Can re-sealing mechanism

Abstract

Embodiments of mechanisms for resealing a can are disclosed. The mechanisms are adaptable to cans currently on the market. The mechanisms can be marketed as a stand alone (i.e., a post-purchase product), or alternatively, they can be applied by a manufacture (e.g., a cola bottling or canning company) to existing cans (e.g., during a filling stage of the manufacturing process or at another point in the process). In the embodiment, a can resealing mechanism includes an inner and outer flange configured to engage inner and outer surfaces of the can and the rivet and bent down flap portion of the can.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cans are well known by consumers around the world and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although they are widely used, there are many problems associated with the typical can.

One example of a problem that can occur applies specifically to cans used to store carbonated beverages. When the can is opened, carbonation escapes and, over a short time, the beverage becomes flat. This is also a problem for alcoholic and other beverages. In many instances, the entire contents of the can are not immediately consumed after opening. As a result, the remaining beverage is wasted as the lack of carbonation is undesirable to most consumers. Due to this waste and the lack of economical resealing mechanisms previously know in the art, it is difficult to market larger sized cans.

Another problem associated with cans occurs after opening when the open mouth of the can allows dirt or other unwanted debris or contaminants (such as bugs) to enter and contaminate the contents of the can, such as in the case with carbonated, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, juice and water beverages. This can result in undesirable beverage conditions and a wasteful disposal of remaining beverage. Also, this can be dangerous to persons with allergies to insects (such as allergies to bee stings) because insects are often attracted to the beverage in the can. If the insect enters the can, they are difficult to detect prior to consumption.

Yet another problem with cans occurs when an at least partially full can is accidentally spilled, such as in the case with carbonated, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, juice and water beverages. Spilled beverages can lead to stains and other unwanted results. Can spills occur frequently and may happen under potentially dangerous circumstances such as while driving an automobile.

Because of the problems associated with cans, their use has become increasingly unpopular.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of mechanisms for resealing a can are disclosed. The mechanisms are adaptable to cans currently on the market. The mechanisms can be marketed as a stand alone (i.e., a post-purchase product), or alternatively, they can be applied by a manufacture (e.g., a cola bottling or canning company) to existing cans (e.g., during a filling stage of the manufacturing process or at another point in the process).

In one exemplary embodiment, a can resealing mechanism includes an inner and outer flange configured to engage inner and outer surfaces of the can and a rivet and bent down flap portion of the can.

In another exemplary embodiment, a can resealing mechanism includes an outer flange configured to engage the outer surface of the can and a threaded inner flange which screws down into the can and engages the inner surface of the can and the rivet and the bent down flap portion of the can. The resealing mechanism can be one piece of material.

In another exemplary embodiment, a can resealing mechanism includes an outer flange configured to engage the outer surface of the can and a threaded inner flange which screws down into the can and engages the inner surface of the can and the rivet and the bent flap portion of the can. The resealing mechanism can be two or more separate and distinct pieces of material which are joined together.

In another exemplary embodiment, a can resealing mechanism includes an inner and outer flanges configured to engage inner and outer surfaces of the can and the rivet and the bent flap portion of the can which is activated by an internal expansion mechanism which, when activated, pushes the bottom inner flange out to engage the inner surface of the can.

In another exemplary embodiment, a can resealing mechanism includes an inner flange configured to engage the inner surface of the can and the rivet and the bent flap portion of the can and is covered by an outer suction cup mechanism that covers the can opening.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the can resealing mechanism simply includes a mechanical device for holding an inner flange in an expanded conformation, over that in which the inner flange is inserted into the can, in order to better engage the inner surface of the can.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the can resealing mechanism includes an inner flange and an outer flange, wherein the inner flange has a concave conformation.

Various other embodiments and combinations of features are contemplated, some of which are described in great detail below for the sake of example and illustration. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B are top and side views of one embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 1C and 1H illustrate one embodiment of a can resealing mechanism in use on a can.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a top and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a top and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are a top and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

FIGS. 9A-9C are top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism, in which FIGS. 9B and 9C show the can resealing mechanism in an un-sealing orientation, and in a sealing orientation, respectively.

