SYSTEM AND KIT FOR A CHILD RESISTANT SEALING CAN LID

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a child resistant can lid and a kit for sealing a can. In one embodiment, he child resistant can lid and the kit may include a snap ring including a first inner portion and a first outer portion, and a lid top removably attached to the snap ring, the lid top having a second inner portion including a fourth annular thread extending from a fourth segment of the second inner portion, wherein the fourth annular thread includes a protruding portion configured to mate with a locking trough and fasten the lid top to the snap ring.

Description

FIELD

The technology discussed below relates generally to a child resistant seal and lid for cans.

BACKGROUND

Canning is the process of preserving a product by processing and sealing it in an airtight metal can. Cans are typically either two-piece or three-piece cans. In the case of a two-piece can, a can body is formed by punching a metal plate to form a cylinder closed at one end. The can is then filled and the open end closed by seaming a lid to the can body during the canning process. In the case of a three-piece can, a can body, open at both ends, is formed by rolling and seaming a metal plate. A first end is closed by seaming a lid to the can body. The can is then filled and the second end closed by seaming a lid to the can body during the canning process.

Once these cans are opened they can be difficult to adequately reseal, and in some cases, individuals may not want the cans to be opened easily by children. Thus, to securely and effectively seal a substance in a can, it is important to have a container with a child resistant lid that can be opened and re-sealed. The can lid should provide a seal that will prevent air leaking into or out of the can. In addition to the need for a reliable seal, however, the can should be easy for adults to open while also difficult for children.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one example, a child resistant can lid is disclosed, including a snap ring having a first outer portion including a primary annular land, a first annular thread extending from a first segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a first gap exists between the first annular thread and the primary annular land, a second annular thread extending from a second segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a second gap exists between the second thread and the primary annular land, and wherein each of the first annular thread and the second annular thread include a locking trough and a lid top removably attached to the snap ring, the lid top having an inner portion including a third annular thread extending from a third segment of the inner portion, a fourth annular thread extending from a fourth segment of the inner portion, wherein each of the third annular thread and the fourth annular thread include a protruding portion configured to mate with a corresponding locking trough and fasten the lid top to the snap ring.

In some aspects, the child resistant can lid includes a first annular edge, a second annular edge, and a third annular edge, wherein the second annular edge is between the first annular edge and the third annular edge, and wherein the second annular edge includes a diameter greater than those of the first annular edge and the third annular edge. In some aspects, the second annular edge is configured to receive a seal rolled can top having a height of substantially 0.12 inches to securely affix the snap ring to the can top. In some aspects, the second annular edge includes a height of substantially 0.12 inches. In some aspects, the second annular edge and the third annular edge include a combined height of substantially 0.23 inches, and wherein the primary annular land includes the second annular edge and the third annular edge. In some aspects, the lid top further comprises a lip circumscribing the top of the lid top, wherein the lip includes a height of substantially 0.13 inches. In some aspects, the snap ring further comprises a first bottom surface and a first upper surface, and wherein the lid top further comprises a second bottom surface and a second upper surface. In some aspects, the second bottom surface of the lid top is configured to press onto the first top surface of the snap ring to seal the contents of a can. In some aspects, the primary annular land includes an outside diameter of substantially 2.76 inches. In some aspects, the first annular edge includes a diameter of substantially 2.5 inches.

In another example, a kit for sealing a can is disclosed, including a snap ring having a first outer portion including a primary annular land, first annular thread extending from a first segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a first gap exists between the first annular thread and the primary annular land, a second annular thread extending from a second segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a second gap exists between the second thread and the primary annular land, and wherein each of the first annular thread and the second annular thread include a locking trough, and a lid top removably attached to the snap ring, the lid top having an inner portion including a third annular thread extending from a third segment of the inner portion, a fourth annular thread extending from a fourth segment of the inner portion, wherein each of the third annular thread and the fourth annular thread include a protruding portion configured to mate with a corresponding locking trough and fasten the lid top to the snap ring.

