FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (Section 10; rule 13)
“A FLOW CONTROL BOTTLE CAP”

APPLICANT NATIONALITY ADDRESS
HAMILTON INDIAN 134-AB, GOVT. INDUSTRIAL
HOUSEWARES ESTATE, CHARKOP, KANDIVALI (W), MUMBAI –
PVT.LTD 400067 and at ONE FORBES,
2ND FLOOR, DR. V.B.GANDHI MARG,
MUMBAI – 400 001
THE FOLLOWING COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

TITLE:
A FLOW CONTROL BOTTLE CAP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to lids or caps that are found on reusable bottles and containers for storing water and other liquids. The lid provides a novel mechanism which provides a reciprocating retractable spout which allows controlled variable flow of water. In situations of limited water supply water conservation is important. This cap allows user to control the flow out of water from spout. In competitive sports limited liquid is to be consumed by the athlete over a certain time of sport in these cases this cap lid allows a user to control water intake. This cap lid also has an easy to open and clean feature allowing the internal crevices to be thoroughly cleaned and dispense any collected solids. A duckbill valve used in the cap makes it leak resistant by allowing unidirectional flow of air into the bottle container while stopping the water in the bottle from flowing out from the valve vent. Since there are separate paths for air and water to flow the flow out of spout is laminar and smooth.
BACKGROUND & PRIOR ART:
Hygiene is of utmost importance when it comes to consuming water from a vessel. The present invention relates to a retractable spout which reduces the exposed area to dust and atmosphere to provide hygiene to the person consuming the water. Also, in situations of limited water supply water conservation is important. The present invention mainly discloses a cap that allows the user to control the flow of water from spout and allows the user to conserve water while still quenching their thirst. Further, in competitive sports, a limited amount of liquid is to be consumed by the athlete over a certain period of time. The present invention which mainly discloses a bottle cap, allows the user to control their water intake. A single gulp of water varies from person to person. For an adult male it is about 70 ml and for an adult female it is about 50 ml and for a child, it varies from 10 ml to 30 ml. The bottle cap as disclosed in the present invention allows the adjustment of the flow rate to make it suitable from a child to an adult.
Patent No. US4867354 mainly discloses twist open/close outer cap internally threaded to fit the threads on a bottle neck in cooperative sealing attachment with an inner cap inserted into

the bottle neck. A beveled top fluid release plug fitting a correspondingly beveled dispensing aperture and inter acting insert structure provides sealing characteristics. The outer cap is a short cylindrical member with an opened bottom and a shallow concave top surface. A flow directing inverted funnel-like protrusion is formed around a dispensing aperture in the center of the outer cap top. Depending from the underside of the outer cap top surface, is a cylindrical sleeve fitting a receiving chamber formed by two base attached walls in the second cap inserted into the neck of the bottle. Screwing the outer cap up and down on threads cooperative with neck threads on the bottle, opens and closes the dispensing aperture by inserting and withdrawing the plug fitting the aperture. The positioning of stops on the outer bottle neck surface and the inner wall of the outer cap control the dispensing opening and are set in manufacturing according to the viscosity of the material to be dispensed. However, the present invention has a separate path for air and fluid to pass thus no laminar flow of water is disclosed. Also, there is no Air vent in the product: and that the air inlet and fluid outlet in the product is the same. Further, the prior art discloses the presence of lugs to stop the rotation of the outer cap and thus provide feedback while the present invention, uses cam mechanism not just to stop the rotation and provide feedback but also to open the top cap for cleaning the internal crevices. Also, the prior art, discloses the outer cap which reciprocates vertically wherein some amount of fluid residue would be left on the top cap , being exposed to dust and atmosphere and therefore is a hygiene and cleanliness issue. Whereas, in the present patent, the spout reciprocates in and out of the top cap, the spout having a small exposed area along with a top cover which eliminates atmospheric exposer. The cap itself could be opened and internal crevices can be washed easily for managing proper hygiene.
US Patent No. 3542256 discloses a bottle cap for the controlled dispensing of liquid contents and is fabricated from two molded plastic parts, one being a cap member for sealing engagement with the lip of a bottle and the other being a pivotal cover member mounted in the cap and which pivots with snap action into either closed or open positions by the simple application of finger pressure to the rear portion of the cover member. An orifice in the cap is aligned with a spout opening in the cover when in the open position, and is sealed when the cover is closed. Two embodiments are disclosed, one with and one without a vent port to enable continuous pouring. However, the prior art mentions hinged spout type of mechanisms while the present invention does not provide any air vents as such. The ones present are the vents which are available that aid in imparting laminar flow. Also, while the flow of fluid could be turned on and off, variable controlled flow is not achievable in the prior art.

