The present invention relates to a resealable lid and cap combination for a container, including the structure, method of manufacturing, and method of use thereof. In general, the resealable lid is assembled to a container such as an aluminum beverage can. The cap is assembled to the lid and rotated by the consumer to open and reseal the can. The rotational movement of the cap is converted into linear motion by one or more cam mechanisms to effect an opening action, fracturing a score line and bending a tear panel inward into the can. Once the can is opened, the cap can be removed for consumption of content stored therein and replaced to reseal the opened lid.
The beverage and can industries have long sought to create a can that is both economical to produce and convenient for use by consumers. In the past, beverage cans were provided with a “pull tab” which the consumer would grab by a ring, and pull until the tab was removed from the can. This created a problem in that the tab became disposable waste for which the consumer was responsible to ensure proper disposal. Often the consumer failed to properly dispose of the tab, thereby creating not only litter, but also a safety issue, in that the tabs could be swallowed by small children. Moreover, the edges of the pull tab were sharp enough that they could, if mishandled, cut the fingers or hands of the consumer or anyone else who handled a loose pull tab. As a result of these problems, the industry moved in the direction of a tab that stayed on the can after opening, thereby preventing both litter and any sharp edges from coming into contact with consumers.
The present state of the art is to have a “stay on” tab that is attached to the can lid by a rivet formed in the can lid next to the opening. The opening is formed by a score line, or frangible “kiss cut” which breaks when the tab is pulled up by the consumer. The score line, when broken, produces a hinged flap that stays connected to the can lid, but inside the can.
Beverage cans with stay on tabs suffer from at least the following deficiencies. First, they are not resealable, so that once the consumer opens the beverage, the contents are subject to loss of carbonation, and the influx of foreign material due to the contents being open to the surrounding environment. Secondly, in order to form the rivet which is used to secure the stay on tab to the beverage lid, the lid needs to be made of a different material, typically an aluminum alloy that is stronger than the aluminum alloy used to make the sides and bottom of the can. Further, the tab itself is typically made of a different alloy than the sides and lid, reflecting the need for a still stronger, typically heavier material As a result, recycling of the aluminum beverage can is problematic because the different materials need to be separated. The use of three different materials also tends to add weight, and expense, to the finished container.
A need exists for improved beverage containers that are resealable, cost effective to produce, and “green” in terms of avoiding waste and facilitating the recycling of aluminum cans. Concurrently, a need exists for improved methods for manufacturing beverage containers that result in faster production time, lower production costs, and improved products.
A container has a sidewall and integrally formed bottom. The container is preferably a beverage container, but could be adapted to any suitable container. A top lid includes a socket integrally formed therein; the socket including a substantially cylindrical sidewall and a bottom wall. A score line formed in the bottom wall defines a tear panel which forms an opening into the can when the score line is fractured and the tear panel is bent inward or removed. A cap is fitted in the socket and has a sidewall which is formed with cam surfaces. The cam surfaces, formed as grooves or slots, cooperate with bosses or detents formed in the cylindrical sidewall of the socket. The design of the cam surfaces and associated bosses translate the rotational motion of the cap into linear motion. wherein the linear motion fractures the score line and opens the tear panel. As the cap moves downwardly, a protrusion formed on the lower surface of the cap impinges on the periphery of the score line, fracturing the score line and subsequently pushes the tear panel into the can.
Once opened, the cap can be re-fitted into the socket, so that the cam surfaces engage the detents, and rotated to achieve a sealing position, whereby the contents of the can are protected from the ambient atmosphere. This will result in the prevention of spillage, the loss of carbonation, and the prevention of foreign objects from entering the can. The user can opt to discard the cap and/or container once the entire contents of the can are consumed.
Preferably, the container is a beverage container, commonly referred to as a “can,” but the same principals described above could be used for other types of beverage containers, including bottles made of various materials, including plastic, paper, metal (such as aluminum), cartons, cups, glasses, etc. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the container can be an aluminum can manufactured of an Aluminum alloy material, and lid would be manufactured of the same Aluminum alloy material as the container. The cap is preferably made of plastic material of sufficient hardness that the cam surfaces do not deform during opening and closing operations.
The cap may be included with the container or offered as a separate implement, being sold separately from the beverage container, and re-useable after washing. Also, caps with different features may be provided, such as a cap that has a child's sip cup top, so that the beverage can be converted into a child's sip cup. Other implements can be envisioned, including a cap that has a baby bottle “nipple” formation to convert the beverage can into a baby bottle. In such an embodiment, the contents of the container could be infant formula. Each implement would be adapted to be removably attached to the resealable container lid.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.
