SEALING DEVICE

Abstract

A sealing device for a cylindrical container with a collar featuring a variety of different types of inwardly projecting flanges configured to engage with an internally threaded lid. The collar fits over the top and/or the bottom of the container allowing the inward flange to contact the underside of the container's upper rim thereby preventing the collar from being pulled back over the top of the container. Preferred embodiments include an inward flange that can be segmented by slits forming tabs or teeth inside the collar. These tabs can be deformed and pushed aside when the collar is being put into place on the container and then spring back into place to prevent the collar from being removed. Preferred embodiments can include an expansion groove to allow the flange room to flex.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of packaging. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of sealing devices that can be used with standard, mass produced cylindrical containers such as cans.

(b) Background Art

Traditionally, food that is packaged in metal cans must be stored in a separate container after the can is opened. As long as metal food cans have been on the market, there has not been made a version that the user can securely reseal or close after opening. A number of inventors have developed devices that attempt to solve the problem of sealing the metal food can after it is opened.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,547 issued to Leslie Marco describes a thin walled container with a threaded collar integrated into the container.

In addition, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,964,205 and 4,844,270 issued to Paul Coffman describe a device that is meant to be integrally formed with a thin-walled container and/or is attached to the container using force fitting or shrink fitting. Some embodiments of this device involve a hinge and a two piece mechanism that is meant to be snapped onto the outside of the container. Moreover, the '205 patent teaches the ring having a smaller diameter than the outside of the can to which it attaches. The '205 patent discloses a device that is meant to be attached to the can permanently and as a result is completely unsuited for use as a universal closure for cans.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,917 issued to James Vella (the '917 patent) describes a two part closure device that consists of an expandable, stretchable, externally-threaded collar that is meant to engage an internally threaded cap member. Vella specifically teaches stretching the collar to engage it with the container it is sealing, i.e. the can. This stretching is achieved by equipping the collar with one or more vertical slots along the periphery of the collar and/or by making the interior diameter of the collar equal to the outer diameter of the can to which it is being attached. This latter iteration is specifically meant to accommodate a can that has an annular lip that is wider than the rest of the container. Regardless, the Vella reference teaches a stretchable collar that is stretched such that it can fit over the rim of a can.

Finally, a published patent application belonging to Ching-wen Chang (U.S. Publication Number 2012/0074145) describes a two piece device that is designed to be clipped to the rim of a cup. However, this device does not securely close the top of the container in that clipping a device to the lip of a cup does not securely seal the cup.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can seal a container that is otherwise lacking in sealing means, specifically, including, but not limited to food cans. It is a further object of the present application to describe a device that is made completely separately from the container to which it attaches. It is further object of this invention to provide a jar-like closure mechanism for cans.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a sealing device. In its most basic form, the presently described invention is a sealing device for a cylindrical container in which said device uses a collar featuring external threads and one of a variety of different types of flanges. Preferred embodiments are made to engage with a lid featuring threads that are complementary to the threads featured on the outside of the threaded collar. The term flange refers to an inward projection that makes the top inside edge of the threaded collar have a smaller inside diameter than the balance of the collar. The flange can be flat and thin at a right angle or it can be any thickness and taper to anchor the collar under the top rim of a container. The taper can guide the collar into position and ease application. The flange(s) anticipated by the inventor are inwardly projecting ridges or projections, hereinafter referred to as inward flanges or inwardly projecting flanges. That is to say that a portion of the flange extends inward toward the central axis of the collar with which it is associated or to which it is attached.

Various embodiments of this device fit over the top and/or the bottom of a container that has a rim at the top and/or bottom of the container. Typically the device is positioned on the container such that the inward flange comes into contact with the bottom of the rim that is at the top or open end of the container, thereby preventing the rest of the device from slipping over the same top rim of the container. As the threads of the lid and collar are engaged and the lid is tightened onto the collar, the collar forces the rim of the container tightly against the lid forming a water and air tight seal.

Preferred embodiments of this device are meant to be used with commercially available cans such as food cans and pet food cans. Such containers generally have a rim around the top of the can, i.e. the portion of the can that is opened. Such containers usually have a bottom rim as well. Cans are generally manufactured according to specific standards shared throughout the industry. However, differences in how the cans are produced result in variations in the outer dimensions of the containers. Preferred embodiments of this device are capable of sealing cans despite these variations.

