CONTAINER

Abstract

Containers and methods of making them are disclosed. The containers comprise a closure system comprising a fixed element and a removable closure element. The containers may be constructed to improve sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion and allow for easier opening with the ability to be reclosed, over a conventional container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/761,133, entitled “CONTAINER,” filed on Jun. 11, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Technology

At least one example of the present invention relates generally to a container. More particularly, certain examples relate to a container having a sanitary, enclosed dispensing portion, such that the dispensing portion remains protected from the environment during, for example, shipping and storage of the container, and may be protected from the environment during use by the consumer.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Beverages and foods come in a variety of containers for distribution and sale to consumers. In particular, conventional beverage cans having a stay-on-tab type closure are widely used because of their ease of manufacture, low manufacturing costs, and reliability. However, sanitary concerns exist with regard to the unprotected outside portion of the can that comes into contact with the contents while pouring from the beverage can, or comes directly into contact with the consumers while drinking from the beverage can. Additionally, some consumers have difficulty opening beverage cans, and once this beverage can has been opened, it cannot be reclosed, so that protection of the unprotected outside portion and storage after opening are not feasible.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain aspects and examples disclosed herein provide sanitary containers, and methods of making them.

In accordance with a first aspect, a container is provided comprising a container body having an opening positioned at a first end portion and surrounded by an edge portion. The container also comprises a closure system comprising a removable closure element, a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion constructed and arranged to be mated with the removable closure element and having an edge on an end opposite the dispensing portion. The container additionally comprises a sealing portion having an outer flange and an inner flange, the outer flange crimped to the edge portion of the container body, and the inner flange crimped to the edge of the fixed element.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a closure system for a container is provided comprising a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion and an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion. The closure system also comprises a sealing portion having an outer flange and an inner flange, the inner flange crimped to the edge portion of the fixed element.

In accordance with another aspect, a method of making a closure system is provided a sealing portion having an inner flange and an outer flange constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of the container. The method of making a closure system also comprises crimping an edge portion of the fixed element to the inner flange of the sealing portion.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a method of facilitating sealing of a filled container body of a container comprising providing a closure system. The closure system comprises a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion and an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion, and a sealing portion comprising an inner flange crimped to the edge oportion of the fixed element and an outer flange constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of the container body.

Other advantages, novel features and objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain illustrative examples are described below with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a side view of a beverage container, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view along section line 2-2 of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the beverage container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view along section line 4-4 of the beverage container shown FIG. 3, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the beverage container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6 illustrates an aerial view of a portion of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view along section line 7 of the portion of the beverage container shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view along section line 8-8 of the portion of the beverage container shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing detail 9 of the beverage container of FIG. 8, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a beverage container, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view along section line 11-11 of the beverage container of FIG. 10, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section view showing detail 12 of the beverage container of FIG. 1, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a beverage container, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 14-14 of the beverage container shown in FIG. 13, in accordance with certain examples; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing detail 15 of the beverage container shown in FIG. 14, in accordance with certain examples.

Certain features or components of the illustrative containers shown in the figures may have been enlarged, distorted or otherwise shown in a non-conventional manner relative to other features or components to facilitate a better understanding of the novel devices and methods disclosed herein. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the containers disclosed herein, and methods of making them, can be used in any orientation relative to gravity and suitable orientations will be readily selected by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain examples of the devices and methods disclosed herein will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure to provide sanitary, cost-effective containers. In particular, beverage containers are provided that have a sanitary cover, are easier to open than conventional cans, and can be resealed an unlimited number of times. The beverage container of certain examples disclosed herein will prevent the dispensing portion of the beverage container from exposure to the environment and ensure a safe and contaminant-free product. The current manufacturing process for beverage cans may be adapted to include the present invention, with reduced, minimal or no additional cost.