The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. In other implementations, well-known features and methods have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A container 100, exemplified as a beverage container in
The resealable container lid 110 has an outer perimeter that is connected to the upper open end of the container cylindrical sidewall 102 of the beverage container, using known processes, to form an enclosure which contains a beverage. Beverages contained therein are not limited, but include carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, and could also include foodstuffs, and non-edible products. The cap receiving socket 130 is integrally formed in the resealable container lid upper surface 114 of the resealable container lid 110 and includes a cap receiving socket cylindrical sidewall 132, which extends downwardly into the container 100, and a cap receiving socket bottom wall 134, A cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 is formed in the cap receiving socket bottom wall 134 in order to create a cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 (see
As seen in figures, the resealable container cap 160 is sized to fit substantially within the cap receiving socket 130, and includes a flat annular cap bottom sealing surface 167 which is disposed between the cam shaped cap bottom surface 166 and the cap's resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 162. In
The resealable container lid 110 has a shallow, resealable container lid upper surface reinforcement formation 118 which serves two purposes. First, the resealable container lid upper surface reinforcement formation 118 acts as a stiffening structure to provide greater strength to the resealable container lid 110. This is particularly advantageous if the resealable container lid 110 is to be made of the same aluminum alloy as the container cylindrical sidewall 102 and container closed container closed bottom wall 204 of the container 100. Secondarily, the resealable container lid upper surface reinforcement formation 118 adds a familiar look to consumers who are accustomed to the prior art beverage containers employing a pull tab that is operated first in an opening direction, and then secondly, in a seated direction, where the hinged pull tab is positioned after opening.
As shown in
Referring to
The resealable container cap 160 is preferably made of a molded plastic material, is sized to fit substantially within the cap receiving socket 130, and includes a cam shaped cap bottom surface 166 formed at the lower or inner end of a resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 162. The cam shaped cap bottom surface 166 may include an integrally formed sharp or pointed offset projecting incisor 168 disposed offset to the center axis of the resealable container cap 160 and extending downwardly into the cap receiving socket 130 when the resealable container cap 160 is assembled in the cap receiving socket 130. When assembled, the offset projecting incisor 168 is disposed immediately above the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136, so that when the resealable container cap 160 moves downwardly during opening of the container 100 offset projecting incisor 168 punctures the can at the beginning of the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136, next to the tear panel hinge 139, then progressively propagates the rupture along the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 to its terminus on the opposite end of the tear panel hinge 139.
The cam shaped cap bottom surface 166 may also include a centered projecting incisor 169 disposed on the center axis of the resealable container cap 160 and extending downwardly into the cap receiving socket 130 when the resealable container cap 160 is assembled in the cap receiving socket 130. When assembled, the projection is disposed immediate above an Cap receiving socket bottom panel centered “X” shaped score line 142, so that when the resealable container cap 160 moves downwardly during opening of the container, the projection punctures the can at the Cap receiving socket bottom panel centered “X” shaped score line 142, thereby relieving internal pressure and assisting in the rupturing of the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 by the offset projecting incisor 168.
The opening operation of the container 100 is made possible by forming a cam structure between the cap receiving socket 130 and the resealable container cap 160. In particular, cam groove surfaces 180 are formed in the resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 162 of the resealable container cap 160. The socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 are fitted into and engage the cam groove surfaces 180 such that when the resealable container cap 160 is hand-twisted by the consumer, rotational motion of the resealable container cap 160 is converted into linear motion of the resealable container cap 160 thus driving the cap in a downward direction relative to the cap receiving socket 130. As the resealable container cap 160 moves downwardly, the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 is ruptured by the offset projecting incisor 168, then progressively propagates the rupture along the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 to its terminus. In an alternate embodiment, an optional Cap receiving socket bottom panel centered “X” shaped score line 142 may be ruptured by the centered projecting incisor 169 immediately before the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 is ruptured by the offset projecting incisor 168, to thereby relieve internal pressure and assist in the rupture of the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 by the offset projecting incisor 168.
