US20110297689A1

US20110297689A1 - Closure for container

Info

Publication number: US20110297689A1
Application number: US13/212,082
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell Reed; Donna Reed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-04
Filing date: 2011-08-17
Publication date: 2011-12-08
Also published as: US20090194535A1

Abstract

The present invention is a closure for a container that includes a cover plate and a sip hole configured within the cover plate and adapted on a dispensing opening configured in the top end portion of the container. The closure further includes a reclosable lid that is hinged to the cover plate for enabling a pivotal motion of the reclosable lid. A second embodiment of the invention includes a closure with a back surface that accommodates a variety of container top and container top edge dimensions that are utilized to hold a variety of beverages, with a raised perimeter, a releasable tab, a top surface, a pair of raised notches and a pair of two receiving notches. The second embodiment also includes a dispersing aperture and an aperture filling protrusion disposed on the top surface.

Description

This application is a continuation application that claims priority to U.S. NON Provisional application Ser. No. 12/025,149 filed on Feb. 4, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a plurality of closures for a container, and more particularly, to a plurality of closure adapted to seal contents of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various drinks such as juices, carbonated beverages, beer, wine and the like are sold by packaging the drinks in a disposable drink container, such as a can. Typically, the drink container includes a dispensing opening provided on a top face thereof for dispensing the drink contained therein. The dispensing opening may be sealed with a removable tab. In use, a user may remove the tab when he/she desires to consume the drink contained within the container.
In some instances, the user may not wish to drink entire contents of the drink container, for example, the can; and may wish to store the remaining content of the container for future consumption. However, once the tab is removed from the drink container, the same tab cannot be reused for sealing the dispensing opening of the container. Accordingly, the drink contained in the container may remain uncovered for a long duration, thereby exposing the drink to external environment. For example, the uncovered drink may be exposed to dust particles, insects, snow, and the like, resulting in the contamination of the drink. Moreover, gases present in the drink, such as a carbonated beverage, beer and the like, may escape upon prolonged exposure of the drink to external environment, thereby affecting the taste of the drink.
Therefore, based on the foregoing, there is a need for a closure for a drink container, which is capable of sealing a drink contained in the container. Moreover, there exists a need for a closure for a container which is capable of preventing contamination of a drink contained in the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a closure for a container configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a closure for a container, which is capable of sealing a drink contained therein.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a closure for a container, which is capable of preventing contamination of a drink contained therein.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a closure for a container, which is capable of sealing a drink contained in the container.
The closure includes a cover plate having a top face and a bottom face. The cover plate is adapted to be removably secured to a top end portion of the container. The closure further includes a sip hole configured within the cover plate and extending from the top face of the cover plate to the bottom face of the cover plate. The sip hole is adapted to be positioned on a dispensing opening configured in the top end portion of the container. Moreover, the closure includes a reclosable lid having a first end portion, a second end portion and a rubber seal configured on the second end portion of the reclosable lid. The first end portion of the reclosable lid is hinged to the cover plate for enabling a pivotal motion of the reclosable lid. More specifically, the pivotal motion enables an open position and a closed position of the reclosable lid, such that in the closed position of the reclosable lid the rubber seal is adapted to be received in the sip hole for sealing the sip hole.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a closure for a container, such that the closure capable of preventing contamination of a drink contained therein.
These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a closure for a container, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the closure of FIG. 1 seen towards an axis X-X, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a closure secured to a top end portion of a container, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates an environmental front perspective view of a container with a closure, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates an overhead perspective view of a closure in a closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates an overhead front perspective view of a closure in an open position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular closure, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides a closure for a container. More specifically, the disclosed closure may be used for protectively sealing a container, for example, a beer can, after the container is opened and contents of the container are not consumed completely.
FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a closure 100 for a container, for example, a beverage can, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The closure 100 includes a cover plate 102, which is adapted to be removably secured to a top end portion (not shown) of the container (not shown) for securing the closure 100 thereto. An arrangement describing the cover plate 102 secured to the container will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 2.
The cover plate 102 includes a top face 104, a bottom face (not shown) and a sip hole 106 configured within the cover plate 102, such that the sip hole 106 extends between the top face 104 and the bottom face of the cover plate 102. The cover plate 102 is adapted to cover a dispensing opening (not shown) of the container. As described herein, the cover plate 102 is shown circular in shape. However, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the cover plate 102 may assume any other shape, such as a square shape, a rectangular, shape, a pentagonal shape and the like, to match the shape of the container. Accordingly, the dimensions of the cover plate 102 may be varied for adapting the cover plate 102 to containers of varied sizes.
The cover plate 102 may be placed on the dispensing opening (not shown) of the container such that the sip hole 106 is positioned on the dispensing opening of the container for enabling, thereby a user to access the dispensing opening for consuming the drink contained in the container. More specifically, the user may consume the drink contained in the container through the sip hole 106 by bringing his/her oral cavity in direct contact with the sip hole 106 and lifting the container to pour the drink out of the dispensing opening and the sip hole 106. Alternatively, the user may consume the drink by inserting a straw into the sip hole 106 of the closure 100.
The sip hole 106 may be dimensioned for appropriate dispensing the drink without spillage or wastage of the drink. In the present embodiment, the sip hole 106 is dimensioned appropriately for being positioned over the dispensing opening of the container for dispensing the drink contained therein. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sip hole 106 may extend outwardly from an edge portion of the cover plate 102, thereby enabling a convenient contact between the oral cavity of the user and the sip hole 106. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sip hole 106 may extend vertically upward from the top face 104 of the cover plate 102 for enabling easy access thereof by the user.
The sip hole 106 may be sealed by means of a reclosable lid 108 pivotally secured to the cover plate 102. As disclosed herein, the reclosable lid 108 includes a first end portion 110, and a second end portion 112 having a rubber seal 114 configured thereon. The first end portion 110 of the reclosable lid 108 is hinged to the top face 104 of the cover plate 102 for enabling a pivotal motion of the reclosable lid 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 110 of the reclosable lid 108 may be hinged substantially at a central portion of the top face 104 of the cover plate 102.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 110 of the reclosable lid 108 may be hinged substantially at a peripheral portion of the cover plate 102.
The pivotal motion of the reclosable lid 108 enables the reclosable lid 108 to assume at least one of an open position and a closed position. More specifically, in the closed position of the reclosable lid 108, the rubber seal 114 configured on the second end portion 112 of the reclosable lid 108 is adapted to be received in the sip hole 106, thereby enabling an air-tight sealing of the sip hole 106. Accordingly, the gases contained in the drink may be prevented from escaping thereof. The rubber seal 114 may also prevent spillage of the drink from the container when the container is overturned or dropped. Moreover, the rubber seal 114 effectively seals the container, thereby preventing the contaminants and insects from entering the container. For example, a container may contain a sweetened drink so that once the container is opened the sweetened drink may be exposed to insects, for example, bees, ants and the like. Accordingly, the rubber seal 114 prevents contaminants, such as dirt particles; and small insects such as ants from entering the container and spoiling the drink contained therewithin.
As disclosed herein, the rubber seal 114 may have a shape complementary to a shape of the sip hole 106, thereby enabling a proper sealing of the sip hole 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, various components of the closure 100, more specifically, the cover plate 102, and the reclosable lid 108 may be made from a plastic material. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that other materials such as rubber, metal, wood, and the like, may also be utilized for configuring the cover plate 102, the reclosable lid 108, and the sip hole 106 of the closure 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the closure 100 seen towards an axis X-X of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As seen towards the axis X-X, the closure 100 includes a locking mechanism 116 configured on a peripheral portion (not shown) of the cover plate 102. The locking mechanism 116 is adapted to removably secure the closure 100 to the container (not shown). More specifically, the locking mechanism 116 includes two downward extending wall portions 118 and 120 configured on opposite ends on a peripheral portion of the cover plate 102. Moreover, the wall portions 118 and 120 extend from the cover plate 102 to configure enclosures 122 and 124, respectively, between the cover plate 102 and the wall portions 118 and 120. The enclosures 122 and 124 are adapted to receive the top end portion of the container, thereby securing the closure 100 to the top end portion of the container. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the locking mechanism 116 as described herein. The closure 100 may also include any other suitable locking mechanism, which is adapted to removably secure the closure 100 to the container.
The wall portions 118 and 120 are configured to be resilient in nature, thereby enabling a convenient decoupling of the closure 100 from the top end portion of the container. More specifically, the wall portions 118 and 120 press against the top end portion of the container when the closure 100 is secured to the container, thereby firmly fixing the closure 100 thereto. For removing the closure 100 from the container, the wall portions 118 and 120 may be displaced in a direction away from the top end portion of the container. As shown in FIG. 2, the wall portions 118 and 120 may be displaced in a direction of arrows ‘a’ to release the closure 100 from the container. Thereafter, the closure 100 may be lifted such that the top end portion of the container is released from the enclosures 122 and 124, thereby removing the closure 100 from the container.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the closure 100 may further include a seal (not shown) disposed on a peripheral portion of a bottom face 126 of the cover plate 102. The seal is adapted to prevent spilling or wastage of contents of the container due to overturning of the container. More specifically, the seal closes any gaps present between the closure 100 and the top end portion of the container, thereby preventing gases present in the drink contained in the container from escaping. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the seal may be made from rubber or any other suitable material which provides sufficient structural integrity to the seal.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a closure 200 secured to a container 300, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The container 300 includes a top end portion 302 and a bottom end portion 304. The top end portion 302 of the container 300 includes an opening, herein after referred to as the dispensing opening, for dispensing the contents of the container 300. Moreover, the top end portion 302 of the container 300 is capable of receiving a cover plate 204 for covering the dispensing opening. The closure 200 is removably secured to the top end portion 302 of the container 300. Moreover, the closure 200 is configured similar to the closure 100, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the closure 200 includes additional extension portion 202 on a peripheral surface thereof for facilitating convenient consumption of the drink from the container 300. The closure 200 includes the cover plate 204, a sip hole (not shown) and a reclosable lid 206. The sip hole is configured within the cover plate 204. Moreover, when the closure 200 is disposed on the container 300, the sip hole may be positioned over a dispensing opening (not shown) of the container 300, thereby facilitating the dispensing of the drink from the sip hole.
As disclosed herein, the reclosable lid 206 includes a first end portion 208 and a second end portion 210. The first end portion 208 of the reclosable lid 206 is hinged to the cover plate 204 for enabling a pivotal motion of the reclosable lid 206. Moreover, a rubber seal 212 is configured on the second end portion 210 of the reclosable lid 206.
With reference to FIG. 3, the reclosable lid 206 is shown to assume an open position. More specifically, in the open position, the reclosable lid 206 may be pivotally moved away from the upper surface (not shown) of the cover plate 204, thereby removing the rubber seal 212 on the reclosable lid 206 may be removed from the sip hole. Similarly, the reclosable lid 206 may assume a closed position by moving the reclosable lid 206 towards the upper portion of the cover plate 204 in a direction specified by arrow ‘b’. In the closed position of the reclosable lid 206, the rubber seal 212 configured on the second end portion 210 of the reclosable lid 206 may be received in the sip hole (not shown) of the closure 200. Accordingly, the pivotal movement of the reclosable lid 206 to the closed position thereof may seal the sip hole.
As disclosed herein, the closure 200 includes the extension portion 202 extending outwardly from a peripheral edge portion of the cover plate 204. The extension portion 202 facilitates a user to conveniently consume the drink from the container 300 through the sip hole. More specifically, the extension portion 202 may enable the user to place his/her oral cavity directly over the extension portion 202. Thereafter, the container 300 may be lifted to pour out the drink from the sip hole of the closure 200, thereby enabling the user to easily consume the drink being dispended from the sip hole.