Conventional beverage containers, such as aluminum cans, are manufactured by well-known processes. In one process, aluminum cans are made from an aluminum coiled sheet which is fed through a cupping press that cuts discs and forms them into cup-like containers. These cups drop from the press onto a conveyor, and are fed into an ironing press where successive rings redraw and iron the cup, reducing the sidewall thickness, and achieving a full length can. The tops of the can bodies are then trimmed to eliminate rough edges and ensure height uniformity. The can bodies are then cleaned and dried. Subsequently, the can bodies are labeled and coated with a clear protective layer of varnish. The cans are then baked, treated with a coating, and re-baked. The top portion of each can body is narrowed to form a neck with an outward flange at the top edge. The bottom portions are domed to obtain the strength required to withstand internal pressure if a carbonated liquid will be added to the can. After testing for pin-holes and defects, the can bodies are placed on pallets and shipped to a beverage supplier.

The lids of conventional aluminum cans, typically referred to as “can ends,” are made by stamping shells from an aluminum coiled sheet. The shells are coated with a sealant, and subsequently a rivet is placed in each can end. On those cans using a stay-on-tab type closure, the process further includes inserting a separate piece of metal as the tab under the rivet to secure it in place. The edges of the can ends generally have a curved flange. The can ends are also scored to define the opening of the can end in the finished product. The can ends are then shipped to the beverage supplier, along with the can bodies.

At the beverage supplier, a filling machine is used to pour the beverage into the can body. The process is completed after filling when the can end is added, and secured to the can body by forming a double seam with the can body. A double seam is formed by interlocking edges of the two components, the outward top edge of the can body and the curved flange at the edge of the can end, curling the can end flange around the can body edge so that the can end flange is partially rolled up and under the can body edge to form a partial seam, and crimping and flattening the partial seam against the can body to form a hermetic seal.

Most beverage cans have a stay-on-tab type closure such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,967,752 and 3,967,753 to Cudzik, and described above. However, there are many aspects of the conventional stay-on-tab closure that make it undesirable. The stay-on-tab closure does not provide for a sanitary drinking environment because the outer surface of the can and the top of the can, which comprises the stay-on-tab closure, comes into contact with the environment during storage, shipping, distribution, display, handling, and ultimately, use by the consumer. When the beverage is poured directly from the can through the opening formed from the stay-on-tab closure, the beverage comes in contact with the top and surface of the can, making for a potentially unsanitary drinking environment. Additionally, if a consumer drinks the beverage from the can directly, both the beverage and the mouth of the consumer come into contact with the surface and top of the can, also making for an unsanitary drinking environment. Additionally, the stay-on-tab type closure does not allow for reclosing the beverage container.

The present invention provides a beverage container that may be manufactured by commercially available processes and machinery with minimal retrofitting, low material and manufacturing costs, ease of stacking during shipping and storage, increased sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion, reliability and ease of opening and closing by consumers, pourability, drinkability, recyclability, and decreased likelihood of spilling the contents of the container. These advantages of the present invention overcome the noted deficiencies of the conventional stay-on-tab type closure beverage containers.

As used herein, the term “mate” or “mating” may describe any manner of connecting or joining two or more components together. The term “mate” or “mating” may describe any mechanical, thermal, or chemical process that connect or join two or more components together. In the examples disclosed herein, the term “mate” or “mating” may mean welding, soldering, molding, adhering, crimping, folding, double seaming, clamping, snapping, interlocking or otherwise connecting two components. For example, two or more components of the container may be welded, soldered, molded, adhered, crimped, folded, double seamed, clamped, snapped, or interlocked together. “Mating” may also mean connecting or joining at least two components having compatible threaded surfaces. The mating may be permanent or temporary.

As used herein, the terms “bottom-mounted” and “top-mounted” refer to the location of a component within a fixed element. The fixed element may be mated to a container body and may comprise a portion that dispenses the container's contents and a portion that mates with the container body. “Top,” with reference to “top-mounted,” refers generally to a position closest to the end of the fixed element that dispenses the container's contents. For example, a “top-mounted” locknut may refer to a locknut positioned closest to the portion of the fixed element that dispenses the container's contents. “Bottom,” with reference to “bottom-mounted,” refers generally to the position closest to the portion of the fixed element that mates with the container body. For example, a “bottom-mounted” locknut may refer to a locknut positioned closest to the portion of the fixed element that mates with the container body.

