US20100108633A1

US20100108633A1 - Cap structure and container with the cap

Info

Publication number: US20100108633A1
Application number: US12/262,161
Authority: US
Inventors: Li-Huei Chen; Shao-Wei Chung; Yu-Sung Lee; Kuo-Chang Hsu
Original assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
Current assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
Priority date: 2008-10-30
Filing date: 2008-10-30
Publication date: 2010-05-06
Also published as: TW201016557A; TWI359772B

Abstract

A cap structure includes a capping body, for covering a container mouth of a container. The capping body includes a base layer, a plurality of protruding members disposed on the base layer, and a sidewall joined to a periphery of the base layer. A liner layer having coupling structures is locked with the protruding members. A space is formed between the base layer and the liner layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a cap structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cap structure with multiple functions, such as adapting a radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
As usually known, cap is used to cover a container. The container usually contains some materials, such as medicine pill or any other objects. The conventional cap basically has a sealing function to air-tightly seal the opening of the container, so that the medicine pills are kept inside without directly contact the humid air, for example. In the actual applications, the cap may have the printed tag to identify the content inside the container. How to tight the cap to the container neck has been well developed. Various mechanical structures have been proposed, such as by screw or gear mechanisms.
When electronic technology is further developed, the cap's function is accordingly updated. For example, RFID tag has been successfully developed to electronically carry some information. In order to identify the content inside the container, the RFID tag is integrated into the cap for replacing the printed tag. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 7,342,501 has disclosed the cap with the RFID tag. Further, in order to actually seal the opening of the container, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,478, the cap can carry the heat-melt adhesive layer, which can be melt by heat and then tightly seal the opening.
However, the cap is still under developing to fit various purposes in use. The cap then can have more functions and be in convenient use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides cap structure, which can be easily formed by molding process and the cap can have multiple functions in use.
In an aspect, the invention provides a cap structure including a capping body for covering a container mouth of a container. The capping body includes a base layer, a plurality of protruding members disposed on the base layer, and a sidewall joined to a periphery of the base layer. A liner layer having coupling structures is locked with the protruding members. A space between the base layer and the liner layer is formed for containing an auxiliary object.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a container. The container comprises a containing body having a containing space for containing an object and a container mouth with a mouth ring. A plug can be inserted to the container mouth, wherein the plug has a through hole for air circulation. A capping body, for covering the container mouth by fixing to the mouth ring. The capping body comprises a base layer, a plurality of protruding members disposed on the base layer, a sidewall joined to a periphery of the base layer, and a liner layer having coupling structures in locking with the protruding members. A space between the base layer and the liner layer is formed for adapting a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag for identifying the object, such as a plant.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view, schematically illustrating a container, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, schematically illustrating a container for containing a plant, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded drawing, schematically illustrating a container with a functional cap, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, schematically illustrating a cap structure from an opening side based on one-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is the top and side views, schematically illustrating one-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6. is a perspective view, schematically illustrating a cap structure from an opening side based on multiple-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is drawings in different views, schematically illustrating a cap structure based on one-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is drawings in different views, schematically illustrating a cap structure based on multiple-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the invention, the present invention proposes a cap structure, which has multiple functions, such as carrying a RFID tag or the desiccant. The RFID tag can be a passive RFID tag operating at different frequency band, for example, the UHF passive RFID tag can be more freely scanned at a long distance. It is helpful to identify the objects contained in containers, which are put together in mix.
