U.S. patent application number 13/140359 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for device for sealing a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spillip Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Alex Weld.
Application Number | 20110290815 13/140359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42268172 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110290815 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weld; Alex |
December 1, 2011 |
DEVICE FOR SEALING A CONTAINER
Abstract
A device for sealing a plurality of different sized containers,
the device including a plurality of different sized rims, each of
the different sized rims being for engaging with a respective
different sized container, to seal the container.
Inventors: |
Weld; Alex; (Bondi Beach,
AU) |
Assignee: |
Spillip Pty Ltd
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
AU
|
Family ID: |
42268172 |
Appl. No.: |
13/140359 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 16, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2009/001636 |
371 Date: |
August 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61143692 |
Jan 9, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/715 ;
206/509; 220/287; 220/367.1; 220/711 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00685
20130101; B65D 2543/00759 20130101; B65D 21/0224 20130101; B65D
43/02 20130101; B65D 51/007 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101;
B65D 2251/08 20130101; B65D 2543/00527 20130101; B65D 2543/00638
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D
2543/00842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/715 ;
220/287; 206/509; 220/711; 220/367.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 21/032 20060101 B65D021/032; B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; B65D 51/00 20060101 B65D051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2008 |
AU |
2008906507 |
Jun 5, 2009 |
AU |
2009902621 |
Claims
1. A device for sealing containers of different size and/or shape,
the device including: (a) a first surface having a plurality of
rims extending therefrom, each of plurality rims configured to
engage a respective first container such that the first container
is sealed, and each of the plurality rims being of different size
and/or shape so as to permit containers of different size and/or
shape to be sealed by the device; and (b) a second surface having a
walled portion extending therefrom, the walled portion for engaging
and supporting a second container on the device such that the
second container is uprightly stacked above the first
container.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the walled portion engages a
bottom portion of the second container.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are
opposite sides of a floor of the device.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are
the same surface and form a floor of the device.
5. The device of claims 3 to 4, wherein the floor of the device has
a domed portion.
6. The device of claims 3 to 4, wherein the floor of the device is
substantially flat.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is circular in shape
and includes a plurality of concentric rims, each of the plurality
of rims being configured to fit around an edge of a respective
container.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes a tab
protruding from a side of the device, the tab being configured to
be use to pull the device off the container.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes at least one
venting hole formed within a floor of the device.
10. The device of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device includes a
sliding tab, the sliding tab being moveable between open and closed
positions, where in the open position, a recess formed in a floor
of the device allows for contents within the container to be
accessed, and where in the closed position, the recess is sealed by
the sliding tab.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes at least one
rib, the rib being formed within the device such that when the
second container is stacked on the device, the rib provides a space
between the device and the second container.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be
used with aluminum cans.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rims includes
an outer rim and an inner rim, the height of the inner rim being
shorter than the height of the outer rim.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes a plurality
of walled portions, each of the plurality of walled portions being
configured to hold a respective different sized and/or shaped
container.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rims
are configured to snap-lock with a respective edge of a different
sized and/or shaped container.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a lid.
17. A stacking cap for beverage containers, the cap including: a
first surface having an annular rim extending therefrom, the
annular rim adapted to sealingly engage the upper portion of a
first container such that an enclosed cavity is provided between
the cap and the first container; and a second surface having an
annular wall extending therefrom so as to provide a recess adapted
to receive the bottom portion of a second container, such that the
second container is uprightly stacked above the first container,
wherein the annular wall includes an inner surface frictionally
engaging a corresponding outer lateral surface of the second
container whilst the first container is being sealed.
18. A stacking cap as claimed in claim 17 wherein the first surface
and second surface are opposite sides of a floor of the cap, the
floor including a domed portion moveable between a projecting
position and a recessed position wherein moving the domed portion
from the projecting position to the recessed position reduces the
volume of the enclosed cavity.
19. A stacking device for stacking cans, the stacking device
including: A first recess for receiving an end portion of a first
can; and A second recess for receiving an end portion of a second
can such that first and second cans are stacked vertically, one can
above the other.
20. A stacking device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first and
second recesses each include an annular wall, the inner surface of
the annular wall being configured to frictionally engage with an
outer lateral surface of a can to be received.
21. The device of claim 4, wherein the floor of the device has a
domed portion.