As used herein, the terms “bottom-inserted” and “top-inserted” refer to a manner in which a component of the container is introduced to the container body during assembly. The terms may refer to a manner in which a component of a closure system that is mated with the container body is introduced to the container body during assembly. “Top,” with reference to “top-inserted,” refers generally to the position closest the end of the beverage container that dispenses the container's contents. For example, a “top-inserted” locknut may refer to a locknut introduced to the container body at a location where the closure system will be positioned. “Bottom,” with reference to “bottom-inserted,” refers generally to a position nearest the end of the beverage container that is placed on a surface. For example, a “bottom-inserted” locknut may refer to a locknut introduced to the container body through the location of the container body that will be placed on a surface.

In accordance with certain examples, a container is disclosed. The container may be used to hold various contents including, but not limited to consumable goods. The goods may be in the form of at least one of a solid, liquid or gas. In certain examples, the contents may be a food, beverage, or other consumable. In other examples, the contents may be other than a food or beverage, but may still require sanitary conditions and protection from contamination while dispensing.

In accordance with certain examples, a container may comprise a container body having an opening positioned at a first end portion and surrounded by an edge portion, and a closure system. The closure system may comprise a removable closure element. The closure system may also comprise a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion constructed and arranged to be mated with the removable closure element, and having an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion. The closure system may additionally comprise a sealing portion having an outer flange and an inner flange, the outer flange crimped to the edge of the container body, and the inner flange crimped to the edge portion of the fixed element.

In accordance with certain examples, the beverage container may be configured to have a container body defining at least a portion of the container that holds the contents of the container. The container body may have an opening for filling and/or dispensing, for example, that may be positioned at a first end portion thereof. The container body may include a plurality of such openings, each with similar or different functions. For example, the container body may include a second opening positioned at a second end portion thereof that may be opposite an opening positioned at a first end portion. The container body may be made from any suitable material for holding, storing, dispensing and/or cooling or heating its contents in a cost-effective manner, ensuring the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination. The material may include, but not be limited to, metals and plastics. For example, the container body may be made of glass, steel, tin, aluminum, or plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polysulfone, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and the like. The container body may be manufactured as a single component or from multiple components. Container bodies manufactured from a single component may include a seam or joint to provide a structural seal; alternatively, such bodies may be seamless. Container bodies manufactured from multiple components may be assembled by mating or otherwise joining sub-components in various ways. The container body may be formed of a variety of functional and/or ornamental shapes. It will be within the ability of the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure, to select or to design suitable shapes, sizes and materials for construction of the container body disclosed herein. The closure system may also be configured to be filled or refilled.

The container may comprise a closure system. The closure system may be constructed and arranged, in conjunction with the container body, to enclose the various contents inside the container. The closure system may be constructed and arranged to seal the contents inside the container to ensure the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination. In certain examples, the closer system may be constructed and arranged to hermetically seal the contents inside the container. The closure system may be configured to provide an opening so that the contents of the container may be dispensed, and to provide a sanitary surface for dispensing and/or consuming the contents. The closure system may be configured to be reclosable to allow a user to open and close the container as desired.

The closure system may be formed of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes to be compatible with and to mate with the container body. The closure system may be made, for example, of any material to provide for sealing of the beverage container, to ensure the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination, and for holding, storing, and/or cooling or heating the contents of the beverage container. The closure system may be made of the same material as the container body or a different material. It will be within the ability of the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure, to select or to design suitable shapes, sizes and materials for construction of the closure system disclosed herein.

The closure system may comprise one or more components that enclose and seal the contents inside the container. Closure systems that comprise more than one component may comprise a first component constructed of one material and a second component constructed of a different, compatible material so that the first component and the second component may be mated. Either of the first component or the second component may be the same or different material from the container body, so long as there exists a seal between at least one component of the closure system and the container body. The seal may be formed in various manners, including, but not limited to, a mechanical seal, a thermal seal, a chemical seal, or the like. The components may be pre-assembled prior to securing the closure system to the container body, or may be attached consecutively, either to the container body, to the components of the closure system, or both. In one example, a first component of the closure system may be attached to the container body, and the additional components of the closure system may be attached to either the container body, or one or more of the other components, or both. In another example, a first component of the closure system may be attached to one or more other components of the closure system, and these components may then be attached to the container body. Each component of the closure system may be permanently or temporarily attached to one or more other components of the closure system or the container body, or both. The closure system may be secured to the container body by various methods. The securing may be accomplished by mating. For example, the closure system may be secured to the container body by crimping at least a portion of the closure system with at least a portion of the container body.

