Abstract:
An indexing cap assembly indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle so as to help users more easily track container entry as for example with regard to medications so as to ensure proper dosage. The indexing cap assembly basically incorporates six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Prior History 
         [0002]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/688,030, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 7 May 2012, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto. 
         [0003]    2. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to a cap device for enabling a user to track the container entry events with the cap device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an indexing bottle cap device for advancing a visual cue every time the indexing cap assembly is attached to a container, which indexing cap assembly effectively mechanically resets itself ever time the cap assembly is detached from the container. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,338 (&#39;338 Patent), issued to Barker, discloses an 
         [0006]    Indicator Cap for a Medicine Bottle. The Barker &#39;338 patent describes an indicator cap for indicating each time a bottle is opened and re-closed having an outer cover shaped in the manner of a conventional bottle cap with a window in the top piece of the cap. The cap is designed to be attached to the sealing cap of the container such that some motion can occur between the two caps during opening and closing of the container, and this lost motion drive is used to advance the indicator. 
         [0007]    Underneath the window, and within the body of the device, is an indicator wheel having numbers, days, times, etc. engraved or printed thereon which are visible through the window to indicate the next time a dose of the medication should be taken. The indicator wheel contains a pawl formed therein or attached thereto that engages a set of teeth, formed in the underside of the top piece of the outer cover, only when the device is being opened. This engagement causes the indicator wheel to move to the next index location each time the cap is opened. 
         [0008]    Underneath the indicator wheel, and attached to the outer cover is a snap cover which contains a pawl formed therein or attached thereto. The pawl engages a set of teeth on the indicator wheel to prevent the indicator wheel from moving with respect to the ratchet when the device is being closed. The pawls on the two wheels, and the teeth formed opposite the pawls are designed such that the index wheel moves to a new location upon opening the cap, and is kept in that location when the cap is closed, allowing the window in the top piece to uncover the next indicator as the device is closed. 
         [0009]    Both pawls are formed or attached such that space is provided for the pawl to move out of the way when being moved in a direction where the teeth are disengaged. The pawl moves away from the teeth as the teeth slide over the pawl, and as the movement is completed, the pawl makes an audible sound as it snaps back into place. 
         [0010]    Thus, the device makes a sound when it has been opened a sufficient amount for the index to move to the next location, and it also makes a sound when is has been closed sufficiently to re-cock the mechanism for the next cycle. The device also has an extension plug that attaches between the snap cover and the sealing cap to allow the indicator cap to be attached to a sealing cap that is larger than the outer cover. Also disclosed in an alternative embodiment wherein the snap cover and the sealing cap are formed as a single unit. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,701, issued to Barker et al. discloses an Indicator Cap. The Barker et al. indicator cap counts the number of times a container has been opened or some other event has occurred, with particular usefulness in medicine bottles and the like. An outer cover portion with a set of teeth holds an indicator wheel with an engaging pawl and another set of teeth and a ratchet wheel with another pawl. The pawls and teeth in combination with a slot for engaging the ratchet wheel result in a lost motion drive in which the outer cover will turn relative to the indicator wheel each time the container is opened or closed or some other event occurs. Various embodiments of the invention include means for using the cap with child-resistant containers, means for attaching the cap to containers and means to facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the device. 
         [0012]    The reader may wish to also reference U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,548, disclosing an Indicator Cap or Use with Threaded or Bayonet Lug Container; U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,836, disclosing an Indicator Closure for Closing a Container; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,283, disclosing a Snap-On Indicator Cap, all of which issued to Barker et al. and bear certain similarities to one another. Further related to the foregoing subject matter is U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,970, issued to Garby et al., which discloses a Child-Resistant Indicator Cap. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,184,739 (&#39;739 Patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,251 (&#39;251 Patent), issued to Kusz, both disclose Child Resistant Reminder Closure devices. The Kusz patents both describe child resistant reminder closure device(s) comprising an outer closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt, an inner closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt with a bead on the outer closure member retaining the inner closure member for limited axial outward movement relative to the outer closure member. 
         [0014]    An indicator or a day disk is provided on the outer surface of the inner closure member and is rotatable relative to the outer and inner closure members. A first set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the indicator disk and engage radial lugs on the undersurface of the base wall of the outer closure member. A second set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the indicator disk and engage circumferentially spaced lugs on the upper surface of the inner closure member. 
         [0015]    Axially interengageable lugs are provided on the outer closure and the inner closure members are interengaged to remove the closure or to apply the closure to a container thereby providing a child resistant function. A window in the outer closure member is associated with indicia on the day disk to indicate the circumferential position of the outer closure member relative to the day disk. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,268 (&#39;268 Patent), issued to King, discloses a Child Resistant Closure with Castellations. The King &#39;268 Patent describes a container neck and child-resistant closure for the neck. The closure includes an inner part and an outer part, and castellations on the parts which mate when the outer part is displaced axially, to lock the parts together for rotation. A ratchet mechanism including ratchet ramps and cantilever leaf springs biases the inner and outer parts axially and rotationally apart, and allows relative rotation of the parts in one direction of rotation, when the castellations are not engaged. 
