This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning beverage containers.
Typically in the prior art a pull tab aluminum beverage can, such as for soda or beer, cannot be closed after being opened.
The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides an apparatus and a method for closing a soda can, after it has been opened. In one embodiment a cap is provided for covering an opening in a soda can. The cap may include a depression and a peripheral flange connected to the depression. The peripheral flange may at least partially surround the depression. The depression may be adapted to fit into an opening of a soda can created by a pull tab. There may be a gap in the peripheral flange which allows a pull tab to fit over the depression. The cap may include an inner wall which connects the depression to the peripheral flange.
The present invention, in one or more embodiments, may also include a method of pulling a pull tab on a soda can to create an opening in the soda can, and covering the opening with a cap. The cap may be comprised of a depression and a peripheral flange, wherein the depression is connected to the peripheral flange, and the peripheral flange at least partially surrounds the depression.
In operation the indented portion 106 of the cap 100 can be inserted into the opening 20 of the can 10. The outer flange 102 of the cap 100 covers at least a portion of the to portion 12 of the can 10. The cap 100 provides a seal to keep any contents of the can 10 fresh after the tab 18 has been pulled to form the opening 20 in the can 10.
In operation the indented portion 304 of the cap 300 can be inserted into an opening 220 of the can 200. The outer flange 302 of the cap 300 covers at least a portion of the portion 212 of the can 200. The cap 300 provides a seal to keep any contents of the can 200 fresh by sealing the opening 220 in the can 200.
Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.
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20040065662 A1 | Apr 2004 | US |