Patent Publication Number: US-10787354-B2

Title: Tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application includes disclosure set forth in a provisional patent application, 61/955,700, filed Mar. 19, 2014 in the name of Robert W. Ranftl and entitled Tool for Removal and Closure of Bottle and Container Caps, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to keychain type tools and novelty items and particularly to tools utilized in manipulating bottle caps, including plastic water bottle caps, to and from bottles, twist-off metal crimped-on bottle caps, medicine container caps or similar container caps, whether metal or plastic. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The sale and transport of many liquids or granular materials utilize containers which are generally described as “bottles”. Many such bottles are used in transport and sale of potable liquids such as water, soda, milk and other foods and beverages as well as medicines. Such bottles are also used in the sale and transport of liquids and granular materials which are not suitable for consumption but provide liquids such as cleaning agents or chemicals. 
     While bottles have been provided in a virtually endless variety of shapes, sizes and constructions, perhaps the most common type of bottle in the modern marketplace utilizes a container body defining a reservoir therein and supporting a closed bottom with an upwardly extending filler neck. Such bottles are often made of glass or plastic materials. However, bottles have also been provided which are fabricated from a metal material such as common aluminum or the like. Closure of the typical bottle is provided by a bottle cap which is usually snapped upon the bottle neck or received upon the neck in a twist or threaded engagement. 
     Of particular interest to the use of the present invention tool are those bottle caps generally described as “twist-off” caps so named because they are removed from and replaced upon the bottle neck in a twisting (rotating) motion upon the bottle neck. While some metal twist-off type bottle caps are crimped upon the bottle neck, most are threaded and secured to cooperating threads on the bottle neck. 
     One of the difficulties encountered using bottles having twist-off type bottle caps arises due to the tight seal which the bottled product requires to avoid leakage and contamination of the bottle contents. For the most part, seal integrity is achieved by a relatively tight attachment of the cap upon the bottle neck. 
     While the use of a tight closure of the cap upon the bottle neck often renders the bottle cap difficult to manipulate and remove, additional difficulties are often created through the use of tear-off integrity closure mechanisms integrally formed on the bottle cap. These integrity closures or seals are often configured to fracture and tear apart when the bottle cap is twisted upon the neck during the initial opening of the bottle. Such integrity closures are very effective in reassuring consumers that the bottle cap has not been previously removed and that the bottle contents are undisturbed and uncontaminated. However, the integrity type closure seals further increase the amount of torque required to initially open a bottle. 
     Thus, despite the advantages of economy, convenience and pervasiveness of bottles utilizing twist type caps, several problems arise for the consumer during typical use. As mentioned above, the need to provide secure closure and a trustworthy leakproof seal leads manufacturers to provide bottle caps that are securely twisted closed and often embellished with an integrity seal closure mechanism. As a result, it simply takes a substantial torque to twist the typical bottle cap from the bottle neck during use. 
     Additional problems arise in that many bottle caps are relatively small and difficult to manipulate. This problem is particularly frustrating for users such as young children, aged persons and persons having debilitating illnesses such as arthritis or the like. In further addition, problems are exacerbated in that bottle and container caps are not only small in size and therefore present a limited grip area, they tend to be fabricated of materials which are somewhat slippery and therefore even more difficult to grasp with sufficient gripping force to allow twisting of the bottle cap. Another difficulty with grasping a cap by hand arises due to the abrasive surface on the typical cap, which, with repeated contact, may cause irritation or injury. 
     There arises therefore an unresolved and unsatisfied need in the art for an easy to use, inexpensive and convenient tool for use in opening tight bottle caps. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present, invention to provide an improved tool. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved tool which is easy to use and which is convenient to carry. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps which is easy to use and convenient to carry and which is lightweight, low in cost and which is colorful, amusing, interesting and which accommodates a range of different sized caps. 
