Abstract:
A pour cap for a fluid container includes a cap body, a gasket mounted to the cap body, and an open or closed position communication structure. The pour cap can be positioned on the fluid container in a closed position wherein the container is hydraulically sealed with a high pressure seal, or in an open position wherein fluid flow occurs through flow passages on the gasket and the cap body with first and second low pressure seals preventing unwanted leakage between joining parts on the pour cap. The open or closed position communication structure can include a rib and mating detent for producing a clicking sensation upon manipulation of the pour cap by the user, and/or visual features on the cap body viewable by the user, or a cap body having a asymmetrical shape configured for viewing or tactile interpretation by the user.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/261,441, filed Nov. 16, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates generally to caps for fluid containers, and more particularly to a pour cap for fluid containers such as sports bottles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fluid containers, such as sports bottles, provide a fluid source for persons engaged in various activities. Sports bottles typically include a plastic body for containing a fluid, and a cap which threadably attaches to the body. The cap can also include a valve assembly which can be pushed into the cap to seal the fluid, or pulled out of the cap for dispensing the fluid. One aspect of these sports bottles is that the fluid cannot be poured through the valve assembly and out of the bottle into a person&#39;s mouth. Rather, the body of the bottle must be squeezed to force the fluid through the valve assembly into the mouth. As the fluid level drops, the bottle must also be manipulated to allow air to flow from the atmosphere through the valve assembly into the bottle. 
         [0004]    For pouring the fluid out of a conventional sports bottle the cap can be screwed off, and the fluid poured out of the mouth of the bottle. However, this can be inconvenient in many situations, particularly during strenuous activities such as walking, biking or running. In addition, if the cap is removed from a conventional sports bottle, the fluid is more likely to spill out of the bottle and onto the ground. Also, the mouth of the bottle has a relatively large diameter, such that during drinking with the cap off, the fluid is prone to splatter onto a person&#39;s face and clothes. 
         [0005]    It would be advantageous for a fluid container to have a cap which permits the fluid to be easily poured from the container without having to remove the cap. It would also be advantageous for a fluid container to have a cap which offers some spill protection, and permits a user to drink without wasting or wearing the fluid. Further, it would be advantageous for a cap to be capable of use with containers having different constructions. 
         [0006]    The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. Similarly, the following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with a pour cap and fluid container which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A pour cap for a fluid container includes a cap body, a gasket mounted to the cap body, and a threaded ring with female threads attached to the cap body. The cap is configured for removable attachment to male threads on the neck of the container. The cap can be positioned on the container in a closed position wherein a sealing surface on the gasket is compressed to form a high pressure seal, or in an open position wherein the fluid can be poured from the container. In the open position, the gasket allows fluid flow through pour openings in the cap body, while first and second low pressure seals formed by first and second portions of the gasket prevent unwanted fluid flow through the cap body and the threaded ring. A first low pressure seal is formed by the gasket on the cap body, and a second low pressure seal is formed by the gasket on the inside diameter of the neck of the container. The gasket can also include an inwardly tapered surface configured to facilitate compression of the gasket in the closed position for effective sealing in an environment of near freezing atmospheric temperatures. 
         [0008]    For switching between the closed position and the open position, a user can rotate the cap counterclockwise about a quarter turn or more. For switching between the open position and the closed position, the user can rotate the cap clockwise to tighten the cap on the threaded neck. In the closed position of the pour cap, the cap body compresses the gasket with a controlled deformation to form the high pressure seal. In the open position of the pour cap, the cap body allows the gasket to restore to an essentially undeformed shape, wherein a fluid flow passage is formed, while the two low pressure seals prevent unwanted fluid flow through the cap body and the threaded ring. The pour cap can also include an open or closed position communication structure configured to indicate the open position or the closed position to a user of the pour cap by sound, vision or tactile communication. The open or closed position communication structure can include a rib on the gasket and a mating detent on the cap body for producing a clicking sensation upon manipulation of the cap body by the user, and/or visual features on the cap body viewable by the user. An alternate embodiment open or closed position communication structure includes a cap body having an asymmetrical shape configured for alignment with the fluid container in the closed position and mis-alignment with the fluid container in the open position. 
