Patent Publication Number: US-2022212836-A1

Title: Cap for container

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In general, the cap of a conventional container is completely separated from its container once the container is opened. For that reason, it is easy for the separated cap to be dropped, accidentally disposed of and/or misplaced/lost. Moreover, the separated cap when dropped can easily become soiled by coming in to contact with the ground or other uncontrolled surfaces resulting in the cap becoming no longer reusable. Furthermore, the discarded or misplaced/lost separated caps are able to and will pollute the environment and cause additional environmental problems. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, the industry has developed a few caps that will remain connected to their containers while their containers are in an open state. These few caps are thereby prevented from being separated from their containers, dropped, accidentally discarded, misplaced/lost, soiled by contact with the ground or other uncontrolled surfaces or able to pollute the environment or cause additional environmental problems. 
     Nonetheless, the currently existing caps with the above-mentioned functions can use complex designs and complicated connecting structures that necessitate some difficult physical manipulation by the user to return the caps to a closed sealed state. Manufacture of caps with these structures can also be complex or expensive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the cap for a container in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2C ,  FIG. 2D ,  FIG. 2E ,  FIG. 2F , and  FIG. 2G  are schematic diagrams showing different embodiments of a cap for a container. 
         FIG. 3  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an embodiment for a cap being separated from a container 
         FIG. 4  shows part of a manufacturing system used to engrave incision lines within a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates incision lines engraved within a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 6  shows spindles of a manufacturing system used to engrave incision lines within a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 7  shows blades used to engrave incision lines within a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  show blade patterns for blades used to engrave incision lines within a cap in accordance with implementations. 
         FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16  illustrate grooves placed within a spindle to aid in engraving incision lines in accordance with implementations. 
         FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ,  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23  illustrate a cap that after being removed from a container, may be held against the container in a flipped position in accordance with implementations. 
         FIG. 24 ,  FIG. 25 ,  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27  illustrate another cap that after being removed from a container, may be held against the container in a flipped position. 
         FIG. 28  shows an alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 29 ,  FIG. 30  and  FIG. 31  show another alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 32 ,  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34  show another alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 35 ,  FIG. 36  and  FIG. 37  show another alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 38  shows another alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 39  shows another alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
         FIG. 40  shows another alternative pattern of incisions on a cap in accordance with an implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a cap for a container. As  FIG. 1  shows, the cap  10  of the present example includes a main body  1  having a top plate  11  and a circular sidewall  12 . The two opposite sides of the circular sidewall  12  circularly connect to each other. One periphery of the circular sidewall  12  connects to one surface of the top plate  11  forming a closed end  1 ′. The other periphery of the circular sidewall  12  at the opposite side of the closed end  1 ′ forms an opened end  1 ″ (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The cap  10  of the present example also contains a ring member  2 , which is located at the opened end  1 ″ of the main body  1 . The ring member  2  is separated from the main body  1  by penetration lines which can be formed as part of the formation of cap  10 . For example, the penetration lines are formed as part of an injection molding process or other manufacturing process in which cap  10  is formed. 
     For example, penetration lines may also be formed by incision. While in the description below penetration lines are often referred to as incision lines, the penetration lines can be formed by methods other than incision. The ring member  2  is separated from the main body  1  by a first incision line  3  located in between the opened end  1 ″ of the main body  1  and the ring member  2 . The first incision line  3  possesses a plurality of connecting pins  31 . The plurality of connecting pins  31  located along the first incision line  3  connect the main body  1  and the ring member  2  at the two sides of the first incision line  3 . The two ends of the first incision line  3  are separated by a plurality of connection portions  5 . The plurality of connection portions  5  connect the main body  1  and the ring member  2  together. Located at one side of the plurality of connection portions  5  is a plurality of second incision lines  4 . The plurality of second incision lines  4  are also located either on the main body  1  or the ring member  2 . The two ends of the plurality of second incision lines  4  and itself are not connected. The plurality of second incision lines  4  do not overlap with the first incision line  3 . 
     As  FIG. 2A  shows, in the present example, the plurality of connection portions  5  are formed in between the first incision line  3  and the plurality of second incision lines  4 . For example, the shape of the plurality of connection portions  5  is not particularly limited. The shape of the plurality of the connection portions  5  is depended on the shapes of the first incision line  3  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  located at the sides of the plurality of connection portions  5 . In the present example, the shape of the plurality of connection portions  5  is cuboid (shown in  FIG. 3 ). For example, the quantity of the plurality of connection portions  5  is not particularly limited. However, in the present example, the quantity of the plurality of connection portions  5  is  2 . For example, the spacing between each of the plurality of connection portions  5  is not particularly limited as well. However, in the present example, each of the plurality of connection portions  5  is separated by parts of the plurality of second incision lines  4 . 