FIGS. 10A-10C are top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism, in which FIGS. 10B and 10C show the can resealing mechanism in an un-sealing orientation, and in a sealing orientation, respectively.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a top and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the invention can be used in a wide variety of different ways. For instance, mechanisms disclosed herein for resealing a can each can be distinct components, separate from the cans that they seal. In another embodiment, the mechanisms can be adaptable to cans that are currently on the market. In yet another embodiment, mechanisms can be sold as a stand-alone (i.e., post-purchase) product, or they can be applied by a manufacturer (such as a cola bottling or canning company) to existing cans (such as during a filling stage of the manufacturing process, or at another stage in the process). It should also be noted, of course, that the can resealing mechanisms can be fabricated or formed along with the cans, and they can be formed integrally with the cans, or applied to, or joined with, the cans after the can and the resealing mechanisms are formed, separately from one another.

FIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, are top and side views, respectively, of a mechanism 100 for re-sealing a can. Mechanism 100 includes a plug portion comprising an outer flange 102 and inner flange 104 configured to engage opening-area surfaces of a can or similar container. Flanges 102 and 104 are separated by a standoff portion 110. In accordance with one embodiment, the plug portion is configured to at least partially close the opening in the can. Flanges 102 and 104 are sized such that they are larger than the can opening thus enabling them to extend beyond the diameter of the opening. In accordance with another embodiment, inner flange 104 is constructed of a resilient material, examples include but are not limited to FDA approved poly-urethanes, silicone elastomers, silastic silicone rubber, etc., such that it may deform or elongate thereby enabling it to be pushed through the opening of the can. Inner flange 104 is also illustratively constructed of a material that is biased toward returning to its neutral shape (i.e., the shape illustrated in FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, inner flange 104 is constructed of a shape-memory polymer.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, outer flange 102 has an annular abutment surface that generally opposes abutment surface 124 on inner flange 104. To push flange 104 into an opening in a can, flange 104 deforms to fit through the can opening. Once pushed through the can opening, inner flange 104 returns to its original shape, and also forms to the shape of the can opening, thereby engaging the inner surface of the can and creating a seal to some degree.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, inner flange 104 has a total circumference greater than the circumference of the opening in the can enabling inner flange 104 to completely cover the opening. In accordance with one embodiment, inner flange 104 has a total circumference at least approximately 5 percent greater than the circumference of the opening in the can. In another embodiment, inner flange 104 has a total circumference not more than approximately 10 percent greater than the circumference of the opening in the can providing a greater sealing configuration and allows for easy removal/release. Of course, any percent greater than the circumference of the can opening is within the scope of the present invention with respect to being easily removed or released by the consumer.

In accordance with another embodiment, outer flange 102 is constructed of a similar flexible material and standoff 110 is configured to space the inner flange 104 from outer flange 102 such that they snugly engage the inner and outer surfaces of the can proximate the opening. The engagement of inner flange 104 and outer flange 102 with the surfaces of the can proximate the opening creates a seal to some degree thereby minimizing or discouraging the escape of air, carbonation, and/or the contents contained within the can. This also impedes the introduction of contaminates into the can, such as dirt, dust, bugs, etc. Inner flange 104 and outer flange 102 may be constructed of the same, similar, or different materials, ranging from flexible to more rigid materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, outer flange 102 very well may be constructed of a relatively rigid material such as rubber or a hard plastic. Inner flange 104 and outer flange 102 may be larger than the can tab as well.

