Patent Application
20240409282
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a container. The closure system may include a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end, e.g., a standard can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. The top cover may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug may fit in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion may be moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.
In some embodiments, at the first position the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, may cover the first aperture, the lever portion may rest on and be secured to the slider portion and the sealing portion may be in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, at a second position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, may cover the first aperture, the lever portion may be lifted from the slider portion to remove the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, at a third position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion may expose the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, at a fourth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion may expose the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion may be lowered towards the slider portion, and the sealing portion may be in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, at a fifth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion may expose at least a portion of the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion may be lifted relative to the slider portion, and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, at a sixth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, at a seventh position the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion cover the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lowered to connect to the slider portion and insert the plug into the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, the first aperture may have at least one pair of substantially parallel sides. In some embodiments, the plate may be connected to the can end, e.g., a bottom surface of the can end.
The lever portion and the slider portion may be separate components, e.g., that are mated together using a plurality of mating features. Alternatively, the lever portion, the slider portion, and the plug may be parts of a single component, e.g., connected by a hinge or other similar connection. In some embodiments, the lever portion and the plug are part of a single component.
In some embodiments, the lever portion may include a hinge, e.g., a living hinge, that divides the lever portion into a fixed part and a movable part. In certain embodiments, at least one of the fixed part of the lever portion and slider portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially secure the top cover to the fixed element. For example, the fixed part of the lever portion may include a plurality of mating features to secure the lever portion to the slider portion. The plurality of mating features of the fixed part of the lever portion may serve an additional function, e.g., by contacting a periphery of the first aperture to guide sliding of the top cover. In specific embodiments, the plurality of mating features may include snap hooks, e.g., the hooks contact the periphery of the first aperture of the fixed element. In some embodiments, the plug may be incorporated into the movable part of the lever portion. In further embodiments, the movable part of the lever portion may include a retention pin.
In some embodiments, at least one of the top cover and the sealing portion is made of a material that is compatible with fixed element. In some embodiments, at least one of the lever portion, slider portion, plug, and sealing portion is made of a polymeric material. The total weight of polymeric material in the closure system may, for example, be less than 2.2 grams.
In some embodiments, the slider portion may include an elongated slot dimensioned to permit sliding against the protruding shaft of the plate.
In some embodiments, the sealing portion may include a base connected orthogonally to the stem and a polymer seal, e.g., a polymer O-ring, at the periphery of the base. The stem of the sealing portion may include an aperture at a free end. In specific embodiments, the aperture of the stem may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the movable part of the lever portion by the retention pin of the lever portion, e.g., the movable part of the lever portion. In some embodiments, the stem of the sealing portion may include a hinge, e.g., at least one hinge. In further embodiments, the sealing portion may include a support operatively coupled to a bottom surface of the base. The support may be constructed and arranged to increase the structural rigidity of the sealing portion and to limit compression of the sealing portion, i.e., the polymeric O-ring of the sealing portion, when engaged against the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In some embodiments, the lever portion may be constructed and arranged to secure the sealing portion in a resting, i.e., sealing, position, e.g., engaged against the bottom surface of the fixed element.
In further embodiments, the closure system may include a tamper evident, e.g., tamper-proof, seal.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a container. The closure system may include a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end. The can end may include a first aperture and a protruding shaft spaced laterally apart from the first aperture. The movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion and slider portion. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be mated together. The lever portion may include a plug dimensioned to fit into an opening in the protruding shaft such that in a first position, the plug is disposed within the opening in the protruding shaft and the top cover is disposed over the first aperture. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The sealing portion may be disposed below the fixed element and constructed and arranged such that, at the first position, a top surface of the sealing portion is in contact with a bottom surface of the fixed element to cover the first aperture.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a container. The closure system may include a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The movable closure element may include a top cover disposed over the first aperture and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged with the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along the slider portion. The plug may be constructed and arranged to act as a valve when removed from an opening in the protruding shaft. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element, permitting the top cover to be laterally moved along the slider portion to expose at least a portion of the first aperture.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a resealable container. The resealable container may include a container body and any embodiment of a closure system disclosed herein.
