RESEALABLE CAN CLOSURE SYSTEM

Abstract

Resealable containers comprising a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure element are disclosed. The containers may be constructed to be resealable and improve sanitary conditions of a dispensing aperture and allow for easier opening with the ability to be reseal, over a conventional container. Methods of manufacturing the resealable container and components thereof are also disclosed.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a container. The closure system may include a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end, e.g., a standard can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. The top cover may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug may fit in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion may be moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

In some embodiments, at the first position the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, may cover the first aperture, the lever portion may rest on and be secured to the slider portion and the sealing portion may be in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, at a second position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, may cover the first aperture, the lever portion may be lifted from the slider portion to remove the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, at a third position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion may expose the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, at a fourth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion may expose the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion may be lowered towards the slider portion, and the sealing portion may be in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, at a fifth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion may expose at least a portion of the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion may be lifted relative to the slider portion, and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, at a sixth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion may be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, at a seventh position the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion cover the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lowered to connect to the slider portion and insert the plug into the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, the first aperture may have at least one pair of substantially parallel sides. In some embodiments, the plate may be connected to the can end, e.g., a bottom surface of the can end.

The lever portion and the slider portion may be separate components, e.g., that are mated together using a plurality of mating features. Alternatively, the lever portion, the slider portion, and the plug may be parts of a single component, e.g., connected by a hinge or other similar connection. In some embodiments, the lever portion and the plug are part of a single component.

In some embodiments, the lever portion may include a hinge, e.g., a living hinge, that divides the lever portion into a fixed part and a movable part. In certain embodiments, at least one of the fixed part of the lever portion and slider portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially secure the top cover to the fixed element. For example, the fixed part of the lever portion may include a plurality of mating features to secure the lever portion to the slider portion. The plurality of mating features of the fixed part of the lever portion may serve an additional function, e.g., by contacting a periphery of the first aperture to guide sliding of the top cover. In specific embodiments, the plurality of mating features may include snap hooks, e.g., the hooks contact the periphery of the first aperture of the fixed element. In some embodiments, the plug may be incorporated into the movable part of the lever portion. In further embodiments, the movable part of the lever portion may include a retention pin.

In some embodiments, at least one of the top cover and the sealing portion is made of a material that is compatible with fixed element. In some embodiments, at least one of the lever portion, slider portion, plug, and sealing portion is made of a polymeric material. The total weight of polymeric material in the closure system may, for example, be less than 2.2 grams.

In some embodiments, the slider portion may include an elongated slot dimensioned to permit sliding against the protruding shaft of the plate.

In some embodiments, the sealing portion may include a base connected orthogonally to the stem and a polymer seal, e.g., a polymer O-ring, at the periphery of the base. The stem of the sealing portion may include an aperture at a free end. In specific embodiments, the aperture of the stem may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the movable part of the lever portion by the retention pin of the lever portion, e.g., the movable part of the lever portion. In some embodiments, the stem of the sealing portion may include a hinge, e.g., at least one hinge. In further embodiments, the sealing portion may include a support operatively coupled to a bottom surface of the base. The support may be constructed and arranged to increase the structural rigidity of the sealing portion and to limit compression of the sealing portion, i.e., the polymeric O-ring of the sealing portion, when engaged against the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In some embodiments, the lever portion may be constructed and arranged to secure the sealing portion in a resting, i.e., sealing, position, e.g., engaged against the bottom surface of the fixed element.

In further embodiments, the closure system may include a tamper evident, e.g., tamper-proof, seal.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a container. The closure system may include a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end. The can end may include a first aperture and a protruding shaft spaced laterally apart from the first aperture. The movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion and slider portion. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be mated together. The lever portion may include a plug dimensioned to fit into an opening in the protruding shaft such that in a first position, the plug is disposed within the opening in the protruding shaft and the top cover is disposed over the first aperture. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The sealing portion may be disposed below the fixed element and constructed and arranged such that, at the first position, a top surface of the sealing portion is in contact with a bottom surface of the fixed element to cover the first aperture.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a container. The closure system may include a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The movable closure element may include a top cover disposed over the first aperture and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged with the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along the slider portion. The plug may be constructed and arranged to act as a valve when removed from an opening in the protruding shaft. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element, permitting the top cover to be laterally moved along the slider portion to expose at least a portion of the first aperture.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a resealable container. The resealable container may include a container body and any embodiment of a closure system disclosed herein.

In accordance with as aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a resealable container. The method may include providing a container body. The method may include providing a closure system connectable to the container body. The method further may include attaching the closure system to the container body, thereby manufacturing the resealable container. The provided closure system may include a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element may include a can end, e.g., a standard can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. The top cover may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug may fit in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the scaling portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion may be moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of providing a closure system attachable to a container. The method may include providing a fixed element of the closure system. The provided fixed element may include a can end, e.g., a standard can end. The can end may include a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The method may include providing a movable closure element of the closure system. The provided movable closure element may include a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. The top cover may cover the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug may fit in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion may be moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

In further embodiments, the method may include providing instructions, e.g., to an end user, e.g., a manufacturer, to assemble the closure system from the fixed element and the movable closure element. The assembly instructions may include instructions to connect the lever portion and the slider portion to form the top cover. The assembly instructions may include instructions to connect the top cover to the fixed element. The assembly instructions further may include instructions to connect the sealing portion to the lever portion by passing the stem through a bottom of the fixed element and onto a retention pin of the lever portion.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing and resealing a can. The closure system may include a fixed element comprising a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture. The closure system may include a top cover disposed over the dispensing aperture and the vent aperture and a sealing portion disposed beneath the fixed element. The top cover may include a seal that fits within the vent aperture when the top cover is closed. The top cover may permit the vent aperture to be opened such that the top cover and the sealing portion can be slid together to expose to dispensing aperture.

In some embodiments, the seal is operably coupled to a movable portion of the top cover, e.g., a lever portion. In some embodiments, the seal is made from a material permitting formation of a hermetic seal.

Other advantages, features, and objects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure 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. 1A illustrates an example of a top plan view of a can end, in accordance with certain examples.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top perspective view of a can end, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a can end, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-section view of a can end taken along section line 1D in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 1E illustrates an example of a bottom plan view of a can end, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 1F illustrates an example of a bottom perspective view of a can end, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of a plate, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top perspective view of a plate, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of a plate, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-section view of a plate viewed along section line 2D in FIG. 2A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2E illustrates an example of a bottom plan view of a plate, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 2F illustrates an example of a bottom perspective view of a plate, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top exploded perspective view of the components of a fixed element, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of a fixed element, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom exploded perspective view of the components of a fixed element, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the components of a fixed element, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top plan view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top perspective view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4C illustrates a front end view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4E illustrates a rear view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4F illustrates a bottom plan view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4G illustrates a bottom perspective view of a lever portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5A illustrates a top plan view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5B illustrates a top perspective view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5C illustrates a front end view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5E illustrates a rear view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5F illustrates a bottom plan view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 5G illustrates a bottom perspective view of a slider portion of a top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of the mating of the lever portion and slider portion of the top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6B illustrates a top perspective view of the mated lever portion and slider portion of the top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mated lever portion and slider portion of the top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6D illustrates the mated lever portion and slider portion of the top cover of FIG. 6C secured by peening a post into the slider portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a unitarily formed lever portion and slider portion of a top cover opened at a hinge, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 7B illustrates a top perspective view showing the top cover in FIG. 7A folded at its hinge, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the unitarily formed lever portion and slider portion of the top cover in FIG. 7A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 7D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the folded top cover shown in FIG. 7B, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8A illustrates a top exploded perspective view of the components of a hinged lever portion and slider portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top perspective view of the assembly of a hinged lever portion and slider portion of FIG. 8A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the assembly of a hinged lever portion and slider portion of FIG. 8A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8D illustrates a top perspective view of the completed top cover of FIGS. 8A-8C, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8E illustrates a top perspective view of the completed top cover of FIGS. 8A-8C, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8F illustrates a top perspective view of the completed top cover of FIGS. 8A-8C with the lever portion open, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8G illustrates a top perspective view of the completed top cover of FIGS. 8A-8C with the lever portion open, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top plan view of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9B illustrates a top perspective view of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9D illustrates a front end view of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9E illustrates a cross-section view taken along section line 9E in FIG. 9A of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9F illustrates a bottom plan view of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9G illustrates a bottom perspective view of a sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10A illustrates a top plan view of a support for the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10B illustrates a top perspective view of a support for the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10C illustrates a side view of a support for the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10D illustrates a cross-section view taken along section line 10D in FIG. 10A of a support for the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10E illustrates a bottom plan view of a support for the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10F illustrates a bottom perspective view of a support for the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 11A illustrates a top perspective exploded view of the mating of the sealing portion and support, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 11B illustrates a top perspective view of the mated sealing portion and support, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 11C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mated sealing portion and support, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 11D illustrates the mated sealing portion and support of FIG. 12C secured by pressing the pins into the support, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a sealing portion with an integral support, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 12B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sealing portion of FIG. 12A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 12C illustrates a cross-section view of the sealing portion of FIG. 12B taken along section line 11A in FIG. 12A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 13A illustrates a top perspective view of a top cover and a fixed element, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 13B illustrates a top perspective view the top cover and fixed element of FIG. 13A being positioned together, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 13C illustrates the securing of the top cover to the fixed element by peening a protruding shaft, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 14A illustrates a top perspective view of a first position of the mated closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 14B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the first position of the mated closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 14C illustrates a top perspective view of a second position of the mated closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 14D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the second position of the mated closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 15A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sealing portion being inserted into the fixed element and top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 15B illustrates a top perspective view of the sealing portion connected to the lever portion of the top cover, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 15C illustrates a top perspective view of the sealing portion secured to the lever portion of the top cover by the pressing of a retention pin, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 15D illustrates a perspective view of the closed top cover to engage the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 15E illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closed top cover to engage the sealing portion, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 16A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 16B illustrates a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a closure system shown in FIG. 16A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 16C illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 16D illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a closure system shown in FIG. 16C with the lever portion opened, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 17A illustrates a top perspective view of the attachment of a safety seal to a closure system, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 17B illustrates a top perspective view of the safety seal attached to the closure system of FIG. 17A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 17C illustrates a top plan view of the safety seal attached to the closure system of FIG. 17A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 18A illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a first position of the closure system before opening, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 18B illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a second position of the closure system before opening, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 18C illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a third position of the closure system with the dispensing aperture partially open, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 18D illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a fourth position of the closure system with the dispensing aperture fully open, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 19A illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a fifth position of the closure system before closing, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 19B illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a sixth position of the closure system with the dispensing aperture partially closed, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 19C illustrates top and bottom perspective views of a seventh position of the closure system with the dispensing aperture fully closed, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of closure systems stacked in the Z-direction, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 21A illustrates a top perspective exploded view of a closure system and a beverage can, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 21B illustrates the closure system of FIG. 21A positioned over the mouth of the beverage can, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 21C illustrates the closure system of FIG. 21A secured to the mouth of the beverage can, in accordance with certain examples;