In accordance with another embodiment, re-sealing mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of flanges, wherein at least one flange engages an inner surface of the can and at least one flange engages an outer surface of the can to at least partially close the opening in the can. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, at least one flange configured to engage the outer surface has a greater total circumference than any flange engaging an inner surface. The larger outer flange protects the smaller inner flange discouraging dust and other debris from collecting on the inner flange. In addition, the larger outer flange discourages it from being pushed through the opening in the can.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, tab mount piece 106 is an attachment mechanism utilized to secure mechanism 100 to a can or similar container. In accordance with one embodiment, mechanism 100 attaches to a typical can tab through at least one of the apertures commonly formed therein. For instance, mount piece 106 may be configured to engage both apertures formed in a typical can tab. In this embodiment, mount piece 106, which is illustratively, but not necessarily, constructed of a resilient material, deforms as it is pushed through the aperture in the can tab. Mount piece 106 is pushed through the can tab aperture until flange 108 engages the top edge of the tab. Flange 108 securely holds mechanism 100 to the can tab during use and allows the mechanism 100 to be turned within can tab aperture easily without coming off the can tab. Mount tab 106 may be constructed from the same or similar material as outer flange 102 or from a different material. Also, mount piece 106 may be constructed from either a flexible material or a more rigid material depending on the requirements of a given application.

In accordance with one embodiment, tab mount piece 106 is a relatively mushroom-shaped attachment mechanism which is utilized to secure mechanism 100 to a can. In accordance with yet another embodiment, mount tab 106 remains outside the can opening when utilized to secure mechanism 100 to a can.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, mechanism 100 is provided with a generally concave indentation 125 in its outer periphery. This accommodates a rivet found on many cans. For instance, FIGS. 1C and 1D are top views that show mechanism 100 mounted to can 450. Can 450 has an opening tab 412 that has an end 413 that is lifted and pivoted upwardly about rivet 414 thus driving end 415 downwardly against the opening flap 419 in the can 450 to generate an opening 420, in a known way. FIG. 1C shows that mounting piece 106 has been pushed through the aperture 411 in tab 412 so mechanism 100 is mounted to tab 412. The Figures also show that indentation 125 accommodates the area where rivet 414, tab 412 and the top of can 450 come together and connect, forming a generally convex protrusion 417 into the opening 420 in can 450. In accordance with one embodiment, inner flange 104 is also provided with an indentation 127 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1A) that accommodate the protrusion of rivet 414 into the interior of the can 450 and the protrusion below tab 412.

Inner flange 104 can also have a raised edge 127 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1A and 1G) that interacts with the bent down flap 416 (FIG. 1G) to press against or partially surround flap 416 of can 450 to generate a better seal.

In yet another embodiment, the bottom of inner flange 104 has a generally concave surface 128 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1B). This aids in deforming (e.g., elongating) mechanism 100 as it is pushed through opening 420 in can 450. This also reduces the thickness of mechanism 100 making it easier to fit mechanism 100 beneath tab 412 on an unopened pressurized can 450.

Once the can is opened, FIG. 1D shows that tab 412, along with mechanism 100, is rotated about rivet 414 so mechanism 100 is positioned over opening 420 in can 450. Mechanism 100 is provided with indentation 125 in its outer periphery so it can easily rotate around rivet 414. Of course, mechanism 100 could structurally extend all the way around, and encompass, the rivet as well (as shown in phantom in FIG. 1A). Alternatively, the material of mechanism 100 could cover the rivet 414.

