Cylindrical Plastic Bottle Cap with Built-In Soup Ladle

The problem

Liquid foods, beverage concentrates, powdered drink mixes and bulk condiments often require a measuring spoon or ladle. When the scoop is packed loosely inside the bottle, it sinks into the product, becomes coated in liquid, or is lost after the first use. Separate scoops also add packing steps on the production line. Standard screw caps do not provide a dedicated, clean space to store a utensil, and adding one externally increases shipping volume. Furthermore, buyers and consumers look for visible tamper evidence and reliable re-sealing after every use. A cap that fails to close tightly allows moisture or air to enter, affecting the contents.

The solution

This patent describes a cylindrical plastic bottle cap that integrates a soup ladle directly into the flip-top lid. The design solves storage, sealing and tamper-evidence issues in one molded assembly:

1. A fixed lid (2) connects to the bottle neck. Inside, an annular flange (22) divides the upper and lower sections.
2. An easy tearing lid (23) sits below the flange, connected by a tear structure and fitted with a draw ring (24) for removal.
3. A turnover lid (1) hinges onto the top of the fixed lid. Its inner surface contains a soup ladle chamber (12) that holds the soup ladle (4).
4. Below the easy tearing lid, a circular closure (5) is hinged to the fixed lid’s inner wall. It carries an annular elastic sealing strip (51) that fits into a seal groove on the flange’s lower surface.
5. A globe joint (53) on the closure snaps into a matching spherical groove on the fixed lid wall, holding the closure shut. When released, the closure hangs vertically downward under its own weight.

Who it is for

• Food and beverage brands selling liquid concentrates, broths or syrups who want a measuring ladle permanently attached to the packaging without loose inserts.
• Powdered supplement manufacturers needing a scoop stored cleanly outside the powder mass, with a secure resealable barrier to keep moisture out.
• Condiment and sauce wholesalers looking for a tamper-evident dispensing cap that doubles as a portion-control tool for food service or retail buyers.
• Custom packaging converters seeking a multi-part closure design that can be molded from specialized plastic compounds for distinct shelf appeal.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. First opening: Unlock the turnover lid (1) by disengaging the arc block tongue (11) from the arc bayonet socket (21). Lift the pull-up handle (13) and remove the soup ladle (4) from the soup ladle chamber (12).
2. Breaking the seal: Pull the draw ring (24) to tear the easy tearing lid (23) away from the flange (22), exposing the inner closure (5).
3. Opening the inner closure: Press down on the end of the closure (5) opposite the shackle (52). The globe joint (53) releases from its spherical groove. The closure then hangs vertically downward under its own weight, leaving the bottle mouth open.
4. Dispensing: Use the soup ladle (4) to take the contents from the bottle.
5. Resealing: Pull the shackle (52) upward to press the globe joint (53) back into the spherical groove. The elastic sealing strip (51) compresses into the seal groove on the flange (22), restoring the internal seal. Close the turnover lid (1) to complete the second stage of sealing.

Applications

Liquid food concentrates

Brands selling broth, soup bases or cooking stocks need a way for consumers to measure portions accurately. Storing the ladle inside the cap prevents it from sinking into the liquid or requiring a separate package insert.

Powdered beverages and supplements

Powder clumps easily when exposed to humidity. The inner closure with its elastic sealing strip provides a secondary barrier beneath the flip-top lid, while the ladle stays dry in its dedicated chamber above the tear disc.

Bulk condiments for food service

Restaurants buying large bottles of sauces or dressings often lose measuring spoons during busy shifts. A cap with an integrated ladle ensures the portioning tool remains attached to the container between uses.

Agricultural or chemical liquids

Non-food liquids that require measured dosing benefit from a dedicated scoop that does not sit inside the chemical reservoir. The tamper-evident tear strip shows whether the container has been opened before purchase.

Where it is less suitable

• Standard water or carbonated drinks - these products do not require a ladle, and the complex multi-part cap adds unnecessary cost and weight.
• Very small bottle necks - the soup ladle chamber requires a certain diameter to hold a functional scoop; narrow necks cannot accommodate the turnover lid dimensions.
• Single-use sachets - disposable, single-serve packaging does not need a resealable cap with a stored utensil.