US20160039584A1

US20160039584A1 - Decorative cap

Info

Publication number: US20160039584A1
Application number: US14/822,857
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul A. Verderber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-08
Filing date: 2015-08-10
Publication date: 2016-02-11

Abstract

A decorative cap for use on a container that may contain liquid or semi-liquid food or drink or other products, the decorative cap including a display portion and a connector configured to couple the decorative cap to the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/034,994, filed Aug. 8, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/109,658, filed Jan. 30, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers that may contain liquid or semi-liquid products, and more particularly to a cap for use on a container that may contain a liquid or semi-liquid product and a container with such a cap.

BACKGROUND

Liquid or semi-liquid food and drink and other products are currently sold in containers, such as pouches, with plastic caps. The present invention is directed to a cap for use on a container for conveying liquid or semi-liquid food or drink or other products and to a container with such a cap.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The baby food market is changing. Products once sold in glass jars are now being sold in containers, such as pouches, with plastic caps. The trend is expected to continue, and soon other liquid and semi-liquid products, such as toothpaste, soda, juice, and water, will migrate to this packaging design. Products for older children and young adults also are being developed and sold in this manner. Even peanut butter and jelly can be found in a pouch with a cap today. Unfortunately, current caps for containers are very plain and exude a distinctly child-like feel.
It therefore will be appreciated that an improved cap would be well received. Especially desired would be a cap with an updated design that would allow the cap to market the product while it is on the shelf and potentially appeal to a broader audience, including older individuals.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a decorative cap for a container, the decorative cap having a display portion and a connector, wherein the connector is configured to couple the decorative cap to the container.
The display portion may include a message element, and the message element may include at least one from the group of letters, numbers, symbols and images. The display portion may include a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure may be detachably coupled to the decorative cap. The three-dimensional figure may be irreversibly detachably coupled to the decorative cap. The three-dimensional figure may be coupled to the decorative cap by a breakaway tab. At least a portion of the display portion may be detachably coupled to the decorative cap.
The container may be configured to connect to an intermediate cap, and the connector may be configured to connect the decorative cap to the intermediate cap. The connector may include protrusions and the intermediate cap may include receptacles corresponding to those protrusions. The display portion may include a message element, wherein the message element includes at least one from the group of letters, numbers, symbols and images. The display portion may include a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure may be detachably coupled to the decorative cap. The three-dimensional figure may be irreversibly detachably coupled to the decorative cap. The three-dimensional figure may be coupled to the decorative cap by a breakaway tab. At least a portion of the display portion may be detachably coupled to the decorative cap. At least a portion of the display portion may be irreversibly detachably coupled to the decorative cap.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a product comprising an intermediate cap and a decorative cap, wherein the decorative cap may have some or all of the attributes as described with respect to the various embodiments, above.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a product comprising a container, an intermediate cap, and a decorative cap, wherein the decorative cap may have some or all of the attributes as described with respect to the various embodiments, above.
These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed, but it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the appended claims.
Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. To facilitate illustrating and describing some parts of the invention, corresponding portions of the drawings may be exaggerated in size, e.g., made larger in relation to other parts than in an exemplary device actually made according to the invention. Elements and features depicted in one drawing or embodiment of the invention may be combined with elements and features depicted in one or more additional drawings or embodiments
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and may be used to designate like or similar parts in more than one embodiment. Also, primed reference numerals may be used to designate parts that are similar to parts designated by the same unprimed reference numeral.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings that are not necessarily to scale, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative cap and container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and container of FIGS. 1 and 2A supported from two parallel product-supporting rods of a display.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the decorative cap of FIGS. 1-2B viewed generally from a side of the decorative cap.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the decorative cap of FIGS. 1-3 viewed generally from the bottom of the decorative cap.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative cap and container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and container of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B is a partial perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and container of FIGS. 5 and 6A supported from two parallel product-supporting rods of a display.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the decorative cap of FIGS. 5 and 6A and B viewed generally from a side of the decorative cap.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the decorative cap of FIGS. 5-7 viewed generally from the bottom of the decorative cap.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative cap and container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the decorative cap of FIGS. 9 and 10 viewed generally from a side of the decorative cap.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the decorative cap of FIGS. 9-11 viewed generally from the bottom of the decorative cap.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative cap and intermediate cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative cap and intermediate cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a bottom elevational view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 13 and 14 and container.