Before describing the operation of mechanism 100 with can 450, it is important to note that other variations may be utilized to secure mechanism 100 to a can without departing from the scope of the present invention. These alternatives include, but are not limited to, fusing mechanism 100 to the can tab using heat or connecting using an adhesive such as glue or a known chemical reaction bonding process. Alternatively, mechanism 100 may be physically clipped to the tab. This is described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 1E and 1F are a schematic side cross-section view and a top perspective view, respectively, further illustrating functionality associated with a re-sealing mechanism 100. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, as discussed above, mechanism 100 is mounted on can 450 by pushing mount piece 106 through at least one of the apertures in can tab 412. Tab 412, as is typical of most cans, is mounted to can 450 by rivet 414. Mount piece 106 is pushed through tab 412 until flange 108 (shown in FIG. 1B) engages the top surface of tab 412. In accordance with one embodiment, mechanism 100 is attached to can 450 by pushing mount piece 106 through tab 412 from the bottom side of tab 412. However, mechanism 100 may be mounted using other means such as insertion through the topside of tab 412. Flange 108, which has a diameter larger than that of the aperture in tab 412 through which it is mounted, holds mechanism 100 securely to tab 412.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, as is typical of most cans, tab 412 is used to open flap 419, creating opening 420, for drinking or other purposes. As was mentioned above, one problem with cans is their inability to be re-sealed after opening. FIG. 1E shows mechanism 100 on can 450 in the un-opened position and, in phantom, in the opening position in which flap 419 is pushed into can 450 to create opening 420. FIG. 1F is a side perspective view showing mechanism 100 and can 450 once the can has been opened. The tab 412 and mechanism 100 are then rotated about rivet 414 so mechanism 100 is positioned over opening 420, as shown above in FIG. 1D.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 1G, re-sealing mechanism 100 is pushed downward causing inner flange 104, which is slightly larger than the can opening, to deform or elongate. Mechanism 100 is pushed downward until the top edges 124 of inner flange 104, also shown in FIG. 1B, enter the can opening and engage the inner surface of the can proximate opening 420. In accordance with another embodiment, the edge 124 of inner flange 104 are such that a sealing engagement is created. At the same time, bottom annular edge 122 of outer flange 102, also shown in FIG. 1B, create a similar seal with the outer surface of can 450.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the standoff 110 between outer flange 102 and inner flange 104, shown in FIG. 1B, is substantially the same as the thickness 760 of can 450. In another embodiment, standoff 110 is greater than can thickness 760 enabling the inner and outer flanges to be easily positioned to engage the surfaces of the can proximate the opening. In this illustrated embodiment, inner flange 104 is constructed of an exceptionally deformable material, such as previously listed, to create a sealing engagement. In yet another embodiment, standoff 110 is slightly less than can thickness 760 causing flanges 102 and 104 to press tightly against the outer and inner surfaces of can 450, respectively, thus forming a tighter, more secure seal.

FIG. 1H is a top perspective view of a re-sealing mechanism 100 on can 450 in a sealing position. The seal formed by flanges 102 and 104 of mechanism 100 with the surfaces of can 450 is such that a sealing engagement is created, minimizing or discouraging loss of carbonation, contamination of can contents, as well as discouraging the contents from being spilled.

In accordance with a previously mentioned embodiment of the present invention, mechanism 100 may be removed from can 450 to allow the contents to be emptied and/or consumed. Mechanism 100 is released from its engaged state by the consumer simply lifting the tab while also lifting the edge of the outer flange 102 thus causing inner flange 104 to deform. The deformation of inner flange 104 enables mechanism 100 to be removed from the can opening. Mechanism 100 is then manually moved away from the can opening by rotating it about rivet 414 thereby exposing the opening 420 for drinking purposes. The configuration of mechanism 100 allows for it to be repeatedly used to re-seal cans to preserve their contents.

In accordance with one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of mechanism 200 for re-sealing a can. Similar items are similarly numbered to those shown in FIGS. 1A-1H. Mechanism 200 includes a tab opener 218 attached to outer flange 202 to allow for easy removal of mechanism 200. One embodiment of the present invention allows for mechanism 200 to be repeatedly inserted and removed from a can opening. As mentioned previously, the use of mechanism 200 to re-seal a can places it in a sealing configuration. The engagement of mechanism 200 within the can opening can make removal of mechanism 200 form the can difficult. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, removal tab 218 extends up and away from flange 102 so that it can be grasped and pulled, thereby deforming the inner flange 104 enabling easy removal of mechanism 200 from the can opening. Of course, removal tab 218 can be used with one or more other embodiments described herein as well.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view of a re-sealing mechanism 300. Mechanism 300 is illustratively similar to mechanism 100 and similar items are similarly numbered, but mechanism 300 includes multiple inner flanges 304. The use of multiple flanges provides a more reliable sealing engagement. Tab mount piece 306 attaches mechanism 300 to a can tab as previously explained.

