U.S. patent application number 09/931400 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-18 for arrangement for resealing carbonated beverage containers.
Invention is credited to Laurent, Herve J..
Application Number | 20030230575 09/931400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22827919 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030230575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laurent, Herve J. |
December 18, 2003 |
Arrangement for resealing carbonated beverage containers
Abstract
A cap arrangement reseals a beverage container having a top with
an aperture that can be opened to discharge the beverage and a rim
with an inner surface around the top, in particular, carbonated
soda can. The arrangement has a main cap for engagement over the
beverage container top, for covering the beverage container top, a
seal member connected hermetically to the main cap and extending
toward the beverage container top and a locking mechanism connected
to the main cap for fixing the main cap to the beverage can with
sufficient force to resist pressure from, and to maintain pressure
in the beverage container. The seal member has an annular pressure
sealing portion adapted to engage against, and hermetical seal with
the inner surface of the beverage container rim. The arrangement
may also include an enclosure for receiving the beverage container.
The enclosure may be insulated and form part of the locking
mechanism which may be screw threads between the main cap and the
enclosure.
Inventors: |
Laurent, Herve J.; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOTARO AND MICHALOS
100 DUTCH HILL ROAD
SUITE 110
ORANGEBURG
NY
10962-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
22827919 |
Appl. No.: |
09/931400 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09931400 |
Aug 16, 2001 |
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09660686 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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6311865 |
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09660686 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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09221461 |
Dec 28, 1998 |
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6155452 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.8 ;
220/304; 220/713; 220/717; 220/740 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3876 20130101;
B65D 2517/0041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.8 ;
220/304; 220/713; 220/717; 220/740 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/18; A47G
019/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An arrangement for resealing a beverage container having a top
with an aperture that can be opened to discharge the beverage, the
arrangement comprising: a main cap for engagement over the beverage
container top for covering the beverage container top; a seal
member hermetically connected to the main cap and extending toward
the beverage container when the main cap is over the beverage
container, the seal member having a pressure sealing portion
adapted to engage against and hermetically seal with the beverage
container, for resealing the aperture, the sealing portion being
positioned and shaped so that pressure from the beverage container
presses the sealing portion against the container to increase the
hermetic sealing effect; locking means connected to the main cap
for removably fixing the main cap to the beverage container with
sufficient force to resist pressure from, and to maintain pressure
in the beverage container; an opening through the main cap for
discharging beverage from the beverage container; and a secondary
cap removable engaged with the main cap for closing the opening
through the main cap with sufficient force to resist pressure from,
and to maintain pressure in the beverage container.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, for beverage containers
having an outer bead on the beverage container rim, the locking
means comprising latch means for engaging the bead.
3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the locking means
for engaging the bead comprise at least one arcuate hook for
engaging under the bead and means for resiliently moving the
arcuate hook for engaging under and disengaging from the bead.
4. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking means
comprises an enclosure having an open top for receiving the
beverage container, and engagement means between the main cap and
the enclosure for removable fixing the main cap to the enclosure,
and with sufficient force to resist pressure from, and to maintain
pressure in the beverage container.
5. An arrangement according to claim 4, including means for
insulating the enclosure.
6. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the beverage
container includes a rim with an inner surface extending at an
angle to an axis of the beverage container, the pressure sealing
portion being annular and having an outer surface which, with the
main cap engaged over the beverage container, lies at least
partially against the inner surface of the rim.
7. An arrangement according to claim 6 wherein the main cap
includes an inner rim for engaging at least an upper part of the
outer surface of the annular pressure sealing portion, the inner
rim extending partially toward the inner surface of the can rim
with the main cap engaged over the beverage container.
8. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the beverage
container includes a tab for opening the top of the beverage
container, the main cap including a portion with an edge shaped to
engage under the tab to help lift the tab and open the beverage
container.
9. An arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the locking means
comprise a pair of pivotally connected latches on opposite sides of
the main cap, each having a lower portion for hooking the outer
bead and upper projecting portions.
10. An arrangement according to claim 9 wherein the secondary cap
has an outer diameter for engaging behind the upper projecting
portions to prevent the latches from pivoting when the secondary
cap is in a position to close the opening through the main cap.
11. An arrangement according to claim 9 wherein the secondary cap
has an inner diameter for engaging around the outer surface of the
latches for keeping the latches locked to the bead.