         [0009]    A method for sealing and pouring a fluid from a container having a threaded neck includes the step of providing a pour cap having a cap body with one or more pour openings, a gasket on the cap body, and a threaded ring on the cap body having threads for engaging the threaded neck on the container. The method can also include the step of tightening the cap body on the threaded neck of the container to a closed position wherein controlled deformation of the gasket seals the container with a high pressure seal. The method can also include the step of rotating the cap body on the threaded neck of the container to an open position wherein the gasket returns to an essentially undeformed state to form a fluid flow passage, while providing first and second low pressure seals for preventing unwanted fluid flow through the cap body and the threaded ring. In the open position, the method can also include the step of pouring the fluid through the gasket, through the flow passage, and through the pour openings in the cap body. The method can also include the steps of providing an open or closed position communication structure on the pour cap, and communicating the open or closed position to the user using the structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and the figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view partially cut away of a first embodiment pour cap; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the pour cap of  FIG. 1  attached to a container in an open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view partially cut away of a cap body for the pour cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view partially cut away of a gasket for the pour cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view partially cut away of a thread ring for the pour cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the pour cap of  FIG. 1  attached to the container and shown in a closed position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the pour cap of  FIG. 1  attached to the container and shown in an open position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a pour cap substantially similar to the pour cap of  FIG. 1  having mating detents for indicating an open position; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are enlarged portions of  FIG. 8  illustrating the mating detents; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the pour cap of  FIG. 1  attached to a container having an extrusion blow mold construction; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  is an enlarged portion of  FIG. 9  showing a seal; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment pour cap with a removeable gasket shown in the open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment pour cap of  FIG. 11  shown in the closed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment pour cap with a removeable bellows gasket shown in the closed position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view partially cut away of the alternate embodiment pour cap of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the gasket for the alternate embodiment pour cap of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the gasket for the alternate embodiment pour cap of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment single use pour cap having a tamper ring attached to a disposable container; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment single use pour cap without a gasket attached to a disposable container; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment pour cap having a non drip nozzle; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment pour cap having an alternate embodiment cap body; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20A  is a cross sectional view of a pour cap attached to a container having an open or closed position communication structure in a closed position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20B  is a cross sectional view of the pour cap of  FIG. 20A  in an open position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 20C  is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line  20 C of  FIG. 20B ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 21A  is a cross sectional view of a pour cap in a closed position attached having an asymmetrical open or closed position communication structure; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 21B  is a cross sectional view of the pour cap of  FIG. 21A  in an open position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pour cap  10  for a fluid container  12  includes a cap body  14 , a gasket  16  mounted to the cap body  14 , and a threaded ring  18  attached to the cap body  14 . In the pour cap  10  the threaded ring  18  and the cap body  14  comprise separate elements that are bonded together as one. However, it is to be understood that the cap body  14  and the threaded ring  18  can comprise a single piece having a unitary molded construction. Some of the alternate embodiments to be described illustrate a single piece construction. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fluid container  12  is generally cylindrical in shape having an outside diameter sized for handling by a user, and a body having an interior portion  28  adapted to contain a fluid  20 . In the illustrative embodiment, the fluid container  12  comprises an injection blow molded plastic bottle adapted to contain a selected volume of the fluid  20  (e.g., 8-64 oz or 200-2000 ml). However, the fluid container can comprise any suitable container such as a sports bottle, a water bottle, a beverage bottle, a medical bottle, a coffee cup or a gasoline can. In addition, rather than being made of plastic, the fluid container  12  can comprise another material such as glass or metal, and can be fabricated using any process known in the art. The fluid container  12  can also include a shoulder  30  which facilitates handling by the user. 
         [0039]    As also shown in  FIG. 2 , the fluid container  12  includes a neck  22  having male threads  24  on an outside diameter thereof, and an inside diameter  26  formed continuously with the interior portion  28  of the container  12 . The neck  22  has a continuous circular top surface  32  with a selected diameter, which in the illustrative embodiment is less than that of a remainder of the container  12 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the threaded ring  18  includes female threads  36  configured for mating engagement with the male threads  24  on the neck  22  of the container  12  for attaching the pour cap  10  to the container  12 . In addition, the female threads  36  function to move the pour cap  10  up or down in an axial or z-direction direction, along the longitudinal axis  40  of the container  12 , as indicated by double headed cap movement arrow  38  ( FIG. 2 ). With right hand female threads  36 , rotation of the threaded ring  18  in a clockwise direction moves the pour cap  10  downward or towards the interior portion  28  of the container  12 . Conversely, rotation of the threaded ring  18  in a counterclockwise direction moves the pour cap  10  upward, or away from the interior portion  28  of the container  12 . As will be further explained, clockwise rotation allows the pour cap  10  to be positioned in a closed position wherein the container  12  is sealed and no fluid flow through the pour cap  10  is possible. Conversely, counterclockwise rotation of the threaded ring  18  by a quarter turn or more, allows the pour cap  10  to be positioned in an open position wherein fluid flow through the pour cap  10  is permitted.  FIG. 2  illustrates the pour cap  10  in an open position. In addition, rotation of the threaded ring  18  in a counterclockwise direction by about 1.5 to 2 turns allows the pour cap  10  to be completely removed from the container  12 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the cap body  14  is shown separately. The cap body  14  has a generally cylindrical peripheral shape, which is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the neck  22  of the container  12 . The outside diameter of the cap body  14  can be selected as required, with from 2 cm to 10 cm being representative. The cap body  14  can be formed of a rigid material such as a hard plastic, using a suitable process such as injection molding, extrusion molding or machining. Suitable plastic materials for the cap body  14  include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate and polyester. Rather than plastic, the cap body  14  can be made out of glass, ceramic or a metal, such as aluminum. As another alternate the cap body  14  can comprise a composite material such as a carbon fiber material. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cap body  14  includes a top surface  42  and an outer circumferential side  46 . The cap body  14  also includes a recessed bowl  48  extending from the top surface  42  having a generally concave shape similar to a shallow soup bowl. The cap body  14  also includes two pour openings  44  on the top surface  42  located 180 degrees apart proximate to the outer circumferential side  46  of the cap body  14 . The pour openings  44  are generally elliptical in shape and are sized to pour the fluid  20  ( FIG. 2 ) smoothly into another receptacle such as a user&#39;s mouth. The circumferential side  46  of the cap body  14  is smooth near the pour openings  44 , which permits the user to place his or her mouth around the pour openings  44  without irritation. In addition, the circumferential side  46  of the cap body  14  can include one or more chamfered surfaces  54 , such that there are no sharp edges on the cap body  14 . 
