GOVERNMENT CONTRACT

[0001] Not applicable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119, this PCT Patent Application relies on the benefit of U.S. Patent App. Serial No. 15/660,453 filed on July 26, 2017. The content of said application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT RE. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK NOTICES

[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights and trade dress rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The disclosed subject matter relates generally to bottle caps and, more particularly, to a markable bottle cap. BACKGROUND

[0006] Many persons are convinced that we currently face an environmental crisis. As such, for many persons, the familiar adage of "reduce, reuse, recycle," wherein we are urged to reduce our consumption, reuse materials whenever possible, and recycle all possible substances, is more important than ever. Individual use beverage containers present a significant opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle. According to one report in National Geographic ®, Americans in 2015 consumed 1.7 billion half-liter bottles of water every week. Mindful, intentional acts of reducing, reusing, and recycling can prevent much of these bottles from ending up in landfills.

[0007] In addition to plastic water bottles, other popular individual-use beverage containers include plastic soda bottles, coffee cups, glass beverage bottles with metal bottle caps (such as for example, Snapple® bottles), enhanced water bottles having larger, flatter bottle caps (for example, vitaminwater® bottles), and more. The containers all have a cover, a lid, a bottle cap, a top-sealing element, or bottle top (collectively, "bottle caps") that seals the beverage inside the container.

[0008] Unfortunately, in many settings from a social gathering to an athletic event or concert, many people lose track of their beverage and, before the beverage is fully consumed, obtain a replacement beverage. This creates waste wherein more beverage containers are discarded than are required to satiate their users. Additionally, because these bottles (or cups) are misplaced, these bottles are less likely to be recycled.

[0009] The bottle caps associated with these bottles tend to be highly standardized as to size, shape, and threads. Indeed, the International Society of Beverage Technologists ® provides a "threadspecs" page, wherein a multiplicity of standardized bottle cap specifications can be found in detail. Such standardization keeps costs down for both producers and consumers. Bottle caps' standardization also enables users and manufacturers to cross-use bottle caps as between two bottles having compatible neck specifications.

[0010] In addition to beverage containers, many jars or storage containers go unidentified and misplaced as well. In such an event, the container's contents, for example perishable foods or liquids, spoil or are otherwise unusable by the time their contents are made known.

[0011] Therefore, what is needed is a markable bottle cap that helps users keep track of their containers.

[0012] Attempts to meet this need have been made. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0249948 generally discloses a squeeze-bottle wherein a user may scratch a name into the bottle's side. Although this disclosure does generally provide a way for users to mark their bottle, it fails to provide a transferable, reusable marking surface.

[0013] Another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0138563, which generally discloses a bottle cap wherein a user may mark a bottle top within a certain area using a pen, pencil, or marker. This disclosure also provides for a peel-back film under which an adhesive area enables a user to affix a sticker or token to the cap. Although this disclosure does provide for both a way to write on top of the cap and affix identifying elements to the cap, the limited area in which such writing or affixing may be done, coupled with the recessed profile of the area, limits this disclosure's effectiveness.

[0014] Yet another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent 2015/0000818, which generally discloses a token having a markable surface and an adhesive surface. While this disclosure's markable surface does provide for marking element such as magic slate, ink meant to fail, lottery type rub-off material, microencapsulated ink, or any other material that produces an image when pressure is applied using a stylus, a fingernail, or any other sharp instrument, its design as an adhesive token enables it to become dislodged from a bottle cap, misalign with a bottle cap, or encumber the bottle cap or the bottle.

[0015] Another attempt is generally disclosed by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/064983, which discloses a lid for a coffee container, wherein the lid is configured to be written upon or otherwise marked. Although this disclosure does generally provide for a markable lid, it fails to provide for the versatility of fitting on other size containers and does not provide for means of marking beyond a pen, pencil, or marker.

[0016] Still, none of these in existence comprise beneficial characteristics described in the following disclosure. Thus, there remains a need for a markable bottle cap.