22. The device of claim 4, wherein the floor of the device is
substantially flat.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for sealing a
container, and in one particular example, a lid or cap for sealing
a container such as a can or the like. According to one particular
example, the device is used to seal the container when the
container contains food or beverage.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication
(or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known,
is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission
or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the
common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
[0003] Presently, for many containers such as for example, cans, it
is difficult to re-seal them once they have been opened. This can
cause the contents of cans, which typically include effervescent
drinks to ruin and thus be inedible.
[0004] Furthermore, for containers such as cans, or the like, it is
often difficult to carry a plurality of containers at once. For
example, at events such as music festivals, a person may purchase a
plurality of cans filled with drink, where the cans are typically
opened upon purchase. Thus, it is often difficult to carry the
plurality of cans without spillage.
[0005] The present invention seeks to substantially overcome, or at
least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing
arrangements, or to provide alternatives to existing
arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0006] In a first broad form, there is provided herein device for
sealing a plurality of different sized containers, the device
including a plurality of different sized rims, each of the
different sized rims being for engaging with a respective different
sized container, to seal the container.
[0007] According to one particular example, the rims extend from a
first surface of the device.
[0008] In yet a further example, the device includes a walled
portion for holding another container on the device, when the
device is sealing the container.
[0009] According to another aspect, the walled portion extends from
a second surface of the device.
[0010] With respect to a further form, the first and second
surfaces are opposite sides of a floor of the device.
[0011] According to yet another example, the first and second
surfaces are the same surface and form a floor of the device.
[0012] In a further example, the floor of the device has a domed
portion. In yet another aspect, the floor of the device is
substantially flat.
[0013] In another example, the device is circular in shape and
includes a plurality of concentric rims, each of the plurality of
rims being configured to fit around an edge of the respective
container.
[0014] According to an additional example, the device includes a
tab protruding from a side of the device, the tab being configured
to be used to pull the device off a container.
[0015] In yet a further aspect the device includes at least one
venting hole formed within a floor of the device.
[0016] With respect to another example, the device includes a
sliding tab, the sliding tab being moveable between open and closed
positions, where in the open position, a recess formed in a floor
of the device allows for contents within the container to be
accessed, and where in the closed position, the recess is sealed by
the sliding tab.
[0017] In yet a further form, the device includes at least one rib,
the rib being formed within the device such that when a container
is stacked on the device, the rib provides a space between the
device and the stacked container.
[0018] According to another form, the device is configured to be
used with aluminium cans.
[0019] In a second broad form, there is provided a device for
sealing/capping a container, the device including a rim for sealing
with an edge of the container.
[0020] In one particular example, the device is circular in shape
and includes a plurality of concentric rims, each of the plurality
of rims being configured to fit around the edge of a different
sized container. According to another example, the device includes
a walled portion, wherein the walled portion is configured to
support another container placed on the device.
[0021] In a third broad form, there is provided a device for
sealing a container, the device including: [0022] a first surface
having a rim for sealing with an edge of the container; [0023] a
second surface having a walled portion extending from the second
portion, the walled portion being configured to hold a second
container on the second surface.
[0024] In a fourth broad form, there is, provided a device for
sealing a plurality of different sized containers, the device
including a plurality of different sized rims extending from a
surface of the device, each of the plurality of different sized
rims being configured to engage with an edge of a respective
container.
[0025] In a fifth broad form, there is provided a device for
sealing a container, the device including: [0026] a sealing
portion, the sealing portion having a rim for sealing with an edge
of the container; [0027] a walled portion, the walled portion being
operatively connected to the sealing portion, the walled portion
being configured to hold a second container on/at least partially
within the device.
[0028] It will be appreciated that any of the forms/examples
described herein may be used individually or in combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] An example of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:--
[0030] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an example of a device for
sealing a container;
[0031] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the example device of FIG.
1, used on a container;
[0032] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the example device of FIG.
1, used to stack a plurality of containers on top of another
container;
[0033] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a top view of an example
of a device for sealing a container;
[0034] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
example device of FIG. 2A;
[0035] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 2A, cut at cross-section A-A;
[0036] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 2A;
[0037] FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional
view of the example device of FIG. 2A, cut at cross-section
A-A;
[0038] FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 2A;
[0039] FIG. 2G is a schematic diagram of a bottom perspective view
of the example device of FIG. 2A;
[0040] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a top view of an example
of another device for sealing a container;
[0041] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
example device of FIG. 3A;
[0042] FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 3A, cut at cross-section A-A;
[0043] FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 3A;
[0044] FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional
view of the example device of FIG. 3A, cut at cross-section
A-A;
[0045] FIG. 3F is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 3A;
[0046] FIG. 3G is a schematic diagram of a bottom perspective view
of the example device of FIG. 3A;
[0047] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a top view of another
example device;
[0048] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 4A;
[0049] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 4A;
[0050] FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram of a bottom perspective view
of the example device of FIG. 4A;
[0051] FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 4A stacked with other devices;
[0052] FIG. 4F is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the device of FIG. 4A stacked with other devices;
[0053] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of the device of FIG.
