Consumables can locking cap device, system, and method

Abstract

A locking cap for a can includes lock grooves, an outer cap, a gasket, and an inner disc. The lock grooves attach to a peripheral rim of the can. The outer cap has lock tabs securely engaging the lock grooves to removably lock the locking cap to the can. The gasket seals against the peripheral rim. The gasket has an annular top rim. The inner disc rotates freely within the outer cap and is removably housed within the gasket under the annular top rim. When the lock tabs securely engage the lock grooves, the locking cap is removably locked to the can. The inner disc urges and splays the gasket into sealing with the peripheral rim of the can. The gasket is interposed between the inner disc and the can.

Description

CONSUMABLES CAN LOCKING CAP DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHODFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers for consumables and, more particularly, to a consumables can locking cap device, system, and method.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Beverage cans have been a popular packaging choice for soft drinks, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, cannabis-infused beverages, etc. for many years. However, one issue with traditional beverage cans may be that, after they are opened, there may have been no way to reseal them. After a beverage can was opened and / or unable to be re-sealed, several consequences may have arisen.

[0003] For example, without a proper seal, liquids may have spilled and / or leaked from the can, causing a mess and / or potentially damaging nearby objects and / or surfaces. Further, any previous absence of resealing options may have limited the portability and / or convenience of the beverage, as it may have become challenging to transport it without the risk of spillage and / or contamination. As well, exposure to air may have led to rapid loss of carbonation in carbonated drinks, potentially resulting in a flat and / or less enjoyable beverage.

[0004] Apart from the above, a widespread use of plastic materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), in beverage containers may pose a substantial risk to our ecology. PET and other plastic materials typically break down over time. Any wear-and-tear on such beverage containers, perhaps compounded by exposure to sunlight and / or environmental factors, may cause breakdown of the plastic materials into particles of smaller dimensions, possibly even down to the micro-scale and / or nano-scale. Tiny plastic fragments may then leach into contents of the containers, potentially being ingested by those drinking out of them.

[0005] Previously, the use of caps for cans containing beverages and / or other consumables (e.g., dry goods, such as, for example, vitamins, supplements, cannabis flower, and / or medicines) may have caused one or more issues.

[0006] In the prior art, some caps may have involved the use of an annular gasket to seal the can, along with a holding means to hold the annular gasket in place insidean outer cap. In such prior art, both the holding means and annular gasket may have come into contact, and interacted, with the beverage. In such prior art, it may have been necessary for the annular gasket to form a tight seal not just with the can, but also with the holding means. It may be desirable for the holding means and gasket to be constructed from different plastics materials - e.g., with the gasket constructed from a food grade silicone material, and the holding means constructed from a somewhat more rigid plastic material. The holding means and gasket may interact with or wear upon each other. It may be desirable to provide a cap where the beverage inside an open can will only come into contact and interact with the gasket, where the gasket need only form a tight seal with the can, and / or where any interaction or wear between the gasket and the holding means is away from the beverage.

[0007] It may be desirable to provide a gasket with improved efficiency for sealing the can and / or with improved child-resistant (push down and twist) functionality. It may be desirable to provide a cap with a holding means for a gasket wherein, as the cap tightens, the gasket splays outward, e.g., to improve sealing and useability.

[0008] Prior art caps with holding means for annular gaskets may have been somewhat difficult to manufacture using injection molding technologies, and / or may have been problematic in high-volume production and assembly. It may be desirable to provide a cap with a holding means for a gasket that can be readily manufactured using injection molding technologies, and / or is better suited for high-volume production and assembly.

[0009] In other prior art, caps for such cans may have required installation of a tamper band to the opening of the can, which may not always have been fully secure. Prior art caps for such cans may have required manufacturers to modify the filling line construction of the can, for example, to accommodate external caps. Perhaps, somewhat problematically, this in turn may have led to an increase in pressure upon initial sealing of the cap on the can, which may have caused the can to explode upon initial opening. In addition or instead, these prior art cans may have had an undesirable appearance for consumer use, and / or it may have been harder and / or uncomfortable to drink from them and / or to otherwise use them.

[0010] Prior art locking caps for such cans may have used a plastic ring to secure the cap to the top of a can. Recyclability at high volumes (e.g., in the hundreds of millions) may have been questionable. Applying the rings to the cans may have become problematic, and / or taking the rings off the cans for recycling may have been a hassle.

[0011] These and other prior art locking caps for cans may have used one or more mechanisms, or hard-to-use tabs and tamper bands. Plastics may have been seamed and / or fused inside the can. It may have been somewhat difficult to separate plastics from other materials for recycling and / or they may have been destined for a junkyard or a landfill rather than any recycling.

[0012] Some prior art cans may have been provided with resealing mechanisms that were fused to the can and / or could not be separated (or were unduly difficult to separate) from the can. Consumers may have had difficulty drinking from such cans and / or been unfamiliar with them. Some such prior art cans may have been provided with threads which had limited functionality when under pressure.

