Device and Method for Storing and Dispensing

Abstract

In one embodiment, a storing and dispensing cap is provided and includes a housing movably couplable to a container neck having a lip, and a compartment disposed within the housing, wherein the compartment has a dispenser opening. The cap further includes a plug coupled to the housing by a flexible c-shaped bar, wherein the plug is movable between a first position and a second position for engaging or disengaging with the dispenser opening upon actuation of the c-shaped bar with the lip of the container neck. A storing and mixing system including such a cap, and a method of storing and mixing using such a cap are also provided.

1 . A storing and dispensing cap, comprising:
 a housing movably couplable to a container neck having a lip;   a compartment disposed within the housing, wherein the compartment has a dispenser opening, and   a plug coupled to the housing by a flexible c-shaped bar, wherein the plug is movable between a first position and a second position for engaging or disengaging with the dispenser opening upon actuation of the c-shaped bar with the lip of the container neck.   
     
     
         2 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein the container neck includes exterior screw threads that are engageable with interior screw threads of the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein the compartment includes a funnel portion configured to extend downward toward the container neck. 
     
     
         4 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is cone-shaped and is comprised of a plastic material or a rubber material. 
     
     
         5 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein the c-shaped bar includes a notch for engaging with the lip of the container neck. 
     
     
         6 . The cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of flexible c-shaped bars coupling the plug to the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal ring for liquid sealing the housing to the lip of the container neck. 
     
     
         8 . The cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a movable lid coupled to a top of the compartment for providing access to an interior of the compartment. 
     
     
         9 . A storing and mixing system, comprising:
 a container including a reservoir and a neck having a lip; and   a storing and dispensing cap removably couplable to the neck, the cap including:
 a housing movably coupled to the neck; 
 a compartment disposed within the housing, wherein the compartment has a dispenser opening; and 
 a plug coupled to the housing by a flexible c-shaped bar, wherein the plug is movable between a first position and a second position for engaging or disengaging with the dispenser opening upon actuation of the c-shaped bar with the lip of the neck. 
   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the neck includes exterior screw threads that are engageable with interior screw threads of the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the compartment includes a funnel portion configured to extend downward toward the neck. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the plug is cone-shaped and is comprised of a plastic material or a rubber material. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the c-shaped bar includes a notch for engaging with the lip of the neck. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the cap further comprises a plurality of flexible c-shaped bars coupling the plug to the housing. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the cap further comprises a seal ring for liquid sealing the housing to the lip of the neck. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the cap further comprises a movable lid coupled to a top of the compartment for providing access to an interior of the compartment. 
     
     
         17 . A method of storing and mixing, the method comprising:
 providing a container including a reservoir and a neck having a lip, wherein the reservoir holds a first material;   providing a storing and dispensing cap including:
 a housing movably couplable to the neck; 
 a compartment disposed within the housing, wherein the compartment has a dispenser opening; and 
 a plug coupled to the housing by a flexible c-shaped bar, wherein the plug is movable between a first position and a second position for engaging or disengaging with the dispenser opening; and 
   actuating the c-shaped bar with the lip of the neck to engage the plug with the dispenser opening.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising filling the compartment with a second material through a top opening of the compartment accessible via a movable lid. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising disengaging the c-shaped bar from the lip of the neck by rotating the cap about a longitudinal axis of the container and translating the cap in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising dispensing the second material out of the compartment and into the reservoir holding the first material.