     The present invention tool provides a resilient relatively soft tool body defining a closed top surface and a surrounding side surface extending downwardly therefrom. The present invention tool further includes a bottom surface which defines an upwardly extending generally cylindrical recess therein. The recess includes interior walls which in their preferred form support a plurality of gripping ridges or edges. The recess is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a bottle cap thereby allowing the user to grip the tool squeezing its recess surfaces against the bottle cap in a gripping engagement and thereafter applying a torque or twist to the tool allowing the bottle cap to be easily removed. In its preferred fabrication, the present invention tool further includes a plurality of radially extending relief slots formed in the recess wall to facilitate better gripping action and to allow the recess wall to stretch and expand thereby accommodating different bottle cap sizes. Finally, the present invention tool may utilize a plurality of differently sized recesses arranged in descending order to engage different bottle cap sizes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  sets forth a perspective view of a tool constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  sets forth a top view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  sets forth a bottom view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  sets forth a side view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 1 , the remaining side view thereof being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 5  sets forth a section view of the present invention tool taken along section lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2  illustrating the application of the present invention tool to an illustrative bottle cap; 
         FIG. 6  sets forth a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention tool; 
         FIG. 7  sets forth a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  sets forth a section view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 6  taken along section lines  8 - 8  therein; 
         FIG. 9  sets forth a bottom view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool; 
         FIG. 10  sets forth a section view of the embodiment of the present invention present invention tool shown in  FIG. 9  taken along section lines  10 - 10  therein; 
         FIG. 11  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool; 
         FIG. 12  sets forth a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool; 
         FIG. 14  sets forth a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  sets forth a top view of an alternate embodiment the present invention tool; 
         FIG. 16  sets forth a section view an alternate embodiment of the present invention tool taken along section lines  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15  illustrating the application of the present invention tool to an illustrative bottle cap; 
         FIG. 17  sets forth a section view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 18  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 19  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 20  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 21  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 22  sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 23  sets forth an operational view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps; 
         FIG. 25  sets forth a top view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool shown; 
         FIG. 26  sets forth a bottom view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  sets forth a right side view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 25 , the left side view thereof being a mirror image of the right side view; 
         FIG. 28  sets forth a section view of the present invention tool taken along section lines  28 - 28  in  FIG. 25  illustrating the application of the present invention tool to an illustrative bottle cap; 
         FIG. 29  sets forth a top view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool shown; 
         FIG. 30  sets forth a bottom view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  sets forth a right side view of the present invention tool shown in  FIG. 29 , the left side view thereof being a mirror image of the right side view; and 
         FIG. 32  sets forth a section view of the present invention tool taken along section lines  32 - 32  in  FIG. 29  illustrating the application of the present invention tool to an illustrative bottle cap. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     By way of overview, the present invention tool includes a body formed of a soft deformable resilient material such as silicone foam rubber or foam plastic, silicone rubber, PVC or other elastomers. The tool is fabricated to also serve as a keychain fob or a novelty item. When used as a keychain fob, the tool typically includes an attachment tab which in turn provides attachment to a keychain or the like. The soft resilient deformable body may define an easily gripped ergonomic shape. The soft resilient deformable body may also be formed in a fanciful amusing and entertaining shape such as a flower or other suitable amusement device. Alternatively, the body may define an ergonomic shape. The tool body is formed to define a closed top surface preferably supporting a decorative or amusing icon and having downwardly extending continuous sidewalls surrounding the periphery of the top portion. Alternatively, the top surface may be entirely or partially open to reveal the top surface of an inserted cap. The underside of the tool body includes a generally planar surface within which a bottle cap receiving recess is formed. The interior side wall of the recess supports a plurality of gripping elements such as knurl or parallel gripping ridges. The recess is generally cylindrical and terminates beneath the top portion of the body. In its preferred form, the recess sidewall further defines a plurality of radially extending equally spaced expansion slots which facilitate stretching of the tool body to enhance the gripping of different sized caps. In some embodiments, the body top surface may define a aperture extending through the entire body. 
     The present invention tool assists the user in removing conventional twist-off caps such as those found upon personal sized water bottles or the like. In addition, the inventive tool may provide an amusement item or key fob. The tool is used by placing the body of the tool upon the bottle cap such that the bottle cap is received within the bottle cap recess. Thereafter, the user simply squeezes the tool deforming the tool body slightly and causing the interior surfaces of the recess to grip the outer surface of the bottle cap. Once the tool has been squeezed to accommodate and conform to the particular bottle cap, the user simply rotates the tool which in turn carries the bottle cap and removes it from the neck of the bottle. In the preferred fabrication of the invention, the soft resilient body is able to stretch and because of the expansion slots accommodate different bottle cap sizes. In alternate environments, the tool body defines multiple bottle cap resources arranged in descending size to further accommodate different standard sized bottle caps. In still further alternate embodiments, the bottle cap recess defines a frusto-conical interior wall which provides a tapered wall in order to accommodate a variety of bottle cap sizes. To increase the amusement, entertainment and licensing aspects of the tool, a variety of different shapes and configurations of the tool body are provided together with a corresponding variety of icons or other amusement appearance enhancements upon the top surface of the tool body. 