         [0017]    The angle through which outer part has to be turned to enable the castellations to be engaged may be less than 45 degrees and preferably less than 25 degrees. The closure may be moved between fully opened and closed positions by rotation through less than 360 degrees and preferably about 90 degrees. A tamper-evident ring, and a retaining means for retaining the closure in the closed position, may also be provided. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,712 (&#39;712 Patent), issued to Rios, discloses a Child Resistant Reminder Closure. The Rios &#39;712 Patent describes a child resistant reminder closure device comprising an outer closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt, an inner closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt. A day disk is provided adjacent the inner surface of the base wall of the outer closure member. An indexing disk is provided adjacent the day disk. The day disk has a set of flexible radial ratcheting teeth extending radially outwardly from the day disk engagable with recesses on the indexing disk. 
         [0019]    A first set of rotationally interengagable lugs is provided between the outer closure member and the indexing disk. A second set of axially interengagable lugs are provided between the indexing disk and the inner closure member. The day disk has circumferentially spaced indicia thereon and the base wall of the outer closure member has an opening adapted to be selectively aligned with the indicia. 
         [0020]    Interengaging threads are provided on the inner closure member adapted to engage threads on a container by relative rotation of the inner closure member. When the outer closure member is moved axially to engage the inner closure member, the closure can be removed from a container. The day disk can be rotated relative to the outer closure member in one mode during application and in another mode during removal of closure to bring different indicia into view through the opening. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,134 (&#39;134 Patent), issued to Koch, discloses a Bottle Comprising a Temporal Indicator. The Koch &#39;134 Patent describes A bottle system includes a bottle having first tabs disposed on exterior sidewalls thereof and a cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a securing member including second tabs for cooperating with the first tabs to selectively secure the cap assembly to the bottle and an indicator member disposed between the securing member and the bottle having a sidewall visible through the securing member. 
         [0022]    As may be understood from a consideration of the foregoing, the prior art has shown a number of indicator or indexing cap assemblies for indicating (or reminding) users as to how many times the container has been entered for the purpose of more effectively consuming doses administered from the container. It will be further understood, however, from a review of the foregoing, and the field of indicating cap assembly art in general that the prior art perceives a need for an indexing cap assembly substantially as summarized hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The present invention relates to a bottle cap that indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle. More particularly, the cap or cover construction according to the present invention comprises a window that indicates a combination of day (Monday through Sunday) and times per day (e.g. 1 to 3) information. Every cycle of opening and closing of the cap assembly relative to the container, the index (a combination of Day and Times) will be advanced once. 
         [0024]    A primary benefit of the subject invention is to provide or enable seniors or old patients to know if they have taken the medicine or not for the day and the number of times. Further, the cap as designed can be assembled with bottles having various ways of closing, such as rotating, push and rotating, etc. To achieve these and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention essentially provides a bottle and a cap system that can tell the senior or old patients if they have taken the pills for the day and number of times of the day. 
         [0025]    Each time the indexing cap completes a cycle of opening and closing, the day and times will be updated to a new combination of day and times. The indexing cap assembly according to the present invention generally comprises six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. 
         [0026]    The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction. The indexing wheel can only rotate with respect to the cover construction. The indexing wheel preferably comprises wheel gears that face downward and either a gear tray or swing plate construction comprise gear-engagable structure for meshing with the wheel gears and advancing the same. 
         [0027]    In a first embodiment according to the present invention the cover construction and indexing wheel each comprise a series of gears corresponding to the number of visual cues observable through the window formed in the cover. A push plate and swing plate combination converts axially directed forces into rotational forces for advancing the indexing wheel relative to the cover construction. 
         [0028]    The indexing wheel comprises spring based fingers that enable the wheel to step advance and the swing plate comprises a spring based finger for drive advancing the indexing wheel. The push plate and swing plate force conversion means is structured so as to convert the axial displacements into rotative displacements equal to the gear displacements. The swing plate is contained between the indexing wheel and the push plate. The push plate can only move up and down relative to the cover construction in alignment with its axis. 
         [0029]    During the closure event of placing the indexing cap assembly onto the bottle or container, the container rim forces the push plate in an upward direction, thereby converting axially directed force into rotative force for driving the swing plate into the gearing of the indexing plate, and the indexing plate step-advances a certain angular degree of rotation to advance the next visual cue into the window. 