The closure system may comprise a component that provides the seal between the closure system and the container body to ensure the integrity of the contents of the container, without risk of contamination, in conjunction with the other components of the closure system. The component may be configured to provide a sanitary opening for allowing contents to exit or enter the container. The component may provide a sanitary opening for direct consumption, for example, drinking, from the container. The component may be secured permanently to the container body. The component may be a fixed element that may comprise one or more sub-components. A fixed element may be molded and may comprise one or more sub-components molded into the fixed element. The one or more sub-components may be secured in the molded fixed element to prevent the fixed element and one or more sub-components from rotating relative to one another. A fixed element that comprises more than one sub-component may be preassembled and attached to the container body as a collective fixed element, or may be attached to the container body in consecutive order. The components of the fixed element may be top-mounted or bottom-mounted. The fixed element may be secured to the container body. The securing may be accomplished by mating. Each component of the fixed element may be top-inserted or bottom-inserted, and may be made of the same or different material from each other and from the container body.

As noted above, the fixed element may comprise one or more sub-components. The fixed element may comprise a sub-component that provides an opening for allowing contents to exit or enter the container. The opening may be constructed and arranged to provide a sanitary area for direct consumption from the container. The sub-component may be a dispensing portion constructed and arranged to be compatible with and to be mated with another component or sub-component of the closure system, or to the container body. The dispensing portion may be of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes suitable for dispensing various fluids and solids. The dispensing portion may be constructed and arranged to be suitable for dispensing the contents in a reliable, accurate, and easy manner. In certain examples, the dispensing portion may be constructed and arranged to provide ease in drinking and/or pouring directly from the container. The dispensing portion may be constructed and arranged to remain in an upright, ready-to-dispense position during manufacturing of the container. The container is manufactured such that the dispensing portion may be positioned above the top edge of the container body. The dispensing portion may remain positioned in the upright, ready-to-dispense position during storage of the container prior to opening by a consumer. The dispensing portion may also remain in this position as the consumer opens the container for the first time. Additionally, the dispensing portion may remain in this position as the consumer continues to re-close and re-open the container. The fixed element may also be constructed and arranged to accept overflow or spillage from the container. It will be within the ability of the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure, to select or to design suitable shapes, sizes and materials for construction of the dispensing portion disclosed herein.

The dispensing portion may comprise a sub-component that has an opening that delivers the contents from the container or admits contents to the container. The component may be constructed and arranged to deliver contents in a reliable, accurate, and easy manner. In certain examples, the component is a spout. The spout may be of various functional and ornamental shapes, sizes, and materials to deliver contents as desired, and be compatible with the other components or sub-components of the closure system and container body. The spout may be constructed and arranged to be mated with another component or sub-component of the closure system. It will be within the ability of the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure, to select or to design suitable shapes, sizes and materials of the spout disclosed herein.

The dispensing portion may comprise a sub-component that secures the fixed element to the container body. The sub-component may be engaged by one or more other components or sub-components of the closure system. The sub-component may be a tab that is engaged to hold the fixed element in place. The sub-component may be one or more tabs that is engaged to hold the fixed element in place by being forced up against the inside of the container body. Alternatively, one or more tabs may be engaged to hold the fixed element in place by being forced up against the outside of the fixed element. The tab may be constructed of any suitable material that will be compatible with the dispensing portion, closure system, and/or container body. The tab may be of various shapes and sizes to facilitate engagement and secure the fixed element to the container body. The tab may be molded into place or put into place.

The dispensing portion may comprise a portion that assists in ensuring that the container is tamper proof. This portion may be a tamper proof ring bay. The tamper proof ring bay may mate with a tamper proof ring. The tamper proof ring may be part of the fixed element or the removable closure element. The tamper proof ring may be initially attached to a removable closure element while positioned at the tamper proof ring bay. As the removable closure element is removed from the container for the first time, the tamper proof ring may separate from the removable closure element and remain at the position of the tamper proof ring bay.