     More specifically,  FIG. 1  sets forth a perspective view of a tool constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  10 . Tool  10  includes a resilient soft deformable body  11  fabricated of a material such as silicone, foam rubber or foam plastic, silicone rubber, PVC or other elastomers. In the preferred embodiment of the invention material hardness of body  11  between 20 Shore A to 70 Shore A is utilized with an optimum hardness of 35 Shore A being suitable for most applications. The essential aspects of body  11  include sufficient softness and deformity to readily accommodate the squeezing action of the user while concurrently exhibiting sufficient resilience to restore its original shape when released and used as a decorative key fob. The resilient deformable character of the deformable body allows the tool to stretch and accommodate differently sized and contoured caps. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the size and dimension of the cap receiving recess may be selected to suit particular requirements of use. It has been found to be advantageous to utilize a preferred fit in which the bottle cap recess is slightly smaller that the bottle cap in order to introduce a slight stretch (referred to as “preload”) of the tool to aid the user&#39;s grip of the bottle cap. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 , body  11  is fashioned in a fanciful flower-like shape for easy gripping and for amusement and entertainment value. In the preferred fabrication of the invention, the outer surface of body  11  is given a matte finish to enhance the user&#39;s grip on the tool. Conversely, the interior surface of cap recess  21  is provided with a shiny surface to provide a “sticky” characteristic to enhance the tool&#39;s grip upon a bottle cap. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the flower-like shape of body  11  shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  is merely illustrative and that a virtually endless variety of body shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Body  11  defines a top surface  12  and a surrounding downwardly extending sidewall  13 . As mentioned, sidewall  13  is fluted to suggest the petals of a flower or the like which also aids the user in gripping the tool. In addition, body  11  further supports an amusing icon  20  which in the example of  FIGS. 1 through 5  comprises a well known “happy face”. Once again it will be understood that virtually any style or type of amusement icon may be supported upon top surface  12  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Sidewall  13  further supports an outwardly extending keychain tab  15  which is attached to a length of keychain  16  having its remaining end coupled to a conventional key ring. Thus, body  11  defines equally spaced circular shaped radially extending petals  30  through  34 . However, it will be understood that different numbers of petals may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  sets forth a top view of tool  10  showing body  11  having top  12  which in turn supports amusement icon  20 . Body  11  is also shown having a plurality of circular shaped radially extending equally spaced petals  30  through  34 . A key chain tab  15  extends from body  11  at petal  30 . 
       FIG. 3  sets forth a bottom view of tool  10 . As described above, tool  10  includes a body  11  having a plurality of radially extending equally spaced circular shaped petals  30  through  34  formed in sidewall  13 . Sidewall  13  terminates in a bottom edge  14 . Body  11  further includes a bottom surface  18  which defines a bottle cap recess  21 . Bottle cap recess  21  is generally cylindrical in shape having a recess wall  22 . Recess wall  22  defines a plurality of radially extending expansion slots  23  through  26 . To maintain the maximum wall strength for recess wall  22 , it is preferable that expansion slots  23  through  27  be generally centered in alignment with petals  30  through  34  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Additionally, in its preferred embodiment, recess wall  22  defines some type of gripping elements to better engage a bottle cap. In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of parallel equally sized gripping ridges  28  are shown formed in recess wall  22 . In order to facilitate the insertion of a bottle cap, or the like, into cap recess  21 , sidewall  22  defines a chamfer  29  between expansion slots  23  through  27 . 
       FIG. 4  sets forth a right side elevation view of tool  10 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the left side view of tool  10  is a mirror image of the right side view shown in  FIG. 4 . More specifically, tool  10  includes a body  11  which, as described above, is preferably formed of a resilient soft deformable material such as silicone, foam rubber or plastic. Body  11  further defines a sidewall  13  extending downwardly from a top  12 . Top  12  further supports an amusement icon  20 . As is also described above, sidewall  13  is formed into a plurality of petals including petals  30 ,  31  and  32  seen in  FIG. 4 . Sidewall  13  also defines a bottom edge  14  and an outwardly extending keychain tab  15 . 
       FIG. 5  sets forth a section view of tool  10  taken along section lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  also shows an illustrative bottle neck and bottle cap received within tool  10  for purposes of illustrating the operation and use of the present invention tool. 
     More specifically and as is described above, tool  10  includes a body  11  formed of a resilient deformable soft material having a top  12  supporting an amusement icon  20 . Top  12  may be domed as shown in  FIG. 4  or alternatively, may be substantially flat, as desired. Body  11  further defines a downwardly extending surrounding sidewall  13  fabricated to provide a plurality of petals such as petals  30  and  32  seen in  FIG. 5 . Sidewall  13  terminates in a bottom surface  18 . Bottom surface  18  further defines a generally cylindrical bottle cap recess  21 . Recess  21  is described above and includes a plurality of expansion slots such as slot  23  together with a plurality of gripping ridges such as ridges  28 . 