[0013] In addition or instead, some prior art cans may have been provided with a narrowed can top, with an elevated mouth section where machined ridges were provided to interact with grooves in a locking cap. As discussed elsewhere herein, there may have been one or more issues associated with changing the top of such cans and / or in making them unfamiliar to consumers.

[0014] It may be an object of the invention to provide a locking cap and / or method and, more particularly, to provide a consumables can locking cap device, system, and / or method.

[0015] It may be an object according to one aspect of the invention to provide a consumables can locking cap made of aluminum.

[0016] It may be an object according to another aspect of the invention to provide a consumables can locking cap made of polypropylene.

[0017] It may be an object according to one aspect of the invention to provide a locking cap device, system, and / or method that may preferably be sized and otherwise adapted for use with cans of up to about 1 ,000 milliliters in volume.

[0018] It may be an object of the invention to provide a locking cap for cans that does not require modification of current seaming and / or other functionalities associated with commonly-used cans for beverages and / or other consumables.

[0019] It may be an object of the invention to provide a cap for cans that may lock into place, preferably without modifying the current filling line can construction system.

[0020] It may be an object of the invention to provide a cap for cans with a disc and / or gasket assembly, which preferably spins free of the cap.

[0021] It may be an object of the invention to provide a seal in a locking cap that interacts with a can top.

[0022] It may be an object of the invention to provide one or more locking tabs on the inside of the can cap, to provide one or more lock ramps on the shoulders and / or sides of cans, and / or to allow for the locking tabs to interact with the lock ramps, preferably to seal the top of the can.

[0023] It may be an object of the invention to provide a twisting mechanism that enables ready installation of the cap onto the top of a can, for example, by hand.

[0024] It may be an object according to one aspect of the invention to provide a cap that enables a more energy-efficient method for recycling containers for beverages and / or other consumables.

[0025] It may be an object according to one aspect of the invention to reduce nano- and / or micro-plastics found in containers for beverages and / or other consumables.

[0026] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages and / or shortcomings associated with the prior art, to meet or provide for one or more needs and / or advantages, and / or to achieve one or more objects of the invention - one or more of which may preferably be readily appreciable by and / or suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings and / or disclosures hereof.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0027] According to the invention, there is disclosed a locking cap device for a consumables can. The consumables can preferably has a can top with a peripheral rim. The can top preferably defines a can opening. The locking cap device preferably includes a plurality of lock grooves, an outer cap, a circular gasket, and / or an inner disc. The plurality of lock grooves is preferably configured to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can. The plurality of lock grooves are preferably spaced equally around the peripheral rim. The outer cap preferably includes a closed cap top, a bottom end portion, and / or an inside cap portion. The bottom end portion preferably defines a cap opening opposite the closed cap top. The bottom end portion preferably has a plurality of lock tabs spaced equally around the inside cap portion of the outer cap. Each of the lock tabs is preferably configured for secure selectively removable engagement with one of the lock grooves to removably lock the locking cap to the consumables can. Preferably, the circular gasket is removably housed within the inside cap portion of the outer cap. The circular gasket is preferably configured to removably seal against the peripheral rim of the consumables can, preferably above the can opening. The circular gasket preferably includes a gasket bottom and / or an annular top rim that defines a hollow top gasket portion opposite the gasket bottom. Preferably, the inner disc securely engages the inside cap portion of the outer cap. The inner disc is preferably removably housed and able to rotate freely within the inside cap portion. Preferably, the inner disc is removably housed within the hollow top gasket portion, preferably under the annular top rim of the circular gasket. Preferably, when the plurality of lock grooves are attached to the peripheral rim of the consumables can with the lock tabs securely engaging the lock grooves, as aforesaid, the locking cap is preferably removably locked to consumables can. The inner disc preferably urges and splays the circular gasket into secure engagement with the peripheral rim of the consumables can. The circular gasket is situated and / or interposed between the inner disc and the consumables can. Preferably, in the aforesaid manner, the circular gasket is removably sealed against the peripheral rim of the consumables can, preferably above the can opening.

[0028] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking cap device also may preferably, but need not necessarily, include an annular ring configured to attach tothe peripheral rim of the consumables can. The plurality of lock grooves may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided on the annular ring.

[0029] According to an aspect of the invention, the closed cap top may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a central cap portion. The inside cap portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a circular nub member that is attached to, and / or extends downwardly from, the central cap portion of the closed cap top. The inner disc may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a top disc portion with a central disc portion. The central disc portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped to define a circular disc opening. The circular disc opening may preferably, but need not necessarily, be configured to receive the nub member. Preferably in the aforesaid manner, the inner disc may preferably, but need not necessarily, be attached to the outer cap, preferably with the inner disc holding the circular gasket centered within the outer cap.