These and other aspects of the invention will become more fully understood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top and side perspective illustration of an example lid top, snap ring, and can according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective illustration of an example assembly of the components shown in FIG. 1, assembled according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a side perspective illustration of the example assembly shown in FIG. 2, with an expanded portion showing details of certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a series of illustrations showing different perspectives of an example lid top according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a series of illustrations showing different perspectives of an example snap ring according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a series of illustrations showing different perspectives of an example can according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details.

While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing materials, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. While some examples may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide assortment of applicability of described innovations may occur.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top side perspective illustration of an example lid top 105, snap ring 110, and can 115 according to certain aspects of this disclosure. In one example, the lid top 105 and the snap ring 110 may constitute a complete kit 100 for a child resistant can seal. In this example, the kit can be added and used to seal any appropriately sized can with an open top and allow for recycling the can as a storage space. This allows a user to recycle old cans into sealed, child resistant containers. However, in some embodiments, the complete kit 100 may also include the can 115. The lid top 105 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including plastic and/or polymer material, a metal, or may include a plurality of different materials. For example, the lid top 105 may be constructed of a plastic material that may include a layer of a rubber sealant material over one or more portions or sections of the lid top 105 that contact one or more portions of the snap ring 110.

The snap ring 110 may be constructed of a plastic and/or polymer material, a metal, or may include a plurality of different materials. For example, the snap ring 110 may be constructed of a plastic material that may include a layer of a rubber sealant material over one or more portions or sections of the snap ring 110 that contact one or more portions of the lid top 105 and/or the can 115. Similar to the lid top 105 and the snap ring 110, the can 115 may be constructed of a plastic and/or polymer material, a metal, or may include a plurality of different materials.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective illustration of an example assembly 200 of a lid top 205, snap ring 210, and can 215 assembled according to certain aspects of this disclosure. As described in more detail below, the lid top 205 may be screwed onto the snap ring 210 and locked using a protruding portion of one or more threads of the lid top 205 to mate with a locking trough of one or more threads of the snap ring 210.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a side perspective illustration of the example assembly shown in FIG. 2, with a portion zoomed-in on a 4:1 scale showing details of certain aspects of this disclosure. In this example, the assembled kit includes a lid top 305, a snap ring 310, and a can 315.

In this example, the lid top 305 may include an upper surface 345 that covers an opening in the center of the snap ring 310. The perimeter of the upper surface 345 may include a lip 340 configured to assist in stacking additional cans assembled with the lid top 305 and snap ring 310. For example, the lip 340 may prevent the stacked cans from shifting across the upper surface 345 of the lid top 305. The snap ring 310 may include several layers configured to accommodate assembly with the lid top 305 and the can 315. For example, the snap ring 310 may include a first annular edge 325 that runs the perimeter of the top of the snap ring 310, and provides threading and locking mechanisms for attaching the lid top 305. The first annular edge 325 may have a shorter circumference than other layers of the snap ring 310 so that the outer edge of the lid top 305 is flush with the other layer(s) of the snap ring 310. This design feature has the benefit of preventing children from removing the lid top from the snap ring because there is little discernable difference between the lid top and the snap ring, and because the flush layers prevents the child from acquiring a grip.

A second annular edge 330 may include a rectangular or ovoid trough configured to accept, secure, and seal a rolled top 320 of the can 315. In some examples, a height of the second annular edge 330 may be substantially 3.048 millimeters or 0.12 inches. A third annular edge 335 may include a wall of the trough configured to create a seal against the rolled top 320 of the can 315, and an edge configured to form a directly adjacent, end-to-end seal against a wall of the can 315. The third annular edge 335 may include an angular or semicircular valley 350 that runs that perimeter of the third angular edge 335. In some examples, a combined height of the second annular edge 330 and the third annular edge may be substantially 5.715 millimeters or 0.23 inches. The valley 350 may be configured to accept an O-ring or other seal or adhesive material in order to completely seal the snap ring 310 to the can 315. In another example, the valley 350 may be configured to operate as a valve to allow gases within the can to pass out of the can if the pressure of gases in the can reach a certain point. For example, if there is a change in altitude or atmospheric pressure inside or outside of the can, the valley 350 may allow equalization of pressure by releasing of the gas within the can. This provides the benefit of reducing an explosion of material when the can is opened, and also reduces the stress on the can and components of the lid top and snap ring, extending the life of the system.