In accordance with as aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a resealable container. The method may include providing a container body. The method may include providing a closure system connectable to the container body. The method further may include attaching the closure system to the container body, thereby manufacturing the resealable container. The provided closure system may include a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end, e.g., a standard can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. The top cover may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug may fit in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the scaling portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion may be moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of providing a closure system attachable to a container. The method may include providing a fixed element of the closure system. The provided fixed element may include a can end, e.g., a standard can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The method may include providing a movable closure element of the closure system. The provided movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. The top cover may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug may fit in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion may be moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.
In further embodiments, the method may include providing instructions, e.g., to an end user, e.g., a manufacturer, to assemble the closure system from the fixed element and the movable closure element. The assembly instructions may include instructions to connect the lever portion and the slider portion to form the top cover. The assembly instructions may include instructions to connect the top cover to the fixed element. The assembly instructions further may include instructions to connect the sealing portion to the lever portion by passing the stem through a bottom of the fixed element and onto a retention pin of the lever portion.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a can. The closure system may include a fixed element comprising a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture. The closure system may include a top cover disposed over the dispensing aperture and the vent aperture and a sealing portion disposed beneath the fixed element. The top cover may include a seal that fits within the vent aperture when the top cover is closed. The top cover may permit the vent aperture to be opened such that the top cover and the sealing portion can be slid together to expose to dispensing aperture.
In some embodiments, the seal is operably coupled to a movable portion of the top cover, e.g., a lever portion. In some embodiments, the seal is made from a material permitting formation of a hermetic seal.
Other advantages, features, and objects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Certain illustrative examples are described below with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Certain features or components of the illustrative containers and devices shown in the figures may have been enlarged, distorted or otherwise shown in a non-conventional manner relative to other features or components to facilitate a better understanding of the novel containers and devices disclosed herein. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the containers and devices disclosed herein can be used in any orientation relative to gravity and suitable orientations will be readily selected by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. References made to beverage containers herein is not intended to limit the disclosure to beverage containers, but instead refers to containers that may be used to hold various contents, including consumable and non-consumable goods.
Certain examples of the devices and methods disclosed herein will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure to provide sanitary, cost-effective containers. In particular, containers are provided that have a sanitary cover, are easier to open than conventional cans, and can be repeatedly and securely resealed. The container of certain examples disclosed herein will prevent the dispensing portion of the container from exposure to the environment and ensure a safe and contaminant-free product. The current manufacturing process for standard cans may be adapted to include the present disclosure, with reduced, minimal, or no additional cost.
Conventional containers, such as aluminum beverage cans, are manufactured by well-known processes. In one process, aluminum cans are made from an aluminum coiled sheet which is fed through a cupping press that cuts discs and forms them into cup-like containers. These cup-like containers drop from the press onto a conveyor and are fed into an ironing press where successive rings redraw and iron the cup, reducing the sidewall thickness and achieving a full length can. The tops of the can bodies are then trimmed to eliminate rough edges and ensure height uniformity. The can bodies are then cleaned and dried. Subsequently, the can bodies are labeled and coated with a clear protective layer of varnish. The cans are then baked, treated with a coating, and re-baked. The top portion of each can body is narrowed to form a neck with an outward flange at the top edge. The bottom portions are domed to obtain the strength required to withstand internal pressure if a carbonated liquid will be added to the can. After testing for pin-holes and defects, the can bodies are placed on pallets and shipped to a supplier or a filler. The cans can be used for numerous applications, including, but not limited to, beverages, paints and coatings, foods, and other perishable and non-perishable goods storage applications.
The lids of conventional aluminum cans, typically referred to as “can ends,” are made by stamping shells from an aluminum coiled sheet that has been coated in a sealant. A pin is drawn outwards from the center of each shell. On those cans using a stay-on-tab type closure, the process further includes inserting a separate piece of metal as the tab which is threaded over the drawn pin. The pin is then flattened against the tab forming a rivet which secures the tab in place. The edges of the can ends generally have a curved flange and a bead of sealing material is applied to the inside of the curved flange. The can ends are also scored to define the opening of the can end in the finished product and regulatory text may be engraved onto the top surface of the can end. The can ends are then shipped to the supplier or filler.
At the supplier or filler, a filling machine is used to pour the beverage into the can body. The process is completed after filling when the can end is placed on top of the filled can body and secured to the can body using the seamer by forming a double seam with the flange on the can body. A double seam is formed by interlocking edges of the two components, the outward top edge of the flange of the can body and the curved flange at the edge of the can end, curling the can end flange around the flange on the can body edge so that the can end flange is partially rolled up and under the flange on the can body edge to form a partial seam, and crimping and flattening the partial seam against the can body to form a hermetic seal.