[0030] According to an aspect of the invention, the top disc portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a plurality of webbed reinforcements.

[0031] According to an aspect of the invention, the plurality of lock grooves may preferably, but need not necessarily, include five lock grooves. The plurality of lock tabs may preferably, but need not necessarily, include five lock tabs.

[0032] According to an aspect of the invention, the plurality of lock grooves may preferably, but need not necessarily, each include a slanted configuration.

[0033] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking cap device may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use with a raised portion of the can top. The gasket bottom may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a raised central gasket portion. The raised central gasket portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be able to receive the raised portion of the can top.

[0034] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking cap device may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use with a shoulder portion of the can top. The peripheral rim may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided on the shoulder portion. The plurality of lock grooves may preferably, but need not necessarily, be configured to attach to the shoulder portion of the can top.

[0035] According to an aspect of the invention, the lock tabs may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the lock grooves via hand twisting of the outer cap relative to the consumables can.

[0036] According to an aspect of the invention, the closed cap top may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a plurality of web-like reinforcements on the inside cap portion.

[0037] According to an aspect of the invention, the outer cap may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum materials and / or polypropylene materials.

[0038] According to an aspect of the invention, the inner disc may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of rubberized materials and plastics materials.

[0039] According to an aspect of the invention, the circular gasket may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of rubberized materials and food grade silicone materials.

[0040] According to an aspect of the invention, the circular gasket may preferably, but need not necessarily, be resiliently deformable and / or adapted to securely and / or frictionally engage the peripheral rim of the consumables can.

[0041] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking cap device may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use with a beverage can as the consumables can.

[0042] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking cap device may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted for use with a volume of up to 1 ,000 milliliters capable of being stored within the consumables can.

[0043] According to the invention, there is also disclosed a locking cap consumables can system. The system preferably includes a can top, a plurality of lock grooves, an outer cap, a circular gasket, and / or an inner disc. The can top preferably has a peripheral rim and / or defines a can opening. The plurality of lock grooves is preferably attached to the peripheral rim of the can top. The plurality of lock grooves are preferably spaced equally around the peripheral rim. The outer cappreferably includes a closed cap top, a bottom end portion, and / or an inside cap portion. The bottom end portion preferably defines a cap opening opposite the closed cap top. The bottom end portion preferably has a plurality of lock tabs spaced equally around the inside cap portion of the outer cap. Preferably, each of the lock tabs securely engages one of the lock grooves, in selectively removable relation, to removably lock the locking cap to the can top. The circular gasket is preferably removably housed within the inside cap portion of the outer cap. Preferably, the circular gasket is removably sealed against the peripheral rim of the can top, preferably above the can opening. The circular gasket preferably includes a gasket bottom and / or an annular top rim. The annular top rim preferably defines a hollow top gasket portion opposite the gasket bottom. Preferably, the inner disc securely engages the inside cap portion of the outer cap. The inner disc is preferably removably housed, and / or able to rotate freely, within the inside cap portion. Preferably, the inner disc is removably housed within the hollow top gasket portion, preferably under the annular top rim of the circular gasket. Preferably when the lock tabs securely engage the lock grooves, the locking cap is preferably removably locked to the can top. The inner disc preferably urges and splays the circular gasket into secure engagement with the peripheral rim of the can top. Preferably, the circular gasket is situated and / or interposed between the inner disc and the consumables can. Preferably in the aforesaid manner, the circular gasket is preferably removably sealed against the peripheral rim of the can top, preferably above the can opening.

[0044] According to the invention, there is also disclosed a method for locking a cap on a consumables can. The consumables can preferably has a can top with a peripheral rim. The can top preferably defines a can opening. Preferably in step (a) of the method, a plurality of lock grooves are preferably provided. The plurality of lock grooves are preferably configured to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can. The plurality of lock grooves are preferably spaced equally around the peripheral rim. Preferably in step (b) of the method, an outer cap is preferably provided. The outer cap preferably includes a closed cap top, a bottom end portion, and / or an inside cap portion. The bottom end portion preferably defines a cap opening opposite the closed cap top. The bottom end portion preferably has a plurality of lock tabs spaced equally around the inside cap portion of the outer cap. Each of the lock tabs is preferably configured for secure selectively removableengagement with one of the lock grooves, preferably to removably lock the locking cap to the consumables can. Preferably in step (c) of the method, a circular gasket is preferably provided. The circular gasket is preferably removably housed within the inside cap portion of the outer cap. The circular gasket is preferably configured to removably seal against the peripheral rim of the consumables can, preferably above the can opening. The circular gasket preferably includes a gasket bottom and / or an annular top rim. The annular top rim preferably defines a hollow top gasket portion, preferably opposite the gasket bottom. Preferably in step (d) of the method, an inner disc is preferably provided. The inner disc preferably securely engages the inside cap portion of the outer cap. Preferably, the inner disc is removably housed, and / or able to rotate freely, within the inside cap portion. The inner disc is preferably removably housed within the hollow top gasket portion, preferably under the annular top rim of the circular gasket. Preferably in step (e) of the method, when the plurality of lock grooves are attached to the peripheral rim of the consumables can preferably with the lock tabs securely engaging the lock grooves, as aforesaid, the locking cap is preferably removably locked to consumables can. The inner disc preferably urges and splays the circular gasket into secure engagement with the peripheral rim of the consumables can. The circular gasket is preferably situated and / or interposed between the inner disc and the consumables can. Preferably in the aforesaid manner, the circular gasket is preferably removably sealed against the peripheral rim of the consumables can, preferably above the can opening.