SUMMARY

[0017] The present disclosure is directed to bottle caps that enable a user to personalize and identify a beverage container, such as by way of illustration and not limitation, by marking the bottle cap, in addition to other properties.

[0018] For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested.

[0019] As used herein, "magic slate," "magic slate layer," or "magic slate element" refers to an element that may comprise a waxy black base layer, a thin grey film layer overlaid on top of the waxy black base layer, and a thin clear film overlaid on top of the thin grey film layer. A brief discussion of magic slate elements can be found in the disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 6,972, 151, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0020] As used herein, "scratch-away layer," "lotto-style scratch-off layer," "lotto-style scratch-off element," "scratch-off element," "lotto-style element," and so forth refer to any substance that either is or mimics the removable covering commonly featured on lotto tickets, wherein a user scratches off some or all of the removable coating to reveal the surface below.

[0021] As used herein, "rough texture layer," "rough texture element," and so forth mean any layer that can be applied to a surface wherein a user may scratch part of the layer away, creating the negative space in the layer. Such a layer may be, by way of illustration and not limitation, a wax, a gel, a fixed powder, or any other element that may used in the manner described herein.

[0022] With respect to a cap as defined below, in some instances the terms "element" and "portion" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0023] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a one-piece bottle cap, a one-piece lid for a jar, or a one-piece container lid (collectively, a "cap"), wherein the cap comprises a substantially circular cover having two portions: an upper portion (or "upper element") and a lower portion (or "lower element"), wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are a contiguous element or piece. In some embodiments, the upper portion may provide for an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to receive at least one marking. By way of illustration and not limitation, in some embodiments, the upper surface may be covered partially or completely by a scratch-away layer, such as is typically found on a lottery ticket, or by a rough texture layer that enables a user to scratch one or more identifying marks into its surface. Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper surface may be covered or partially covered by a magic slate layer, wherein a finger, a stylus, or another marking means may be used to "draw" on the magic slate, i.e. cause the magic slate to show one or more lines that correspond to a movement or contact made with the surface of the magic slate. Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper surface may be covered by a chalkboard layer or chalkboard element, wherein a user may make a mark on the chalkboard using a piece of chalk.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lower portion of a one-piece embodiment may be configured as a substantially hollow cylinder, the top of the cylinder joining with or being of one contiguous piece with the upper portion. Additionally, the interior of the lower portion may provide for at least one threaded element, wherein the at least one threaded element may be configured to threadedly attach the cap to a container. In some embodiments, such as caps adapted for use with coffee cups or storage containers, the lower portion may provide for one or more lip elements, in addition to or instead of the one or more threaded elements, that may be configured to removably attach to a container, wherein the container has an opening bounded by a non-threaded perimeter portion. In such a pairing, the lip element may removably attach over the non-threaded perimeter portion creating a removable connection.

[0025] In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a two-piece design, wherein the upper portion (or "upper element") may be a separate element from the lower portion (or "lower element), and wherein the lower portion may be configured to tighten the upper portion against the top of a canning jar. In such an embodiment, the lower portion's interior portion may also provide for one or more threaded element, as described above, but the lower portion may provide for an upper section, wherein the upper section may provide for a rim element having a cavity in its center, wherein the cavity may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the upper portion's upper surface, and wherein when the lower portion is threadedly tightened against a canning jar, the rim presses down on the upper portion, tightening the upper portion against the canning jar, but while leaving an amount of the upper surface exposed to view. It is contemplated that the amount of upper surface left exposed can vary between nearly all and hardly any upper surface available for view.

