Bottle caps capable of being used as interlocking blocks

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a novel bottle cap having interlocking function in addition to its function as a conventional bottle cap, whereby a plurality of the caps can be interlocked together to make desired geometrical constructs for entertainment, education, or collection purpose. Also disclosed are methods of reusing bottle caps so that littering of bottle caps to the environment can be reduced.

1 . A novel bottle cap having interlocking capability in addition to its function as a conventional bottle cap, whereby a plurality of the novel caps can be used as interlocking blocks to make desired geometrical constructs for entertainment, education, or collection purpose, whereby the novel bottle cap is referred to as a blocked-cap. 
     
     
         2 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 1  wherein the physical shape of the blocked-cap is substantially a square cuboid (right square prism) with a cylindrical hole having suitable inner thread so that the blocked-cap can be screwed onto a bottleneck and function as a normal bottle cap. 
     
     
         3 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 2  having one or a plurality of extrusions and indentations as the engaging points to be interlocked with other such blocked-caps to form desired geometrical constructs. 
     
     
         4 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 2  wherein one or a plurality of extrusions/indentations are on the top/bottom so that the blocked-cap can be interlocked with another such blocked-cap on top or bottom. 
     
     
         5 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 2  wherein one or a plurality of dovetail extrusions and/or indentations are on the side so that the blocked-cap can be interlocked side by side with other such blocked-cap(s) by sliding dovetail. 
     
     
         6 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 2  wherein the main mechanism of interlocking with other such blocked-caps comprises (1) compression between the extrusion(s) and the indentation(s) on the top/bottom of individual blocked-caps, and/or (2) sliding of the dovetail extrusions/indentations on the side of individual blocked-caps. 
     
     
         7 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 2  having its top painted/printed/carved with specific color/design/number/letter so that when a group of such blocked-caps are interlocked side by side in a predetermined arrangement, a specific picture/design can be displayed in a way similar to a jigsaw puzzle. 
     
     
         8 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 1  wherein the blocked-cap is essentially made of plastic, composite material, metal, or the combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The blocked-cap according to  claim 1  wherein the blocked-cap, substantially in the same shape as a novel bottle cap, comprises one or a plurality of cylindrical extrusions on the top and matching cylindrical tube on the inside ( FIG. 10 ) so that when one such blocked-cap is aligned and pressed on top of the other blocked-cap, they are connected together. 
     
     
         10 . A method of achieving entertainment, education, or collection purpose by providing a plurality of the blocked-caps according to  claim 1  and interlocking the blocked-caps to make desired geometrical constructs. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein a plurality of the blocked-caps can be used with special auxiliary pieces, having a variety of sizes and shapes, made to fit the blocked-caps so that essentially all geometrical constructs can be made. 
     
     
         12 . A method of reusing bottle caps by utilizing the blocked-caps according to  claim 1  for entertainment, education, or collection purpose whereby littering of conventional bottle caps to the environment can be reduced.