[0045] According to an aspect of the invention, preferably in step (a), an annular ring may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can. The plurality of lock grooves may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided on the annular ring.

[0046] According to an aspect of the invention, preferably in step (b), the closed cap top may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided with a central cap portion. The inside cap portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a circular nub member. The circular nub member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be attached to, and / or extends downwardly from, the central cap portion of the closed cap top. Preferably in step (d), the inner disc may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a top disc portion with a central disc portion. The central disc portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped to define a circular discopening. The circular disc opening may preferably, but need not necessarily, receive the nub member. Preferably in the aforesaid manner, the inner disc may preferably, but need not necessarily, be attached to the outer cap. Preferably as such, the inner disc may preferably, but need not necessarily, hold the circular gasket centered within the outer cap.

[0047] According to an aspect of the invention, preferably in step (e), the lock tabs may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the lock grooves via hand twisting of the outer cap relative to the consumables can.

[0048] According to the invention, and to put it another way, there is also disclosed a consumables can locking cap device, system, and / or method. Preferably, the device and / or system includes one or more lock ramps that are provided on one or more shoulders and / or sides of a consumables can, preferably to enable easy installation of a locking cap onto a top of the can. Preferably, an inside of the locking cap includes one or more locking tabs, which preferably engage with the lock ramps, preferably to securely seal the top of the can. According to the invention, the top of the can may preferably, but need not necessarily, otherwise remain unchanged in comparison to prior art can tops.

[0049] Preferably, the device, system, and / or method may help increase security and / or convenience of a consumables can, i.e. , as compared with prior art can cap systems. The device, system, and / or method preferably helps (a) avoid and / or reduce loss of carbonation and / or spoilage, (b) increase safety and / or security of carrying a previously opened can, (c) increase convenience of carrying a previously opened can, and / or (d) reduce environmental impact otherwise associated with single-use consumables containers.

[0050] According to an aspect of the invention, the device may preferably, but need not necessarily, help reduce pressure build up after installation, preferably to help prevent an explosion upon initial opening.

[0051] According to an aspect of the invention, the locking tabs may preferably, but need not necessarily, assist with installation via a twisting mechanism. The device, system, and / or method may preferably, but need not necessarily, provide for a secure seal that may preferably remain on the can until disengaged. The device,system, and / or method may preferably, but need not necessarily, help reseal consumables cans.

[0052] According to an aspect of the invention, the device may preferably, but need not necessarily, operate without use of any shrink and / or tamper band and / or without use of any securing plastic ring.

[0053] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate in view of the teachings and disclosures herein that the can locking cap and / or method, according to the invention, offers significant advantageous utilities and / or functionality in comparison to the prior art.

[0054] Other advantages, features, and / or characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, operation, and / or the combination of parts, features, and / or economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description with reference to the figures which accompany this application, and / or to any figures which may accompany any applications claiming priority herefrom.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, and related devices, systems, and / or methods according to the present invention, as to their structure, organization, use, and / or methods of manufacture and / or operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be better understood from the figures which accompany this application, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that such figures have been provided for the purpose of illustration and / or description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0056] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a locking cap device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with a consumables can;

[0057] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the locking cap device of FIG. 1 ;

[0058] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the locking cap device of FIG. 1 , showing an annular ring thereof on the consumables can and shown with the outer cap removed therefrom;

[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the locking cap device of FIG. 3, shown with an inner disc and circular gasket thereof removed from the outer cap;

[0060] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the annular ring of FIG. 3, shown removed from the consumables can;

[0061] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the outer cap of FIG. 4;

[0062] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the circular gasket of FIG. 4;

[0063] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the circular gasket and inner disc of FIG.4, shown in a disc and gasket assembly; and