The fixed element may also comprise a sub-component that secures portions of the fixed element to each other. The sub-component may also secure the fixed element to the container body. The sub-component may secure the fixed element to the container body by mating with the container body, or a component of the closure system. The sub-component may be a locknut, for example, that may be mated with the dispensing portion to secure the fixed element to the container body. The locknut, in another example, may be mated with the spout or another sub-component of the dispensing portion to secure the fixed element to the container body. The locknut may be of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes to secure the desired components of the beverage containers together. It will be within the ability of the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure, to select or to design suitable shapes, sizes and materials of the locknut disclosed herein.

The fixed element may comprise a sub-component to seal and retain the contents inside the container. The sub-component may also secure the fixed element to the container body. The sub-component may be a sealing portion comprising one or more components. The sealing portion may be of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes to provide a seal for retaining contents inside the container and/or for securing the fixed element to the container body. The sealing portion may be constructed of materials that are compatible with the other components of the beverage container. Suitable shapes, sizes and materials for the sealing portion will be readily selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure. Other means may be used alternatively or in conjunction with the above described mechanical elements to secure the fixed element to the container body. The sealing portion may be constructed and arranged to hermetically seal contents inside the container.

The sealing portion may be formed of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes to be compatible with and to mate the fixed element with the container body. It is recognized that in sealing portion may provide structural soundness to the container body, and may be a size and shape that assists in the efficiency of the manufacturing process. The sealing portion may be made of any material suitable for mating to the fixed element and to the container body, to ensure the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination, and for holding, storing, and/or cooling or heating the contents of the beverage container. The sealing portion may be made of the same material as the container body, or a different material. The sealing portion may also be made of the same material as the fixed element, or a different material. It will be within the ability of the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure, to select or to design suitable shapes, sizes and materials for construction of the sealing portion disclosed herein. In certain examples, the sealing portion may be aluminum or tin. Likewise, the container body may be aluminum or tin.

As noted above, the sealing portion may be of a shape and size to assist in the assembly of the beverage container. The sealing portion may be constructed and arranged to mate with the container body to form a seam by crimping portions of the two components together. The seam may also be formed by crimping portions of the two components together, and flattening the crimped portions. The seam may provide a hermetic seal. The sealing portion may additionally be constructed and arranged to mate with the fixed element to form a seam. Likewise, this seam may provide a hermetic seal. One or more edges of the sealing portion may be flanges. The flanges may be constructed and arranged to curve around an edge of the container body and/or an edge of the fixed element to form a seam. The sealing portion may comprise an outer flange and an inner flange. In certain examples, the outer flange may be higher than the inner flange relative to placement of the sealing portion at an opening positioned at the top end of the container body.

The outer flange of the sealing portion may be shaped to form a seam with an edge portion of the container body. The outer flange of the sealing portion may be curved to form a seam with the edge portion of the container body. Similarly, an inner flange of the sealing portion may be shaped to form a seam with a portion of the fixed element. The inner flange may be curved to form a seam with a portion of the fixed element. The portion of the fixed element that may mate with the sealing portion may be an edge portion. The edge portion of the fixed element may be opposite the dispensing portion. The portion of the container body may be an edge portion of the container body. The container body may have an opening positioned at a first end portion and surrounded by the edge portion that mates with the sealing portion. The inner and/or outer flange may be crimped using a crimping tool used to make a seam between the components of the closure element. The crimping tool may engage the sealing portion and fixed element and gradually and uniformly apply adequate pressure to both join and roll together to a flange of the sealing portion and a portion of the fixed element to form a seam. The crimping tool may also flatten the seam as it is applying pressure during joining and rolling.

As discussed above, the sealing portion may be of various shapes and sizes. The sealing portion may be in the shape of an annular ring. A cross-section of the sealing portion may be S-shaped. In certain examples, a cross-section of the sealing portion may be created by basing the cross-sectional profile on the cross-sectional profile of a rim of a conventional beverage container. The full cross-section of the sealing portion may be formed by this profile and a duplicate of this profile rotated 180 degrees, with the curved portions at either end.

The sealing portion may have a perimeter that is the same or different shape as the perimeter of the top portion of the container body. For example, the sealing portion may have a diameter that is the same as or larger than the diameter of the top portion of the container body. The sealing portion may comprise at least one opening. The opening may be constructed and arranged of a shape, size and material to ultimately allow the contents of the container to be dispensed smoothly and efficiently from the container. The opening may allow for a dispensing portion or spout to fit within the opening. The opening may be a pre-determined shape, for example, the opening may be in the shape of any common or random geometries. In other examples, the opening may be off-set with respect to the outer perimeter of the sealing portion. The shape of the opening may be the same or different shape as the outer perimeter of the sealing portion.