The inventor anticipates a variety of flange configurations to be used with this device. In preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of the device, the externally threaded collar has an inwardly projecting flange located along the top inner circumference of the collar such that the inward flange is at least partially separated from the collar by one or more grooves. These grooves allow the inward flange room to flex or move outward toward the collar and away from the central axis of the collar, when pushed in that direction. In still further preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of the device, an inwardly projecting flange is attached to the top inner surface of the collar via a living hinge. Doing so provides another means of giving the flange room to flex or move out of the way when pressure is applied on the flange, for example, when the device is being slipped over the exterior of a container.

Embodiments can be sized such that the collar featuring the inner flange can be placed over the bottom of the container; a lot of containers have a lower or bottom rim that is slightly smaller than the top rim, i.e., the outer or external circumference of the top rim is larger than that of the bottom rim. However, preferred embodiments of the device fit over the top rim of the container. The inward flange flexes outward toward the inner surface of the threaded collar as the user places the collar with the inward flange over the top rim of the container. Other embodiments have an inner flange that is tapered, i.e., the end of the flange that is closer to the bottom of the container, i.e., the bottom of the inner flange, may be thinner than the upper-most part of the inner flange. Still other preferred embodiments of this device feature an inner flange that is separated into teeth or tabs by slits in the inner flange that may or may not completely traverse the longitudinal length of the flange. The teeth or tabs are structures formed by introducing vertically oriented cuts or slits in the inwardly projecting flange either dividing it or partially dividing it into a series of smaller sections that project upward towards the end of the collar that is meant to be closest to the open end or top of the container, i.e. the top of the collar. In these embodiments, the tabs can feature a flange themselves or they can be the inner flange or both.

Whether a living hinge, a tapered or a double wall, the inwardly projecting flange is pushed outward toward the collar as the device is fitted over top rim of the container. When the device passes that rim, the inward flange experiences a decrease in force directed outward, away from the central axis of the collar allowing the inward flange to spring back into place, i.e. the inward flange moves back toward the central axis of the collar thereby creating a stop that prevents the device from being pulled back over the top rim.

While slight variations in container size can be accommodated by a single device, the inventor has designed a bushing adapter to allow the user to use the same device with multiple sizes of cans or other cylindrical containers. The bushing is an annular structure that features some means for connecting the bushing to the interior of the threaded collar. In preferred embodiments, the bushing has an outer, annular surface or exterior circumference that features some engagement means that are complementary to the engagement means featured on an inner annular surface or internal circumference of the threaded collar. In preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of the device, the inner circumference of the collar and the outer circumference of the bushing feature complementary protrusions, tabs or teeth that interlock with each other. This same result can be accomplished by varying the thickness of the inward flange thereby allowing for adaptation of the inside or outside diameter of the collar and the associated lid size.

Some preferred embodiments may have a collar that is “countersunk” to prevent the top of the upper rim from interfering with the fixation of the lid onto the device. In other words, the inward flange or wall is slightly lower than the top of the collar so that it can accommodate the exterior circumference of the outer rim such that the rim does not protrude as far above the collar. This extra vertical space is meant to provide space to accommodate the rim of the container such that the rim is flush with the top of the collar once the collar is positioned properly.

While the preferred embodiments of this device are meant to be used with various kinds of commercially available metal cans, this device is suitable for use on other containers as well, for example buckets or test tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present inventions;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of various flanges that can be used with different embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a first set of embodiments of the disclosed device. In these embodiments of this device, a collar 10 features a flexible inwardly projecting (inward) flange 20 integrated into the upper annular rim 11 of the collar 10. The inward flange 20 is positioned along the annular rim 11 or opening of the collar 10, i.e. the outer circumference of the inward flange 20 contacts the upper rim of the collar 10 and the inner circumference of the inward flange 20 narrows the opening of the collar 10.

The flange portion 20 is flat and thin and at an inward right angle to the collar walls 25 or angled slightly upwards. The collar wall 25 below the flange 20 has a larger inside diameter than the outside diameter of the container 16 to allow the flange 20 room to flex. The inside diameter of the flange 20 is smaller than the outside diameter of the container 16 and the rim 17 of the container 16. The flange 20 is very flexible and opens like a living hinge 20a when applied over the top of the container rim 17. Because the inside diameter of the flange 20 is smaller than the container 16 body, the flange 20 does not relax when applied over the container 16, just below the can rim 17, i.e., the exterior of the container 16 forces the flange 20 to flex outward towards the collar walls 25. The flange 20 forms or maintains an upward angle just below the container rim 17. At this point, the living hinge 20a has lost some of its mobility, but can still be manipulated up and down. Once the threaded lid (not shown) is applied, the flange 20 is pulled upward and the upward movement is stopped by the rim 17 of the container 16 and outward movement (away from the exterior of the container 16) is stopped by the walls 25 of the collar 10 and the lid. Downward movement is prevented by the threaded lid pulling the flanged collar 10 upwards. At this point, the flange 20 serves to anchor the collar 10 and lid to the can rim 17. Once the lid is removed, the flanged collar 10 can be removed and/or reused.