4A being used to seal a first can and stack a second can onto the
first can;
[0054] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a perspective bottom view
of another example of a device for sealing a container;
[0055] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a side view showing rims
of the example device of FIG. 6A;
[0056] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 6A;
[0057] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a perspective bottom view
of another example of a device for sealing a container;
[0058] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a side view showing rims
of the example device of FIG. 7A;
[0059] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the example
device of FIG. 7A;
[0060] FIGS. 8A to 8X are a schematic diagram showing example
cross-sections of variations of the device of FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 9 is another schematic diagram shown further example
cross-sections of the variations of the device of FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a top view of another
example device of FIG. 1, showing a sliding tab in a closed
position;
[0063] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a top view of the example
device of FIG. 10A, showing the sliding tab in an open
position;
[0064] FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
example device of FIG. 10A, showing the sliding tab in a closed
position;
[0065] FIG. 10D is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
example device of FIG. 10A, showing the sliding tab in an open
position;
[0066] FIG. 10E is a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional
view of the device of FIG. 10A, showing the cross section of the
sliding tab;
[0067] FIG. 10F is a schematic diagram of a top perspective
cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 10A, showing the cross
section of the sliding tab;
[0068] FIG. 10G is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 10A, showing the sliding tab in an open
position;
[0069] FIG. 10H is a schematic diagram of a top perspective view of
the example device of FIG. 10A, showing the sliding tab in a closed
position;
[0070] FIGS. 10I to 10K are schematic diagrams shown examples of
the sliding tab as used in FIGS. 10A to 10H;
[0071] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a top view of another
example device of FIG. 1, showing venting holes and
ribs/cavities;
[0072] FIGS. 11B and 11F are schematic diagrams of a top
perspective views of the example device of FIG. 11A, showing
venting holes and ribs/cavities;
[0073] FIGS. 11C and 11D are schematic diagrams of side views of
the example device of FIG. 11A;
[0074] FIG. 11E is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
example device of FIG. 11A, showing venting holes and
ribs/cavities;
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0075] A device of sealing/capping a container is shown in FIG.
1.
[0076] In particular, FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a device 1, which
includes a rim 5 for sealing with an edge of a container 10. The
rim 5 for sealing can form a part of a sealing portion 12. Notably,
the sealing portion 12 can also be an engaging portion, where the
rim 5 can engage with an edge of the container. This is further
discussed below.
[0077] FIGS. 1A to 1C show that the device 1 can include a walled
portion 15, where the walled portion 15 is configured to support
another container 10 placed on/at least partially within the device
1 (as particularly shown in FIG. 1C). Thus, the walled portion 15
can also be referred to as a receiving portion, where it is formed
to receive and/or hold another container, or as described below,
another device for sealing 1.
[0078] In the example shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the device 1 can
include a first surface 20 having a rim 5 for sealing with an edge
of the container 10. The device 1 can also include a second surface
25 which can include the walled portion 15 extending there from,
where the walled portion 15 is configured to hold a second
container 10 on the second surface 25. Notably, the first and
second surfaces can be opposing sides of the same surface, where
each opposing side includes the respective walled and sealing
portions, or according to another example, can be the same surface
of the device, and can be referred to as the floor or the base of
the device 1.
[0079] FIGS. 2A to 2G show another example of the device 1, where
the sealing portion 12 includes two rims 5A and 5B. A further
example of the device 1 is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3G, where the
walled portion 15 includes two walls 14A and 14B.
[0080] In the examples shown in FIGS. 2A to 3G, the inner wall 14B
and/or the inner rim 5B can be shorter in height than the outer
wall 14A and/or the outer rim 5A, respectively. This limits the
interference by the shorter walls with the stacking functionality
of the device, and further limits the interference of the shorter
rims when the device is being used to seal a larger container (with
the outer rims).