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrates the dimensions of canning industry standardized can ends, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 23A illustrates the can end of FIG. 22A including first and second apertures, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 23B illustrates the plate associated with the can end of FIG. 23A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 23C illustrates a cross-section view of the plate of FIG. 23B taken along section line 23C in FIG. 23A, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 24A illustrates a top plan view of lever portion of a top cover with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 24B illustrates a side view of a lever portion of a top cover with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 24C illustrates a top plan view of a slider portion of a top cover with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 24D illustrates a side view of a slider portion of a top cover with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 25A illustrates a top plan view of a sealing portion and attached support with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 25B illustrates a side plan view of the sealing portion and attached support of FIG. 25A with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 25C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sealing portion and attached support of FIG. 23B taken along section line 25C of FIG. 25A with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples; and

FIG. 25D illustrates a front view of the sealing portion and attached support of FIG. 25A with dimensions, in accordance with certain examples.

Certain features or components of the illustrative containers and devices 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 containers and devices disclosed herein. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the containers and devices disclosed herein 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. References made to beverage containers herein is not intended to limit the disclosure to beverage containers, but instead refers to containers that may be used to hold various contents, including consumable and non-consumable goods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

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, containers are provided that have a sanitary cover, are easier to open than conventional cans, and can be repeatedly and securely resealed. The container of certain examples disclosed herein will prevent the dispensing portion of the container from exposure to the environment and ensure a safe and contaminant-free product. The current manufacturing process for standard cans may be adapted to include the present disclosure, with reduced, minimal, or no additional cost.

Conventional containers, such as aluminum beverage 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 cup-like containers 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 supplier or a filler. The cans can be used for numerous applications, including, but not limited to, beverages, paints and coatings, foods, and other perishable and non-perishable goods storage applications.

The lids of conventional aluminum cans, typically referred to as “can ends,” are made by stamping shells from an aluminum coiled sheet that has been coated in a sealant. A pin is drawn outwards from the center of each shell. On those cans using a stay-on-tab type closure, the process further includes inserting a separate piece of metal as the tab which is threaded over the drawn pin. The pin is then flattened against the tab forming a rivet which secures the tab in place. The edges of the can ends generally have a curved flange and a bead of sealing material is applied to the inside of the curved flange. The can ends are also scored to define the opening of the can end in the finished product and regulatory text may be engraved onto the top surface of the can end. The can ends are then shipped to the supplier or filler.

At the supplier or filler, a filling machine is used to pour the beverage into the can body. The process is completed after filling when the can end is placed on top of the filled can body and secured to the can body using the seamer by forming a double seam with the flange on the can body. A double seam is formed by interlocking edges of the two components, the outward top edge of the flange of the can body and the curved flange at the edge of the can end, curling the can end flange around the flange on the can body edge so that the can end flange is partially rolled up and under the flange on 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 described herein. 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 contents if the can are poured directly from the can through the opening formed from the score line and the stay-on-tab closure, the contents come in contact with the top and surface of the can, making for a potentially unsanitary environment. Additionally, should the can contain a beverage, 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 and resealing the container.

The present disclosure provides a resealable container that may be manufactured by commercially available processes and machinery with minimal or no 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, closing, and resealing by consumers, pourability, drinkability, recyclability, and decreased likelihood of spilling the contents of the container. These advantages of the present disclosure overcome the noted deficiencies of the conventional stay-on-tab type closure beverage containers.

The present disclosure also provides a resealable closure system to use with a beverage container that allows for locking of the closure system in a secure, closed, and sealed position. Additionally, after the container is initially opened, the user may recover and protect the dispensing portion of the container to prevent contaminants from residing in the dispensing portion area.

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, fastening 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. In certain examples, two or more components may be mated by being fastened together with the assistance of another component, thereby forming a rigid or flexible, hinge connection. “Mating” may also mean connecting or joining at least two components having compatible threaded surfaces. The mating may be permanent or temporary.

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, and may have the ability to reliably seal and reseal the goods within the container. 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, for example, a carbonated 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 and/or storing.

In accordance with certain examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is disclosed. The movable closure element may comprise a top cover and a sealing portion. A component of the movable closure element, such as the top cover, sealing portion, or another component of the movable closure element, may secure other portions of the movable closure element to each other. This component may allow the top cover and sealing portion to operatively interact with one another, directly or indirectly. The top cover and the sealing portion may operatively interact with one another to allow movement of the sealing portion together with the top cover. The top cover and the sealing portion may operatively interact with one another to allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is the same as the direction in which the top cover is moved, for example, in a lateral direction along a channel or slot formed in the fixed element. Additionally, the top cover and the sealing portion may operatively interact with one another to allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is not the same direction as the direction in which the top cover is moved. For example, engaging the top cover by, for example, turning, lifting, sliding, or otherwise moving at least a portion of the top cover, may allow the sealing portion to move a predetermined distance away from a bottom surface of the can end.

In accordance with certain examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is disclosed. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to the container. The fixed element may include a can end having a first aperture and a protruding shaft spaced laterally apart from the first aperture. The movable closure element may have a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion and slider portion. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be mated together. The lever portion may include a plug dimensioned to fit into an opening in the protruding shaft such that in a first position, the plug is disposed within an opening in the protruding shaft and the top cover is disposed over the first aperture. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The sealing portion may be disposed below the fixed element and constructed and arranged such that, at the first position, a top surface of the scaling portion is in contact with a lower surface of the fixed element and covers the first aperture.

In accordance with certain examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is disclosed. The fixed element may include a can end having a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate may include a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The movable closure element may have a top cover disposed over the first aperture and a sealing portion. The top cover may include a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion may be constructed and arranged to be engaged with the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along the slider portion. The plug may be constructed and arranged to act as a valve when inserted into an opening in the protruding shaft. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion, with the stem being constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element, permitting the top cover to be laterally moved along the slider portion to expose the first aperture.

In accordance with certain examples, a closure system for rescaling a can is disclosed. The closure system includes a fixed element having a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture. The closure system includes a top cover disposed over the dispensing aperture and the vent aperture. The top cover includes a seal that fits within the vent aperture when the top cover is closed and a sealing portion disposed beneath the fixed element. The top cover permits the vent aperture to be opened, i.e., unsealed, such that the top cover and the sealing portion can be slid together to expose to dispensing aperture.