         [0030]    During an opening event of removing the indexing cap assembly from the bottle or container, the container rim is axially displaced away from the indexing cap. This causes the push plate to move down under the force of the spring. After a specific distance or axial displacement, the push plate and swing plate force conversion means are structured so as to convert the axial displacements into rotative displacements equal to the gear displacements for resetting the swing plate finger to re-advance the indexing wheel during the next closure event. This rotation of the indexing wheel will keep the same combination of day and times per day indicia circulating through the index window. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment according to the present invention a push plate has two sets of gear teeth (6 teeth for each set), one set of gear teeth are facing upward so as to mesh with the gear teeth of the indexing plate, and the other set of gear teeth face downward to mesh with the gear teeth of the gear tray. The push plate is contained between the indexing wheel and the gear tray, and is held by a series of slots formed at the inner top of the cover construction. The push plate can only move up and down relative to the cover construction in alignment with its axis. 
         [0032]    During the closure event of placing the indexing cap assembly onto the bottle or container, the container rim forces the push plate in an upward direction, thereby meshing the gear teeth of the push plate with the gear teeth of the indexing wheel. The angles of these gear teeth are designed in such a way that the indexing wheel will rotate 1/42 of a circle when the push plate completes its upward motion. This rotation of the indexing wheel will advance the combination of day and times per day indicia through the index window. 
         [0033]    During an opening event of removing the indexing cap assembly from the bottle or container, the container rim is axially displaced away from the indexing cap. This causes the push plate to move down under the force of the spring. After a specific distance or axial displacement, the gear teeth of the push plate will start to mesh with the gear teeth of the gear tray, which will rotate the indexing wheel 1/42 of a circle when the push plate completes its downward motion. This rotation of the indexing wheel will keep the same combination of day and times per day indicia circulating through the index window. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    Other features of our invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief descriptions of illustrations of the subject invention: 
           [0035]    FIG. No.  1  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the indexing cap assembly according to the present invention attached to a container. 
           [0036]    FIG. No.  2  is a top exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0037]    FIG. No.  3  is a bottom exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0038]    FIG. No.  4  is a top perspective view of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention exploded from a container. 
           [0039]    FIG. No.  5  is a bottom perspective view of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0040]    FIG. No.  6  is a top plan view of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0041]    FIG. No.  7  is a bottom perspective view of a cover construction component of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0042]    FIG. No.  8  is a top plan view of an indexing wheel component of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0043]    FIG. No.  9  is a top perspective view of a push plate construction component of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0044]    FIG. No.  10  is a fragmentary top perspective view of the preferred indexing cap assembly according to the present invention with parts sectioned away to depict relative structural orientations of the various components otherwise hidden from view when fully assembled. 
           [0045]    FIG. No.  11  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the indexing cap assembly according to the present invention attached to a container. 
           [0046]    FIG. No.  12  is a top perspective view of the alternative indexing cap assembly according to the present invention exploded from a container. 
           [0047]    FIG. No.  13  is a bottom perspective view of the alternative indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0048]    FIG. No.  14  is a top exploded perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0049]    FIG. No.  15  is a bottom exploded perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0050]    FIG. No.  16  is a top plan view of the alternative indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0051]    FIG. No.  17  is a top plan view of an indexing wheel component of the alternative indexing cap assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0052]    FIG. No.  18  is a fragmentary top perspective view of the alternative indexing cap assembly according to the present invention with parts sectioned away to depict relative structural orientations of the various components otherwise hidden from view when fully assembled. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0053]    Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the present invention preferably provides an indexing cap assembly (as at  10 ) for use in combination with a container construction (as at  100 ) to track entry into the container  100  so that users may be provided with cap-based visual cues or indicia effectively alerting or reminding them as to how many times the container  100  has been opened. 
         [0054]    The container  100  necessarily comprises certain structure cooperable with the cap assembly according to the present invention, and in this regard, preferably comprises an upwardly extending container rim as at  101 , and a series or radially outward, mouth-based or rim-based cap-engaging structures or cap retention means as preferably exemplified by hooks or lugs as at  102 , but as alternatively exemplified by threads (not specifically illustrated). 
         [0055]    The indexing cap assembly  10  according to the present invention preferably comprises a number of components, including a circular cover construction as at  11 ; an annular indexing wheel as at  12 ; a compression coil spring member as at  13 ; an annular swing plate construction as at  14 ; a push plate construction as at  15 ; and an annular assembly ring as at  16 . The components  11 - 16  are all axially alignable about an indexing cap assembly axis generally referenced at  110 . In this regard, each component  11 - 16  comprises its own axis, which when in assembled relation is coaxial with the assembly axis  110 . 
