Container cap with a timer

• US 8,446,799 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2011
• Issued: 05/21/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Timercap LLC
• Original Assignee: Timer Cap Company, LLC
• Inventors: Burke, Richard Million Jr., Goldberg, Howard David, Stals, Paul L., Horton, Aaron, Tomasi, Philip John
• Primary Examiner(s): LEON MUNOZ, EDWIN A
• Application Number:
  US13/244,296
• Publication Number:
  US 20120224458A1
• Time in Patent Office: 605 Days
• Field of Search: 368/10, 368107-112, 368/185, 368/187, 368/188, 368/278, 368316-317, 221/2, 221/3, 221/15, 215217-221, 215/228, 215/230
• US Class Current: 368/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0472 of the count-down type, i.e. counting down a predetermined interval after each reset
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 10/00 Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electric means
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 8/08 Means used apart from the time-piece for starting or stopping same

Abstract

The invention is a container cap with a timer. The timer has a centralized activation pin or mechanism that activates the timer when the cap is secured to a container. The timer is used to determine how much time has passed since the cap was secured to the container. The timer cap of the present invention is streamlined, easier to use, more reliable, and has a lower manufacturing cost than currently available timer caps.

Claims

1. A container cap with a timer, comprising:

a container cap;

wherein said container cap comprises;

a timer, a sealing disk, a center post, and a first housing portion;

wherein said sealing disk is substantially circular and is comprised of an upper surface and a lower surface;

wherein said center post is attached to said upper surface of said sealing disk and extends substantially perpendicularly away from said upper surface;

wherein said timer is comprised of a display and an activation switch;

wherein said first housing portion is comprised of a timer slot and an outer cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said outer cylindrical wall portion has and an outer surface and an inner surface;

wherein said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion has one or more container engagement portions;

wherein said timer slot of said first housing portion has a lower surface and one or more timer side walls, wherein said lower surface of said timer slot has a hole;

wherein said timer is positioned within said timer slot such that said display is visible on a top side of said first housing portion, and said activation switch is accessible through said hole of said lower surface of said timer slot;

wherein said sealing disk is positioned within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion between said lower surface of said timer slot and said one or more container engagement portions, such that said center post is positioned to be able to pass through said hole of said lower surface of said timer slot, and said sealing disk is kept substantially in place within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion.

2. The container cap with a timer of claim 1, wherein said sealing disk and said center post are pushed towards said timer when said container cap is engaged with a container, such that said center post activates said activation switch of said timer and starts said timer;

and

wherein said center post ceases to activate said activation switch of said timer when said container cap is disengaged with said container.

3. The container cap with a timer of claim 2, wherein said one or more container engagement portions is an internal screw thread;

and

wherein said internal screw thread is configured to matingly engage and disengage with an external screw thread of said container.

4. The container cap with a timer of claim 3, wherein said first housing portion further comprises one or more sealing disk engagement ridges;

and

wherein said one or more sealing disk engagement ridges are configured to keep said sealing disk substantially in place within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion.

5. The container cap with a timer of claim 2, wherein said container cap further comprises:

a center post spring;

wherein said center post spring is connected to said center post such that a lower portion of said center post spring matingly surrounds said center post and an upper portion of said center post spring extends beyond said center post;

wherein said center post spring ensures that said center post ceases to activate said activation switch of said timer when said container cap is disengaged with said container.

6. The container cap with a timer of claim 5, wherein said first housing portion is further comprised of a substantially flat top surface;

wherein said top surface extends between said one or more timer side walls of said timer slot and said outer cylindrical wall portion; and

wherein said substantially flat top surface of said first housing portion is substantially flush with a substantially flat top surface of said timer.

7. The container cap with a timer of claim 6, wherein said timer is further comprised of a plurality of locking tabs;

and

wherein said timer slot of said first housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of notches;

wherein when said timer is positioned within said timer slot, said plurality of locking tabs matingly engage with said plurality of notches such that said timer is held in place within said timer slot.

8. The container cap with a timer of claim 6, wherein said first housing portion further comprising one or more sealing disk engagement portions and one or more rib structures.

9. The container cap with a timer of claim 6, wherein said container cap is further comprised of a protective cover;

wherein said protective cover substantially covers a top surface of said timer, said display of said timer, and said substantially flat top surface of said first housing portion; and

wherein said protective cover is transparent over said display of said timer, such that said display is visible through said protective cover.