     For purposes of illustration, a conventional bottle  40  having an upwardly extending generally cylindrical neck  41  is also shown in  FIG. 5 . In accordance with conventional bottling techniques, neck  41  of bottle  40  is closed and sealed by a bottle cap  42 . In accordance with conventional bottling techniques, bottle neck  41  and cap  42  define cooperating threads  43  which provide the twist sealing and twist opening action of bottle  40 . In accordance with the present invention, tool  10  is shown positioned upon bottle cap  42  by inserting bottle cap  42  upwardly into bottle cap recess  21 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the anticipated use of the present invention tool, a range of bottle cap sizes may be accommodated by the present invention tool. Thus, in the illustration shown in  FIG. 5 , bottle cap  42  fits generally within recess  21  within body  11  such that the above mentioned slight stretch of cap recess  21  (often referred to as a “preload”) results. It will be recalled that the preferred fit of bottle cap  42  within cap recess  21  is selected to cause cap  42  to slightly stretch cap recess  21  and thereby aid the user&#39;s grip. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art however that the present invention tool may accommodate a somewhat smaller bottle cap by simply being squeezed upon the bottle cap or, conversely, may accommodate a somewhat larger bottle cap  42  as the resilient material or body  11  and the cooperation of expansion slots formed therein allow tool  10  to be “stretched upon” bottle cap  42 . In any event once tool  10  is situation upon bottle cap  42 , the user simply grasps tool  10  and squeezes inwardly as indicated by arrows  45  and  46 . The inward forces upon body  11  deform body  11  to cap  42  and create sufficient grip (friction) to allow torque applied to body  11  to be effectively transmitted to cap  42  which in turn twists cap  42  from neck  41 . In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, a chamfer  28  is formed at the intersection of cap recess  21  and bottom surface  18 . The use of chamfer  28  is preferred because it aids the user in fitting tool  10  upon a bottle cap. 
       FIG. 6  sets forth a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention tool generally referenced by numeral  50 . With temporary reference to  FIGS. 6 through 8 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that tool  50  is substantially the same as tool  10  set forth above with the difference being found in a double bottle cap recess fabrication shown clearly in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 7 , sets forth a bottom view of tool  50  which includes a resilient soft deformable body  51  formed to define a plurality of radially extending petals  60  through  64  together with a keychain tab  55 . In similar manner to the fabrication of tool  10  described above, body  51  includes a sidewall  53  forming petals  60  through  64  which in turn supports keychain tab  55 . Body  51  further includes a bottom surface  56  within which a pair of concentric generally cylindrical bottle cap recesses  57  and  58  are formed. Bottle cap recess  57  is substantially identical to bottle cap recess  21  shown above in  FIGS. 1 through 5  and thus defines a generally cylindrical recess wall  70  having a plurality of radially extending expansion slots  71  through  75  formed therein. Recess wall  70  further includes a plurality of gripping elements  76 . Recess  58  is substantially identical to recess  57  but formed of a substantially smaller diameter. Thus, recess  58  is generally cylindrical having a recess wall  79  which is spaced inwardly from recess wall of recess  57 . In further correspondence to the general shape of recess  57 , smaller recess  58  defines a plurality of radially extending expansion slots  80  through  84  together with a plurality of gripping elements  85 . As is illustrated below in  FIG. 8 , recesses  57  and  58  allow tool  50  to accommodate two different sizes of bottle caps. As is described above, it will also be understood that both recesses  57  and  58  utilize the resilient character of body  51  together with their respective expansion slots to accommodate a variation of bottle cap sizes. Thus, tool  50  will be understood to accommodate a pair of bottle cap size ranges rather than simply accommodating two different bottle cap sizes. 
       FIG. 8  sets forth a section view of tool  50  taken along section lines  8 - 8  in  FIG. 6 . As described above, tool  50  includes a resilient deformable body  51  having a top  52  supporting an icon  59 . Body  51  further includes a sidewall  53  which defines a plurality of circular petals such as petals  60  and  63  shown in  FIG. 8 . Body  51  further defines a bottom surface  56  which in turn defines a pair of generally cylindrical concentrically aligned bottle cap recesses  57  and  58 . Bottle cap recesses  57  and  58  are substantially identical in shape with the exception that bottle cap recess  58  is substantially smaller in diameter than bottle cap recess  57 . Thus, recess  57  includes a plurality of expansion slots such as expansion slot  71  while bottle cap recess  58  includes a similar plurality of expansion slots such as slot  80 . In addition, bottle cap recesses  57  and  58  also define edges  77  and  78  respectively which are either chamfered or radiused to facilitate insertion of a cap into the recess.  FIG. 8  also shown phantom-line depictions of bottles  88  and  89 . Bottle  88  illustrates a larger diameter bottle neck and cap which is received within recess  57 . Bottle  89  shows a smaller diameter bottle neck and cap which fits within recess  58 . It will be noted that recesses  57  and  58  are thus able to accommodate different sizes of bottle caps. 
