Patent Publication Number: US-7721918-B1

Title: Automatic dispensing cap for squeezable bottle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/856,337, filed May 28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,800, which claims priority of U.S. provisional patent applications 60/473,991 filed May 28, 2003 and 60/474,079 filed May 28, 2003, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The squeezable tube and the squeezable bottle are common containers for products such as creams, lotions, and soaps. The most common devices for opening and closing these squeezable containers are removable caps that are threaded to the container or flip cap dispensing closures. In either case, a two handed effort is required to open the cap before the products can be dispensed and also to close the cap to seal the container. Quite often the cap is not replaced or flipped down, thereby leaving the container unsealed. 
   To overcome the necessity of a two handed effort to both open and close the containers, a self opening and closing device or automatic dispensing cap is described below. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To operate the automatic dispensing cap, the consumer squeezes the container until the desired amount of product has been dispensed. When the squeezing ceases the consumer merely wipes off the flush surface of the automatic dispensing cap with a finger or washcloth. In some cases, an automatic dispensing cap, having a side outlet dispensing spout is used, which dispenses the product directly into the consumers hand or in some cases an automatic dispensing cap with a nozzle to dispense a product on a surface can be used. 
   There are two types of automatic dispensing caps, vented and non-vented. The non-vented automatic dispensing cap is used with tubes that remain collapsed and do not revert back to their original shape after being squeezed. It can operate under severe moisture conditions, such as in a shower, without inhaling or sucking in ambient moisture or other matter that may contaminate or dilute the product remaining in the container. In addition to shower use, an automatic dispensing cap having a floatation collar incorporated for bathtub use, allows the consumer to have one or more floating tubes of soap, body lotion, shampoo, etc. at the tip of their fingers while in the bathtub, whirlpool tub, or hot tub. 
   The vented automatic dispensing cap is used with squeezable containers or bottles that revert back to their original shape after squeezing. These types of containers require a closure that will permit atmospheric pressure to introduce air into the container to replace the product that was removed during dispensing. 
   There are two orientations of vented automatic dispensing caps. The first orientation requires that the bottle be stored and/or operated in the inverted position with the cap down, this allows fluid like products to flow to the automatic dispensing cap for dispensing, also referred to herein as class 1 caps. Existing closures that have a self-opening and self-closing feature also have this requirement. The second orientation of vented automatic dispensing cap is an important departure from this requirement. It is designed to dispense the product with the container stored and operated in the upright position with the cap up, also referred to herein as class 2 caps. In some cases the upright, vented automatic dispensing cap can be used in place of a counter top pump type dispenser, especially if it has a side outlet dispensing spout. 
   At certain times, it is desirable to disable the dispensing mechanism of the automatic dispensing cap. For this purpose the automatic dispensing cap is provided with a disabled or locked position that prevents the product from being dispensed when the container is squeezed. 
   The non-vented automatic dispensing cap is generally formed of a body, a two diameter piston having a hollow rod and an integral valve, a coil spring and a retainer cap. The body is threadably secured to a squeezable tube and has a hole in which the smaller diameter of the piston operates. The retainer cap is threaded to the body, which forms a cylinder in which the large diameter of the piston operates. The coil spring operates between the lower side of the large diameter of the piston and the body and biases the piston toward the retainer cap, which has a dispensing hole in which the integral piston valve is seated. The portion of the cylinder between the top of the large diameter of the piston and the retainer cap is referred to as the pressure chamber. The portion of the cylinder between the lower side of larger diameter of the piston and the body is vented to atmosphere. 
   When the tube is squeezed, the product is forced through the hollow rod of the piston into the pressure chamber. The product pressure will cause the piston to compress the spring and move the valve away from the dispensing hole in the retainer cap, thus allowing the product to be dispensed. When the container is released, the product pressure drops and the spring returns the piston and integral valve to the sealing position preventing any air or foreign matter from entering. Since there is no venting of the tube, the tube volume will be reduced by the amount of the product dispensed, this causes the tube to collapse. It will continue to collapse with each dispensing cycle. 
   The class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing cap is similar to the non-vented automatic dispensing cap described above with the exception of adding venting holes and a shallow venting groove on the pressure side of the large piston face that would port the pressure chamber to the vented area. 
   In order to maintain pressure in the pressure chamber, a flat donut shaped highly flexible and elastic flapper valve is used. The lower face of flapper valve near the outside diameter is secured to the pressure side of the piston. The lower face of the flapper valve near its inside diameter is seated against and is stretched over a shallow conical shaped portion of the pressure side of the piston, thus sealing the shallow venting groove. 
