MX2011005562A

MX2011005562A - Container.

Info

Publication number: MX2011005562A
Application number: MX2011005562A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Evan Ira Phillips
Original assignee: B E Inventive Llc
Priority date: 2008-11-26
Filing date: 2009-11-25
Publication date: 2012-06-19
Also published as: WO2010062977A8; BRPI0921395A2; EP2356037A4; EP2356037A1; JP5452610B2; WO2010062977A1; US20100126992A1; JP2012509823A; EP2356037B1

Abstract

Containers comprising a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure element are disclosed. The containers may be constructed to be resealable and improve sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion and allow for easier opening with the ability to be reclosed, over a conventional container.

Description

CONTAINER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending US Patent Application number 12 / 324,386, filed on November 26, 2008, entitled "CONTAINER", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION At least one example of the present invention generally refers to a container. More particularly, some examples refer to a container or a closure system for a resealable container having a enclosed, sanitary supply portion, so that the supply portion remains protected from the environment during, for example, the shipment and storage of the container, and may be protected against the environment during use by the consumer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Beverages, food and other consumer goods come in a variety of containers for distribution and sale to consumers. In particular, conventional beverage cans having a non-removable ring-type closure are widely used because of their ease of manufacture, low manufacturing costs, and reliability. However, there are health concerns regarding the unprotected outer portion of the can that comes into contact with the contents while pouring the beverage can, or that comes directly in contact with the consumers when they drink directly from the beverage can. . Additionally, some consumers have difficulty opening beverage cans, and once this beverage can has been opened, it can not be resealed, or requires substantial effort to reseal it, so that portion protection Unprotected exterior and storage after its opening are not feasible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Some aspects and examples described herein provide sanitary containers, and methods to elaborate them.

According to a first aspect, a container comprising a container body and a closure system is provided. The closure system comprises a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element comprises a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end. The fixed element is secured to one end of the body of the container. The movable closure element comprises an upper cover that includes a grip, a sealing portion that resides within the body of the container and that comprises a channel constructed and accommodated to accept the channel guide, and a rod positioned within the channel and having an upper end constructed and accommodated to mate with the upper cover and a lower end constructed and accommodated to mate with the sealing portion.

According to this first aspect, in a first position, the upper cover covers the supply portion, the sealing portion is in contact with a lower surface of the end of the can, and the stem is placed on the first end of the guide channel.

According to this first aspect, in a second position, the upper cover covers the supply portion and is rotated relative to the first position, the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the can end, and the stem is positioned at the first end of the channel guide.

According to this first aspect, in a third position the upper cover exposes the delivery portion, the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the can end, and the stem is placed at the second end of the container. channel guide.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a closure system for sealing a container constructed and accommodated for coupling with a container body comprising a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element comprises a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end, the fixed element constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The movable closure element comprises an upper cover that includes a grip, a sealing portion comprising a channel constructed and accommodated to accept the channel guide, and a stem that resides within the channel and having a top end constructed and accommodated for coupling with the upper cover and a lower end constructed and accommodated to mate with the sealing portion. According to this additional aspect, as the upper cover and the stem are rotated, the sealing portion moves vertically along the stem, and as the upper cover and the stem are moved in a horizontal direction, the portion Seal moves in the horizontal direction.

According to a further aspect, there is disclosed a closure system for sealing a container constructed and accommodated for coupling with a container body. The closure system comprises a fixed element including a can end comprising a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end, the fixed element constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. container. The closure element also comprises a movable closure element including an upper cover comprising a grip including a lever. The movable closure element also comprises a sealing portion that includes a channel constructed and accommodated to accept the channel guide and a lever receiving portion constructed and accommodated to accept the lever. According to this aspect, as the lever of the upper cover is lifted, the lever moves to allow the sealing portion to move vertically, and as the lever is moved in a horizontal direction, the sealing portion is move in the horizontal direction.

According to an additional aspect, a closure system for sealing a container is constructed and accommodated to mate with a container body. The closure system comprises a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element comprises a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end. The fixed element is constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The movable closure element comprises an upper cover including a lever, and a sealing portion comprising a lever receiving portion. The lever receiving portion is constructed and accommodated to accept the lever so that, as the lever is raised, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the end of the can. The sealing portion is also constructed and arranged so that, as the upper cover moves horizontally from the first end of the channel guide to the second end of the channel guide, the supply portion is exposed.

According to a further aspect, a closure system for sealing a container constructed and accommodated to engage with a container body. The closure system comprises a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element comprises a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide. The fixed element is constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The movable closure comprises an upper cover that includes a grip, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion is constructed and arranged to interact operatively with the top cover, so that as the top cover is engaged, the sealing portion moves in a vertical direction, and as the top cover is moved in one direction horizontal along the channel guide, the sealing portion moves in the horizontal direction.

Other advantages, novel features and objectives of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Some illustrative examples are described below with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1A illustrates an example of a perspective view of a beverage container, according to certain examples; Figure IB illustrates a perspective view of a beverage container, according to certain examples; Figure 1C illustrates a perspective view of a beverage container, according to certain examples; Figure 2A illustrates a perspective part view of the closure system shown in Figures 1A-1C, according to certain examples; Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of the closure system shown in Figures 1A-1C, according to certain examples; Figure 3A illustrates a perspective view of a can cover of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of the can end of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 3C illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element of a closing element according to certain examples; Figure 3D illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 4A illustrates a perspective view of a can cover of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 4B illustrates a perspective view of a can end of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 4C illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element, according to certain examples; Figure 4D illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element, according to certain examples; Figure 5A illustrates a perspective view of a can cover, according to certain examples; Figure 5B illustrates a perspective view showing the detail 5B of the can cover shown in Figure 5A, according to certain examples; Figure 5C illustrates a perspective view of a can end, according to certain examples; Figure 5D illustrates a perspective view showing the detail 5D of the can end shown in Figure 5C, according to certain examples; Figure 5E illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element comprising the can cover and the can end of figures 5A-5D, according to certain examples; Figure 6A illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element, according to certain examples, - Figure 6B illustrates a perspective view of a fixed element, according to certain examples; Figure 7A illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of the closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 7B illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of the closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 8A illustrates a perspective assembled view of the portion of the closure system of Figure 7A, according to certain examples; Figure 8B illustrates a perspective assembled view of the portion of the closure system shown in Figure 7B, according to certain examples; Figure 9A illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 9B illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 9C illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 9D illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 9E illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 9F illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 10A illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 10B illustrates a perspective view in parts of a portion of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 11A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system shown in Figure 11A along the section line 11B-11B, according to certain examples; Figure 12A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 12B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system shown in Figure 12A along section line 12B-12B, according to certain examples; Figure 13A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 13B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system shown in Figure 13A along the section line 13B-13B, according to certain examples; Figure 14A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 14B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system shown in Figure 14A along section line 14B-14B, according to certain examples; Figure 15A illustrates an example of a perspective view of a beverage container, according to certain examples; Figure 15B illustrates an example of a perspective view of a beverage container, according to certain examples; Figure 16A illustrates a perspective part view of the closure system shown in Figures 15A and 15B, according to certain examples; Figure 16B illustrates a perspective parts view of the closure system shown in Figures 15A and 15B, according to certain examples; Figure 17A illustrates a perspective view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 17B illustrates another perspective view of the closure system shown in Figure 17A, according to certain examples; Figure 18A illustrates a perspective view in parts of the closure system shown in Figures 17A and 17B, according to certain examples; Figure 18B illustrates another perspective view in parts of the closure system shown in Figures 17A and 17B, according to certain examples; Figure 19A illustrates an aerial view of the closure system shown in Figures 17A and 17B according to certain examples; Figure 19B illustrates a cross-sectional view along section line 19B-19B of the closure system shown in Figure 19A, according to certain examples; Figure 20A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 20B illustrates a cross-sectional view along the section line 20B-20B of the closure system shown in Figure 20A, according to certain examples; Figure 21A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 21B illustrates a cross-sectional view along the section line 21B-21B of the closure system shown in Figure 21A, according to certain examples; Figure 22A illustrates an overhead view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 22B illustrates a cross-sectional view along the section line 22B-22B of the closure system shown in Figure 22A, according to certain examples; Figure 23A illustrates a perspective view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 23B illustrates a perspective view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 24A illustrates a plan view of an upper cover, according to certain examples; Figure 24B illustrates a perspective view of the top cover of Figure 24A, according to certain examples; Figure 25A illustrates a flat view of a lever, according to certain examples; Figure 25B illustrates a perspective view of the lever of Figure 25A, according to certain examples; Figure 25C illustrates another perspective view of the lever of Figure 25A, according to certain examples; Figure 26A illustrates a top plan view of a sealing portion, according to certain examples; Figure 26B illustrates a bottom plan view of a sealing portion, according to certain examples; Figure 26C illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 26C-26C of the sealing portion of Figure 26A, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 27A illustrates a planar top view of a sealing portion, according to certain examples; Figure 27B illustrates a bottom plan view of a sealing portion, according to certain examples; Figure 27C illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 27C-27C of the sealing portion of Figure 27A, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 28A illustrates a top plan view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 28B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 28B-28B of the closure system of Figure 28A, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 28C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 28A, showing the detail 28C of Figure 28B, according to certain examples; Figure 29A illustrates a top plan view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 29B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 29B-29B of the closure system of Figure 29A, in accordance with certain examples; Fig. 29C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Fig. 29A, showing the detail 29C of Fig. 29B, according to certain examples; Figure 30A illustrates a top plan view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 30B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 30B-30B of the closure system of Figure 30A, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 30C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 30A, showing the detail 30C of Figure 30B, according to certain examples; Figure 31A illustrates a top plan view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 31B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along section line 31B-31B of the closure system of Figure 31A, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 31C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 31A, showing the detail 31C of Figure 31B, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 32A illustrates a top plan view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 32B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 32B-32B of the closure system of Figure 32A, according to certain examples; Figure 32C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 32A, showing detail 32C of Figure 32B, according to certain examples; Figure 33A illustrates a planar top view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 33B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along section line 33B-33B of the closure system of Figure 33A, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 33C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 33A, showing detail 33C of Figure 33B, according to certain examples; Figure 34A illustrates a top plan view of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 34B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 34B-34B of the closure system of Figure 34A, according to certain examples; Figure 34C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 34A, showing detail 34C of Figure 34B, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 35A illustrates a perspective view of the lever of Figures 28A-33C, according to certain examples; Figure 35B illustrates a perspective view of the lever of Figure 35A, showing the detail 35B of Figure 35A, according to certain examples; Figure 36A illustrates a perspective view of the lever of Figures 34A-34C, according to certain examples; Figure 36B illustrates a perspective view of the lever of Figure 36A, showing the detail 36B of Figure 36A, according to certain examples; Figure 37A illustrates a top perspective view of a closure system, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 37B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure system of Figure 37A, according to certain examples; Figure 38A illustrates a top perspective view of the closure system, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 38B illustrates a side view of the closure system of Figure 38A, according to certain examples; Figure 38C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure system of Figure 38A, according to certain examples; Figure 39A illustrates a top perspective view of the closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 39B illustrates a side view of the closure system of Figure 39A, according to certain examples; Figure 39C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure system of Figure 39A, according to certain examples; Figure 40A illustrates a top perspective view of the closure system, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 40B illustrates a side view of the closure system of Figure 40A, according to certain examples; Figure 40C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure system of Figure 40A, according to certain examples; Figure 41A illustrates a top perspective view of the closure system, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 41B illustrates a side view of the closure system of Figure 41A, according to certain examples; Figure 41C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure system of Figure 41A, according to certain examples; Figure 42A illustrates a top perspective view of the closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 42B illustrates a side view of the closure system of Figure 42A, according to certain examples; Figure 42C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure system of Figure 42A, according to certain examples; Figure 43A illustrates a top perspective view of parts of the closure system in a first position, according to certain examples; Figure 43B illustrates a perspective view in parts of the closure system shown in Figure 43A in a second position, according to certain examples; Figure 43C illustrates a bottom perspective view in parts of the closure system shown in Figure 43A, according to certain examples; Figure 43D illustrates a bottom perspective view in parts of the closure system shown in Figures 43B, according to certain examples; Figure 44A illustrates a top perspective view of a sealing portion in a first position, according to certain examples; Figure 44B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sealing portion of Figure 44A, according to certain examples; Figure 44C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sealing portion in a second position, according to certain examples; Figure 44D illustrates a top perspective view of the sealing portion of Figure 44C, according to certain examples; Figure 44E illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 44E-44E of the sealing portion of Figure 44D, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 45A illustrates a side view of the sealing portion of Figure 44D in a third position, according to certain examples; Figure 45B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 45B-45B of the sealing portion of Figure 45A, according to certain examples; Figure 4SA illustrates a top perspective view of a top cover, according to certain examples; Figure 46B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top cover of Figure 46A, according to certain examples; Figure 47A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a lever in an upper cover, according to certain examples; Figure 47B illustrates a top perspective view of the lever and top cover in a first position, according to certain examples; Figure 47C illustrates a top perspective view of the lever and top cover in a second position, according to certain examples; Figure 47D illustrates a top perspective view of the lever and top cover in a third position, according to certain examples; Figure 47E illustrates a top perspective view of the lever and top cover in a fourth position, according to certain examples; Figure 48A illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 48A-48A of the lever and top cover of Figure 47B, according to certain examples; Figure 48B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 48B-48B of the lever and top cover of Figure 47C, according to certain examples; Figure 48C illustrates a cross-sectional side view along section line 48C-48C of the lever and top cover of Figure 47D, according to certain examples; Figure 48D illustrates a cross-sectional side view along section line 48D-48D of the lever and top cover of Figure 47E, according to certain examples; Figure 49A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a top cover on a can end, according to certain examples; Figure 49B illustrates a top perspective view of the top cover and the can end, according to certain examples; Figure 49C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top cover and the can end, according to certain examples; Figure 50A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a lever on a top cover on a can end, according to certain examples; Figure 50B illustrates a top perspective view of the lever, top cover and can end in a first position, according to certain examples; Figure 50C illustrates a top perspective view of the top cover and can end in a second position, according to certain examples; Figure 51A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 51B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the installation of a closure system, according to certain examples; Figure 51C illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a closure system in a first position, according to certain examples; Figure 51D illustrates a cross-sectional side view along section line 51D-51D of the closure system installation of Figure 51C, according to certain examples; Figure 51E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 51C, showing the detail 51E of Figure 51D, according to certain examples; Figure 52A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a closure system in a second position, according to certain examples; Figure 52B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 52B-52B of the installation of the closure system of Figure 52A, according to certain examples; Figure 52C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 52A, showing the detail 52C of Figure 52B, in accordance with certain examples; Figure 53A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a closure system in a third position, according to certain examples; Figure 53B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 53B-53B of the installation of the closure system of Figure 53A, according to certain examples; Figure 53C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 53A showing detail 53C of Figure 53B, according to certain examples; Figure 54A illustrates a top perspective view of the installation of a closure system in a fourth position, according to certain examples; Figure 54B illustrates a cross-sectional side view along the section line 54B-54B of the installation of the closure system of Figure 54A, according to certain examples; Y Figure 54C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure system of Figure 54A, showing the detail 54C of Figure 54B, according to certain examples.

