Resealable can lids for metal beverage cans

Abstract

The pipe cover has a base (1) having a weakened contour line (10) that defines an opening portion, the base (1) has a flange (7), a rivet structure (2) is disposed in the center of the base (1), and an opening tab (3) is attached to the rivet structure (2). The can lid is characterized in that a lower rotatable lid (4) and an upper rotatable lid (5) are fixed to the rivet structure (2), the outer curved guide rim of the lid (4) slidably fits into a circumferential lower groove (8) of the flange (7) and the outer curved guide rim of the lid (5) slidably fits into a circumferential upper groove (9) of the flange (7), the lids (4, 5) being adapted to rotate about the rivet structure independently of each other, the lid (4) comprising a projection (12) arranged in the opposite direction on its side facing the base and the lid (5) comprising another projection (13) on its side facing the base, the projections (12, 3) fitting tightly into each other when the rotatable lids (12, 13) are in the same position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This patent application relates to a can lid for a beverage can made of thin sheet material, the can lid having a base and a rivet structure centrally disposed in the base, with an opening tab and a rotatable lid secured to the rivet structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Cylindrical containers (cans) made of thin sheet material have been applied to packaging beverages for many years. Compared to previous technical solutions, such cans may have several advantages, such as small size and mass, easy opening and easy reusability.

[0003] The most common opening process for such beverages involves lifting an auxiliary tab attached to the can, so that a force acting on the can lid causes the material to tear along the weakened contour, allowing access to the contents of the can through the opening so created. Prior art document publication number WO2012112487A1 also discloses such a technical solution.

[0004] However, such a solution does not allow the interior of the can to be reclosed (resealed), and therefore does not isolate the beverage contained therein from external influences such as dust, insects, etc., or prevent splashing.

[0005] A possible solution to these problems is disclosed in Hungarian Utility Model No. 4647, which discloses a separator can lid with a rotatable lid, where an opening tab is attached to the can lid by a rivet structure and a score line is formed in the can lid. Further features of this solution are that the rivet structure is arranged in the center of the can lid, a rotatable lid member is rotatably attached to the rivet structure, the rotatable lid member has a curved guide rim adapted to fit into a recess in the can lid, the surface area of ​​the rotatable lid member is up to 80% of the can lid, and the opening tab is attached to the rivet structure on the rotatable lid member.

[0006] A drawback of the technical solution of this utility model is that the rotatable lid adapted for resealing the can is prone to loosening when rotated repeatedly, and the optionally arranged seal is easily worn away, with the result that the watertight seal may no longer be provided before all the contents of the can are consumed, i.e. the can deteriorates prematurely.

[0007] A further drawback of the prior art technical solutions, in addition to the limited reclosability, is that in such cases it is uncertain whether the lid can cope with the overpressure caused by the carbon dioxide contained therein (which builds up when the can is shaken). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a resealable can lid for cans made of thin sheet material that overcomes the drawbacks of the technical solutions of the prior art, thereby preventing premature deterioration of the can and providing waterproof reclosure of the can over the long term.

[0009] The object of the present invention is realized based on the recognition that a stronger seal can be achieved by a more complex mechanism with two closing lids, such that the compressive force required to create a watertight seal of the can lid is provided to the rotatable lid only when the lid is over the opening. With this solution, both the force required for the watertight seal and the integrity of the seal can be ensured at the required position and time without premature deterioration of the watertight seal due to wear.

[0010] The object of the present invention is realized by providing a can lid including a base having a weakened contour defining a tear opening, the base including a flange, a rivet structure centrally disposed in the base, and an opening tab attached to the rivet structure, a lower rotatable lid and an upper rotatable lid secured to the rivet structure, an outer curved guide rim of the lower rotatable lid slidably fitting within a lower circumferential groove in the flange of the base, and an outer curved guide rim of the upper rotatable lid slidably fitting within an upper circumferential groove in the flange of the base, the lower rotatable lid and the upper rotatable lid being adapted to rotate about the rivet structure independently of one another, the lower rotatable lid including a protrusion disposed oppositely on a side facing the base, and the upper rotatable lid including another protrusion on a side facing the base, the protrusions of the lower rotatable lid and the upper rotatable lid fitting tightly together when the rotatable lids are in the same position.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the can lid according to the invention, the projections on the lower rotatable lid and the projections on the upper rotatable lid are formed by embossing the material of the lid.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the can lid according to the invention, the outer curved guide rim of the lower rotatable lid and / or the upper rotatable lid extends along a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 33%, even more preferably a maximum of 25% of the circumference of the flange.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the can lid according to the invention, respective stop members are arranged in the circumferential lower and upper grooves of the flange of the base, said stop members being angularly offset relative to each other.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the can lid according to the invention, the lower rotatable lid comprises a sealing strip arranged along its edge and / or arranged to correspond to the shape of the opening line defined in the base and adapted to contact the base.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the can lid according to the invention, the sealing strip is made of a silicone material.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the can lid according to the invention, the lower rotatable lid and / or the upper rotatable lid are provided with a surface pattern, such as, for example, Braille or other embossed pattern, adapted to facilitate rotation and recognition of the lid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the technical solutions according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded view of a beverage can showing the main components of a can lid according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a can lid according to the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the can lid according to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 5a] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the bottom side rotatable lid of the can lid. [Figure 5b] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the rotatable lid on the top side of the can lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a can lid in an exploded view, illustrating the main components of the can lid. The can lid comprises a base 1 to which a lower rotatable lid 4, an upper rotatable lid 5, and an opening tab 3 are secured by a rivet structure 2.

