 106 can be seen.

[0053] In some embodiments, rough texture layer 201 may cover upper surface 103 in part. In some embodiments, rough texture layer 201 may cover upper surface 103 in total.

[0054] Additionally, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more recessed portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may partly cover the recessed portion(s) and partly the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover both the recessed portion(s) and the un-recessed portion(s).

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more raised portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the raised portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the un-raised (flush) portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may partly cover the raised portion(s) and partly the flush portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover both the raised portion(s) and the flush portion(s).

[0056] With respect to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive upper portion 101, lower element 102, lotto scratch-off layer 301, scratch-off instrument (coin) 302, and ribbing 106.

[0057] In some embodiments, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover upper surface 103 in part. In some embodiments, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover upper surface 103 in total.

[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more recessed portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may partly cover the recessed portion(s) and partly the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover both the recessed portion(s) and the un-recessed portion(s).

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more raised portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the raised portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the un-raised (flush) portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may partly cover the raised portion(s) and partly the flush portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover both the raised portion(s) and the flush portion(s).

[0060] Turning attention to FIG. 4, a bottom perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive cylindrical cavity 401, threads 402, upper portion lower surface 403, lower element 102, and ribbing 106. It is contemplated that cavity 401, threads 402, upper portion lower surface 403, and lower element 102 may be of larger or smaller proportions in order to accommodate threaded attachment with the various bottles and containers listed herein.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of using a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustration provided, a user may use a user's hand 501 and grasp the cap 502 and threadedly attach the cap 502 to a beverage bottle 503. In the embodiment shown, cap 502 features magic-slate upper surface 105. In some embodiments, a user may utilize a marking instrument 104 (not shown in FIG. 5) to cause the magic slate layer 105 to display a marking, represented in FIG. 5 as the letter A, Any marking is contemplated by the present invention.

[0062] Turning attention to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, lid disc magic slate layer 605, and lid disc marking instrument 609.

[0063] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the two-piece markable cap in FIG. 6, including but not limited to screw band 601, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, and lid disc marking instrument 609, is contemplated to take any number of dimensions to fit any number of commercially produced jars or bottles. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7 may be appropriate for use with home canning jars, industrial canning jars, mason jars, mayonnaise jars, jam jars, peanut butter jars, candle jars, storage jars, and any other jar or container known in the art to which the present invention may be threadedly attached.

[0064] With respect to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, and lid disc rough texture layer 705.

[0065] Turning attention to FIG. 8, a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, scratch-off layer 801 and lid disc lotto scratch-off layer 805.

[0066] With respect to FIG. 9, a bottom perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, and screw band threads 606. FIG. 9 also discloses lid disc 607 and lower lid disc surface 901.

[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of using a cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustration provided, a user may use a user's hand 1001 may grasp the screw band 1002 and threadedly attach the screw band 1002 to a jar 1003. In the embodiment shown, screw band 1002 features lid disc magic slate layer 605. A marking such as shown in FIG. 10 as an A may be made by, but is not required to be made by, lid disc marking instrument 609. Any marking is contemplated by the present invention, including but not limited to the A pictured in FIG. 10.

[0068] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0069] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0070] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0071] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0072] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the markable bottle cap with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the markable bottle cap to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed markable bottle cap. The above description of embodiments of the markable bottle cap is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0073] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the markable bottle cap are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0074] While certain aspects of the markable bottle cap are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the markable bottle cap are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the markable bottle cap.