       FIG. 9  sets forth a bottom view of a further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool generally referenced by numeral  90 . Tool  90  includes a body  91  preferably formed of a soft resilient deformable material. The general shape of body  91  may correspond to body  51  shown above in  FIG. 6  or, alternatively, may be shaped in any one of a variety of shapes. For example,  FIGS. 11 and 13  shown and described below illustrate alternative shapes for body  91 . In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, tool  90  shows an alternate configuration for the bottle cap recess. Thus, body  91  defines a frusto-conical bottle cap recess  94 . Recess  94  defines a tapered bottle cap recess wall  101  which in turn supports a plurality of gripping ridges  100 . Wall  101  further defines a plurality of equally spaced radially extending expansion slots  95  through  99  formed therein. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the tapered sidewall structure of recess  94  facilitates the application of tool  90  to a substantial variety of differently sized bottle caps. 
       FIG. 10  sets forth a section view of tool  90  taken along section lines  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 . As described above, tool  90  includes a soft resilient deformable body  91  having a frusto-conical bottle cap recess  94  formed therein. Body  91  further supports a keychain tab  93  and further defines a bottom surface  92 . Frusto-conical bottle cap recess  94  includes a tapered wall  101  within which a plurality of expansion slots such as expansion slot  95  are formed. Tapered wall  101  further includes a plurality of gripping elements  100  formed therein. 
     For purposes of illustration, a pair of differently sized bottles  88  and  89  are shown in phantom-line depiction having their respective cap portions extending into recess  94 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the tapered construction of recess wall  101  allows recess  94  to accommodate different sizes of bottle caps. 
       FIG. 11  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool generally referenced by numeral  110 . Tool  110  includes a soft deformable resilient body  111  fabricated of a soft deformable material having a textured outer surface that enhances friction and gripping action and a shinny inside surface that improves tool grip. Body  111  is formed to generally resemble a vehicle tire and wheel. Thus, tool  110  is illustrative of a further variation of the appearance of the present invention tool to further increase the amusement, entertainment and licensing value thereof. To facilitate functioning as a keychain fob, body  111  also includes a keychain tab  112 . 
       FIG. 12  set forth a bottom view of tool  110  showing bottom surface  113  defining a cap recess  114 . In accordance with the present invention, bottle cap recess  114  may utilize the single recess fabrication such as recess  21  shown in  FIG. 3 , the double cap recess shown in  FIG. 7  or the frusto-conical cap recess shown in tool  110  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For purposes of illustration, however,  FIG. 12  shows cap recess  114  conforming generally to cap recess  21  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 13  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool generally referenced by numeral  120 . Tool  120  includes a soft deformable resilient body  121 . Body  121  is shaped to generally resemble the hexagonal head of a conventional machine or automotive bolt. Accordingly, body  121  defines a plurality of hexagonal facets  123  and a top surface  122 . Body  121  further includes a keychain tab  124 . 
       FIG. 14  sets forth a bottom view of tool  120 . As described above, tool  120  includes a body  121  formed in a generally hexagonal shape defining a plurality of hexagonal facets  123 . Body  121  further defines a bottom surface  126  which in turn defines a cap recess  125 . Body  121  further includes a keychain tab  124 . 
       FIG. 15  sets forth a top view of a tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  130 . Tool  130  is substantially identical to tool  10  set forth above in  FIG. 2  with the difference being found in a center passage  133  extending through the entire body of tool  130 . Center passage  133  may fabricated to be fully open or, alternatively, partially open Thus, tool  130  includes a resilient soft deformable body  131  which in the example of  FIG. 15  is formed to replicate a flower-like structure. Tool  130  further includes a keychain attachment tab  132 . A conventional bottle or container cap  134  is shown positioned within passage  133  in a typical application of tool  130 . The operation of tool  130  is substantially identical to tool  10  set forth and described above. 
       FIG. 16  sets forth a section view of the embodiment set forth in  FIG. 15  taken along section lines  16 - 16  thereof. As described above, tool  130  includes a soft resilient deformable body  131  defining a center passage  133 . As is also described above, tool  130  includes a keychain tab  132  used for the above-described attachment of the tool to a convenient keychain or other attachment apparatus. Thus, as is seen in  FIG. 16 , tool  130  having a center passage  133  is positioned upon cap  134  of a conventional bottle or container. The operation of tool  130  is, as mentioned, substantially identical to the operation of tool  10  set forth above. 
       FIG. 17  sets forth a section view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  140 . Tool  140  is fabricated of a soft resilient deformable body  141  supporting a keychain attachment tab  146 . Body  141  further defines a bottom surface  142  and an inwardly extending cap recess  143 . In addition, body  141  defines a top surface  144  and an inwardly extending cap recess  145 . Recesses  143  and  145  are sized to facilitate the use of tool  140  upon significantly different sized bottle or container caps. The operation of tool  140  is substantially identical to the above-described operation of tool  10 . 