As shown in
The cap resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 162 includes three equally spaced cam groove surfaces 181, 182 and 183, as best shown in
Cross sectional views of the cap moving between opening and resealing positions are shown in
The resealable container cap 160 is rotated clockwise approximately ninety degrees) (90°, as shown in
After the cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 is formed, and the resealable container cap 160 is disposed at its innermost position relative to the socket, the consumer would then rotate the resealable container cap 160 counterclockwise, preferably by turning the resealable container cap grip element 174. The resealable container cap 160 is shown in
In the event that the consumer wishes to reseal the container 100, and as shown in
The resealable container cap 160 can be removed again and again to gain access to the contents of the beverage container until all contents are consumed. There is no limit to the type of beverages or other contents that can be housed in the container 100, but most commonly “canned” beverages include sodas, beer, juices, etc. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the contents of the containers could be foodstuff, and non-consumable liquids, gels, powders, and the like.
The cam means disclosed herein can be used for caps that provide other functionality for the container 100. For example, a variation of the resealable container cap 160 would be one that could include a passageway extending through the resealable container cap 160 with drinking implements formed at the upper, outer end, such as a child's sip cup, which would allow a child to drink from the container 100 without spilling. Alternatively, the resealable container cap 160 could be formed with an infant nipple for feeding formula, juice, water or other beverages suitable for infants. When using drinking implements such as sip cup and baby bottle nipples, a resealable container cap 160 would nonetheless have to be employed for opening the container, and then a second “cap” could be used for consuming the contents. In any event, the opening caps and drinking implements could be sold separately from the container 100, as long as the container 100 included the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 formed in the cap receiving socket cylindrical sidewall 132 of the cap receiving socket 130.
Although a wide range of plastic materials could be used to form the resealable container cap 160, other materials could be used, including ceramics and metals. However, for harder materials such as these, it may be necessary to position a gasket between the opposing annular surfaces 140, 167 of the socket 130 and the cap 160, respectively to ensure the best possible seal.
While the embodiments described herein place the socket 130 and cap 160 in the top of the container 100, it is possible to have the same opening and resealing structures in the container closed bottom wall 104 of the container 100. Also, while a cylindrical container 100 has been described herein, other shapes of containers, e.g., oval, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like, could also be used.
The preferred shape of the frangible cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 in the bottom of the cap receiving socket 130 is circular, with a closed end and an open end. The inside score (shallower line) terminates in a curve arcing towards the socket's cylindrical sidewall to prevent loss of tear panel into the container. The outside score line (deeper line) terminates in circular form spaced from the inside score line. There is a hinged portion of the tear panel that keeps the panel in contact with the lid once ruptured, as described above.
The offset projecting incisor 168, described as a piercing element, is intended to be a single point of contact that moves deeper, and radially along the inside of the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 while the resealable container cap 160 is rotated. The offset projecting incisor 168 may also include additional areas to further drive the cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 deeper into the container. A single point will apply more force to breaking the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136 defining the cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 but additional areas acting in a secondary fashion could help in the opening process.
The socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 used in the cap receiving socket 130 allow the use of a very shallow socket 130 (as compared to threaded designs) and still provide positive opening, closing and sealing of the resealable container cap 160. The design of the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 also provides for positive stops for open, closed and removable cap positions. As seen in
When turning the resealable container cap 160 in the opening direction, e.g., clockwise, the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 on the socket's cylindrical sidewall follow the sloped cam groove surface segments 184 of the cam groove surfaces 180, which form gradual ramps, converting the rotary motion of the resealable container cap 160 to a linear or translational movement, which drives the resealable container cap 160 into the interior of the container 100. This engages the offset projecting incisor 168 against the cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 and provides the force necessary to rupture the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 136. Further turning of the resealable container cap 160 in the opening direction progressively pushes the cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 out of the way and into the interior of the container 100, until the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 reach the closed position of the cam groove surface upper detents 188. A slightly higher point on the sloped cam groove surface segment 184 of the cam groove surfaces 180 just before the closed position provides the resistance necessary to keep the resealable container cap 160 from backing out.
When turning the resealable container cap 160 opposite the opening direction, the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 follow the same route to their starting positions but after opening, the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150 can pass over the transport securement or cam groove surface lower detents 186 because the stabilizing radially extending cap skirt 170 and the cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138 are now not providing any interference between the transport securement or cam groove surface lower detents 186 and the void between the cam groove surfaces 180, allowing the resealable container cap 160 to be freed from the container.