Most beverage cans have a stay-on-tab type closure such as those described herein. However, there are many aspects of the conventional stay-on-tab closure that make it undesirable. The stay-on-tab closure does not provide for a sanitary drinking environment because the outer surface of the can and the top of the can, which comprises the stay-on-tab closure, comes into contact with the environment during storage, shipping, distribution, display, handling, and ultimately, use by the consumer. When the contents if the can are poured directly from the can through the opening formed from the score line and the stay-on-tab closure, the contents come in contact with the top and surface of the can, making for a potentially unsanitary environment. Additionally, should the can contain a beverage, if a consumer drinks the beverage from the can directly, both the beverage and the mouth of the consumer come into contact with the surface and top of the can, also making for an unsanitary drinking environment. Additionally, the stay-on-tab type closure does not allow for reclosing and resealing the container.
The present disclosure provides a resealable container that may be manufactured by commercially available processes and machinery with minimal or no retrofitting, low material and manufacturing costs, ease of stacking during shipping and storage, increased sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion, reliability and ease of opening, closing, and resealing by consumers, pourability, drinkability, recyclability, and decreased likelihood of spilling the contents of the container. These advantages of the present disclosure overcome the noted deficiencies of the conventional stay-on-tab type closure beverage containers.
The present disclosure also provides a resealable closure system to use with a beverage container that allows for locking of the closure system in a secure, closed, and sealed position. Additionally, after the container is initially opened, the user may recover and protect the dispensing portion of the container to prevent contaminants from residing in the dispensing portion area.
As used herein, the term “mate” or “mating” may describe any manner of connecting or joining two or more components together. The term “mate” or “mating” may describe any mechanical, thermal, or chemical process that connect or join two or more components together. In the examples disclosed herein, the term “mate” or “mating” may mean welding, soldering, molding, adhering, crimping, folding, double seaming, clamping, snapping, interlocking, fastening or otherwise connecting two components. For example, two or more components of the container may be welded, soldered, molded, adhered, crimped, folded, double seamed, clamped, snapped, or interlocked together. In certain examples, two or more components may be mated by being fastened together with the assistance of another component, thereby forming a rigid or flexible, hinge connection. “Mating” may also mean connecting or joining at least two components having compatible threaded surfaces. The mating may be permanent or temporary.
In accordance with certain examples, a container is disclosed. The container may be used to hold various contents including, but not limited to consumable goods, and may have the ability to reliably seal and reseal the goods within the container. The goods may be in the form of at least one of a solid, liquid or gas. In certain examples, the contents may be a food, beverage, for example, a carbonated beverage, or other consumable. In other examples, the contents may be other than a food or beverage but may still require sanitary conditions and protection from contamination while dispensing and/or storing.
In accordance with certain examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is disclosed. The movable closure element may comprise a top cover and a sealing portion. A component of the movable closure element, such as the top cover, sealing portion, or another component of the movable closure element, may secure other portions of the movable closure element to each other. This component may allow the top cover and sealing portion to operatively interact with one another, directly or indirectly. The top cover and the sealing portion may operatively interact with one another to allow movement of the sealing portion together with the top cover. The top cover and the sealing portion may operatively interact with one another to allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is the same as the direction in which the top cover is moved, for example, in a lateral direction along a channel or slot formed in the fixed element. Additionally, the top cover and the sealing portion may operatively interact with one another to allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is not the same direction as the direction in which the top cover is moved. For example, engaging the top cover by, for example, turning, lifting, sliding, or otherwise moving at least a portion of the top cover, may allow the sealing portion to move a predetermined distance away from a bottom surface of the can end.
In accordance with certain examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is disclosed. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The fixed element may include a can end having a first aperture and a protruding shaft spaced laterally apart from the first aperture. The movable closure element may have a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion and slider portion. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be mated together. The lever portion may include a plug dimensioned to fit into an opening in the protruding shaft such that in a first position, the plug is disposed within an opening in the protruding shaft and the top cover is disposed over the first aperture. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The sealing portion may be disposed below the fixed element and constructed and arranged such that, at the first position, a top surface of the scaling portion is in contact with a lower surface of the fixed element and covers the first aperture.