   Containers that require venting are made of a resilient material that returns to the original shape or volume prior to squeezing. When the inverted container is squeezed, the product is forced through the hollow rod of the piston into the pressure chamber. Since the flapper valve is stretched over the conical face of the piston thus forming a seal against the piston face, the product cannot enter the vented area under the piston, therefore, the product pressure will cause the piston to compress the spring and move the integral valve away front the dispensing hole in the retainer cap, thus allowing the product to be dispensed. 
   When the container is released the product pressure drops and the spring returns the piston and valve to the sealing position. As the container tries to return to its original volume, it must make up for the amount of product dispensed. This causes a slight vacuum to occur in the container which in turn will cause atmospheric pressure, present in the vented side of the piston, to enter the venting ports on the face of the large diameter of the piston and unseat the flexible flapper valve, thus allowing air to enter the pressure chamber, flow through the hollow piston rod and into the container, thereby making up the volume lost during dispensing. After the replacement air volume is introduced in the container, the flapper valve reseals the pressure side of the piston. 
   The class 2 (upright) vented automatic dispensing cap is a variation of the class 1 vented automatic dispensing cap. The class 2 vented automatic dispensing cap moves the flapper valve from the top side of the piston to the container side of the body. The same principle of a highly elastic flat donut shape valve stretched over and sealing against a conical shaped surface applies. The venting in the case brings replacement air directly into the container instead of the pressure chamber. In addition to relocating the flapper valve, a tube is secured to the body and extends to the lower part of the container. 
   When the container is squeezed, the pressure in the container forces the product through the tube and the hollow rod of the piston into the pressure chamber. The product pressure will cause the piston to compress the spring and move the valve away from the dispensing hole in the retainer cap, thus allowing the product to be dispensed. When the container is released, the product pressure drops and the spring returns the piston and valve to the sealing position. As the container tries to return to its original volume, it must make up for the amount of product dispensed. This causes a slight vacuum to occur in the container. Since the dispensing hole is closed and there is no venting in the pressure chamber, the container will cause atmospheric pressure present in the vented area between the lower side of the piston and the upper face of the body to unseat the flapper valve secured to the container side of the body, thereby allowing replacement air to enter the container directly. Having the air enter the container directly prevents any belching. Belching occurs when air is trapped in the pressure chamber and is expelled during the next dispensing cycle. 
   To lock out the automatic dispensing feature, the retainer cap is rotated to the locked position. This will move the piston and valve, compressing the spring until the large diameter piston is seated against the body. This will cause the dispensing hole in the retainer cap to be sealed by the valve, and will prevent any product pressure caused by squeezing the container to move the piston and unseat the valve. When the retainer cap is rotated in the opposite direction, a rotation limiter stops the retainer cap at the operating position. 
   Another group of non-vented automatic dispensing caps, also for use with tubes are formed of two pieces: a body and a cap. The cap is a two diameter cup shaped part, having a dispensing hole, two integral cantilever springs spaced equally and extending from the inside diameter and at the open edge of the walls of the cup. The springs are formed as though they are two partial inside diameter flanges approximately ninety degrees in length and are disconnected from the walls of the cup for most of their length to permit the flanges to flex when a force is applied to the disconnected ends. The springs are molded to be at an angle to the open face of the cup. 
   The body is threadably secured to a squeezable tube and formed to have a lip seal at the upper end that engages inside the smaller diameter of the cap. The body has an integral valve that engages and seals the dispensing hole in the cap. A port in the end of the body permits the product in the tube to flow into a pressure chamber formed by the inside of the cap and the seal of the body. 
   Extending from the body are two horizontal lugs spaced equally and two primary vertical lugs spaced equally and at ninety degrees out of phase with the horizontal lugs. Two secondary vertical lugs are adjacent to the primary vertical lugs. The body also has a flange used to tighten it onto the thread of the tube. The horizontal lugs have an angled end, a stepped and notched portion followed by an angled surface. The primary vertical lugs have a rectangular outer surface. The secondary vertical lugs have a rectangular outer surface and are somewhat shorter than the primary vertical lugs. 
   When the cap is initially assembled to the body, it is first aligned so the spring portion falls between the vertical and horizontal lugs of the body, then it is advanced onto the body and rotated until the attached ends of the cantilever springs on the cap engage the bottom of the primary vertical lugs of the body. The automatic dispensing cap will then be in the locked or disabled position with the valve of the body sealing the dispensing hole in the cap. The rotation will also cause the detached ends of the cantilever springs to be deflected becoming engaged with the horizontal lugs. The ends of the cantilever springs will be in contact with the angled portion of the horizontal lugs, which provide some resistance to rotating the cap from the locked position. 