         [0056]    Accordingly, the circular cover construction  11  preferably comprises a cover axis as at  111  (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  110  in FIG. Nos.  2  and  3 ), a planar upper cover portion as at  17 , a cover skirt as at  18 , a series of assembly ring hooks as at  19 , a series of cover gears as at  20 , a cover hub as at  21 , and a series of plate flange hooks as at  22 . The upper cover portion  17  preferably comprises an indicator window as at  23 . 
         [0057]    The cover skirt  18  extends axially downward from the upper cover portion  17  at a first cover radius from the cover axis  111  and terminates at a skirt terminus  24 . The indicator window  23  radially extends from the cover axis  111  toward the cover skirt  18 . The assembly ring hooks  19  extend radially inward from the cover skirt  18  adjacent the skirt terminus  24 . 
         [0058]    The cover gears  20  extend radially inward from the cover skirt  18  adjacent the upper cover portion  17 . The cover hub  21  comprising a hub slot as at  25 , and extends axially downward from the upper cover portion  17  at a second cover radius from the cover axis  111 . The plate flange hooks  22  extend axially downward (and outward) from the upper cover portion  17  at a third cover radius from the cover axis  111 , which third cover radius is intermediate the first and second cover radii. 
         [0059]    The cover construction  11  may further preferably comprise certain spoke-receiving slots as at  26 . The spoke-receiving slots  26  are formed at an inner cover diameter. It is contemplated that both the spoke-receiving slots  26  and the assembly ring hooks  19  may essentially function to receive and support certain ring spokes  27  formed on the annular assembly ring  16  for enhancing the final assemblage of the indexing cap assembly  10 . 
         [0060]    From a consideration of the assembly ring  16  construction, it will be seen that the ring spokes  27  essentially define circumferentially spaced spoke spaces as at  28 . In other words, between the ring spokes  27  are gaps or spoke spaces  28 . In this regard, the cover construction  11  may further preferably comprise a series of circumferentially spaced spoke gap filler structures as at  29 . The spoke gap filler structures  29  being receivable in the spoke spaces  28  for preventing rotation of the assembly ring  16  relative to the cover construction  11  about the cap assembly axis  110 . 
         [0061]    The annular, day disk type indexing wheel  12  preferably comprises a wheel axis as at  112  (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  110  in FIG. Nos.  2  and  3 ); a planar wheel portion as at  30 ; an inner wheel skirt as at  31 ; an outer wheel skirt as at  32 ; a series of wheel gears as at  33 ; and opposed wheel spring fingers as at  34 . The inner wheel skirt  31  and the outer wheel skirt  32  both extend axially downward from the planar wheel portion  30  at respective first and second wheel radii from the wheel axis  112 . 
         [0062]    The wheel gears  33  extend downwardly from the planar wheel portion  30  adjacent the outer skirt  32 . The wheel spring fingers  34  extend radially outwardly from the outer wheel skirt  32  and comprise wheel finger termini as at  35 . The wheel spring fingers  34  are preferably radially biasable intermediate a wheel finger biased position and a wheel finger relaxed position. The wheel finger termini  35  are essentially at the second wheel radius when in the biased wheel finger position and enmeshable with the cover gears  20  when in the relaxed wheel finger position. The relaxed wheel finger position is generally depicted in FIG. Nos.  2 ,  3 , and  8 . 
         [0063]    The planar wheel portion  30  of the annular indexing wheel  12  further preferably comprises an upper surface as at  51 , which upper surface  51  preferably comprises a series of radially-extending indicia as at  52 . The radial extending indicia are preferably sized and shaped for visual inspection via the indicator window  23 . In this regard, the indicia  52  are preferably sized top to bottom so as to be cooperable with the angular rotational degree setting as dependent upon the number of cover gears  20  or wheel gears  33  as divided into 360 rotational degrees. The indicia  52  are of sufficient radial length to fit within the radial length of the window  23 . 
         [0064]    The compression coil spring member  13  preferably has a spring axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  110  in FIG. Nos.  2  and  3 ) and a substantially uniform spring radius as may be seen from an inspection of the illustrations in this specification. The compression coil spring member  13  essentially provides axially directed spring restorative forces to the cap assembly  10  for re-setting certain gear configurations when the user removes the cap assembly  10  from the container  100 , as discussed in more detail later in this specification. 
         [0065]    The annular swing plate construction as at  14  preferably comprises a swing plate axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  110  in FIG. Nos.  2  and  3 ); a planar swing plate portion as at  36 ; a swing plate skirt as at  37 ; an inner skirt flange as at  38 ; a series of angled slots as at  39 ; and a plate spring finger as at  40 . The swing plate skirt  37  extends axially downward from the planar swing plate portion  36  at a first plate radius from the plate axis. 