     For example, the quantity of the plurality of second incision lines  4  is not particularly limited. However, in the present example, the quantity of the plurality of second incision lines  4  is  2 . As  FIG. 2A  shows, only the main body  1  possesses the plurality of second incision lines  4 . One of the two second incision lines  4  is connected to parts of the first incision line  3 . Furthermore, parts of the plurality of second incision lines  4  are parallel to the first incision line  3 . 
     For example, the first incision line  3  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  are not particularly limited. The first incision line  3  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  can individually be, for example, straight lines, curved lines, polylines, arc lines, or the combinations thereof. In the present example, the first incision line  3  is a straight line. The plurality of second incision lines  4  can also be more preferably be L-shaped lines, S-shaped lines, Z-shaped lines, or the combinations thereof. In the present example, the plurality of second incision lines  4  are Z-shaped lines. For example, the corners  41  of the plurality of second incision lines  4  are not particularly limited. The corners  41  of the plurality of second incision lines  4  are, for example, curved corners, chamfered corners, sharp corners, or the combinations thereof. In the present example, the corners  41  of the plurality of second incision lines  4  are curved corners. 
     For example, the first incision line  3  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  surround parts of the circular sidewall  12  or the ring member  2 , but do not fully surround the circular sidewall  12  or the ring member  2 . The lengths of the first incision line  3  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  surrounded the circular sidewall  12  or the ring member  2  are not particularly limited. In the present example, the length of the first incision line  3  surrounded the circular sidewall  12  or the ring member  2  is longer than the lengths of each of the plurality of second incision lines  4  surrounded the circular sidewall  12  or the ring member  2 ; however, this can vary based on implementation. 
       FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the cap for a container. The cap of the present example and the cap shown in  FIG. 1  are the same except that the plurality of second incision lines  4  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  shown in  FIG. 2A  are opposite to each other. Nevertheless, the opening directions of the cap and that of the cap shown in  FIG. 2A  are still the same (both are in the anti-clockwise direction; that is rotation in the right direction in  FIG. 2A  or  FIG. 2B ). 
       FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the cap for a container. The cap of the present example and the cap shown in  FIG. 1  are the same except that only the ring member  2  possesses the plurality of second incision lines  4  and the plurality of second incision lines  4  surround less than ⅕ of the ring member  2 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the cap for a container. The cap of the present example and the cap shown in  FIG. 1  are the same except that the quantity of the plurality of second incision lines  4  is  1 , the second incision line  4  extends from the main body  1  to the ring member  2  or from the ring member  2  to the main body  1 , the second incision line  4  and the first incision line  3  are not connected, the corners  41  of the second incision line  4  (Z-shaped line) are sharp corners and the second incision line  4  surrounds less than ⅕ of the circular sidewall  12  and less than ⅕ of the ring member  2 . 
       FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the cap for a container. The cap of the present example and the cap shown in  FIG. 1  are the same except that the plurality of second incision lines  4  are L-shaped lines and the corners  41  of these L-shaped lines are sharp corners. 
       FIG. 2F  is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the cap for a container. The cap of the present example and the cap shown in  FIG. 1  are the same except that the plurality of second incision lines  4  and the first incision line  3  are not parallel to each other and the plurality of second incision lines  4  are S-shaped lines. 
       FIG. 2G  is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the cap for a container. The cap of the present example and the cap shown in  FIG. 2E  are the same except that the corners  41  of the plurality of second incision lines  4  (L-shaped lines) are curved corners and one of the second incision lines  4  surrounds less than ½ of the circular sidewall  12 . 
       FIG. 3  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the cap for a container being separated from a container, wherein the cap shown can be any one of the caps of any one of the above-mentioned examples. Hereinafter, the practical application of the cap will be further described in detail using the cap shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     For example, the cap  10  provided can be used together with any conventional containers without any particular limitation as long as the cap  10  and the container  20  can be assembled together. For example, the shape of the cap  10  is not particularly limited. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the inner side of the cap is circular. For example, the shape of the container  20  is also not particularly limited as well. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the opening  210  of the container is a circular opening. For example, the container  20  is a round bottle or a round can. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the container  20  is a bottle with a circular opening. 
     The main body  1  of the cap  10  can control the opening and closing of the opening  210  of the container. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the inner side of the main body  1  has thread  110 . Through a complementary thread structure  2100  at the outer side of the opening  210  of the container, the main body  1  can be screwed opened (in anti-clockwise direction) and screwed closed (not shown) (in clockwise direction) on the opening  210  of the container by rotation. For example, when the main body  1  of the cap  10  provided is screwed closed on the opening  210  of the container, the closed end  1 ′ of the main body  1  will abut against the opening  210  of the container. Meanwhile, the opened end  1 ″ of the main body  1  will face toward the opening  210  of the container and cover and fit on the opening  210  of the container. Consequently, the opening  210  of the container is in a closed state with the container  20  remaining sealed. 