   To dispense the product in the tube, the consumer sets the automatic dispensing cap to the automatic dispensing position by reversing the rotation of the cap until it reaches a positive stop. At this point the cantilever springs will still be engaged with the horizontal lugs and limited from further rotation by the ends of the cantilever springs being against the stepped portion of the horizontal lugs. Slightly raised bumps on the ends of the cantilever springs are seated in the notches of the horizontal lugs to prevent accidental rotation of the cap from the automatic dispensing position. With the cap in the automatic dispensing position the force from the cantilever springs of the cap on the horizontal lugs of the body will provide sufficient force on the dispensing hole in the cap on the valve of the body to seal the dispensing hole in the cap. The secondary vertical lugs will contact the attached ends of the cantilever springs to prevent any excess strain that might cause the springs to fail if an accidental separating force is applied to the cap when in the automatic dispensing position. 
   When the tube is squeezed with the automatic dispensing cap in the automatic dispensing position, the product is forced through the port in the body to the pressure chamber. The product pressure will cause the cap to move away from the body, which will deflect the cantilever springs and move the dispensing hole away from the valve thus allowing the product to be dispensed. 
   When the tube is released, the product pressure drops and the cantilever springs return the cap so that the dispensing hole in the cap is sealed by the valve of the body. Since a positive pressure in the pressure chamber exists, both before the cap moves during dispensing and for a short time after the cap is sealed, when the tube is released, there is no opportunity for air, foreign matter or water to enter the automatic dispensing cap during dispensing. This makes it an ideal device to use in the shower or even in the bathtub. It can operate under water with no product contamination. Since there is no venting of the tube, the tube volume will be reduced by the amount of product dispensed. This causes the tube to collapse. It will continue to collapse with each dispensing cycle. 
   The class 1, or inverted, vented automatic dispensing cap is similar to the non-vented automatic dispensing cap described above with the exception of adding a side entry venting port connected to a groove on the bottle side of the body, just above the bottle neck. The port allows replacement air to enter directly into the bottle. 
   In order to pressurize the bottle and pressure chamber when the bottle is squeezed, a flat donut shaped highly flexible and elastic flapper valve is used to seal the venting groove. The outside diameter of the flapper valve is retained by and sealed against the bottle side of the body by a combination valve retainer and bottle seal. The upper face of the flapper valve near its inside diameter is seated against and is stretched over a shallow conical shaped portion of the container side of the body, thus sealing the shallow groove. 
   Bottles that require venting are made of a resilient material that returns to the original shape or volume prior to squeezing. When the inverted bottle is squeezed, the product is forced through the port of the body and into the pressure chamber. Since the flapper valve is sealed against the body, the product cannot enter the venting groove of the body, therefore, the product pressure will cause the cap to move way front the body which will deflect the cantilever springs and move the dispensing hole away from the valve, thus allowing the product to be dispensed. 
   When the bottle is released, the product pressure drops and the cantilever springs return the cap to its original position so the dispensing hole in the cap is sealed by the valve of the body. As the bottle attempts to return to its original volume it must make up for the amount of product dispensed. This causes a slight vacuum to occur in the bottle. Since the dispensing hole is sealed, and there is no venting in the pressure chamber, the vacuum in the bottle will cause atmospheric pressure present on the vented side of the body to enter the venting port and groove and unseat the flapper valve secured to the bottle side of the body, thereby allowing replacement air to enter the container directly. After the replacement air is introduced in the bottle, the flapper valve reseals the pressure side of the body. 
   The class 2 (upright) vented automatic dispensing cap is identical to the class 1 (inverted) vented automatic dispensing cap with the exception of adding a pressure tube that is secured into the port on the bottle side of the body and extends to the lower part of the bottle. When the upright bottle is squeezed, the pressure in the bottle forces the product through the tube and the port in the body and into the pressure chamber. All functions relating to the dispensing cycle and the introduction of replacement air back into the bottle are the same as the class 1, vented automatic dispensing cap. Belching is prevented because the replacement air must come directly into the bottle as previously described and cannot enter the pressure chamber because the tube isolates the pressure chamber from the air in the bottle. 
   Several variations of the above are described in the following text and drawings. They include a nozzle type retainer cap for applying product to a specific area, a non-vented automatic dispensing cap having a flotation collar that causes the tube to float when used in a bath tub for such products as soap, shampoo and body lotion, and a side outlet dispensing spout for use when the automatic dispensing cap can be operated with the container in the vertical or near vertical position such as the non-vented automatic dispensing cap or the class 2, vented automatic dispensing cap. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an external view of a conventional tube with a removable automatic dispensing cap. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a section through a removable non-vented automatic dispensing cap using a coil spring as a piston return device. Side A shows the automatic dispensing cap in the operating position and side B shows the automatic dispensing cap in the locked position. 