[0019] 2, a top view of the can lid is shown, showing how the weakened contour 10 defining the tear zone is located on the base 1. The rivet structure 2 is located at the center of the base 1, and the lower rotatable lid 4, the upper rotatable lid 5, and the opening tab 3 are spaced apart from the base 1 in a direction perpendicular to the base 1.

[0020] The opening tab 3 is configured in accordance with the state of the art so as to be tiltable according to one of the known technical solutions, i.e. adapted to open the opening of the can along the opening line by applying force to the surface surrounded by the weakened contour 10 and to allow access to the contents of the can.

[0021] As also shown in Figure 3, the base 1 comprises a flange 7 with a lower groove 8 and an upper groove 9 disposed on its inner surface. The two grooves may be formed during the manufacture of the can lid blank or when the can lid is placed on the can, for example by pressing the base 1, or by other machining or cutting operations after manufacture, or optionally by attaching an additional intermediate flange to the base.

[0022] The lower rotatable lid 4 and upper rotatable lid 5 disposed on the rivet structure 2 are adapted to be slidably fixed within lower groove 8 and upper groove 9 disposed in flange 7 of base 1, and to be rotatable about the rivet structure 2 such that the rivet structure 2 disposed in the center of base 1 extends through holes 6 in the lower rotatable lid 4 and upper rotatable lid 5 (holes 6 are shown in Figures 5a and 5b).

[0023] Respective stop members 14 are disposed within the lower groove 8 and upper groove 9 and are configured to prevent movement of the flanges of the lower rotatable lid 4 and the upper rotatable lid 5 within the grooves in their respective predetermined closed positions and, optionally, to fix them in their respective predetermined closed positions. By "predetermined closed position" is meant a position in which the area enclosed by the weakened contour 10 defining the opening portion of the base 1 is completely covered by the lower rotatable lid 4 and / or the upper rotatable lid 5, and preferably the lids extend in all directions greater than the area enclosed by the weakened contour 10.

[0024] The stop members are arranged in the grooves so that either one, for example the lower rotatable lid 4, can be brought to the closed position in a clockwise direction, and the other, for example the upper rotatable lid 5, can be brought to the closed position in the opposite direction (for example counterclockwise).

[0025] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the stop members are preferably positioned at a 45° angular offset around the periphery of the flange 7 relative to the centerline of the opening defined by the tear line 10, although the exact location of these stop members 14 may vary according to the rules set forth above depending on the size of the rotatable lids 4 and 5.

[0026] The lower rotatable lid 4 has a protrusion 12, e.g., an embossment, facing away from the side facing the base 1, said protrusion having a predetermined height above the plane of the lower rotatable lid 4. The upper rotatable lid 5 has a similar protrusion 13 on the side facing the base 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the protrusions 12 and 13 are configured such that their combined height is substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the lower guide groove 8 and the upper guide groove 9. This allows the lower rotatable lid 4 and the upper rotatable lid 5 to fit tightly together when they are in the same angular position in the assembled state of the can lid.

[0028] The force generated by this tight (compression) fit causes minimal elastic deformation of the lower rotatable lid 4 and the upper rotatable lid 5, resulting in a tight fit of the lower rotatable lid to the base 1, improving sealing and closure.

[0029] However, the resulting tight (compression) fit may be applied at a different angular position from the opening, in which case both lids may be secured against rotation at any position by the clamping force.

[0030] Daily experience also teaches that users do not always require a waterproof resealing of the can, i.e., a lid covering the opening of the can to prevent insects, small objects and dust from entering the can may be sufficient. In such cases, it is sufficient to apply only the lower rotatable lid 4 or the upper rotatable lid 5 in a position that allows them to cover the opening defined by the opening line 10.