     For example, the outer side of the main body  1  of the cap  10  provided can have a knurled portion  120 . When the container  20  is to be opened, the knurled portion  120  can facilitate applying a force to rotate and separate the main body  1  and the ring member  2 . For example, depending on the actual needs, the first incision line  3  disposed between the main body  1  and the ring member  2  of the cap  10  provided can have a plurality of connecting pins  31  to connect the main body  1  and the ring member  2 . The shape, size, quantity and spacing of the plurality of connecting pins  31  are not particularly limited. When the size and quantity of the plurality of connecting pins  31  of the first incision line  3  are smaller and the spacing of the plurality of connecting pins  31  is larger, the force needed to break the plurality of connecting pins  31  is smaller. On the contrary, when the size and quantity of the plurality of connecting pins  31  of the first incision line  3  are larger and the spacing of the plurality of connecting pins  31  is smaller, the force needed to break the plurality of connecting pins  31  is larger. In the present example, the size and quantity of the plurality of connecting pins  31  of the first incision line  3  are smaller and the spacing of the plurality of connecting pins  31  is larger. In addition, the plurality of second incision lines  4  do not possess a plurality of connecting pins  31 . Therefore, the force needed to break the plurality of connecting pins  31  is smaller. Subsequently, users can separate the main body  1  and the ring member  2  more easily; that is, the cap  10  can be opened from the opening  210  of the container more easily. 
     For example, when the main body  1  of the cap  10  has been screwed opened from the opening  210  of the container, the plurality of connection portions  5  will connect the main body  1  and the ring member  2  together. Since the ring member  2  is fitted below a bulge portion  2200  of the opening  210  of the container; thus, the ring member  2  will not detach from the opening  210  of the container. As a result, the connection between the main body  1  separated from the opening  210  of the container with the ring member  2  will allow the main body  1  to still remain in a connected state with the container  20 . Moreover, the plurality of connection portions  5  can also allow the main body  1  to remain in an opened state. The plurality of connection portions  5  will prevent the main body  1  from interfering the opening  210  of the container. The plurality of connection portions  5  will also decrease the free movement of the main body  1 . As a result, when emptying the contents from the container  20 , the plurality of connection portions  5  can prevent the main body  1  from touching other objects due to its free movement. For example, when the container  20  is a water bottle, when users are drinking from the water bottle, the plurality of connection portions  5  will prevent the main body  1  from touching the faces and any body parts of the users. In addition, the plurality of connection portions  5  can also prevent the residual contents at the inner side of the main body  1  to spill out easily by decreasing the free movement of the main body  1 . And since the ring member  2  fitted on the opening  210  of the container can freely rotate; hence, the plurality of connection portions  5  will not be pulled off easily. 
     For example, the cap provided can be made by using any materials known in the art, wherein the material for the cap is, for example, plastic. The cap can be manufactured by any processes known in the art. For example, the manufacturing process of the cap is by injection molding. The first incision line and the plurality of second incision lines can be formed by any known methods. In all the above-mentioned examples, the first incision line and the plurality of second incision lines are formed by rotary cutting and the incisions are done by cutting tools or laser cutting. 
       FIG. 4  shows part of a manufacturing system  70  used to engrave incision lines within caps  73 . Caps  73  are mounted on spindles  71  and supported by bases  72 . Caps  73  are rotated as they pass a blade support structure  75  that holds blades  77 , as illustrated by  FIG. 5 . The rotation of caps  73  against blades  77  result in incision lines  78  engraved within caps  73 . 
       FIG. 6  shows spindles  71  mounted on a spindle support  76 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a path  121  that caps  73  travels along blades  77  in order to produce incision lines  78  in caps  73 . 
       FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  show blade patterns for blades used to engrave incision lines within caps. 
       FIG. 8  shows a blade pattern  130  that uses a blade  131 , a blade  132  and a blade  133  to produce incision lines in caps  73  that will result in connection portions of each cap attaching the cap to a ring section. Blade  131  includes a first blade section and a second blade section located on a different plane than the first blade section. A third blade section forms a diagonal connection between the first blade section and the second blade section. Likewise, blade  132  includes a first blade section and a second blade section located on a different plane than the first blade section. The first blade section is located on a same plane as the first blade section blade  131 . The second blade section is located on a same plane as the second blade section blade  131 . A third blade section forms a diagonal connection between the first blade section and the second blade section. Blade  133  is located on the same plane as the first blade section of blade  131 . When the cap is mounted on a container, the connection portions assure the cap, through attachment to the ring, remains attached to the container even after the cap is removed the container opening, as described above. Notches in blade  131 , blade  132  and blade  133  form bridge connection portions between the cap and the ring section. The bridge connection portions are broken when the cap is mounted on a container and the container is opened by unscrewing the cap. 