In the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the exemplary cam groove surfaces 180 are shown as grooves having a sloped segment that terminates at opposite lower and upper ends in a lower and an upper detent 186, 188 (respectively), whereby the entire cam groove surfaces or elements 181, 182, 183 were formed in the resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 162 of the resealable container cap 160. It is equally possible to form the cam groove surfaces or elements 181, 182, 183 as projections or bosses from the surface, integrally formed therewith, or as separate parts connected to the resealable container cap 160. Further, while the socket sidewall cam engaging projections 150, acting as cam followers, project from the cap receiving socket cylindrical sidewall 132 of the cap receiving socket 130, the cap receiving socket 130 could have been formed with cam surfaces 181, 182, 183 and the cam followers or cam engaging projections 150 could have been formed on the resealable container cap 160. The exact size and shapes of the cam surfaces 181, 182, 183 can be selected to correspond to the particular needs of the container 100. The overall goal is to select a structure that results in an operable torque which can be applied by consumers without exerting excessive effort.
The structures described above can be made using unique manufacturing processes, which combine some of the known processing steps with new, modified or avoided steps. In one particularly preferred method of making containers 100, as illustrated in the flow chart of
The process described above achieves several cost and environmental advantages over the prior manufacturing techniques. First of all, the lid does not have to be processed to form a rivet, which has conventionally been used to secure a pull tab to a can lid. There is no need for a rivet because there is no need for the pull tab. The rivet required the lid to be made of stronger, thicker material, usually consisting of a different alloy of aluminum as opposed to the material that made up the sidewall and bottom. Moreover, the conventional process would have required the formation of a pull tab, likely to be made of third, different aluminum alloy. Use of three different aluminum materials presented a problem for recycling, whereas in the present invention, a single material can be used to form the can body and the can lid.
Referring to
An alternative embodiment of a container 200 is shown in
A container closed bottom wall 204 (seen in
A cap receiving socket 230 is formed in the resealable container lid 210 and includes a cylindrical sidewall 110 and a cap receiving socket bottom wall 234. The cap receiving socket 230 is located eccentrically so that it nears a peripheral edge of the resealable container lid 210 to facilitate drinking and pouring after opening. The cap receiving socket 230 further includes a cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 236 slightly inset from the peripheral edge of the cap receiving socket bottom wall 234 and forming a cap receiving socket bottom panel substantially closed loop tear panel 238. An cap receiving socket bottom panel centered score line 242 is provided at the center of the bottom wall cap receiving socket bottom wall 234 and preferably includes two intersecting score lines that form an “X” with the intersection of the two lines being at the center of the cap receiving socket bottom wall 234. The cap receiving socket bottom wall 234 further includes socket bottom panel ramps 290, 291, 292 which are equi-distantly spaced around the periphery of the cap receiving socket bottom wall 234 inside the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 236. A different number of ramps could be used, but three is preferable. The socket bottom panel ramps 290, 291, 292 are integrally formed in the cap receiving socket bottom wall 234.
The cap receiving socket 230 further includes equi-distantly spaced socket sidewall cam engaging projections 252, 254, 256 formed in the sidewall 110. From an interior view, such as that shown in
A resealable container cap 260 fits into the cap receiving socket 230 and includes a resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 262 and a bottom wall 136. A series of cam groove surfaces 281, 282, 283 are provided in the resealable container cap cylindrical sidewall 262 of the resealable container cap 260 at equi-distantly spaced locations and are designed to receive the cam engaging projections 252, 254, 256, respectively, of the cap receiving socket 230, when the resealable container cap 260 is assembled within the cap receiving socket 230. In this regard, the embodiment of container 200 is similar to that of the embodiment of container 100. When assembled and before opening the container, the resealable container cap 260 seats in the cap receiving socket 230 as shown in
The resealable container cap 260 further includes a resealable container cap handle or grip element 274 at the upper end of the resealable container cap 260 so that the consumer can turn the cap in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. As in the previous embodiments, the upper perimeter of the resealable container cap 260 is provided with a radially extending cap skirt 270 which provides a tamper resistant feature, whereby the skirt would extend upwardly if the cap had been turned to cause the resealable container cap 260 to descend further into the cap receiving socket 230. The radially extending cap skirt 270, and all other features of the resealable container cap 260 are integrally formed in a one-piece construction preferably of a plastic material, Within the scope of the invention, other materials could be used including ceramic and metallic materials.