[0031] To allow easy rotation of the lower rotatable lid 4 and the upper rotatable lid 5, the external curved guide rims of the lids 4, 5 extend along a maximum of 50% of the circumference of the flange 7, and in an ideal and ergonomic embodiment 20-30%, preferably for example 25%.

[0032] Also for ease of use, i.e. to facilitate tactile recognition of the lids and to facilitate rotation, the lower rotatable lid 4 and / or the upper rotatable lid 5 are provided with a surface pattern, for example Braille or embossing.

[0033] Figures 5a and 5b show bottom views of the rotatable lids 4 and 5. To provide a watertight seal, the lower rotatable lid 4 is provided with a sealing strip 11. As shown in Figure 5a, the sealing strip is located along the side edges of the lid, along a line that corresponds to the shape of the weakened contour 10 if the bottom lid were to directly abut the base 1.

[0034] The sealing strip is preferably made from a silicone material, but may be formed from other sealing materials approved for use in the food industry.

[0035] A major advantage of the present invention is that it overcomes the drawbacks of prior art technical solutions by providing a resealable can made from a sheet material that provides improved sealing compared to existing solutions, prevents premature wear of the can, and provides a functionally multifaceted sealing action.

[0036] Another major advantage of the technical solution according to the invention is that the double lid closure provides an improved seal that is watertight and resistant to mechanical shocks and pressure, thereby ensuring that the can is sealed reliably and that the freshness and carbon dioxide content of the beverage inside are preserved in the long term.

[0037] A further advantage of this technical solution is that when a lid constructed according to the invention is used, the "whoosh" sound that consumers have long been familiar with when opening is maintained, so that the solution of the invention can be realized in a cost-effective and economical way, while preserving the comfortable and familiar feeling that comes with using existing solutions.

[0038] An advantageous feature of the technical solution according to the invention is that in addition to providing a watertight seal, a solution with a rotatable seal provides other hygiene-related benefits, such as the "drinking surface" of the can being kept clean by regular wiping, and aerosol-borne bacteria and viruses being isolated from the inside of the can. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1 base 2 Rivet structure 3 Opening tab 4 Lower Rotatable Lid 5 Rotatable top lid 6 holes 7 flange 8 Lower guide groove 9 Upper guide groove 10 Weakened contour line 11 Sealing Strip 12 protrusions 13 protrusions 14 Stop member 15 Surface Pattern

Claims

1. A can lid comprising a base (1) having a weakened contour (10) defining an opening, the base (1) comprising a flange (7), a rivet structure (2) disposed in the center of the base (1), and an opening tab (3) attached to the rivet structure (2); a lower rotatable lid (4) and an upper rotatable lid (5) are fixed to the rivet structure (2), the outer curved guide rim of the lower rotatable lid (4) slidably fits into a circumferential lower groove (8) of the flange (7) of the base (1), and the outer curved guide rim of the upper rotatable lid (5) slidably fits into a circumferential upper groove (9) of the flange (7) of the base (1), the lower rotatable lid (4) and the upper rotatable lid (5) being adapted to rotate about the rivet structure independently of each other; the lower rotatable lid (4) has a protrusion (12) arranged in the opposite direction to the side facing the base, and the upper rotatable lid (5) has another protrusion (13) on the side facing the base, and the protrusion (12) of the lower rotatable lid (4) and the protrusion (13) of the upper rotatable lid (5) fit tightly together when the lower rotatable lid (4) and the upper rotatable lid (5) are in the same position; A can lid characterized by the above.

2. 2. Can lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer curved guide rim of the lower rotatable lid (4) and / or the upper rotatable lid (5) extends along a maximum of 50% of the circumference of the flange (7).

3. Can lid according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions (12) of the lower rotatable lid (4) and the protrusions (13) of the upper rotatable lid (5) are formed by embossing the material of the lids.

4. 2. The can lid according to claim 1, characterized in that stop members (14) are arranged in the circumferential lower groove (8) and the upper groove (9) of the flange (7) of the base (1), respectively, and the stop members (14) are arranged angularly offset with respect to each other.

5. 2. Can lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower rotatable lid (4) comprises a sealing strip (11) arranged along its edge and / or arranged to correspond to the shape of the weakened contour (10) defined in the base (1) and adapted to contact the base (1).

6. Can lid according to claim 5, wherein the sealing strip (11) is made of a silicone material.

7. Can lid according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower rotatable lid (4) and / or the upper rotatable lid (5) are provided with a surface pattern (15), for example Braille or other embossed pattern, adapted to facilitate rotation and recognition of the lid.

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