       FIG. 9  shows a blade pattern  140  that uses a blade  141 , a blade  142 , blade  143 , a blade  144 , a blade  145 , a blade  146  and a blade  147  to produce incision lines in caps  73  that will result in connection portions of each cap attaching the cap to a ring section. Blades  141 ,  144  and  147  are all located on a first plane. Blades  143  and  146  are both located on a second plane. Blades  142  and  145  are both located on a third plane between the first plane and the second plane. Blades  142  and  145  make smaller incisions that the other blades in the plurality of blades. Blade  142  and blade  145  are in a diagonal orientation between the first plane and the second plane. Alternatively, blade  142  and a blade  145  can be in a horizontal or a vertical orientation while located between the first plane and the second plane. 
     When a cap is mounted on a container, the connection portions assure the cap, through attachment to the ring, remains attached to the container even after the cap is removed the container opening, as described above. Notches in blade  141 , blade  143 , blade  146  and blade  147  form bridge connection portions between the cap and the ring section. The bridge connection portions are broken when the cap is mounted on a container and the container is opened by unscrewing the cap. 
       FIG. 10  shows a blade pattern  150  that uses a blade  151 , a blade  152 , blade  153 , a blade  154  and a blade  155  to produce incision lines in caps  73  that will result in connection portions of each cap attaching the cap to a ring section. Blade  151  is located on a first plane and has a first gap and a second gap. Blade  153  and blade  155  are both located on a second plane. Blade  152  and blade  154  are both located on a third plane between the first plane and the second plane. Blade  152  is located near the first gap and blade  154  is located near the second gap. Blades  152  and  154  make smaller incisions that the other blades in this configuration. Blade  152  and blade  154  are in a diagonal orientation between the first plane and the second plane. Alternatively, blade  152  and a blade  154  can be in a horizontal or a vertical orientation while located between the first plane and the second plane. When the cap is mounted on a container, the connection portions assure the cap, through attachment to the ring, remains attached to the container even after the cap is removed the container opening, as described above. Notches in blade  151 , blade  153  and blade  155  form bridge connection portions between the cap and the ring section. The bridge connection portions are broken when the cap is mounted on a container and the container is opened by unscrewing the cap. 
       FIG. 11  shows a blade pattern  160  that uses a blade  161 , a blade  62 , blade  163 , a blade  164 , a blade  165 , a blade  166  and a blade  167  to produce incision lines in caps  73  that will result in connection portions of each cap attaching the cap to a ring section. Blades  163 ,  164  and  146  are all located on a first plane. Blades  165  and  167  are both located on a second plane. Blades  161  and  162  are both located on a third plane between the first plane and the second plane. Blades  161  and  162  make smaller incisions that the other blades in the plurality of blades. Blade  161  and blade  162  are in a diagonal orientation between the first plane and the second plane. Alternatively, blade  161  and a blade  162  can be in a horizontal or a vertical orientation while located between the first plane and the second plane. When the cap is mounted on a container, the connection portions assure the cap, through attachment to the ring, remains attached to the container even after the cap is removed the container opening, as described above. Notches in blade  163 , blade  164 , blade  165 , blade  166  and blade  167  form bridge connection portions between the cap and the ring section. The bridge connection portions are broken when the cap is mounted on a container and the container is opened by unscrewing the cap. 
       FIG. 12  shows a blade pattern  170  that uses a blade  171 , a blade  172  and a blade  173  in a first plane. A blade  174  and a blade  175  are located in a second plane. A blade  176  and a blade  177  are in a horizontal orientation between the first plane and the second plane. Alternatively, blade  176  and a blade  177  can be in a diagonal or a vertical orientation while located between the first plane and the second plane. When the cap is mounted on a container, the connection portions assure the cap, through attachment to the ring, remains attached to the container even after the cap is removed the container opening, as described above. Notches in blade  163 , blade  164 , blade  165 , blade  166  and blade  167  form bridge connection portions between the cap and the ring section. The bridge connection portions are broken when the cap is mounted on a container and the container is opened by unscrewing the cap. 
     The spindles can include grooves that mirror location of blades in order to aid in engraving incision lines in the caps. For example,  FIG. 13  shows a spindle  180  with a spindle head  181  that includes a groove  182  that is wide enough to accommodate all blades edges of a blade or a blade pattern. 
       FIG. 14  shows a spindle  200  with a spindle head  201  that includes a groove  202  and a groove  203  that each are wide enough to accommodate one blade edge from a blade or blade composite of a blade pattern. In the implementation shown in  FIG. 14 , each “horizontal” blade edge has its own matching groove, where there are no grooves for vertical or diagonal blades or blade portions. 
       FIG. 15  shows a spindle  190  with a spindle head  191  that includes a groove  192 , a groove  193 , a groove  194  and a groove  195  that each are wide enough to accommodate one blade edge from a blade or blade portion as represented by blade edges of blade  196 . In the implementation shown in  FIG. 15 , each “horizontal” blade has its own matching groove and each vertical or diagonal blade or blade portion has its own matching groove. 