10. The container cap with a timer of claim 5, wherein said container cap is further comprised of a second housing portion;

wherein said second housing portion is comprised of a top surface, a display hole, and an outer cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said second housing portion matingly engages with said first housing portion such that said timer is covered by said substantially flat top surface of said second housing portion, wherein said display of said timer is substantially visible through said display hole of said second housing portion, and wherein an outer surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion of said second housing portion is within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion of said first housing portion.

11. The container cap with a timer of claim 10, wherein said timer is further comprised of a plurality of timer locking tabs;

and

wherein said timer slot of said first housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of timer notches;

wherein when said timer is positioned within said timer slot, said plurality of timer locking tabs of said timer matingly engage with said plurality of timer notches of said timer slot such that said timer is held in place within said timer slot.

12. The container cap with a timer of claim 11, wherein said second housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of housing locking tabs;

and

wherein said first housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of housing notches;

wherein when said second housing portion matingly engages with said first housing portion, said plurality of housing locking tabs of said second housing portion matingly engage with said plurality of housing notches of said first housing portion such that said second housing portion is held in place within said first housing portion.

13. The container cap with a timer of claim 12, wherein said center post has a microswitch activation tip;

wherein said activation switch is comprised of two microswitch pads;

wherein said microswitch activation tip creates an electrically conductive bridge that activates said timer when said container cap is secured to said container.

14. The container cap with a timer of claim 10, wherein said container cap is further comprised of a protective cover;

wherein said protective cover and substantially covers a top surface of said second housing portion and said display hole of said second housing portion;

wherein said protective cover is transparent over said display hole of said second housing portion, such that said display is visible through said protective cover.

15. The container cap with a timer of claim 14, wherein said container cap is a childproof container cap.

16. The container cap with a timer of claim 15, wherein said timer is used to determine when said container cap was secured to said container.

17. A container cap with a timer, comprising:

a container cap, wherein said container cap comprises;

a timer, a sealing disk, a center post, a first housing portion;

a second housing portion; and

a center post spring;

wherein said sealing disk is substantially circular and is comprised of an upper surface and a lower surface;

wherein said center post is attached to said upper surface of said sealing disk and extends substantially perpendicularly away from said upper surface;

wherein said timer is comprised of a display and an activation switch;

wherein said first housing portion is comprised of a timer slot, one or more container engagement portions, one or more sealing disk engagement portions, one or more rib structures, and an outer cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said outer cylindrical wall portion has and an outer surface and an inner surface;

wherein said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion has one or more container engagement portions;

wherein said timer slot of said first housing portion has a lower surface and one or more timer side walls, wherein said lower surface of said timer slot has a substantially central hole;

wherein said timer is positioned within said timer slot such that said display is visible on a top side of said first housing portion, and said activation switch is accessible through said substantially central hole of said lower surface of said timer slot;

wherein said sealing disk is positioned within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion between said lower surface of said timer slot and said one or more container engagement portions, such that said center post is positioned to be able to pass through said substantially central hole of said lower surface of said timer slot, and said sealing disk is kept substantially in place within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said sealing disk and said center post are pushed towards said timer when said container cap is engaged with a container, such that said center post activates said activation switch of said timer and starts said timer;

wherein said center post ceases to activate said activation switch of said timer when said container cap is disengaged with said container;

wherein said center post spring is connected to said center post such that a lower portion of said center post spring matingly surrounds said center post and an upper portion of said center post spring extends beyond said center post;

wherein said center post spring ensures that said center post ceases to activate said activation switch of said timer when said container cap is disengaged with said container

wherein said second housing portion is comprised of a substantially flat top surface, a display hole, and an outer cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said second housing portion matingly engages with said first housing portion such that said timer is covered by said substantially flat top surface of said second housing portion, wherein said display of said timer is substantially visible through said display hole of said second housing portion, and wherein an outer surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion of said second housing portion is within said inner surface of said outer cylindrical wall portion of said first housing portion;

wherein said timer is further comprised of a plurality of timer locking tabs;

wherein said timer slot of said first housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of timer notches;

wherein when said timer is positioned within said timer slot, said plurality of timer locking tabs of said timer matingly engage with said plurality of timer notches of said timer slot such that said timer is held in place within said timer slot;

wherein said second housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of housing locking tabs;

wherein said first housing portion is further comprised of a plurality of housing notches;

wherein when said second housing portion matingly engages with said first housing portion, said plurality of housing locking tabs of said second housing portion matingly engage with said plurality of housing notches of said first housing portion such that said second housing portion is held in place within said first housing portion;

wherein said protective cover substantially covers a top surface of said second housing portion and said display hole of said second housing portion timer;

wherein said protective cover is transparent over said display hole of said second housing portion timer, such that said display is visible through said protective cover;

wherein said container cap is a childproof safety cap.