The sealing portion may include other components that may assist in providing a seal between the components of the container. For example, the sealing portion may comprise a polymeric material to ensure the integrity of the contents of the container.

The closure system may comprise a component to secure the fixed element to the container body, and to retain the contents within the container to ensure the integrity of the contents. The component may be constructed and arranged to secure the dispensing portion to the container body. As noted above, beverage containers of the present invention may be manufactured by commercially available processes with minimal retrofitting. The closure element may comprise a component that may be mated and secured to the container body by conventional beverage can manufacturing processes. For example, the component may be mated with the container body to form a seam. The seam may be double seam that provides a hermetic seal. In other examples, the component may be mated with the container body by snapping latches in one component or sub-component into the grooves of another component or sub-component. In certain examples, the component may be a rim. The rim may be constructed and arranged to secure the dispensing portion to the container body. The rim may be made of the same or different material as any one of the components of the container and/or closure system. The rim may have a perimeter that is the same or different shape as the perimeter of the top portion of the container body. For example, the rim may have a circular outer circumference, and may have a diameter the same as or larger than the diameter of the top portion of the container body. The rim may comprise at least one opening. The opening may be constructed and arranged of a shape, size and material to ultimately allow the contents of the container to be dispensed smoothly and efficiently from the container. The opening may allow for a dispensing portion or spout to fit within the opening. The opening may be a pre-determined shape, for example, the opening may be in the shape of a circle that is centered with respect to the outer perimeter of the rim. In other examples, the opening may be off-set with respect to the outer perimeter of the rim. The shape of the opening may be the same or different shape as the outer perimeter of the rim. The shape of the opening of the rim may be the same or different shape as the outer perimeter of the spout.

The closure system may comprise a component that provides a closure to the beverage container. The component may ensure the integrity of the contents and enclose the contents of the container, without risk of contamination, during holding, storing, shipping, dispensing, and/or cooling or heating the contents. Additionally, the component protects the dispensing portion of the container from the environment, thereby ensuring sanitary conditions until a user opens the container. The component may be a removable closure element that may seal off the contents of the container from the environment initially, and, subsequent to opening, may be used again to seal off contents and further protect the dispensing portion from the environment. The removable closure element may be constructed and arranged to mate with one or more components of the fixed element, the container body or both. In certain examples, the removable closure element may be constructed and arranged to be mated with the dispensing portion or the spout. The removable closure element may be of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes to be mated with the other components of the closure system and/or container body, and may be constructed of a material suitable for such purposes. The removable closure element may be sized and shaped to facilitate opening and closing of the container. The removable closure element may provide a surface for indicia for labeling the contents of the container, marketing, or the like. The removable closure element may provide a surface that is easily printed on using conventional printing methods. The removable closure element may comprise one or more components that may be permanently or temporarily attached to each other.

The closure system may comprise a tethered portion so that the removable closure element may be connected to the fixed element, the container body, or both. The tethered portion may be constructed and arranged of various shapes, sizes and materials so that when the removable closure element is removed it remains attached to the beverage container.

The container may comprise a component to enclose the contents of the beverage container. The component may be used to close a container body and to ensure the integrity of the contents of the container, without risk of contamination. In certain examples, the component may be constructed and arranged to attach to the container body. The component may be a base plate. The base plate may be attached opposite the closure system. The base plate may be constructed of materials compatible with the container body, such that the base plate may be mated with the container body. In some examples, the base plate may be flat. In certain other examples, the base plate may be domed to protrude into the container to alleviate pressure within the container if the contents are sealed under pressure or, for example, are carbonated. Attachment of the base plate to the container body may occur by temporarily or permanently mating the base plate and the container body.

To facilitate stacking of the containers for more convenient and cost-effective shipping and storing, the top of the removable closure element may be constructed and arranged to accept the bottom of another container body, or the base plate attached to another container body. In other examples, a side of the container body may be constructed and arranged to accept a side of another container body to facilitate stacking of the containers.