       FIG. 16  shows a spindle  290  with a spindle head  294  that includes a groove  291 , a groove  292  and a groove  293  that each are wide enough to accommodate one blade or one blade portion from a blade pattern. For example, blade combination  295  has a blade edge  296 , a blade edge  297  and a blade edge  298 . For example, groove  292  is present to allow for diagonal blades such as diagonal blades  152  and  154  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ,  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23  illustrate a cap  301  that after being removed from a container  300 , may be held against container  300  in a flipped position. Specifically, in  FIG. 17 , a cap  301  is shown secured on a container  300 . A first incision  303  and a second incision  304  form a connection portion  305  and a connection portion  306  between cap  301  and a ring member  302 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , a region  307  exists between a location where connection portion  305  is connected to ring member  302  and where connection portion  306  is connected to cap  301 . A height of cap  301  and a diameter of cap  301  affect a length of region  307  and whether region  307  even exists, as dimensions of region  307 , first incision  303  and second incision  304  are all dependent on sizing connection portion  305  and sizing connection portion  306  so that when cap  301  is removed from container  300 , cap  301  may be held in a flipped position against container  300  by connection portion  305  and connection portion  306 . 
     In the flipped position, a top surface  308  of cap  301  is held in a position where top surface  308  faces container  300 . The length of connection portion  305  and the length of connection portion  306  are selected so that the elasticity of connection portion  305  and the elasticity of connection portion  306  allows cap  301  to be moved by a user into the flipped position against container  300  by stretching connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  and then the elasticity of connection portion  305  and the elasticity of connection portion  306  holds cap  301  in the flipped position against container  300  while a user drinks from the container. 
     When the user is temporarily done drinking from container  300 , the elasticity of connection portion  305  and the elasticity of connection portion  306  allow cap  301  to be moved by a user out of the flipped position into an initial open position from which cap  301  can be screwed back onto container  300 . For the case where a cap has a flip top design, the cap may be reattached by snapping the cap back onto the container. 
       FIG. 18  shows cap  301  after cap  301  has been unscrewed from container  300 . Connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  hold cap  301  to ring member  302 . Top surface  308  of cap  301  is facing away from container  300 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a close up view of cap  301  after cap  301  has been unscrewed from container  300 . Upon removal of cap  301  a lip  310  of cap  301  is exposed. Connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  hold cap  301  to ring member  302 . Top surface  308  of cap  301  is facing away from container  300 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a close up view of cap  301  where cap  301  has been pushed open from container  300 . Connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  hold cap  301  to ring member  302 . Until sufficient force is applied to cap  301 , connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  are not long enough to let cap  301  flip past lip  310  of container  300 . Because of the shortness of connection portion  305  and connection portion  306 , lip  310  is in the way of cap  301  being placed in a flipped position where top surface  308  faces container  300 . Once a user exerts more pressure, connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  stretch sufficiently to let cap  301  flip past lip  310  so that cap  301  is in the flipped position where top surface  308  faces container  300 . 
       FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22  show cap  301  in the flipped position where top surface  308  faces container  300 . The elasticity of connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  hold cap  301  in the flipped position where top surface  308  faces container  300 . 
       FIG. 23  is a top view illustrating that the elasticity of connection portion  305  and connection portion  306  hold cap  301  in the flipped position where top surface  308  faces container  300 . 
     The height and diameter of a cap determine the length of connection portions necessary to allow a cap to be placed and held in a flipped position where the top surface of the cap faces the container.  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  show a container  400  with a cap  401  sized to fit over a lip  410  of container  400 . 
       FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  show cap  401  having been unscrewed and pushed open from container  400 . A connection portion  405  and a connection portion  406  hold cap  401  to a ring member  402 . Until sufficient force is applied to cap  401 , connection portion  405  and connection portion  406  are not long enough to let cap  401  flip past lip  410  of container  400 , a ring member  402  and a ridge  411  of container  400 . Because of the shortness of connection portion  405  and connection portion  406 , lip  410 , ring member  402  and ridge  411  are in the way of cap  401  being placed in a flipped position where top surface  408  faces container  400 . Once a user exerts more pressure, connection portion  405  and connection portion  406  stretch sufficiently to let cap  401  flip past lip  410  , ring member  402  and ridge  411  so that cap  401  is in the flipped position where top surface  408  faces container  400 . 
       FIG. 26  shows cap  401  in the flipped position where top surface  408  faces container  400 . The elasticity of connection portion  405  and connection portion  406  hold cap  401  in the flipped position where top surface  408  faces container  400 . 
       FIG. 27  is a top view illustrating that the elasticity of connection portion  405  and connection portion  406  hold cap  401  in the flipped position where top surface  408  faces container  400 . 
