Smart cap

Abstract

A cap includes a measuring volume. The cap includes numerical volumetric graduation markings on its body, the markings being aligned with the measuring volume to measure a volume of material within the body. The cap further includes a thread proximate an opening of the body. The thread is to engage a complementary thread of a container to contain the material. The thread is to enable a seal with the container, the seal being proximate the opening of the body. The cap may be removed from the container to measure a portion of the material and then the cap may be threaded back onto the container to enable the seal to seal the container and the measuring volume of the body against leakage.

1 . A cap comprising:
 an outer body shaped to define a measuring volume, the outer body including an opening at one end of the measuring volume and an end surface at an opposite end of the measuring volume;   numerical volumetric graduation markings on the outer body and aligned with the measuring volume to measure a volume of material within the outer body;   an inner body positioned inside the outer body, the inner body including an end opening;   a thread at the inner body and accessible through the end opening, the thread to engage a complementary thread of a container to contain the material; and   a seal to seal against the container;   wherein the inner body further includes a lateral opening to communicate an interior of the inner body with the measuring volume;   wherein the cap may be removed from the container to measure a portion of the material and then the cap may be threaded back onto the container.   
     
     
         2 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein the seal is at the inner body. 
     
     
         3 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein the seal is at the outer body. 
     
     
         4 . A cap comprising:
 a body shaped to define a measuring volume, the body including an opening at one end of the measuring volume and an end surface at an opposite end of the measuring volume;   numerical volumetric graduation markings on the body and aligned with the measuring volume to measure a volume of material within the body; and   a thread proximate the opening of the body, the thread to engage a complementary thread of a container to contain the material, the thread to enable a seal with the container proximate the opening of the body;   wherein the cap may be removed from the container to measure a portion of the material and then the cap may be threaded back onto the container to enable the seal to seal the container and the measuring volume of the body against leakage.   
     
     
         5 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the thread is configured to provide the seal. 
     
     
         6 . The cap of  claim 4 , further comprising a sealing element to provide the seal. 
     
     
         7 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the thread is inside the measuring volume. 
     
     
         8 . The cap of  claim 7 , wherein the numerical volumetric graduation markings are calibrated for a volume differential caused by the thread. 
     
     
         9 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the body is cylindrical. 
     
     
         10 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the body is frustoconical. 
     
     
         11 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the body is spherical. 
     
     
         12 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the body is transparent or translucent. 
     
     
         13 . The cap of  claim 4 , further comprising a spout positioned at the opening to aid in pouring material from the measuring volume. 
     
     
         14 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein the numerical volumetric graduation markings are raised or include braille.