In accordance with certain examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is disclosed. The fixed element may include a can end having a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The movable closure element may have a top cover disposed over the first aperture and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged with the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along the slider portion. The plug may be constructed and arranged to act as a valve when inserted into an opening in the protruding shaft. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion, with the stem being constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element, permitting the top cover to be laterally moved along the slider portion to expose the first aperture.
In accordance with certain examples, a closure system for rescaling a can is disclosed. The closure system includes a fixed element having a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture. The closure system includes a top cover disposed over the dispensing aperture and the vent aperture. The top cover includes a seal that fits within the vent aperture when the top cover is closed and a sealing portion disposed beneath the fixed element. The top cover permits the vent aperture to be opened, i.e., unsealed, such that the top cover and the sealing portion can be slid together to expose to dispensing aperture.
In accordance with certain examples, a resealable container may comprise a container body and a closure system. The closure system may comprise a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to a body of the beverage container and a movable closure element. In certain examples, the fixed element may a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The first aperture can have a substantially oblong profile and at least one pair of substantially parallel sides. The plate includes an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be secured to an end of the container body, e.g., by double seams. The resealable container may include a movable closure element comprising a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover includes a lever portion and a slider portion that are mated together. The lever portion, when engaged, moves together with the slider portion expose the first aperture of the fixed element. The sealing portion may reside within the container body and include a base surrounded at its periphery by a polymer seal, e.g., including an O-ring. The base includes a stem, e.g., a hinged stem, extending orthogonal to the base and having an aperture at its free end. The stem may be disposed through the fixed element and is constructed and arranged to attach to a retention pin on the lever portion.
In accordance with certain examples, at a first position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, covers the first aperture, the lever portion is resting on and secured to the slider portion, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a second position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, covers the first aperture, the lever portion is lifted from the slider portion to remove the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a third position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion expose the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a fourth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion expose the first aperture of the can end, the lever portion is lowered towards the slider portion, and the sealing portion is in contact, e.g., partial contact, with the bottom surface of the fixed element. At the fourth position, the resealable container has been opened.
In accordance with certain examples, at a fifth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lifted relative to the slider portion, and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a sixth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion cover the dispensing portion, and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a seventh position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion cover the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lowered to connect to the slider portion and insert the plug into the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element. At the seventh position, the resealable container has been resealed.
In accordance with certain examples, a closure system for sealing and resealing a container may be constructed and arranged to be mated with a container body, e.g., a standard beverage can. The closure system may comprise a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture having a substantially oblong profile and a greater linear dimension than the second aperture. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to an end of the container body. The fixed element includes a plate that is secured to a lower surface of the can end. For example, the can end and plate can be affixed using any suitable adhesive, such as a food safe solid adhesive, e.g., double sided adhesive tape, or a liquid adhesive. Alternatively, the can end and plate can be affixed using suitable solder or welds, e.g., chemical welds or heat-based solder or welds. The plate includes an aperture substantially identical in profile to the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft having an opening therethrough. When mated together, the protruding shaft of the plate is dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end such that it is protruding above a top surface of the can end.
The closure system may also comprise a movable closure element. The movable closure element may comprise a top cover disposed on a top surface of the can end comprising a lever portion, a slider portion, and a sealing portion. The lever portion includes a hinge, e.g., a living hinge, separating the lever portion into a first part and second part. The first part of the lever portion, e.g., a fixed part, includes an aperture and a plurality of mating features permitting connection to the slider portion. The second part of the lever portion, e.g., a movable part, is generally constructed and arranged to be movable via the hinge, e.g., living hinge, and includes a retention pin and an aperture having a polymer seal, i.e., a plug, dimensioned to pass through the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate of the fixed element. This polymer seal, i.e., plug, acts as a valve, permitting compressed gases within the resealable container to escape, if present, and further permitting air to enter the beverage can when dispensing liquids from the beverage can. The slider portion of the movable closure element permits a releasable connection from the lever portion and generally includes a slot, e.g., an elongated slot, dimensioned to permit the protruding shaft of the plate to pass therethrough. The slider portion includes a plurality of apertures that are dimensioned to connect or mate with the plurality of mating features of the lever portion. For example, the lever portion can include a plurality of hooks or latches that fit into the plurality of apertures of the slider portion. Hooks and latches are but examples of mating features, and this disclosure is in no way limited by the type of mating feature used to secure the lever portion and slider portion. In some embodiments, the lever portion and slider portion are made of unitary construction, e.g., not constructed from a separate lever portion and separate slider portion that are mated together.