In accordance with certain examples, a resealable container may comprise a container body and a closure system. The closure system may comprise a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to a body of the beverage container and a movable closure element. In certain examples, the fixed element may a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The first aperture can have a substantially oblong profile and at least one pair of substantially parallel sides. The plate includes an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end. The fixed element may be secured to an end of the container body, e.g., by double seams. The resealable container may include a movable closure element comprising a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover includes a lever portion and a slider portion that are mated together. The lever portion, when engaged, moves together with the slider portion expose the first aperture of the fixed element. The sealing portion may reside within the container body and include a base surrounded at its periphery by a polymer seal, e.g., including an O-ring. The base includes a stem, e.g., a hinged stem, extending orthogonal to the base and having an aperture at its free end. The stem may be disposed through the fixed element and is constructed and arranged to attach to a retention pin on the lever portion.

In accordance with certain examples, at a first position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, covers the first aperture, the lever portion is resting on and secured to the slider portion, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a second position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and slider portion, covers the first aperture, the lever portion is lifted from the slider portion to remove the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a third position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion expose the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a fourth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion expose the first aperture of the can end, the lever portion is lowered towards the slider portion, and the sealing portion is in contact, e.g., partial contact, with the bottom surface of the fixed element. At the fourth position, the resealable container has been opened.

In accordance with certain examples, at a fifth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lifted relative to the slider portion, and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a sixth position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion cover the dispensing portion, and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element. At a seventh position, the top cover, i.e., the lever portion and the slider portion, and sealing portion cover the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lowered to connect to the slider portion and insert the plug into the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element. At the seventh position, the resealable container has been resealed.

In accordance with certain examples, a closure system for sealing and resealing a container may be constructed and arranged to be mated with a container body, e.g., a standard beverage can. The closure system may comprise a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture having a substantially oblong profile and a greater linear dimension than the second aperture. The fixed element may be constructed and arranged to be secured to an end of the container body. The fixed element includes a plate that is secured to a lower surface of the can end. For example, the can end and plate can be affixed using any suitable adhesive, such as a food safe solid adhesive, e.g., double sided adhesive tape, or a liquid adhesive. Alternatively, the can end and plate can be affixed using suitable solder or welds, e.g., chemical welds or heat-based solder or welds. The plate includes an aperture substantially identical in profile to the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft having an opening therethrough. When mated together, the protruding shaft of the plate is dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end such that it is protruding above a top surface of the can end.

The closure system may also comprise a movable closure element. The movable closure element may comprise a top cover disposed on a top surface of the can end comprising a lever portion, a slider portion, and a sealing portion. The lever portion includes a hinge, e.g., a living hinge, separating the lever portion into a first part and second part. The first part of the lever portion, e.g., a fixed part, includes an aperture and a plurality of mating features permitting connection to the slider portion. The second part of the lever portion, e.g., a movable part, is generally constructed and arranged to be movable via the hinge, e.g., living hinge, and includes a retention pin and an aperture having a polymer seal, i.e., a plug, dimensioned to pass through the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate of the fixed element. This polymer seal, i.e., plug, acts as a valve, permitting compressed gases within the resealable container to escape, if present, and further permitting air to enter the beverage can when dispensing liquids from the beverage can. The slider portion of the movable closure element permits a releasable connection from the lever portion and generally includes a slot, e.g., an elongated slot, dimensioned to permit the protruding shaft of the plate to pass therethrough. The slider portion includes a plurality of apertures that are dimensioned to connect or mate with the plurality of mating features of the lever portion. For example, the lever portion can include a plurality of hooks or latches that fit into the plurality of apertures of the slider portion. Hooks and latches are but examples of mating features, and this disclosure is in no way limited by the type of mating feature used to secure the lever portion and slider portion. In some embodiments, the lever portion and slider portion are made of unitary construction, e.g., not constructed from a separate lever portion and separate slider portion that are mated together.

The sealing portion of the movable closure element is generally constructed and arranged to be held against a lower surface of the fixed element aligned with the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, when the lever portion is not in use. The sealing portion may include a stem connected to the lever portion. The stem may be constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. The downward motion of the sealing portion away from the lower or bottom surface of the fixed element permits the top cover to move. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion is moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

The fixed element, in some embodiments, may include an industry-standard shell, also known as a can end. The can end may be used to construct the closure system before any additional features have been applied, such as a score line for a dispensing aperture, a standard tab, a pin that holds the tab in place, and any stamped features or engraved text. There are a number of industry standard shells available on the market. For example, a fixed element or shell may be any of a B64 shell available from Ball Corporation, Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), and Crown Holdings Inc., a CDL shell available from Ball Corporation and Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), or a SUPEREND® shell available from Crown Holdings Inc. Industry-standard shells are generally manufactured from any suitable material that can withstand changes in temperature, pressure, and the chemistry of the container contents. For example, shells may be manufactured from various types of steels, tin, or aluminum or aluminum alloys, such as 5000 series aluminum that is an alloy of aluminum with magnesium. In particular embodiments, fixed elements useful for the disclosure disclosed herein may be manufactured from 5052 or 5182 aluminum alloy having a thickness of between about 0.208 mm to about 0.305 mm.

In some embodiments, the fixed element may include a can end having a first aperture and a second aperture. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, the can end 100 has a first, larger aperture 102 that is intended to be a dispensing aperture and a smaller, second aperture 104 positioned laterally with the first aperture. The shape of the first aperture may be of any suitable profile that permits dispensing, e.g., round, oval, chamfered, and the like. In specific embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, the shape of the first aperture may be substantially oblong in profile having a pair of parallel sides in line with a long axis of the first aperture, i.e., a “Double D” aperture. The first aperture can have a portion of its periphery be substantially parallel sides. Other aperture shapes are possible and envisioned within this disclosure. The can end further includes standard can end features, such as a partially rolled outer periphery to facilitate attachment to a standard can body using methods known in the art.

In some embodiments, the fixed element includes a plate 200 that is secured to a bottom of bottom surface of the can end. The plate can be used, in some instances, to increase the rigidity of the can end. In general, beverage containers designed for use with pressurized liquids, e.g., carbonated water, soda, beer, and the like, can reach an internal pressure of 6.4 bar when sealed. This high internal pressure can cause the can end's generally flat plain to dome, potentially pushing any part or feature located on the top surface of the can end's flat plain to protrude beyond the dimensions or shape of the can, causing an issue known as “tab to chime.” The plate, being made of the same material and being in close dimension to the can end, reduces doming of the can end. In particular embodiments, plates useful for the resealable container disclosed herein may be manufactured from 3004 or 5052 aluminum alloy having a thickness of about 0.635 mm. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F, a plate 200 can have an aperture 202 that has substantially the same size and shape as the first aperture of the can end. The plate further includes a protruding shaft 205 from a top surface of the plate that is positioned in the same location as the second aperture of the can end. This protruding shaft 205 is dimensioned such that is passes through the second aperture of the can end when the can end and plate are affixed together. In some embodiments, the protruding shaft 205 can be from about 1 mm to about 5 mm in height from the top surface of the plate, e.g., about 1 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.3 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.3 mm, about 4.4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.9 mm, or about 5 mm. In specific embodiments, the protruding shaft has a height of about 2.2 mm to about 2.5 mm, e.g., about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, or about 2.5 mm. The protruding shaft 205 of the plate 200, in some embodiments, includes an opening 204 therethrough on its top surface. The opening may be less than or equal to the diameter of the protruding shaft.

An embodiment of the assembly of the fixed element 300 including the can end and the plate is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. In FIGS. 3A and 3C, showing top and bottom perspective views of the individual components, respectively, the can end 100 is positioned on top of an adhesive layer 302, e.g., a food safe adhesive layer, e.g., an adhesive layer, double sided adhesive tape, or solder, which is positioned on top of the top surface of the plate 200. The adhesive layer 302, e.g., a food safe adhesive layer, e.g., an adhesive layer, double sided adhesive tape, or solder, includes cutouts that substantially match the shape and dimensions of the first aperture 102 and second aperture 104 in the can end 100 and the aperture 202 and protruding shaft 205 of the plate 200. As illustrated, the first aperture 102 has a pair of substantially parallel sides 102a. When each component is connected, e.g., pressed, together, as illustrated in the top and bottom perspective views of the fixed element 300 in illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3D, respectively, the first aperture of the can end 102, the cutout in the adhesive layer 302, and the aperture of the plate 200 all are substantially in line. Similarly, the protruding shaft 205 of the plate 202 passes through the smaller aperture of the adhesive layer 302 and the second aperture 104 of the can end 100 and protrudes above the top surface of the can end 100.

The closure system disclosed herein includes a movable closure element that is constructed and arranged to seal and reseal the first aperture in the fixed element, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to seal and reseal the resealable container. The movable closure element generally includes two elements: a top cover and a sealing portion that is connected to the top cover. The top cover is disposed on the top surface of the fixed element and the sealing element is disposed on the bottom surface of the fixed element. In operation, when the top cover is engaged, the sealing portion is moved away from the bottom surface of the fixed element a predetermined distance such that the movable closure system as a unit can be directed away from the first aperture in the can end, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to provide access to the contents of the resealable container. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance, i.e., the distance from the base of the stem to the bottom surface of the fixed element, is between about 3 mm to about 4 mm, e.g., about 3 mm, about 3.05 mm, about 3.10 mm, about 3.15 mm, about 3.20 mm, about 3.25 mm, about 3.30 mm, about 3.35 mm, about 3.40 mm, about 3.45 mm, about 3.50 mm, about 3.55 mm, about 3.60 mm, about 3.65 mm, about 3.70 mm, about 3.75 mm, about 3.80 mm, about 3.85 mm, about 3.90 mm, about 3.95 mm, or about 4 mm. In certain embodiments, the predetermined distance is form about 3.25 mm to about 3.75 mm.