FIG. 4 is a series of illustrations showing different perspectives of an example lid top according to certain aspects of this disclosure. A first illustration 400 shows a top perspective view of an example lid top. In this example, the lid top includes an upper surface 402 and a lip 405 that runs the outer perimeter of the lid top. The upper surface 402 may include arrows showing a locking and/or an opening direction for twisting the lid top for removal or attachment to a snap ring.

A second illustration 425 shows a bottom perspective view of the example lid top. In this example, the lid top includes a bottom surface 408 configured to contact and create a seal against an upper surface of the snap ring when attached to the snap ring. The lid top may be attached to the snap ring by a thread mechanism that allows a user to twist the lid top on and off of the snap ring. In one example, the lid top may include a first annular thread 406a and a second annular thread 406b that extend out from a segment of an inner portion 410 of the lid top. In one example, the first annular thread 406a and the second annular thread 406b may be flat. As such, the threads may facilitate attachment and removal of the lid top to the snap ring by twisting the lid top such that the threads progressively move along a corresponding angled thread of the snap ring. In another example, the lid top may include different numbers of annular threads of varying sizes, such as three or more relatively shorter annular threads, or one relatively longer annular thread.

In another example, one or more of the first annular thread 406a and the second annular thread 406b may include a protruding portion 414a/414b configured to mate with a locking trough of the corresponding angled threads of the snap ring. The protruding portion 414a/414b may be located such that once the lid top is twisted onto the snap ring to a proper degree of tension, the protruding portion 414a/414b will mate with a relief or locking trough of the corresponding angled threads of the snap ring. In this example, the first annular thread 406a may include a first protruding portion 414a, and the second annular thread 406b may include a second protruding portion 414b, wherein each protruding portion 414a/414b is configured to fit into a corresponding locking trough of one or more angled threads of the snap ring. In one example, the protruding portion 414a/414b may be on top of the first and second annular threads 406a/406b. In another example, the protruding portion 414a/414b may be on the bottom or side of the first and second annular threads 406a/406b. In this way, the protruding portion 414a/414b may “fall” into the locking trough of the snap ring to secure the two pieces together.

In another example, an inside diameter of the lid top may be substantially 66.667 millimeters (mm) or 2.62 inches (in). In another example, an inside diameter of the lid top measured from an edge of the first annular thread 406a to an edge of the second annular thread 406b may be substantially 65.874 millimeters or 2.59 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

A third illustration 450 shows a side perspective view of the example lid top. In some examples, the side of the lid top may include knurling or other patterns to allow for a user to effectively grip the sides of the lid top. In one example, the lip 405 is shown as running the perimeter of the lid top at a uniform height. In one example, a diameter of the lid top may be substantially 69.061 millimeters or 2.72 inches. The height of the lid top, including the lip 405, may be substantially 4.255 millimeters or 0.17 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

A fourth illustration 475 shows a cross-section side perspective view of the example lid top. In this example, the upper surface 402 may be substantially 1.397 millimeters thick or 0.06 inches thick. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

FIG. 5 is a series of illustrations showing different perspectives of an example snap ring according to certain aspects of this disclosure. A first illustration 500 shows a top perspective view of an example snap ring. In this example, the snap ring includes a hole or opening in the center of the snap ring. Along the outside portion of the ring is a primary annular landing 506 configured to allow for a flush transition from the outside portion of the snap ring to the outside portion of the lid top. The primary annular landing 506 may include the second annular edge 510 and the third annular edge 512. The first annular edge 514 may be above the primary annular landing 506, and may include a first annular thread 504a and a second annular thread 504b. One or more of the first annular thread 504a and the second annular thread 504b may be angled to direct the threading mechanism of the lid top to remove or attach the lid to the snap ring according to the direction of twisting. For example, if a user twists the lid top onto the snap ring in a clock-wise direction, the angle of the first annular thread 504a and/or the second annular thread 504b may join and lock the lid top to the snap ring and facilitate sealing the opening on one end of the snap ring. Conversely, if the user twists the lid top in a counter clock-wise direction, the user removes the lid top from the snap ring.