A sharp centered incising projection 269 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the resealable container cap 260, so that when the resealable container cap 260 is fitted in the cap receiving socket 230, prior to opening the beverage can 100, the point of the sharp centered incising projection 269 is positioned next to or juxtaposed at the center of the bottom surface of the cap receiving socket 230, at the point of intersection between the two lines that form the cap receiving socket bottom panel centered score line 242. The sharp centered incising projection 269 punctures the cap receiving socket bottom wall 234 of the cap receiving socket 230 as the resealable container cap 260 moves linearly downwardly and further into the cap receiving socket 230 during opening operation of the beverage can 200.
An offset projecting incisor 268 is formed along an outer region of the bottom surface of the resealable container cap 260, so that when the resealable container cap 260 is fitted in the cap receiving socket 230, prior to opening the beverage can 100, the point of the sharp offset projecting incisor 268 is positioned in alignment with the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 236 formed in the bottom surface of the cap receiving socket 230, as best shown in
To understand how the embodiment of container 200 operates, reference is made to
After the resealable container cap 260 is rotated or turned to the full extent allowed, the resealable container cap 260 pushes the cap receiving socket bottom panel loop tear panel 238 into the can, but the tear panel 238 stays connected to the resealable container lid 210 through a portion of the lid between the ends of the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 236. In order to then drink the contents of the container 200, the consumer turns, twists or rotates the resealable container cap 260 in the opposite direction until returning past the starting point from where the opening rotation started, placing the cam engaging projections 252, 254, 256 in the opened area of the cam groove surfaces 281, 282, 283.
At that point, the resealable container cap 260 is pulled upwardly by the consumer to become separated from the container 200, and the consumer is then free to drink from the opening formed in the resealable container lid 210 as a result of the cap receiving socket bottom panel substantially closed loop tear panel 238 being pushed into the container 100. When the consumer is finished drinking, and if the container 200 is not empty, the consumer can reseal or close the beverage container by pushing the resealable container cap 260 back into the cap receiving socket 230 and then turning, twisting or rotating the resealable container cap 260 in the same direction as the opening direction, until the resealable container cap 260 is fully seated in the cap receiving socket 230, thus sealing the opening in the container 200. In the resealed state, the contents of the container 200 can be kept fresh, carbonated (in the case of carbonated drinks), and spill-proof (when the beverage container 200 is mobile, such as if kept in a back pack, stroller, automobile drink holder, and the like).
As in the other embodiments described herein, the invention includes an assembled container 200, with or without contents, with a unique resealing mechanism. The invention also includes a container subassembly comprising a resealable container lid 210 and a resealable container cap 260, capable of further assembly with a container body 202, 204, such as beverage containers commonly in use as aluminum cans for distribution of a wide variety of beverages. The invention further includes a resealable container cap 260 capable of use with a resealable container lid 210, or with a container 200 that includes a resealable container lid 210, such that the beverage containers could be purchased without resealable container caps 260, and could separately purchase resealable container caps 260 that are then used with the containers 200 that are formed with the aforementioned cap receiving socket 230. This way, resealable container caps 260 could be re-used, repeatedly. Purchase of resealable container caps 260 separately from the containers 200 would have a “green” effect, in that the resealable container caps 260 could be washed and re-used over and over, thereby reducing waste.
Another feature of the invention is to provide a resealable container cap 360, as illustrated in
A central sharp projection 241 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the resealable container cap 360, wherein the central sharp projection 241 is similar to the sharp centered incising projection 269 described above in design, location and function.
An offset projecting incisor 368 is formed along an outer region of the bottom surface of the resealable container cap 360, wherein the offset projecting incisor 368 is similar to the offset projecting incisor 268 described above in design, location, and function.
Any of a variety of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) can be used to make the cap sealing ring 365, and selection of the precise one is a matter of design choice, as the requirements are simply that the material be easy to mold, easily adherent to the material that makes up the cap, and to some degree deformable under pressure (in use). Other materials could be used if a sealing ring is pre-made and adhesively bonded to the end face or bottom wall of the cap. However, molding the ring in place is preferred. As for TPEs, they are sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers, and are in a class of copolymers or a mixture of polymers which consist of both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. They are particularly suitable for injection molding, which is the preferred way to form the cap sealing ring 365 on the face of the resealable container cap 360.