Several embodiments are provided for describing the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the provided embodiments, and the embodiments can also be properly combined to each other.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view, schematically illustrating a container, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, a container 100 usually has a container mouth, which is covered by a cap 102. Conventionally, the cap can be fixed to the container mouth. However, in order to have more function, the cap can have, for example, a liner layer 104, which is fixed within the cap 102 to have a space between the liner 104 and a base layer of the cap 102. The RFID tag 106 is disposed on the liner layer. As a result, when the liner 104 is locked to the cap 102, the RFID tag 106 can be carry in the cap 102. The RFID tag 106 carries the information, for example, about an object contained in the container 100 or any other useful information, depending on the actual use. In addition, other object 108 can also be adapted in the space of the cap 102. For example, the desiccant can be carried. Desiccant is usually used for keeping dry for the container. However, in some situations such as containing plant, it needs a little degree of air circulation. In other words, by implement the liner layer 104 with proper fixing members, the space between the liner layer 104 and the base layer of the cap 102 can be formed for general use to adapt the RFID tag or any other material or device.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, schematically illustrating a container for containing a plant, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a container 120 to contain plant 122 is provided as the example. Since the plant, for example, needs the humid air with function of air circulation. The cap 130 is not necessary to air-tightly seal the container mouth. The plug 126 can be inserted into the container mouth. However, the plug has a through hole 128 for air circulation. The cap 130 is fixed to the rim 124 of the container mouth by a hooking mechanism by the rib 140 and hooking member 138, as to be described later. The rib 140 in dashed line is just for indicating the existence of them but not actually appeal in this cross-section view, as to be described later drawings. A liner layer 132 is fixed inside the cap 130 by locking mechanism. As previously mentioned, a RFID tag 134 is disposed on the liner layer 132. The desiccant 136 or any other useful piece can be for example put in, as well. The RFID tag can be detected to obtain the stored information, which can identify the plant, for example. However, plant is just an example of object, carried by the container 120. If the cap 130 needs to air-tightly seal the container mouth, it has other conventional structure to seal the container mouth by other designs. However, the liner layer 132 is used to allow the cap 130 to have more function in use.
It should be also noted that the liner layer 132 can be fixed to the cap 130 with or without being detachable. For one-time locking mechanism, once the liner layer is coupled with the cap 130, the liner layer 132 basically is not detachable except breaking the liner layer, for example. In this situation, the RFID tag is always carried by the cap 130. The liner layer 132 would be possibly broken if the liner layer is detached, according to this one-time use mechanism. In other words, the liner layer 132 is permanently engaged to the cap 130 without being detached for repeat use. However, in other design of multiple-time locking mechanism, the liner layer 132 can be locked to the cap 130 when it is needed. And then, the liner layer 132 can be detached for changing the RFID tag, for example. The cap structure of the cap 130 and liner later 132 can be repeatedly used.
FIG. 3 is an exploded drawing, schematically illustrating a container with a functional cap, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3, the plug 126 is inserted into the container mouth of the container 120 for the usual function. The cap 130 can further cover the container 120. The liner layer 132 in this example is detachable from the cap 130. The liner layer 132 can be, for example, locked to the cap 130 by rotating into it, as to be described later. The liner layer 132 has, for example, a hand-operational protrusion 132 a for hand to hold it and rotate it in use. In addition, the liner layer 132 can, for example, further have an indent region 132 b for adapting the RFID tag 134. The indent region 132 b of the liner layer 132 can increase the space between the liner layer 132 and the base layer of the cap 130. In this situation, the liner layer 132 can be more closely locked to the cap 130.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, schematically illustrating a cap structure from an opening side based on one-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 4, the cap structure, based on one-time locking mechanism, is described in more detail by an embodiment as an example. The cap structure has a cap 130 and a liner layer 132. The cap 130 is formed by a base layer and a sidewall. However, in order to lock the liner layer 132, there are several coupling structures 144 between the cap 130 and the liner layer 132. FIG. 5 is the top and side views, schematically illustrating one-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment. Further referring to FIG. 5, for the one-time locking mechanism, the coupling structures 144 include a protruding member 144 b from the base layer of the cap 130. The protruding member 144 b can be, for example, a pole with a height. The height determines the space between the liner layer 132 and the base layer of the cap 130. The counter-portion of the coupling member in the liner layer 132 is, for example, a set of intersecting cutting lines 144 a, such as the cross cutting lines. The intersectional cutting lines 144 a comprises an opening at an intersection point. For example, the set of intersecting cutting lines 144 a allows the protruding member 144 b to penetrate. When the protruding member 144 b penetrates through the set of intersecting cutting lines 144 a, the tips at the intersecting region of the cutting lines 144 a can lock the liner layer 132 and prevent the liner layer 132 from dropping away. In addition, for easy assembly and alignment, the intersection region of the cutting lines 144 a may have a hole. As can be seen in FIG. 4, after the liner layer 132 is locked with the cap 130 by the coupling structure 144, the liner layer 132 is held by the protrusion members 144 b. In addition, the hand-operationable protrusion 132 a can be formed at the outer side of the liner layer 132, so that the liner layer 132 can be easily held by hand of user, for example, for aligning and pushing the liner layer 132 to the cap 130.
The structure for locking the liner layer to the cap by one-tine locking mechanism has been described. However, when the cap 130 may have addition structure for covering to the container mouth in different mechanism, depending on the actual need in option. If the cap 130 is to tightly cover the container mouth, then several mechanism, such as screwing mechanism, can be taken. However, if it is not necessary to tightly cover the container mouth, as described in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the cap structure has further locking members.