       FIG. 18  sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  150 . Tool  150  includes a soft resilient deformable body  151  which is configured to provide a triangular prism shape and which defines a corresponding interior passage  152  which also conforms to the triangular shape of body  151 . A typical bottle or container cap  153  is shown in phantom-line depiction within the interior of triangular surface  152  having a plurality of gripping ribs  155  formed thereon. The function and operation of tool  150  is substantially identical to the above-described operation of tool  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Body  151 , which expands to accommodate larger bottle caps and to increase the grip upon the bottle cap, is gripped and squeezed upon cap  153  and is able to deform and engage cap  153  allowing the use of tool  150  for removal, or closure of cap  153 . 
       FIG. 19  sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  160 . Tool  160  includes a soft resilient deformable body  161  formed in a hexagonal prism shape and defining a corresponding interior hexagonal surface  162  which supports gripping ribs  164 . For purposes of illustration, a bottle or container cap  163  is shown positioned within body  161 . Body  161  is squeezed and deformed against cap  163  to allow opening and closing of cap  163 . 
       FIG. 20  sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  170 . Tool  170  includes a soft resilient deformable body  171  formed to define a pentagon-shaped prism and defining a corresponding interior pentagon-shaped surface  172  which supports gripping ribs. For purpose of illustration, a typical bottle or container cap  173  is shown in phantom-line depiction within body  171 . 
       FIG. 21  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  180 . Tool  180  includes a flexible resilient deformable band  181  configured to define a larger loop  182  and a smaller loop  184 . An interior surface  183  of loop  182  is placed upon a larger size cap  186  such that band  181  may be squeezed upon cap  186  to twist it. Similarly, an interior surface  185  of loop  184  is placed upon a smaller size cap  187  such that band  181  may be squeezed upon cap  187  to twist it. Interior surfaces  183  and  185  each support respective pluralities of gripping ribs  178  and  179 . 
       FIG. 22  sets forth a side view of a still further alternate embodiment of the tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  190 . Tool  190  includes a wrist band  191  having an interior gripping surface  192  therein which defines gripping ribs  189 . 
       FIG. 23  sets forth an operational view of tool  190  upon a typical cap  193 . Tool  190  may be worn upon the user&#39;s wrist and, when needed, may be placed upon a cap in the manner shown to engage the cap. Once engaged, tool  190  is folded upon cap  193  and squeezed into a fold which can be twisted as shown. 
       FIG. 24  sets forth a side view of a still further alternate embodiment of the tool for removal and closure of bottle and container caps generally referenced by numeral  195 . Tool  195  defines a flexible soft deformable band  196  having end clasps that may be interlocked to form a wrist band similar to tool  190  shown in  FIG. 22 . In addition to functioning in a similar manner to tool  190  when clasps  198  and  199  are joined and retained by the insertion of clasp  198  into slot  188  of clasp  199 , band  196  may be used with clasps  198  and  199  separated by simply wrapping band  196  around the cap. 
       FIG. 25  sets forth a top view of a still further embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of a bottle or container generally referenced by numeral  210 . By way of overview, tool  210  is similar to tool  10  shown above in  FIGS. 1 through 5  with the primary difference being found in the use of a body  11  formed of an inner portion  219  within body  211  which is comprised of a resilient material having a hardness substantially harder than the hardness of the remainder of body  211 . Body  211  includes top  212  which in turn supports amusement icon  220 . Body  211  is also shown having a plurality of circular shaped radially extending equally spaced petals  230  through  234 . A key chain tab  215  extends nom body  211  at petal  230 . 
       FIG. 26  sets forth a bottom view of tool  210 . As mentioned above and as is better seen in  FIG. 28 , tool body  211  is formed of an outer body and an inner portion  219 . Inner portion  219  defines a bottle cap recess  221 . Sidewall  213  terminates in a bottom edge  214 . Body  211  further includes a bottom surface  218  which encircles bottle cap recess  221 . Bottle cap recess  221  is generally cylindrical in shape having a recess wall  222 . Recess wall  222  defines a plurality of radially extending expansion slots  223  through  226 . To maintain the maximum wall strength for recess wall  222 , it is preferable that expansion slots  223  through  226  be generally centered in alignment with petals  230  through  234  as shown in  FIG. 26 . Additionally, in its preferred embodiment, recess wall  222  defines some type of gripping elements to better engage a bottle cap. In the example shown in  FIG. 26 , a plurality of parallel equally sized gripping ridges  227  are shown formed in recess wall  222 . 