These embodiments are made of thinner, flexible materials such as, but not limited to, Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly known as PET. Any material flexible enough to allow the device to be deformed, but still provide a sturdy enough inward flange to prevent the collar from slipping over the top of the container will suffice.

Another set of embodiments also has an inward flange 20 integrated into the collar 10, but with some degree of separation between the flange 20 and the upper rim 17 of the collar 10. FIG. 2 shows one of these embodiments in detail including the collar 10 featuring an upper annular rim 11 encircling one of the openings on the collar 10. In addition, these embodiments feature an inward flange 20 at or near the top of the collar 10 with a groove 21 or grooves cut into the top rim of the collar 10. The inward flange 20 is flexible, but not elastic or stretchable, so that it can be deformed or pushed out of the way while being slipped over the top of the container 16, and then spring back into place to contact the top rim (not shown) and prevent the collar 10 from slipping back over the top of the container 16. The groove 21 need not be continuous and the collar 10 could feature more than one groove(s) 21 or space(s) between the inward flange 20 and the upper rim of the collar 10. In addition, the groove 21 can be filled or partially filled with a compressible, cushioning material such as a rubber 0-ring (not shown) and/or a sealant such that the flange 21 could still move inward when being fit over the rim of the container (not shown) and spring back into place when the inward flange 20 has passed the top rim. In addition, the groove(s) 21 can allow the countersinking of the container rim to make sure it does not interfere with the lid being attached to the collar 10.

FIG. 3 shows how the collar 10 slides in place over the top rim 17 of a container 16. When doing so, the flexible inward flange 20 is pushed back against the inner circumference of the collar 10. The groove 21 cut into the inward flange 20, the collar 10 or between the inward flange 20 and collar 10 gives the inward flange 20 room to move or flex out of the way when the collar 10 is fitted over the top of the container 16. Because the top rim 17 of the container 16 has a larger outer circumference than the exterior surface of the container 16 that abuts the top rim 17, the inward flange 20 is allowed to flex back into its resting position, i.e. it springs back into place when it moves past the top rim 17, when there is no more pressure forcing it against the inside of the collar 10. At that point, the collar 10 cannot be moved back over the top rim 17 of the container 10 because upward movement of the device forces the inward flange 20 into contact with the underside of the top rim 17 of the container.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the device that features a collar 10 with an attached inner wall 22 positioned along the inner surface or circumference of the collar 10. The inner wall 22 is separated from the collar 10 by a groove or grooves 21 similar in form and function to the groove(s) discussed in the embodiments above. In these embodiments, there is a higher degree of separation between the collar 10 and the flange 20, thereby creating an inner wall 22. In other words, the main difference between these embodiments and the set of embodiments described above, is the depth of the groove 21. This inner wall 22 can feature an inward flange 20 or can function as the inward flange 20. The inner wall 22 can be made thinner to increase flexibility or thicker to provide additional structural support. The inside wall 22 can be continuous or discontinuous and can feature ridges, slots, tabs, or flanges or any combination thereof. In addition, the inside wall 22 can vary in height, extending all of or part of the height of the interior of the collar 10.

All of these embodiments are also capable of sliding into place over the top rim (not shown) of a container (not shown). When doing so, the inner wall 22 featuring the inward flange 20 is pushed toward the inner surface 25 of the collar 10. The groove(s) 21 that separate the inner wall 22 and/or inward flange 20 from the collar 10 give the inward flange 20 room to flex outward when the collar 10 is fitted over the top of the container. Once the inner wall 22 featuring the inward flange 20 passes over the top rim of the container, the inner wall 22 and inward flange 20 are allowed to flex back into their resting positions. At that point, the collar 10 cannot be moved back over the top rim of the container because upward movement of the device forces the inward flange 20 into contact with the top rim 17 of the container, thereby preventing further upward movement of the collar 10.

FIG. 5 shows another variation of these embodiments. FIG. 5, shows a lid 14 with an annular rim 15 with an interior (not shown) that features threads (also not shown) on its surface that are complementary to the threads 13 that are on the external surface 12 of the collar 10. Specifically, the inner wall 25 and/or inward flange 20 features vertical slits 23 that create teeth or tabs 24 that are incompletely separated from each other. The slits 23 incompletely separate the inner flexible flange 20 that projects toward the upper annular rim 11 of the collar 10. As above, the tabs 24 are flexible and can be deformed and pushed out of the way as the collar 10 is fitted over the top rim 17 of the container 10. Because the exterior surface of the container 16 immediately below the top rim 17 of the container 16 has a smaller external circumference, the flexible inward flange 20 featuring teeth 24 has room to spring back to their resting position, i.e. toward the central axis of the collar 10 and provide a surface or stop to contact the underside of the top rim 17 thereby preventing the collar 10 from moving back over the top of the container 16.