         [0066]    The angled slots  39  are formed in a radially outer surface of the swing plate skirt  37 . The swing plate finger  40  has a swing plate finger terminus as at  41 , and extends upwardly from the swing plate portion  36  at a second plate radius. The swing plate spring finger  40  is biasable intermediate a plate finger biased position and a plate finger relaxed position. The plate finger terminus  41  essentially becomes coplanar with the swing plate portion  36  when in the biased swing plate finger position and enmeshable with the wheel gears  33  when in the relaxed swing plate finger position. The relaxed swing plate finger position is generally depicted in FIG. No.  2 . 
         [0067]    The push plate construction  15  preferably comprises a push plate axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  110  in FIG. Nos.  2  and  3 ); an annular push plate portion as at  42 ; a planar push plate portion as at  43 ; a push plate skirt as at  44 ; a push plate hub as at  45 ; a series of push plate posts as at  46 ; and a push plate rib as at  47 . The push plate skirt  44  extends axially upwardly from the planar push plate portion  43  at a first push plate radius from the push plate axis. 
         [0068]    The push plate skirt  44  comprises an upper push plate skirt terminus as at  48 . The annular push plate portion  42  extends radially outward from the push plate skirt  44 . The push plate hub  45  also extends axially upwardly from the planar push plate portion  43  at a second push plate radius from the push plate axis radially inward of the push plate skirt  44 . The push plate posts  46  extend radially inward from the push plate skirt  44  adjacent the push plate skirt terminus  48  for meshing with the angled slots  39  of the annular swing plate construction  14 . The push plate rib  47  extends radially inward from the push plate hub  45  for meshing with the hub slot  25  of the cover construction  11 . 
         [0069]    The push plate construction  15  may further preferably comprise a container-aligning skirt as at  53 . The container-aligning skirt  53  extends axially downward from the planar push plate portion  43  at a third push plate radius from the push plate axis. The container-aligning skirt  53  preferably has a skirt radius that is mechanically cooperable with the container rim radius for enhancing proper alignment of the indexing cap assembly  10  relative to the container  100  when attaching the indexing cap assembly  10  to the container  100 . 
         [0070]    More particularly, the container rim  101  preferably comprises a certain container rim diameter and the container-aligning skirt  53  preferably comprises a skirt diameter, whereby the skirt diameter is lesser in magnitude than the container diameter for being received radially inwardly of the container rim  101  when attaching the indexing cap assembly  10  to the container  100 . 
         [0071]    The annular assembly ring  16  preferably comprises a ring axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  110  in FIG. Nos.  2  and  3 ); an inner ring diameter; an outer ring diameter; a series of container-engaging ring posts as at  49 ; a series of push plate-engaging ring flanges as at  50 ; and a series of container-engaging ring spokes as at  27 . 
         [0072]    The container-engaging ring posts  49  preferably extend radially inward from the inner ring diameter of the assembly ring  16  for meshing with container mouth-based hooks  102 . The push plate-engaging ring flanges  50  preferably extend radially inward from the inner ring diameter for estopping the annular push plate portion  42 , and the container-engaging ring spokes  27  preferably extend radially outward from the outer ring diameter for meshing with the assembly ring hooks  19  and spoke-receiving slots  26 . 
         [0073]    From a consideration of the illustrations generally, and from a consideration of FIG. No.  10  particularly, the reader will see that the annular indexing wheel  12  is rotatively received radially intermediate the cover gears  20  and the downwardly axially extending portions of the plate flange hooks  22 . The wheel fingers  34  mesh with the cover gears  20  when in the relaxed wheel finger position. The wheel finger termini  35  and cover gears  20  essentially function to cooperably step-advance (i.e. the rotational movement is in the direction opposite the termini  35 ) the annular indexing wheel  12  relative to the cover construction  11  an angular rotational degree equal to 360 degrees divided by a number of cover gears  20  (e.g. twenty-one cover gears  20  are shown in the illustrations, and the angular rotational degree is thus roughly 17.14 rotational degrees). 
         [0074]    The plate flange hooks  22  of the cover construction  11  receive and hook-support the inner skirt flange  38  of the annular swing plate  14  thereby supporting and rotatively mounting the annular indexing wheel  12  to the cover construction  11 . The swing plate finger  40  meshes with the wheel gears  33  when in the relaxed swing plate finger position. Together, the plate finger terminus  41  and the wheel gears  33  cooperably drive-advance (i.e. the rotational movement is in the direction facing the terminus  41 ) the annular indexing wheel  12  relative to the cover construction  11  said angular rotational degree. 
         [0075]    The spring member  13  is supported by an upper surface of the planar push plate portion  43  in radial outer adjacency to the push plate hub  45 . The inner diameter of the push plate hub  45  preferably receives the outer diameter of the cover hub  21  such that the push plate rib  47  is received in the hub slot  25 , and the push plate posts  46  are received in the angled slots  39  of the swing plate construction  14 . 
