Bottle caps with valves

Abstract

Fluid couplings such as threaded bottle cap devices can be configured for attachment to bottles or containers of fluids. In some embodiments, such threaded bottle cap devices can include an integrated valve mechanism and/or anti-removal features.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bottle cap device comprising:
 a main body defining an open end configured for receiving an outlet of a bottle having an external thread, wherein the main body comprises: (i) an internal thread arranged to threadedly couple with the external thread of the bottle and (ii) a hub extending within a periphery of the internal thread, wherein the hub defines an internal space; and   a valve member disposed within the internal space defined by the hub, wherein the valve member is movable relative to the main body between a closed position in which the valve member blocks fluid flow through the hub of the bottle cap device and an open position in which fluid is allowed to flow through the hub of the bottle cap device.   
     
     
         2 . The bottle cap device of  claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises a one-way tooth feature that configures the bottle cap device to resist being unthreaded from the bottle to which the bottle cap device is threadedly coupled. 
     
     
         3 . The bottle cap device of  claim 2 , wherein the main body comprises at least four of the one-way tooth features that configure the bottle cap device to resist being unthreaded from the bottle to which the bottle cap device is threadedly coupled. 
     
     
         4 . The bottle cap device of  claim 1 , wherein the valve member defines a seal groove in which an annular seal member is seated. 
     
     
         5 . The bottle cap device of  claim 4 , wherein an end of the hub includes a frustoconical surface against which the seal member is seated when the valve member is in the closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The bottle cap device of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring disposed within the internal space defined by the hub, wherein the spring biases the valve member towards the closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The bottle cap device of  claim 1 , further comprising an annular cap seal member disposed around the hub and arranged to seal against the outlet of the bottle. 
     
     
         8 . The bottle cap device of  claim 1 , further comprising a removable member adhered to the main body and covering an end of the internal space defined by the hub.