     The incisions may be inverted. For example, in  FIG. 28  shows a cap  501  is shown secured on a container  500 . A first incision  503  and a second incision  504  form a connection portion  505  and a connection portion  506  between cap  501  and a ring member  502 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , a region  507  exists between a location where connection portion  505  is connected to ring member  502  and where connection portion  506  is connected to cap  501 . A height of cap  501  and a diameter of cap  501  affect a length of region  507  and whether region  507  even exists, as dimensions of region  507 , first incision  503  and second incision  504  are all dependent on sizing connection portion  505  and sizing connection portion  506  so that when cap  501  is removed from container  500 , cap  501  may be held in a flipped position against container  500  by connection portion  505  and connection portion  506 . 
     Incisions can extend into the cap to make it easier for the cap to flip into the flipped position. For example,  FIG. 29  shows a cap  601  on a container  600 .  FIG. 30  shows cap  601  having been unscrewed and pushed open from container  600 . A connection portion  605  and a connection portion  606  hold cap  601  to a ring member  602 . Incisions to form connector portion  605  extend into cap  601 . Incisions to form connector portion  606  extend into cap  601 . 
     Until sufficient force is applied to cap  601 , connection portion  605  and connection portion  606  are not long enough to let cap  601  flip past a lip  610  of the container. Once a user exerts more pressure, connection portion  605  and connection portion  606  stretch sufficiently to let cap  601  flip past the lip. 
       FIG. 31  shows cap  601  in the flipped position where top surface  608  faces in a downward direction. The elasticity of connection portion  605  and connection portion  606  hold cap  601  in a flipped position where top surface  608  faces in a downward direction. The connection location of connector portion  605  and cap  601  at the bottom of a notch  612  and the connection location of connector portion  606  and cap  601  at the bottom of a notch  613  results in less stretching of connector portion  605  and connector portion  606  to place cap  601  into the flipped position. This means it takes less force, and is therefore easier, to place cap  601  into the flipped position. Alternatively, cap  601  can be placed in a flipped position where top surface  608  faces container  600 . 
     A tab extending from the cap can be added in a shape that holds the cap in the flipped position. For example,  FIG. 32  shows a cap  701  with a top surface  708  on a container  700 . The two incision lines outline a connection portion  705 , a connection portion  706  and a tab  710  as shown. Tab  710  extends into a gap  711  of a ring member  702 . 
       FIG. 33  shows cap  701  being unscrewed and pushed open from container  700 . Connection portion  705  and connection portion  706  hold cap  701  to ring member  702 . 
       FIG. 34  shows cap  701  in the flipped position where top surface  708  faces in a downward direction. The elasticity of connection portion  705  and connection portion  706  plus the shape and location of tab  710  hold cap  701  in a flipped position where top surface  708  faces in a downward direction. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates an improved incision pattern that simplifies manufacture and improves operation. For example,  FIG. 35  shows a cap  801  on a container  800 . Cap  801  has a top surface  808  and a circular sidewall  817 . Two incisions outline a connection portion  805 , a connection portion  806 , a tab  810 , a tab  812  and a tab  816  as shown. The first incision includes an incision section  821 , an incision section  822 , an incision section  823 , an incision section  824 , an incision section  825 , an incision section  826  and an incision section  827 . The second incision includes an incision section  828 , an incision section  829 , an incision section  830 , an incision section  831 , an incision section  832 , an incision section  833  and an incision section  834 . While connecting pins are not specifically shown in  FIG. 35 , they may be included along the first incision and the second incision, as described above in other implementations. 
     Connection portion  805 , connection portion  806 , tab  810 , tab  812  and tab  816  are all formed between the same two incision planes. The first incision plane is delineated by incision section  821  and incision section  827  of the first incision and by incision section  828  and incision section  832  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the first incision plane. The second incision plane is delineated by incision section  823  and incision section  825  of the first incision and by incision section  830  and incision section  834  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the second incision plane. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  806  are defined by incision section  822  and incision section  823  of the first incision and by incision section  828  and incision section  829  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  805  are defined by incision section  826  and incision section  827  of the first incision and by incision section  833  and incision section  834  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of tab  810  are defined by incision section  829 , incision section  830  and incision section  831  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  812  are defined by incision section  824 , incision section  825  and incision section  826  of the first incision. The boundaries of tab  816  are defined by incision section  832 , incision section  833  and incision section  834  of the second incision. 
     The incision pattern shown in  FIG. 35  has several advantages over the incision shown in  FIG. 32 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 32 , while connection portion  705  and connection portion  706  are formed between two incision planes, tab  710  extends below these incision plane requiring another plane of blades to be used manufacture of cap  801 . 