The ribs 140 and hooking members 138 can be formed on the sidewall of the cap 130 at the inner side. The gap between the ribs 140 and the hooking members 138 is to adapt the rim of the container mouth. Each of the hooking members 138 has a sliding surface for easily hooking into the rim of the container mouth. Depending on the actual need of the cap 130, the liner layer 132 may have indent for allowing the ribs 140 to pass through, so that the liner layer 132 can also be guided to the locking positions of the coupling structure 144. In addition, in order to have air circulation, the sidewall of the cap 130 at inner side can have the air circulation channels 146, at which a thinner wall is formed, so that the air can flow through the air circulation channels 146. As a practical application, for example, the air circulation channels 146 are useful for contained live plant or insect, which usually needs water or fresh air in circulation.
FIG. 6. is a perspective view, schematically illustrating a cap structure from an opening side based on multiple-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 6, for multiple-time locking mechanism, the coupling structure 146 allows the liner layer 132 to be locked or unlocked from the cap 130. The coupling structure 146 is based on the mechanism by rotating the liner layer into a blocking structure of the protrusion member in lock, for example. More details are to be described in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 for both locking mechanisms.
FIG. 7 is drawings in different views, schematically illustrating a cap structure based on one-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The cap 130 is designed to be easily formed by molding process for reducing cost. However, in order to adapt the molding process, the structure should be in association with the molding technology. In FIG. 7( a), the protrusion members 144 b, such as poles, is protruding from the base layer of the cap 130. The rib 140 extends from the base layer of the cap 130 to a predetermined height. The hooking member 138 is formed at the different height, so that a gap between the rib 140 and the hooking member 138 can adapt the rim of the container mouth. The air circulation channel 146 is at the inner side of sidewall of the cap 130, so that once the cap 130 covers the container mouth, the air circulation channel 146 allows a small portion of the air circulation. In FIG. 7( b), the liner layer 132 has the hand-operationable protrusion 132 a, of which a crossing structure is shown as an example but not the only choice. In further consideration for air circulation, a further concave region at the center can be made. This is because the hand-operationable protrusion 132 a may touch to the plug 126 in FIG. 2, then the concave region does not touch to the through hole 128. The cutting lines 144 a of the liner layer 132 as a hole is at the position corresponding to the protrusion members 144 b of the cap 130. The side indent 132 b is for adapting the rib 140. However, if the size of the liner layer 132 is sufficiently smaller, the periphery of the liner layer may be not touching to the rib and then the side indent 132 b is not necessary as a choice. As a result, the liner layer 132 can be locked to the protrusion member 144 b of the cap 130. The structure of the cap 130 and the liner layer 132 are easily made by molding process.
FIG. 8 is drawings in different views, schematically illustrating a cap structure based on multiple-time locking mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 8( a), the cap 130 of the cap structure is similar to the cap 130 in FIG. 7. However, the protruding member 150 is different from the pole structure. The protruding member, as for example shown in FIG. 7( b) at the cross-section, can be a protrusion wall 150, preferable in circle shape at the inner side in accordance with the circle periphery of the liner layer 132. The top of the protrusion wall 150 can have a blocking protrusion 150 a. In FIG. 8( c), the counter part of the coupling structure at the liner layer 132 has a periphery indent region 152 and an anchor wall 154. The periphery indent region 152 allows the liner layer to pass the protrusion wall 150. Once the liner layer 132 passes the protrusion wall 150, the liner layer 132 can rotated by hand via the hand-operationable protrusion 132 a. After rotating the liner layer 132, the anchor wall 154 slides into the inner wall surface of the protrusion wall 150 and stops due to the angle anchor. At the same time, the blocking protrusion 150 a of the protrusion wall 150, as shown in FIG. 8( b), blocks the liner layer 132 at the normal direction. In FIG. 8( c), a top view of the liner layer 132 is shown. The periphery of the liner layer 132 has the protrusion wall 132 c with a proper height and is disconnected at the disconnection region 132 d. The anchor wall 154 is formed at the disconnection region 132 d. As a result, the liner layer 132 is locked and prevention from dropping. However, the liner layer 132 can be rotated backward, so that the liner layer can be detached from the cap 130 for changing the RFID tag or any other action. In one example, since the RFID tag can be thin like a paper. The RFID tag 134 can be adhered on the liner layer 132 at the other side (see FIG. 3) without significantly occupying the space. However, the space between liner layer 132 and the base layer of the cap 130 can be adjusted by changing the design parameters under the same design principle.
As can be understood, the liner layer is locked to the cap to adapt the RFID tag, for example. The RFID tag can be easily adhered to the liner layer, for example. The liner layer can also be constantly locked to the cap or detachably locked to the cap. If it is necessary, the air circulation channel can also be formed while the cap is semi-tightly covering the container mouth by hooking, for example.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing descriptions, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention if they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cap structure, comprising:

a capping body for covering a container mouth of a container, the capping body comprising:

a base layer;

a plurality of protruding members, disposed on the base layer; and

a sidewall, joined to a periphery of the base layer; and

a liner layer, having coupling structures to in locking with the protruding members,

wherein a space is formed between the base layer and the liner layer.

2. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein each of the protruding members is a pole and each of the coupling structures of the liner layer has intersectional cutting lines for allowing the pole to penetrate and fix thereon, wherein the liner layer is in one-time locking to the capping body without being detached out.

3. The cap structure of claim 2, wherein the intersectional cutting lines further comprises an opening at an intersection point.

4. The cap structure of claim 2, wherein the liner layer has an indent region to increase a volume of the space between the base layer and the liner layer.

5. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein at least an object is contained in the space between the base layer and the liner layer.

6. The cap structure of claim 5, wherein the object comprises radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or desiccant.

7. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein

each of the protruding members comprises:

a sectional circle wall; and

a protruding locking ring on the sectional circle wall; and

each of the coupling structures of the liner layer comprises:

an indent periphery; and

an anchor wall at the indent periphery and the anchor wall is lower in height than the protruding locking ring,

wherein when the coupling structure is locked with the protruding members, the anchor wall is engaged to the sectional circle wall and the protruding locking ring blocks the anchor wall so as to hold the liner layer.

8. The cap structure of claim 7, wherein the liner layer has an indent region to increase a volume of the space between the base layer and the liner layer.

9. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises:

a plurality of ribs perpendicular to the base layer and extending from the base layer to a rim of the sidewall at a first position; and

a plurality of inward hooking members distributed at the rim of the sidewall, wherein a hooking top is at a second position, so that the container mouth is fit between the ribs and the inward hooking members.

10. The cap structure of claim 9, wherein the sidewall further comprises a plurality of air conducting channels, so that the capping body does not air-tightly seal the container mouth.

11. The cap structure of claim 9, wherein the liner layer has a plurality of peripheral concave regions to allow the ribs to pass.

12. The cap structure of claim 9, wherein the liner layer has a hand-operationable protrusion at a side facing to the container.

13. The cap structure of claim 12, wherein the hand-operationable protrusion is a cross protrusion with an indent central region.

14. A container, comprising:

a containing body, having a containing space for containing an object and a container mouth with a mouth ring;

a plug, when in assembly, inserted to the container mouth, wherein the plug has a through hole for air circulation;

a capping body, for covering the container mouth by fixing to the mouth ring, wherein the capping body comprises:

a base layer;

a plurality of protruding members, disposed on the base layer;

a sidewall, joined to a periphery of the base layer; and

a liner layer, having coupling structures in locking with the protruding members, wherein a space between the base layer and the liner layer is formed for adapting at least a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag for identifying the object.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein each of the protruding members is a pole and each of the coupling structures of the liner layer has intersectional cutting lines for allowing the pole to penetrate and fix thereon.

16. The container of claim 14, wherein the liner layer has an indent region to adapt the RFID tag.

17. The container of claim 14, wherein

each of the protruding members comprises:

a sectional circle wall; and

a protruding locking ring on the sectional circle wall; and

each of the coupling structures of the liner layer comprises:

an indent periphery; and

18. The container of claim 14, wherein the sidewall comprises:

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the liner layer has a plurality of peripheral concave regions to allow the ribs to pass.

20. The container of claim 14, wherein the sidewall further comprises a plurality of air conducting channels, so that the object can connect to an outer space by the through hole of the plug and the air conducting channels.

21. The container of claim 14, wherein the liner layer has a hand-operationable protrusion at a side facing to the container.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the hand-operationable protrusion is a cross protrusion with an indent central region.