DISC-ACCOMMODATING JAR OR BOTTLE CAP

Abstract

An integrally formed cap has a flat circular surface, an internally threaded cylindrical sidewall extending from the surface in a first direction; a semicircular spacer extending from the flat surface in a second, opposite direction; and a circular frame joined to the semicircular spacer. The frame is parallel to the flat surface. The spacer and the frame form a gap. A removable disc, such as a collectible coin or poker chip, may be inserted into the gap through the side of the cap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a jar or bottle cap and, more particularly, to a disc-accommodating jar or bottle cap.

An informational disc (collectible coin or poker chip, for example) removably placed in a jar cap would be advantageous for many reasons, including for marketing campaigns or as a means of keeping track of the jar or bottle contents. There is currently no jar or bottle cap being manufactured in which you can insert a collectible or informational disc.

As can be seen, there is a need for a jar cap into which a disc may be inserted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an integrally formed cap comprises a planar circular surface, an internally threaded cylindrical sidewall extending therefrom in a first direction; a semicircular spacer extending from the planar circular surface in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a circular frame, parallel to the planar circular surface, joined to the semicircular spacer. The semicircular space and the circular frame form a gap dimensioned to accommodate a disc.

A removable disc (collectible coin or poker chip, for example) may be inserted into the gap through the side of the cap.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom front perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view thereof, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view thereof, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a container cap with a slit on a side of the cap within which a disc (such as a coin, poker chip, or plastic disc) can slide. The slit is slightly smaller than the width of the disc. The coin once pushed into the slit is locked in place. There is a small hole on the other side of the slit whereby an ejection device such as a nail or paper clip can be inserted to push the coin out of the slit.

While the material and manufacture of the carp are not particularly limited, the cap may be an injected plastic, i.e., polymer, part.

The cap still functions to seal a jar or bottle regardless of whether a disc is installed. Alternatively, the cap may be mounted to a wall or other surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, FIGS. 1 through 3, 5, and 6 illustrate a cap 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention accommodating a disc 26 having a decoration area 28. The cap 10 has a planar top surface 12 and a circumferential side wall 14 with internal threads 24 and a ridged external surface. A semicircular spacer 16 extends perpendicularly from the top surface 12 and expands to form a circular frame 18, forming a gap 22 dimensioned to accommodate the disc 26. The disc 26 may be inserted into the gap 22, as shown in FIG. 4, and pressed until it snaps into place centered within the frame 18, exposing the decoration area 28 of the disc 26. The spacer 16 has a rear aperture 20 through which a nail, wire, or like protrusion may pass to dislodge the disc 26.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An integrally formed cap comprising: a planar circular surface;an internally threaded cylindrical sidewall extending therefrom in a first direction;a semicircular spacer extending from the planar circular surface in a second direction opposite the first direction; anda circular frame, parallel to the planar circular surface, joined to the semicircular spacer;wherein the semicircular space and the circular frame form a gap dimensioned to accommodate a disc.

2. The integrally formed cap of claim 1, wherein the internally threaded cylindrical sidewall has a ridged external surface.

3. The integrally formed cap of claim 1, comprising a polymer.

4. The integrally formed cap of claim 1, wherein the semicircular spacer has an aperture formed therein, configured to accommodate an ejection device.

5. The integrally formed cap of claim 4, wherein the gap is configured to engage the disc so that it does not dislodge without the ejection device.

6. The integrally formed cap of claim 1, wherein the internally threaded cylindrical sidewall is configured to engage a container.

7. The integrally formed cap of claim 6, wherein the container is a jar or a bottle.