     This can be understood by  FIG. 9 , which shows blades  141 ,  144  and  147  are all located on a first plane, blades  143  and  146  are both located on a second plane and blades  142  and  145  are both located on a third plane. Like the blade configuration shown in  FIG. 9 , the incision pattern shown in  FIG. 32  requires blades placed in three different planes. However, the incision pattern shown in  FIG. 35 , allows the elimination of one of the planes of blades, so that only two of the planes of blades are required. 
     Another advantage of the incision pattern can be understood by considering  FIG. 36 .  FIG. 36  shows cap  801  being unscrewed and pushed open from container  800 . Connection portion  805  and connection portion  806  hold cap  801  to ring member  802 . Removal of tab  810  leaves a gap  811  in a ring member  802 . Removal of tab  812  leaves a gap  813  in ring member  802 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 36 , both sides of connection portion  806  extend out of the second incision plane as delineated by incision section  823  of the first incision and by incision section  830  of the second incision. Likewise, both sides of connection portion  805  extend out of the second incision plane as delineated by incision section  825  of the first incision and by incision section  834  of the second incision. 
     In incision pattern shown in  FIG. 33 , however, the sides of connection portion  705  and connection portion  706  extend out of different incision planes. This effects the aesthetics and optimal function of connection portion  705  and connection portion  706 . The optional function is further illustrated by  FIG. 37 . 
       FIG. 37  shows cap  801  in the flipped position where top surface  808  faces in a downward direction. In the flipped position, tab  810  of cap  801  aligns to rest on tab  816  of ring member  802 . The elasticity of connection portion  805  and connection portion  806  plus the shape and location of tab  810  hold cap  801  in a flipped position where top surface  808  faces in a downward direction. As shown in  FIG. 37 , because both sides of connection portion  806  extend out of the second incision plane, connection portion  806  is able to fold over and extend out flat from an intersection area  814  of ring member  802 . Likewise, because both sides of connection portion  805  extend out of the second incision plane, connection portion  805  is able to fold over and extend out flat from an intersection area  815  of ring member  802 . Compare this to  FIG. 34  where sides of connection portion  706  extends out of from ring member  702  on two different incision planes resulting in a looping effect where connection portion  706  connects to ring member  702 . Likewise, where sides of connection portion  705  extends out of from ring member  702  on two different incision planes resulting in a looping effect where connection portion  705  connects to ring member  702 . This looping effect increases the effort needed to remove and flip cap  701 . Removing this source of tension, as is accomplished by the design shown in  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 37 . 
     Another way tension is reduced when elevating (e.g. by unscrewing) cap  801  in the system shown in  FIG. 36  is that connection portion  805  and connection portion  806  are at parallel angles during the time cap  808  is separated and elevated from ring member  802 . This feature of parallel angle of connection portion  805  and connection portion  806  is also present in other embodiments such as shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 33 . 
     Further, because both connection portion  806  and connection portion  805  fold over and extend out flat from ring member  802 , this allows ring member to have reduced width, lowering the location of flipped cap  801  relative to container  800 . Tab  810  therefore can have a lower profile, as shown in  FIG. 37  as compared to tab  710  shown in  FIG. 34 . The reduced profile (i.e. lower height) of tab  810  allows for less tension on connection portion  805  and connection portion  806  when flipping and flipping back allowing connection portion  806  and connection portion  805  to be shortened. 
     While the incision pattern shown in  FIG. 35  allows for all the above-described advantages, similar incision patterns can also be used to accomplished the same end result. 
     For example,  FIG. 38  shows a cap  841  on a container  840 . Cap  841  has a top surface  848  and a circular sidewall  843 . Two incisions outline a connection portion  845 , a connection portion  846 , a tab  865 , a tab  866  and a tab  867  as shown. The first incision includes an incision section  851 , an incision section  852 , an incision section  853 , an incision section  854 , an incision section  855 , an incision section  856  and an incision section  857 . The second incision includes an incision section  858 , an incision section  859 , an incision section  860 , an incision section  861 , an incision section  862 , an incision section  863  and an incision section  864 . While connecting pins are not specifically shown in  FIG. 38 , they may be included along the first incision and the second incision, as described above in other implementations. 
     Connection portion  845 , connection portion  846 , tab  865 , tab  866  and tab  867  are all formed between the same two incision planes. The first incision plane is delineated by incision section  851  and incision section  855  of the first incision and by incision section  858  and incision section  862  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the first incision plane. The second incision plane is delineated by incision section  853  and incision section  857  of the first incision and by incision section  864  and incision section  867  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the second incision plane. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  846  are defined by incision section  851  and incision section  852  of the first incision and by incision section  863  and incision section  864  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  845  are defined by incision section  856  and incision section  857  of the first incision and incision section  858  and incision section  859  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of tab  865  are defined by incision section  861 , incision section  862  and incision section  863  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  866  are defined by incision section  859 , incision section  860  and incision section  861  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  867  are defined by incision section  852 , incision section  853  and incision section  854  of the first incision. 