[0026] Examples of a container may be, by way of illustration and not limitation: a plastic, metal, elastomer, wooden, or glass bottle for use with or that contains a carbonated beverage such as soda or an energy drink; a plastic, metal, elastomer, wooden, or glass bottle for use with or that contains a non-carbonated beverage such as water, juice, liquid dairy product, or coffee; or a plastic, metal, elastomer, wooden, or glass bottle for use with or that contains an alcoholic beverage such as beer, malt beverage, wine, liquor or spirit(s). Additionally, the container may be a food storage container, a mason jar, a canning jar, a bowl, or a plastic tub of any size. Furthermore, such containers may be any item of cookware or bakeware, such as by way of illustration and not limitation, skillet, a wok, a saute pan, a baking pan, casserole dish, pie pan, muffin pan, bread pan, roasting pan, cake pan, pizza pan, or cookie sheet. More examples are contained elsewhere herein. Such illustrations are provided as examples, and the present invention is not limited to the examples named.

[0027] The present invention's caps may of many different shapes, sizes, and types. Any bottle cap configured for use with any container as described herein is contemplated by the present invention. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the present invention's caps may be of a traditional twist-off design. Examples of such caps include caps configured for use with soda bottles, bottled water bottles, reusable water bottles, glass juice bottles such as a Snapple® bottle, thin flat plastic caps such as typically associated with vitaminwater® bottles, screwcap bottle caps such as used with plastic, metal, or glass beer bottles, mason jars or other canning jars, food storage containers such as Tupperware® or Rubbermaid® reusable food storage containers, baking pans or casserole pans, any container discussed above, and so forth. In some embodiments, the cap may comprise a threaded cap having a squeeze-bottle type terminus, wherein a top portion is pulled outward to unseal the cap, and pushed back into place to re-seal the cap. In some embodiments, the cap may comprise a wide, shallow thin plastic cap having a hole within a mouthpiece design element, wherein the cap in question is designed to fit disposable coffee cups. In some embodiments, the cap may comprise a flip-top design, wherein a top can be rotatably moved on top of or off of the upper portion. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a twist cap, wherein a pyramidal, fin-shaped, conical, square, or other-shaped element on the upper portion rotates between an open position and a shut position, thereby unsealing or re-sealing the cap, respectively. Additionally, the present invention's caps may be of a two-piece design wherein the lower portion is configured to retain the upper portion and to threadedly attach to a canning jar, thereby securing the upper portion to the canning jar's upper surface.

[0028] It is contemplated that the present invention's caps may be of any size necessary to mate with a container's opening. Any size cap capable of commercial or home production is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. As well, any thread size or thread design capable of commercial production is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention may comprise or be practiced with any cap having dimensions capable of closure with any bottle neck having any T dimension, I dimension, S dimension, E dimension, and/or H dimension, as well as any thread count, including but not limited to 400, 410, 415, 425, 430, 450, 2000, 2030, or 2035 thread counts. 70G caps are also within the scope of the present invention. Such common cap sizes as caps having a 28mm diameter or a 38mm diameter are contemplated as well. Additionally, lid-and-band two-piece caps suitable for canning are also within the scope of the present invention, as generally discussed above. Brush caps, such as used for brushing a liquid onto a surface, are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Snap caps, such as used in pill bottles, are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. "Push and turn," or "child-resistant" caps are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. A cap configured for use as a graduated medicine measuring cup is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. A cap configured for use with a squeezable dispenser bottle is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. A spice jar cap, having one or more coverable holes, is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. A pour spout cap is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, a ribbed snap-top cap is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. The present invention's caps, in some embodiments, may be made from plastic, metal, elastomer, fired clay, biodegradable material, paper, any natural or synthetic polymer, a combination of such materials, or any material or combination of material normally used in the art.

[0029] The present invention may also comprise a method of identifying a beverage container. The method may begin with the step of providing a substantially circular cover, wherein the cover has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion may provide for an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to receive at least one marking. By way of illustration and not limitation, in some embodiments, the upper surface may be covered partially or completely by a scratch-away layer, such as is typically found on a lottery ticket, or by a rough texture layerthat enables a user to scratch one or more identifying marks into its surface. Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper surface may be covered or partially covered by a magic slate layer, wherein a finger, a stylus, or another marking means may be used to "draw" on the magic slate, i.e. cause the magic slate to show one or more lines that correspond to a movement or contact made with the surface of the magic slate. In some embodiments, the lower portion may be configured as a substantially hollow cylinder, the top of the cylinder joining with or being of one contiguous piece with the upper portion. Additionally, the interior of the lower portion may provide for at least one threaded element, wherein the at least one threaded element is configured to threadedly attach the cap to a container. Examples of containers have already been generally provided. The method may then provide for the steps of providing the container, marking the upper surface with at least one identifying indication, and threadedly attaching the cap to the container.