In some embodiments, the movable closure element includes two components: a lever portion and a slider portion. The lever portion and slider portion can be two separate components that are mated together. Alternatively, the lever portion and slider portion can be integrated into a single component with separate functionalities. Independent of the configuration, the lever portion of the movable closure element is constructed and arranged to permit the movable closure element to be disengaged from the fixed element and provide for initial venting of the resealable container should the resealable container include pressurized contents. Once the resealable container is depressurized, if needed, and the movable closure element disengaged from the fixed element, the slider portion permits the movable closure element to be moved by the lever portion along an axis or plane of the fixed element to expose the first aperture of the can end, i.e., the dispensing aperture. The lever portion and slider portion similarly work in conjunction to move the movable closure element back to cover the first aperture of the can end, i.e., the dispensing aperture, and reseal the resealable container.

An embodiment of a lever portion is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4G. As illustrated, lever portion 400 includes a body 402 that is bisected into two parts, a fixed part 402a and a movable part 402b, by the inclusion of a hinge 404 integrated into the body 402. An integrated hinge, also called a living hinge, is a low-duty hinge made from a thin portion of the same material as the parts being hinged together. Other hinge variants are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. The fixed part 402a of the lever portion 400 includes an aperture 406 and a plurality of mating features 408 that permit connection to other components of the movable closure element, i.e., the slider portion. As illustrated in FIG. 4G, aperture 406 includes an extension 406a having the shape of the aperture that extends down from the bottom surface of body 402. The plurality of mating features 408 may be any suitable type of connector that provides a secure connection to another component, such as tabs, pins, posts, protrusions, and other similar features. In specific embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4C-4E and 4G, the plurality of mating features 408 may include snap hooks 408a and posts 408b that are dimensioned to fit into an appropriately sized aperture on another component of the movable closure element, i.e., the slider portion. The movable part 402b of the lever portion 400 includes an aperture that is filled by a plug 410 and a retention pin 412 disposed closer to the hinge 404. The retention pin 412 protrudes above the top surface of the lever portion 400 and the plug 410 protrudes below the top surface of the lever portion 400. The lever portion 400 includes an aperture 414 disposed at the end of the part of the lever portion 400 including the plug 410 and retention pin 412. This aperture is used to secure the movable part 402b of the lever portion 400 following rescaling of the resealable container. An example material useful for the plug 410 of the present disclosure is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO), or a silicone rubber having a Shore hardness of Shore 60-70A.

An embodiment of a slider portion is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5G. In FIGS. 5A-5G, slider portion 500 includes a body 502 having a profile that is substantially the same as the lever portion illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4G. The slider portion 500 includes an elongated slot 504 that is dimensioned to permit the protruding shaft of the fixed element to pass. When engaged, the slider portion slides along the elongated slot 504 with the protruding shaft of the fixed element acting as a slide stop. The slider portion 500 also includes a plurality of apertures 506 that line up with the plurality of mating features 408 of the lever portion 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4G. The larger aperture 508 of the slider portion 500 is sized to permit extension 406a of aperture 406 of the lever portion 400 to pass through without interference. At the end of the slider portion 500 with the elongated slot 504 is a moveable closure 510 that is sized to fit into the aperture 414 of the lever portion. The movable closure 510 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5G as a flexible snap hook that fits into aperture 414 and hooks onto one side of the aperture 414. This is only an example of a movable closure, and other types of movable closures, e.g., snaps, clips, tabs, and the like, are within the scope of this disclosure. In operation, the movable part 402b of the lever portion 400 can be secured to the slider portion 500 by allowing the moveable closure 510 to contact the aperture 414 of the lever portion 400, releasably fixing its position. The embodiment of a releasable closure for the lever portion and slider portion is only one example of this type of closure and other embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure.

As disclosed herein, the lever portion of the top cover is constructed and arranged to be mated with the slider portion of the top cover. An embodiment of the mating of these two components is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D. In FIG. 6A, the lever portion 400 is positioned above the slider portion 500 with the plurality of mating features of the lever portion 400 positioned over the plurality of apertures of the slider portion 500. The down arrow in FIG. 6A illustrates the direction in which the lever portion 400 and slider portion 500 are joined together. The curved arrow in FIG. 6A illustrates the range of motion of the movable part of the lever portion 400 via its hinge. During mating of the lever portion 400 and slider portion 500, the movable part of the lever portion is not secured to the slider portion and can be positioned out of the way as to not have it interfere with the assembly process. In FIGS. 6B and 6C, the lever portion 400 is pressed into the slider portion 500 such that the plurality of mating features 408a, 408b of the lever portion 400 pass through the plurality of apertures 506 and 508 of the slider portion 500. In the bottom perspective views of FIGS. 6C and 6D, a post 408b extending from the lower surface of the lever portion 400 is pressed, i.e., heat pressed, flat against the lower surface of the slider portion 500 to secure the two components together. The snap hooks 408a of the lever portion 400 have the hooked end protruding from the lower surface of the mated components.

FIGS. 7A-7D and 8A-8G present alternative embodiments of the mating or joining of the lever portion and slider portion of the top cover. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, the lever portion 702 and slider portion 704 are shown as a single unit connected by a hinge 706 at the periphery of the two components. To form the top cover, the slider portion 704 is folded along the direction shown in the curved arrow in FIGS. 7A and 7C into the lower surface of the lever portion 702. When folded at the hinge 706, the lever portion 702 is pressed into the slider portion 704 such that the plurality of mating features 702a of the lever portion 702 pass through the plurality of apertures 704a of the slider portion 704. The plug 710 of the lever portion 702 passes through the elongated slot 708 of the slider portion 704 and protrudes below the lower surface of the slider portion 704. The moveable closure 712 to contact the aperture 714 of the lever portion 702, releasably fixing its position.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the assembly of a top cover made from a metal slider portion and metal lever portion that are affixed together. In FIG. 8A, the lever portion 802 is fitted with plug 806 through an aperture in the lever portion 802. The slider portion 804 is formed from a stamped metal feedstock and is bent into shape by folding the back part into the main slider body to form mating hooks 804b as shown in FIG. 8B. To form the slider portion, the rear of the slider portion having the rectangular aperture in FIG. 8A is bent up at the narrow point and on to the C-shaped slit made in the metal feedstock. This C-shape slit is then folded over one side of the rectangular aperture to secure it to the main slider body. The snap hooks, cut as slits into the metal feedstock, are folded down such that they protrude below the rectangular aperture. The lever portion 802 is laid onto the slider portion 804 along the direction of the curved arrow which has a set of tabs having apertures formed on the sides. These apertured tabs are folded up and onto pins protruding from the leading edge of the lever portion 802 as shown in FIGS. 8C-8D. FIGS. 8E-8G illustrate this variant of the top cover in operation, with the lever portion 802 secured to the slider portion 804 using a movable closure 810 and the plug 806 passing thorough the elongated slot 808 of the of the slider portion 804. In general, the lever portion and the slider portion can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, one or both of the lever portion and slider portion may be made from a metal, such as various types of steels, tin, aluminum, or aluminum alloys, such as 5000 series aluminum that is an alloy of aluminum with magnesium.

Alternatively, one or both of the lever portion and slider portion may be made from a polymeric material, such as a TPE, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), or other food safe polymers. One or both of the sealing portion and the plug may be made from any suitably flexible polymer, e.g., TPE. TPO, silicone rubber, or another suitable polymer that can provide for the formation of a hermetic seal. In specific embodiments, the sealing portion may include more than one polymer, e.g., a PP structure with a TPE seal as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the movable closure element includes a sealing portion that is constructed and arranged to be positioned against the first aperture of the fixed element, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to seal the first aperture when the movable closure element is engaged. In operation, when the lever portion is lifted, the scaling portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As disclosed herein, engaging the lever portion removes the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft, which depressurizes the resealable container and thus permits the top cover to be moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element and thus expose the first aperture of the fixed element.

FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate an embodiment of a sealing portion for the movable closure element disclosed herein. As illustrated, sealing portion 900 includes a stem 902 that is disposed orthogonally to a base 904 and attached to a top surface of the base 904 at one end. The base 904 generally includes spacers 907 on the top surface of the base 904 and a plurality of mating features 906 on a lower surface of the base 904. The spacers 907 provide a gap for air to flow when the resealable container is in use, e.g., emptied. The plurality of mating features 906, illustrated as three posts in FIG. 9D, can be pressed, e.g., heat pressed, to secure another component to the base 904. The stem 902 includes at its free end an aperture 908 that is dimensioned to connect to the retention pin 412 of the lever portion of the top cover. The stem and lever portion can be connected using other connectors, such as by welding, e.g., chemical welding or heat welding, snaps, rivets, e.g., semi-tubular rivets, adhesives, or other suitable fasteners. The stem 902 further includes a hinge 910 molded into the stem 902 permitting the stem 902 to bend when connected to the lever portion of the top cover. The periphery of the base 904 includes a polymeric seal 912, e.g., an O-ring, that presses into the lower surface of the fixed element to create the seal, e.g., hermetic seal, when the resealable container is closed. The polymeric seal 912 can be integral to the sealing portion 900. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9E, the polymeric seal 912 is formed directly onto the periphery of the base 904 as an overmolded component of a different polymeric material than the base 904. Alternatively, the polymeric seal 912 can be a separate component that is affixed to the periphery of the base 904, e.g., a separate O-ring secured into a groove or the like at the periphery of the base 904. In general, the sealing portion 900 is made substantially from a polymer material as disclosed herein, and thus is lightweight and flexible. To provide additional support to the sealing portion 900, the base 904 can have a support 1000, illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F, connected thereto. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F, the support 1000 is dimensioned to accept the base 904 and includes a plurality of apertures 1002 that permit the plurality of mating features 906 to pass therethrough. To provide additional rigidity, the support 1000 can be made from a more rigid polymer material or a metal, e.g., aluminum or steel. Further, the support 1000 can be used to limit the amount of compression that the polymeric seal 912, e.g., an O-ring, of the sealing portion experiences. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the application of high pressure, such as pressure from a carbonated beverage in a can, to softer polymers distorts their shape, and depending on the magnitude of the applied force, the original shape may not return once the applied force is removed. The support, being made from a more rigid material than the sealing portion, aids in limiting the applied force to the polymeric seal 912 permitting the polymeric seal 912 to return to its original shape after being compressed by the high internal pressure within the resealable container which generally acts to push or force the polymeric seal 912 into the bottom surface of the fixed element.

As disclosed herein, one or more components of the closure system are made from a polymeric material. In general, the use of polymeric material is to be minimized for resealable containers that are distributed to the general public. The polymeric materials are typically not separated from the other substrates, e.g., aluminum or steel, when the resealable container is disposed of. Thus, when the resealable container is processed, such as by recycling, the metallic substrates will be melted down to recapture stock metal. During this process, the polymeric material will be burned or fired off as their melting and boiling points are far lower than any metal. It is an object of this disclosure to reduce polymer use to conform with industry standards and environmental regulations. In some embodiments, the total amount of polymer materials in the closure systems disclosed herein is between about 0.5 g and about 3.5 g, e.g., about 0.6 g to about 3.0 g, about 0.7 g to about 2.5 g, or about 0.8 g to about 2.2 g, e.g., about 0.5 g, about 0.6 g. about 0.7 g, about 0.8 g, about 0.9 g, about 1.0 g, about 1.1 g, about 1.2 g, about 1.3 g, about 1.4 g, about 1.5 g, about 1.6 g, about 1.7 g, about 1.8 g, about 1.9 g, about 2.0 g, about 2.1 g, about 2.2 g, about 2.3 g, about 2.4 g, about 2.5 g, about 2.6 g, about 2.7 g. about 2.8 g, about 2.9 g, about 3.0 g, about 3.1 g, about 3.2 g, about 3.3 g, about 3.4 g, or about 3.5 g. In certain embodiments, the closure systems as disclosed herein have between 0.8 g to 2.2. g of polymeric material. In specific embodiments, the closure systems as disclosed herein have at least 0.8 g of polymeric material. In specific embodiments, the closure systems as disclosed herein have no more than 2.2 g of polymeric material.

An example of the sealing portion and the support being mated together is illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D. In FIG. 11A, the sealing portion 900 is positioned over the support 1000 such that the plurality of mating features of the sealing portion 900 are in alignment with the plurality of apertures 1002 in the support 1000. The sealing portion 900 and support 1000 are fitted together along the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B illustrates the two components fitted together with the sealing portion 900 sitting within the support 1000. FIG. 11C shows the plurality of mating features 906 of the sealing portion 900 protruding through the plurality of apertures 1002 in the support 1000. As illustrated in FIG. 11D, the plurality of mating features 906 of the sealing portion 900 are shown as posts that can be pressed or flattened, e.g., heat pressed, to form connection 906′ that secure the sealing portion 900 to the support 1000. This type of attachment between the sealing portion 900 and the support 1000 is only one embodiment and other types of attachment features for these two components, e.g., hooks, e.g., snap hooks, rivets, e.g., semi-tubular rivets, pins, adhesives, welds, and the like, are within the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an embodiment of the sealing portion 900 made fully from polymer materials, i.e., including an overmolded seal on a top surface of a base. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, the stem 902 is flexible and can bend both at the hinge 910 close to the stem aperture 908 and at the point where the stem 902 connects to the base 904 of the sealing portion 900. The sealing portion 900 has an O-ring seal 912 formed into a top surface of the base 904 made from a suitable polymeric material, e.g., TPE, TPO, silicon rubber, or the like, with an appropriate hardness for sealing against the lower surface or bottom of the fixed element, e.g., a Shore hardness of 60-70A. The sealing portion base 904 and stem 902 can be made from a more flexible polymeric material, e.g., PP, PS, PTFE, and other similar materials.

FIGS. 13A-13C. 14A-14D, and 15A-15E illustrate the assembly of the closure system disclosed herein from the individual components, i.e., the fixed element, the top cover, and the sealing portion. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the top cover including the mated lever portion 400 and slider portion 500 is positioned over the fixed element 300. In particular, the elongated slot 504 of the slider portion 500 is positioned over the protruding shaft 205 from the top surface of the fixed element 300 and the plurality of mating features of the lever portion 400 are positioned over the first aperture 102, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300. FIG. 13B shows the top cover including the mated lever portion 400 and slider portion 500 and fixed element 300 fitted together, with the protruding shaft 205 from the top surface of the fixed element 300 extending through the elongated slot 504 of the slider portion 500. The plurality of mating features of the lever portion 400 contact the periphery of the first aperture 102, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300 to aid in securing the top cover to the fixed element 300. In operation, i.e., when the top cover slides to expose the first aperture 102, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300, the plurality of mating features of the lever portion 400 act as guides for the top cover, providing for an even sliding of the top cover back and forth along the axis of the slider portion 500. To secure the top cover to the fixed element 300, the protruding shaft 205 of the fixed element 300 that extends through the elongated slot 504 of the slider portion 500 can be clinched or flattened down to form connection 205′ sufficient to secure the components while permitting the slider portion 500 to slide along its elongated slot 504.

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate operation of the mated top cover and fixed element. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14C, the top cover can slide back and forth along the elongated slot 504 of the slider portion 500 with the clinched protruding shaft 205′ of the fixed element 300 acting as a slide stop to limit the length of sliding when exposing the first aperture 102, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300. FIGS. 14B and 14D illustrate a bottom perspective view of FIGS. 14A and 14C, showing the plurality of mating features 408a of the lever portion 400 in contact with the periphery of the first aperture 102, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300. As disclosed herein, the plurality of mating features 408a of the lever portion 400 act as guides for the top cover, providing for an even sliding of the top cover back and forth along the elongated slot 504 of the slider portion 500. The plurality of mating features 408a of the lever portion 400, illustrated as snap hooks in FIGS. 14B and 14D, have the hook portion extending beyond the periphery of the first aperture 102, i.e., the dispensing aperture, to further secure the top cover to the fixed element 300. In the illustrated configuration, the pair of substantially parallel sides of the first aperture 102 interface with the snap hook mating features 408a such that the top cover slides straight along the substantially parallel sides of the first aperture 102.