     In the flipped position, tab  865  of cap  841  aligns to rest on tab  860  of ring member  842 . In some implementations, tab  867  can be omitted by omitting incision sections  852 ,  853  and  854  and extending incision section  851  to connect directly with incision section  855 . 
     In another example,  FIG. 39  shows a cap  871  on a container  870 . Cap  871  has a top surface  878  and a circular sidewall  873 . Two incisions outline a connection portion  875 , a connection portion  876 , a tab  895 , a tab  896  and a tab  897  as shown. The first incision includes an incision section  881 , an incision section  882 , an incision section  883 , an incision section  884 , an incision section  885  and an incision section  886 . The second incision includes an incision section  887 , an incision section  888 , an incision section  889 , an incision section  890  and an incision section  891 . While connecting pins are not specifically shown in  FIG. 39 , they may be included along the first incision and the second incision, as described above in other implementations. 
     Connection portion  875 , connection portion  876 , tab  895 , tab  896  and tab  897  are all formed between the same two incision planes. The first incision plane is delineated by incision section  881  of the first incision and by incision section  887  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the first incision plane. The second incision plane is delineated by incision section  883  and incision section  886  of the first incision and by incision section  891  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the second incision plane. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  876  are defined by incision section  881  and incision section  882  of the first incision and by incision section  890  and incision section  891  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  875  are defined by incision section  885  and incision section  886  of the first incision and incision section  887  and incision section  888  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of tab  895  are defined by incision section  889  and incision section  890  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  896  are defined by incision section  888  and incision section  889  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  897  are defined by incision section  884  and incision section  885  of the first incision. 
     In the flipped position, tab  895  of cap  871  aligns to rest on tab  896  of ring member  872 . In some implementations, tab  897  can be omitted by omitting incision sections  884  and  885  and extending incision section  883  to connect directly with incision section  886 . 
     In another example,  FIG. 40  shows a cap  901  on a container  900 . Cap  901  has a top surface  908  and a circular sidewall  903 . Two incisions outline a connection portion  905 , a connection portion  906 , a tab  925 , a tab  926  and a tab  927  as shown. The first incision includes an incision section  911 , an incision section  912 , an incision section  913 , an incision section  914 , an incision section  915  and an incision section  916 . The second incision includes an incision section  920 , an incision section  918 , an incision section  919 , an incision section  920 , an incision section  921  and an incision section  922 . While connecting pins are not specifically shown in  FIG. 39 , they may be included along the first incision and the second incision, as described above in other implementations. 
     Connection portion  905 , connection portion  906 , tab  925 , tab  926  and tab  927  are all formed between the same two incision planes. The first incision plane is delineated by incision section  911  of the first incision and by incision section  917  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the first incision plane. The second incision plane is delineated by incision section  913  and incision section  916  of the first incision and by incision section  919  and incision section  922  of the second incision, which are all incision sections placed on the second incision plane. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  906  are defined by incision section  911  and incision section  912  of the first incision and by incision section  921  and incision section  922  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of connection portion  905  are defined by incision section  915  and incision section  916  of the first incision and incision section  917  and incision section  918  of the second incision. 
     The boundaries of tab  925  are defined by incision section  920  and incision section  921  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  926  are defined by incision section  918 , incision section  919  and incision section  920  of the second incision. The boundaries of tab  927  are defined by incision section  914  and incision section  915  of the first incision. 
     In the flipped position, tab  925  of cap  901  aligns to rest on tab  926  of ring member  902 . In some implementations, tab  927  can be omitted by omitting incision sections  914  and  915  and extending incision section  913  to connect directly with incision section  916 . 
     There are certain common features to the embodiments shown in  FIG. 35 ,  FIG. 38 ,  FIG. 39  and  FIG. 40 . For example, and the tabs and all the connection portions are formed between a first incision plane and a second incision plane. 
     Also, both sides of the connection portions extend to the base of the first incision plane. This is accomplished by the addition of incision sections at the base of each connection portion that extends to the first incision plane. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 35 , incision section  829  at the base of connection portion  806  extends from incision section  828  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  830 . Likewise, incision section  826  at the base of connection portion  805  extends from incision section  827  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  825 . 
     For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 38 , incision section  863  at the base of connection portion  846  extends from incision section  864  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  863 . Likewise, incision section  856  at the base of connection portion  845  extends from incision section  857  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  855 . 
     For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 39 , incision section  890  at the base of connection portion  876  extends from incision section  891  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  889 . Likewise, incision section  885  at the base of connection portion  875  extends from incision section  886  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  884 . 
     For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 40 , incision section  921  at the base of connection portion  906  extends from incision section  922  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  920 . Likewise, incision section  915  at the base of connection portion  905  extends from incision section  916  on the second incision plane to the first incision plane to connect with incision section  914 . 
     The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.