[0064] FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the outer cap, inner disc, circular gasket and annular ring of FIG. 4, shown in a locking cap assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] This disclosure, including the accompanying figures, may include or reference one or more dimensions, numbers, materials of construction, words, phrases, sentences, assemblies, arrangements, and / or configurations which may be included by way of example. It may bear repeating, in this respect specifically, that such figures and / or any such aspects of this disclosure are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0066] With reference to accompanying FIGS. 1 to 9, there is shown a consumables can 20 and locking cap device (alternately herein, the “locking cap”) 30 and / or system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIGS. 1 to 9, the consumables can 20 is a substantially standard type that is adapted for storing beverages. (As may be described elsewhere herein, however, the present invention is also adapted for use with cans that store other consumables, such as, for example, dry goods cans which contain vitamins, supplements, cannabis flower, and / or medicines.) As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 9, the system includes lock ramps (or “lock grooves”) 102 on the can sides 28 or shoulder portions 27 of the can 20. Asshown in FIGS. 1-4, 6-9, the locking cap 30 also includes an outer cap 40, a circular gasket 80, and an inner disc 60.

[0067] As perhaps best seen in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9, the outer cap 40 has a closed cap top 42, an inside cap portion 48 with a central cap portion 52 and a substantially circular nub member 54. The circular nub member 54, preferably, extends downward from the central cap portion 52. The inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40 is preferably provided with one or more lock tabs 56. As described in further detail elsewhere herein, these lock tabs 56 are sized, shaped, and / or otherwise adapted to securely engage the lock grooves 102. (Preferably, between about one and about fifty lock tabs 56 may be provided. More preferably, about five lock tabs 56 may be provided, each to respectively engage a corresponding one of the lock grooves 102, as may be best appreciated from a consideration of FIGS. 3-6 and 9.)

[0068] The outer cap 40 has a generally cylindrical shape. Preferably, it is constructed from an aluminum material, a polypropylene material, and / or another material. The diameter and / or gauge of the material is preferably suited to withstand common torque generated by a by-hand twisting motion. The material and its diameter are preferably adapted to withstand typical forces needed to twist the outer cap 40 onto consumable cans 20. The cans 20 are preferably sized and adapted to contain a volume of up to about 1 ,000 milliliters. A bottom end portion 44 of the outer cap 40 is preferably shaped with a cap opening 46, such that the outer cap 40 is substantially hollow. The inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40 is accessible via the cap opening 46 at the bottom end portion 44 (as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9).

[0069] As aforesaid, the inside cap portion 48 is provided with a substantially circular nub member 54 (as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9). Preferably, the nub member 54 extends downward from about the center (i.e., from the central cap portion) 52 of the inside cap portion 48. When the outer cap 40 is constructed from polypropylene, the inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40 is preferably provided with one or more web-like reinforcements 50 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6). Preferably, when the outer cap 40 is constructed from aluminum (as shown in FIG. 9), there may be no need for any web-like reinforcements.

[0070] The circular gasket 80 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7-9) is substantially cylindrical and preferably constructed from a rubberized material, and / or another material. The diameter and / or gauge of the circular gasket 80 is slightly less than a diameter of the outer cap 40 (as best seen in FIG. 9). Preferably, as such, the circular gasket 80 readily fits inside the outer cap 40. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 8, the gasket 80 is preferably provided with a substantially annular top rim 82 that extends above and helps define a substantially hollow top gasket portion 84. The gasket 80 has a gasket bottom 86 with a similar bottom rim that helps define a substantially hollow or raised central gasket portion 88 on the gasket bottom 86 (as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 4 and 8-9).

[0071] In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 8, the circular gasket 80 preferably includes the raised central gasket portion 88. The raised central gasket portion 88 is preferably able to receive a raised portion 23 of the consumables can 20. Particularly, the raised central gasket portion 88 of the circular gasket 80 may enable the locking cap 30 to be attached to consumables cans 20 that still have a pull tab in place as the raised portion 23 - e.g., for opening of a can opening 24 on a beverage can - and / or to cans 20 with bowed beverage can tops 22.

[0072] The gasket 80 is preferably resiliently deformable, and is sized and otherwise adapted to securely and frictionally engage inner walls I peripheral rim 26 of a can top 22 (as perhaps best seen in FIG. 3).

[0073] The inner disc 60 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 8-9 and is preferably constructed from a rubberized and / or other material. The diameter and / or gauge of the inner disc 60 is preferably slightly less than an inside diameter of the circular gasket 80. As such, the inner disc 60 preferably fits, securely, inside the substantially hollow top gasket portion 84. As described in further detail elsewhere herein, the inner disc 60 preferably helps to hold the gasket 80 centered within the outer cap 40.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8-9, the inner disc 60 has a top disc portion 62 that is preferably provided with webbed reinforcements 64, and a substantially circular opening 68 in its center (or central disc portion) 66. As shown in FIG. 1 , the substantially circular opening 68 is preferably large enough to snap onto the nub member 54 that extends downward from the inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40.