FIGS. 15A-15E illustrate the attachment of the sealing portion to the mated top cover and fixed element to form the complete closure system disclosed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the free end of the stem 902 of the sealing portion 900 is passed through the largest aperture 508 of plurality of apertures in the mated slider portion 500 and extension 406a of aperture 406 of the lever portion 400. As disclosed herein, the free end of the stem 902 includes an aperture 908 that is dimensioned to pass over the retention pin 412 of the lever portion 400. In FIG. 15B, the stem 902 is secured to the lever portion 400 by placing the aperture 908 of the stem 902 over the retention pin 412. The retention pin 412, as illustrated in FIG. 15C, can be clinched, pressed, e.g., heat pressed, or flattened down to secure the free end of the stem 902 to the lever portion 400. In this configuration, the movable part of the lever portion 400, when engaged against its hinge, causes the plug 410 to be removed from the opening in the protruding shaft and the sealing portion 900 to move a predetermined distance away from the bottom surface of the fixed element 300. This release of the sealing portion 900 a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element 300 allows the top cover and sealing portion 900 to be moved, i.e., slid, along the elongated slot of the slider portion 500 and expose the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300. As illustrated in FIG. 15D, when the movable part of the lever portion 400 is closed by connecting the aperture 714 in the lever portion 400 to the movable closure 510 of the slider portion 500, the sealing portion 900 is pulled back up into the bottom surface of the fixed element 300 to create the seal over the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300. In parallel with the recreation of the initial seal over the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300, and as illustrated in FIG. 15E, the plug 410 of the lever portion 400 is reinserted into the opening of the protruding shaft of the fixed element 300 and protrudes below the lower surface of the fixed element 300 with the sealing portion 900 held against the bottom surface of the fixed element 300 to create the sealed container. As disclosed herein, the plug 410 of the lever portion 400, when the lever portion 400 is initially lifted from the fixed element 300, acts as an initial release point for any pressure within the resealable container. When the pressure in the resealable container is released, the opening of the protruding shaft of the fixed element 300 acts as an aeration valve, permitting the contents of the resealable container to be emptied with a controlled flow through the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element 300.

FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate different embodiments of the final as-assembled closure system for a resealable container disclosed herein. In particular, the views illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16B correspond to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8G, i.e., the lever portion 802 and slider portion 804 of the top cover made from a metal feedstock. The views illustrated in FIGS. 16C-16D correspond to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, i.e., the lever portion 702 and slider portion 704 of the top cover made from a polymer and are unitarily formed from a polymer material with a central hinge. In both embodiments of the closure system, independent of the material used for fabrication, the operation is substantially identical, i.e., each has a lever portion that disengages a sealing portion a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element to allow the entire movable closure element to slide via the slider portion and expose the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element. Further, both embodiments include a plug in the lever portion that fits into the opening of the protruding shaft of the fixed element connected to the elongated slot of the slider portion. As disclosed herein, the plug, when removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the fixed element, acts to initially permit depressurization of the resealable container, should it contain pressurized contents. When open, the opening of the protruding shaft of the fixed element also acts as an aeration valve to permit a smooth flow of the contents of the resealable container from the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element.

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate various views of another embodiment of the final as-assembled closure system for a resealable container disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, once the lever portion 400, slider portion 500, sealing portion 900, and fixed element 300 are fully assembled, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, 14A-14D, and 15A-15E, the movable closure system can be secured or otherwise include a tamper proof or tamper evident seal 1700 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 17A. As illustrated, the tamper proof or tamper evident seal can be a strip of tamper tape, foil tape, or another similar marker connected to the lever portion 400 and the top surface of the fixed element 300 to provide an end user an indication that the resealable container has been tampered with or otherwise has lost its integrity. This is only one type of connection for a tamper proof or tamper evident seal, and other types of indicators for the integrity of the resealable can are within the scope of this disclosure. The tamper evident seal 1700 may provide an indication that the original seal from the manufacturer has been broken such that a user may assess the safety of the contents of the resealable container, or whether the contents of the resealable container have been altered. The indication may be any indication that notifies the user that the manufacturing seal has been at least partially broken, for example by movement of the component, or change in color of the component. The component can be a sub-component of the top cover, sealing portion, fixed element, or a combination thereof. For example, the sub-component can be a portion of the top cover, such that when a portion of the top cover or another portion of the closure system is manipulated in some way, the sub-component may indicate that the container has been at least partially opened, tampered with, or otherwise altered. The tamper evident seal 1700 can provide relevant information about the contents of the resealable container, e.g., type of contents, flavor of contents, color of contents, and the like. The tamper evident seal 1700 can further provide cosmetic markings, such as a manufacturer's name, logo, or other trademark or trade dress.

As disclosed herein, the closure system includes a movable closure element connected to a fixed element and is secured to a container body. The moveable closure element, when disengaged from the fixed element, can be translated along the fixed element to expose the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element. Methods of opening and closing the resealable container including the closure system disclosed herein are illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18D and 19A-19C. In FIG. 18A, the closure system is depicted at a first position with the lever portion connected to the slider portion and the top cover positioned over the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element. In this first position, the resealable container is closed, i.e., sealed, to the atmosphere as indicated by the intact tamper tape on the lever portion. To open the closure system, the movable part of the lever portion is disengaged from the slider portion and rotated or lifted upwards such that the movable part of the lever portion is substantially orthogonal with the remainder of the movable closure element as illustrated in FIG. 18B. In rotating or lifting the movable part of the lever portion to this position, the sealing portion is disengaged from the lower surface of the fixed element and the plug is removed from the opening in the protruding shaft of fixed element, releasing any pressure within the resealable container while leaving the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element covered. As the sealing portion is disengaged and the pressure within the resealable container dissipated, the movable closure element can be slid back against the slider portion coupled to the protruding shaft of the fixed element to expose the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element as illustrated in FIG. 18C. The movable part of the lever portion can be lowered towards the remainder of the movable closure element to provide access to the contents of the resealable container as illustrated in FIG. 18D. This motion of the movable part of the lever portion partially reengages the sealing portion against the lower surface of the fixed element and provides sufficient friction to keep the movable part of the lever portion from closing on itself.

The resealable container can be resealed by substantially reversing the steps used to open the resealable container as illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19C. In FIG. 19A, the movable part of the lever portion is lifted from its resting position on the surface of the movable closure element to disengage the sealing portion from its partial engagement with the lower surface of the fixed element. As the sealing portion is disengaged, the movable closure element can be slid back against the slider portion coupled to the protruding shaft of the fixed element to close the first aperture, i.e., the dispensing aperture, of the fixed element as illustrated in FIG. 19B. The sealing portion can be reengaged with the lower surface of the fixed element and the plug of the lever portion reinserted into the opening of the protruding shaft of the fixed element by the movable part of the lever portion being returned to the first position and secured to the slider portion, thus resealing the resealable container.

In operation, the closure system disclosed herein is constructed and arranged to be attached or mated with standard can bodies using equipment common to the canning and beverage industries. Following the filling process, the closure system disclosed herein can be fed into a seamer, which is a machine that attaches the can ends to the filled cans and creates a seam at the mating point using rollers. The seaming process is often performed at high speeds, up to about 2,600 can ends per minute. In order to achieve this level of seaming and filling, the closure system disclosed herein is constructed and arranged, by way of the profile and total height of the closure system, to be stacked on top of each other and placed in a trough that feeds the seamer. The closure system on the bottom of the stack slides out of the trough and is fed directly into the seamer. An example of how a plurality of the finished closure systems appear when stacked, is illustrated in FIG. 20. As illustrated, each closure system stacks one on top of the other, with the total installed height of the movable closure element not exceeding the height of the rim of the fixed element. The low profile of the closure system disclosed herein ensures that the closure system will slide out from the bottom of the stack with ease and without the need for a spacer or separator that would slow down the production processes. In short, closure systems disclosed herein can be integrated into existing production lines with no changes to the equipment, process, or methods currently used in the filling and canning plants.

FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate the assembly of the resealable container and the resulting finished resealable container using a container body and a closure system disclosed herein. In general, the closure system can be connected to the container body using existing equipment typical in the canning industry that positions the closure system on top of a filled container body, as illustrated in FIG. 21A. The container body is constructed and arranged to accept the fixed element, which as disclosed herein begins as a shell, i.e., a can end, e.g., a B64 shell available from Ball Corporation, Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), and Crown Holdings inc., a CDL shell available from Ball Corporation and Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), or a SUPEREND® shell available from Crown Holdings Inc. As the fixed end is an industry-standard shape and dimension, the rim at the perimeter of the fixed end is configured to rest on the opening of the container body as illustrated in FIG. 21B. The rim of the fixed end may be rolled around the perimeter of the opening of the can body, permanently connecting the container body to the fixed end with a gas-tight double seam seal as illustrated in FIG. 21C. As illustrated, the resealable container is of the same dimensions as a standard U.S. beverage can, e.g., 12 fluid ounce can or 16 fluid ounce can. The closure system as disclosed herein can be modified without loss of function to fit other common container, e.g., can, types, such as slim cans, e.g., 133 mm high by 53 mm diameter, and brite cans, e.g., 32 fluid ounce cans. Thus, once installed onto filled container bodies, the resealable container disclosed herein is indistinguishable from existing non-resealable canned beverages and can stored, handled, and dispensed using identical equipment common to industries such as beverage distribution and cargo transport.

In accordance with certain examples, there is provided a method of manufacturing a resealable container, e.g., a resealable container as disclosed herein. The method includes providing a container body, e.g., a beverage can. The method includes providing a closure system attachable to the container body, e.g., a closure system as described herein. The closure system includes a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container and a movable closure element. The fixed element includes a can end having a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate includes an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end.