         [0076]    The compression coil spring member  13  is compressed intermediate the planar push plate portion  43  and the underside of the planar upper cover portion  17  of the cover construction  11 . The push plate construction  15  is thereby spring-biased and movable up and down intermediate an upper wheel-advancing position and a lower gear-resetting position. The push plate posts  46  of the push plate  15  and the angled slots  39  of the swing plate  14  essentially function to convert axially-directed force(s) into wheel-advancing force(s). 
         [0077]    Preferably, the angled slots  39  number three and the push plate posts  46  number three. The preferred number of angled slots  39  and number of push plate posts  46  are preferably circumferentially spaced substantially 120 degrees from one another so as to enhance conversion of axially directed force(s) into rotational wheel-advancing force(s). In other words, it is believed that providing a series of three force-converting cooperable structures as embodied in the posts  46  and slots  39 , the cooperable force conversion being circumferentially and equally spaced provides for a more robust and stable operating mechanism. 
         [0078]    The assembly ring hooks  19  of the cover construction  11  essentially function to receive and hook-support the ring spokes  27  of the assembly ring  16  for finally assembling the indexing cap assembly  10 . The ring flanges  50  essentially function to provide stop structure to the annular push plate portion  42  thereby essentially defining the lower gear-resetting position when the spring member  13  forces the push plate construction  15  in an axial direction away from the planar upper cover portion  17  of the cover construction  11 . The plate finger terminus  41  resets at the interface opposite the wheel gears  33  when the push plate construction  15  is in the lower gear-resetting position. The ring posts  49  essentially function to removably attach the indexing cap assembly  10  to the container  100  via the outwardly radiating container mouth hooks  102 . 
         [0079]    The upwardly extending container rim  101  essentially functions to transmit axially directed force(s) against the planar push plate portion  38  in a first direction so as to displace the same toward the wheel-advancing position when the indexing cap assembly  10  is attached to the container  100 , and the spring member  13  essentially functions to transmit axially directed force(s) against the planar push plate portion  38  in a second direction for resetting the indexing cap assembly  10  when detached from the container  100 . 
         [0080]    Referring now to FIG. Nos.  11 - 18  with more specificity, the present invention further contemplates an alternative indexing cap assembly (as at  60 ) for use in combination with the container construction (as at  100 ), which container may be described by referring to the foregoing specifications. Briefly, the container  100  may preferably comprises certain structure cooperable with the cap assembly  60 , namely an upwardly extending container rim  101 , and a series or radially outward, mouth-based or rim-based cap-engaging structures as preferably exemplified by hooks  102 . 
         [0081]    The indexing cap assembly  60  according to the present invention preferably comprises a number of components, including a circular cover construction as at  61 ; an annular indexing wheel as at  62 ; a compression coil spring member as at  63 ; a push plate construction as at  64 ; an annular gear tray as at  65 ; and an annular assembly ring as at  66 . The components  61 - 66  are all axially alignable about an indexing cap assembly axis generally referenced at  120 . In this regard, each component  61 - 66  comprises its own axis, which when in assembled relation is coaxial with the assembly axis  120 . 
         [0082]    Accordingly, the circular cover construction  61  preferably comprises a cover axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  120  in FIG. Nos.  14  and  15 ), a planar upper cover portion as at  67 , a cover skirt as at  68 , a series of assembly ring hooks as at  69 , a cover hub as at  70 , and a series of wheel flange hooks as at  71 . The cover construction  61  is substantially identical to the cover construction  11  but for the lack of cover gears (as at  20  in construction  11 ) and a modified cover hub  70 . 
         [0083]    Accordingly, the upper cover portion  67  preferably comprises an indicator window substantially identical to indicator window  23 . The cover skirt  68  extends axially downward from the upper cover portion  67  at a first cover radius from the cover axis and terminates at a skirt terminus as at  24 . The indicator window  23  radially extends from the cover axis toward the cover skirt  68 . The assembly ring hooks  69  extend radially inward from the cover skirt  68  adjacent the skirt terminus  24 . 
         [0084]    The cover hub  70  comprises a series of hub slots as at  72 , and extends axially downward from the upper cover portion  67  at a second cover radius from the cover axis. The wheel flange hooks  71  extend axially downward (and outward) from the upper cover portion  67  at a third cover radius from the cover axis, which third cover radius is intermediate the first and second cover radii. The cover construction  61  may further preferably comprise spoke-receiving slots  26  formed at an inner cover diameter. It is contemplated that both the spoke-receiving slots  26  and the assembly ring hooks  69  may essentially function to receive and support ring spokes  27  formed on the annular assembly ring  66  for enhancing the final assembly of the indexing cap assembly  60 . 