12. An arrangement according to claim 9 wherein each lower portion
of the latches has a hook which extends around at least part of a
circumference of the beverage container rim.
13. An arrangement according to claim 12 wherein each latch extends
around about 90.degree.-180.degree. of the circumference of the
bead.
14. An arrangement according to claim 12 wherein the main cap
comprises a latch member which carries the latches, and a seal
support member which carries the seal member, the latch member and
the seal support member, being connected to each other to form the
main cap.
15. An arrangement according to claim 14 wherein the latch member
includes a cylindrical portion and a platform extending in the
cylindrical portion, the platform having an aperture therethrough
for receiving part of the seal support member, and a plurality of
slots extending in the cylindrical portion for defining at least
one live hinge between the latches.
16. An arrangement according to claim 15 including grooves in the
platform for defining part of the live hinge.
17. An arrangement according to claim 15 wherein the seal support
portion has a conical projection which is hollow and which carries
the opening through the main cap, the aperture in the latch member
having at least one conical portion for locking the conical
projection to fix the seal support member to the latch member.
18. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the sealing portion
is annular and flexible.
19. An arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the annular
flexible sealing portion extends downwardly and inwardly with
respect to the main cap.
20. An arrangement according to claim 19 wherein the annular
flexible sealing portion is positioned and shaped to engage onto
the top of the beverage container.
21. An arrangement according to claim 19 wherein the annular
flexible sealing portion is positioned to engage into a groove
around the top of the beverage container and against the inner
surface of the rim of the beverage container.
22. An arrangement for resealing a beverage container having a top
with an aperture that can be opened to discharge the beverage, and
a rim with an inner surface, around the top, the arrangement
comprising: a main cap for engagement over the beverage container
top for covering the beverage container top; a seal member
hermetically connected to the main cap and extending toward the
beverage container top when the main cap is over the beverage
container top, the seal member having a sealing portion adapted to
engage against and hermetically seal with the beverage container;
an enclosure having an open top for receiving the beverage
container, with engagement means between the main cap and the
enclosure for removable fixing the main cap to the enclosure with
sufficient force to resist pressure from, and to maintain pressure
in the beverage container; an opening through the main cap for
discharging beverage from the beverage container; and a secondary
cap removable engaged with the main cap for closing the opening
through the main cap with sufficient force to resist pressure from,
and to maintain pressure in the beverage container.
23. An arrangement according to claim 22 wherein the enclosure is
insulated.
24. An arrangement according to claim 23 wherein the engagement
means comprises a thread engagement between the main cap and the
enclosure.
25. An arrangement according to claim 24 wherein the sealing
portion is annular and is positioned to engage into a groove on the
top of the beverage container which is at the base of the inner
surface of the rim.
26. An arrangement according to claim 24 wherein the sealing
portion is annular and is positioned to engage against the top of
the beverage container at a location inwardly of the inner surface
of the rim.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to beverage
containers, and in particular to a new and useful arrangement for
resealing a beverage container such as a carbonated soda can.
[0002] Aluminum cans have been used to contain carbonated,
pressurized soda, beer or other pressurized beverages as well as
non-carbonated drinks for many years. Initially, the cans were
opened using a can opener which cut a triangular hole into the
upper surface of the can near its rim. Later, tab openers were
developed which included a tab connected to a portion of the can
cover, surrounded by a weakening. The tab was pulled to dislodge
the portion, thus exposing an opening. Tabs were discarded and
posed a litter problem. The technology developed further to produce
attached tabs which were used as levers to rupture a peripheral
weakening and push a section of the can top down into the can. The
tab ripped away a portion of the can top and permanently attached
itself to the can so that the can with its tab and top could be
discarded or recycled as a unit.
[0003] Although such cans are normally thought of as single-use
products, various devices have been developed to re-close the can
to allow it to be re-used at some future time. These devices
generally failed to reseal the can and preserve carbonization. Some
merely re-close the can opening to avoid contamination. A typical
example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,525 to Tucker.
[0004] One other example of the prior art is illustrated in FIG.