In accordance with certain examples, a method of making a closure system for a container having a fixed element and a container body may comprise providing a sealing portion having an inner flange and an outer flange constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of the container, and crimping an edge portion of the fixed element to the inner flange of the sealing portion.

In accordance with another example, a method facilitating sealing of a filled container body of a container may comprise providing a closure system comprising a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion and an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion and a sealing portion comprising an inner flange crimped to the edge portion of the fixed element and an outer flange constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of a container body. The step of providing may further comprise providing a removable closure element constructed and arranged to be mated to the dispensing portion.

A container body may be provided of various functional and/or ornamental shapes and sizes suitable for holding, storing, handling, and/or cooling or heating the contents of the beverage container. Conventional manufacturing processes as described above are used for producing beverage can bodies may be used for providing a container body. The closure system may be disposed on the container body by placing, dropping, depositing, or the like. This may be accomplished through automated processes or manually. Securing may occur to ensure the integrity of the contents of the container through mating of the container body to the closure system. Mating may occur between the container body and the rim. Mating may also occur between various components and sub-components of the closure system and container body. The securing may also occur using conventional methods of manufacturing beverage cans, for example, by forming a double seam. A flange of the rim may curl around a first edge of the container body to form a partial seam. The partial seam may be crimped and flattened for form a hermetic seal.

To assemble the beverage container, all or part of the closure element may be pre-assembled to be mated with the container body or inserted through the container body and may be compatible with conventional manufacturing processes of an aluminum can. Alternatively, portions of the fixed element may be mated to each other and the container body without being pre-assembled. In certain examples, at least a portion of the fixed element may be moved through the second opening to secure the fixed element to the first opening. Moving may be accomplished by automatic processes, or manually.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a beverage container 10′ in accordance with one embodiment, in which a container body 1000 made from a conventional manufacturing process is used. Container body 1000 is attached to closure system 1002. Closure system 1002 comprises removable closure element 1001 which encloses the remaining components of the beverage container's closure system 1002. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container, and illustrates a beverage container 10′ comprising dispensing portion 1005 and sealing portion 1099.

As illustrated in the various exploded views of FIGS. 3-5, beverage container 10′ of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises multiple components. As shown, end 1040 of container body 1000 may receive the components of fixed element 1020 and sealing portion 1099. A portion of the closure system may be assembled by contacting edge portion 1093 of dispensing portion 1005 with inner flange 1095 of sealing portion 1099. Dispensing portion 1005 and sealing portion 1099 may be joined to container body 1000. Outer flange 1097 of sealing portion 1099 may contact edge portion 1013 of container body 1000 to mate these components. Removable closure element 1001 may be secured on spout 1008 having threaded surface 1011 by mating with threaded surface 1012 on removable closure element 1001 to close beverage container 10′. Beverage container 10′ may further comprise tamper-proof ring 1089. Tamper-proof ring 1089 may mate with tamper proof ring bay 1087 on dispensing portion 1005.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate various views of sealing portion 1099 of beverage container 10′ (not shown in FIGS. 6-9) prior to mating it with other components of beverage container 10′. Sealing portion 1099 comprises inner flange 1095 and outer flange 1097. As discussed above, sealing portion 1099 mates dispensing portion 1005 with container body 1000. Inner flange 1095 is mated with dispensing portion 1005, and outer flange 1097 is mated with container body 1000.

As shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the sealing portion 1099 is circular in shape to fit on edge portion 1013 surrounding end portion 1040 of container body 1000. This embodiment of FIG. 6 also comprises a hollow center to allow dispensing of the contents of container 10′. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a detail of sealing portion 1099 before mating with dispensing portion 1005 and container body 1000. As illustrated, the cross-section of sealing portion 1099 is S-shaped.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate various views of sealing portion 1099 after attaching it to dispensing portion 1005. Edge 1093 of dispensing portion 1005 is folded inward by inner flange 1095 of sealing portion 1099 such that edge 1093 will be approximately parallel to container body 1000 after attaching it to container body 1000. Inner flange 1095 is curved around edge 1093 to secure it once flange 1095 is crimped and flattened against sealing portion 1099.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate various view of container 10′ after sealing portion 1099 and dispensing portion 1005 are attached to container body 1000. As can be seen in FIG. 15, edge 1013 of container body 1000 is folded outward by outer flange 1097 of sealing portion 1099 such that edge 1013 is approximately parallel to container body 1000. Outer flange 1097 is curved around edge 1013 to secure the edge once flange 1097 is crimped and flattened against container body 1000.