         [0043]    As also shown in  FIG. 3 , the circumferential side  46  of the cap body  14  includes two grip segments  50  spaced 180 degrees apart, which permit the user to grip the cap body  14  for rotation in either direction. The grip segments  50  include a plurality of parallel spaced grooves, which allow the cap body  14  to be manipulated without slipping from the user&#39;s grasp. The grip segments  50  also extend over the top surface  42  and onto the recessed bowl  48  with a curved boundary edge  52 . 
         [0044]    As also shown in  FIG. 3 , the cap body  14  includes a continuous sidewall  56  having a desired thickness which closes the recessed bowl  48 , and defines the cross sectional shape of the cap body  14 . A representative thickness of the sidewall  56  can be from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The cap body  14  also includes an annular support rib  58  configured to maintain the shape of the gasket  16  ( FIG. 2 ) during use and storage. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the support rib  58  has an outside diameter which is slightly less than the inside diameter  26  of the neck  22  of the container  12 , such that the support rib  58  nests into the inside diameter  26  of the neck  22  but with clearance for the gasket  16 . The support rib  58  thus functions to center and seat the gasket  16  in the neck  22  of the container  12 . 
         [0045]    As also shown in  FIG. 3 , the cap body  14  also includes a sealing rib  60  and a groove  61  which are configured to seat the gasket  16  ( FIG. 2 ) for providing a first low pressure seal  63  ( FIG. 7 ) for sealing the container  12  in a manner to be further described. In an alternate embodiment cap body  14 A ( FIG. 11 ) to be further described, the sealing rib  60  can be eliminated. The cap body  14  also includes a radiused compression surface  62  configured to compress the gasket  16  ( FIG. 2 ) with a controlled deformation against the top surface  32  ( FIG. 6 ) of the neck  22  of the container  12  to form a high pressure seal  67  ( FIG. 6 ). The cap body  14  also includes an inner edge  64  which is sized and shaped for attachment to the threaded ring  18  ( FIG. 2 ). For example, the threaded ring  18  can be attached to the cap body  14  using bonded connection such as spin welding, a welding adhesive or other suitable adhesive. As another alternative, the threaded ring  18  can be sized and shaped to be snapped into the inner edge  64  of the cap body  14 , with the mating surfaces and dimensions providing a press fit. With a press fit, mating members such as splines (not shown) can also be provided for transmitting torque between the threaded ring  18  and the cap body  14 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the gasket  16  is shown separately. The gasket  16  is a generally ring shaped member which is sized and shaped for attachment to the cap body  14 . The gasket  16  is configured to seal the container  12  in the closed position of the pour cap  10  with the high pressure seal  67  ( FIG. 6 ). As used herein, the term high pressure seal refers to a hydraulic seal able to resist fluid pressures in the range of 10 to 30 psi. In some of the claims to follow, the high pressure seal  67  is referred to as “a third seal”. The gasket  16  is also configured to allow fluid flow through the pour openings  44  ( FIG. 3 ) in the open position of the pour cap  10 . The gasket  16  is also configured to provide the first low pressure seal  63  ( FIG. 7 ) and the second low pressure seal  65  ( FIG. 7 ) which prevent unwanted fluid flow between the container  12  and the pour cap  10  in the open position of the pour cap  10 . As used herein, the term low pressure seal refers to a hydraulic seal able to resist fluid pressures in the range of 0 to 0.5 psi. In some of the claims to follow, the first low pressure seal  63  is referred to as “a first seal” and the second low pressure seal  65  is referred to as “a second seal”. The gasket  16  can be made of a resilient polymer material such as silicone, urethane, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or polyimide. A representative durometer of the gasket  16  can be from 60-85 Shore A. As will be further explained, the gasket  16  can also include an inwardly tapered surface to force compression of the gasket in the closed position for effective sealing in an environment of near freezing atmospheric temperatures. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the gasket  16  includes a shoulder  66  configured to removeably secure the gasket  16  to the groove  61  ( FIG. 3 ) in the cap body  14 . The gasket  16  also includes a bottom portion  72  having an outside diameter that substantially matches the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the neck  22  ( FIG. 2 ) of the container  12  ( FIG. 2 ). With the outside diameter of the bottom portion  72  of the gasket  16  being less than the outside diameter of the shoulder  66 , that the gasket  16  has a stepped configuration. The bottom portion  72  of the gasket  16  can have a tapered shape, and a chamfered edge, to aid in the insertion of the gasket  16  into the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the neck  22 . The gasket  16  also includes o-ring features  68  configured to compress against the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the neck  22  of the container  12  to form the second low pressure seal  65 . The o-ring features  68  are shown with a rounded or convex geometry for simplicity. However, the o-ring features  68  can be formed with any suitable geometry such as an angular geometry or other shape, as long as a circumferential line of contact is achieved against the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the neck  22 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the gasket  16  also includes a set of fluid flow openings  70  proximate to the bottom portion  72 . The fluid flow openings  70  are generally elliptical in shape and can have a desired diameter, number and spacing. For