11. As shown in FIG. 11, an aluminum can 100 includes an aluminum
top 102 which is connected to a sidewall of the can through an
upstanding rim 108, having an inner surface 110 and an outer bead
112. The prior art re-closing device comprises a main cap 120 made
of durable plastic and having a central opening 122 with a thread
124 that can receive a secondary cap (not shown). Main cap 120
includes, at one side thereof, a fixed hook 126 which engages under
the bead 112. A rotatable hook member 128 has a central opening 130
mounted for rotation around a central stem in the main cap 120
which contains the central opening 122. Hook member 128 includes a
hook portion 132 which engages under bead 112 at a location
opposite from the hook portion 126. To engage the prior art device,
hook member 128 is pivoted around the axis of the cap as shown by
the curved arrow X, to bring the hook portion 132 of the hook
member 128 around and close to the hook portion 126 of the main cap
120. This permits both hooks to engage under the bead 112. The hook
member 128 is then rotated to swing hook member 132 to the opposite
side of the can, thus engaging the opposite sides of the bead 112
and fixing the main cap to the can. To help preserve the pressure
in the can, a resilient seal 136, having an L-shaped cross section
was fixed below main cap 120 and pressed down against the upper
surface of can top 102.
[0005] Several problems were experienced by the prior art
structure. Firstly, the hooks 126, 132 tended to disengage from the
rim after some pressure had built up, thus raising the cap off the
can. Secondly, if the hook did not disengage rapidly as in the
first case, the pressure in the can tended to leak past the seal
136 anyway. The construction and position of the main cap and seal
tended to "fight" the gas pressure in the can and generally lost
the battle.
[0006] In addition, although the mechanism is clever, the way to
use hook number 128 is not visually obvious, thus requiring
specific instructions to operate the device.
[0007] A need remains for a simple and effective mechanism for
resealing a carbonated beverage container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an
arrangement for resealing a beverage container having a top with an
aperture that can be opened to discharge the beverage and a rim
with an inner surface around the top, in particular, carbonated
soda container. The arrangement has a main cap for engagement over
and for covering the beverage container top, a seal member
connected to the main cap and extending toward the beverage
container top and a locking mechanism connected to the main cap for
fixing the main cap to the beverage container with sufficient force
to resist pressure from, and to maintain pressure in the beverage
container. The seal member has an annular pressure sealing portion
adapted to engage against, and hermetical seal with the inner
surface of the beverage container rim.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an enclosure
for receiving the beverage container. The enclosure may be
insulated and form part of the locking mechanism which may be screw
threads between the main cap and the enclosure.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to form the locking
mechanism as latch means on the main cap for engaging the bead
around the beverage container rim.
[0011] The various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective and exploded view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing how the main cap
of the present invention can be used to lift a soda can tab;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the embodiment
of FIG. 1 showing additional parts of one possible embodiment of
the invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of an upper portion of
the device of the present invention with a can to be resealed;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of a further embodiment
of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 7A is a schematic partial and sectional view of the rim
area of a beverage can and one embodiment of the seal of the
present invention before the main cap has been brought down onto
the can, illustrating some principles of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7B is a view similar to FIG. 7A with the main cap
further down into its final engagement position with the can;
[0021] FIG. 7C is a view similar to FIG. 7B of the seal in its
fully seated position, but before internal gas pressure has been
exerted on the seal;
[0022] FIG. 7D is a view similar to FIG. 7A of the seal after it
has received pressure and the main cap may have been lifted
slightly from its fully seated position, but still with the seal
avoiding pressure leakage and actually improving the seal by virtue
of its receiving pressure from the beverage container;
[0023] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of one embodiment of the
invention and the top of a beverage can before the invention is
engaged to the can;
[0024] FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A, but with the inventive
device engaged;
[0025] FIG. 8C is a view similar to FIG. 8B with a secondary cap of
the invention engaged for further locking the device to the
can;
[0026] FIG. 8D is a view similar to FIG. 8B showing the position of
the device when it is to be disengaged from the can;
[0027] FIG. 9A is an exploded side sectional view of this
embodiment showing important features of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the middle of FIG. 9A;
[0029] FIG. 10A is an exploded and sectional view of the invention
of FIG. 9A, taken in the direction of line 10A-10A in FIG. 9B;
[0030] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the assembled device taken
in the direction of line 10B-10B of FIG. 9B;
[0031] FIG. 10C is a sectional view of a further embodiment of the
invention similar to FIG. 10A, but with a smaller secondary cap
which also has a locking function;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of a prior art device
for resealing a soda can;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic simplified view of an alternate seal
arrangement of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 engaged to a
beverage container;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a partial schematic representation of a still
further embodiment of the invention; and
[0036] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 of a still further
embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention
embodied in FIG. 5 is an arrangement generally designated 10, for
resealing a beverage container such as a carbonated soda can 100,
having a top 102 with an aperture 104 that can be opened, for
example, by lifting a tab 106, to discharge the beverage, and a rim
108 with an inner surface 110, around the top 102. The arrangement
10 comprises a main cap 12 of durable plastic such as polyethylene,
polysulfone, nylon or other plastic which is washable and suitable
for foods. The main cap is for engagement over, and at least
completely covering the beverage container top 102. The arrangement
of the invention also includes an annular seal member 14 that is
hermetically connected to the main cap 12 and which is extending
downwardly toward the beverage container top 102. The seal member
has an annular pressure sealing portion 16 adapted to engage
against, and hermetical seal with the inner surface 110 of the
beverage container rim 108, for creating a hermetic chamber 27 to
reseal the aperture 104.
