Automatic dispensing cap for a squeezeable bottle

A valve member for an automatic dispensing cap, comprising:

• a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis defining upwards and downwards directions and a circumferential outer wall having upper and lower edges;
• a protrusion disposed upwardly along the longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of openings disposed radially between the protrusion and the circumferential outer wall, the openings suitable for the passage of fluid in a direction upwardly through the cylindrical body;
• a plurality of spring members disposed radially outwardly from the outer circumferential wall, the spring members being spaced to allow air to pass in a direction upwardly between the spring members along the outer circumferential wall;
• and
• a circumferential sealing lip having inner and outer surfaces extending upwardly from the upper edge of the circumferential outer wall, the sealing lip sufficiently flexible to bend radially inwardly as a result of a difference in air pressure against the inner and the outer surfaces of the sealing lip.

An automatic dispensing cap for use with a container, the automatic dispensing cap comprising:

• a body operatively coupled to the container;
• a retainer cap having an interior surface, the retainer cap connected to the body;
• a pressure chamber within the retainer cap, the pressure chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the container;
• a dispensing hole exiting the pressure chamber;
• a protrusion engagable with the dispensing hole, the automatic dispensing cap having a closed position wherein the protrusion seals the dispensing hole, and an open position wherein the dispensing hole is unobstructed by the protrusion;
• a spring member biasing the automatic dispensing cap in the closed position;
• and
• a sealing lip configured to contact the interior surface of the retainer cap, the sealing lip further configured to permit air to enter the pressure chamber in order to vent the container.