example, the fluid flow openings  70  can be equally radially spaced along the circumference of the bottom portion  72 . In the open position of the pour cap  10 , the fluid flow openings  70  allow the fluid  20  ( FIG. 2 ) to flow through the gasket  16 , and then through the pour openings  44  ( FIG. 3 ) in the cap body  14 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the gasket  16  also includes a U-shaped shoulder  74  on the inside surface of the bottom portion  72  proximate to the fluid flow openings  70 . The shoulder  74  is configured to center the gasket  16  on the support rib  58  ( FIG. 3 ) of the cap body  14  when the pour cap  10  is mounted to the neck  22  of the container  12 . The gasket  16  also includes thinned segments  71  with thinned sidewalls  76  that help the gasket  16  to maintain flexibility and provide a localized place of predictable deformation in the closed position of the pour cap  10  and for maintaining the low pressure seals  63 ,  65  in the opening position. In addition, as will be further explained, the thinned segments  71  roll back to an essentially undeformed state with little force when the pour cap  10  is loosened. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the gasket  16  also includes a sealing surface  78  configured to seal against the top surface  32  ( FIG. 2 ) and inside edge of the neck  22  ( FIG. 2 ) of the container  12 . As will be further explained, the radiused surface  62  ( FIG. 3 ) on the cap body  14  compresses the sealing surface  78  of the gasket  16  against the top surface  32  ( FIG. 2 ) and inside edge of the neck  22  ( FIG. 2 ) to form the high pressure seal  67  ( FIG. 6 ). During initial placement of the pour cap  10  on the container  12  it is also necessary to align the gasket  16  such that it seats on the inside diameter  26  of the neck  22  of the container  12 . In this position, the o-ring features  68  form the second low pressure seal  65  ( FIG. 6 ). The tapered shape of the bottom portion  72  of the gasket  16  facilitates this alignment. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the threaded ring  18  is shown separately. The threaded ring  18  is generally ring shaped, and is sized and shaped to be bonded or spin welded to the cap body  14  ( FIG. 3 ). The threaded ring  18  includes the female threads  36  configured for mating engagement with the male threads  24  ( FIG. 2 ) on the neck  22  ( FIG. 2 ) of the container  12 . The female threads  36  are not continuous, but rather flat surfaces are formed between the female threads  36  for economic reasons. The threaded ring  18  also includes a pinch rib  84  configured to seal and secure the shoulder  66  of the gasket  16  ( FIG. 2 ) on the pour cap  10 . It should be understood, although not shown in the drawings, that the threaded ring  18  can be joined to the cap body  14  with a snap fit geometry in combination with axial splines. The splines would counteract torsional forces that occur during tightening and loosening of the pour cap  10 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the pour cap  10  is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the gasket  16  hydraulically seals the neck  22  of the container  12 . For initiating the closed position, the pour cap  10  can be rotated clockwise such that female threads  36  on the threaded ring  18  are tight on the male threads  24  on the neck  22  of the container  12 . In addition, the gasket  16  is shaped for compression with a controlled deformation by the surface  78  and the radiused surface  62  of the cap body  14  against the top surface  32  and inside edge of the neck  22  of the container  12 . Also in the closed position, the first low pressure seal  63  ( FIG. 6 ) and the second low pressure seal  65  ( FIG. 6 ) are formed by the gasket  16 . However, in the closed position the low pressure seals  63 ,  65  ( FIG. 6 ) are superseded by the high pressure seal  67  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the pour cap  10  is shown in an open position. To move the pour cap  10  from the closed position ( FIG. 6 ) to the open position ( FIG. 7 ), the pour cap  10  can be rotated counterclockwise by a quarter turn or more. As will be further explained, the cap body  14  can also have an alignment feature  118 A ( FIG. 13 ) which indicates the placement of the pour cap  10  in the open or closed position. As another alternative shown in  FIG. 8 , the male threads  24  on the neck  22  of the container  12  can include detents  86  which mate with mating detents  88  on the female threads  36  of the threaded ring  18  to communicate with noise and resistance the rotation of the pour cap  10  at the open position. However, the detents  86 ,  88  are optional and are not essential to the operation of the pour cap  10 . 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in the open position, the pour cap  10  has been moved upward by rotation of the female threads  36  on the thread ring  18  against the male threads  24  on the neck  22  of the container  12 . In addition, the gasket  16  is no longer compressed such that the high pressure seal on the top surface  32  of the neck  22  of the container  12  is no longer present. However, the first low pressure seal  63  and the second low pressure seal  65  are maintained by the gasket  16 . The low pressure seals  63 ,  65  prevent the fluid  20  from flowing between the gasket  16  and the inside diameter  26  and then through the mating threads  24 / 36 . However, the fluid  20  can flow through the fluid flow openings  70  in the gasket  16  and through a passage  82  formed between the gasket  16  and the support rib  58  of the cap body  14 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  also illustrates the formation of the passage  82  with the gasket  16  in an essentially undeformed state. As shown in  FIG. 7 , during formation of the passage  82 , the controlled deformation of the gasket  16  reverses itself, and the gasket  16  returns essentially to its&#39; molded shape in its&#39; undeformed