[0038] Locking means are connected to the main cap for fixing the
main cap to the beverage container with sufficient force to resist
pressure from, and to maintain pressure in the beverage container.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the locking means are a male thread 18
on the inner surface of a lip 20 extending downwardly from the
outer perimeter of cap 12, and a female thread 22 at the open upper
end of an enclosure 24 which has an inner space for closely
receiving the body of soda can 100. The threads 18, 20 are selected
to be large enough, depending on the strength of the plastic
material of the cap 12 and enclosure 24, to accommodated and
restrain the gas pressure from soda can 100, which may rise to 50
psi, at least, (3.5 kg/sq cm) and thus produce a force of at least
150 lbs. (68 kg) on the main cap from a typical soda can top 102
having a 2 inch (5 cm) diameter. Another feature of the invention
is an opening 26 through the main cap 12 for discharging beverage
from the beverage container or soda can 100, and a secondary cap 28
removably engaged with the main cap, for example by threads, for
closing the opening with sufficient force to resist pressure from,
and to maintain pressure in the beverage container. Since the small
cap 28 has far less surface area than the main cap 12, the threads
need not be as strong to still resist gas leakage and keep the soda
or other carbonated beverage from going "flat." This hermetic
sealing can be accomplished many different ways. For example, the
conventional cap of a pressurized plastic soda bottle can be
utilized for the secondary cap 28 and its threaded opening 26.
[0039] Although threads are used in the embodiment of FIG. 5, other
locking means such as latches, bayonet closures and the like can be
used. Also, the threads can be reversed e.g. male on the main cap
and female on the closure.
[0040] FIG. 5 also illustrates the use of an O-ring, or similar
structure 19 fixed to the upper inner surface of cap near the rim
20 which, when threads 18 are fully engaged with threads 22,
presses down on the top of the container 24, improving thermal
insulation of the can. This also insures hermetic sealing of the
enclosure with the main cap, thereby allowing the additional
function of a regular THERMOS (a trademark) type container,
including keeping hot beverages hot, and cold beverages cold.
[0041] Main cap 12 can be made of one part or multiple parts. Where
multiple parts are used, outer portions of the main cap can be of
increased insulating R value again to improve the insulating
characteristics of the overall enclosure.
[0042] Depending from the inner central region of cap 12 is a
downward projection or inner rim 17 which, as will be explained in
greater detail with the aid of FIGS. 7A to 7D, backs up at least
part of the seal 16 and has an outer surface that actually extends
down into the rim 108 and near the upper portion of inner surface
110 above the seal.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 1-4 which illustrate other aspects of
the first embodiment of the invention, container 24 may be made of
one piece of plastic or other appropriate material, but can be
multiple parts as shown in FIG. 4 to improve the insulation value.
For example, container 24 can include an outer plastic shell with a
handle 25. This shell receives an insulating insert 27 which can be
foam insulation material or other appropriate insulating structure.
Insulating member 27 is hollow and receives an inner shell portion
29 which has an outer diameter which closely fits the inner
diameter of member 27, and an inner diameter which is optionally
only slightly larger than the outer diameter of typical soda can
100. In this way, the soda can slides smoothly into the open top of
the shell 29 as air escapes from around the can, thus preventing
spillage of the drink in case the can has been opened before being
installed into the enclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lower
part of container 24 may optionally be smaller in diameter so that
to fit the cup holders that are standard in most cars. Many types
of insulating material can be used in conjunction with the
invention (and are not critical to the invention). The only
requirement critical to the invention regarding the enclosure is
that the inner shell be strong enough to allow only a minimum
deformation when the force of at least 150 psi resulting from the
build up of the pressure tends to separate the main cap from the
inner shell.