[0081] Thus, it will be appreciated that the device shown can
include a plurality of walls 14 for receiving the base of different
sized containers, and can also include a plurality of rims 5 to fit
to different sized containers. Thus, the device described herein
can be used to seal different sized cans for food and beverage
ranging from cans, which for example can range from 50 mm to 160 mm
in diameter.
[0082] Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the sealing
feature can be improved by having a plurality of rims as the rim
immediately inside the rim being used to seal the container can
press against the edge of the container to further engage with the
container.
[0083] Additionally, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A to 3G, the
sealing portion 12 has a smaller diameter than the walled portion
15, and although the sealing portion 12 can be connected to the
walled portion 15 by any operable means, in this particular
example, due to the change in diameter, they are connected via a
stepped portion 13.
[0084] FIGS. 4A to 4F show yet a further example of the device 1,
where the device 1 includes a tab 35, which in this example is
semi-circular in shape and can be used by a user to lift the device
1 off a container. Notably, the tab 35 can be formed on any side of
the device 1.
[0085] FIGS. 4E and 4F also show that a plurality of devices 1 can
be stacked due to the stepped portion 13, which allows for the
sealing portion 12 of a device 1 to be received by the walled
portion 15 of another device 1 (as in this example, they are formed
on different sides of a holding surface of the device, or on two
opposing surfaces).
[0086] FIGS. 5A to 5B show examples of cans 40, being stacked by
use of the device 1. Thus, the device 1 can be used to seal a first
can, whilst also being used to provide a stacking mechanism for a
second can on top of the first can.
[0087] FIGS. 6A to 6C show further examples of a configuration of
the device 1. In this particular example, the sealing portion 12 is
arcuate (or circular) in shape (around its perimeter) and includes
a plurality of concentric rims 5A and 5B, where each of the rims
5A, 5B is configured to fit around and/or engage with the edge of a
different sized container. In particular, FIG. 3 shows that the
rims 5A and 5B may include a widened or flanged portion 7, which is
particularly designed to snap-lock with an edge of a container.
Notably, in the example device 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the
diameter of the sealing portion is less than the diameter of the
walled portion.
[0088] FIGS. 7A to 7C show a variation of the device 1, where the
sealing portion 12 and the walled portion 15 have the same
diameter. This is effectively a reversible device where the sealing
portion 12 includes a walled portion 15 on either side of a holding
surface 30. Both sides of the holding surface 30 include rims 5,
such that the device 1 can be used at either side for varying sizes
of containers. Thus, it will be appreciated that the sealing
portion 12 and the walled portion 15 can be operatively connected,
depending on the configuration of the device 1.
[0089] In a further example, the holding surface 30, which can be
the first and second surfaces as described herein, can be either
domed or flat. Notably, the holding surface can be referred to as a
base, or the like.
[0090] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the device 1 can be formed with a combination of a plurality of
walled and sealing portions, on the same side or either sides of
the holding surface. FIGS. 8A to 8X shows a cross-section of the
various combinations of walled portions and sealing portion of the
device 1.
[0091] In particular, FIGS. 8A to 8M show examples of devices with
the surfaces being flat, whereas FIGS. 8N to 8X show examples of
devices with the surface being domed on one side.
[0092] FIG. 8A shows an example of a device with one rim and no
stacking wall, FIG. 8B shows an example device with one rim and one
stacking wall, FIG. 8C shows an example device with one rim and two
stacking walls. FIG. 8D shows an example of the device with one
stacking wall and two rims on one side, FIG. 8E shows an example of
a device with one rim on each side and no stacking walls. FIG. 8F
shows an example of a device with three rims, with two on one side
and one or two stacking walls, FIG. 8G shows an example of a device
with three rims, with two on one side and one no stacking walls.
FIG. 8H shows an example of a device with two rims on one side and
two stacking walls, whereas FIG. 8I shows example devices with two
stacking walls and a rim on either side.
[0093] Furthermore, FIG. 8J shows example devices with no stacking
wall, but with a combination of two or more rims on either side.
FIGS. 8K and 8L show examples of a device with one staking wall and
one rim on either side. FIG. 8M shows an example device with one
rim and one stacking wall on either side of the holding
surface.
[0094] FIG. 8N shows example devices with two rims on one side, and
one rim on the other side, with no stacking wall. FIG. 80 shows
example devices with one rim on either side of the device with one
staking wall on one side. FIG. 8P shows an example of a device with
one rim on either side and one staking wall, whereas FIG. 8Q shows
an example of devices having on rim on either side and a wall on
either side. FIG. 8R shows an example of a device with two rims on
one side and a stacking wall.