state. The flow rate of the fluid is affected by the size of the passage  82  and by the size of the pour openings  44  in the cap body  14 . One way of insuring a sufficiently large size for the passage  82  is to control the deformation of the gasket  16  as the pour cap  10  is rotated to the open position. In particular, the gasket  16  can be configured such that the deformation essentially occurs in the thinned segments  71  ( FIG. 4 ). As the pour cap  10  is continually loosened by counterclockwise rotation, the gasket shoulder  66  moves away from the top surface  32  of the neck  22  of the container  12 , while the thinned segments  71  ( FIG. 4 ) are sufficiently uncurled from the deformed shape of the gasket  16  in the closed position to a state of essentially undeformed geometry. At this point, the passage  82  has a maximum size and provides a maximum flow rate. The o-ring features  68  ( FIG. 4 ) will remain pressed against the inside diameter  26  of the neck  22  during transition between the closed and opened positions and vice versa such that the low pressure seal is always maintained. 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  illustrates a fluid container  12 A having a neck  22 F with a flanged top surface  32 F. In this case the fluid container  12 F can be formed using an extrusion blow molding process. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the pour cap  10  can be used with the container  12 F substantially as previously explained for the container  12  formed by an injection blow molding process. With the neck  22 F only the upper o-ring feature  68  engages the flanged top surface  32 F to form a lower pressure seal  65 F as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-15 , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 A is shown attached to the container  12 . The pour cap  10 A includes a cap body  14 A, a gasket  16 A removeably attached to the cap body  14 A, and a threaded ring  18 A attached to the cap body  14 A. The pour cap  10 A is substantially similar in structure and function to the pour cap  10  ( FIG. 1 ) but includes some different features and operational characteristics. One major difference is in the structure and function of the gasket  16 A which can be more easily removed from the pour cap  10 A for cleaning. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the gasket  16 A includes a moveable portion  92 A on an upper portion  102 A ( FIG. 14 ), which as will be further explained, allows for a larger relative motion between the cap  10 A and the container  12 . In addition, the cap body  14 A does not include the sealing rib  60  ( FIG. 3 ), and the threaded ring  18 A does not include the pinch rib  84  ( FIG. 5 ). In the pour cap  10 A, a tip of the gasket  16 A forms a sealing lip  96 A, which seals against a non drafted smooth surface  94 A on the cap body  14 A to form a first low pressure seal  63 A ( FIG. 10 ). The sealing lip  96 A is configured to slide between an edge  98 A of the threaded ring  18 A and an inner compression surface  100 A on the cap body  14 A. In particular, the sealing lip  96 A can slide within this range of motion in the open position of the cap  10 A such as during pouring or drinking of the fluid  20  from the container  12 . 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the pour cap  10 A is initially screwed onto the container  12 , the moveable portion  92 A of the gasket  16 A initially contacts the edge  98 A and is pushed upward until it contacts the upper surface  100 A on the cap body  14 A. During this motion, the sealing lip  96 A of the gasket  16 A contacts the smooth surface  94 A on the cap body  14 A to form the first low pressure seal  63 A. As the cap  10 A is fully tightened by clockwise rotation of the cap  10 A to the closed position, the gasket  16 A is compressed between the radiused surface  62 A on the cap body  14 A and the top surface  32  and inside edge of the fluid container  12  to form the high pressure seal  67 A ( FIG. 11 ). As shown in  FIG. 10 , as the cap  10 A is rotated counterclockwise to the open position, the moveable portion  92 A of the gasket  16 A will remain seated on the top surface  32  of the container neck  22 , until the sealing lip  96 A of the gasket  16 A contacts the top edge  98 A of the threaded ring  18 A. If the cap  10 A is rotated further in the counterclockwise direction, the gasket  16 A will be pulled from its&#39; seated position. With further cap rotation beyond this point, the cap  10 A can be completely removed from the container  12 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the gasket  16 A has a specific shape that provides for optimal operation. The gasket  16 A includes an upper portion  102 A and a lower portion  104 A. The lower portion  104 A of the gasket  16 A has a thicker wall thickness than the upper section  102 A. This assures that there is a higher compressive force between the o-ring features  68 A, and the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 11 ) of the container neck  22  ( FIG. 11 ), than between the cap body  14 A and the sealing lip  96 A on the upper portion  102 A of the gasket  16 A. Stated differently, there is more friction between the gasket  16 A and the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 11 ) of the container neck  22  ( FIG. 11 ), than between the sealing lip  96 A and the non drafted smooth surface  94 A on the cap body  14 A of the gasket  16 A. This assures that the cap  10 A can move upward and downward relative to the lower portion  104 A of the gasket  16 A, which remains stationary and seated in the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 11 ) of the container neck  22  ( FIG. 11 ) to form the second low pressure seal  65 A ( FIG. 11 ). In this regard, the lower portion  104 A of the gasket  16 A must remain seated in the inside diameter  26  ( FIG. 12 ) of the container neck  22  ( FIG. 11 ) in the open position of the cap  10 A to form the second low pressure seal  65 A ( FIG. 11 ) during pouring or drinking from the cap  10 A. 