         [0085]    From a consideration of the assembly ring  16  construction, it will be seen that the ring spokes  27  essentially define circumferentially spaced spoke spaces as at  28 . In other words, between the ring spokes  27  are gaps or spoke spaces  28 . In this regard, the cover construction  11  may further preferably comprise a series of circumferentially spaced spoke gap filler structures as at  29 . The spoke gap filler structures  29  being receivable in the spoke spaces  28  for preventing rotation of the assembly ring  66  relative to the cover construction  61 . 
         [0086]    The annular indexing wheel  62  preferably comprises a wheel axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  120  in FIG. Nos.  14  and  15 ); a planar wheel portion as at  73 ; a wheel skirt as at  74 ; a series of wheel gears as at  75 ; and a wheel finger as at  76 . The wheel skirt  74  extends axially downward from the planar wheel portion  73  at a first wheel radius from the wheel axis. The wheel gears  75  extend downwardly from the planar wheel portion  73  at a second wheel radius greater than the first wheel radius. The wheel finger  76  extends downwardly from the planar wheel portion  73  and radiates outwardly terminating at the maximum wheel radius. The wheel finger  76  is a fixed projection. 
         [0087]    The planar wheel portion  73  of the annular indexing wheel  62  further preferably comprises an upper surface, which upper surface preferably comprises radially-extending indicia  52 . The radial extending indicia  52  are preferably sized and shaped for visual inspection via the indicator window  23 . In this regard, the indicia  52  are preferably sized top to bottom so as to be cooperable with the angular rotational degree setting as dependent upon the number of wheel gears  75  as divided into 360 rotational degrees. The indicia  52  are of sufficient radial length to fit within the radial length of the window  23 . 
         [0088]    The compression coil spring member  63  preferably has a spring axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  120  in FIG. Nos.  14  and  15 ) and a substantially uniform spring radius as may be seen from an inspection of the illustrations in this specification. The compression coil spring member  63  essentially provides axially directed spring restorative forces to the cap assembly  60  for re-setting certain gear configurations when the user removes the cap assembly  60  from the container  100 . 
         [0089]    The push plate construction  64  preferably comprises a push plate axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  120  in FIG. Nos.  14  and  15 ); a planar push plate portion as at  77 ; a push plate skirt  78 ; a push plate hub as at  79 ; a series of inner push plate gears  80 ; a series of outer push plate gears as at  81 ; and a series of push plate ribs as at  82 . The push plate skirt  78  extends axially upwardly from the planar push plate portion  77 . 
         [0090]    The push plate hub  79  also extends axially upwardly from the planar push plate portion  77  radially inward of the push plate skirt  78 . The gearing of the inner push plate gears  80  extends upwardly radially inwardly adjacent to the push plate skirt  78  for meshing with the wheel gears  75 . The gearing of the outer push plate gears  81  extends downwardly radially outwardly adjacent to the push plate skirt  78  for meshing with certain gear tray gears  83  formed on the gear tray  65 . 
         [0091]    The push plate construction  64  may further preferably comprise a container-aligning skirt  53 . The container-aligning skirt  53  extends axially downward from the planar push plate portion  77 . The container-aligning skirt  53  preferably has a skirt radius that is mechanically cooperable with the container rim radius for enhancing proper alignment of the indexing cap assembly  60  relative to the container  100  when attaching the indexing cap assembly  60  to the container  100 . 
         [0092]    The annular gear tray comprises a gear tray axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  120  in FIG. Nos.  14  and  15 ); inner tray diameter or surfacing as at  84 , an upper tray rim  85 ; a bottom tray rim  87 ; a series of gear tray gears as at  83 ; and a finger-receiving notch as at  86 . The gearing of the gear tray gears extends upwardly radially inwardly to the inner tray diameter or surfacing  84  adjacent to the bottom tray rim  87  for meshing with the outer push plate gears  81  on the push plate construction  64 . The finger-receiving notch  86  extends radially through the upper tray rim  85  and is designed to receive the wheel finger  76 . 
         [0093]    The annular assembly ring  66  preferably comprises a ring axis (in coaxial alignment with cap assembly axis  120  in FIG. Nos.  14  and  15 ); at least one inner ring diameter; an outer ring diameter; a series of container-engaging ring posts as at  88 ; and a series of container-engaging ring spokes as at  27 . The container-engaging ring posts  88  preferably extend radially inward from a first inner ring diameter for meshing with container mouth-based hooks  102 , and the container-engaging ring spokes  27  preferably extend radially outward from the outer ring diameter for meshing with the assembly ring hooks  69  and spoke-receiving slots  26 . 
         [0094]    From a consideration of the illustrations generally, and from a consideration of FIG. No.  18  particularly, the reader will see that the annular indexing wheel  62  is rotatively received radially intermediate downwardly axially extending portions of the wheel flange hooks  71  and the cover skirt  68 . The wheel flange hooks  71  of the cover construction  61  receive and hook-support the wheel skirt  74  thereby supporting and rotatively mounting the annular indexing wheel  62  to the cover construction  61 . 
