Reclosable Beverage Can Closure System with Nesting Tab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage cans with 'stay on tabs' lack the ability to be reclosed, which is advantageous for maintaining the benefits of the cans while allowing for resealing.

Innovation Solution

A closure system for beverage containers that includes a closure member for sealing the drinking orifice and an operating member for manual opening, allowing for both opening and reclosing of the container without enlarging its outer dimensions or compromising stackability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a closure system is added to enable reclosing of beverage cans, then the versatility and usability of the container is improved, but the device complexity and constructive effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereclosing capabilityVSAvoidconstructive effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into functionally independent components: a closure member (flap) that can be opened and closed, an operating member (tab) for manual operation, and a lid structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling reclosing functionality without excessive constructive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member serves multiple functions: it seals the drinking orifice when closed, can be manually opened by the operating member, and can be reclosed by the user. The operating member both initiates opening and enables reclosing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a closure system is added to beverage cans, then the reclosing functionality is improved, but the outer dimensions of the container may be enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereclosing capabilityVSAvoidouter dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member is positioned within the contour of the lid and nestles into the can opening. The operating member is integrated into the lid structure rather than extending outward. This nesting arrangement ensures that the closure system components are contained within the existing outer dimensions of the beverage can, preventing enlargement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a closure system is added to beverage cans, then the reclosing functionality is improved, but the stackability of the container may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereclosing capabilityVSAvoidstackability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member and operating member are both positioned within the contour of the lid, with the closure member nesting into the can opening and the operating member integrating with the lid structure. This nested configuration maintains the original external shape and dimensions of the beverage can, ensuring that stackability is not compromised while enabling reclosing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a closure system with seal of warranty is added, then the ability to detect opened containers is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of opened stateVSAvoidconstructive effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal of warranty utilizes visual indicators (color changes or distinct markings) that are immediately recognizable to consumers. When the seal is broken or the closure opened, the visual state changes, providing clear detection of the opened condition. This visual detection method adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving detectability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS12325550B2Closure system for containers

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 RE LID ENG AG

AI summary

A closure system for a container for liquids or bulk material includes a lid having an upper side, a lower side and a drinking orifice, a closure member for closing the drinking orifice that is positioned at a lower side of the lid and configured to cover an entire surface of the drinking orifice in a closed position, an operating member for manually opening the drinking orifice by a user positioned at the upper side of the lid and connected to the operating member, and at least one recess defined in the lid and disposed relative to the closure member such that, when the closure member is moved from the closed position via the operating member, the at least one recess is at least partially overlapped by the closure member such that a gas exchange occurs between an interior of the container and an environment.