The multiple flanges help to secure the inner engagement by essentially providing a back-up flange in case the upper most inner flange is to slip out of the opening of the can for any reason (e.g., the can could be dropped, squeezed or dented). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a second or third flange (or more) is provided. Of course, the multiple inner flanges can be used with one or more other embodiments described herein as well.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and side views, respectively of a can resealing mechanism 250 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Some elements of FIGS. 4A and 4B have the same reference numbers as those illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3 and have the same or substantially similar functionality. In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, mechanism 250 can be screwed down into the can opening 420 to reseal the can 450. Thus, mechanism 250 provides a raised finger grip 201. In addition, instead of having a lower flange 104, mechanism 250 includes threaded inner flange 254. The threads 256 on inner flange 254 are sized to roughly engage the opening in can 420. By turning the raised finger grip 201 in the clockwise direction, mechanism 250 is moved into sealing engagement with the can because threads 256 interact with the interior periphery of the can opening to pull inner flange 254 within the opening of the can. Of course, threaded flange 254 can be used with the any other embodiments described herein as well (e.g., indentation 125, tab 218, etc.).

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a modified form of resealing mechanism 250. The items that are similarly numbered are similar to those shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. However, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B include concave finger indentions 205 as well as raised finger grips 203. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, mechanism 290 is turned by manually placing the thumb and finger, or just fingers into the concave finger indentions 205 in the top of outer flange 102. Alternatively, the finger grips 203 can simply be grasped in order to turn mechanism 290. Mechanism 290 may have either concave finger indentions 205, or raised finger grips 203, or both. By turning mechanism 290, the inner flange which can be multiple flanges 304 or threaded flange 254 engages the bent down flap 419 of the can by being pressed against it.

In accordance with one embodiment, threads 256 on the inner flange 254 engage the opening 120 by creating a tight fit of upper flange 102 to the surface of the can. The seal can be improved as the flexible material of inner flange 254 and threads 256 engage, and can actually be cut into by, the can opening 120. Furthermore, the flexible material of the inner flange 254 and threads 256 engage bent down flap 419 as they are pressed against the bent down flap, or even as the bent down flap 419 cuts into the flexible material of inner flange 254 and the threads 256. The mechanism 290 is removed by simply turning the upper flange 102 (using the finger grips or finger indentions) in the counter clockwise direction. It will be noted that the threads 256 can actually be threads, or they simply can be multiple annular ridges extending around the exterior periphery of the inner flange (such as flanges 304). In the latter case, the annular ridges will naturally enhance the screwing action if the mechanism 290 is turned and simultaneously pressed inward or pulled outward relative to the can. The feature in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be used with other embodiments as well.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a can resealing mechanism 350. Elements of FIGS. 6A and 6B that are similar to those in previous Figures are similarly numbered. Of course, the features in FIGS. 6A and 6B can be used with other embodiments as well.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, mount piece 306 is fixed to the can tab 412 by being clipped or fused. This ensures that mount piece 306 is secure. Mount piece 306 has a first end 308 which is attached to the remainder of resealing mechanism 300. Mount piece 306 also has a second end 310 which is liftable relative to the remainder of the resealing mechanism 300. Therefore, the end 310 of mount piece 306 can be raised and slipped over the tab 412 thereby securing resealing mechanism 300 to the can tab 412.