[0095] FIG. 8S shows example devices having a rim on either side
and no stacking wall. FIG. 8T shows example devices having three
rims with two rims on one side and one rim on the other side, and
either one or no stacking walls. FIG. 8U shows an example of a
device with two rims (arranged on the same or either side) and two
stacking walls. FIG. 8V shows an example of a device with one rim
and no stacking wall. FIG. 8W shows an example device with one rim
and one stacking wall. FIG. 8X shows an example device with one rim
and two stacking walls.
[0096] FIG. 9 also shows further examples of the different
variations of walls and rims which can form a part of the device
1.
[0097] Notably, the device 1 described and shown in the figures is
arcuate (or circular or elliptical) in shape so as to fit around
the edge of an aluminium can, or the like, for sealing a drink
within the can. However, it will be appreciated by persons skilled
in the art that the device is not limited to these shapes, and may
be used to seal other types of containers, and thus the device can
be manufactured for any other shape such as triangular,
rectangular, square, or the like.
[0098] Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the device 1
can be referred to as a cap, lid, closure, or the like, and the
walled and/or sealing portions may not necessarily surround the
entire diameter of the device, and may include discrete
portions.
[0099] Thus, as described herein, there can be provided a device 1
for sealing a plurality of different sized containers, where the
device 1 can include a plurality of different sized rims, where
each of the different sized rims engage with a respective different
sized container, to seal the container.
[0100] The rims typically extend from a first surface of the
device, and the device can include a walled portion for holding
another container on the device, when the device is sealing the
container, or stack another device with the device, for storage or
the like. The walled portion can extend from a second surface of
the device 1, and according to one particular example, the first
and second surfaces are opposite, sides of a floor of the device,
or alternatively, as described herein, the first and second
surfaces are the same surface and form a floor of the device.
[0101] Furthermore, as shown in some of the figures, the floor of
the device can have a domed portion, or be substantially flat.
[0102] It will further be appreciated that in the examples shown
herein, the device 1 is circular in shape and includes a plurality
of concentric rims, each of the plurality of rims being configured
to fit around an edge of the respective container. Thus, the device
1 is particularly suitable for use with aluminium cans, plastic
cups, or the like. However, other shapes of the device 1 are also
possible and are considered to fall within the scope of the present
application.
[0103] As also described herein, the device 1 can include numerous
features, including but not limited to tabs, venting holes, a
sliding tab, and ribs or cavities.
[0104] Thus for example, a tab can be formed to protrude from a
side of the device, where the tab is configured to be used to pull
the device off a container. Furthermore, at least one venting hole
formed within a floor of the device to allow for excess pressure to
be released from the container, once the container is sealed.
[0105] The device can also include a sliding tab, where the sliding
tab is moveable between open and closed positions, where in the
open position, a recess formed in a floor of the device allows for
contents within the container to be accessed, and where in the
closed position, the recess is sealed by the sliding tab.
[0106] Additionally, the device can also include at least one
rib/cavity, where the rib/cavity is formed within the device such
that when a container is stacked on the device, the rib provides a
space between the device and the stacked container.
[0107] Further examples of the device 1, and the features outlined
above are given below.
Further Examples
[0108] The device described herein, in one example, is a round
plastic cap or lid, which can allow soft drink and alcoholic
beverage cans to be stacked on top each of each other to be held or
carried, minimise spillage from an opened can, and may also help
retain the carbonation or effervescence of the liquid in the
can.
[0109] Thus, the device described may reduce the problem of
spilling liquid from an opened can. The roof (or surface) and rim
of the sealing section of the device can also allow the liquid to
fall back into the can. It does this by providing a seal over the
can which stops/limits liquid, which has come out of the opening of
the can, from falling away from the can.
[0110] In one particular example, a test was performed where a can
was opened and was consequently sealed with the device described
herein. After a twelve hour period, the carbonated beverage within
the can was still almost fully effervescent, due to the seal
provided by the device. Notably, the domed example of the device
described herein may provide a tighter seal allowing the carbonated
beverage to retain its effervescence for a longer period.