It is noted that in
The resealable container cap 360 operates in the same way as the caps of previous embodiments, in that the consumer turns the cap in one direction to open the container, then turns the resealable container cap 360 in the opposite direction to remove the resealable container cap 360, and then the resealable container cap 360 is re-inserted into the cap receiving socket 230 and turned in the first, container-opening direction until the resealable container cap 360 is fully seated in the cap receiving socket 230. The resealable container cap 260 is shown in this fully seated position in
In the previously described embodiments, the cap is provided with a resealable container cap handle or grip element 174, as seen in
Referring now to
Using the same principals of material flow or deformation during the pressing steps, a score line thinned fracture initiation region 437 is formed at one end of the cap receiving socket bottom panel circular score line 436 where one of the ramps 394, 395, 396 in conjunction with ramps 490, 491, 492 will impinge upon the score line 436. At the beginning of the opening process, the ramps 394, 395, 396 in conjunction with ramps 490, 491, 492 push on the flared, score line thinned fracture initiation region 437, which has been thinned essentially to the thickness of the sidewall 102, 202 of the container 100, 200, in the case of an aluminum can. In other words, the entire area of the puncture area is thinned relative to the surrounding surface of the lid 410 to make it easier to puncture or break the score line 436. Once the score line 436 is broken at the puncture area 437, the break will propagate more readily and predictably around the score line 436 to ease the opening of the container 100, 200. Although the score line thinned fracture initiation region 437 is thinner, and thus potentially more vulnerable to accidental opening, it is no thinner than the sidewall of the beverage container and thus capable of withstanding internal pressures. It is also shielded from accidental external rupture by means of the cap 460 when seated in the socket 430.
Each embodiment described herein has referred to a tear panel, such as cap receiving socket bottom panel tear panel 138, as that part of the bottom wall of the socket that is defined by a circular or loop-shaped score line. This tear panel can also be described as a “frangible area” because it breaks away from the rest of the bottom wall 138, 238, 338, 438 when the cap 160, 260, 360, 460 descends into the socket 130, 230, 330, 430. It is not required, however, for the tear panel 138, 238, 338, 438 or frangible area to be substantially circular or looped in shape, and indeed, a second illustrated embodiment is shown in
During opening and closing operations, the resealable container cap handle or grip element 274, 474 is turned preferably ninety degrees (90°) in one direction, and then to withdraw the resealable container cap 260, 360, 460 from the socket, the grip 274, 474 is turned ninety degrees (90°) in the opposite direction, to the beginning point. In order to remove the resealable container cap 260, 360, 460 altogether from the lid, the grip is turned approximately another ten degrees (10°) until the grooves and protrusions are separated and the resealable container cap 260, 360, 460 is free to be lifted upwardly away from the container. Different combinations of embossed ramps 390, 392 and de-bossed ramps 391, 393, and different numbers of ramps, can be employed to achieve the desired effect. The space between the resealable container cap 260, 360, 460 and the cap receiving socket bottom wall 234, 334 of the cap receiving socket 230, 330, 430 is equal to the length of linear travel when the resealable container cap 260, 360, 460 is operated between the transport and open/resealed positions (in the case of aluminum beverage cans, approximately 0.055 inches). With the use of ramps that are embossed on the tear panel 238, 338, 438 that distance can be doubled, forcing the tear panel 238, 338, 438 to fold on its hinge 239, 339, 439 further away from the opening.
In all cases using ramps, it is preferred that the peak height of the ramps be disposed near or in close proximity to the hinge, as this will help push the tear panel 238, 338, 438 out of the way when the cap's cam body pushes through the opening. The ramps help propagate the ruptured score line along its length. There are corresponding ramps or other structures on the bottom of the cap that will interface with ramps on the tear panel 238, 338, 438 or panels. All ramps are embossed (rise up from the bottom socket surface), but they could equally be de-bossed ramps 391, 393 that start below the bottom socket surface and continue up the embossed ramp 390, 392. If the respective ramp on the cap starts inside the debossed ramp on the lid 210, 310, 410, during operation the effective linear travel of the cap 260, 360460 can be doubled, tripled, and perhaps quadrupled.
Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
This Non-Provisional Patent Application is: a Divisional Patent Application claiming the benefit of co-pending United States Non-Provisional Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/787,012, filed on 6 Mar. 2013 (scheduled to issue on 24 Mar. 2015), which is a Continuation-In-Part claiming the benefit of co-pending United States Non-Provisional Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/572,404, filed on 10 Aug. 2012 (Issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,761 on 30 Sep. 2014), andall of which are incorporated by reference herein.
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