The sealing portion of the movable closure element is generally constructed and arranged to be held against a lower surface of the fixed element aligned with the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, when the lever portion is not in use. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. The downward motion of the sealing portion away from the lower or bottom surface of the fixed element permits the top cover to move. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion is moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.
The fixed element, in some embodiments, may include an industry-standard shell, also known as a can end. The can end may be used to construct the closure system before any additional features have been applied, such as a score line for a dispensing aperture, a standard tab, a pin that holds the tab in place, and any stamped features or engraved text. There are a number of industry standard shells available on the market. For example, a fixed element or shell may be any of a B64 shell available from Ball Corporation, Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), and Crown Holdings Inc., a CDL shell available from Ball Corporation and Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), or a SUPEREND® shell available from Crown Holdings Inc. Industry-standard shells are generally manufactured from any suitable material that can withstand changes in temperature, pressure, and the chemistry of the container contents. For example, shells may be manufactured from various types of steels, tin, or aluminum or aluminum alloys, such as 5000 series aluminum that is an alloy of aluminum with magnesium. In particular embodiments, fixed elements useful for the disclosure disclosed herein may be manufactured from 5052 or 5182 aluminum alloy having a thickness of between about 0.208 mm to about 0.305 mm.
In some embodiments, the fixed element may include a can end having a first aperture and a second aperture. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the fixed element includes a plate 200 that is secured to a bottom of bottom surface of the can end. The plate can be used, in some instances, to increase the rigidity of the can end. In general, beverage containers designed for use with pressurized liquids, e.g., carbonated water, soda, beer, and the like, can reach an internal pressure of 6.4 bar when sealed. This high internal pressure can cause the can end's generally flat plain to dome, potentially pushing any part or feature located on the top surface of the can end's flat plain to protrude beyond the dimensions or shape of the can, causing an issue known as “tab to chime.” The plate, being made of the same material and being in close dimension to the can end, reduces doming of the can end. In particular embodiments, plates useful for the resealable container disclosed herein may be manufactured from 3004 or 5052 aluminum alloy having a thickness of about 0.635 mm. As illustrated in
An embodiment of the assembly of the fixed element 300 including the can end and the plate is illustrated in
The closure system disclosed herein includes a movable closure element that is constructed and arranged to seal and reseal the first aperture in the fixed element, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to seal and reseal the resealable container. The movable closure element generally includes two elements: a top cover and a sealing portion that is connected to the top cover. The top cover is disposed on the top surface of the fixed element and the sealing element is disposed on the bottom surface of the fixed element. In operation, when the top cover is engaged, the sealing portion is moved away from the bottom surface of the fixed element a predetermined distance such that the movable closure system as a unit can be directed away from the first aperture in the can end, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to provide access to the contents of the resealable container. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance, i.e., the distance from the base of the stem to the bottom surface of the fixed element, is between about 3 mm to about 4 mm, e.g., about 3 mm, about 3.05 mm, about 3.10 mm, about 3.15 mm, about 3.20 mm, about 3.25 mm, about 3.30 mm, about 3.35 mm, about 3.40 mm, about 3.45 mm, about 3.50 mm, about 3.55 mm, about 3.60 mm, about 3.65 mm, about 3.70 mm, about 3.75 mm, about 3.80 mm, about 3.85 mm, about 3.90 mm, about 3.95 mm, or about 4 mm. In certain embodiments, the predetermined distance is form about 3.25 mm to about 3.75 mm.
In some embodiments, the movable closure element includes two components: a lever portion and a slider portion. The lever portion and slider portion can be two separate components that are mated together. Alternatively, the lever portion and slider portion can be integrated into a single component with separate functionalities. Independent of the configuration, the lever portion of the movable closure element is constructed and arranged to permit the movable closure element to be disengaged from the fixed element and provide for initial venting of the resealable container should the resealable container include pressurized contents. Once the resealable container is depressurized, if needed, and the movable closure element disengaged from the fixed element, the slider portion permits the movable closure element to be moved by the lever portion along an axis or plane of the fixed element to expose the first aperture of the can end, i.e., the dispensing aperture. The lever portion and slider portion similarly work in conjunction to move the movable closure element back to cover the first aperture of the can end, i.e., the dispensing aperture, and reseal the resealable container.