[0111] According to a further example, the stacking feature
described above can allow for another can to be placed on top of
the can with the device. Accordingly, this can allow for two or
more cans to be carried by a person, in each hand, either whilst
walking or moving their arms whilst standing still. In one
particular example, the stacking feature is a 1 cm wall around the
outer edge of the device top. The internal diameter of the wall is
the same as the diameter of a large can. Thus, the wall may be able
to reduce the amount that the can placed on top moves with respect
to the can underneath and thereby reduces the risk of dropping the
can on top. Notably, if two cans are stacked on top of each other
without using the device described herein, then the risk of
slippage of at least one of the cans due to movement may be
increased and a significant amount of the contents of the can may
be lost.
[0112] Thus, it will be appreciated that the device for sealing a
container can be used for a variety of situations. In one
particular example, attendees at a music festival, which is
typically held at a park can use the device to buy several
beverages at once and carry the beverages to their friends.
[0113] The device described herein can reduce the chance of the top
can slipping off. Notably, if the top can also has a device on it,
the device can minimise the amount of the contents that leak out as
well as keeping the drinking rim of the can clean, when the can
hits the ground (which may be imperative in festival
environment).
[0114] Most music festivals allow people to buy several cans of
drink at a time. It is not uncommon to see people holding two cans
of beer in each hand. They do this by holding the top of one can
and the bottom of the other can in each hand. Every time they take
a drink from the can they are drinking from they lose liquid from
the can underneath it. If they get bumped they quite often drop a
can or cans.
[0115] Accordingly, the device described herein can allow for a
person with two cans to have two of the cans in one hand being
sealed and one of the can on the bottom of the other hand that they
are drinking from to be sealed, where the person then only needs to
hold the bottom can in each hand.
[0116] Additionally, a person holding an opened can with the device
described herein placed on the can, as well as another opened can
sitting in the stacking section of the device, may be able to drink
from the top can without spilling liquid from the bottom can whilst
only holding the bottom can. At most, they might have to use one
finger and thumb to stop the top can from falling out of the
stacking section when they turn the can up past 90.degree. to drink
from the top can.
[0117] Thus, the device described herein has numerous features
which can be used separately or in combination. These features
include, a stackable wall feature, no openings, the ability to be
fitted up to at least three different can top sealing rims which
can be applied in up to twelve combinations, a domed sealing
roof/stackable floor to increase the tightness of the seal, and can
also be carried conveniently in someone's pocket.
[0118] In one particular example, the device is a round plastic
product that has the diameter of a common soft drink can and it is
about 1.5 cm high. On the topside is the stacking feature. This is
a wall approximately 1 cm high at the outer edge of the device,
which can receive a top can. Notably, the internal dimension of the
stacking wall can be the same as the diameter of a large drink
can.
[0119] It will be appreciated that whilst the stackable side can
have a flat surface, it is also possible that the surface can
include a domed floor, which is pushed down onto the can, and
increases the tightness of the device seal on the can.
[0120] Furthermore, the sealing feature is on the bottom side of
the device. This generally includes a rim which clips around the
bottom edge of the top of a drink can. The rim is what attaches the
device to the can top as well is helping to seal the can. The
device can include two or more rims such that it can be used with
varying sized drink cans. Accordingly, the device can be used with
different types of cans. Notably, the rims can include a rim which
is particularly suited for slim-line cans.
[0121] According to one particular example, the inner wall of the
sealing rim has a cavity which is the length of a can top. The rim
also generally includes edge, which is almost the width of the can
top, and which clips under the bottom edge of the can top.
[0122] Thus, the sealing rim, combined with the floor of the
stacking feature, can stop/limit liquid from spilling out of an
opened can and helps the liquid to fall back into the can.
[0123] The stacking and sealing features are further described
below:
The Stacking Feature:
[0124] In one particular example, the stacking feature can be a
wall or a wall portion which is approximately 1 cm high at the
outer edge of the device which the top can may be placed into. A
second shorter stacking wall allows a can with a different or
smaller diameter to be stacked. The height of the second shorter
stacking rim will not interfere with a larger can being place in
the larger outer wall stacking rim. The stacking feature generally
has a flat bottom surface and can thus reduce the amount of sway a
can placed into it has. The wall can run almost 1 cm, or more or
less, up the outside edge of the can placed into it and the
internal dimension of the wall can be the same as the diameter of a
can of a large drink can.
[0125] Accordingly, the stacking feature can reduce the amount of
sway a can placed into it has. Thus, a person holding a bottom can
with the device placed on the can and a can in the stacking
feature, also with a device on top can, would be able to move their
hand and greatly reduce the chances of dropping, contaminating or
spilling either drink.