       FIG. 4  is a section through a removable non-vented automatic dispensing cap using multiple leaf springs, which are integral with the body, to provide a piston return means. 
       FIG. 5  is a section taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  showing the rotation limiter that stops the retainer cap at the operating position. 
       FIG. 6  is a view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4  showing a top view of the multiple leaf springs that are integral with the body. 
       FIG. 7  is a section taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4  showing a side view of the leaf spring integral with the body. 
       FIG. 8  is a section through a removable non-vented automatic dispensing cap having a nozzle type retainer cap. 
       FIG. 9  is a section taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8  showing the configuration of the piston and integral shut off valve. 
       FIG. 10  is a section taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 3  showing the rotation limiter that stops the retainer cap at the operating position. 
       FIG. 11  is a section through a retainer cap having a floatation collar for use with a non-vented automatic dispensing cap. This arrangement allows the tube containing the product to float. 
       FIG. 12  is a section through a class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing cap. 
       FIG. 13  is a top view of the vented automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged, partial section of the piston and flapper valve shown in  FIG. 12  with a flapper valve in the venting position. 
       FIG. 15  is a top view of the piston shown in  FIG. 14  without the flapper valve. 
       FIG. 16  is a section through a class 2 (upright), vented automatic dispensing cap. 
       FIG. 17  is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged partial section of the body and flapper valve shown in  FIG. 16  with the flapper valve in the venting position. 
       FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the body shown in  FIG. 18  without the flapper valve. 
       FIG. 20  is a view of a class 2, vented automatic dispensing cap having a side outlet dispenser spout. 
       FIG. 21  is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 22  is an external view of a conventional tube with a removable automatic dispensing cap. 
       FIG. 23  is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap and tube shown in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 24  is an external view of a squeezable bottle with a vented automatic dispensing cap. 
       FIG. 25  is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap and bottle shown in  FIG. 24 . 
       FIG. 26  is section shown through a removable, non-vented, two-piece automatic dispensing cap. Side A shows the automatic dispensing cap in the ready-to-dispense position, side B shows the automatic dispensing cap open during the dispensing cycle. 
       FIG. 26C  shows the automatic dispensing cap having an alternate design to provide the simpler mold requirements and less costly to change dispensing hole size. 
       FIG. 27  is a section taken along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 26  showing the relationship of the two parts when they are initially assembled. 
       FIG. 28  is a section taken along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 26  showing the relationship of the two parts when they have been rotated to the automatic dispensing position. 
       FIG. 29  is a roll-out view taken along circular line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28  showing the relationship of the two parts when they are initially assembled. 
       FIG. 30  is a roll-out view taken along circular line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 38  showing the relationship of the two parts when the automatic dispensing cap is in the automatic dispensing position and ready for a user to dispense product, see  FIG. 26B . 
       FIG. 31  is a roll-out view taken along circular line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 28  showing the relationship of the two parts when they are in the automatic dispensing position while product is being dispensed. 
       FIG. 32  is a roll-out view taken along circular line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 28  showing the relationship of the two parts when automatic dispensing cap is sealed and rotated to the locked position to prevent accidental dispensing of product. 
       FIG. 33  is a section through an inverted, vented automatic dispensing cap secured to a squeezable bottle. 
       FIG. 34  is a view taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 . 
       FIG. 35  is an enlarged section taken along line  35 - 35  of  FIG. 34 . 
       FIG. 36  is a section through an upright, vented automatic dispensing cap secured to a squeezable bottle. 
       FIG. 37  is a view of an upright, vented automatic dispensing cap having a side outlet dispensing spout. 
       FIG. 38  is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 37 . 
       FIG. 39  is a section through a removable two-piece non-vented nozzle type automatic dispensing cap. Side A shows the automatic dispensing cap in the sealed and locked position. Side B shows the automatic dispensing cap during the dispensing cycle. 
       FIG. 40  is a section taken along the section line  40 - 40  of  FIG. 39  showing the configuration of the body and integral shut off valve. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 3  shows a removable type of a non-vented automatic dispensing cap formed of body  4  that is threaded to conventional tube  5 . Threadably secured to body  4  is retainer cap  1  having product-dispensing hole  8  shown in  FIG. 2 , which operates in a two chamber cylinder formed by body  4  and retainer cap  1 . The large diameter of piston  2  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of retainer cap  1 . The hollow rod of piston  2  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of body  4 . Piston  2  has integral valve  6  that engages and seals product-dispensing hole  8 . Coil spring  3  operates between piston  2  and body  4 . Chamber  10  is vented to the atmosphere by venting hole  11 . 