FIG. 16 is a bottom elevational view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 13-16.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a decorative cap and intermediate cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a bottom elevational view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a left side elevational view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 18-20.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the assembled decorative cap and intermediate cap of FIGS. 18-21 and container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments generally relate to a decorative cap for a container for conveying liquid or semi-liquid food or drink or other products that has a number of unique benefits including an updated design that appeals to a broader range of consumers and allows for the cap itself to market the product on the shelf by attracting the attention of potential consumers. These benefits also include the potential ability for manufacturers or resellers to choose from multiple decorative caps for use with a single, standard intermediate cap.
Like most caps for containers, the present invention will act to seal the container to prevent spills. But unlike traditional caps for containers, which are plain, the present invention uses a novel design that includes a display portion to increase the visibility and attractiveness of the product to which it is attached. In some embodiments, the decorative cap, or at least a portion thereof, may be configured to be removed from the container and put to alternative uses, such as a toy, game piece, interlocking puzzle piece or bottle opener, for example.
As an example, a decorative cap according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display portion including a three-dimensional figure or design to enhance sales and brand image and a connector configured to couple the decorative cap to a container having a neck portion. In some embodiments, the connector might couple the decorative cap directly to the neck portion of the container through a threaded connection, for example. In other embodiments, the connector might couple the decorative cap to an intermediate cap configured to connect to the neck portion of the container.
As another example, a decorative cap according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display portion including a three-dimensional figure or design to enhance sales and brand image and a base portion configured to support the display portion in a vertical orientation when the decorative cap (or the combination of the decorative cap and the intermediate cap) is removed from the container. This would allow the decorative cap (or the combination of the decorative cap and the intermediate cap) to have additional alternative uses, such as, for example as a toy, game piece, interlocking puzzle piece or bottle opener. Similarly, a decorative cap according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a through hole in the display portion, which would allow the decorative cap (or the combination of the decorative cap and the intermediate cap) to be hung on a stand, rod or hook for use as a necklace or bracelet or for convenient storage or display, for example. Additionally, a decorative cap according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a flat portion that may contain a message, such as an advertising message. Further, an embodiment of the present invention may include a display portion wherein at least a portion of the display portion is detachably coupled to the decorative cap.
Various embodiments of a decorative cap 10 for use on a container 11 that may contain liquid or semi-liquid food or drink are shown in FIGS. 1-22. The container 11 has a neck portion 12. The decorative cap 10 includes a display portion 13, a base portion 14 and a connector 15. The connector 15 is configured to connect with or to attach to the neck portion 12 of the container 11. The container 11 may be, for example, a pouch, bottle, jug, jar or tube. The neck portion 12 may be configured to connect to an intermediate cap 18, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 13-22.
The decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18 may be made of a heat resistant plastic or rubber or other similar material. In some embodiments, this would allow for the contents of the container 11 to be reheated, cooked and/or pasteurized with the decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18 in place.
The decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18 may be formed by molding techniques including, for example, injection molding, vacuum molding, compression molding, blow molding or transfer molding. The decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18 also may be made using additive manufacturing (also known as solid free form fabrication (SFF) or free form fabrication (FFF)), rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing, layered manufacturing or three-dimensional printing. In some embodiments, some or all of the decorative cap 10 may be hollow. In this way, the decorative cap 10 may have additional alternative uses, for example, as a floating bath or pool toy, such as a boat, ball or duck.
In some embodiments, the display portion 13 may include a three-dimensional FIG. 16. The three-dimensional FIG. 16 may be, for example, an animal, an action hero or a mascot. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8-22, for example, in some embodiments the decorative cap 10 may include a flat portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the flat portion 20 may include a message element 21 which may include letters, numbers, symbols and/or images. The message element 21 may, for example, take the form of an advertising slogan, catchphrase, trademark or service mark, or information for the consumer. The message element 21 may be configured such that it protrudes outward from the surface of the flat portion 20, is recessed into the surface of the flat portion 20, or is co-planar with the surface of the flat portion 20. The message element 21 may be formed as part of the initial forming process, such as, for example, during injection molding, vacuum molding, compression molding, blow molding, transfer molding or during additive manufacturing. The message element 21 also may be formed by, for example, stamping or printing after the initial formation of the decorative cap 10.