It should also be noted that, in one embodiment, mount piece 306 is attached to the remainder of mechanism 300 by a rivet, or other attachment mechanism, on a mounting insert 307 that allows the remainder of the mechanism 300 to be rotatable relative to the mount piece 306. Thus, in one embodiment, mount piece 306 is attachable through a relatively ridged insert 307. This allows the remainder of the mechanism 300 to be screwed into (and out of) the opening in the can so that inner flange 304 resides within the can, while mount piece 306 remains attached to the can tab.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, except that mount piece 306 no longer has a cutout portion within it. Instead, it is simply a flap which can be lifted and placed around the can tab 412, or it can simply be fused to the can tab 412. FIGS. 4A-7B also illustrate alternative finger grips 203, that are simply protrusions from the upper surface of outer flange 102 or insert 307.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of mechanism 350 in which finger tab extensions 203 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B are combined with indentions 205 from FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 9A-9C show another embodiment of a resealing mechanism 400 that can be sealed using a push/pull expansion action. FIG. 9A is a top view and FIGS. 9B and 9C are side views in the sealed and unsealed conformations, respectively. Items that are similar to those shown in previous Figures are similarly numbered. Mechanism 400 includes an interior hour-glassed shape expanding apparatus 408. Mounting mechanism 106 is formed of generally resilient, depressible material. FIG. 9B shows the apparatus in the vertically expanded position, and FIG. 9C shows the apparatus when it has been pushed down into the vertically contracted, radially expanded position. Again, the inner flange 104 has a generally concave inner surface 410. In use, the inner flange 104 is inserted within the opening of the can. Then, downward pressure is exerted on the top of mounting piece 106, and thereby on the hourglass expanding member 408. This causes the inner flange 104, and the mounting piece 106, to be compressed, and expand radially outwardly. This locks the resealing mechanism 400 in place within the opening of the can.

The locking action that holds member 408 in place can be provided by a mechanical detent, such as a notch 409, on the interior surface of mounting mechanism 106 (or at any other location within the interior or exterior of mechanism 400) that interacts with the hourglass shaped expandable mechanism 408. When downward pressure is exerted on the mounting piece 106, the hourglass shape piece 408 interacts with (e.g. clicks into) the mechanical detent to maintain its position in the vertically contracted, radially expanded conformation shown in FIG. 9C. However, when mounting piece 106 is squeezed or lifted relative to the can, hourglass shape piece 408 disengages from the mechanical detent (e.g., it clicks out of the notch 409) and again resumes it vertically expanded, radially contracted position so that mechanism 400 can be removed from engagement with the can.

FIGS. 10A-10C show a mechanism 460 which, in use, operates similar to mechanism 400 shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. However, instead of the hourglass shaped piece 408 interacting with a mechanical detent, a finger grip or screw 401 is mounted through mounting plate 413 and has threads 411 that interacts with in one embodiment, an internal sphere or threaded nut 475. When screw 401 is turned in a first direction, its threads cause nut 475 to exert pressure downwardly, pressing on the inside of concave lower surface 410. This presses the surface such that its circumferential periphery expands radially outwardly as shown in FIG. 10C. Thus, the surface forms an inner flange 104 that engages the inner surface of the can to hold mechanism 460 in sealing engagement with the opening of the can. When the finger grip 401 is unscrewed, this causes nut 412 to move away from surface 410 so that inner flange 104 contacts radially inwardly. Therefore, in the radially contracted position shown in FIG. 10B, inner flange 104 can be easily inserted within or removed from the opening in the can, although the fit may be snug. Then, when finger grip 401 is turned, this causes nuts 412 to exert downward pressure and thereby to radially expand the inner flange 104 to the locking position shown in FIG. 10C. This causes an annular lip to form on the exterior periphery of inner flange 104 thereby locking it within the opening of the can, and thus sealing the can.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of a locking mechanism 500. The locking mechanism 500 has an outer flange 501 that is formed in generally a suction cup conformation. Inner flange 104 is recessed within the suction cup conformation of outer flange 501. In order to seal the can, the suction cup outer flange 501 is placed over the opening in the can, and mount piece 106 is pushed downwardly such that inner flange 104 passes through the opening into the interior of the can. Flange 104 deforms as it passes into the can and substantially reforms once inside the can as discussed above. This also causes suction cup 501 to exert suction pressure on the exterior of the can to better seal the can. To remove the mechanism 500 from sealing engagement with the can, it can simply be rotated, or lifted, such as using tab 218, to release the suction pressure, and thereby making it easier to lift mechanism 500 out of sealing engagement with the can.