         [0061]    Another feature of the thin wall of the upper portion  102 A ( FIG. 14 ) of the gasket  16 A ( FIG. 14 ) is that it is more flexible than the lower portion  104 A ( FIG. 14 ) of the gasket  16 A ( FIG. 14 ). This flexibility is critical because there is relative motion between the female threads  36 A ( FIG. 13 ) on the cap body  14 A ( FIG. 13 ) and the male threads  24  ( FIG. 11 ) on the neck  22  ( FIG. 11 ) of the container  12  ( FIG. 11 ) due to clearances. These clearances are necessary for proper operation of the threads, and also occur due to variations in the manufacture of the cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ) and the container  12  ( FIG. 11 ). This relative motion can occur when the cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ) is pushed from side to side or wiggled in an angular direction. In order to obtain the desired flexibility, the gasket  16 A includes a radiused corner  106 A ( FIG. 14 ), a vertical wall  108 A ( FIG. 14 ), and the moveable portion  92 A ( FIG. 14 ) on an upper portion  102 A thereof that are thinned. In particular, the gasket  16 A includes thinned sidewalls  110 A ( FIG. 14 ) in the upper portion  102 A above the radiused corner  106 A ( FIG. 14 ), and thick sidewalls  112 A ( FIG. 14 ) in the lower portion  104 A below the radiused corner  106 A ( FIG. 14 ). According to good plastic injection mold practices, once the wall section is thinned at the radiused corner  106 A ( FIG. 14 ), all remaining downstream wall sections (i.e., lower portion  104 A ( FIG. 14 ) should be thinned. For economic reasons the gasket  16 A can be made from a single material. However, the desired flexibility of the upper section  102 A can be achieved using a more costly overmolding process. In this way, a more flexible material can form the upper portion  102 A and join with a stiffer material used to form the lower portion  104 A of the gasket  16 A. This same method can be used to make the coefficient of friction of the upper portion  102 A different than the lower portion  104 A. 
         [0062]    During use of the gasket  14 A ( FIG. 14 ), it is advantageous for the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 14 ) to maintain a perfectly round geometry when the cap  10 A ( FIG. 12 ) is moved side-to-side or wiggled. The gasket  14 A ( FIG. 14 ) is constructed such that the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 14 ) maintains its&#39; round shape. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the sealing lip  96 A includes a beveled surface  114 A ( FIG. 14 ) which stiffens the top edge of the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 14 ) so that it remains circular when the cap  10 A ( FIG. 12 ) is moved side-to-side or wiggled. If the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 14 ) were not made rigid by the beveled surface, it could flex in such a way that it would break contact with the smooth surface  94 A ( FIG. 12 ) on the side of the cap body  14 A ( FIG. 12 ). To stiffen the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 15 ) further, the gasket  16 A ( FIG. 15 ) includes ribs  116 A ( FIG. 15 ) which support the beveled surface  114 A ( FIG. 14 ) of the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 14 ). With this construction, the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 15 ) remains circular with any sideward motion of the cap  10 A ( FIG. 12 ). Further, the thinned vertical side wall  108 A ( FIG. 14 ) and the radiused corner  106 A ( FIG. 14 ) provide hinge points that allow the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 14 ) to maintain a hydraulic seal even if the cap  10 A ( FIG. 12 ) is pushed into a state of non-concentric alignment and/or wiggled upward or downward. 
         [0063]    The beveled surface  114 A ( FIG. 14 ) is also angled to promote liquid flow into the container  12  ( FIG. 12 ). The stiffening ribs  116 A ( FIG. 15 ) also keep the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 15 ) from turning inside out when the gasket  16 A ( FIG. 11 ) is pulled upward from the neck  22  ( FIG. 11 ) of the container  12  ( FIG. 11 ). Furthermore, the vertical length of the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 11 ) is sufficient to maintain contact with the smooth surface  94 A ( FIG. 11 ) when the cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ) is wiggled angularly to an extreme position. If the maximum angular rotation is known, simple geometry can be used to calculate the length of the sealing lip  96 A ( FIG. 11 ) that will insure that contact is maintained. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the moveable portion  92 A ( FIG. 11 ) can be shaped as a bellows moveable portion  92 AB which allows an even greater range of cap and bottle misalignment. As shown in  FIG. 13 , a tamper proof ring  120 A of the gasket  10 A can also include an alignment feature  118 A such as a raised cross. With the cap body  14 A being made of a transparent material, the alignment feature  118 A ( FIG. 13 ) can be used to indicate whether the cap  10 A ( FIG. 13 ) is fully tightened or not. In particular, when the cap  10 A ( FIG. 13 ) is tightened, the alignment feature  118 A ( FIG. 13 ) will contact the cap body  14 A ( FIG. 13 ). If the cap  10 A ( FIG. 13 ) is molded from a transparent material, the contact between the gasket  16 A ( FIG. 13 ) and the cap body  14 A ( FIG. 13 ) will make the shape of the alignment feature  118 A ( FIG. 13 ) visible through the cap body  14 A ( FIG. 13 ). When the cap  10 A ( FIG. 13 ) is loosened, and contact between the cap body  14 A ( FIG. 13 ) and gasket  16 A ( FIG. 13 ) is broken, the alignment feature  118 A ( FIG. 13 ) will not be seen with clarity. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 B is constructed for use with a disposable, single use, container  12 B, such as a beverage container adapted to contain water, vitamin enriched water, juice or soda. In this application, assuring low cost and ease of high volume assembly are critical. The cap  10 B includes a cap body  14 B having a pour opening  44 B, a gasket  16 B and a tamper proof ring  120 B for safety purposes. Alternately, a heat shrink film (not shown) can be placed around the cap  10 B in place of the tamper proof ring  120 B. The shrink film has the advantage that it provides a sanitary barrier as well as a safety seal. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , the cap body  14 B includes female threads  36 B that mate with male threads  24 B on an inside diameter  26 B of the neck  22 B of the container  12 B. The cap body  14 B has a one piece construction so there is no discrete thread ring as in the previous embodiments. The cap body  14 B and the tamper proof ring  120 B can also be formed with a one piece construction. The gasket  16 B fits within the container neck  22 B and acts as a seal between the container  12 B and the cap body  14 B in three different places. A high pressure seal  122 B is formed by pinching of the gasket  16 B when the cap  10 B is in a closed position. This high pressure seal  122 B insures the contents don&#39;t leak when the cap  10 B is fully tightened. A first low pressure seal  124 B is formed between the gasket  16 B and the cap body  14 B and a second low pressure seal  125 B is formed between the container neck  22 B and the gasket  16 B. The low pressure seals  124 B,  125 B prevent fluid from pouring down the neck  22 B of the container  12 B, when the cap  10 B is in the open position and the fluid contents are poured though holes  44 B in the cap  10 B. In addition, angled surfaces  132 B are required to guide the interfering surfaces together during assembly. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 C is substantially similar to pour cap  10 B ( FIG. 16 ) and includes a cap body  14 C having a pour opening  44 C, and a tamper proof ring  122 C, but no gasket. This construction is the cheapest and easiest to assemble. The cap  10 C ( FIG. 17 ), and the cap  10 B ( FIG. 16 ) as well, require the neck  22 C of the container  12 C and the sealing surfaces  126 C,  128 C and  130 C on the cap body  14 C to be free of draft and parting lines. In the pour cap  10 C, the neck  22 C of the container  12 C contacts the sealing surface  126 C on the cap body  14 C which seals against the inside diameter of the neck  22 C. As also shown in  FIG. 17 , there needs to be a slight interference fit between the second sealing surface  130 C and the outside diameter of the neck  128 C to insure constant contact between mating surfaces. This requirement can be achieved using a thin wall, made from easily malleable polyethylene material. With undersizing of the cap  10 C, it can stretch over the neck  22 C and over time, relax any stress that occurred due to the interference fit. Furthermore, polyethylene offers little friction when sliding against the container  12 C, so that the interference fit will not cause excessive drag when screwing the cap  10 C open and closed. Lastly, it should be noted that angled surfaces  132 C are necessary to guide the interfering surfaces together during assembly. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 D is substantially similar to the pour cap  10  ( FIG. 1 ) or the pour cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ). In addition, the pour cap  10 D includes a spout  126 D formed on one or more pour openings  44 D on the pour cap  10 D. The spout  126 D allows a fluid, such as toxic liquid, to be more easily poured from the pour cap  10 D. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 19 , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 E is substantially similar to the pour cap  10  ( FIG. 1 ) or the pour cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ). The alternate embodiment pour cap  10 E has several improvements. Firstly, the pour openings  44 E are positioned on the uppermost portion, or on the crests of the cap body  14 E, so only a glance is required to orient the cap  10 E to a drinking position. The cap  10 E is perfectly round which requires a search for the location of the pour openings  44 E before orienting to one&#39;s lips. Secondly, there is a greater distance between the pour openings  44 E and the gasket  16 E so fluid flows back into the container  12  ( FIG. 1 ) with a greater momentum to counter act meniscus forces that can cause the fluid to collect in the narrow gaps between the gasket  16 E and the cap body  14 E. Thirdly, there is a greater volume of empty space (gas) above the gasket  16 E to absorb a pressure pulse when a pressurized container  12  ( FIG. 1 ) is quickly opened. Pressure can occur in a container  12  ( FIG. 1 ) due to carbonation, or when the fluid is heated after the cap  10 E has been placed in the closed position. Fourthly, the cap body  14 E includes a ridge  136 E that straightens the top edge of the gasket  16 E if the cap  10 E is not on a container, and the gasket  16 E is pushed upward within the cap body  14 E. A chamfer  134 E on the o-ring features of the gasket  16 E also help to guide the gasket  16 E smoothly into the inside diameter of the container neck. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIGS. 20A-20C , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 F is substantially similar to the pour cap  10  ( FIG. 1 ) or the pour cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ), but has several additional features. In particular, the pour cap  10 F includes an open or closed position communication structure that can include ribs  138 F ( FIG. 20C ) on the cap body  14 F configured to mate with similarly shaped detents  140 F ( FIG. 20C ) on the gasket  16 F. In addition, the threaded ring  18  ( FIG. 2 ) has been eliminated and female threads are formed directly on the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20C ). However, the pour cap  10 F can also include a threaded ring  18  ( FIG. 2 ) substantially as previously described. When the pour cap  10 F is turned counter clockwise from the closed position ( FIG. 20A ), the gasket  16 F remains stationary in the bottle neck  22 F and the cap body  14 F raises relative to the bottle neck  22 F. As the cap body  14 F moves upward to the open position ( FIGS. 20B and 20C ), a bottom surface  142 F ( FIG. 20C ) of the gasket  16 F ( FIG. 20C ) rests on a shelf  144 F ( FIG. 20C ) on the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20C ). In the open position, the ribs  138 F ( FIG. 20C ) on the gasket  16 F contact the detents  140 F ( FIG. 20C ) on the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20C ). As the rib  138 F ( FIG. 20C ) and the detents  140 F ( FIG. 20C ) contact each other, the gasket  16 F ( FIG. 20C ) deforms in reaction to the positional interference that exists between the ribs  138 F ( FIG. 20C ) and the detents  140 F ( FIG. 20C ). This deformation causes rotational friction that is perceived by the user&#39;s hand as what might be considered clicking. This clicking will communicate that the pour cap  10 F is in the fully open position ( FIGS. 20B and 20C ), provided that the surface of the shelf  144 F ( FIG. 20C ) on the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20C ) is positioned accordingly. For example, the shelf  144 F ( FIG. 20C ) can be lowered by an appropriate amount, such that the clicking communicates that the threads on the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20C ) are disengaged, and the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20C ) can be removed from the bottle neck  22 F ( FIG. 20C ). The height of the shelf  144 F ( FIG. 20C ) will determine if the clicking communicates that the pour cap  10 F ( FIG. 20C ) is in the open mode ( FIGS. 20B and 20C ), and that the pour cap  10 F ( FIG. 20C ) can be removed from the bottle neck  22 F ( FIG. 20C ). 