   When tube  5  is squeezed, a pressure develops causing the product in tube  5  to flow through port  7  of piston  2  into pressure chamber  9  formed by piston  2  and retainer cap  1 . As the pressure increases on piston  2  in chamber  9 , the preset biasing force of coil spring  3  is exceeded, causing piston  2  and valve  6  to move away from the position that seals dispensing hole  8 , thus allowing the product to flow through dispensing hole  8  until the squeezing action on tube  5  ceases. 
   When the squeezing action ceases, the pressure will drop and the force from coil spring  3  will cause piston  2  and valve  6  to return to the sealing position. As this occurs, any product at dispensing hole  8  will be expelled as valve  6  seals hole  8 , therefore preventing any opportunity for ambient material or air to enter hole  8 . After the squeezing action ceases, the consumer merely wipes the product from the flat surface of retainer cap  1  and the nearly flush surface of valve  6 . 
     FIG. 3B  shows the automatic dispensing cap in the locked position. To lock the automatic dispensing cap, retainer cap  1  is generally rotated in a clockwise direction, advancing on threads  15  until retainer cap  1 , being engaged with valve  6  at dispensing hole  8 , forces piston shoulder  16  against face  17  of body  4 . When this occurs, the rotation of retainer cap  1  is stopped and dispensing hole  8  is sealed by valve  6 . 
   To return the automatic dispensing cap to the operating position, as shown in  FIG. 3A , retainer cap  1  is rotated in the opposite direction until rotation stop  12 , shown in  FIG. 10 , engages stop lug  13 . Deflection of stop lug  13  is limited by lug  14 . The configuration of lugs  13  and  14  allows rotation stop  12  to deflect stop lug  13  sufficiently for rotation stop  12  to pass over lug  14 , during the assembly of retainer cap  1 . 
     FIG. 4  shows a removable type of a non-vented automatic dispensing cap formed of body  20  that is threaded to conventional tube  28 . Threadably secured to body  20  is retainer cap  24  having product-dispensing hole  8  shown in  FIG. 2 . Piston  2  operates in a two chamber cylinder formed by body  20  and retainer cap  24 . The large diameter of piston  2  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of retainer cap  24 . The hollow rod of piston  2  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of body  20 . Piston  2  has integral valve  6  that engages and seals product dispensing hole  8 . Leaf springs  21 , seen in  FIG. 7 , which are integral with body  20 , operate between piston  2  and body  20 . Chamber  26  is vented to atmosphere by venting hole  27 . 
   The operation of the automatic dispensing cap  4  is identical to the operation of the automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 3 . 
     FIG. 4  shows the automatic dispensing cap in the operating position. The locking feature works the same as the automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 3 . However, when retainer cap  24  is rotated to the operating position, rotation stop  23 , seen in  FIG. 5 , engages stop lug  22 , thereby preventing any further rotation. The configuration of stop lug  22  allows it to be deflected by rotation stop  23  during the assembly of retainer cap  24  to body  20 . 
   The automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 8  has a retainer cap  30  with an extended nozzle  33 . Piston  34  has valve extension  31  and integral valve  32 . Valve  32  is configured to seat in the tapered dispensing hole of nozzle  33 . 
   The operation of the automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 8  is identical to the operation of the automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 3 . The locking feature also is the same. 
     FIG. 11  shows a variation of a retainer cap for a non-vented automatic dispensing cap modified to provide a floatation ring. Retainer cap  37  is provided with an outer air chamber  38  formed by integral circular base wall  40 , and integral outer ring  39 . Sealing cap  41  is secured to retainer cap  37  and outer ring  39 , thereby forming air chamber  38  to provide the desired floatation. 
     FIG. 12  shows a class 1, removable type of vented automatic dispensing cap formed of body  46  that is threaded to squeezable bottle  59 . Threadably secured to body  46  is retainer cap  45  having product-dispensing hole  56  shown in  FIG. 13 . Piston  47  operates in a two chamber cylinder formed by body  46  and retainer cap  45 . The large diameter of piston  47  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of retainer cap  45 . The hollow rod of piston  47  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of body  46 . Piston  47  has integral valve  51  that engages and seals product-dispensing hole  56 . Coil spring  49  operates between piston  47  and body  46 . Chamber  50  is vented to atmosphere by vent hole  53 . Piston  47  has shallow venting groove  58  and venting hole  57  shown in enlarged section in  FIG. 14 . The lower face near the outside diameter of flapper valve  48  is secured to piston  47 . The lower face near the inside diameter of flapper valve  48  is stretched over shallow conical surface  60  of piston  47 , thereby providing a seal between pressure chamber  54  and vented chamber  50  when the pressure in both chambers are nearly equal as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   Generally the class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing cap is used with a squeezable bottle that is stored in the inverted position. When the inverted bottle  59  is squeezed, a pressure develops causing the product in bottle  59  to flow through port  52  of piston  47  into pressure chamber  54  formed by piston  47  and retainer cap  45 . As the pressure increases on piston  47  in chamber  54 , the preset biasing force of coil spring  49  is exceeded, causing piston  47  and valve  51  to move away from the position that seals dispensing hole  56 , thus allowing the product to flow through dispensing hole  56  until the squeezing action on bottle  59  ceases. 