18. A container cap with a timer, comprising:

a container cap;

wherein said container cap comprises;

a timer, an activation mechanism, and a housing portion;

wherein said housing portion is comprised of a timer slot, a lower cylindrical container engagement portion, a shoulder portion, and an upper cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said shoulder portion is disposed between said lower cylindrical container engagement portion and said upper cylindrical wall portion, and wherein said shoulder portion is comprised of one or more container engagement pin holes;

wherein said timer is comprised of a display and an activation switch;

wherein said timer is positioned within said timer slot such that said display is visible on a top side of said container cap, and said activation switch is accessible on a bottom side of said timer;

wherein said activation mechanism is substantially rigid and comprised of an activation switch engagement portion, one or more activation arms, and one or more container engagement pins;

wherein said one or more activation arms connect said activation switch engagement portion to said one or more container engagement pins;

wherein said activation mechanism is positioned within said housing portion such said one or more container engagement pins of said activation mechanism are disposed slideably within said one or more container engagement pin holes of said shoulder portion, and wherein said activation switch engagement portion of said activation mechanism is adjacent to said activation switch of said timer, such that when said container cap is engaged with a container, a lip of said container engages with said one or more container engagement pins of said activation mechanism, which causes said activation switch engagement portion of said activation mechanism to engage with said activation switch of said timer and starts said timer.

19. The container cap with a timer of claim 18, further comprising:

a removable cylindrical childproof safety ring;

wherein said removable cylindrical childproof safety ring has an interior surface and an exterior surface;

wherein said interior surface of said removable cylindrical childproof safety ring has an upper portion and a lower portion and wherein said lower portion of said interior surface has one or more childproof engagement portions;

wherein said upper portion of said interior surface of said removable cylindrical childproof safety ring removeably and matingly engages with an exterior surface of said upper removable cylindrical wall portion;

wherein said one or more childproof engagement portions of said removable cylindrical childproof safety ring engages with an exterior surface of said container when said container cap is secured to said container.

20. The container cap with a timer of claim 18, wherein said activation switch engagement portion has a microswitch activation tip;

wherein said activation switch is comprised of two microswitch pads;

wherein said microswitch activation tip creates an electrically conductive bridge that activates said timer when said container cap is secured to said container.

21. The container cap with a timer of claim 18, wherein said container cap further comprising a protective cover;

wherein said protective cover and substantially covers a top surface of said housing portion; and

wherein said protective cover is transparent over said display of said timer, such that said display of said timer is visible through said protective cover.

22. The container cap with a timer of claim 18, wherein said container cap further comprising a spring;

wherein said spring pushes said activation mechanism away from said timer and causes said activation switch engagement portion to cease activating said activation switch when said container cap is disengaged from said container.

23. A container cap with a timer, comprising:

a container cap;

wherein said container cap comprises;

a timer, a sealing disk, and an activation mechanism;

wherein said sealing disk is substantially circular and is comprised of an upper surface and a lower surface;

wherein said activation mechanism is attached to said upper surface of said sealing disk and extends substantially perpendicularly away from said upper surface of said sealing disk;

wherein said timer is comprised of a display and an activation switch;

wherein said timer is positioned within said container cap such that said display is visible on a top side of said container cap;

wherein said activation switch is on a bottom side of said timer;

wherein said sealing disk is positioned within said container cap such that said activation mechanism engages with said activation switch when said container cap is engaged with a container and starts said timer.

24. The container cap with a timer of claim 23, wherein said activation mechanism ceases to activate said activation switch of said timer when said container cap is disengaged with said container.

25. The container cap with a timer of claim 24, wherein said sealing disk is cup-shaped.

26. The container cap with a timer of claim 25, wherein said activation mechanism is a center post.

27. The container cap with a timer of claim 26, wherein said one or more container engagement portions is an internal screw thread;

and

wherein said internal screw thread is configured to matingly engage and disengage with an external screw thread of said container.

28. The container cap with a timer of claim 27, wherein said internal screw thread substantially keeps said sealing disk in place within said container cap.

29. The container cap with a timer of claim 28, wherein said container cap further comprises:

a center post spring;

wherein said center post spring is connected to said center post such that a lower portion of said center post spring matingly surrounds said center post and an upper portion of said center post spring extends beyond said center post;

wherein said center post spring ensures that said center post ceases to activate said activation switch of said timer when said container cap is disengaged with said container.

30. The container cap with a timer of claim 28, wherein said container cap is a childproof safety cap.