US Patent No. 3,216,630 discloses a plastic cap construction of the screw type which has an improved captive cap construction which is foolproof in its functioning whereby the user cannot inadvertently cause malfunctioning or breakage of the closure and comprises of a seal without involving close or critical tolerances in the fabrication of the parts. However, the prior art does not mention any laminar flow and does not have a separate path for air and fluid to pass. Further, there is no presence of any air vent in the product. Also, the air inlet and fluid outlet in the prior art is the same.
Also, US Patent No. US 2011/0215066A1 discloses a bottle cap having a threaded neck which allows user to select an open or closed position without removing the cap from the container. Additionally it also discloses the laminar flow of water. The cap provides a pattern of conically shaped holed for passing of fluid. Knurling upon the perimeter aids in the user. It also comprises of an internal seal to exclude atmospheric communication. However, the laminar flow as mentioned is achieved through multiple holes and not a single opening as present in the said invention. Also, it creates multiple streams and not a single stream as mentioned in the present invention.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
The object of the present invention is to provide a bottle cap which comprises of separate paths for air and water to flow out of spout which is laminar in nature and is undisturbed and controlled.
The present invention also discloses the presence of duckbill valve which makes the cap leak proof and provides unidirectional flow of air and water. The retractable spout also helps in reducing the exposed area to dust and atmosphere thereby increasing the hygiene.
Yet another important object of the present invention is to allow the user to control the flow of water from spout and allows the user to conserve water while still quenching their thirst.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bottle cap in an open position and closed
position.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the bottle cap
Figure 3 (combined) are different views of the Top Portion of the Bottle Cap
Figure 4 (combined) are different views of the Retracting Spout
Figure 5 (combined) are different views of the Silicon Washer
Figure 6 (combined) are different views of the Bottom Cap
Figure 7 (combined) are different views of the Duckbill Valve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings wherein the same numerals are used to denote the same part. However, the drawings only illustrate the invention and in no way limit the invention.
A preferable embodiment of the said invention comprises of the following:
1. Silicon Cap – Moulded
2. Top Cap – Injection Moulded
3. Retracting Spout—Injection Moulded + Welded
4. Silicon washer A – Moulded
5. Silicon washer B- Moulded
6. Bottom Cap – Injection Moulded + Welded
7. Silicon Duckbill valve.
1. Silicon Cap: (Non integral)
Function:
The silicon cap covers the top exposed area of the retractable cap. The strap of the silicon cap is locked in the top cap. The cap is made out of silicon rubber providing positive locking snap. The aesthetic top cover (a) in figure 3 can be made of various shapes to go with form and design concept. Further the hole (b) in the strap is present to lock the cap with a knob (c). Also, the flexible cap (d) covers the spout and provides a snap, holding it firmly. The silicon cap can also be made of other polymeric material providing similar physical characteristics e.g. TPE.
2. Top Cap

The Top cap is snap fitted on the bottom cap for mainly allowing rotational motion. The top cap holds the spout between itself and bottom cap. The Top cap provides a leverage to turn the spout by holding it in the oval cut out. The oval cut out holds the spout and makes it rotate along with the top cap, allowing the spout to reciprocate in and out of the top cap. The top cap has a marker feature which provides the user indication of a flow rate. Engraving is done on the top cap to indicate the direction of rotation. The cap is made by injection moulding polymer. The said preferable embodiment mentions the mechanism of the top cap hereinbelow:
a.1 Marker: When the top cap rotates the marker position indicates the flow rate to the user.
a.2 CAM lock : The CAM lock provides the user feedback on reaching the close and
maximum
position. It provides leverage to top cap to open the cap for washing.
a.3 Strap holder : This feature holds the silicon strap to the top cap.
a.4 Oval cut-out : Holds the spout in position; provides leverage to rotate the cap; Allows
vertical
reciprocation of the spout. The oval cut-out could be non-circular shape (Diamond, Square,
Triangle etc.)
3. Retracting Spout:
The Retracting spout reciprocates vertically varying the cross-section for water flow and thus controlling flow rate. The top cap rotates the Spout which moves over a cam and travels vertically varying the cross-section of the water path. The spout is formed by moulding two parts b.3 and b.4 and joining them ultrasonically.
The said preferable embodiment mentions the mechanism of the retracting spot hereinbelow:
b.1 CAM profile : The CAM profile for the spout runs into corresponding CAM profile in the
bottom cap.
b.2 Area of ultrasonic sealing : It is the area where ultrasonic sealing is formed.
b.5 Spout mouth : Oval area that slides into the top cap oval cut-out. Feature also allows
silicon
cap to fit over the exposed top surface