The movable closure element includes a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover includes a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion are constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. In a first position, the top cover covers the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fits into an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate. The sealing portion includes a stem connected to the lever portion with the stem being constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion moves laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed. The method further includes attaching the closure system to the container body, thereby manufacturing the resealable container.

In some embodiments, the fixed element is manufactured from a metal, e.g., various types of steels, tin, or aluminum or aluminum alloys, such as 5000 series aluminum that is an alloy of aluminum with magnesium. In some embodiments, at least one of the lever portion and slider portion is made from a metal as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least one of the lever portion and slider portion is made from a polymer, e.g., a polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), or other food safe polymers. For example, one or both of the plug and the scaling portion may be manufactured from a polymer that permits formation of a seal, e.g., a hermetic seal, as disclosed herein. In specific embodiments, the sealing portion may include more than one polymer, e.g., a PP structure with a TPE O-ring as disclosed herein.

In accordance with certain examples, there is provided a method of providing a closure system attachable to a container, e.g., a resealable container as disclosed herein. The method includes providing a fixed element attachable to the container. The fixed element includes a can end having a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end. The plate includes an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end.

The method includes providing a movable closure element. The movable closure element includes a top cover and a sealing portion. The top cover includes a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug. The lever portion and slider portion are constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged. In a first position, the top cover covers the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fits into an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate. The sealing portion includes a stem connected to the lever portion with the stem being constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element. As the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion moves laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing instructions to assemble the closure system from the fixed element and the movable closure element. The assembly instructions include connecting the lever portion and the slider portion to form the top cover. The assembly instructions include connecting the top cover to the fixed element. The assembly instructions further include connecting the sealing portion to the lever portion by passing the stem through a bottom of the fixed element and an aperture on the top cover and onto a retention pin of the lever portion.

EXAMPLES

The function and advantages of these and other embodiments can be better understood from the following examples. These examples are intended to be illustrative in nature and are not considered to be in any way limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Example 1—Exemplary Shells for Fixed Ends

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrates the use of industry standard shells, i.e., can ends, useful for the formation of can ends for the closure system disclosed herein. Manufacturers design different can ends in order to reduce the amount of aluminum needed without compromising the strength and ability to withstand the high internal pressure of a filled beverage can. Can ends or shells are available in a number of sizes based on outer diameter, including 200 mm, 202 mm, 204 mm, 206 mm and 300 mm, with the most common can shell on the market being the 202 can end. In FIGS. 22A-22C, the 202 can end was compared between three manufacturers: a B64 shell (FIG. 23A), available from Ball Corporation, Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), and Crown Holdings Inc, a CDL+ shell (FIG. 23B), available from Ball Corporation and Ardagh Metal packaging (AMP), and a SUPEREND® shell (FIG. 23C), available from Crown Holdings Inc.

All three shared the same outer diameter, i.e., 202 mm and were stamped out of a pre-coated aluminum 5182 or 5052 stock material with the same material thickness of 0.2083 mm, i.e., 32 gauge. The main differences between the various can ends is the diameter of the shell plain, the depth of the shell plain, i.e., the distance between the shell rim and the shell plain, and the rim shape. The B64 can end as illustrated in FIG. 22A represented the shell with the largest shell plain diameter, i.e., D1=46.42 mm and shell plain depth, e.g., H1=4.48 mm, and thus provided the most suitable shell for prototyping the closure system disclosed herein. Other shells such as the CDL+ shell of FIG. 22B, i.e., having D2=43.55 mm and H2=4.17 mm, and the SUPEREND® shell of FIG. 22C. i.e., having D3=42.00 mm and H3=4.32 mm, were smaller in lateral surface area than the B64 can end but are nonetheless suitable for use with the closure system as disclosed herein. The B64 can end had a simple parabolic shape from the rim to the top surface of the shell plain whereas the CDL+ shell and SUPEREND® shell have more complex geometries from the rim to the shell plain.

Example 2—Exemplary Plate for Fixed Ends

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrates an example shell, specifically a B64 shell, that has been manufactured into a can end including a first aperture and a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture with the dimensions given in mm. FIGS. 23B and 23C illustrate a plate that was coupled to the bottom of the can end. The plate in FIG. 23B was the same diameter as the can end plane, e.g., 46.0 mm for the B64 shell, 43.5 mm for the CDL+ shell, and 42.0 mm for the SUPEREND® shell. As illustrated in FIG. 23B, an exemplary plate for the B64 shell had an aperture having substantially parallel sides and an overall oblong profile that was aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft that was dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can. The aperture illustrated was a “Double D” type aperture with a width W1=13.00 mm and had two different radii of curvature for the curved portions at the ends of the substantially parallel sides. The curve where the contents of the resealable container are dispensed had a larger radius, i.e., R1=9.25 mm, than the curve positioned closer to the second aperture, i.e., R2=9.07 mm. This difference provided for increased strength of the can end and plate. The opening in the protruding shaft had a diameter D4=4.20 mm through which the plug of the lever portion of the top cover passed through. In FIG. 23C, the thickness T1 of the B64-compatible plate was 0.635 mm with a protruding shaft height H4 of between 2.2 mm to 2.5 mm and a wall thickness T2 of 0.254 mm. This plate was secured to the bottom or lower surface of the can end illustrated in FIG. 23A using a solid food-safe adhesive, e.g., a double-sided adhesive tape.

Example 3—Exemplary Top Cover

As disclosed herein, the top cover of the movable closure system includes a lever portion and a slider portion that are mated together and secured to the fixed element. An exemplary embodiment of a lever portion is illustrated in FIGS. 24A-24B. As illustrated, the lever portion included a body that was bisected into two parts by the inclusion of a living hinge integrated into the body. The width of the lever portion W2 was 18.15 mm which ensured that sufficient metal of the can end was exposed such that a tamper-evident seal could be secured to the can end and any stamped-on information, e.g., deposit information or government-mandated information, was visible to a consumer. The first part of the lever portion, having a length L1 of 15.42 mm and thickness T3 of 2.10 mm, included a rectangular aperture, a pair of snap hooks, and a post on the bottom that permitted connection to other components of the movable closure element, i.e., the slider portion. As typical beverage containers are round, the lever portion was formed using curved ends that substantially match the profile of the can shell. The fixed part of the lever portion in FIG. 24A had a radius R3 of 9.07 mm.

The movable part of the lever portion, having a length L2 of 24.08 mm and thickness T4 of 2.80 mm, included an aperture that was filled by a plug and a retention pin disposed closer to the living hinge. The plug had a length L3 of 3.32 mm and a diameter D5 of 3.94 mm. The retention pin protruded above the top surface of the lever portion and the plug protruded below the top surface of the lever portion. The lever portion of FIG. 24A also included a rectangular aperture disposed at the end of the movable part of the lever portion. The rectangular aperture was used to secure the movable part of the lever portion to the slider portion using a friction fit by connection of a connector at the end of the slider portion.

An exemplary embodiment of a slider portion is illustrated in FIGS. 24C-24D. In FIGS. 24C-24D, the slider portion included a body having a profile and dimensions that were substantially the same as the lever portion illustrated in FIGS. 24A-24B, i.e., W3 equals W2 and R4 equals R3. The slider portion included an elongated slot having length 8.25 mm that was dimensioned to permit the protruding shaft of the fixed element to pass through, i.e., the width W4 of the slot was 4.00 mm. The slider portion also included a plurality of apertures that aligned with the snap hooks and posts of the lever portion illustrated in FIGS. 24A-24B. The larger rectangular aperture in the center of the slider portion was sized to be aligned with the corresponding rectangular aperture of the lever portion and permit the sealing portion to pass through. The slider portion was constructed and arranged to permit connection of the lever portion and was substantially thinner than the lever portion, i.e., T5 was 0.51 mm. At the end of the slider portion is a moveable closure, illustrated as a flexible snap hook, having a height H5 of 3.00 mm that was sized to fit into the rectangular aperture of the lever portion.

Example 4—Exemplary Sealing Portion

As disclosed herein, the movable closure system includes a scaling portion having a stem that is secured to the lever portion. An exemplary embodiment of a scaling portion fixed within a support is illustrated in FIGS. 25A-25D. As illustrated in FIGS. 25A-25D, the scaling portion included a stem having width W6 of 5.00 mm, a height H6 of 20.54 mm from the bottom of the support, a height H8 of 18.24 mm from the top surface of the base, and a thickness T6 of 0.70 mm that was disposed orthogonally to the base and attached to a top surface of the base at one end. The stem included at its free end an aperture having diameter D7 of 2.40 mm that was dimensioned to connect to the retention pin of the lever portion of the top cover as illustrated in FIGS. 24A-24B. The stem further included a hinge that permitted it to bend when connected to the lever portion. In operation, the stem's 0.70 mm thickness provided the flexibility for being raised and lowered when the movable part of the lever portion was actuated. Also attached to the top surface of the base were a pair of spacers flanking the stem, each having a diameter D5 of 2.00 mm. These included spacers on the top surface were dimensioned to ensure that when the movable closure is in the fourth position, i.e., opened position, the polymetric O-ring seal was not in full contact with the bottom of the fixed element allowing air to pass through the protruding shaft on the fixed element and into the container without being impeded by the seal portion, thus aerating the resealable container when pouring contents from the resealable container. These spacers had a height H7 of 0.36 mm. As further illustrated in FIG. 25A, the top surface of the base included two depressions having L6 of 2.46 mm, L7 of 4.80 mm, and W5 of 2.35 mm that were designed to receive or nest with the two snap hooks, i.e., mating features, of the lever portion when the resealable container is in the first position, i.e., sealed position.