[0075] A user (not shown) preferably secures the inner disc 60 within the substantially hollow top gasket portion 84 to form a disc 60 and gasket 80 assembly (as best seen in FIG. 8). The user can then preferably snap the inner disc 60 and gasket 80 assembly onto the nub member 54 inside the outer cap 40, where it can preferably spin or rotate freely (about the nub member 54) independently of the outer cap 40.

[0076] The inner disc 60 may be removably housed within the inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40 and able to rotate freely therewithin, as aforesaid. This rotation is preferably about a vertical axis that is central to the outer cap 40 and the inner disc 60 when attached together.

[0077] The locking cap 30 is preferably the combination, as aforesaid, of the outer cap 40 with the disc 60 and gasket 80 assembly. The locking cap 30 is preferably sized and otherwise adapted to fit onto a wide variety of standard consumables cans 20 (e.g., that contain a volume of up to substantially about 1 ,000 milliliters).

[0078] As noted above, the system preferably includes the lock ramps (alternately herein, the “lock grooves”) 102 that are provided on the can sides 28 or shoulder portions 27 of the can 20 (as shown in FIGS. 3-4). As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the lock grooves 102 may include a slanted portion terminating with a lip and transitioning into a linear portion that is disposed slightly above the end of the slanted portion to define the lip.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lock tabs 56 may each include a size and shape each configured to insert into an entrance of the lock groove 102, to move along the slanted portion of the lock groove 102 when the outer cap 40 is twisted onto the annular ring 100, and to seat against the linear portion of the lock groove 102. The lip prevents the outer cap 40 from being accidentally twisted and removed and thus locks the locking cap 30 to the beverage can 20. This may cause the outer cap 30 to apply downward pressure onto the inner disc 60.

[0080] When the locking cap 30 is placed over the top can portion 22 and twisted - preferably, e.g., in a substantially clockwise direction (as generally indicated by arrow “A” in FIG.3) when viewed from above. As the locking cap 30 is twisted, the lock tabs 56 - which are provided, as aforesaid, on the inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40 - preferably follow and slide against the lock ramps 102. In this manner,the outer cap 40 is preferably urged downward (in the direction generally indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 3) and likewise urges the gasket 80 into secure frictional sealing engagement with the inner walls I peripheral rim 26 of the can top 22. This preferably locks the locking cap 30 into place on the can top 22, with the can 20 then sealed to securely store any fluid remaining therein.

[0081] To remove the locking cap 30, a user may apply a downward force (i.e., push down substantially in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 3) on the outer cap 40, moving the lock tabs 56 downward, below the lip and the slanted portion of the lock groove 102, such that the outer cap 40 can be twisted back (preferably counterclockwise) along the slanted portion of the lock groove 102 and removed from the annular ring 100.

[0082] Preferably, when the user twists the locking cap 30 in this opposite (preferably counterclockwise) direction, the lock tabs 56 in the inside cap portion 48 of the outer cap 40 will travel upwards against the lock ramps 102, and the locking cap 30 will be released from the can top 22.

[0083] Preferably, the invention helps provide one or more advantages over the prior art - and / or helps to solve, obviate, and / or mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art - including (but not limited to) those described below and / or elsewhere herein.

[0084] As detailed herein, the invention preferably provides one or more of the following: (A) the inner disc 60 and gasket 80 assembly preferably provides an improved seal, using frictional force to ensure the locking cap 30 remains continuously locked and / or sealed, unless manually unlocked. (B) The invention’s twisting method preferably provides ease of use. Preferably, the hand-twisting method - and absence of any plastic ring inside the inner can - helps to prevent build-up of pressure when sealing the cap 30 on the can 20. As such, the invention preferably also helps reduce any risks of explosion while releasing the locking mechanism. And / or, (C) the locking cap device 30, system, and / or method according to the invention will provide for ease of manufacturing and adaptability. Preferably, use of the invention does not require modification to any seaming and / or filling lines that are typically associated with standard beverage cans 20. As such, the lockingcap 30 is preferably well-adapted to fit standard cans 20 for beverages and other consumables, and has increased versatility from a manufacturing perspective.

[0085] As also detailed herein, the invention preferably enables the inner disc 60 and the circular gasket 80 to be constructed from different materials - e.g., with the circular gasket 80 constructed from a food grade silicone material, and the inner disc 60 constructed from a somewhat more rigid plastic material. In the locking cap device 30 according to the invention, the beverage or other consumable inside an open can will, via the can opening 24, only come into contact and interact with the circular gasket 80 that may preferably be constructed from a food grade silicone material. The circular gasket 80 only needs to form a tight seal with the can 20. Any interaction or wear between the circular gasket 80 and the inner disc 60 is away and / or removed from the consumables (e.g., beverage) inside the can 20. The beverage or other consumable is securely contained inside the can 20 and, if opened, under the circular gasket 80 above the can opening 24.