In another example, the first annular thread 504a may include a first locking trough 502a and the second annular thread 504b may include a second locking trough 502b. The first and second locking troughs may be configured to accept the corresponding protruding portions 414a/414b on the threading mechanism of the lid top to secure and seal the lid top to the snap ring. The locking troughs may include a recess or a gap in one or more of the first annular thread 504a and the second annular thread 504b. In another example, the snap ring may include one or more annular threads, in any number of configurations. For example, the snap ring may include one or three annular threads, located in different portions of the first annular edge 514 and having different lengths. In some examples, one or more of the first annular thread 504a and the second annular thread 504b may include a plurality of locking troughs to allow a user to determine the degree of tension or tightness between the lid top and the snap ring by the number of “clicks” or times that a protrusion “falls” within a locking trough. This design feature is configured to provide the user with an audible noise and/or tactile sensation to inform the user that the lid is locked.

A second illustration 525 shows a first cross-sectional side view of the example snap ring. In some examples, an outside diameter of the first annular edge 514 may be substantially 65.024 millimeters or 2.56 inches. In some examples, an inside diameter of the first annular edge 514 may be substantially 65.5 millimeters or 2.5 inches. In some examples, a diameter of the inside edge of the primary annular landing 506 may be substantially 66.555 millimeters or 2.62 inches. In some examples, the valley 508 running the inside wall of the primary annular landing 506 may have a depth of substantially 0.381 millimeters or 0.02 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

A third illustration 550 shows a first side view of the example snap ring. In some examples, an outside diameter of the primary annular landing 506 may be substantially 68.961 millimeters or 2.72 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

A fourth illustration 575 shows a second side view of the example snap ring. In some examples, a height of the snap ring may be substantially 12.354 millimeters or 0.49 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches. Here it is shown that the second annular thread 504b extends for only a portion of the first annular edge 514 of the snap ring. It is also shown that the second annular thread 504b includes an angled surface to facilitate attachment and removal of the lid top. Although not shown, the first annular thread 504a may be substantially the same configuration. In some examples, one or more of the first annular thread 504a and the second annular thread 504b may include an additional protrusion (not shown) bridging the gap between the first annular thread 504a and/or the second annular thread 504b and the primary annular landing 506. In this example, the additional protrusion may prevent the user from twisting the lid top onto the snap ring too tightly, by preventing additional twisting after the lid top has been locked into a certain position with the snap ring.

A fifth illustration 585 shows a second cross-sectional side view of the example snap ring, including the first annular edge 514, the second annular edge 510, the third annular edge 512, the valley 508, and the primary annular landing 506.

FIG. 6 is a series of illustrations showing different perspectives of an example can according to certain aspects of this disclosure. A first illustration 600 shows a top view of an example can. The can may include an opening in the top and a sealed bottom portion with a circular wall. The top perimeter of the can may include the rolled top 602 that the snap ring uses to securely seal the can. The dimensions of the can are non-standard. The can is generally configured to contain a certain amount of one of more of a substance and/or a federally controlled substance. In one example, the can may contain 3.5 grams of tobacco and/or cannabis.

A second illustration 625 shows a side view of the example can. A third illustration 650 shows a cross-sectional side view of the example can. In some examples, a diameter of the can from the outside ends of the rolled top 602 may be substantially 67.475 millimeters or 2.66 inches. In some examples, a width of the rolled top 602 of the can may be substantially 1.588 millimeters or 0.06 inches. In some examples, a height of the rolled top 602 of the can may be substantially 3.048 millimeters and 0.120 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used in conjunction with the height of the rolled top 602 of the can to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.005 inches. In some examples, a diameter of the can inside of the rolled top 602 may be substantially 65.926 millimeters or 2.6 inches. Here, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

The features and components herein enhance the storage and preservation of a cans contents, while providing a child resistant opening mechanism. Within the present disclosure, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as an “example” or as “exemplary” are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature or advantage or mode of operation. Unless otherwise noted, the term “substantially” is used to denote a tolerance of +/−0.13 millimeters or +/−0.01 inches.