It will of course be understood that a variety of different embodiments have been described herein. However, the features of the various embodiments can be interchanged or combined in different combinations and all such combinations are contemplated herein. Also, many other mechanisms can be used to drive the inner flange on standoff into a radially expanded conformation, and those disclosed are exemplary only.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sealing device for at least partially resealing an open can having an opening tab, the sealing device comprising:

an inner flange configured to be inserted through an opening in the can, the inner flange having a generally concave surface facing generally into the can; and

an outer flange spaced from the inner flange such that, in a sealing conformation, the inner and outer flanges engage inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the can.

2. The sealing device of claim 1 and further comprising:

a movable mechanical pusher configured to receive a pushing force and to bear against the inner flange to cause the inner flange to expand radially outwardly to an expanded position.

3. The sealing device of claim 2 wherein the movable mechanical pusher comprises a button pushable from an unpushed position to a pushed position, the button being engageable with a mechanical detent to hold the button in the pushed position and to thus hold the inner flange in the expanded position.

4. The sealing device of claim 3 and further comprising:

a finger grip portion interactively coupled to the button such that the finger grip portion can be pulled to disengage the button from the mechanical detent and move the button from the pushed position to the unpushed position, and to thus move the inner flange from the expanded position to a radially contracted position.

5. The sealing device of claim 2 wherein the movable mechanical pusher comprises a threaded element, and further comprising:

a screw having threads that are threadably engaged with the threaded element such that the screw can be turned to move the threaded element to bear against the inner flange and drive the inner flange to the expanded position and to move away from the inner flange so the inner flange moves to a radially contracted position.

6. The sealing device of claim 1 wherein the outer flange is configured as a suction cup to engage the outer surface of the can and exert a suction force on the outer surface of the can when pushed to deform against the outer surface of the can.

7. The sealing device of claim 1 wherein the outer flange has a grip tab extending from an outer periphery of the outer flange.

8. The sealing device of claim 1 wherein the inner flange comprises a plurality of annular rings.

9. The sealing device of claim 1 wherein the inner flange has a threaded exterior surface.

10. The sealing device of claim 1 wherein the opening tab is connected to the can by a rivet and wherein the inner flange has an outer periphery with an indentation to accommodate a portion of the rivet.

11. The sealing device of claim 1 wherein the inner flange has a protrusion configured to abut a can flap that is dislodged to open the can.

12. The sealing device of claim 1 and further comprising a mount configured to be received within an aperture in the opening tab to mount the sealing device to the opening tab of the can.

13. A can plug for at least partially resealing a can that has an opening, the can plug comprising:

an outer flange configured to bear against an outer surface of the can proximate the opening; and

a deformable inner flange, deformable between a sealing position and an unsealing position, the inner flange being sized to engage an inner surface of the can proximate the opening when in the sealing position; and

a mechanical element configured to move the inner flange between the sealing and unsealing positions.

14. The can plug of claim 13 and further comprising:

a locking element configured to lock the deformable inner flange in the sealing position.

15. The can plug of claim 14 wherein the inner flange is configured in a radially contracted conformation when in the unsealing position and in a radially expanded conformation when in the sealing position.

16. The can plug of claim 15 wherein the inner flange has a generally concave surface.

17. The can plug of claim 15 wherein the mechanical element is movable to bear against the inner flange to deform the generally concave surface to be less concave and thus drive an exterior periphery of the inner flange to the radially expanded conformation.

18. The can plug of claim 17 wherein the mechanical element comprises a push button and wherein the locking element comprises a detent mechanically engageable with the push button.

19. The can plug of claim 17 wherein the mechanical element comprises a threaded element and wherein the locking element comprises a threaded screw threadably engaged with the threaded element.

20. A method of re-sealing a can having an opening tab configured to drive an opening in the can, the opening tab being connected to the can with a rivet, comprising:

rotating a plug, connected to the opening tab, about the rivet to a position generally aligned with the opening in the can;

advancing an inner flange on the plug into the opening such that an outer flange on the plug is abutting an outer surface of the can proximate the opening; and

radially expanding the inner flange such that the inner flange abuts an inner surface of the can proximate the opening to at least partially seal the opening in the can.