   When the squeezing action ceases on bottle  59 , the pressure will drop and the force from coil spring  49  will cause piston  47  and valve  51  to return to a position that seals hole  56 . After the squeezing action ceases, the consumer merely wipes the product from the flat surface of retainer cap  48  and the nearly flush surface of valve  51 . Since the vented automatic dispensing cap is generally used with a bottle that is stored with the cap down, a shallow concave surface for retainer cap  45  may benefit the stability for storing and provide a slight clearance at dispensing hole  56 . As bottle  59  tries to return to its original volume it must make up for the amount of product dispensed. This causes a vacuum to occur in container  59  and in chamber  54 , which in turn will cause atmospheric pressure present in the vented side of piston  47  by means of vent hole  53  in body  46  to enter venting port  57  and shallow venting groove  58  of piston  47  and unseat flapper valve  48  as shown in  FIG. 14 . This allows air to enter container  59  by way of chamber  54  and make up the volume lost during dispensing. Since it requires a pressure differential to unseat flapper valve  48 , flapper valve  48  acts as a check valve, therefore there can be no chance of reverse flow or product leakage through flapper valve  48 . After the replacement air volume is introduced in container  59 , flapper valve  48  reseals the pressure side of piston  47 . 
     FIG. 16  shows a class 2 (upright), removable type of vented automatic dispensing cap formed of body  75  that is attached to squeezable bottle  78 . Threadably secured to body  75  is retainer cap  70  having product-dispensing hole  81  shown in  FIG. 17 . Piston  73  operates in a two chamber cylinder formed by body  75  and retainer cap  70 . The large diameter of piston  73  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of retainer cap  70 . The hollow rod of piston  73  has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surface of body  75 . Piston  73  has integral valve  72  that engages and seals product-dispensing hole  81 . Coil spring  79  operates between piston  73  and body  75 . Chamber  74  is vented to atmosphere by vent slot  76  of body  75 . Body  75  has shallow groove  80  and venting hole  84  shown in enlarged section in  FIG. 18 . The upper face near the outside diameter of flapper valve  77  is secured to the lower face of body  75 . The upper face near the inside diameter of flapper valve  77  is stretched over shallow conical surface  83  of body  75 , thereby providing a seal between container  78  and vented chamber  74  when the pressure in container  78  and chamber  74  are nearly equal, as shown in  FIG. 16 . Tube  85  is secured to body  75  and extends to the lower portion of bottle  78 . 
   The class 2 (upright), vented automatic dispensing cap is used with a squeezable bottle that is stored in the upright position. When the upright bottle  78  is squeezed, a pressure develops causing the product in bottle  78  to flow through tube  85  and port  82  of piston  73  into pressure chamber  71  formed by piston  73  and retainer cap  70 . As the pressure increases on piston  73  in chamber  71 , the preset biasing force of coil spring  79  is exceeded, causing piston  73  and valve  72  to move away from the position that seals dispensing hole  81 , thus allowing the product to flow through dispensing hole  81  until the squeezing action on bottle  78  ceases. 
   When the squeezing action ceases on bottle  78 , the pressure will drop and the force from coil spring  79  will cause piston  73  and valve  72  to return to a position that seals hole  81 . After the squeezing ceases, the consumer merely wipes the product from the flat surface of retainer cap  70  and nearly flush surface of valve  72 . 
   As bottle  78  tries to return to its original volume, it must make up for the amount of product dispensed. This causes a vacuum to occur in container  78 , which in turn will cause atmospheric pressure present in chamber  74  to enter venting hole  84  and shallow venting groove  80  of body  75  and unseat flapper valve  77 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . This allows air to enter container  78  and replace with air the product volume lost during dispensing. Since it requires a pressure differential to unseat flapper valve  77 , flapper valve  77  acts as a check valve. Therefore, there can be no chance of reverse flow or product leakage through flapper valve  77 . Alter the replacement air volume is introduced in container  78 , flapper valve  77  reseals the pressure side of body  75 . 
   The class 2 (upright), vented automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  has retainer cap  90  with dispensing hole  92  leading through outlet spout  91  to port  93 . 