[0044] A variety of manufacturers have existing insulating
containers which can be adapted to the present invention, including
companies such as Rubbermaid, Coleman, Igloo, or Thermos, which
specializes in vacuum type insulation. These companies all have
various types of coolers with many different insulating means that
can be adapted to the present invention.
[0045] Another feature of the invention is a strap 21 which has a
lower end that is fixed, for example, by plastic welding to the cap
12 and connected by a rotatable connection, e.g. a washer shape at
the upper end of the stripe, around a rivet on the secondary cap
28. This prevents loss of the secondary cap.
[0046] The lower edge of outer rim 20 can also be shaped so that it
can be used as a tool to lift the tab 106 as shown in FIG. 3,
sometimes a difficult task especially if attempted by a woman with
long nails. According to a still further embodiment of the
invention, a grate may be provided in the opening 26 (FIG. 5) to
prevent insects from flying into the soda can. An example of the
grate is illustrated in connection with FIG. 9A.
[0047] In FIG. 1, main cap or lid 12 is shown to extend only to
about the level of the top of the can to be reclosed. The inventor
also contemplates a lid which extends down further, however, and
actually forms part of the container. For example, the lid may
extend down to about the midway point along the height of the
container. In an extreme case, the lid may extend all the way to
the floor of the container with only the bottom being removably
connected to the lid. The main purpose is to hold the lid down
firmly on the top of the soda can.
[0048] Returning to FIG. 5, seal 14, with its lower sealing portion
16 also has an upward inwardly extending flange portion 15 which,
with an upper portion of the seal co-extrusion, that can be
attached, for example, by glueing, welding or in other ways to the
inner surface of inner rim 17. The seal 14 may be made of
appropriate resilient sealing material, including different
plastics or synthetic rubber, for instance the synthetic material
known as DAVORENE. The same material can be used for the O-ring 19.
The seal material may be about one millimeter thick, or preferably
in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm in thickness. As will be explained in
greater detail later in this disclosure, an important feature of
the invention is that the pressure from the can to be resealed
actually enhances the sealing function of the seal. As shown in
FIG. 5, seal 14 has an upper inwardly extending flange 15 which
extends under the lower surface of main cap 12 and gives the seal
14 an inverted L-shape. At the outer radial end of flange 15 a
semi-circular or curved bead 31 extends into a correspondingly
shaped groove in the material of cap 12 to allow keeping the seal
in place just by wedging. When pressure builds up, the flange 15 is
actually pushed against the corresponding area of the main cap,
whereby enhancing hermetical sealing. This shape of the seal also
permits the seal to be removed and replaced, e.g. to wash it
thoroughly, by pulling the lower end 16 of the seal radially inward
to disengage the seal 14 from the cap 12. As noted above, the seal
may be glued, molded or otherwise fixed to the cap.
[0049] In FIG. 6, a simplified embodiment of the invention is
illustrated where the same reference numerals are utilized to
designate the same or functionally similar parts. In the embodiment
of FIG. 6, the main cap 12 includes an inner annular groove 17',
which, at its deepest location, includes a resilient seal member or
portion 16' which is positioned or shaped to engage the top of the
rim 108 of beverage container 100 when main cap 12 is screwed onto
container 24 and actually presses the seal down.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 7A to 7D, in FIG. 7A seal 14 is shown
while the main cap (not shown) is still above the beverage
container top 102.
[0051] FIG. 7A illustrates certain dimensions and parameters of the
can geometry which are important for the present invention. This
includes the radius Rt which is the radius of the upper end of the
inner surface 110 of the can rim 108. The radius Rb is the radius
of the lower end of the inner surface 110. The space between these
two radii is important since the outer sealing surface of the seal
portion 16 must substantially lie between these two radii.
[0052] Other important landmarks for the present invention include
the angle A between the outer surface of the seal 14 and the inner
surface 110 of the rim and the angle B between the outer surface of
the seal and the central axis of the can. The angle A plus B is the
total angle of the inner surface 110 of the can which is typically
between 5.degree.-30.degree. and usually about 20.degree. in most
commercially available carbonated beverage cans.