[0126] As described above, the stacking feature may also have a
domed floor. This floor would get pushed down as the device is
being applied to the can top. It would increase the tightness that
the device attaches to the can top and therefore increase the seal,
which reduces the chances of dropping, contaminating or spilling
either drink.
[0127] It will also be appreciated that the stacking feature with a
domed floor may also give more space for liquid in the opened can
to flow into which would reduce the probability of the device being
popped off by the pressure within the can.
[0128] It will also be appreciated that the device can also be made
without the stacking feature, and can thus be used for domestic or
office use.
The Sealing Feature:
[0129] The sealing feature is generally on the bottom side of the
device and can include a rim which clips around the bottom edge of
the top of a drink can. The rim is generally what attaches the
device to the can top as well is helping to seal the can.
[0130] It will be appreciated that the device can include one, two,
three or more of these rims as there are generally two diameters of
large drink top cans and slim-line cans, which can allow for only
one device to be used for the different types of cans.
[0131] Notably, the inner wall of the sealing rim may have a cavity
which is the length of a can top, and may also include an edge,
which is almost the width of the can top, which clips under the
bottom edge of the can top. The sealing rim, combined with the
floor of the stacking feature as described above, may stop/limit
liquid from spilling out of the can and helps it to fall back into
the can.
[0132] It will be appreciated that many variations of the
above-described features are possible, this can include but is not
limited to a device which can be made with up to many different
combinations of one, two, or three or more rims and in any
combination of the three rims, with or without the stacking
features on one or both sides of the device, and/or with either a
flat floor/ceiling or a domed floor/ceiling.
[0133] Thus, the device described herein may include a stacking
section with a flat floor and three rims in the sealing section.
Two of the rims for the larger beverage cans and one rim for the
slim-line can.
[0134] The device may also be made in a smaller version which is
particularly designed to fit slim-line cans. The slim-line device
may be made with or without a stacking feature and either a flat
floor ceiling or domed floor ceiling.
[0135] Thus, it will be appreciated that various combinations of
the features of the device described herein are possible.
Accordingly, the device may have three, two, or one rim on one
side, which can be arranged in at least seven different
combinations with a different number of rims on the other side.
This can lead to 49 or so different combinations of rims. The 49 or
so different combination of rims can be made with two, one, or no
stacking feature, which can lead to 147 different combinations.
Furthermore, the device can have either a flat or domed floor,
which can lead to 296 or so different combinations of features. The
device is not limited to 3 sealing rims and 2 stacking walls.
[0136] Notably, the device described herein has been designed to
fit cans from various manufacturers around the world. This may
include making minor adjustments to the diameter of the sealing rim
for various sizes and shapes of cans in the future.
The Sliding Tab Feature
[0137] FIGS. 10A to 10K show an example of the device 1, where the
floor 50 includes a recess 55. The recess 55 is typically
accessible to allow for contents of a container, which the device 1
I sealing to be consumed, poured out, released, emptied, accessed,
or the like.
[0138] In this particular example, the recess 55 has associated
therewith, a sliding tab 60. The sliding tab 60 is typically used
to cover the recess 55, when sealing of the container is required
and the recess 55 is not required for use (that is, for example, if
the device 1 is being used to cover a can of drink then if a user
does not want to drink from the can, they can use the sliding tab
60 to cover the recess 55). Thus, according to one particular
example, the hole/recess 55 in the floor 50 of the device 1 is
similar in size to that of a common aluminium drink can.
[0139] Accordingly, the sliding tab 60 of this example, can be slid
open to create an opening (in the recess 55) for the contents of
the container to be accessed/emptied without necessarily removing
the device 1 from the container. Thus, when the tab 60 is slid
shut, the device 1 can seal the container.
[0140] FIGS. 10A to 10H show examples where the tab 60 is formed on
the underside of the device 1 (that is, the side of the device 1
which typically faces the interior of the container which the
device 1 is sealing, when the device is in use on a container).
[0141] In this particular example, the tab 60 attaches to the
device 1 by clipping on to a ball 65 at the centre (or
substantially the centre) of the underside of the device 1. This
allows the tab 60 to rotate (or pivot) and either opens or closes
the hole in the floor 50 of the device 1.
[0142] Furthermore, as shown in this example, the tab 60 is shaped
similar to a tennis racket. Thus, in this example, the head of the
tab 60 has a semi-circular dome which fills the hole in the floor
of the device. On one edge of the dome is a small plinth 70 to aid
a user move the tab 60. The plinth 70 may snap into slots on the
edges of the hole/recess 55 in the floor 50 of the device 1 to
secure the tab 60 and thus keep the hole/recess 55 either open or
shut.