[0030] One or more of the above-disclosed embodiments, in addition to certain alternatives, are provided in further detail below with reference to the attached figures. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with in accordance with an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of using a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of using a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0042] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0043] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. [0045] With reference to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive upper portion 101, lower portion 102, upper surface 103, marking instrument 104, magic slate layer 105, and ribbing 106.

[0046] The markable cap in FIG. 1, including but not limited to upper portion 101, lower element 102, upper surface 103, is contemplated to take any number of dimensions to fit any number of commercially produced bottle necks. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 may be appropriate for use with three-liter bottles, two-liter bottles, one-liter bottles, half-liter bottles, 64-ounce bottles, 40-ounce bottles, 36 ounce bottles, 24-ounce bottles, 20-ounce bottles, 16-ounce bottles, 12-ounce bottles, 10- ounce bottles, 8-ounce bottles, 6-ounce bottles, 4-ounce bottles, and 2-ounce bottles, as well as any size larger or smaller. Such bottles may be glass, metal, plastic, elastomer, wood, any combination of such materials or other materials known in the art, and may be any shape or size. Such bottles may be configured to contain any element capable of flowing, such as any carbonated or un-carbonated liquid, for non-limiting example soda, water, enhanced water, juice, extract, or liquid dairy product, along with any gel, thick dairy product such as yogurt or cottage cheese, oil, or any mixture or suspension. Additionally, such bottles may be configured to retain any granular substance, such as sugar, rice, powders, herbs, spices, sand, or collection of rocks.

[0047] In some embodiments, magic slate layer 105 may cover upper surface 103 in part. In some embodiments, magic slate layer 105 may cover upper surface 103 in total.

[0048] Additionally, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more recessed portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may partly cover the recessed portion(s) and partly the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover both the recessed portion(s) and the un-recessed portion(s).

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more raised portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the raised portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover only the un-raised ("flush") portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may partly cover the raised portion(s) and partly the flush portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, magic slate layer 105 may cover both the raised portion(s) and the flush portion(s).

[0050] Remaining with FIG. 1, in some embodiments marking instrument 104 may comprise a stylus configured for use with a magic slate. In some embodiments, marking instrument 104 may comprise any element capable of making a mark on a magic slate surface, such as a pen, a marker, a highlighter, a stick, a finger, a pin, a coin, a rock, or any other object capable of making such a mark and of being physically manipulated by a user. In the embodiment depicted, marking instrument 104 is shown having a bulbous tip. Such bulbous tip is not necessary, unless mandated by the design of magic slate layer 105. [0051] Continuing with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that magic slate layer 105 may comprise any of a number of magic slate compositions, such as defined above. Non-limiting examples of magic slate layer 105 may include a commercially produced magic slate product, a magic slate or magic slate layer made by a user, or a magic slate or magic slate layer partially produced by a commercial process and partially made by a user. As discussed above, and by way of illustration and not limitation, such magic slate layers 105 may comprise a waxy black base layer, a thin grey film layer overlaid on top of the waxy black base layer, and a thin clear film overlaid on top of the thin grey film layer (layers not shown). In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the magic slate layer 105 as disclosed in FIG. 1 may comprise a separate disc or dome-shaped element configured to attach to upper surface 103. In some embodiments, magic slate layer 105 may be produced commercially as a contiguous unit with upper surface 103, wherein upper surface 103 is completely and permanently covered by magic slate layer 105.

[0052] Turning attention to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, upper portion 101, lower element 102, rough texture layer 201, and ribbing 106 can be seen.