[0053] For the present invention, the angle A can be as little as
0.degree. where the outer surface of the seal portion 16 is
parallel to the inner surface 110 of the can rim 108, or as much as
30.degree. where the inner surface of the sealing portion 16 is
substantially parallel to the axis of the can.
[0054] In absolute terms, the outer surface of the seal 16 can have
an angle B, that is, the angle with the axis of about
0.degree.-30.degree..
[0055] In the preferred embodiment of the seal, the angle A should
be around 5.degree.-10.degree., such that the seal start touching
the rim when the cap is not all the way down on the soda can with a
gap G of at least 2 mm (as seen in FIG. 7B). This way, there is
hermetic sealing even with the gap G and even before any pressure
builds, which will be particularly critical in a particular
embodiment of the invention described later.
[0056] FIG. 7C shows the fully seated position for the cap. It also
shows how the seal is twisted in the bottom groove of the can in
the last approximately 2 mm before the cap is fully seated. This
provides an additional improvement w of the hermetic sealing and
will also prevent the main cap from sliding on the soda can in the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, when the
secondary cap is screwed or unscrewed. Therefore, in the preferred
embodiment, at least the end portion of the seal should have a
thickness slightly bigger than the groove of the can at its
starting point (see O). In the US standard can for Sodas, "O" is
approximately 1.1 mm, so the thickness of the seal then can be of
1.1 to 1.3 mm.
[0057] FIG. 7D shows the main cap in a slight upper position above
the soda can, and with pressure P represented by the arrows on the
drawing coming into action. The gap G1 corresponds either to
manufacturing tolerances of both the can and the present invention,
or the flexibility of the plastic material stressed by the force
exerted with the pressure, or to a functional gap as, in
particular, in the invention of FIGS. 8 to 10 further described, or
a combination of all.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 7D, the design of the rim of the main cap
allows the seal to "naturally" extend laterally, thus allowing the
pressure which has an outward component to actually press the
sealing portion of the seal more tightly out against the inner
surface 110 of the rim. The area of the rim that goes against the
rim of the can is preferably parallel to it.
[0059] The main function of the rim of the main cap, however, is to
prevent the seal from bulging through the gap G1 and lose its
function, when the main cap lifts up. Indeed, the rim of the main
cap reduces the opening that would be, without the rim, tantamount
to G1, into G2, by a coefficient of sine (A), A being the angle
defined previously, besides a very small play between the rim of
the main cap and the rim of the can to offset can tolerances.
[0060] As can be seen on FIG. 7D, this prevents any possibility for
the seal to slide out, thus permitting a perfect secured and
hermetical sealing, even if the gap G1 is as big as the height of
the rim of the main cap, or even slightly bigger.
[0061] The depth L of the rim of the main cap and the depth LS of
the seal can vary, but in the preferred embodiment the total of
L+LS is equal to the depth LR of the rim of the can. In
consideration of the maximum lift up of the main cap for any of the
different embodiments of the invention which is no more than a
fourth of LR, the depth of the rim of the main cap is set in the
preferred embodiment at around one third of LR, thus leaving enough
sealing area to go against the rim of the can.
[0062] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention
where the invention is meant to engage only the upper end of the
can to be resealed. Instead of using hook areas which are
relatively short compared to the total circumference of the can
rim, as was the case in the prior art of FIG. 11, the inventor has
realized that the "hook area" should be extended around the
circumference of the can rim as far as possible. In the extreme
case, the hook area can be divided into two halves, each extending
over one half the can rim. In practice, however, this extreme
arrangement entails other constraints and therefore is not
considered as the preferred embodiment. In any case, those larger
latches require the ability of the main cap to move slightly up and
down once hooked onto the can thanks to a functional gap, to permit
free engagement and disengagement of the latches, and that while
still keeping a hermetical sealing. The seal configuration with the
inner rim of the main cap, which was described previously, permits
this requirement which is particularly critical to this embodiment
of the invention. As an alternative, the present invention utilizes
a main cap or lid which has two broad arcuate hook areas that can
be articulated with respect to each other to spread the hook areas
apart for engaging and disengaging the can. The resiliency of the
main cap itself keeps the hook areas together when they are not
forcefully spread apart and this, in conjunction with the
engagement itself and the pressure from the can, help positively
lock the main lid to the can in a manner which can resist pressures
generated by soda or beer in cans. Actual tests have revealed that
the device can actually withstand pressures of over 140 psi, at
which pressure the soda can actually deforms and explodes. This is
far more resistence to pressure than would be needed to retain
normal carbonation for the purpose of the invention, even in
extreme high temperature conditions.