The base, with the TPE overmolded O-ring and aluminum support attached, had an overall diameter R5 of 24.65 mm. As illustrated, the base with the TPE overmolded O-ring without the support attached had a chamfered circumferential profile with an outer diameter R4 of 22.5 mm. The base with the support attached had an overall thickness T7 of 2.76 mm with the TPE overmolded O-ring protruding over the top of the support by thickness T8 of 0.46 mm. As disclosed herein, the sealing portion included a plurality of mating features to connect the sealing portion to the support. As shown in FIGS. 25B-25D, the sealing portion had three posts protruding from the bottom surface that were sized to pass through a matching set of apertures on the support. The posts had a diameter D6 of 2.25 mm and a length L4 from the bottom surface of the support of 1.73 mm. Here, the sealing portion was made from a polypropylene homopolymer that has excellent chemical resistance, workability, and very low moisture absorbance. In addition, polypropylene homopolymers are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct food and beverage contact. The periphery of the base included an O-ring made from an overmolded TPE that pressed into the lower surface of the fixed element which created the seal.

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 disclosure 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 disclosure. 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 disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A closure system for sealing and resealing a container, comprising:

a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end, the plate comprising an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end, the fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container; and

a movable closure element comprising: a top cover comprising a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug, the lever portion and slider portion constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged, the top cover covering the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fitting in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position; and a sealing portion comprising a stem connected to the lever portion, the stem constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element, and as the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion is moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

2. The closure system of claim 1, wherein at the first position the top cover covers the first aperture, the lever portion is resting on and secured to the slider portion and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.

3. The closure system of claim 2, wherein at a second position, the top cover covers the first aperture, the lever portion is lifted from the slider portion to remove the plug from the opening in the protruding shaft and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

4. The closure system of claim 3, wherein at a third position, the top cover and the sealing portion expose the first aperture of the fixed element and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

5. The closure system of claim 4, wherein at a fourth position, the top cover and the sealing portion expose the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lowered towards the slider portion, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.

6. The closure system of claim 5, wherein at a fifth position, the top cover and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lifted relative to the slider portion, and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

7. The closure system of claim 6, wherein at a sixth position, the top cover and sealing portion cover the first aperture of the fixed element, and the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the fixed element.

8. The closure system of claim 7, wherein at a seventh position the top cover and sealing portion cover the first aperture of the fixed element, the lever portion is lowered to connect to the slider portion and insert the plug into the opening in the protruding shaft, and the sealing portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixed element.

9. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the first aperture has at least one pair of parallel sides.

10. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the plate is connected to the can end.

11. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the lever portion and the plug are a single component.

12. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the lever portion and slider portion are separate components.

13. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the lever portion, slider portion, and the plug are parts of a single component.

14. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the lever portion comprises a hinge that divides the lever portion into a fixed part and a movable part.

15. The closure system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the fixed part of the lever portion and slider portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially secure the top cover to the fixed element.

16. The closure system of claim 15, wherein the fixed part of the lever portion comprises a plurality of mating features to secure the lever portion to the slider portion.

17. The closure system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of mating features of the fixed part of the lever portion contact a periphery of the first aperture to guide sliding of the top cover.

18. The closure system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of mating features comprise snap hooks.

19. The closure system of claim 14, wherein the plug is incorporated into the movable part of the lever portion.

20. The closure system of claim 14, wherein the movable part of the lever portion includes a retention pin.

21. The closure system of claim 1, at least one of the top cover and the sealing portion is made of a material that is compatible with fixed element.

22. The closure system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lever portion, slider portion, plug, and sealing portion is made of a polymeric material.

23. The closure system of claim 22, wherein the total weight of the polymeric material is less than 2.2 grams.

24. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the slider portion comprises an elongated slot dimensioned to permit sliding against the protruding shaft of the plate.

25. The closure system of claim 20, wherein the sealing portion comprises a base connected orthogonally to the shaft and a polymer seal at the periphery of the base.

26. The closure system of claim 25, wherein the stem of the sealing portion includes an aperture at a free end.

27. The closure system of claim 26, wherein the aperture of the stem is constructed and arranged to be secured to the movable part of the lever portion by the retention pin.

28. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the stem of the sealing portion includes a hinge.

29. The closure system of claim 25, wherein the sealing portion comprises a support operatively coupled to a bottom surface of the base.

30. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the lever portion is constructed and arranged to secure the sealing portion in a resting or sealing position.

31. The closure system of claim 1, wherein further comprising a tamper-proof seal.

32. A closure system for sealing and resealing a container, comprising:

a fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container, the fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture and a protruding shaft spaced laterally apart from the first aperture; and

a movable closure element comprising: a top cover comprising a lever portion and slider portion, the lever portion and slider portion constructed and arranged to be mated together, the lever portion comprising a plug dimensioned to fit into an opening in the protruding shaft such that in a first position, the plug is disposed within the opening in the protruding shaft and the top cover is disposed over the first aperture; and a sealing portion comprising a stem connected to the lever portion, the sealing portion disposed below the fixed element and constructed and arranged such that, at the first position, a top surface of the sealing portion is in contact with a bottom surface of the fixed element.

33. A closure system for sealing and resealing a container, comprising:

a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end, the plate comprising a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end; and

a movable closure element comprising: a top cover disposed over the first aperture and comprising a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug, the lever portion and slider portion constructed and arranged to be engaged with the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along the slider portion, the plug constructed and arranged to act as a valve when removed from an opening in the protruding shaft; and a sealing portion comprising a stem connected to the lever portion, the stem constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element, permitting the top cover to be laterally moved along the slider portion to expose at least a portion of the first aperture.

34. A resealable container comprising a container body and the closure system of any one of claims 1-33.

35. A method of manufacturing a resealable container, comprising:

providing a container body;

providing a closure system connectable to the container body, the closure system comprising: a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end, the plate comprising an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end, the fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container; and a movable closure element comprising: a top cover comprising a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug, the lever portion and slider portion constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged, the top cover covering the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fitting in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position, and a sealing portion comprising a stem connected to the lever portion, the stem constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element, and as the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion is moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed; and

attaching the closure system to the container body, thereby manufacturing the resealable container.

36. A method of providing a closure system attachable to a container, comprising:

providing a fixed element comprising a can end comprising a first aperture, a second aperture spaced laterally apart from the first aperture, and a plate coupled to a bottom of the can end, the plate comprising an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the can end and a protruding shaft dimensioned to pass through the second aperture of the can end, the fixed element constructed and arranged to be secured to the container;

providing a movable closure element comprising: a top cover comprising a lever portion, a slider portion, and a plug, the lever portion and slider portion constructed and arranged to be engaged at least partially with the first aperture of the fixed element and the protruding shaft of the plate to permit lateral movement of the top cover along at least a portion of the first aperture when the lever portion is engaged, the top cover covering the first aperture of the fixed element and the plug fitting in an opening in the protruding shaft of the plate in a first position, and a sealing portion comprising a stem connected to the lever portion, the stem constructed and arranged such that, as the lever portion is lifted and the plug is removed from the opening of the protruding shaft of the plate, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the fixed element to a predetermined distance from a bottom surface of the fixed element, and as the top cover is moved laterally from the first aperture of the fixed element to the second aperture of the fixed element, the sealing portion is moved laterally at the predetermined distance with the top cover and the first aperture of the fixed element is exposed.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising providing instructions to assemble the closure system from the fixed element and the movable closure element, the assembly comprising:

connecting the lever portion and the slider portion to form the top cover;

connecting the top cover to the fixed element; and

connecting the sealing portion to the lever portion by passing the stem through a bottom of the fixed element and an aperture on the top cover and onto a retention pin of the lever portion.

38. A closure system for sealing and resealing a can, comprising:

a fixed element comprising a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture; and

a top cover disposed over the dispensing aperture and the vent aperture, the top cover comprising a seal that fits within the vent aperture when the top cover is closed and a sealing portion disposed beneath the fixed element, the top cover permitting the vent aperture to be opened such that the top cover and the sealing portion can be slid together to expose to dispensing aperture.

39. The closure system of claim 38, wherein the seal is operably coupled to a movable portion of the top cover.

40. The closure system of claim 38, wherein the seal is made from a material permitting formation of a hermetic seal.