[0053] In some embodiments, rough texture layer 201 may cover upper surface 103 in part. In some embodiments, rough texture layer 201 may cover upper surface 103 in total.

[0054] Additionally, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more recessed portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may partly cover the recessed portion(s) and partly the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover both the recessed portion(s) and the un-recessed portion(s).

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more raised portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the raised portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover only the un-raised ("flush") portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may partly cover the raised portion(s) and partly the flush portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, rough texture layer 201 may cover both the raised portion(s) and the flush portion(s).

[0056] With respect to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive upper portion 101, lower element 102, lotto scratch-off layer 301, scratch-off instrument (coin) 302, and ribbing 106.

[0057] In some embodiments, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover upper surface 103 in part. In some embodiments, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover upper surface 103 in total.

[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more recessed portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may partly cover the recessed portion(s) and partly the un-recessed portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more recessed portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover both the recessed portion(s) and the un-recessed portion(s).

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments, upper surface 103 may provide for one or more raised portions (not shown). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover only the raised portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch- off layer 301 may cover only the un-raised ("flush") portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may partly cover the raised portion(s) and partly the flush portion(s). In embodiments wherein upper surface 103 provides for one or more raised portions, lotto scratch-off layer 301 may cover both the raised portion(s) and the flush portion(s).

[0060] Turning attention to FIG. 4, a bottom perspective view of a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive cylindrical cavity 401, threads 402, upper portion lower surface 403, lower element 102, and ribbing 106. It is contemplated that cavity 401, threads 402, upper portion lower surface 403, and lower element 102 may be of larger or smaller proportions in order to accommodate threaded attachment with the various bottles and containers listed herein.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of using a markable cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustration provided, a user may use a user's hand 501 and grasp the cap 502 and threadedly attach the cap 502 to a beverage bottle 503. In the embodiment shown, cap 502 features magic-slate upper surface 105. In some embodiments, a user may utilize a marking instrument 104 (not shown in FIG. 5) to cause the magic slate layer 105 to display a marking, represented in FIG. 5 as the letter "A," Any marking is contemplated by the present invention.

[0062] Turning attention to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, lid disc magic slate layer 605, and lid disc marking instrument 609.

[0063] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the two-piece markable cap in FIG. 6, including but not limited to screw band 601, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, and lid disc marking instrument 609, is contemplated to take any number of dimensions to fit any number of commercially produced jars or bottles. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7 may be appropriate for use with home canning jars, industrial canning jars, mason jars, mayonnaise jars, jam jars, peanut butter jars, candle jars, storage jars, and any other jar or container known in the art to which the present invention may be threadedly attached.

[0064] With respect to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of a markable cap in accordance with the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, and lid disc rough texture layer 705. [0065] Turning attention to FIG. 8, a top perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, screw band threads 606, lid disc 607, upper lid disc surface 608, scratch-off layer 801 and lid disc lotto scratch-off layer 805.

[0066] With respect to FIG. 9, a bottom perspective view of a two-piece embodiment of the present invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a user may perceive screw band 601, perimeter ridges 602, center lip 603, screw band cavity 604, and screw band threads 606. FIG. 9 also discloses lid disc 607 and lower lid disc surface 901.

[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of using a cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustration provided, a user may use a user's hand 1001 may grasp the screw band 1002 and threadedly attach the screw band 1002 to a jar 1003. In the embodiment shown, screw band 1002 features lid disc magic slate layer 605. A marking such as shown in FIG. 10 as an "A" may be made by, but is not required to be made by, lid disc marking instrument 609. Any marking is contemplated by the present invention, including but not limited to the "A" pictured in FIG. 10.

[0068] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0069] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0070] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0071] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0072] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the markable bottle cap with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the markable bottle cap to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed markable bottle cap. The above description of embodiments of the markable bottle cap is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0073] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the markable bottle cap are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0074] While certain aspects of the markable bottle cap are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the markable bottle cap are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the markable bottle cap.