[0063] Turning now to FIG. 8A, main cap 142, made of resilient yet
strong synthetic material, has a pair of opposite latches 144 which
each have inner crescent-shaped hooks designed to engage opposite
sides of the can bead 112. A secondary cap 148, shown in FIG. 8C,
has an interior thread for engaging over a secondary opening in
neck 146 of the main cap 142.
[0064] Briefly stated, by squeezing the upper end of main cap 142
in the direction of arrows F-F in FIG. 8D, the latches or latch
areas 144 spread, allowing the latches to be engaged or disengaged
with the can 100. FIG. 8B shows the engaged position for the main
cap 142 and FIG. 8C shows how the secondary cap 148 holds the main
cap in the locked position, although the secondary cap 148 is not
necessary to maintain the lock. Two pairs of live hinges or narrow
bridges are shown at 150, and the resiliency of these hinges or
bridges, are used to allow pivoting of the latch portions and
return of the latch portions to their locked positions (FIG.
8B).
[0065] Because of the complexity of the shape of the main cap 142,
the inventor has found that it is most economical to make the main
cap of two separate parts which are snapped together. This is best
illustrated in FIG. 9A. The two-part main cap allows for faster and
cheaper mass production of the invention and requires less
intricate tooling to manufacture the invention. The two-part
structure also permits the selection of more specific plastic which
is best suited to each of the functions of the invention; all this,
while still keeping the invention as simple to manufacture and use
as possible.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 9A, each latch portion is provided on a
substantially cylindrical latch member 145. As shown in FIG. 9B,
the inner circumference of each arcuate latch portion 144 includes
an arcuate step or hook 149 that extends around approximately
140.degree. of the circumference of the latch member 145 in the
preferred embodiment, on each side of a center line of the member,
the center line being well illustrated by line 10A-10A in FIG. 9B.
Each latch can be about 90.degree. to about almost 180.degree.. The
closer to 180.degree., the less stress the hook area will get from
the load due to the pressure of the soda, since the load is then
spread out on a bigger surface area. However, the closer to
180.degree. each hooking area is, the more the two latches have to
be squeezed to engage and disengage the can, which becomes
"unnatural" at some point. It has been found that 140.degree. is a
good compromise between those two previous issues.
[0067] Coming back to the extreme case of the hooking area being
close to 180.degree., it is important to note that only one hinge
is then used, and consequently only 2 lower slots and two upper
slots separate the two latches (not represented on the
drawings).
[0068] Another important aspect of the invention is the distance D
represented in FIG. 10B, which represents the space in which the
bead of the can is so as to hold the main cap to the can. This
distance is always more important than the height of the bead of
the can so tat to leave a functional gap that is critical to this
particular embodiment. The larger the latches are and therefore the
closer the hinges are to the center, the bigger this gap has to be.
The gap is necessary to permit the engagement and disengagement of
the crescent-shaped hooks. Conversely, when the pressure builds up,
the seal support member lifts up, thus filling the gap which
mechanically prevents the disengagement of the latch. This produces
a self-locking effect. To allow the flexing shown at FIG. 8D, the
cylindrical portion of the latch member 145 contains four lower
slots 152, provided in two pairs on opposite sides of the latch
member 145. Grooves 151 are also cut into preferably the lower
surface of a transverse platform 156 in the member 145 so that the
bridges 150 extend across the entire platform and through the slots
152 to form the live hinges. Narrower upper slots 154 are also
provided in two pairs on opposite sides of the latch member 145 and
at the upper end of the cylindrical portion. These upper slots
allow the latches 144, 144 to flex as shown in FIG. 8D and also
limit the flex to what is necessary to engage and disengage the
device from the top of the can 5.degree. and not more than
15.degree., such that it is impossible to overstress the hinge.
Bridges 150 are defined within these slots.
[0069] As noted, the latch member 145 also includes the platform
156 which contains an aperture 158, shaped to receive a conical
projection 160 extending from a seal support member 165, forming
the other major portion of the cap 142. Conical projection 160 is
substantially hollow and carries, at its upper end, the threaded
neck 146.