Certain features or components of the containers and illustrative devices shown in the figures may have been enlarged, distorted, or otherwise displayed in an unconventional manner with respect to other features or components to facilitate a better understanding of the containers and devices. novelties described here. One skilled in the art will recognize, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the containers and devices described herein can be used in any orientation with regard to severity and convenient orientations will be readily selected by the person skilled in the art, given the benefit of this. description. The references made to the beverage containers here are not intended to limit the description to beverage containers, but rather refer to containers that can be used to maintain various contents, including consumable and non-consumable goods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Some examples of the devices and methods described herein will be recognized by a person skilled in the art, given the benefit of this description to provide cost effective, sanitary containers. In particular, beverage containers having a sanitary cover are provided, which are easier to open than conventional cans, and which can be resealed repeatedly and safely. The beverage container of certain examples described herein will prevent the supply portion of the beverage container from being exposed to the environment and will ensure a product free from contaminants and insurance. The current manufacturing process for beverage cans can be adapted to include the present invention, with reduced cost, minimal or no additional cost.

Conventional beverage containers, such as aluminum cans, are manufactured through well-known processes. In one process, the aluminum cans are made from a rolled aluminum sheet that is fed through a mortise press that cuts discs and forms them into a cup-like container. These cups fall from the press onto a conveyor belt and are fed into an ironing press where successive rings rewind and iron the cup, reducing the thickness of the side walls, and achieving a full length can. The upper parts of the can bodies are then cut out to eliminate rough edges and ensure a uniform height. The bodies of the cans are then cleaned and dried. Subsequently, the bodies of the cans are labeled and covered with a clear protective layer of varnish. The cans are then baked, treated with a coating, and re-baked. The upper portion of each can body is reduced to form a neck with an outer rim on the upper edge. The lower portions are curved to obtain the force required to withstand internal pressure in the event that a carbonated liquid is added to the can. After testing for pore holes and defects, the can bodies are placed on pallets and sent to a beverage supplier.

The lids of conventional aluminum cans, typically referred to as "can ends", are made by curved plates of stamping from a rolled sheet of aluminum. The curved plates are coated with a sealant, and then a rivet is placed on each end of the can. In those cans that use a non-removable ring type closure, the process also includes inserting a separate piece of metal as the tab under the rivet to secure it in place. The edges of the can ends generally have a curved rim. The ends of the can are also marked to define the opening of the end of the can in the finished product. The ends of the can are then sent to the beverage supplier, together with the bodies of the cans.

Once being with the beverage supplier, a filling machine is used to pour the beverage into the body of the can. The process is completed after filling when the end of the can is added, and it is secured to the can body forming a double seam with the body of the can. A double seam is formed by interlocking the edges of the two components, the upper outer edge of the can body and the curved rim on the edge of the can end, by curling the end flange of the can around the edge of the can. can body so that the end flange of the can is partially rolled and under the edge of the can body to form a partial seam, and pleating and flattening the partial seam against the can body to form an airtight seal .

Most beverage cans have a non-removable ring-type closure such as those described in US Patent Nos. 3,967,752 and 3,967,753 to Cudzik, and which were described above. However, there are many aspects of conventional non-removable ring closure that can make it undesirable. The non-removable ring closure does not provide a sanitary environment for drinking because the outer surface of the can and the top of the can, which comprises the non-removable ring closure, comes into contact with the environment during storage, shipping, distribution, deployment, management, and finally, use by the consumer. When the beverage is poured directly from the can through the opening formed by the non-removable ring closure, the beverage comes in contact with the top and the surface of the can, making this a potentially non-sanitary environment for drinking. Additionally, if a consumer drinks the can directly, both the beverage and the consumer's mouth come in contact with the surface and the top of the can, also converting it into a non-sanitary environment for drinking. Additionally, the non-removable ring type closure does not allow the re-closing of the beverage container.

The present invention provides a beverage container that can be manufactured by commercially available processes and machinery with minimal updating, low material and manufacturing costs, ease of stacking during shipment and storage, increased sanitary conditions of the supply portion, reliability and ease of opening, closing and resealing by consumers, capacity to be poured, so that it can be drunk, so that it can be recycled, and a reduced probability of spillage of container contents. These advantages of the present invention outweigh the observed deficiencies of conventional non-removable ring-type beverage containers.

The present invention also provides a resealable closure system to be used with a beverage container that allows the system to be secured in a secure, closed, sealed position, as well as securing the device in various secure open positions. Additionally, after the beverage container is initially opened, the user can re-cover and protect the supply portion of the container to prevent contaminants from entering the area of the supply portion.

As used herein, the term "coupling" or "coupling" may describe any manner of connection or joining of two or more components. The term "coupling" or "coupling" can describe any mechanical, thermal or chemical process that connects or a two or more components together. In the examples described herein, the term "coupling" or "coupling" may mean welding, molding, adhering, pleating, folding, double-sewing, catching, snapping, locking, clamping or otherwise connecting two components. For example, two or more components of the container can be welded, molded, adhered, pleated, bent, double-sewn, trapped, press-fitted, or interlocked. In some examples, two or more components can be coupled by being clamped together with the aid of another component, thus forming a rigid or flexible hinge connection. "Coupling" can also mean connecting or joining at least two components having compatible threaded surfaces. The coupling can be permanent or temporary.

According to some examples, a container is described. The container can be used to store various contents including, but not limited to, consumable goods, and may have the ability to reliably seal and reseal the goods inside the container. The goods can be in the form of at least one of a solid, liquid or gas. In some examples, the contents may be a food, beverage, for example, a carbonated beverage, or other consumable. In other examples, the contents may be different from a food or drink, but still may require sanitary conditions and protection against contamination at the time of being supplied and / or stored.

According to some examples, a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure system is described. The movable closure element may comprise an upper cover and a sealing portion. A component of the movable closure element, such as the top cover, sealing portion or other component of the movable closure element, can secure other portions of the closure element movable relative to each other. This component can allow the top cover and the sealing portion to interact operatively with each other, directly or indirectly. The top cover and the sealing portion can interactively interact with each other to allow movement of the sealing portion together with the top cover. The upper cover and the sealing portion can interactively interact with each other to allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is the same as the direction in which the upper cover moves, for example, in a horizontal direction as length of a channel guide formed in the fixed element. Additionally, the top cover and the sealing portion can interactively interact with each other to permit movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is not the same direction as the direction in which the upper cover moves. For example, coupling the top cover, for example, by pivoting with lifting or otherwise moving at least a portion of the top cover, may allow the sealing portion to move in a vertical direction.

According to some examples, a container may comprise a container body and a closure system. The closure system may comprise a fixed element and a movable closure element. In some examples, the fixed element may comprise an end of the can that includes a supply portion, and a channel guide having a first end and a second end. The fixed element can be secured to one end of the body of the container. The beverage container may additionally comprise a movable closure element comprising an upper cover, a sealing portion and a stem. The upper cover may comprise a grip. The sealing portion may reside within the body of the container and may comprise a channel constructed and accommodated to accept the channel guide of the fixed element. The stem can be positioned within the channel and can have a top end constructed and accommodated to be coupled with the top cover and a bottom end constructed and accommodated to be coupled with the seal portion. In some examples, the stem can be formed as a portion of the upper cover and / or the sealing portion, and therefore may not be a separate component of the closure system.

According to some examples, in a first position, the upper cover covers the supply portion, the sealing portion is in contact with a lower surface of the end of the can, and the stem is placed at the first end of the guide. channel . In a second position, the top cover covers the supply portion and is rotated relative to the first position, the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the end of the can, and the stem is placed in the first end of the channel guide. In a third position, the upper cover exposes the delivery portion, the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the end of the can, and the stem is positioned at the second end of the channel guide.

According to certain examples, a closure system for sealing a container can be constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body. The closure system may comprise a fixed element including a can end comprising a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end. The fixed element can be constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The closure system may also comprise a movable closure element. The movable closure element may comprise an upper cover including a grip and a sealing portion comprising a channel constructed and accommodated to accept the channel guide. The movable closure element may also comprise a stem that resides within the channel and having a top end constructed and accommodated to be coupled with the top cover and a bottom end constructed and accommodated to be coupled with the seal portion. The closure system can be constructed and accommodated so that as the top cover and the stem are rotated, the sealing portion moves vertically along the stem, and as the top cover and the stem are moved in a horizontal direction, the sealing portion moves in a horizontal direction.