         [0095]    The spring member  63  is supported by an upper surface of the planar push plate portion  77  in radial outer adjacency to the push plate hub  79 . The inner diameter of the push plate hub  79  preferably receives the outer diameter of the cover hub  70  such that the push plate ribs  82  are received in the hub slots  72 . The spring member  63  is compressed intermediate the planar push plate portion  77  and the underside of the planar upper cover portion  67  of the cover construction  61 . The push plate construction  64  is thereby spring-biased and movable up and down intermediate an upper wheel-advancing position and a lower gear-resetting position. 
         [0096]    The gearing intermediate the wheel gears  75  of the indexing wheel  62  and the inner push plate push gears  80  of the push plate construction  64  and the gearing intermediate the outer push plate gears  81  of the push plate construction  64  and the gear tray gears  83  of the annular gear tray  65  essentially function to convert axially-directed force(s) into wheel-advancing//wheel-resetting force(s). 
         [0097]    The assembly ring hooks  69  of the cover construction  61  essentially function to receive and hook-support the ring spokes  27  of the assembly ring  66  for finally assembling the indexing cap assembly  60 , and the ring posts  88  essentially function to removably attach the indexing cap assembly  60  to the container  100  via the outwardly radiating container mouth hooks  102 . 
         [0098]    The upwardly extending container rim  101  essentially functions to transmit axially directed force(s) against the planar push plate portion  77  in a first direction so as to displace the same toward the wheel-advancing position when the indexing cap assembly  60  is attached to the container  100 , and the spring member  63  essentially functions to transmit axially directed force(s) against the planar push plate portion  77  in a second direction for resetting the indexing cap assembly  60  when detached from the container  100 . 
         [0099]    While the foregoing specifications set forth much specificity, the same should not be construed as setting forth limits to the invention but rather as setting forth certain preferred embodiments and features. For example, it is contemplated that the foregoing specifications support an indexing cap assembly essentially comprising a cover construction, an indexing wheel, a spring member, a push plate, an assembly ring, and certain force conversion means, as exemplified by the cooperable structure engagement of certain push plate constructions with preferred and alternative support structures. 
         [0100]    It is believed that the cover construction essentially comprises an upper cover portion, a cover skirt, and a cover hub, wherein the upper cover portion comprises an indicator window. The day disk type indexing wheel essentially comprises an upper wheel portion, a wheel skirt, and a series of wheel gears, the wheel gears extending downwardly from the upper wheel portion. The spring member is preferably a compression coil type spring member having a substantially uniform spring radius. 
         [0101]    The push plate essentially comprises planar push plate portion and a push plate hub, the push plate hub extending upwardly from the planar push plate portion. The assembly ring basically comprises certain cover fastening means (e.g. spokes  27 ) for fastening the assembly ring to the cover construction and certain container fastening means (e.g. posts  49 ) for fastening the cap assembly to the container. 
         [0102]    The force conversion means according to the present invention essentially function to convert axially directed force(s) into rotatively directed force(s). The annular indexing wheel is rotatively received adjacent the cover construction such that the upper wheel portion is viewable via the indicator window. The spring member is supported by the planar push plate portion in radial adjacency to the push plate hub. The spring member is compressible intermediate the planar push plate and upper cover portions. 
         [0103]    The push plate thereby becomes spring-biasable and movable intermediate an upper wheel-advancing position and a lower gear-resetting position. The force conversion means function to convert axially-directed forces into wheel-rotating forces. The container fastening means for fastening cap assembly to the cover construction. 
         [0104]    The upwardly extending container rim transmits force to the planar push plate portion in a first axial direction for rotatively advancing the indexing wheel a first angular distance via the force conversion means when the indexing cap assembly is attached to the container, and the spring member forces the planar push plate portion in a second axial direction for rotatively advancing the indexing wheel a second angular distance via the force conversion means when the indexing cap assembly is detached from the container. 
         [0105]    The force conversion means may be defined by cooperable association between a swing plate as previously specified and the push plate, whereby the swing plate basically comprises angled slots formed in an outer hub surface, and the push plate comprises posts receivable in the slots. Together, the slots and posts function to convert axially directed force into rotatively directed force for rotating the indexing wheel. 
         [0106]    Alternatively, the force conversion means may be defined by cooperable association between certain push plate-based gearage (e.g. gears or gear teeth  80  and gears or gear teeth  81 ) and push plate-opposed gearage (e.g. gears or gear teeth  82  and gears or gear teeth  75 ). The push plate-based and push plate-opposed gearage also may essentially function to convert axially directed forces into rotatively directed forces for rotating the day disk type indexing wheel. 
         [0107]    Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred and alternative embodiments, it is not intended that the novel arrangements be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosures and the appended drawings.