   When the upright bottle  78  is squeezed, the product will flow through dispensing hole  92  as described previously for class 2 (upright), vented automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 16 , from dispensing hole  92 , the product will flow through port  93  and exit spout  91 . During the squeezing action, the product is dispensed into the palm of the consumer&#39;s hand. For very low viscosity products a slight angle port may be used to prevent drippage. 
   A side outlet retainer similar to the one shown in  FIG. 20  can be used with the squeezable tube shown in  FIG. 1 . For certain applications, this may be preferred by the consumer. 
     FIGS. 12 and 16  show the vented automatic dispensing cap in the operating position. A locking feature similar to the one for the non-vented automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 3  can be used with the vented automatic dispensing cap. 
     FIGS. 22 and 23  show another automatic dispensing cap on a conventional tube  103 .  FIGS. 24 and 25  show an automatic dispensing cap on a resilient bottle  124 . 
     FIG. 26  shows a removable non-vented automatic dispensing cap including of body  102  that is threaded to squeezable tube  103 . Body  102  has lip seal  105 , port  117  and valve  106 . In addition, body  102  has two horizontal lugs  107 , two primary vertical lugs  108  and two secondary vertical lugs  111  shown in  FIG. 27 . Operating with body  102  is cap  101  including of dispensing hole  104 , two cantilever springs  109  having knob  113  that are attached to inside of cap  101  at area  110 . When assembled, diameter  115  of cap  101  engages lip seal  105  of body  102  forming pressure chamber  116 . 
   After cap  101  is assembled to body  102  and rotated to the locked position of  FIG. 32 , the lower surfaces of primary vertical lugs  108  are engaged with area  110  of springs  109  forcing dispensing hole  104  of cap  101  against valve  106  of body  102 , thereby sealing the automatic dispensing cap for storage. This initial rotation also causes cantilever springs  109  to be deflected by horizontal lugs  107  and for knobs  113  of springs  109  to engage lugs  107  at angled surfaces  112 . 
   To set the automatic dispensing cap to the automatic dispensing positioning,  FIG. 30 , the rotation of cap  101  is reversed to a positive stop where knob  113  of springs  109  will then be engaged in notch  114  at stepped portion of lug  107 . In this position, the cantilever spring  109  develops a biasing force on cap  101 , which causes dispensing hole  104  to engage valve  6  to effectively seal the automatic dispensing cap. 
   The engagement of knob  113  in notch  114  provides a detent to prevent cap  101  from accidentally being rotated from the automatic dispensing position. With the automatic dispensing cap in the auto position, secondary vertical lugs  111  will limit the vertical travel of cap  101  contacting area  110  of cantilever spring  109  if an accidental separating force is applied to cap  101 . 
   When tube  103  is squeezed, while the automatic dispensing cap is in the automatic dispensing position, a pressure develops causing the product in tube  103  to flow through port  117  into pressure chamber  116 . As the pressure increases on cap  101  in pressure chamber  116 , the biasing force of cantilever springs  109  is exceeded, causing cap  101  to move away from the position that seals dispensing hole  104  with valve  106 ,  FIG. 26B , thus allowing the product to flow through dispensing hole  104  until the squeezing action on tube  103  ceases. 
   When the squeezing ceases, the pressure will drop and the force from cantilever springs  109  will cause valve  106  to return into dispensing hole  104  of cap  101 . As this occurs, any product at dispensing hole  104  will be expelled as valve  106  seals dispensing hole  104 , therefore, preventing any opportunity for ambient material or air to enter hole  104 . After squeezing action ceases, the consumer merely wipes the product from the flat surface of cap  101  and the flush surface of valve  106 . 
     FIG. 26C  shows cap  101  being formed of cup  101 A and spring ring  101 B. These separate parts may be produced with less costly molds. Multiple cups  101 A having various size dispensing holes  104 A may be matched to a common spring ring  118  for further cost consideration. Effectively, cup  101 A and spring ring  101 B become one part, i.e. cap when they are pressed together. Alternately, the manufacturer may consider one piece cap  101 ,  FIG. 26  more efficient because fewer parts need to be handled. 
     FIG. 33  shows a class 1 (inverted) vented automatic dispensing cap secured to squeezable bottle  124  and formed of body  121  and cap  120 . Cap  120  is configured much like cap  101  shown in  FIG. 26  and in some cases can be used interchangeably. Body  121  has many of the elements of body  102  shown in  FIG. 26  such as the primary and secondary vertical lugs shown as item  128  and horizontal lug  129 . Referring to enlarged section  FIG. 35 , body  121  has venting hole  125  that connect to venting groove  131 . Highly flexible flapper valve  126  is secured to body  121  by retainer-seal  127  that is pressed into body  121  and engages the neck face of bottle  124 . During installation, flapper valve  126  is stretched over conical face  128  of body  121  effectively sealing venting groove  131 . Again referring to  FIG. 33 , a tapered ring  123  of bottle  124  is shown engaging and securing taper ring  122 , of body  121  such that when body  121  is pressed onto the neck of bottle  124 , the taper rings will deflect sufficiently to cause the engagement indicated. If required, slots in appropriate portions around hub  132  of body  121  could be added to allow easier assembly of body  121  to bottle  124 . It should be noted that the above is one of several means of securing the vented automatic dispensing cap to a squeezable bottle. 