One or more of the components, features and/or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A child resistant can lid, comprising:

a snap ring having a first outer portion including: a primary annular land, a first annular thread extending from a first segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a first gap exists between the first annular thread and the primary annular land, a second annular thread extending from a second segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a second gap exists between the second thread and the primary annular land, and wherein each of the first annular thread and the second annular thread include a locking trough; and

a lid top removably attached to the snap ring, the lid top having an inner portion including: a third annular thread extending from a third segment of the inner portion, a fourth annular thread extending from a fourth segment of the inner portion, wherein each of the third annular thread and the fourth annular thread include a protruding portion configured to mate with a corresponding locking trough and fasten the lid top to the snap ring.

2. The child resistant can lid of claim 1, wherein the snap ring includes a first annular edge, a second annular edge, and a third annular edge, wherein the second annular edge is between the first annular edge and the third annular edge, and wherein the second annular edge includes a diameter greater than those of the first annular edge and the third annular edge.

3. The child resistant can lid of claim 2, wherein the second annular edge is configured to receive a seal rolled can top having a height of substantially 0.12 inches to securely affix the snap ring to the can top.

4. The child resistant can lid of claim 2, wherein the second annular edge includes a height of substantially 0.12 inches.

5. The child resistant can lid of claim 2, wherein the second annular edge and the third annular edge include a combined height of substantially 0.23 inches, and wherein the primary annular land includes the second annular edge and the third annular edge.

6. The child resistant can lid of claim 1, wherein the lid top further comprises a lip circumscribing the top of the lid top, wherein the lip includes a height of substantially 0.13 inches.

7. The child resistant can lid of claim 1, wherein the snap ring further comprises a first bottom surface and a first upper surface, and wherein the lid top further comprises a second bottom surface and a second upper surface.

8. The child resistant can lid of claim 7, wherein the second bottom surface of the lid top is configured to press onto the first top surface of the snap ring to seal the contents of a can.

9. The child resistant can lid of claim 1, wherein the primary annular land includes an outside diameter of substantially 2.76 inches.

10. The child resistant can lid of claim 1, wherein the first annular edge includes a diameter of substantially 2.5 inches.

11. A kit for sealing a can, comprising:

a snap ring having a first outer portion including: a primary annular land, a first annular thread extending from a first segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a first gap exists between the first annular thread and the primary annular land, a second annular thread extending from a second segment of the first outer portion and above the primary annular land such that a second gap exists between the second thread and the primary annular land, and wherein each of the first annular thread and the second annular thread include a locking trough; and

a lid top removably attached to the snap ring, the lid top having an inner portion including: a third annular thread extending from a third segment of the inner portion, a fourth annular thread extending from a fourth segment of the inner portion, wherein each of the third annular thread and the fourth annular thread include a protruding portion configured to mate with a corresponding locking trough and fasten the lid top to the snap ring.

12. The kit for sealing the can of claim 11, wherein the snap ring includes a first annular edge, a second annular edge, and a third annular edge, wherein the second annular edge is between the first annular edge and the third annular edge, and wherein the second annular edge includes a diameter greater than those of the first annular edge and the third annular edge.

13. The kit for sealing the can of claim 12, wherein the second annular edge is configured to receive a seal rolled can top having a height of substantially 0.12 inches to securely affix the snap ring to the can top.

14. The kit for sealing the can of claim 12, wherein the second annular edge includes a height of substantially 0.12 inches.

15. The kit for sealing the can of claim 12, wherein the second annular edge and the third annular edge include a combined height of substantially 0.23 inches, and wherein the primary annular land includes the second annular edge and the third annular edge.

16. The kit for sealing the can of claim 11, wherein the lid top further comprises a lip circumscribing the top of the lid top, wherein the lip includes a height of substantially 0.13 inches.

17. The kit for sealing the can of claim 11, wherein the snap ring further comprises a first bottom surface and a first upper surface, and wherein the lid top further comprises a second bottom surface and a second upper surface.

18. The kit for sealing the can of claim 17, wherein the second bottom surface of the lid top is configured to press onto the first top surface of the snap ring to seal the contents of a can.

19. The kit for sealing the can of claim 11, wherein the primary annular land includes an outside diameter of substantially 2.76 inches.

20. The kit for sealing the can of claim 11, wherein the first annular edge includes a diameter of substantially 2.5 inches.