An embodiment of a lever portion is illustrated in
An embodiment of a slider portion is illustrated in
As disclosed herein, the lever portion of the top cover is constructed and arranged to be mated with the slider portion of the top cover. An embodiment of the mating of these two components is illustrated in
Alternatively, one or both of the lever portion and slider portion may be made from a polymeric material, such as a TPE, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), or other food safe polymers. One or both of the sealing portion and the plug may be made from any suitably flexible polymer, e.g., TPE. TPO, silicone rubber, or another suitable polymer that can provide for the formation of a hermetic seal. In specific embodiments, the sealing portion may include more than one polymer, e.g., a PP structure with a TPE seal as disclosed herein.
In some embodiments, the movable closure element includes a sealing portion that is constructed and arranged to be positioned against the first aperture of the fixed element, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to seal the first aperture when the movable closure element is engaged. In operation, when the lever portion is lifted, the scaling portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As disclosed herein, engaging the lever portion removes the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft, which depressurizes the resealable container and thus permits the top cover to be moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element and thus expose the first aperture of the fixed element.
As disclosed herein, one or more components of the closure system are made from a polymeric material. In general, the use of polymeric material is to be minimized for resealable containers that are distributed to the general public. The polymeric materials are typically not separated from the other substrates, e.g., aluminum or steel, when the resealable container is disposed of. Thus, when the resealable container is processed, such as by recycling, the metallic substrates will be melted down to recapture stock metal. During this process, the polymeric material will be burned or fired off as their melting and boiling points are far lower than any metal. It is an object of this disclosure to reduce polymer use to conform with industry standards and environmental regulations. In some embodiments, the total amount of polymer materials in the closure systems disclosed herein is between about 0.5 g and about 3.5 g, e.g., about 0.6 g to about 3.0 g, about 0.7 g to about 2.5 g, or about 0.8 g to about 2.2 g, e.g., about 0.5 g, about 0.6 g. about 0.7 g, about 0.8 g, about 0.9 g, about 1.0 g, about 1.1 g, about 1.2 g, about 1.3 g, about 1.4 g, about 1.5 g, about 1.6 g, about 1.7 g, about 1.8 g, about 1.9 g, about 2.0 g, about 2.1 g, about 2.2 g, about 2.3 g, about 2.4 g, about 2.5 g, about 2.6 g, about 2.7 g. about 2.8 g, about 2.9 g, about 3.0 g, about 3.1 g, about 3.2 g, about 3.3 g, about 3.4 g, or about 3.5 g. In certain embodiments, the closure systems as disclosed herein have between 0.8 g to 2.2. g of polymeric material. In specific embodiments, the closure systems as disclosed herein have at least 0.8 g of polymeric material. In specific embodiments, the closure systems as disclosed herein have no more than 2.2 g of polymeric material.
An example of the sealing portion and the support being mated together is illustrated in
As disclosed herein, the closure system includes a movable closure element connected to a fixed element and is secured to a container body. The moveable closure element, when disengaged from the fixed element, can be translated along the fixed element to expose the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element. Methods of opening and closing the resealable container including the closure system disclosed herein are illustrated in
The resealable container can be resealed by substantially reversing the steps used to open the resealable container as illustrated in
In operation, the closure system disclosed herein is constructed and arranged to be attached or mated with standard can bodies using equipment common to the canning and beverage industries. Following the filling process, the closure system disclosed herein can be fed into a seamer, which is a machine that attaches the can ends to the filled cans and creates a seam at the mating point using rollers. The seaming process is often performed at high speeds, up to about 2,600 can ends per minute. In order to achieve this level of seaming and filling, the closure system disclosed herein is constructed and arranged, by way of the profile and total height of the closure system, to be stacked on top of each other and placed in a trough that feeds the seamer. The closure system on the bottom of the stack slides out of the trough and is fed directly into the seamer. An example of how a plurality of the finished closure systems appear when stacked, is illustrated in
In accordance with certain examples, there is provided a method of manufacturing a resealable container, e.g., a resealable container as disclosed herein. The method includes providing a container body, e.g., a beverage can. The method includes providing a closure system attachable to the container body, e.g., a closure system as described herein. The closure system includes a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container and a movable closure element. The fixed element includes a can end having a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate includes an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end.