[0143] The examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10K further show that the
outside head of the dome of the tab 60 can include a small raised
edge 75 which, when the tab 60 is in the closed position (as shown,
for example, in FIG. 10A), can line up with an identical shaped
groove (not shown) in the underside of the device floor 50. The
raised edge 70 and the groove can work together to help increase
the seal of the device 1 when the tab 60 is in the closed position.
The carbonation or pressure of the contents of the container may
also push the tab 60 away from the contents of the container, and
thus aid in the sealing of the container.
[0144] It will be appreciated that the tab 60 described herein is
formed such that a second container is able to be stacked on the
device 1, as described herein.
[0145] Notably, it will also be appreciated that although there has
been described herein, a sliding tab 60 for covering the recess 55,
any cover which will be apparent to persons skilled in the art is
considered to fall within the scope of the present application.
Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that this feature of the
device 1 may be helpful on aeroplanes, in cars, in situations where
insects may crawl into a container, or the like.
Venting Holes and Ribs/Cavities
[0146] FIGS. 11A to 11F show that the device 1 can also include at
least one venting hole 80 in the floor 50 of the device 1.
[0147] The venting holes 80 can allow for pressure within the
container to be released when the device is in use, sealing a
container.
[0148] Notably, in this particular example, there are two venting
holes 80, although it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the
art that any number of venting holes can be used (such as, for
example 1 to 4). It will further be appreciated that the venting
holes may be formed anywhere on the device 1, such as the sidewalls
or the like. Further still, the diameters and shape of the venting
holes 80 may differ depending on the use of the device 1.
[0149] FIGS. 11A to 11F show the device 1 including one or more
ribs/cavities 85. The ribs/cavities can be used in combination with
the venting holes 80. Thus for example, if the venting holes 80 are
formed on the floor 50 of the device 1, and the device 1 is being
used on a container, then pressure released from this container may
build if another container is stacked on the device 1.
[0150] Accordingly, in order to prevent/limit the device 1 being
dislodged from the container it is sealing by the pressure being
released from the container, in this particular example, six ribs
85 can be formed to protrude and/or recess (when in the form of a
cavity or the like) from the inner wall of a stacking wall. The
ribs 85 can lift the container stacked on the device 1 (or create a
space between the container stacked and the device 1, if recessing
into the device 1), and allow for pressure to escape from
underneath the stacked container and up the side of the stacked
container through channels formed by the ribs.
[0151] In this particular example, the ribs 85 are 1 mm wide and
protrude from and/or recess (in the form of a cavity) into the
device 0.2 mm, and thus can lift the stacked container by 0.2 mm.
Notably, the ribs 85 can be wider and protrude higher from or
recess lower into the device 1, if necessary (thus any size which
is required can be used).
[0152] Notably, the ribs 85 can also strengthen/tighten the hold on
or engagement with the stacked container.
[0153] It will be appreciated that the device described herein can
be used in a variety of industries, including but not limited to
products for sealing food and beverage containers.
[0154] According to one particular example, the device described
herein can be applied to any container which can be used to hold
beverages. These include, and is not limited to, cups, mugs,
canisters, or the like. Thus, for example, in large events when
drinks are often served in plastic cups, the device of the present
application may be used to secure the contents of the plastic cups,
and in yet a further example, may also be used to stack multiple
plastic cups on one another, so that they are easier to carry.
[0155] It will also be appreciated that the device described herein
can provide the following advantages--the device can be used to
seal an open can which may have some liquid within it, can
stop/limit liquid from being spilt from an opened can, may allow
for cans to be stacked on top of each other, may allow an opened
can containing a carbonated beverage to stay carbonated for a
longer period of time, and may also allow for multiple cans (either
open or closed) to be held or carried in one hand.
[0156] It will also be appreciated that the above-described device
can also avoid having to dispose of leftover carbonated liquid. The
device can also provide longer lasting effervescence once a can or
the like has been opened. Additionally, this can limit the chance
of contamination of the liquid in an open can (which can cause
sickness).
[0157] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present
invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the
embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.
[0158] In the context of this specification, the word "comprising"
means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or
"having" or "including", and not "consisting only of". Variations
of" the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have
correspondingly varied meanings.
* * * * *