According to some examples, a closure system for sealing a container can be constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body. The closure system may comprise a fixed element including a can end comprising a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end. The fixed element can be constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The closure element may also comprise a movable closure element comprising an upper cover that includes a grip which includes a lever. The lever may comprise a ring. The movable closure element may also comprise a sealing portion comprising a channel constructed and accommodated to accept the channel guide and a lever receiving portion constructed and accommodated to accept the lever. According to some examples, as the lever of the upper cover is lifted, the lever can be moved to allow the sealing portion to move vertically, and as the lever is moved in a horizontal direction, the sealing portion It can be moved in the horizontal direction.

According to some examples, a closure system for sealing a container is constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body. The closure system comprises a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element comprises a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end. The fixed element is constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The movable closure element comprises an upper cover that includes a lever, and a sealing portion comprising a lever receiving portion. The lever receiving portion is constructed and accommodated to accept the lever so that, as the lever is raised, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the end of the can. The sealing portion is also constructed and accommodated so that, as the upper cover is moved horizontally from the first end of the channel guide to the second end of the channel guide, the supply portion is exposed.

According to a further aspect, a closure system for sealing a container constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body. The closure system comprises a fixed element and a movable closure element. The fixed element comprises a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide. The fixed element is constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The movable closure comprises an upper cover that includes a grip, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion is constructed and arranged to interact operatively with the top cover, so that as the top cover is engaged, the sealing portion moves in a vertical direction, and as the top cover is moved in one direction horizontal along the channel guide, the sealing portion moves in the horizontal direction.

According to some examples, the beverage container can be configured to have a container body defining at least a portion of the container holding the contents of the container. The body of the container may have an opening for filling and / or supply, for example, which may be placed in a first end portion thereof. The body of the container may include a plurality of said openings, each with similar or different functions. For example, the body of the container may include a second opening placed in a second end portion thereof that may be opposite an opening placed in a first end portion. The body of the container can be made of any convenient material to hold, store, supply and / or cool or heat its contents in a cost-effective manner, ensuring the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination. The material may include, but is not limited to, metals and plastics. For example, the container body can be made of glass, steel, tin, aluminum or plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polysulfone, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and the like. The body of the container can be manufactured as a single component or from multiple components. Container bodies made from a single component may include a seam or gasket to provide a structural seal; alternatively, said bodies may not have seams. Container bodies manufactured from multiple components can be assembled by coupling or otherwise joining subcomponents in various forms. The container body can be formed of a variety of functional and / or ornamental shapes. It will be within the ability of a person skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description, to select or designate suitable shapes, sizes and materials for the construction of the container body described herein. The body of the container can also be configured to be filled or filled.

The container may comprise a component for enclosing and / or sealing the contents of the beverage container. The component can be used to close a container body and ensure the integrity of the contents of the container, without the risk of contamination. In some examples, the component can be constructed and accommodated to join the body of the container. The component can be a base plate, the base plate can be attached opposite one end of the body of the container that can be used to supply the contents of the container. The base plate can be constructed of materials compatible with the body of the container, so that the base plate can be coupled with the body of the container. In some examples, the base plate may be flat. In some other examples, the base plate may be domed to protrude into the container in order to relieve pressure within the container in case the contents are sealed under pressure or, for example, are carbonated. The connection of the base plate to the body of the container can occur by temporary or permanent coupling of the base plate and the body of the container.

The container may comprise a closure system. The closure system can be constructed and accommodated, in conjunction with the body of the container, to enclose the various contents within the container. The closure system can be constructed and accommodated to seal the contents inside the container in order to ensure the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination before, during, and after a consumer has used the container. In some examples, the closure system can be constructed and accommodated to hermetically seal the contents within the container. The closure system can be configured to provide an opening so that the content of the container can be supplied, and to provide a sanitary surface for supplying and / or consuming the contents. The closure system can be configured to be resealable in order to allow a user to open and close the container as desired, to control the size of the opening as desired, and to secure and remove the lock system latch on a specific position in order to assist the user in providing a desired flow of content outside the container, or to allow the user to maintain the content within the container.

The closure system can be formed in various functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes that are compatible with and engage with the body of the container. The closure system can be made, for example, of any material that allows the sealing of the beverage container, to ensure the integrity of the contents, without the risk of contamination, and to hold, store and / or cool or heat the contents of the container. beverage container. The closure system can be made of the same material as the body of the container or a different material. It will be within the skill of a person skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description, to select or designate any suitable shapes, sizes and materials for the construction of the closure system described herein.

The closure system may comprise one or more components that enclose and seal the contents within the container. The closure system may also comprise one or more components that allow content within the container to be supplied. Closing systems comprising more than one component can comprise a first component constructed of a material and a second component constructed of a different compatible material so that the first component and the second component can be coupled. Any of the first component or the second component and any other additional components of the closure system can be of the same or different material as the body of the container, as long as there is a seal between at least one component of the closure system and the body of the container. . The seal can be formed in various ways, including, but not limited to, a mechanical seal, a thermal seal, a chemical seal, or the like. The components of the closure system can be pre-assembled before securing the closure system to the body of the container, or they can be attached consecutively, either to the body of the container, to the components of the closure system, or both. For example, components of the closure system may be joined together and one or more of the components of the closure system may be attached to the body of the container. Each component of the closure system may be permanently or temporarily attached to one or more other components of the closure system, the container body, or both. The closure system can be secured to the body of the container through several methods. The assurance can be achieved by coupling.

The closure system may comprise a component that provides the seal between the closure system and the body of the container to ensure the integrity of the contents of the container, without risk of contamination, in conjunction with the other components of the closure system. The component can be configured to provide a sanitary opening to allow content to exit or enter the container. The component can provide a sanitary opening for direct consumption, for example, by drinking from the container. The component may allow the stabilization of other components of the closure system, for example, preventing the movement of one component relative to another. The component can be permanently secured to the body of the container and can be constructed and accommodated to accept the overflow or spill of the container. The component can be a fixed element that can comprise one or more subcomponents. A fixed element comprising more than one subcomponent can be preassembled and attached to the body of the container as a collective fixed element, or it can be attached to the body of the container in consecutive order. The fixed element can be secured to the container body by coupling. Each component of the fixed element can be made of the same or different material from one another and from the body of the container. The fixed element can provide a surface for indicia for labeling the contents of the container, marketing, facilitating the opening of the container, or the like. The fixed element can provide a surface that is easily printed using conventional printing methods.

As noted above, the fixed element may comprise one or more subcomponents. For example, the fixed element may comprise a can end which may be one or more components. The can end may comprise a subcomponent that provides an opening for allowing the contents to exit or enter the container. The opening can be constructed and accommodated to provide a sanitary area for direct consumption from the container. The subcomponent may be a supply portion constructed and accommodated to be compatible with, and coupled with, one or more components or subcomponents of the closure system or container body. The supply portion can be of various convenient functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes to supply various fluids and solids. The supply portion can be constructed and accommodated to deliver the content directly to a consumer (i.e., through the mouth) or to deliver content to another container, e.g., a mug or a bowl in the case of beverages or food . In the case of non-consumable goods, the supply portion can be constructed and accommodated to supply content to another container, for example, a tray in the case of supply of paint from a paint can. The supply portion can be constructed and accommodated to be convenient for the delivery of content in a reliable, accurate and easy manner. In some examples, the supply portion can be constructed and accommodated to provide ease of drinking and / or pouring directly from the container, and the dimensions of the supply portion can be selected and adjusted by the consumer. The supply portion can also allow the passage of implements easily through this portion, with clear access and in a non-tortuous path. For example, the delivery portion can allow the passage of a funnel, straw, or the like to assist with the addition or supply of container contents. It will be within the skill of one skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description, to select or designate suitable shapes, sizes and materials for the construction of the supply portion described herein.

The can end can be constructed and accommodated to cooperate with other components of the closure system. The can end can provide a subcomponent that allows cooperation with other components of the closure system. The subcomponent can allow other components of the closure system to interact with it to achieve an adequate seal of the container. The subcomponent can be constructed and accommodated to engage with other components of the closure system to ensure that each component moves or not in relation to a third component. In one embodiment, the subcomponent can be an aligner, guide or connector to control the speed of adjustment of this subcomponent with another component. The subcomponent can also allow other components of the closure system to fit through this subcomponent, allowing various components of the closure system to engage, for example, during the assembly of the closure system. The subcomponent can be a channel guide. The channel guide can be constructed and accommodated to engage with other portions of the closure system, such as portions of the movable closure element. The channel guide may have a first end that participates in a process of sealing or opening the container, and a second end that participates in another process of sealing or opening the container. In some examples, the channel guide may comprise an edge or projection that engages or cooperates with one or more other components of the system. In other examples, the channel guide can be constructed to allow communication between the interior and exterior of the container. The channel guide and the supply portion can be constructed and arranged so that each opening provides structural integrity to the can end and the beverage container. In some examples, this can be achieved by making the channel guide and the supply portion combine in an opening. In some examples, the channel guide and the supply portion are constructed as at least two openings. This may allow less metal to be removed from the can end, and it strengthens it, compared to another construction which may include an opening comprising the channel guide and the supply portion.

The can end comprising more than one subcomponent can be preassembled and attached to the body of the container as a collective can end. Alternatively, this can be attached to the body of the container in consecutive order, together with other components of the closure system. The can end subcomponents can be secured to the body of the container, or a subcomponent of the can end can be attached to another subcomponent of the can end, which can then be secured to the body of the container. The assurance can be achieved by coupling. Each component of the can can be made of the same material or a material different from one another and from the other components of the closure system, and the body of the container.

At a two-component can end, the first component may have a supply portion and the second component may have a supply portion. The supply portion of the first component can be aligned with the supply portion of the second component. The first component and the second component can be made from the same compatible material or from different compatible materials. For example, the first and second components can be made entirely of aluminum or a polymeric material. In the alternative, the first component can be made of aluminum, while the second component can be made of a polymeric material. The supply portions of the first and second components may be of the same size and shape or of different size and shape, as long as they provide a clear path for the contents of the container.

The first component of the can end may comprise the channel guide. The channel guide can be placed in the first component so that it resides in a portion of the supply portion of the second component of the can end. The first and second components may comprise a portion of the channel guide, so that the coupling of the first and second components of the can end creates the channel guide. In some examples, the first component can be referred to as a can cover, and the second component can be referred to as a can end.

The can end sub-components can be secured to each other in various ways. For example, the first component can be attached to the second component through an adhesive. For example, if the container will be used for food or liquid products, an adhesive approved by the Food and Drug Administration may be used. These components can also be secured together by coupling the complementary parts together. For example, the coupling can occur by matching the openings within the first component with raised portions, such as tips or pins in the second component which are then flattened to secure the components together. The first component and the second component can have edges that can be pleated with each other, for example, in the case of aluminum components. Alternatively, snap hooks may be used to press fit the first component in the second component. One or more tabs can be used to couple and hold the first and second components in place. One or more tabs that are engaged to hold the first and second components in place can be maintained by being forced against the interior of the first and second components. Of course, those skilled in the art can recognize other means for securing the first and second components that can be used to assemble this portion of the closure system.

The closure system may comprise a component for securing the fixed element to the body of the container, and for retaining the contents within the container in order to ensure the integrity of the contents. The component can be constructed and accommodated to secure the fixed element to the body of the container. In some examples, the component can be made as a part as a part of the can end. As noted above, beverage containers of the present invention can be manufactured by commercially available processes with minimal updating. The fixed element may comprise a component that can be coupled and secured to the body of the container by conventional beverage can manufacturing processes. For example, the component can be coupled with the body of the container to form a seam. The seam can be a double seam that provides a watertight seal. In other examples, the component can be coupled to the body of the container by press-fittings in one component or subcomponent within the notches of another component or subcomponent. In some examples, the component can be a hoop. The margin can be constructed and accommodated to secure the element fixed to the body of the container. The margin can be made of the same material or a different material than any of the components of the container and / or closure system. The margin may have a perimeter that is the same or different shape than the perimeter of the upper portion of the body of the container. For example, the margin may have a circular outer circumference, and may have a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the upper portion of the body of the container. As noted above, the margin can be made for part of the can end. In some other examples, the margin can be made as a separate component. The margin may comprise at least one opening. The opening can be constructed and accommodated in a manner, size and material to finally allow the contents of the container to be supplied smoothly and efficiently from the container. The opening may allow a can end to fit within the opening. The opening may have a predetermined shape, for example, the opening may be in the form of a circle that is centered with respect to the outer perimeter of the margin. In other examples, the opening may be offset with respect to the outer perimeter of the margin. The shape of the opening can be the same or different shape than the outer perimeter of the margin. The shape of the opening of the margin may be the same or different shape than the outer perimeter of the discharge mouth.