In some embodiments, at least a portion 13 a of the display portion 13 may be attached to the decorative cap 10 via a detachable coupling 19, as shown in FIG. 14, for example. In this way, the detachable portion 13 a of the display portion 13 may have additional alternative uses such as, for example as a toy, game piece, interlocking puzzle piece or bottle opener. In some embodiments, when the detachable portion 13 a of the display portion 13 is removed, the remainder of the decorative cap 10 may remain attached to the container 11 and/or the intermediate cap 18. This detachable coupling 19 may be, for example, a breakaway tab connecting the detachable portion of the display portion to the decorative cap such that detachment is irreversible and cannot occur without permanently deforming the decorative cap 10 and/or the detachable portion 13 a of the display portion 13. In some embodiments, the tab may be configured to facilitate breakage. For example, the tab might include perforations or areas of reduced thickness. Alternatively, the detachable coupling 19 may be, for example, an adhesive, latch, threaded coupling or temporary press-fit coupling such that detachment is reversible and can occur without permanently deforming the decorative cap and/or the detachable portion of the display portion 13.
In some embodiments, the display portion 13 also may include a through hole 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-11, for example. The through hole may be configured to allow the display portion 13, decorative cap 10, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18, to be hung on a strand, rod or hook. This may allow the display portion 13, the decorative cap 10, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18, to be worn as jewelry, such as on a necklace or bracelet, and may encourage the collection and display of various display portion 13, decorative caps 10, or decorative caps 10 in combination with intermediate caps 18, which would be particularly enticing to children. The through hole 22 also may allow the decorative cap 10, or the decorative cap 10 and container 11, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18 and container 11, to be supported on a rod or hook and would allow for easy and convenient storage and display of the decorative cap 10, or the decorative cap 10 and container 11, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18 and container 11 in a store or home. The through hole 22 also may allow for air to pass through the decorative cap 10 if the cap were swallowed.
As shown in FIGS. 2B and 6B, for example, the decorative cap 10 may be configured to support the container 11 on a display or storage rack when the container 11 is attached to the decorative cap 10 or when the container 11 is attached to the intermediate cap 18 and the intermediate cap 18 is attached to the decorative cap 10. The display portion 13 may be configured to span the distance between two parallel product-supporting rods 17 of a display or storage rack such that the display portion 13 of the decorative cap 10 would rest on the rods 17 and the container 11, which is attached to the decorative cap 10, or to the intermediate cap 18 which is attached to the decorative cap 10, would hang below the rods 17. As shown in FIG. 6B, for example, the display portion 13 may include a surface 13 s that extends beyond the connector 15 so that the rods 17 may extend on either side of the connector 15 beneath the surface 13 s. Thus, a rod space 13 r (FIG. 6B) through which the rods 17 may pass, may be created between the pouch 11, the neck 12 and the surface 13 s. This would allow for easy and convenient storage and display of the decorative cap 10, or the decorative cap 10 and container 11, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18, or the decorative cap 10 in combination with the intermediate cap 18 and container 11 in a store or home.
Likewise, the base portion 14 may be configured to span the distance between two parallel product-supporting rods 17 of a display or storage rack such that the base portion 14 of the decorative cap 10 would rest on the rods 17 and the container 11, which is attached to the decorative cap 10, or to the intermediate cap 18 which is attached to the decorative cap 10, would hang below the rods 17. As shown in FIG. 2B, for example, the base portion 14 may include a surface 14 s that extends beyond the connector 15 so that such rods 17 may extend on either side of the connector 15 beneath the surface 14 s. Thus, a rod space 14 r (FIG. 2B) through which the rods 17 may pass may be created between the pouch 11, the neck 12 and the surface 14 s.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 8, and 11, in some embodiments, the base portion 14 is configured to support the display portion 13 in a vertical orientation when the decorative cap 10, or decorative cap in combination with the intermediate cap 18, is removed from the container 11 and placed on a horizontal surface. In this way, the decorative cap 10, or the decorative cap in combination with the intermediate cap 18, may have additional alternative uses, such as, for example as a toy, game piece, interlocking puzzle piece or bottle opener.
The intermediate cap 18 may be configured to attach to the neck portion 12 of the container 11 and to the connector 15 of the decorative cap 10, as shown in FIGS. 13-22, for example. The intermediate cap 18 may include an internal thread for connecting to the neck portion 12. Alternatively, the intermediate cap 18 may be a snap type, compression type or other type of connector that provides sufficient connection to the container 11, e.g., to the neck 12, while avoiding leakage from the container 11 and permitting desired removal capabilities. The diameter and/or thread count or spacing of the intermediate cap 18 may be selected so that intermediate cap 18 is compatible with commonly used container closures and tamper evident seals.
As shown in FIGS. 13-17, in some embodiments, the intermediate cap 18 may be, for example, a commonly used cap, such as the three-support and four-support caps typically used on pouches and other containers. In some embodiments, the intermediate cap 18 may include protrusions 18 a (as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, for example), such as prongs, claws, lugs, barbs or fins that provide mechanical connection to the connector 15. When the connector 15 is placed into mating contact with the intermediate cap 18, the protrusions 18 a may be received into corresponding receptacles 15 a in the connector 15. These receptacles 15 a may be, for example, grooves, indentations, recesses or holes. In some embodiments, this connection between the connector 15 and the intermediate cap 18 may be a permanent, one-way connection such that the decorative cap 10 and the intermediate cap 18 cannot be separated once the initial connection is made without permanently deforming the decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18. Alternatively, the connection between the connector 15 and the intermediate cap 18 may be reversible such that the decorative cap and the intermediate cap 18 can be readily separated without permanently deforming the decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18. The protrusions 18 a may be configured in a pattern such that the connector 15, and ultimately the decorative cap 10, can only be connected to the intermediate cap 18 in a certain orientation. For example, certain of the protrusions 18 a may be accepted into only certain of the receptacles 15 a or the protrusions 18 a and corresponding receptacles 15 a may be asymmetrically arranged on the intermediate cap 18 and connector 15.