b.6 Area for Silicon washer A: Silicon washer (A) fits into the spout
4. Silicon Washer A:
The Silicon Washer A is fit inside the reciprocating spout. It provides a seal between spout and inner wall of the bottom cap. The seal helps in creating separate flow paths for air and water so as to provide laminar flow of water. The washer is compression moulded silicon. The washer could be injection moulded in polymeric material with similar physical characteristics.
5. Silicon Washer B:
The silicon washer B is fit on central cylindrical feature of the bottom cap. It provides a seal between inner wall of spout and the bottom cap. The seal helps in creating leak proof sealing when the cap is closed. The washer is compression moulded silicon. The washer could be injection moulded in polymeric material with similar physical characteristics.
6. Bottom Cap:
The Bottom cap is threaded on the bottle container on one side. The spout travels along a CAM path provided on the outer side of the cylindrical wall in the bottom cap. The washer (A) is fixed on the spout slides on the inner face of cylindrical wall separating paths for air and water to flow. A duckbill valve is attached at the bottom around the vent which allows the air to flow into the bottle. A feature provides the top cap to be snap fit on the Bottom cap. A CAM lock corresponding to the CAM lock in the top cap is formed which provides the user feedback on position of close and maximum flow rate. It also provides a feature to open the top cap and disassemble the lid for cleaning the internal crevices and washers. The bottom cap is formed by moulding two parts C.3 and C.4 and joining them ultrasonically.
C.1 CAM Path: Corresponding Cam profile for in the spout which runs into corresponding
cam path in the bottom cap.
C.2 Area of ultrasonic sealing: Area where ultrasonic sealing is formed
C.5 Bottom Threading: Allows the fitting the cap to the bottle container.

C.7 Central cylinder on which washer is attached to provide sealing when cap is in closed
position.
C.8 Snap feature for Top cap: Provides snap fitting of top cap to the bottom cap. Allows
rotation
motion of the top cap while resisting vertical motion.
C.9 Feature for fitting Duckbill one way valve over the bottom cap.
C.10 Air vent for air inlet from outside into the bottle.
C.11. CAM lock feature corresponding to feature a.2 in the top cap allows for user feedback
at
close and maximum position. The CAM profile also assists in opening the cap lid for washing
the internal crevices and washers.
C.12 Vents for water to flow out of bottle container.
C.13 Indicator location marking which allow the user to identify the flow rate
7. Duckbill unidirectional Valve:
A duckbill valve is generally used as a unidirectional valve for controlling directional of flow of air and liquids.
MECHANISM OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The spout emerges out of the top cap as the top cap rotated in anti-clock wise direction with respect to the bottle. The spout has a cam/screw feature which engages with complimentary screw/cam path in the bottom cap. When the marker on the top cap rotates to the first indicator and bottle is inverted minimum flow of water is seen at this point the spout emerges out about 11 mm which is enough for a human mouth to sip on, on further turning the top cap the flow increases. Indicators have been provided on the circumferential face to identify the flow rate. As the last position is reached the further rotation is resisted by a cam lock providing the user the feedback that maximum flow position is reached. On rotating the top cap in reverse direction the spout retracts back into the top cap sealing the water flow. A lock provides the user feedback on lock position is reached. On further anticlockwise rotation from maximum position the top cap is ejected out of the snap fit allowing easy clean ability of internal crevices and gaskets. The variation is in flow is due to variable cross-section formed between spout and Bottom cap. Outside air flows from the gap between oval spout and top

cap via the duckbill valve into the bottle. The inside water flows from the water vents in the bottom cap through the variable cross section formed between bottom cap and spout. The silicon gaskets provide the sealing separation between the air path and water path, thus providing a laminar flow of liquid from the spout.

I/We Claim:
1) A bottle cap comprising of a) Top Cap, b) Retractable Spout c) Bottom Cap and d) Silicon
washers; to provide an adjusting means to control the flow of output of water from the bottle,
the said flow of water being laminar and unidirectional in nature.
2) The Top Cap as claimed in claim 1 which is attached to the bottom cap by a snap fit
mechanism comprising a spout which reciprocates in and out of the top cap and a marker to
indicate the desired flow rate of the water.
3) The Retracting Spout as claimed in claim 1 which reciprocates vertically to the Top Cap varying the cross-section for water flow and thus controlling flow rate of the water output and wherein the top cap rotates the spout which moves over and travels vertically varying the cross-section of the water path.
4) The Bottom Cap as claimed in claim 1 which comprises of a snap fit mechanism to be attached to the top cap, comprising a duckbill valve that allows unidirectional valve for controlling direction of flow of air and liquids to impart laminar flow to the water.
5) The Top Cap and the Bottom cap comprising of air vents for flow of air and water vents for flow of water.
6) A Bottle cap as claimed in claim 1 comprising two silicon washers of which one silicon washer is attached to the reciprocating spout which provides a seal between inner wall of the bottom cap and the spout and helps to create separate flow paths for air and water to provide laminar flow of water and a second silicon washer which is attached to the central cylindrical feature of the cotton which provides a seal between the inner wall of spout and bottom cap and helps to create leak proof sealing when the bottle cap is closed.