The closure system may comprise a component that provides a closure to the beverage container. The component can ensure the integrity of the content and enclose the content of the container, without the risk of contamination, during the fastening, storage, shipment, supply and / or cooling or heating of the content, for example, by the manufacturer, the distributor and / or the consumer. Additionally, the component can protect the supply portion of the container against the environment, thus ensuring sanitary conditions until a user opens the container. The component can also protect the container portion against the environment after opening, as desired by the user. The component can work together with the fixed element to provide a secure closure that ensures the integrity of the contents of the container, without the risk of contamination. The component can be a movable closure element that can seal the contents of the container against the environment. The movable closure element can seal the contents of the container initially and, after the opening, can be used once more to seal the contents and further protect the supply portion against the environment. The movable closure element can be constructed and accommodated to engage with one or more components of the fixed element, the body of the container or both. In some examples, the movable closure element can be constructed and accommodated to mate with the supply portion and / or the bottom surface of the can end. The movable closure element can be constructed and accommodated to be used in a locked or unlocked position. The movable closure element can be of various functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes that can be coupled with the other components of the closure system and / or body of the container, and can be constructed of a material suitable for such purposes. The movable closure element can be of a size and shape that facilitates the opening and closing of the container. The movable closure element can provide a surface for indicia for labeling the content of the container, for marketing purposes, to facilitate the opening of the container, or the like. At least a portion of the movable closure element can provide a surface that can be easily printed using conventional printing methods.

The movable closure element can comprise one or more components that can be permanently or temporally joined together. The movable closure element may comprise a component for covering the delivery portion or an area of the fixed element larger than the delivery portion, and retaining the contents within the container. In some examples, the component may reveal the entire supply portion, or a portion thereof. The component may be in contact with the fixed element at "one or more points." The component may have the ability to move from a first position to one or more different positions to, for example, cover or reveal the supply portion. it may involve, for example, one or more of sliding, twisting, shifting, turning, pulling, pushing, transferring, removing, coupling or otherwise modifying the position of one or more components of the closing system, for example, the Top cover The component may reside outside the container and may serve as an upper cover for the container The top cover may be of various functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes to provide protection to the supply portion against the environment and to retain the content inside the container.

The top cover may comprise one or more subcomponents to assist a consumer in the movement of the top cover. For example, this subcomponent can help the consumer rotate or twist the top cover to a position, or help the consumer in the displacement or sliding of the upper cover to another position. The subcomponent may be a grip which may include, for example, one or more of any one of an edge, edge, margin, notch, groove, cavity, depression, notch, rough or pitted surface, ring or lever that is over, in or attached to the convenient top cover to help a consumer move the top cover as desired. The grip can be manufactured as part of the top cover, for example, in a molding process, or it can be manufactured separately, to be coupled with the top cover during the manufacture of the closure system. In some examples, the grip may be a portion of the top cover that can be manipulated by the user in a position that can then allow movement of the top cover, for example, rotation or displacement of the top cover. The manipulation can be executed by turning a portion of the top cover that is engaged with a hinge, which allows the top cover portion to move from a horizontal position to a vertical position, thus forming a kind of handle, lever or similar. The top cover may comprise a portion that can be coupled with other portions of the movable closure element, which, together, can assist in the opening and closing of the container, and cover and reveal the supply portion using the closure system. The top cover may also comprise a portion that provides a seal between the top cover and the top surface of the fixed element. In some examples, this portion may be a seal, such as a washer or o-ring.

The top cover or fixed element may also comprise one or more components that allow a portion of the top cover to be secured to limit movement of the top cover portion. One or more components can secure, lock or secure a portion of the top cover to another portion of the top cover. For example, a component of the top cover or fixed element can be constructed and accommodated to engage with a portion of the top cover, such as a lever, to secure the lever in a position so that the lever is fixed in place or be insured in a resting position. A component of the top cover can be a notch that can be engaged with a snap hook on the lever to secure the lever in a rest position on the top cover. In another example, a component of the top cover can be constructed and accommodated to mate with another component of the top cover, to secure at least in part the top cover to the fixed element.

The movable closure element may also comprise a component for providing a seal and retaining the contents in the container in conjunction with other components of the movable closure element. This component can provide a safe, reliable, leak-proof closure for the container. The component can also allow content to be delivered from the container. The component may be a sealing portion comprising one or more components. The sealing portion can be of various functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes to provide a seal for retaining the contents within the container. The sealing portion may also be of various functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes to provide a release of pressure from within the container, for example, if the contents within the container comprise a carbonated beverage. The sealing portion may reside within the container and may have contact with the lower surface of the can end. In some examples, the sealing portion may reside within the container but not necessarily be in contact with the inner surface of the can end. The sealing portion can provide a seal for retaining content within the container, which can be improved by internal pressure of the contents; however, internal pressure is not required to provide the seal. The sealing portion can be constructed of materials that are compatible with the other components of the beverage container, and can also be constructed of materials that are compatible with the contents of the container, for example, the sealing portion can be constructed of a material that is inert or non-reactive with the contents of the container. In some examples, the sealing portion can be made of polypropylene. Suitable shapes, sizes and materials for the sealing portion will be readily selected by one skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description. Other means may be used alternatively or in conjunction with the mechanical elements described above to secure the element fixed to the body of the container.

The sealing portion may comprise a subcomponent that can help to obtain and maintain the integrity of the seal of the container, initially, and after the opening and during use by the consumer. The subcomponent can improve the sealing capacity of the sealing portion. The subcomponent can be manufactured separately from the sealing portion, or it can be manufactured as part of the sealing portion. In the above circumstance, the subcomponent can be coupled with the sealing portion through various coupling techniques discussed above, including the use of an adhesive, or through the construction and arrangement of the subcomponent and the sealing portion. The sealing portion can be constructed and accommodated to accept the subcomponent in order to ensure that the two components are properly coupled. For example, the sealing portion may contain a notch or other structure to accept the subcomponent within the sealing portion. In this latter circumstance, the subcomponent can be molded directly to the sealing portion through conventional molding processes. The subcomponent may be an O-ring or washer used to ensure an appropriate seal between the sealing portion and the lower surface of the can end. The O-ring or washer can be constructed of any convenient material for closing said seal, and which may be compatible with the other components of the closure system, such as the sealing portion and the can end, as well as the contents of the container. For example, the O-ring can be made of a polymeric material having a convenient flexibility to create the desired seal. The sealing portion and the subcomponent can be made of the same material, as a piece, for example, an O-ring type material or washer that can function as the sealing portion and as a seal.

The sealing portion may comprise one or more subcomponents that may allow release of pressure from the interior of the container, for example, if the contents within the container comprise a carbonated beverage. One or more subcomponents can interact with other components or subcomponents of the closure system to allow the release of pressure from inside the container. One or more sub-components can also participate in the sealing capacity of the sealing portion. The subcomponent can be manufactured separately from the sealing portion, or it can be manufactured as part of the sealing portion. One or more components may be of any size or convenient shape to achieve pressure release from the interior of the container.

One or more subcomponents can form an opening in the sealing portion. The opening can be of any size or convenient shape to allow any pressure that is inside the container to be released in a predetermined desirable manner. The opening can extend through the entire thickness of the sealing portion. The diameter or width of the opening can be the same through the thickness of the sealing portion. In some examples, the diameter or width of the opening may decrease or increase through the thickness of the sealing portion, in a gradual or stepped manner.

The sealing portion may also comprise a further subcomponent of the sealing portion that can allow pressure release from the interior of the container, for example, if the contents within the container comprise a carbonated beverage. The subcomponent can interact with other components or subcomponents of the closure system to allow pressure release from inside the container. The subcomponent can also participate in the sealing capacity of the sealing portion. The subcomponent can be manufactured separately from the sealing portion, or it can be manufactured as part of the sealing portion. For example, the subcomponent can be manufactured as part of the subcomponent of the sealing portion that can assist with obtaining and maintaining the integrity of the seal of the container, initially, and after the opening and during use by the consumer, for example, the O-ring or washer. The subcomponent may be an over-mold that is constructed and accommodated to be placed within the opening of the sealing portion. The overmold may comprise an opening that can be aligned with the opening of the sealing portion to allow pressure release from the interior of the container. The opening in the over mold can also be aligned with a portion of the top cover to allow pressure release from the interior of the container. For example, as the lever of the top cover is raised to a predetermined angle, the opening in the over mold can be aligned with a lever opening to allow pressure release from the interior of the container. A predetermined angle, as discussed herein, refers to an angle as measured between the lower surface of a grip, eg, a lever, and the horizontal plane extending through the fixed element or can end.

The over-mold can be coupled with the sealing portion through several coupling techniques discussed above, including the use of an adhesive, chemical or thermal bond or through the construction and arrangement of the sub-component and the sealing portion, so that an appropriate fit is achieved and no additional coupling technique is required. In some examples, the pressure within the container can secure the over-mold in place within the opening of the sealing portion and against another component of the closure system, for example, the lever of the upper cover. This can ensure a secure seal of the container before it is opened using the closure system. The over-mold can be molded directly to the sealing portion through conventional molding processes. The over-mold can be constructed of any suitable material to participate in the proper sealing of the closure system and release the pressure inside the container, and that may be compatible with the other components of the closure system, such as the sealing portion, top cover, can end, as well as the contents of the container. For example, the over-mold can be made of a polymeric material having a convenient flexibility to create the desired seal. In some examples, the over-mold can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). If for example the sealing portion, often referred to in the molding industry as a substrate, is made of polypropylene, and the over-mold is made of TPE, thermal bonding can be initiated between these two components by applying heat . The sealing portion and one or more subcomponents can be made from the same material, such as a piece, for example, an O-ring or washer-type material that can function as the sealing portion, a seal, and as a convenient opening for release of pressure inside the container.

The sealing portion may comprise a subcomponent that can allow movement of the sealing portion in a certain direction. The subcomponent can also interact with other components of the closure system, such as the fixed element to prevent movement of the sealing portion in a different determined direction. The subcomponent may interact with other components of the closure system, such as the fixed element, can end, or channel guide to cover the supply portion, or to expose the supply portion. The subcomponent can also be constructed and accommodated to couple with or accept a component or subcomponent of the fixed element. In one embodiment, the subcomponent can be an aligner, guide, or connector to control the speed of adjustment of this subcomponent with another component. For example, the subcomponent can be a channel that can be coupled with a component of the fixed element, for example, the can end. The channel can be coupled with at least a portion of the can end channel guide. Alternatively, at least a portion of the channel can be coupled with the channel guide. Channel and channel guide can be coupled through various mechanisms. For example, the channel and the channel guide may be engaged so that movement of the sealing portion relative to the channel guide is permitted. The movement of the sealing portion relative to the channel guide may be in the vertical direction, i.e., up or down. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sealing portion can be moved in a horizontal direction, parallel to the can end, without contacting the can end during movement.

The channel or channel guide may contain a section which allows the sealing portion to move relative to one another, but which allows the movement of the channel upwards at a predetermined distance. For example, the section of the channel or channel guide can be constructed and accommodated to prevent the sealing portion from moving in a certain direction. The section of the channel or channel guide can prevent the sealing portion from separating from the other components of the closure system. The section can also prevent the sealing portion from falling into the container. These desired effects can be achieved by coupling or associating certain subcomponents of at least one of the top cover, sealing portion, fixed element, or other components of the closure system with the channel or channel guide. In some examples, at least one of the top cover or seal portion may be associated with the channel guide so that at least a portion of the top cover or seal portion may reside within the channel guide. The association may allow the top cover, for example, to slide along at least a portion of the channel guide, while restricting the movement of the top cover in other directions to maintain alignment of the top cover with the channel guide. The section of the channel or channel guide may comprise a device that can secure the sealing portion to the channel guide or the rod at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end. The section may comprise one or more snap hooks to maintain the connection between the sealing portion and the other components of the closure system, such as the channel guide or the stem.