       FIG. 27  sets forth a side elevation view of tool  210 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the left side view of tool  210  (not shown) is simply a mirror image of the right side view shown in  FIG. 27 . More specifically, tool  210  includes a body  211  which, as described above, is preferably formed of a resilient soft deformable material such as silicone, foam rubber or plastic within which an inner portion  219  (seen in  FIG. 26 ) is molded using a different resilient soft deformable material such as silicone, foam rubber or plastic which has a lesser hardness than the material used in the remainder of body  211 . Body  211  further defines a sidewall  213  extending downwardly from a top  212 . Top  212  further supports an amusement icon  220 . As is also described above, sidewall  213  is formed into a plurality of petals including petals  230 ,  231  and  232  seen in  FIG. 27 . Sidewall  213  also defines a bottom edge  214  and an outwardly extending key chain tab  215 . 
       FIG. 28  sets forth a section view of tool  210  taken along section lines  28 - 28  in  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 28  also shows an illustrative bottle neck and bottle cap received within tool  210  for purposes of illustrating the operation and use of the present invention tool. Of particular importance in  FIG. 28  is the presence of inner portion  219  within body  211 . The lesser hardness of inner portion  219  improves the engagement of tool  210  against bottle cap  243  while the greater hardness of the remainder of body  211  is easier to grip in the user&#39;s hand in use. In the preferred embodiment of tool  210 , material having a hardness in the range of 0 Shore A to 15 Shore A is utilized for inner portion  219  and a hardness within the range of 20 Shore A to 60 Shore A is utilized for the remainder of body  211 . An optimum hardness combination is provided by 10 Shore A for inner portion  219  and 45 Shore A for the remainder of body  211 . 
     More specifically and as is described above, tool  210  includes a body  211  having a top  212  supporting an amusement icon  220 . Body  211  further defines a downwardly extending surrounding sidewall  213  fabricated to provide a plurality of petals such as petals  230  and  232  seen in  FIG. 28 . Sidewall  213  terminates in a lower edge  214  and a bottom surface  218 . Bottom surface  218  encircles a generally cylindrical bottle cap recess  221 . Recess  221  formed within inner portion  219  is described above and includes a plurality of expansion slots such as slot  223  together with a plurality of gripping ridges such as ridges  227 . 
     For purposes of illustration, a conventional bottle  240  having an upwardly extending generally cylindrical neck  241  is also shown in  FIG. 28 . In accordance with conventional bottling techniques, neck  241  of bottle  240  is closed and sealed by a bottle cap  242 . In accordance with conventional bottling techniques, bottle neck  241  and cap  242  define cooperating threads  243  which provide the twist sealing and twist opening action of bottle  240 . In accordance with the present invention, tool  210  is shown positioned upon bottle cap  242  by inserting bottle cap  242  upwardly into bottle cap recess  221 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the anticipated use of the present invention tool, a range of bottle cap sizes may be accommodated by the present invention tool. Thus, in the illustration shown in  FIG. 28 , bottle cap  242  fits generally within the relaxed size of recess  221  within body  11 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art however that the present invention tool may accommodate a somewhat smaller bottle cap by simply being squeezed upon the bottle cap or, conversely, may accommodate a somewhat larger bottle cap  242  as the resilient material or body  211  and the cooperation of expansion slots formed therein allow tool  210  to be “stretched upon” bottle cap  242 . In any event once tool  210  is situation upon bottle cap  242 , the user simply grasps tool  210  and squeezes inwardly as indicated by arrows  245  and  246 . The inward forces upon body  211  deform body  211  to cap  242  and create sufficient grip (friction) to allow torque applied to body  211  to be effectively transmitted to cap  242  which in turn twists cap  242  from neck  241 . Once again it will be noted that forming body  211  provides that the lesser hardness of inner portion  219  improves the engagement of tool  210  against bottle cap  243  while the harder material of the remainder of body  211  is easier to grip and is more gentile against the user&#39;s hand in use. 
       FIG. 29  sets forth a top view of a still further embodiment of the present invention tool for removal and closure of a bottle or container generally referenced by numeral  310 . By way of overview, tool  310  is similar to tool  10  shown above in  FIGS. 1 through 5  with the primary difference being found in the use of a body  311  an insert portion  319 . Insert  319  is better seen in  FIGS. 30 and 32  and is preferably formed of a molded plastic material, or the like, having a hardness in the range of 40 Shore D to 90 Shore D. Body  311  includes top  312  which in turn supports amusement icon  320 . Body  311  is also shown having a plurality of circular shaped radially extending equally spaced petals  330  through  334 . A key chain tab  315  extends from body  311  at petal  330 . 