The connector 15 may be configured to connect the decorative cap 10 to the neck portion 12 of the container 11 or to the intermediate cap 18. The connector 15 may include an internal thread. Alternatively, the connector 15 may be a snap type, compression type or other type of connector that provides sufficient connection to the container 11, e.g., to the neck 12, while avoiding leakage from the container 11 and permitting desired removal capabilities. The diameter and/or thread count or spacing of the connector 15 may be selected so that the connector 15 is compatible with commonly used container closures and tamper evident seals. The connector 15 may also include protrusions 15 b (as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16, and 17, for example) such as prongs, claws, lugs, barbs or fins that provide mechanical connection to the intermediate cap 18.
When the connector 15 is placed into mating contact with the intermediate cap 18, the protrusions 15 b may be received into corresponding receptacles 18 b in the intermediate cap 18. These receptacles 18 b may be, for example, grooves, indentations, recesses or holes. The protrusions 15 b may be configured in a pattern such that the connector 15, and ultimately the decorative cap 10, can only be connected to the intermediate cap 18 in a certain orientation. For example, certain of the protrusions 15 b may be accepted into only certain of the receptacles 18 b or the protrusions 15 b and corresponding receptacles 18 b may be asymmetrically arranged on the intermediate cap 18 and connector 15. In some embodiments, this connection between the connector 15 and the intermediate cap 18 may be a permanent, one-way connection such that the decorative cap 10 and the intermediate cap 18 cannot be separated once the initial connection is made without permanently deforming the decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18. Alternatively, the connection between the connector 15 and the intermediate cap 18 may be reversible such that the decorative cap and the intermediate cap 18 can be readily separated without permanently deforming the decorative cap 10 and/or the intermediate cap 18. In some embodiments, the connector 15 is located in the display portion 13. The connector 15 also may be located in the base portion 14. In some embodiments, the flat portion 20 may surround the connector 15.
FIGS. 1-4 depict an embodiment in which the decorative cap 10 includes a display portion 13 and a base portion 14. The base portion 14 includes a connector 15 configured to attach to the neck portion 12 of the container 11 and is surrounded by a flat portion 20. The display portion 13 includes a three-dimensional FIG. 16 and through holes 22.
The base portion 14 is configured to support the display portion 13 in a vertical orientation when the decorative cap 10 is removed from the container 11 and placed on a horizontal surface. The base portion 14 is further configured to span the distance between two parallel product-supporting rods 17 of a display or storage rack such that the base portion 14 of the decorative cap 10 rests on the rods 17 and the container 11, which is attached to the decorative cap 10, hangs below the rods 17.
The base portion 14 includes a surface 14 s that extends beyond the connector 15 so that such rods 17 extend on either side of the connector 15 beneath the surface 14 s. A rod space 14 r through which the rods 17 may pass, is created between the container 11, the neck 12 and the surface 14 s.
FIGS. 5-8 depict an embodiment in which the decorative cap 10 includes a display portion 13 and a base portion 14. The display portion 13 includes a connector 15 configured to attach to the neck portion 12 of the container 11 and is surrounded by a flat portion 20. The display portion 13 includes a three-dimensional FIG. 16 and through holes 22. The display portion 13 is configured to span the distance between two parallel product-supporting rods 17 of a display or storage rack such that the display portion 13 of the decorative cap 10 rests on the rods 17 and the container 11, which is attached to the decorative cap 10, hangs below the rods 17.
The display portion 13 includes a surface 13 s that extends beyond the connector 15 so that such rods 17 extend on either side of the connector 15 beneath the surface 13 s. A rod space 13 r through which the rods 17 may pass, is created between the container 11, the neck 12 and the surface 13 s.
The base portion 14 is configured to support the display portion 13 in a vertical orientation when the decorative cap 10 is removed from the container 11 and placed on a horizontal surface.
FIGS. 9-12 depict an embodiment in which the decorative cap 10 includes a display portion 13, a base portion 14 and flat portions 20. The base portion 14 includes a connector 15. The connector 15 is configured to attach to the neck portion 12 of the container 11 and is surrounded by a flat portion 20. The display portion 13 includes a three-dimensional FIG. 16 and through holes 22. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the flat portions 20 include message elements 21.
The base portion 14 is configured to support the display portion 13 in a vertical orientation when the decorative cap 10 is removed from the container 11 and placed on a horizontal surface.
FIGS. 13-17 depict an embodiment in which the decorative cap 10 includes a display portion 13, a base portion 14 and a connector 15. The display portion 13 includes a three-dimensional FIG. 16 and a flat portion 20. The connector 15 is configured to attach to an intermediate cap 18. The intermediate cap 18 is configured to connect to the neck portion 12 of the container 11. The connector 15 includes protrusions 15 b. When the connector 15 is placed into mating contact with the intermediate cap 18, the protrusions 15 b are received into corresponding receptacles 18 b in the intermediate cap 18.
As shown in FIG. 14, at least a portion 13 a of the display portion 13 is attached to the decorative cap 10 via a detachable coupling 19.
FIGS. 18-22 depict an embodiment in which the decorative cap 10 includes a display portion 13, a base portion 14 and a connector 15. The display portion 13 includes a three-dimensional FIG. 16 and a flat portion 20. The connector 15 is configured to attach to an intermediate cap 18. The intermediate cap 18 is configured to connect to the neck portion 12 of the container 11. The intermediate cap 18 includes protrusions 18 a. The connector 15 includes receptacles 15 a. When the connector 15 is placed into mating contact with the intermediate cap 18, the protrusions 18 a are received into corresponding receptacles 15 a in connector 15.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A decorative cap for a container, the decorative cap comprising:

a display portion; and

a connector, wherein the connector is configured to couple the decorative cap to the container.

2. The decorative cap of claim 1 wherein the display portion comprises a message element, and wherein the message element comprises at least one from the group of letters, numbers, symbols and images.

3. The decorative cap of claim 1, wherein the display portion comprises a three-dimensional figure.

4. The decorative cap of claim 3, wherein the three-dimensional figure is detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

5. The decorative cap of claim 4, wherein the three-dimensional figure is irreversibly detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

6. The decorative cap of claim 5, wherein the three-dimensional figure is coupled to the decorative cap by a breakaway tab.

7. The decorative cap of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the display portion is detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

8. The decorative cap of claim 1, further comprising a container configured to connect to an intermediate cap, and wherein the connector is configured to connect the decorative cap to the intermediate cap.

9. The decorative cap of claim 8, the connector comprising protrusions and the intermediate cap comprising receptacles corresponding to the protrusions.

10. The decorative cap of claim 8, wherein the display portion comprises a message element, and wherein the message element comprises at least one from the group of letters, numbers, symbols and images.

11. The decorative cap of claim 8, wherein the display portion comprises a three-dimensional figure.

12. The decorative cap of claim 8, wherein the three-dimensional figure is detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

13. The decorative cap of claim 12, wherein the three-dimensional figure is irreversibly detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

14. The decorative cap of claim 13, wherein the three-dimensional figure is coupled to the decorative cap by a breakaway tab.

15. The decorative cap of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the display portion is detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

16. The decorative cap of claim 15, wherein the at least a portion of the display portion is irreversibly detachably coupled to the decorative cap.

17. A product comprising:

the decorative cap of claim 8 and

an intermediate cap.

18. The product of claim 17, the connector comprising protrusions and the intermediate cap comprising receptacles corresponding to the protrusions.

19. A product comprising:

a container,

the decorative cap of claim 8, and

an intermediate cap.

20. The product of claim 19, the connector comprising protrusions and the intermediate cap comprising receptacles corresponding to the protrusions.