The movable closure element may also comprise a component that secures other portions of the movable closure element from each other. The component can allow the movement of the sealing portion together with the upper cover. The component can allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is the same as the direction in which the upper cover is moved. Alternatively, the component may allow movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is not the same as the direction in which the upper cover is moved. The component can be coupled with the upper cover and the sealing portion through the same or different coupling methods. The component can be a shank, for example, that can be coupled with the top cover and the sealing portion. The shank can be constructed and accommodated to engage with the top cover through a coupling method, and with the sealing portion through a different coupling method. The stem may have a top end constructed and accommodated to be coupled with the top cover and a bottom end constructed and accommodated to be coupled with the seal portion. The upper end of the stem can be coupled with the upper cover extending through the supply portion and / or channel guide of the can end. The coupling of the upper cover to the upper end of the shank can ensure that that movement of the shank occurs with the movement of the upper cover.

The stem can be coupled with the top cover through various methods. In some examples, the stem and the top cover can be attached through the use of an adhesive. In other examples, snap hooks on either the top cover or the top portion of the shank can provide the mechanism for coupling these two components. In still other examples, well known techniques such as rotary rub welding can be used to couple these two components, for example, if these components are constructed from polymeric materials. The coupling of these two components can include the use of a cross tip which would slide through holes in the top cover and upper portion of the stem, to keep these two components in place. Other forms of coupling involve the pleating of the two components with each other, using a rivet or otherwise.

The shank can be placed within the channel of the sealing portion and can be constructed and accommodated to mate with the sealing portion. The lower end of the shank can be constructed and accommodated to engage with a portion of the sealing portion in communication with the channel. The portion of the sealing portion can be constructed and accommodated to accept and mate with the lower end of the stem. The coupling may be such that the movement of the rod may cause the movement of the sealing portion. In some examples, a movement of the shank (e.g., in a horizontal direction) may cause movement of the sealing portion in a vertical direction, e.g., up or down. In one embodiment, the rotation of the stem in one direction can cause the movement of the sealing portion in a downward direction. Because the channel guide of the fixed element can be coupled with the channel of the sealing portion, the sealing portion will not rotate with the stem, but rather will only move in a vertical direction. The lower end of the shank may comprise a threaded surface that engages a compatible threaded surface of the sealing portion. The lower end of the shank may comprise a threaded surface having a female thread which is compatible with the threaded surface of the sealing portion having a male thread. Alternatively, the lower end of the shank may comprise a threaded surface having a male thread that is compatible with the threaded surface of the sealing portion having a female thread. The stem can be of various functional and / or ornamental shapes and sito secure the desired components of the closure system together. It will be within the abilities of a person skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description, to select or designate suitable shapes, siand materials of the shank described herein.

The component of the movable closure element that secures other portions of the movable closure element from each other may be a subcomponent of at least one of the upper cover and the sealing portion. As described above, this component can allow the movement of the sealing portion together with the top cover, for example in a horizontal or vertical direction. The component may allow the movement of the sealing portion in a direction that is the same as the direction in which the upper cover is moved. In addition, the component may allow the movement of the sealing portion in a direction other than the same direction as the direction in which the upper cover is moved. For example, the coupling of the top cover can cause the sealing portion to move in a vertical direction. The component can be a lever receiving portion that can be attached to the sealing portion, or it can be manufactured as a part of the sealing portion. The lever receiving portion can be constructed and accommodated to accept another component of the movable closure element such as the top cover. By allowing the lever receiving portion to interact with the top cover, the closure system can conveniently operate to allow various open and closed positions of the closure system. For example, the lever receiving portion can be constructed and accommodated to accept the lever of the upper cover. By moving the lever, which can operatively interact with the lever receiving portion, a user can operate the closure system to expose or cover the supply portion as desired.

In some embodiments, aspects of the lever receiving portion may comprise a structure for securing a portion of the top cover, e.g., a portion of the lever, to allow the lever to rotate relative to other portions of the top cover or sealing portion. This aspect of the lever receiving portion can receive a portion of the lever, such as a tip, allowing the components of the movable closure element to engage or cooperate with each other. The lever receiving portion and the lever can be designed to be of any convenient shape, size and material such that those components can communicate with each other to allow the top cover and the sealing portion to interact and move operatively in a or more desired addresses.

In certain embodiments, the lever receiving portion can form an opening that can accept the tip of the lever to allow movement of the sealing portion during operation of the closure system. The shape of the opening may be the same as or different from the shape of the cross section of the tip. In some examples, the shape of the opening may complement the shape of the cross section of the tip to push or pull the sealing portion in a vertical direction, e.g., in a downward direction.

In this embodiment, in the closed position, the opening and the cross section of the tip are constructed and arranged so that the tip contacts a portion of the lever receiving portion on a surface of the opening and also contacts the over-mold , so that there is no communication between the environment inside and outside the container. In this way, these components function as a valve for the closure system, wherein the movement of the tip relative to the lever receiving portion and the over-mold can allow communication between the interior and exterior environment of the container. As the tip is rotated, when moving a grip, for example, a lever, in a certain direction, an opening in the tip can be aligned with the opening in the over-mold, thus opening the valve, in order to initiate a release of any pressure inside the container. Once the pressure has been released, the shape of the opening and the cross-section of the tip allow the tip to communicate with the over-mold, which initiates the movement of the sealing portion in a downward direction. As the tip continues to rotate, the shape of the opening and the cross section of the tip can prevent the grip, e.g., the lever, from moving further in the determined direction. These actions can be reversed by moving the grip, for example, the lever, in a direction opposite to the determined direction, pulling up the sealing portion and blocking the opening of the over mold using the tip, thus closing the valve .

The movable closure element may also comprise a component that can provide an indication that the container has been at least partially open or otherwise modified or altered. The component can provide an indication that the manufacturer's original seal has been broken so that a user can assess the safety of the contents of the container, or if the contents of the container have been altered. The indication can be any indication that notifies the user that the manufacturing seal has been at least partially broken, for example, by the movement of the component, or color change of the component. The component may be a subcomponent of the top cover, sealing portion, fixed element, or a combination thereof. For example, the subcomponent may be a portion of the top cover, so that when a portion of the top cover or other portion of the closure system is manipulated in some way, the subcomponent may indicate that the container has been at least partially open. , modified or altered. In some examples, the subcomponent may be an element of the top cover that is in communication with the lever. As the lever is raised, the element can be moved from its original position, thus indicating that the container has been at least partially open or otherwise modified or altered.

To facilitate the stacking of containers for more convenient and cost effective shipping and storage, the upper part of the container comprising a closure system can be constructed and accommodated to accept the bottom of another container body, or the joined base plate to another body of the container. For example, the upper cover of the closure system may reside below the upper edge of the fixed element which engages with the body of the container so that the upper cover does not interfere with the stacking of multiple containers on top of each other. In other examples, one side of the body of the container can be constructed and accommodated to accept one side of another container body to facilitate stacking of the containers.

A container body can be provided with various convenient functional and / or ornamental shapes and sizes to hold, store, handle and / or cool or heat the contents of the beverage container. Conventional manufacturing processes, as described above, are used to produce beverage can bodies that can be used to provide a container body. The closure system can be placed in the container body by placement, dropping, deposition, or the like. This can be achieved through automated processes or manually. The securing can occur to ensure the integrity of the content of the container through the coupling of the body of the container with the closure system. The coupling can occur between the body of the container and the fixed element. Coupling can also occur between various components and subcomponents of the container closure and body system. The securing can also occur using conventional methods of making beverage cans, for example, by forming a double seam. A flange of the fixed element can be folded around a first edge of the body of the container to form a partial seam. The partial seam can be pleated and flattened to form an airtight seal.

To assemble the beverage container, through automatic processes or manually, all or part of the closure element can be preassembled to engage with the body of the container or inserted through the body of the container and can be compatible with the container. conventional manufacturing processes of an aluminum can. Alternatively, portions of the fixed element can be coupled together and the body of the container without being previously assembled.

The operation of the closure system assembled by a container is described below. In one embodiment, in a first position, the top cover covers the supply portion and may also cover a portion of the can end. In this first position, the sealing portion is in contact with a lower surface of the can end in a locked position, and the shank is positioned at the first end of the channel guide. The shank can be coupled with the top cover through any various means, including those described above so that as the top cover is moved, the shank moves in the same direction.

The user may use one or more of the upper cover grips to move the upper cover in a desired direction, for example, to a second position. As the upper cover is moved in a desired direction, due to the engagement of the upper cover and the upper end of the shank, the shank is moved in the same desired direction. Because the lower end of the rod is coupled with the sealing portion, this causes the sealing portion to move. For example, the lower end of the stem may have a threaded surface that is compatible with the threaded surface of a portion of the sealing portion., which, at the time of movement of the top cover would then move the sealing portion along the threaded surface. For example, movement of the top cover would move the sealing portion along the threaded surface in a vertical downward direction away from the bottom surface of the can end. The closure system can be constructed and accommodated to prevent the seal portion from moving further than a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end to an unlocked position at the first end of the channel guide.

The channel may contain a section that allows the sealing portion to move relative to the channel guide, but which allows the channel to move upward at a predetermined distance. For example, the channel section can be constructed and accommodated to prevent the sealing portion from moving further in a particular direction. The section of the channel can prevent the sealing portion from separating from the other components of the closure system. The section can also prevent the sealing portion from falling into the container. The section may comprise a device that can secure the sealing portion to the channel guide or the stem at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end. The section may comprise one or more snap hooks to maintain the connection between the sealing portion and the other components of the closure system, such as the channel guide or the shank.

The user can once again use one or more of the upper cover grips to move the upper cover in a desired direction, for example, to a third position. As the upper cover is moved in a desired direction, due to the engagement of the upper cover and the upper end of the shank, the shank is moved in the same desired direction. Because the lower end of the rod is coupled with the sealing portion, this in turn causes the sealing portion to move. In the third position, the upper cover exposes the delivery portion, the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the can end, and the stem is positioned at the second end of the channel guide.

The user may use one or more of the upper cover grips to move the upper cover in a desired direction, for example, to a fourth position. As the upper cover is moved in a desired direction, due to the engagement of the upper cover and the upper end of the shank, the shank is moved in the same desired direction. This desired direction can be opposite to the direction in which the upper cover and the upper end of the screw are moved when they change from the first position to the second position. Upon moving to this fourth position, the sealing portion comes into contact with the lower surface of the can end in a locked position, and the rod is placed at the second end of the channel guide. In some examples, a subcomponent of the sealing portion comes in contact with the lower surface of the can end. The subcomponent can be an O-ring or washer.

From the second position, the user can use one or more of the upper cover grips to move the upper cover in a desired direction, for example, to a fifth position. As the upper cover moves in a desired direction, due to the engagement of the upper cover and the upper end of the shank, the shank is moved in the same desired direction. Because the lower end of the rod is coupled with the sealing portion, this in turn causes the sealing portion to move. In a fifth position, the top cover exposes at least a portion of the supply portion, the sealing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end, and the stem is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first end of the channel guide.

From the fifth position, the user can use one or more of the upper cover grips to move the upper cover in a desired direction, for example, to a sixth position. As the upper cover is moved in a desired direction, due to the engagement of the upper cover and the upper end of the shank, the shank is moved in the same desired direction. This desired direction can be opposite to the direction in which the upper cover and the upper end of the screw are moved when they change from the first position to the second position. When moving to this sixth position, the sealing portion comes into contact with the lower surface of the can end in a locked position, and the stem is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first end of the channel guide. In some examples, a subcomponent of the sealing portion comes in contact with the lower surface of the can end. The subcomponent can be an O-ring or washer.