         [0071]    The open or closed position communication structure on the pour cap  10 F can also include visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) on the inside surface of the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20B ) that are viewable by the user with the pour cap  10 F in the open position ( FIG. 20B ). The visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) also require the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20B ) to be made of a transparent material. The visual features  146 F can be provided in combination with the ribs  138 F and detents  140 F or can be separate stand alone features. As the pour cap  10 F is turned counter clock wise from the closed position ( FIG. 20A ) to the open position ( FIG. 20B ), and as the cap body  14 F slides upward relative to the gasket  16 F, the visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) are exposed along the inside surface of the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20B ). These visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) can comprise color patches that match the color of the gasket  16 F, or can comprise smooth polished markings that contrast with a textured background on the cap body  14 F. In either case, the visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) can&#39;t be easily distinguished when the pour cap  10 F is in the fully closed position ( FIG. 20A ), because the sealing lip  96 F ( FIG. 20B ) of the gasket  16 F ( FIG. 20B ) rests directly behind the visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ), and eliminates the contrast that enables the visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) to be read. In the case of colored visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ) formed by a process such as printing, the gasket  16 F ( FIG. 20B ) can be the same color, such that contrast is eliminated. In the case of polished visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ), light will not pass directly through the textured background on the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20B ) to illuminate the visual features  146 F ( FIG. 20B ). 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 20C , the pour cap  10 F can also include the feature of the gasket  16 F having a sealing lip  96 F with an inwardly tapered surface for improved low temperature sealing. This feature can be in combination with the open or closed position communication structure or can be a stand alone feature. At colder temperatures (e.g., &lt;0° C.), the material of the gasket  16 F can loose it&#39;s elastic memory. When the pour cap  10 F is in the closed position ( FIG. 20A ), the sealing lip  96 F ( FIG. 20A ) of the gasket  16 F ( FIG. 20A ) will form to the inside surface of the cap body  14 F ( FIG. 20A ). However, because the gasket  16 F is cold, the elastomeric material may not exhibit a pliability that compensates for any sealing imperfections that may exist. For this reason, the surface of the sealing lip  96 F ( FIGS. 20A and 20B ) can be tapered inwardly to force compression of the gasket  16 F, rather than relying on the material to spring back to it&#39;s uncompressed molded state to seal any imperfections between the mating surfaces. With the sealing lip  96 F having an inwardly tapered surface, the compressed gasket  16 F will seal more effectively. In  FIG. 20B , the gasket  16 F is shown in the more compressed state due to the inwardly tapered surface of the sealing lip  96 F. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 21A-21B , an alternate embodiment pour cap  10 G is substantially similar to the pour cap  10  ( FIG. 1 ) or the pour cap  10 A ( FIG. 11 ), but includes an open or closed position communication structure in the form of an asymmetrical shape in combination with a fluid container  12 G having a matching asymmetrical shape. In  FIG. 21A , the pour cap  10 G is shown in the closed position. In the closed position the location of the asymmetrical pour cap  10 G matches the asymmetrical fluid container  12 G. In  FIG. 21B , the pour cap  10 G is shown in the open position. When the pour cap  10 G is rotated (unscrewed) 180 degrees from the closed position ( FIG. 21A ) to the open position ( FIG. 21B ), the asymmetrical shapes of the pour cap  10 G and the fluid container  12 G are misaligned. This misalignment communicates to the user that the pour cap  10 G is in the open position. This asymmetrical open or closed position communication structure requires a thread pitch on the bottle neck that moves the pour cap  10 G upward by an amount sufficient to provide a good flow rate through the pour openings  44 G. By way of example, the asymmetrical shapes can comprise any non-circular shape such as lobed or oval configured to produce an aligned position of the pour cap  10 G on the fluid container in the closed position and a mis-aligned position of the pour cap  10 G on the fluid container  12 G in the open position. 
         [0074]    Thus the disclosure describes an improved pour cap for fluid containers and an improved method for pouring fluids from containers. While the description has been with reference to certain preferred embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.