Any of the arrangements described above may be used for beverages, foods, other consumable goods, or nonconsumable goods. Additionally, as described above, containers may be made from any material known to those skilled in the art, depending on the use and function of the part or component. For example, container bodies, sealing portions, and base plates may be made from aluminum materials used in the conventional manufacturing of can bodies. The removable closure elements, dispensing portions, spouts, locknuts, tabs, and rims may be formed from common molding and extrusion processes to create reproducible tolerances. The removable closure elements may be formed from polypropylene, while the dispensing portions, spouts, locknuts, tabs, and rims may be manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate. Alternatively, the rims may be manufactured from aluminum materials used in the conventional manufacturing of can bodies.

In certain embodiments, the sealing portion may be 0.008 inches in thickness. The container body may The can may also be 0.008 inches in thickness. The dispensing portion may be 0.01 inches in thickness.

Although the containers and methods of making them have been described above in terms of certain examples and embodiments, various alterations, modifications, substitutions, additions and improvements will be readily apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the disclosure. Such alterations, modifications, substitutions, additions and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the containers disclosed here. It is also intended that the indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used above and in the appended claims, mean one or more of the articles which they modify, and that the terms “include,” “including” and “having” are interchangeable with the open ended term “comprising.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to the claims.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for the use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and that actual parameters and/or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the systems and techniques of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, equivalents to the specific examples of the invention. It is therefore to be understood that the examples described herein are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a container body having an opening positioned at a first end portion and surrounded by an edge portion; and

a closure system, comprising: a removable closure element; a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion constructed and arranged to be mated with the removable closure element and having an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion; and a sealing portion having an outer flange and an inner flange, the outer flange crimped to the edge portion of the container body, and the inner flange crimped to the edge portion of the fixed element.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the fixed element comprises a dispensing portion positioned above the edge portion of the container body.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner flange and the edge portion of the fixed element form a seam.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer flange and the edge portion of the container body form a seam.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner flange is curved around the edge portion of the fixed element.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the outer flange is curved around the edge portion of the container body.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the sealing portion comprises an opening having a pre-determined cross-sectional shape.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the sealing portion is an annular ring.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein a cross-section of the sealing portion is S-shaped.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer flange of the sealing portion is positioned higher than the inner flange of the sealing portion.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the sealing portion is made of a material that is the same as the container body.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the material is aluminum.

13. A closure system for a container comprising:

a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion and an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion; and

a sealing portion having an outer flange and an inner flange, the inner flange crimped to the edge portion of the fixed element.

14. The closure system of claim 13, further comprising a removable closure element.

15. The closure system of claim 14, wherein the dispensing portion is constructed and arranged to be mated with the removable closure element.

16. The closure system of claim 13, wherein the inner flange and the edge portion of the fixed element form a seam.

17. The closure system of claim 16, wherein the outer flange is constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of a container body of the container.

18. The container of claim 13, wherein the inner flange is curved around the edge portion of the fixed element.

19. The container of claim 13, wherein the outer flange is constructed and arranged to be curved around the edge portion of the container body.

20. The container of claim 13, wherein the outer flange of the sealing portion is positioned higher than the inner flange of the sealing portion.

21. A method of making a closure system for mating to a container body comprising:

providing a fixed element having an edge portion;

providing a sealing portion having an inner flange and an outer flange constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of the container body; and

crimping an edge portion of the fixed element to the inner flange of the sealing portion.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein crimping the edge portion of the fixed element to the inner flange of the sealing portion comprises curling the inner flange around the edge portion of the fixed element to form a first seam.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising flattening the first seam to form a hermetic seal.

24. A method of facilitating sealing of a filled container body of a container comprising:

providing a closure system comprising: a fixed element comprising a dispensing portion and an edge portion opposite the dispensing portion; and a sealing portion comprising an inner flange crimped to the edge portion of the fixed element and an outer flange constructed and arranged to be crimped to an edge portion of a container body.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of providing further comprises providing a removable closure element constructed and arranged to be mated to the dispensing portion.