Finally, FIG. 6 shows another set of preferred embodiments that includes an adapter piece or bushing 26 that allows the collar 10 to fit multiple sizes of containers. In preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of this device, the inner circumference of the collar 10 features spaces 28, either as part of an attached inner wall 22 or as part of the inner surface 25 of the collar 10 itself. The bushing 26 is a ring-like structure with an external surface featuring the tabs 27 that are complementary and meant to engage with complementary spaces 28 on the inner surface 25 of the collar 10. The inner surface of the adapter 26 can also any one of a number of different flange 20 configurations like those specified above and/or like those shown in FIG. 7. In use, the bushing 26 is placed over the container, ideally over the top rim of the container, and is moved into place under the top rim of the container. As the bushing 26 is placed onto the container (not shown) the teeth, flanges, or protrusions 24 featured on its inner surface 25 are pushed outward and then spring back into their resting position after they have passed over a rim of the container. Then the collar 10 engages with the bushing 26, the tabs 27 engage with the spaces 28 along the interior surface 25 of the collar 10 before the lid is attached to the collar 10.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the ability to close a can or other cylindrical container with a rim. In addition, the device is meant to provide a better seal between the lid and the container than is provided by plastic wrap and plastic snap-on lids that simply attach to the upper rim of the container. The device can be used to increase the storage life of the food in the container and to reduce odors in whichever location the can is stored.

Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

It is understood that the above described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A sealing device for a cylindrical container comprising: a collar featuring threads on an external surface of a collar;an inwardly-projecting, flexible, inelastic flange located on an annular rim of the collar; anda lid featuring threads complementary to the threads on the collar.

2. The sealing device of claim 1 further comprising an annular groove located between the flange and the collar and incompletely separating the flange from the collar.

3. The sealing device of claim 2 further comprising a living hinge connecting the flange to an inner surface of the collar.

4. The sealing device of claim 2 wherein the flange is tapered such that a portion of the flange connected to the collar is thinner than a portion of the flange that extends away from the collar.

5. The sealing device of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of vertical slits in the flange.

6. The sealing device of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of vertical slits in the flange.

7. The sealing device of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of vertical slits in the flange.

8. The sealing device of claim 3 wherein the groove contains a cushioning material and/or a sealant.

9. The sealing device of claim 4 wherein the groove contains a cushioning material and/or a sealant.

10. The sealing device of claim 1 further comprising: a collar featuring threads on an external surface of the collar;an inwardly-projecting, flexible, inelastic wall located on an inner surface of the collar; said wall separated from the inner surface of the collar by a groove that extends around an inner circumference of the collar; anda lid featuring threads on an outer surface, said threads being complementary to the threads on the collar.

11. The sealing device of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of vertical slits in the flange that incompletely divide the flange into a plurality of tabs.

12. The sealing device of claim 11 wherein the groove contains a cushioning material and/or a sealant.

13. The sealing device of claim 11 wherein the flange is tapered such that a portion of the flange connected to the inner surface of the collar is thinner than a portion of the flange that extends away from the bushing.

14. The sealing device of claim 10 wherein the collar extends vertically further than the wall thereby creating space to accommodate a rim of the container.

15. The sealing device of claim 11 wherein the collar extends vertically further than the wall thereby creating space to accommodate a rim of the container.

16. The sealing device of claim 12 wherein the collar extends vertically further than the wall thereby creating space to accommodate a rim of the container.

17. The sealing device of claim 13 wherein the collar extends vertically further than the wall thereby creating space to accommodate a rim of the container.

18. A sealing device for a cylindrical container comprising: a collar featuring threads on an external surface of the collar;a bushing featuring tabs on an external surface of the bushing that are complementary to a plurality of spaces located on an inner surface of the collar;an inwardly-projecting, flexible, ineleastic flange located on an inner surface of the bushing; anda lid featuring threads complementary to the threads on the collar.

19. The sealing device of claim 18 further comprising an annular groove located between the flange and the inner surface of the bushing that incompletely separates the flange from the inner wall of the bushing.

20. The sealing device of claim 19 wherein the groove contains a cushioning material and/or a sealant.