FIG. 4A illustrates an environmental front perspective view of a container C with a closure 400, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The closure 400 accommodates a variety of container top CT and container top edge CTE dimensions that are utilized to hold a variety of beverages such as soda and beer. The container C illustrated in FIG. 4A is for a Red Bull container however the closure 400 can accommodate with suitable dimensions and fit onto other containers such as a standard 12 ounce, 20 ounce and 24 ounce beverage cans and other suitable containers with suitable dimensions.
FIG. 4B illustrates an overhead perspective view of a closure 400 in a closed position 402, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The closure 400 includes a raised perimeter 410, a releasable tab 420, a top surface 430, a pair of raised notches 440 and a pair of two receiving notches 450. The raised perimeter 410 includes a perimeter groove 412 disposed underneath the entire raise perimeter 410. The perimeter groove 412 snuggly receives a container top edge CTE and secures the container top CT to the closure 400. The releasable tab 420 includes a distal end 422 and a proximal end 424. The distal end 422 includes a first tab 423 and a raised groove 425 that is removably secured to the raised perimeter 410. The first tab 423 can be pushed-up to release the releasable tab 420 from the raised perimeter 410 to expose an orifice (not shown) on the container top CT where the beverage contained in the container C can be dispersed and poured through to a user. The releasable tab 420 also includes an oval-shaped indentation 426 and an attachment stem 428 that is perpendicularly attached to the proximal end 424 of the releasable tab 420. The top surface 430 includes the raised perimeter 410 and a generally planar surface 432 within the raised perimeter 410. The top surface 430 also includes a second tab 434 extending outwardly from the raised perimeter 410 that can be pushed-up by a user to release the closure 400 from the container top CT. Typically the second tab 434 is orientated to be disposed directly across from the releasable tab 420 on the raised perimeter 410, although the second tab 434 can be disposed anywhere along the raised perimeter 410. The pair of raised notches 440 is orientated to be disposed directly across from the releasable tab 420 on the raised perimeter 410 between the second tab 434. The pair of two receiving notches 450 is raised notches 452 that are permanently disposed on the top surface 430 that removably secures the attachment stem 428 to the top surface 430. The closure 400, the raised perimeter 410, the releasable tab 420, the top surface 430, the pair of raised notches 440 and the pair of two receiving notches 450 are made of plastic material although the closure 400, the raised perimeter 410, the releasable tab 420, the top surface 430, the pair of raised notches 440 and the pair of two receiving notches 450 can be made of other suitable materials as well.
FIG. 4C illustrates an overhead front perspective view of a closure 400 in an open position 404, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The closure 400 includes all of the components described and illustrated in FIG. 4B.
The closure 400 also includes a dispersing aperture 460 and an aperture filling protrusion 470. The dispensing aperture 460 is disposed on the top surface 430 and is orientated directly over the orifice (not shown) on the container top CT where the beverage contained in the container C can be dispersed and poured through to a user for consumption. The dispensing aperture 460 allows the beverage dispersed through the orifice to disperse through directly to the user. The aperture filling protrusion 470 is formed from the oval-shaped indentation 426 described in FIG. 4B. The aperture filling protrusion 470 and releasable tab 420 are pivotably rotated across the top surface 430 and correspond fittingly with the dispensing aperture 460. The aperture filling protrusion 470 has a pair of notches 472 which are triangularly-shaped 473 disposed on the perimeter 474 of the front facing 476 of the aperture filling protrusion 470. Typically the pair of notches 472 is disposed 180 degrees directly across from each other. When the aperture filling protrusion 470 is placed through the dispensing aperture 460, the notches 472 removably secure the aperture filling protrusion 470 and releasable tab 420 in place in the dispensing aperture 460 by releasably attaching to the back surface 480 of the closure 400. The aperture filling protrusion 470 and releasable tab 420 are released from the dispensing aperture 460 by simply pushing-up on the first tab 423.
Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages. The closure, as described herein, is capable of configuring an airtight reclosable sealing on a dispensing opening of a container. The airtight sealing prevents escape of gases from drink contained in the container, thereby retaining taste, flavor and freshness of the drink. Moreover, the closure is adapted to seal the dispensing opening of the container, thereby preventing dust particles, insects, and the like from contaminating the drink in the container. Additionally, the closure provides a seal capable of preventing spillage and wastage of the drink contained in the container upon overturning or toppling of the container.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A closure utilized by a container with a top end portion, a bottom end portion, and a dispensing opening configured on said top end portion of said container, comprising:

a cover plate adapted to be removably secured to said top end portion of said container, said cover plate having a top face and a flat bottom face with a peripheral portion;

a sip hole configured within said cover plate, said sip hole extending from said top face of said cover plate to said bottom face of said cover plate, wherein said sip hole is adapted to be positioned on said dispensing opening of said container for dispensing contents of said container;

a reclosable lid configured on said top face of said cover plate, said reclosable lid comprising;

a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end portion of said reclosable lid is hinged to said cover plate for enabling a pivotal motion of said reclosable lid, said pivotal motion of said reclosable lid enabling said reclosable lid to assume at least one of an open position and a closed position, wherein said first end portion of said reclosable lid is hinged substantially at a peripheral portion of said cover plate;

a locking mechanism configured on a peripheral surface of said cover plate for removably securing said closure to said container, wherein said locking mechanism includes two wall portions extending from opposite ends of said peripheral portion of said cover plate; and

a rubber seal configured on said second end portion of said reclosable lid, said rubber seal adapted to be received in said sip hole for sealing said sip hole in said closed position of said reclosable lid.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein said cover plate is made of a plastic material.

3. The closure according to claim 2, wherein said at least one wall portion extends downwardly from said peripheral surface of said cover plate and configures an enclosure said between, said enclosure being adapted to receive said top end portion of said container for removably securing said cover plate to said top end portion of said container.

4. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the reclosable lid is made of a plastic material.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein said closure includes a seal disposed on said peripheral portion of the bottom face.

6. A closure with a back surface that accommodates a variety of container top and container top edge dimensions that are utilized to hold a variety of beverages, comprising:

a raised perimeter with a perimeter groove disposed underneath said raised perimeter that receives said container top edge and secures said closure to said container top;

a releasable tab with a distal end and a proximal end that includes a raised groove and a first tab disposed on said distal end, an oval-shaped indentation and an attachment stem that is perpendicularly attached to said proximal end of said releasable tab;

a top surface that includes said raised perimeter and a generally planar surface within said raised perimeter and a second tab extending outwardly from said raised perimeter that is pushed-up by a user to release said closure from said container top;

a pair of raised notches that are orientated and disposed directly across from said releasable tab on said raised perimeter.

a pair of two receiving raised notches that are permanently disposed on said top surface that removably secures said attachment stem to said top surface;

a dispersing aperture that is disposed on said top surface that is orientated directly over an orifice on said container top where said beverage contained in said container is dispersed and poured through to a user to consume; and

an aperture filling protrusion with a front facing with a perimeter that is formed from said oval-shaped indentation that is pivotably rotated across said top surface that corresponds fittingly with said dispensing aperture that includes a pair of notches disposed on said perimeter of said front facing of said aperture filling protrusion.

7. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said raised groove is removably secured to said raised perimeter when said releasable tab is in a closed position.

8. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said first tab is pushed-up to release said releasable tab from said raised perimeter to expose said orifice on said container top.

9. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said second tab is orientated and disposed directly across from said releasable tab on said raised perimeter.

10. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said raised notches are orientated and disposed directly across from said second tab on said raised perimeter.

11. The closure according to claim 10, wherein said notches are triangularly-shaped.

12. The closure according to claim 11, wherein said pair of notches is disposed 180 degrees directly across from each other.

13. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said aperture filling protrusion is placed through said dispensing aperture and said notches removably secure said aperture filling protrusion and said releasable tab in place in said dispensing aperture by releasably attaching to said back surface of said closure.

14. The closure according to claim 13, wherein said aperture filling protrusion and said releasable tab are released from said dispensing aperture by pushing-up on said first tab.

15. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said beverage is soda.

16. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said beverage is beer.

17. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said container is a 12 ounce beverage can.

18. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said container is a 20 ounce beverage can.

19. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said container is a 24 ounce beverage can.

20. The closure according to claim 6, wherein said closure is made of plastic material.