[0086] Preferably, the locking cap device 30 according to the invention, with the circular gasket 80 and its food grade silicone construction, keeps the plastic material of the inner disc 60 from interacting with the beverage or other consumable inside the can 20. The circular gasket 80 is preferably constructed from a food grade silicone material or other food grade material. It preferably covers the entire surface of the inner disc 60 that is holding it. By utilizing a food grade construction for the circular gasket 80 to completely contain the beverage or other consumable inside the can 20 after it has been opened, the locking cap device 30 according to the invention preferably helps to reduce areas that could potentially leak and / or cause bacteria build-up.

[0087] Preferably, according to the invention, the circular gasket 80 enables and affords improved efficiency for sealing the can 20 and / or improved child-resistant (push down and twist) functionality. The locking cap device 30 according to the invention is such that the inner disc 60 holds the circular gasket 80 and, as the cap tightens, the inner disc 60 helps urge and splay the circular gasket 80 outward, e.g., for improved sealing and useability.

[0088] The locking cap device 30 according to the present invention, with the inner disc 60 and the circular gasket 80, can be readily manufactured using injectionmolding technologies, and is better suited for high-volume production and assembly. The locking cap device 30 according to the invention can be readily pushed together by hand and / or on an automated production line. Likewise, for consumers looking to reuse the locking cap device 30 according to the invention, it enables ready dismantling and cleaning, e.g., by hand.

[0089] The invention is contemplated for use by or in association with consumables cans 20, including beverage cans, as described above. The invention, however, is not so limited. And, in any event, other embodiments, which fall within the scope of the invention, may be provided. For example, some embodiments of the invention may be adapted for use with dry goods cans 20, such as, for example, may contain vitamins, supplements, cannabis flower, and / or medicines.

[0090] Future improvements or modifications to the idea may include (among other things) adaptations for large-scale manufacturing.

[0091] The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.

[0092] Naturally, in view of the teachings and disclosures herein, persons having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that alternate designs and / or embodiments of the invention may be possible (e.g., with substitution of one or more components for others, with alternate configurations of components, etc). Although some of the components, relations, configurations and / or steps according to the invention are not specifically referenced in association with one another, they may be used, and / or adapted for use, in association therewith. All of the aforementioned and various other structures, configurations, relationships, utilities, any which may be depicted and / or based hereon, and the like may be, but are not necessarily, incorporated into and / or achieved by the invention. Any one or more of the aforementioned structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like may be implemented in and / or by the invention, on their own, and / or without reference, regard or likewise implementation of any of the other aforementioned structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like, in various permutations and combinations, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the pith, marrow, and spirit of the disclosed invention.

[0093] Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design, manufacture, and / or implementation of other embodiments according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims of this patent application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking cap device for a consumables can, wherein the consumables can has a can top with a peripheral rim and with the can top defining a can opening, wherein the locking cap device comprises: a plurality of lock grooves configured to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can, wherein the plurality of lock grooves are spaced equally around the peripheral rim; an outer cap comprising a closed cap top, a bottom end portion, and an inside cap portion, wherein the bottom end portion defines a cap opening opposite the closed cap top, wherein the bottom end portion has a plurality of lock tabs spaced equally around the inside cap portion of the outer cap, wherein each of the lock tabs is configured for secure selectively removable engagement with one of the lock grooves to removably lock the locking cap to the consumables can; a circular gasket removably housed within the inside cap portion of the outer cap and configured to removably seal against the peripheral rim of the consumables can above the can opening, wherein the circular gasket comprises a gasket bottom and an annular top rim that defines a hollow top gasket portion opposite the gasket bottom; and an inner disc securely engaging the inside cap portion of the outer cap, wherein the inner disc is removably housed and able to rotate freely within the inside cap portion, and wherein the inner disc is removably housed within the hollow top gasket portion under the annular top rim of the circular gasket; wherein when the plurality of lock grooves are attached to the peripheral rim of the consumables can with the lock tabs securely engaging the lock grooves, as aforesaid, the locking cap is removably locked to consumables can, with the inner disc urging and splaying the circular gasket into secure engagement with the peripheral rim of the consumables can, with the circular gasket interposed between the inner disc and the consumables can, thereby removably sealing the circular gasket against the peripheral rim of the consumables can above the can opening.

2. The locking cap device according to claim 1 , further comprising an annular ring configured to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can, wherein the plurality of lock grooves are provided on the annular ring.

3. The locking cap device according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the closed cap top has a central cap portion, wherein the inside cap portion comprises a circular nub member that is attached to and extends downwardly from the central cap portion of the closed cap top, wherein the inner disc comprises a top disc portion with a central disc portion that is shaped to define a circular disc opening, wherein the circular disc opening is configured to receive the nub member, thereby attaching the inner disc to the outer cap, with the inner disc holding the circular gasket centered within the outer cap.

4. The locking cap device according to claim 3, wherein the top disc portion comprises a plurality of webbed reinforcements.

5. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of lock grooves comprises five lock grooves, and wherein the plurality of lock tabs comprises five lock tabs.

6. The locking cap device according to any one claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of lock grooves each includes a slanted configuration.

7. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, adapted for use with a raised portion of the can top, wherein the gasket bottom has a raised central gasket portion able to receive the raised portion of the can top.

8. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lock tabs securely engage the lock grooves via hand twisting of the outer cap relative to the consumables can.

9. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closed cap top comprises a plurality of web-like reinforcements on the inside cap portion.

10. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer cap is constructed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum materials and polypropylene materials.

11. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inner disc is constructed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of rubberized materials and plastics materials.

12. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the circular gasket is constructed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of rubberized materials and food grade silicone materials.

13. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the circular gasket is resiliently deformable and adapted to securely and frictionally engage the peripheral rim of the consumables can.

14. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 that is adapted for use with a beverage can as the consumables can.

15. The locking cap device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 that is adapted for use with a volume of up to 1 ,000 milliliters capable of being stored within the consumables can.

16. A locking cap consumables can system comprising: a can top having a peripheral rim, wherein the can top defines a can opening; a plurality of lock grooves attached to the peripheral rim of the can top, wherein the plurality of lock grooves are spaced equally around the peripheral rim; an outer cap comprising a closed cap top, a bottom end portion, and an inside cap portion, wherein the bottom end portion defines a cap opening opposite the closed cap top, wherein the bottom end portion has a plurality of lock tabs spaced equally around the inside cap portion of the outer cap, wherein each of the lock tabs securely engages one of the lock grooves, in selectively removable relation, to removably lock the locking cap to the can top; a circular gasket removably housed within the inside cap portion of the outer cap and removably sealed against the peripheral rim of the can top above the can opening, wherein the circular gasket comprises a gasket bottom and an annular top rim that defines a hollow top gasket portion opposite the gasket bottom; and an inner disc securely engaging the inside cap portion of the outer cap, wherein the inner disc is removably housed and able to rotate freely within the inside cap portion, and wherein the inner disc is removably housed within the hollow top gasket portion under the annular top rim of the circular gasket; wherein when the lock tabs securely engage the lock grooves, as aforesaid, the locking cap is removably locked to can top, with the inner disc urging and splaying the circular gasket into secure engagement with the peripheral rim of theconsumables can, with the circular gasket interposed between the inner disc and the consumables can, thereby removably sealing the circular gasket against the peripheral rim of the can top above the can opening.

17. A method for locking a cap on a consumables can, wherein the consumables can has a can top with a peripheral rim and with the can top defining a can opening, wherein the method comprises the steps of:(a) providing a plurality of lock grooves that are configured to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can, wherein the plurality of lock grooves are spaced equally around the peripheral rim;(b) providing an outer cap that comprises a closed cap top, a bottom end portion, and an inside cap portion, wherein the bottom end portion defines a cap opening opposite the closed cap top, wherein the bottom end portion has a plurality of lock tabs spaced equally around the inside cap portion of the outer cap, wherein each of the lock tabs is configured for secure selectively removable engagement with one of the lock grooves to removably lock the locking cap to the consumables can;(c) providing a circular gasket removably housed within the inside cap portion of the outer cap and configured to removably seal against the peripheral rim of the consumables can above the can opening, wherein the circular gasket comprises a gasket bottom and an annular top rim that defines a hollow top gasket portion opposite the gasket bottom;(d) providing an inner disc securely engaging the inside cap portion of the outer cap, wherein the inner disc is removably housed and able to rotate freely within the inside cap portion, and wherein the inner disc is removably housed within the hollow top gasket portion under the annular top rim of the circular gasket; and(e) when the plurality of lock grooves are attached to the peripheral rim of the consumables can with the lock tabs securely engaging the lock grooves, as aforesaid, the locking cap is removably locked to consumables can, with the inner disc urging and splaying the circular gasket into secure engagement with the peripheral rim of the consumables can, with the circular gasket interposed between the inner disc and the consumables can, thereby removably sealing the circular gasket against the peripheral rim of the consumables can above the can opening.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein in step (a), an annular ring is provided to attach to the peripheral rim of the consumables can, with the plurality of lock grooves provided on the annular ring.

19. The method according to one of claims 17 and 18, wherein in step (b), the closed cap top is provided with a central cap portion, with the inside cap portion comprising a circular nub member that is attached to and extends downwardly from the central cap portion of the closed cap top; wherein in step (d), the inner disc comprises a top disc portion with a central disc portion that is shaped to define a circular disc opening, with the circular disc opening receiving the nub member, thereby attaching the inner disc to the outer cap, and such that the inner disc holds the circular gasket centered within the outer cap.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein in step (e), the lock tabs securely engage the lock grooves via hand twisting of the outer cap relative to the consumables can.

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