In another embodiment, in a first position, the top cover covers the supply portion and may also cover a portion of the can end. In this first position, the lever of the upper cover is resting on the upper cover, and the sealing portion is in contact with a lower surface of the can end in a locked position.

The user can use the lever of the top cover to move the top cover in a desired direction, for example, to a second position. As the lever is moved in a desired direction, for example, as the lever is lifted relative to the first position, due to the engagement of the upper cover and the sealing portion, the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end. If the contents of the container are sealed under pressure, the pressure is released from the container during the transition from the first position to the second position.

The user can once again use the lever of the top cover to move the top cover in a desired direction, for example, to a third position. As the top cover is moved in a desired direction, the sealing portion is also moved in the same desired direction. In the third position, the upper cover exposes the supply portion and the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the can end.

The user can use the lever of the top cover to move the top cover in a desired direction, for example, to a fourth position. As the lever is moved in a desired direction, for example, as the lever is lowered, the sealing portion comes into contact with the lower surface of the can end in a locked position. In some examples, a subcomponent of the sealing portion comes in contact with the lower surface of the can end. The subcomponent can be an O-ring or washer.

From the second position the user can use the lever of the top cover to move the top cover in a desired direction, for example, to a fifth position. As the top cover is moved in a desired direction, due to the engagement of the top cover and the sealing portion, the sealing portion is also moved in a desired direction. In a fifth position, the top cover exposes at least a portion of the supply portion, and the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end.

As the lever is moved in a desired direction, for example, as the lever is lowered, the sealing portion comes into contact with the lower surface of the can end in a locked position. In some examples, a subcomponent of the sealing portion comes in contact with the lower surface of the can end. The subcomponent can be an O-ring or washer.

In another embodiment, a closure system is configured to seal a container constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body. In a particular embodiment, the closure system includes a can end having a supply portion and a channel guide formed therein. The channel guide includes a first end and a second end. The .lata end is constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The closure system further includes a movable closure element having an upper cover and a sealing portion. The upper cover has a lever and the sealing portion has a lever receiving portion, which is constructed and accommodated to accept the lever. The arrangement is such that, as the lever is raised, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the can end, and as the upper cover is moved horizontally from the first end of the channel guide to the second end of the channel guide, the supply portion is exposed.

The upper cover is movable from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth positions. In the first position, the upper cover covers the supply portion and the lever of the upper cover rests on the upper cover, where the sealing portion is in contact with a lower surface of the can end. In the second position, the top cover covers the supply portion and the lever is lifted relative to the first position, with the sealing portion being separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end. In the third position, the top cover and the sealing portion expose the supply portion, with the sealing portion being separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end. In the fourth position, the upper cover and the sealing portion expose the supply portion, with the lever being lowered to rest on the upper cover and the sealing portion remaining in contact with the lower surface of the can end. In the fifth position, the top cover and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the supply portion, with the lever of the top cover being lifted relative to the fourth position and the sealing portion being separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end. In the sixth position, the upper cover and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the supply portion, with the lever of the upper cover being lowered relative to the fifth position and the sealing portion being in contact with the surface lower end of can.

In some embodiments, the can end is made of a material that is compatible with a material of at least one of the top cover and the sealing portion. Specifically, at least one of the top cover and the sealing portion is made of a polymeric material. The total weight of the polymeric material may be less than or equal to 10 grams.

In other embodiments, the lever can be constructed and accommodated to operatively interact with the lever receiving portion. The top cover can be constructed and accommodated to at least partially secure the top cover to the fixed element, and to engage with the lever. The top cover can be constructed and accommodated to mate with another portion of the top cover and to at least partially secure the top cover to the fixed element. The top cover can be constructed and accommodated to maintain the alignment of the top cover with the channel guide. The arrangement is such that the contents within the container are pressurized and the sealing portion is constructed and accommodated to release pressure from the interior of the container. The lever is configured to interact operatively with the sealing portion to release pressure from the interior of the container. Specifically, the pressure is released from the container when the lever is lifted from a rest position in the upper cover at a predetermined angle. The arrangement is such that as the lever is raised, a portion of the lever is aligned with the sealing portion to release pressure from the interior of the container.

In a further embodiment, a closure system is configured to seal a container constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body. In a particular embodiment, the closure system includes a can end having a supply portion and a channel guide. The can end is constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container. The closure system further includes a movable closure element having an upper cover and a sealing portion. In one embodiment, the top cover includes a grip and the seal portion operatively interacts with the top cover. The arrangement is such that, as the upper cover is engaged, the sealing portion moves in a vertical direction, and as the upper cover is moved in a horizontal direction along the channel guide, the portion of the cover portion is moved in a vertical direction. Seal moves in the horizontal direction.

Referring now to the figures, in one embodiment, Figures 1A-1C illustrate a beverage container 10 in which a container body 100 made from a conventional manufacturing process is used. The body of the container 100 is attached to the closure system 102. The closure system 102 comprises a fixed element 104 and a movable closure element 106 (shown in Figures 2A and 2B). Figure 1A is a perspective view of the beverage container and illustrates a beverage container 10 in the closed position. Figure IB is a perspective view of the beverage container, and illustrates a beverage container 10 in a partially open position with the top cover 118 partially exposing the supply portion 114. Figure 1C is a perspective view of the beverage container , and illustrates a beverage container 10 in a fully open position with the top cover 118 fully exposing the supply portion 114.

As illustrated in the views in parts of Figures 2A and 2B, the closure system 102 of the beverage container 10 of Figures 1A-1C comprises multiple components. As shown, the fixed element 104 comprises the can end 108 having the delivery portion 110. In this embodiment, the fixed element 104 also comprises the can cover 112 comprising the supply portion 114 and the channel guide 116. The fixed element 104 can be assembled by placing the can cover 112 on the can end 108, aligning the supply portion 114 with the delivery portion 110, and aligning the channel guide 116 with the delivery portion 110.

The closure system 102 of Figures 2A and 2B also comprises a movable closure element 106. As shown, the movable closure element 106 comprises an upper cover 118 having a grip 119 to assist a user in the opening and closure of the container. The movable closure element 106 also comprises the rod 122 and the sealing portion 120 having the channel 150. The movable closure element 106 can be assembled by inserting the upper end 124 of the stem 122 through the supply portion 110. and the channel guide 116 so that the upper end 124 of the stem 122 can be engaged with the opening 126 in the upper cover 118. The sealing portion 120 can be coupled with the washer 128 to ensure a tight seal between the sealing portion and the lower surface 130 of the can end 108. This can be achieved by aligning the elements 132 with the openings 134 of the sealing portion 120. As discussed above, various other means can be used to join the washer 128 to the portion sealing 120. The sealing portion 120 can be coupled with the stem 122, by coupling the lower end 136 of the stem 122 having the surface and threaded 138 with the threaded section 140 of the sealing portion 120. The engagement of the threaded surface 138 with the threaded section 140 allows the sealing portion 120 to move vertically, i.e., up or down relative to the element. fixed 104.

In one embodiment, Figures 3A-3D illustrate a manner in which a fixed element of two components can be assembled. Figure 3A illustrates the can cover 112 comprising the supply portion 114 and the channel guide 116. Figure 3B illustrates the can end 108 comprising the supply portion 110. To assemble the fixed element as shown in the drawings, FIG. Figures 3C and 3D, an adhesive, for example, an adhesive approved by the Food and Drug Administration, may be applied to a lower surface of the can cover 112 and / or bottom surface of the can end 108. The can cover 112 and the can end 108 can then be coupled by aligning the supply portion 114 and the channel guide 116 of the can cover 112 with the supply portion 110 of the can end 108. This allows the guide of channel 116 resides below the surface of the can end 108 through the supply portion 110 of the can end 108, as shown in Figure 3D.

In another embodiment, Figures 4A-4D illustrate another way in which a fixed element of two components can be assembled. Figure 4A illustrates the can cover 112 comprising the supply portion 114, the channel guide 116 and the openings 142. Figure 4B illustrates the can cover 108 comprising the supply portion 108 and the pins 144. For assembling the fixed element as shown in Figures 4C and 4D, the openings 142 of the can cover 112 are aligned with the pins 144 of the can end 108, since the can cover 112 is placed on the can end 108. Once the can cover 112 is in place on the can end 108, the pins 144 are flattened against the can cover 112 and the can end 108 to form flattened pins 146 which secure these two pieces in place. to form the fixed element, as shown in Figures 4C and 4D.

In another embodiment, Figures 5A-5E illustrate another manner in which a fixed two-piece element can be assembled. Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the can cover 112 comprising the supply portion 114, the channel guide 116, and a projection 148 having a crease notch 151. Figures 5C and 5D illustrate the can end 108 comprising the supply portion 110 and the pendant 152 having the pleating line 154. To assemble the fixed element 104 as shown in Figure 5E, the projection 148 and the pendant 152 are joined and pleated together to form a pleated portion 156 of the fixed element 104.

In another embodiment, snap hooks may be used to couple the components of the two-component fixed element. It will be within the abilities of a person skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description, to select or designate suitable shapes, sizes and materials for coupling the components of the fixed element together.

In still another embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the fixed element can be constructed as a piece. In this embodiment, the fixed element 204 can be made of aluminum. The can end 208 comprises the supply portion 214 and the channel guide 216. In this embodiment, the starting material for the can end 208 can be produced through conventional manufacturing processes from which can be formed the supply portion 214 and the channel guide 216. This embodiment does not require a can cover and simplifies the process for producing the fixed element 204 for the closure system.

Figures 7A-8B illustrate perspective views of a portion of the closure system according to some embodiments. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the upper cover 118 having the grip 119, the fixed element 104 having the channel guide 116 and the supply portion 110 and the stem 122 having the upper end 124 and the lower end 136 before the assemble As shown, the rod 122 is inserted into the channel guide 116 of the fixed element 104. The upper end 124 of the rod 122 is coupled with the opening 126 of the upper cover 118. The coupling of these two components can be achieved by through snap hooks 170 of the upper end 124 of the shank 122 being inserted into the notches 172 of the opening 126 of the upper cover 118, or through other diverse coupling means as discussed above. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate this assembled portion of the closure element, from the upper and lower perspective views.

Figures 9A-9F illustrate various other methods for assembling the top cover, shank, and fixed element (not shown in Figures 9A-9F) together. For example, Figure 9A once again illustrates the use of snap hooks 370 of the upper end 324 of the stem 322 that can be engaged with the notches 372 of the opening 326 of the top cover 318. Figure 9B illustrates the use of a adhesive which can be applied to the upper end 424 of the stem 422, to the opening 474 of the upper cover 418, or both the upper end 424 and the opening 474 to achieve the coupling of these components. Rotary rub welding can be used to couple these components as shown in Figure 9C. In another embodiment, the fastener 676 can be inserted through the openings 678 of the upper cover 618 and the openings 680 of the upper end 624 of the shank 622. Figure 9E illustrates the pre-pleated rivet 782 which is inserted in the opening 726 of the top cover 718. The fixed element (not shown) is placed under the top cover 718, followed by the stem 722 which is inserted in the opening 774 together with the washer 786. Once each of these components is in place, the pre-pleated rivet 782 is pleated, as shown in 784 for coupling the components together. In another example, Figure 9F illustrates the shank 822 that can be inserted into the opening 884 so that these components can be pleated together in the pleating area 888 of the upper cover 818 and the pleating notch 890 of the shank 822. It will be Within the skill of one skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description, selecting or designating suitable coupling configurations for the components of the closure element as described herein.

Once the stem 136, the top cover 118 and the fixed element 104 are assembled, the sealing portion 120 can be joined as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. The washer 128 can be secured to the sealing portion 120 by aligning the elements 122 with the openings 134 of the sealing portion 120. Once the washer 128 is in place, the sealing portion 120 is screwed in place by engaging the lower end 136 of the stem 122 with the threaded section 140 of the sealing portion 120. This completes the assembly of the closure element, which is now ready to be coupled with a container body in one of the various ways described above, or through other convenient means.