   It should also be noted that the elements and function shown in  FIGS. 27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 , and  32  and described in previous text apply to the vented automatic dispensing cap. 
   Generally the Class 1 vented automatic dispensing cap is used with a squeezable bottle that is stored in the inverted position. When the inverted bottle  124  with the automatic dispensing cap in the automatic dispensing position ( FIG. 30 ) is squeezed, a pressure develops causing the product in bottle  124  to flow through port  133  of body  121  into pressure chamber  134  formed by lip seal  129  and inside diameter of cap  120 . As pressure increases on cap  120  in pressure chamber  134 , the preset biasing force of cantilever springs  135  is exceeded causing cap  120  to move away from the position that seals dispensing hole  130  of cap  120  with valve  128  of body  121 , thus allowing the product to flow through dispensing hole  130  until the squeezing action on bottle  124  ceases. 
   When the squeezing action ceases, the pressure drops and the force from cantilever springs  135  will cause cap  120  to return dispensing hole  130  to seal against valve  128 . As this occurs, any product at dispensing hole  130  will be expelled as valve  128  seals dispensing hole  130 . At this point, the consumer merely wipes off the product from the flat surface of cap  120 . 
   As bottle  124  tries to return to its original volume to make up for the amount of product dispensed, a vacuum occurs in container  124 , which in turn causes atmospheric pressure to enter venting port  125  and venting groove  131  of body  121  and unseat flapper valve  126  as shown in  FIG. 35 . This allows replacement air to enter container  124  and make up the product volume lost during dispensing. Since it requires a pressure differential to unseat flapper valve  126 , flapper valve  126  acts as a check valve, therefore there can be no chance of reverse flow of product leakage through flapper valve  126 . After the make up volume is introduced in container  124 , flapper valve  126  reseals the pressure side of body  121 . 
   The class 2 (upright) vented automatic dispensing cap is shown in  FIG. 36 . It is identical to the class 1 automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIGS. 33 ,  34 ,  35  with the exception of adding pressure tube  140 . Pressure tube  140  is secured into port  133  of body  121  and extends to the lower part of the bottle. 
   When upright bottle  124  is squeezed with the automatic dispensing cap in the automatic dispensing position, the pressure in bottle  124  forces the product through tube  140  and port  133  into pressure chamber  134 . All functions relating to the dispensing cycle and the introduction of replacement air back into bottle  124  are the same as the class 1 automatic dispensing cap described above and shown in  FIG. 33 . 
   The class 2 vented automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38  has cap  141 , dispensing hole  142 , outlet port  143  and side outlet spout  144 . 
   When the upright bottle  124  is squeezed, the product will flow through dispensing hole  142  as described previously for class 2 vented automatic dispensing cap shown in  FIG. 36 . From dispensing hole  142 , the product will flow through outlet port  143  and exit spout  144 . During the squeezing action, the product is dispensed into the palm of the consumer&#39;s hand. For very low viscosity products, a port that is angled slightly upward may be used to prevent dripping. 
   The automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 39  has a cap  148  with an extended nozzle  150 . Body  149  has valve extension and integral valve  151 . Valve  151  is configured to seat in tapered dispensing hole  152  of nozzle  150 . The operation of the automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 39  is identical to the operation of the automatic dispensing cap in  FIG. 26 . The locking feature is also the same. 
   The valve that is integral with the piston or body can be configured to suit the application. The drawings disclose a flat face seal, a spherical faced seal and a tapered seal. 
   It should be noted that all configurations of the automatic dispensing cap could use either the coil spring or the leaf spring design and the associated locking arrangement. It should also be noted that a class 2 vented automatic dispensing cap could be used as a class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing cap by eliminating tube  85 . 
   A resilient material, such as plastic is used to create the automatic dispensing cap. The material selected must have the necessary stress relaxation times and rates to perform as described herein. 
   Many features have been listed with particular configurations, options, and embodiments. Any one or more of the features described may be added to or combined with any of the other embodiments or other standard devices to create alternate combinations and embodiments. 
   Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only one possible embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments and modifications will, no doubt, occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.