The movable closure element includes a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover includes a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion are constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. In a first position, the top cover covers the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fits into an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate. The sealing portion includes a stem connected to the lever portion with the stem being constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion moves laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed. The method further includes attaching the closure system to the container body, thereby manufacturing the resealable container.
In some embodiments, the fixed element is manufactured from a metal, e.g., various types of steels, tin, or aluminum or aluminum alloys, such as 5000 series aluminum that is an alloy of aluminum with magnesium. In some embodiments, at least one of the lever portion and slider portion is made from a metal as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least one of the lever portion and slider portion is made from a polymer, e.g., a polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), or other food safe polymers. For example, one or both of the plug and the scaling portion may be manufactured from a polymer that permits formation of a seal, e.g., a hermetic seal, as disclosed herein. In specific embodiments, the sealing portion may include more than one polymer, e.g., a PP structure with a TPE O-ring as disclosed herein.
In accordance with certain examples, there is provided a method of providing a closure system attachable to a container, e.g., a resealable container as disclosed herein. The method includes providing a fixed element attachable to the container. The fixed element includes a can end having a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate includes an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end.
The method includes providing a movable closure element. The movable closure element includes a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover includes a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion are constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. In a first position, the top cover covers the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fits into an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate. The sealing portion includes a stem connected to the lever portion with the stem being constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion moves laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.
In some embodiments, the method further includes providing instructions to assemble the closure system from the fixed element and the movable closure element. The assembly instructions include connecting the lever portion and the slider portion to form the top cover. The assembly instructions include connecting the top cover to the fixed element. The assembly instructions further include connecting the sealing portion to the lever portion by passing the stem through a bottom of the fixed element and an aperture on the top cover and onto a retention pin of the lever portion.
The function and advantages of these and other embodiments can be better understood from the following examples. These examples are intended to be illustrative in nature and are not considered to be in any way limiting the scope of the disclosure.
All three shared the same outer diameter, i.e., 202 mm and were stamped out of a pre-coated aluminum 5182 or 5052 stock material with the same material thickness of 0.2083 mm, i.e., 32 gauge. The main differences between the various can ends is the diameter of the shell plain, the depth of the shell plain, i.e., the distance between the shell rim and the shell plain, and the rim shape. The B64 can end as illustrated in
As disclosed herein, the top cover of the movable closure system includes a lever portion and a slider portion that are mated together and secured to the fixed element. An exemplary embodiment of a lever portion is illustrated in
The movable part of the lever portion, having a length L2 of 24.08 mm and thickness T4 of 2.80 mm, included an aperture that was filled by a plug and a retention pin disposed closer to the living hinge. The plug had a length L3 of 3.32 mm and a diameter D5 of 3.94 mm. The retention pin protruded above the top surface of the lever portion and the plug protruded below the top surface of the lever portion. The lever portion of
An exemplary embodiment of a slider portion is illustrated in
As disclosed herein, the movable closure system includes a scaling portion having a stem that is secured to the lever portion. An exemplary embodiment of a scaling portion fixed within a support is illustrated in
The base, with the TPE overmolded O-ring and aluminum support attached, had an overall diameter R5 of 24.65 mm. As illustrated, the base with the TPE overmolded O-ring without the support attached had a chamfered circumferential profile with an outer diameter R4 of 22.5 mm. The base with the support attached had an overall thickness T7 of 2.76 mm with the TPE overmolded O-ring protruding over the top of the support by thickness T8 of 0.46 mm. As disclosed herein, the sealing portion included a plurality of mating features to connect the sealing portion to the support. As shown in
Although the containers and methods of making them have been described above in terms of certain examples and embodiments, various alterations, modifications, substitutions, additions and improvements will be readily apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure. Such alterations, modifications, substitutions, additions and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the containers disclosed here. It is also intended that the indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used above and in the appended claims, mean one or more of the articles which they modify, and that the terms “include,” “including” and “having” are interchangeable with the open ended term “comprising.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to the claims.
Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for the use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and that actual parameters and/or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the systems and techniques of the disclosure are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, equivalents to the specific examples of the disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that the examples described herein are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