Upon the first use of a container comprising the closure system 102, the closure element 102 is located in a first position as shown in Figures 11A and 11B. In this first locked, closed position, the upper cover 118 is resting on the fixed element 104, covering the supply portion 114, and is coupled with the upper end 124 of the stem 122. The sealing portion 120 is in contact with the surface bottom of the fixed element 104 and forms an airtight seal with the use of the washer 128.

Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a second position in which the closure system 102 is in a closed, unlocked position. The upper cover 118, with use of the grips 119, is rotated in a clockwise direction. As shown in Figure 12A, the stem 122 is also rotated with the top cover 118. Figure 12B illustrates the effect that the rotation of the top cover 118 has on the sealing portion 120. As shown in the figure 12B, the sealing portion 120 is no longer in contact with the lower surface of the fixed element 304, and a predetermined distance has been moved in a downward direction as is evident by the appearance of a section 141 of the threaded portion 140 of the portion sealing 120.

By releasing the sealing portion 120 from the lower surface of the fixed element 104, the user can now slide the upper cover 118 from the first end 107 of the channel guide 116 to the second end 109 of the channel guide 116 or anywhere in means such as a predetermined distance from the first end 107 of the channel guide 116. By moving the top cover 118 at a predetermined distance from the first end 107 of the channel guide 116 or to a second end 109 of the channel guide 116, the supply portion 114 of the fixed element 104 is partially revealed as shown in Figures 13A and 13B (in a fifth position) or completely, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B (in a third position). These positions represent positions partially open, not blocked or completely open, not blocked.

In another embodiment, Figures 15A and 15B illustrate perspective views of a resealable beverage container 90 that can be completely constructed of aluminum. The beverage container 90 comprises a container body 900 and closure system 902. The closure system 902 comprises the fixed element 904. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the movable closure element comprises the top cover 918 which has the grip 919, and the rivet 960. Figure 15B also shows the movable closure element comprising the sealing portion 920 in addition to the top cover 618 having the grip 619, and secured with the rivet 960.

The part view of FIGS. 16A and 16B of the closure system 902 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B shows each of the components of the closure element 902. As shown, FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate components made of aluminum, with the exception of washer 928, which can be made of a polymeric material. The rivet 960 assists in the engagement of the upper end 924 of the rod 922 with the upper casing 918. To achieve this, the rod 922 is inserted through the channel guide 916, allowing the fixed element 904 to be placed against the lower surface 917 of the upper cover 918. The washer 928 can now be put in place on the sealing portion 920 having a threaded male surface 939 which engages with the lower end 936 of the rod 922. The lower end 936 has the female threaded surface 938. In alternative embodiments, the threaded surface 939 may have a male thread, while the threaded surface 938 can have a female thread. Figures 16A and 16B illustrate the washer 962, which aids in the engagement of the sealing portion 920 and the shank 922.

In another embodiment, the closure system 102 'is illustrated in Figures 17A and 17B and comprises the fixed element 104' and the movable closure element comprising the upper cover 118 'and the sealing portion 120'. The upper cover 118 'comprises the grip 119'. In this embodiment, the grip 119 'comprises the ring 192' and the lever 194 'and assists the user in moving the top cover 118' in a desired direction, for example, horizontally, and also allows the sealing portion 120 'to be move in a desired direction, for example, vertically. In other embodiments, the ring may be optional. The upper cover 118 'also comprises the openings 126' which make it possible to secure the grip 119 'to the upper cover 118' using a fastener.

Figures 18A and 18B illustrate the movable closure element 102 'in parts views. As shown, the grip 119 'comprises the ring 192' and the lever 194 'which can be fastened to the upper cover 118' by placing the fastener 196 'through the opening 126' of the upper cover 118 'and the opening 193 'of grip 119'. The fastener 196 'can be any convenient device or material for attaching or attaching the top cover 118' and the grip 119 '. For example, the fastener 196 'may have a wire, a plastic coated wire, a hinge, spring, bolt, screw, nail, clip, spike, or tip, for example, a cotter pin. The fixed element 104 ', which can be made of one or more components, as discussed above, comprises a supply portion 114' and a channel guide 116 '. The sealing portion 120 'comprises the lever receiving portion 198' which resides in the channel 150 '. The sealing portion 120 'may also comprise the washer 128' which is attached to the sealing portion 120 'by engagement of the element 132' with the openings 134 '. The upper cover 118 'and the grip 119' can be coupled with the fixed element 104 'and the sealing portion 120' by inserting the lever 194 'through the upper cover 118' and the channel guide 116 ', and engaging the lever 194 'with the lever receiving portion 198'. These components are connected by inserting the fastener 101 'through the opening 103' of the lever receiving portion 198 'and the opening 105' of the lever 194 '.

Figures 19A-22B illustrate various positions of the closure system 102 'during the operation. Figures 19A and 19B illustrate the closure system in a closed, locked position, wherein the upper cover 118 'is covering the supply portion 114' of the fixed element 104 '. The ring 192 'and the lever 194' are resting horizontally on the upper cover 118 'with the fastener 101' at the first end 111 'of the opening 105'. The sealing portion 120 'resides against the lower surface of the fixed element 104', with the lever receiving portion 198 ', residing at a first end 107' of the channel guide 116 '. In this closed position, the closure system 102 'provides a watertight seal that prevents liquids escaping from a container utilizing this closure system.

Figures 20A and 20B illustrate the closure system 102 'in the closed, unlocked position, where the supply portion 114' is still covered by the upper cover 118 'but the sealing portion 120' no longer resides against the surface bottom of the fixed element 104 '. As shown, the ring 192 'has been moved so that the lever 194' is no longer resting on the top cover 118 'and rather the lever 194' is in a position perpendicular to the lever 194 'in the closed position . The fastener 101 'follows the opening 105' to reside at the second end 113 'of the opening 105' which causes the lever receiving portion 198 ', and thus the sealing portion 120', to move vertically downwardly by a predetermined distance away from the bottom surface of the fixed element 104 '.

Figures 21A and 21B illustrate the closure system 102 'in an open, unlocked position, where the upper cover 118' is no longer covering the supply portion 114 '. As shown, the ring 192 'and the lever 194' are still in a position where they are not resting on the top cover 118 '. The lever 194 'has moved in a horizontal direction, which also moves the upper cover 118' and the sealing portion 120 'in a horizontal direction. The lever receiving portion 198 'now resides at the second end 109' of the channel guide 116 '. The sealing portion 120 'remains at a predetermined distance away from the lower surface of the fixed element 104'.

Figures 22A and 22B illustrate the closure system 102 'in an open position, locked with the sealing portion 120' against the lower surface of the fixed element 104 '. The closure system 102 'is in an open position, where the upper cover 118' is no longer covering the supply portion 114 '. As shown, the ring 192 'and the lever 194' have been moved and are now resting on the top cover 118 '. The fastener 101 'follows the opening 105' to reside at the first end 113 'of the opening 105' which causes the lever receiving portion 198 'and, therefore, the sealing portion 120' to move vertically towards up by a predetermined distance so that the sealing portion 120 'resides against the lower surface of the fixed element 104'.

In another embodiment, the closure system 1002 is illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B and comprises the fixed element 1004 (or can end 1008) and the movable closure element 1006 comprises the top cover 1018 and the sealing portion 1020. upper cover 1018 comprises lever 1094 and assists the user to move upper cover 1018 in a desired direction, e.g., horizontally, and also allows sealing portion 1020 to move in a desired direction, e.g., vertically.

As shown in Figure 23A, the lever 1094 comprises the notch 1095 which can be engaged with the snap hook 1097 on the top cover 1018. Although the coupling of the lever 1094 and the top cover 1018 is shown in Figure 23A As a snap hook and aperture, other types of coupling techniques can be used, such as those mentioned above. The upper cover 1018, as shown in Figure 23A, also comprises arms 1021 which can take part in securing the upper cover 1018 on the can end 1008.

In Figure 23A the lever receiving portion 1098 of the sealing portion 1020 is also shown. As will be described in more detail below, teeth 1099 of the lever 1094 are coupled with the lever receiving portion 1098 and, for thus, they allow the sealing portion 1020 to interact with the lever 1094.

As shown in Figure 23B, the sealing portion 1020 can reside against the lower surface of the can end 1008. The sealing portion 1020 comprises the opening 1025 and the overmold 1027 which can assist in the release of pressure, in if there is, of the inside of the can.

Figures 24A and 24B illustrate an aerial view and a perspective view of the upper cover 1018 without the lever 1094. The upper cover 1018 comprises several components including the arms 1021, fins 1029, and evident characteristic to the alteration 1023. As the upper cover 1018 is placed on the can end during assembly, the arms 1021 are folded down on the hinges 1037. The arms 1021 of the upper cover 1018 comprise openings 1031 which can be engaged with the ends 1035 of the tip 1033 of the lever 1094, shown, for example, in Figures 25A-25C. The arms 1021 also comprise notches 1039 which can be engaged with the snap hooks 1041 located on the underside of the top cover 1018. The top cover 1018 also comprises projections 1043 which are located on the underside of the top cover 1018, and they help to ensure proper alignment of the upper cover 1018 with the channel guide of the can end.

Figures 25A-25C illustrate aerial and perspective views of the lever 1094 of the top cover 1018.

The lever 1094 comprises teeth 1099, wherein prior to the assembly of the closure system, the tip 1033 is engaged with one of the teeth 1099. The tip 1033, which will be accepted by the opening 1003 in the lever receiving portion 1098, as shown in Figures 28A-33C, it will also be accepted by the opening 1047 in the tooth 1099 of the lever 1094. The tip 1033 comprises the opening 1045 which can assist in the release of pressure from the container. As discussed above, the ends 1035 of the tip 1033 will engage the openings 1031 in the arms 1021 of the upper cover 1018 to help secure the components of the upper cover 1020 to each other and to the fixed element 1008. A cross section of the width of the tip 1033 and the opening 1003 can be of various shapes and sizes so that the tip 1033, at the time of movement of the lever 1094, can operatively interact with the sealing portion 1020, to move the sealing portion 1020 in a desired direction, for example, vertically up or down.

Figures 26A-27C illustrate aerial and cross-sectional views of the sealing portion 1020. In Figures 26A-C, the washer 1028 and the overmold 1027 comprising the opening 1049 are manufactured as separate pieces, while in the Figures 27A-27C, the washer 1028 and the overmold 1027 comprising the opening 1049 are manufactured as one piece. Figures 26A and 21A illustrate aerial views of the surface of the sealing portion 1020 that can come into contact with the lower surface of the can end 1008, and show the washer 1028 and the lever receiving portion 1098. Figures 26B and 27B illustrate aerial views of the surface of the sealing portion 1020 that is opposite the surface that comes into contact with the inner side of the can end, and show the opening 1025 and the overmold 1027. Figures 26C and 27C illustrate cross-sectional views of the sealing portion 1020. In Figure 26C, the washer 1028 and the over-mold 1027 are manufactured as separate pieces, while in Figure 27C, the washer 1028 and the over-mold 1027 are manufactured as one piece. The lever receiving portion 1098 comprises the opening 1003 which can be coupled with the lever 1094 through the tip 1033.

Figures 28A-34C illustrate planar top and cross-sectional views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in various operating positions. Figures 28A-C illustrate the closure system 1002 in a closed position wherein the upper cover 1018 is positioned above the delivery portion 1014 and the sealing portion 1020 rests against the lower surface of the can end 1008. In this closed position, the lever 1094 is resting on the upper cover 1018 and is locked in place by the coupling of the snap hook 1097 of the upper cover 1018 with the notch 1095 of the lever 1094. The lever is not higher than the protrusion 1051 of the can end 1008, allowing the easy stacking of containers one on top of the other. Further illustrated in Figure 28B, the obvious feature to the alteration 1023 is positioned so as to indicate that the closure system has not yet been opened by a user. In this closed position, the opening 1045 of the tip 1033 is not aligned with the opening 1049 of the overmold 1027. The upper portion 1033a of the tip 1033 is in contact with the lever receiving portion 1020, while the lower portion 1033b of the tip 1033 is in contact with the overmold 1027, thus creating a valve in a closed position. The overmold 1027 may be at least partially held in place against the lower portion 1033b due to any pressure inside the container.