       FIG. 30  sets forth a bottom view of tool  310 . As mentioned above and as is better seen in  FIG. 32 , tool  310  is formed of an outer body  311  and an insert  319 . Insert  319  encircles a bottle cap recess  321  formed in body  311 . Body  311  further includes a bottom surface  318  which further surrounds bottle cap recess  321 . Bottle cap recess  321  is generally cylindrical in shape and receives insert  319 . Insert  319  defines a generally cylindrical structure formed of a plurality of cylindrically shaped gripping segments  340  through  344 . Gripping segment  340  is joined to adjacent gripping segment  341  by a flexible expansion hinge  324 . Gripping segment  341  is joined to adjacent gripping segment  342  by a flexible expansion hinge  325 . Similarly, gripping segment  342  is joined to adjacent gripping segment  343  by a flexible expansion hinge  326  and gripping segment  343  is joined to adjacent gripping segment  344  by a flexible expansion hinge  327 . Finally, the structure of insert  319  is completed by gripping segment  344  being joined to adjacent gripping segment  340  by a flexible expansion hinge  323 . Gripping segments  340  through  344  define respective spaces  350  through  354  on their outer surfaces. Insert  319  is molded into body  311  during the molding process in which insert  319  is fixed within body  311 . The attachment of insert  319  is further secured by the flow of body material into spaces  350  through  354 . 
       FIG. 31  sets forth a right side elevation view of tool  310 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the left side view of tool  310  (not shown) is simply a mirror image of the right side view shown in  FIG. 31 . More specifically, tool  310  includes a body  311  which, as described above, is preferably formed of a resilient soft deformable material such as silicone foam, rubber or plastic within which an insert  319  is molded. Body  311  further defines a sidewall  313  extending downwardly from a top  312 . Top  312  further supports an amusement icon  320 . As is also described above, sidewall  313  is formed into a plurality of petals including petals  330 ,  331  and  332  seen in  FIG. 31 . Sidewall  313  also defines a bottom edge  314  and an outwardly extending keychain tab  315 . 
       FIG. 32  sets forth a section view of tool  310  taken along section lines  32 - 32  in  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 32  also shows an illustrative bottle neck and bottle cap received within tool  310  for purposes of illustrating the operation and use of the present invention tool. Of particular importance in  FIG. 32  is the presence of insert  319  within body  311 . The greater hardness of insert  319  improves the engagement of tool  310  against bottle cap  343  while the softer hardness of the remainder of body  311  is easier to grip and is more gentile against the user&#39;s hand in use. In the preferred embodiment of tool  310 , a hardness in the range of 40 Shore D to 90 Shore D is utilized for insert  319  and a hardness within the range of 30 Shore A to 70 Shore A is utilized, for the remainder of body  311 . An optimum hardness combination is provided by 70 Shore D for insert  319  and 45 Shore A for the remainder of body  311 . 
     More specifically and as is described above, tool  310  includes a body  311  having a top  312  supporting an amusement icon  320 . Body  311  further defines a downwardly extending surrounding sidewall  313  fabricated to provide a plurality of petals such as petals  330  and  333 . Sidewall  313  terminates in a lower edge  314  and a bottom surface  318 . 
     For purposes of illustration, a conventional bottle  340  having an upwardly extending generally cylindrical neck  341  is also shown in  FIG. 32 . In accordance with conventional bottling techniques, neck  341  of bottle  340  is closed and sealed by a bottle cap  342 . In accordance with conventional bottling techniques, bottle neck  341  and cap  342  define cooperating threads  343  which provide the twist sealing and twist opening action of bottle  340 . In accordance with the present invention, tool  310  is shown positioned upon bottle cap  342  by inserting bottle cap  342  upwardly into bottle cap recess  321 . During the insertion of cap  342  into cap recess  321 , the size of cap  342  is accommodated by expansion hinges  323  through  327  (seen in  FIG. 30 ). To accommodate cap  342  expansion hinges  323  through  327  flex increasing the space between gripping segments  340  through  344  (also better seen in  FIG. 30 ). Once tool  310  is situated upon bottle cap  342 , the user simply grasps tool  310  and squeezes inwardly as indicated by arrows  345  and  346 . The inward forces upon body  311  deforms body  311  and presses gripping segments against cap  342  creating sufficient grip (friction) to allow torque applied to body  311  to be effectively transmitted to cap  342  which in turn twists cap  342  from neck  341 . As the torque is applied to body  311 , the portions of molded material of body  311  which extend into spaces  350  through  354  bind insert  319  to body  311  and sustain the torque. Once again it will be noted that forming body  311  having insert  319  molded therein provides that the greater hardness of insert  319  to improve the engagement of tool  310  against bottle cap  343  while the softer material of the remainder of body  311  is easier to grip and is more gentile against the user&#39;s hand in use 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the descriptions and figures set forth above that the various shapes for the tool body set forth are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting in the shape and configuration which the present invention tool may assume. Thus, it will be apparent that virtually any shape may be selected for the present invention tool without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The tool shown is easily fabricated of a soft deformable resilient material such as silicone foam rubber or foam plastic, silicone rubber, PVC or other elastomers and greatly improves, and facilitates the removal of twist-type bottle caps with particular advantage to users which have some difficulty in manipulating such bottle caps. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.