[0070] Secondary cap 148 has a cylindrical skirt dimensioned to
engage around the outer surfaces of latch portions 144, and also
has in integrally molded threaded cap portion 147 for threadably
engaging the neck 146 to hermetically seal the neck closed. A
grated partition 162 spans the opening in conical projection 160
and has multiple apertures for passing fluid, but for preventing
insects, of instance, to pass through. The outer surface of
projection 160 includes an annular step 164 which is spaced above
an upper flat surface 166 of the seal support member 165, by a
distance which is about the same as the thickness of platform 156.
Aperture 158 in platform 156 has a pair of conical inner surface
portions 159 which taper inwardly in an upward direction and are
shaped to resiliently slide over the outer surface of conical
projection 160 and snap lock under step 164. The remaining
circumference of opening 158 is cylindrical so that both areas of
the platform outside of the hinges can move up freely when the
latches are operated. For better understanding of the engagement
between the two parts of the main cap 142, the cylindrical portion
of the opening 158 is shown in FIG. 10B, while the conical portions
159 and their close engagement around the base of projection 160
and under the step 164 is shown in FIG. 10C.
[0071] FIG. 10B also illustrates how the inner surface of the skirt
of secondary cap 148 closely embraces the outer surfaces of latch
portions 144 to keep the latch portions locked inwardly toward the
rim of the can (not shown in these figures). An alternate
embodiment is shown in FIG. 10C where a smaller secondary cap 149,
having a skirt which extends against the inner surface of the upper
portion of latch member 145, is utilized to keep the upper portions
from being moved inwardly in the direction of arrows F-F of FIG.
8D. This also serves to keep the latch members in their locked
positions.
[0072] As previously explained, the latch member 145 is the only
part which bears heavy mechanical constraints. One the FDA approved
synthetic material that can be used is DELRIN, which has good
rigidity and yet sufficient resiliency for the hinges. This
material also has good dimensional stability in environment both
cold and containing moisture, which is important since the device
can be used in a fridge.
[0073] The seal support member and the secondary cap can be made in
a much wider range of synthetic materials, as long as they are FDA
approved, such a polypropylene plastics, which are inexpensive.
[0074] As with the other embodiments of the invention, seal 14 is
made of a separate member of resilient material. Alternatively, the
seal support member 165 may be manufactured with an integrally
formed seal 14 made of the same material, but much thinner than the
rest of the member 165 to achieve the seal function.
[0075] As with the other embodiments of the invention, part of the
device can be shaped for use as a lever to engage under the tab of
the can. For example, the bottom edge 170 of the skirt of secondary
cap 148 can serve this function.
[0076] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a still further embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment the main cap 200 can be engaged to
the beverage container 100 in any mechanism already disclosed, for
example using latch means for engaging the upper end of the
container or in conjunction with an outer container for enclosing
the beverage container. As with the other embodiments of the
invention, main cap 200 includes an opening 202 therethrough, which
itself is closed by a secondary cap 204.
[0077] The seal 214 of the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, includes
an annular, flexible sealing portion 216 which is positioned and
shaped, just as the sealing portion 16 in other embodiments of the
invention, so that pressure from beverage container 100 actually
presses the sealing portion 216 more firmly against part of the
beverage container for sealing the container. Main cap 200 also
includes a rim 206 adapted to fit into the groove of the top of the
can, as seen in FIG. 13, when the main cap is all the way down on
the can. Rim 206 is such that it prevents the seal 214 and its
portion 216 from sliding out with the pressure, even when the main
cap possibly slightly lifts up due to the build up of the pressure.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, sealing portion 216 is
forcefully pressed down against the upper surface of container 100,
in the direction of arrows 220.
[0078] In the embodiment of FIG. 14, which is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 6, a simple pressure seal 316 is pressed down by
main lid 300, into the groove between the top and rim 108 of
beverage container 100. FIG. 15 shows a similar construction where
seal 317 is pressed down by main cap 302, on to the top of beverage
container 100. In both of the embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15, a
further container not shown in the figures receives beverage
container 100 and mates with the main lid 300 or 302 to firmly hold
the main lid to the beverage container.
[0079] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described in detail to illustrate the application of the
principles of the invention, it will be understood that the
invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such
principles.
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