Figures 29A-29C illustrate cross-sectional and upper planar views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in which the lever 1094 has been raised to begin the opening process. In this position, the upper cover 1018 is still positioned above the delivery portion 1014 and the sealing portion 1020 resides against the lower surface of the can end 1008. By raising the lever 1094 to a first predetermined angle, the upper cover lever 1018 on snap hook 1097 and tip 1033 is also rotated so that opening 1045 begins to align with aperture 1049 of overmold 1027, allowing the valve to be in a partially open position. The upper portion 1033A of the tip 1033 remains partially in contact with the lever receiving portion 1020, while the lower portion 1033b of the tip 1033 remains partially in contact with the overmold 1027. Figures 35A-35B illustrate perspective views of the lever 1094 showing the opening 1095 at the tip 1033. As discussed above, as the opening 1045 begins to align with the opening 1049, the pressure inside the container, if any, may be liberated As shown in Fig. 29B, the obvious feature to the alteration 1023 is now shown in a vertical position, which indicates that the closure system 1002 has been opened. The first predetermined angle can be located between, for example, about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees.

Figures 30A-30C illustrate upper cross-sectional and planar views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in which the lever 1094 has been raised to a second predetermined angle to fully align the opening 1045 of the tip 1033 with the opening 1049 of the envelope -1027 mold, allowing the valve to be in an open position. The portion 1033C of the tip 1033 is positioned to interact operatively with the lever receiving portion 1098 to begin to move the sealing portion 1020 in a downward direction away from the can end 1008. The upper portion 1033a and the lower portion 1033b of the tip 1033 is no longer in contact with the lever receiving portion 1020. The second predetermined angle can be located between, for example, about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees.

Figures 31A-31C illustrate upper planar and cross-sectional views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in which the lever has been further raised to a third predetermined angle, allowing the tip 1033 to move the sealing portion 1020 to its further position. falling. In this position, the sealing portion 1020 is no longer in contact with the lower surface of the can end 1008, and the lever 1094 has reached its widest angle, because the upper portion 1033a and the lower portion 1033b are configured inside. of opening 1003 to prevent further lifting of lever 1094. In this position, the valve remains in an open position. The third predetermined angle can be located between, for example, about 65 degrees to about 125 degrees.

Figures 32A-32C illustrate upper planar and cross-sectional views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in which the movable closure element, including the upper cover 1018 comprising the lever 1094 and the sealing portion 1020, have been moved horizontally along the can end 1008. In this position, the lever 1094 remains in the raised position as shown in Figures 31A-31C, and the sealing portion 1020 remains at a distance from the lower surface of the can end 1008. , with the valve still in an open position. As shown in these figures, the supply portion 1014 is now exposed to allow a user to pour or otherwise remove the contents of the container.

Figures 33A-33C illustrate upper planar and cross-sectional views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in which the movable closure element, including the upper cover 1018 comprising the lever 1094 and the sealing portion 1020, remain in one position so that the supply portion 1014 is exposed, as shown in Figures 32A-33C. In this position, the lever 1094 has been lowered, reversing the direction in which the tip 1033 is rotated, so that the sealing portion 1020 is once again placed against the lower surface of the can end 1008. When lowering the lever 1094 the tip 1033 is also rotated so that the opening 1043 of the tip 1033 is not aligned with the opening 1049 of the overmold 1027. The upper portion 1033A of the tip 1033 is once again in contact with the receiving portion of the tip 1033. lever 1020, while the lower portion 1033b of the tip 1033 is in contact with the overmold 1027, thus moving the valve to the closed position, and demonstrating that it has the ability to re-close the container.

In a further embodiment, Figures 34A-34C illustrate cross-sectional and upper planar views of the fully assembled closure system 1002 in which the lever 1094 has been raised to begin the opening process. In this position, the upper cover 1018 is still positioned above the supply portion 1014 and the sealing portion 1020 is resting against the inner side of the can end 1008. Lifting the lever 1094 at a first predetermined angle releases the lever of upper cover 1018 on pressure hook 1097 and also rotates tip 1033 so that opening 1045 begins to align with opening 1049 of the over mold, allowing the valve to be in a partially open position. The upper portion 1033a of the tip 1033 remains partially in contact with the lever receiving portion 1020, while the lower portion 1033b of the tip 1033 remains partially in contact with the overmold 1027. In this embodiment, the opening 1045 assumes the shape of a slit or indentation on a surface of the tip 1033, instead of an opening that passes through the width of the tip 1033. Figures 36A-36B illustrate perspective views of the slit or indentation of the opening. 1045 at the tip 1033. As discussed above, as the indentation or indentation of the opening 1045 begins to align with the opening 1049, the pressure inside the container, if any, may be released. As shown in Fig. 29B, the obvious feature to the alteration 1023 is now in a vertical position, which indicates that the closure system has been opened.

To assemble the closure system of certain embodiments described above, the lever receiving portion 1098 of the sealing portion 1020 is engaged with the lever 1094 of the upper cover 1018 by means of the tip 1033. A first end 1035 of the tip 1033 of the lever 1094 is inserted through the opening 1003 in the lever receiving portion 1098. Subsequently, the open tooth 1099 of the lever 1094 having the opening 1047 engages with the first end 1035 of the tip 1033. The can end channel guide 1008 is then aligned with the lever 1094 so that it is allowed to pass through the channel guide. In some examples, the can end channel guide 1008 is aligned in a position that is approximately 90 degrees from its final positioning within the closure system 1002. The can end 1008 resides in the sealing portion 1020. The lever 1094 of the partially assembled closure system is then inserted through the remaining portion of the top cover 1018. The remaining portion of the top cover 1018 is then lowered, and the arms 1021 of the upper cover 1018 are also rotated so that the ends 1035 of the tip 1033 of the lever 1094 are coupled with the openings 1031 of the arms 1021. Once the upper cover 1018 is lowered to a distance predetermined from the can end 1008, for example, 0.02 inches (0.05 centimeters) from the can end 1008, and the arms 1021 are at a predetermined angle from the can end 1008, eg, 5 degrees from the can end 1008, the can end 1008 can be rotated 90 degrees allowing portions of the top cover 1018, including the arms 1021 and the hooks 1029 to snap into place and be secured to the can end 1008. The top cover 1021 also comprises projections 1043 which align within the can end channel guide 1008 and help to ensure correct alignment of the top cover 1018 with the can end channel guide.

Another embodiment of the disclosure is focused on a closure system for sealing a container constructed to be coupled with a container body. Referring to Figures 37A and 37B, a closure system generally indicated at 1100 is shown without the container body. As shown, the closure system 1100 includes a fixed element incorporating a can end 1102 and a movable closure member generally indicated at 1104. In FIGS. 37A and 37B, the movable closure element 1104 is illustrated in a first embodiment. closed position. The can end 1102 includes a margin portion (not designated) that is configured to be secured to one end of the body of the container.

Specifically, with reference to Figures 43A, 43B, 43C and 43D, the can end 1102 is configured to be conveniently secured to the body of the container (not shown), and includes a body 1106 having the supply portion 1108 and a channel guide 1110 formed in the body 1106 of the can end. The channel guide 1110 includes a first end 1112 and a second end 1114. The movable closure element 1104 includes an upper cover 1116 and a sealing portion 1118.

The upper cover 1116, in the embodiment shown, includes a body 1120 and a separate lever 1122 that is configured to be rotatably secured to the body 1120. The lever 1122 includes a bar member 1124 that is received within a pair of notches, each one indicated at 1126 formed in the body 1120 of the top cover 1116. The arrangement is such that the lever 1122 has the ability to rotate with respect to the top cover 1116, the purpose of which will be described in greater detail below.

The sealing portion 1118 includes a lever receiving portion, which in the embodiment shown is represented by three grooves 1128, 1130 and 1132 extending upwardly from the sealing portion 1118. The grooves 1128, 1130 and 1132 are configured to secure the sealing portion 1118 to the upper cover 1116, which will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 52 and 53. The breakwater 1132 is flexibly connected to a body 1134 of the sealing portion 1118. The breakwater 1132 has the ability to be moved from the position illustrated in Figure 43A to a position in which the breakwater 1132 is positioned between breakwaters 1128, 1130, which is illustrated in Figure 43B. Figure 43C illustrates the median spike 1132 extending laterally from the body 1134 of the sealing portion 1118 and Figure 43D illustrates the median spike 1132 extending between the spikes 1128, 1130. The flexibility of the median spike 1132 allows the The median breakwater moves vertically with respect to the outer breakwaters 1128, 1130 when they are placed between the outer breakwaters.

The arrangement is such that when the lever 1122 is raised, which will be described below, the grooves 1128, 1130, 1132 accept a portion 1136 of the lever for moving the sealing portion 1118 with respect to the can end 1102. In this position, the top cover 1116 has the ability to be moved horizontally from the first end 1112 to the second end 1112 of the channel guide 1110 to expose the supply portion 1108. The particular movement of the closure member 1104 will be described in greater detail to continued with reference to figures 37-42.

Figures 37A and 37B illustrate a sealed position in which the upper cover 1116 covers the delivery portion 1108. In this position, the lever 1122 rests on the body 1120 of the upper cover 1116, and the sealing portion 1118 is in contact with a lower surface 1138 of the can end 1102 for sealing the delivery portion 1108. The contents within the body of the container are blocked so that it does not flow out of the body of the container.

Figures 38A, 38B and 38C illustrate an open position of the valve in which the upper cover 1116 covers the supply portion 1108 and the lever 1122 is raised a short distance from reaching a vertical position with respect to the body 1120 of the upper cover to create an initial pressure release. Specifically, the pressure is released from the container when the lever 1122 is lifted from a rest position in the top cover 1116 at a predetermined angle. As shown, the sealing portion 1118 maintains its contact with the bottom surface 1138 of the can end 1102 to seal the supply portion 1108.

Figures 39A, 39B and 39C illustrate a position in which the upper cover 1116 covers the supply portion 1108 and the lever 1122 is further raised so that it reaches a vertical position with respect to the body 1120 of the upper cover. In this position, the portion 1136 of the lever 1122 couples the grooves 1128, 1130, 1132. As shown, the sealing portion 1118 is separated by a distance from the bottom surface 1138 of the can end 1102. The movement of the sealing portion 1118 is caused by the portion 1136 of the lever 1122 engaging the median spike 1132 and thereby causing movement of the median spike 1132.

Figures 40A, 40B and 40C illustrate a position in which the upper cover 1116 covers the supply portion 1108 and the lever 1112 is further raised beyond the vertical position illustrated in Figures 39A and 39B. In this position, the portion 1136 of the lever 1122 engages the median spike 1132 to further move the sealing portion 1118 by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 1138 of the can end 1102. In this position, the sealing portion 1118 achieves a maximum descending position.

Figures 41A, 41B and 41C illustrate a position in which the upper cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118 expose the supply portion 1108. Specifically, with the sealing portion 1118 separated from the can end 1102, the upper cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118 can be moved horizontally from the first end 1112 to the second end 1114 of the channel guide 1110 to expose the delivery portion 1108. As shown, the lever 1122 is held in the position of the lever shown in FIG. Figures 40A and 40B.

And finally, Figures 42A, 42B and 42C illustrate a position in which upper cover 1116 and sealing portion 1118 expose supply portion 1108, with lever 1122 being lowered to the position shown in Figure 37A to rest on the upper cover 1116. As shown, the sealing portion 1118 is in contact with the lower surface 1138 of the can end 1102. In this position, which can be referred to as a drinking position, the contents of the container body It can be emptied.

Turning now to FIGS. 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D and 44E, the movement of the median groove 1132 with respect to the body 1134 of the sealing portion 1118 is illustrated. FIGS. 44A and 44B illustrate the median groove 1132 in an extended position. It should be understood that the median spike 1132 can sometimes be referred to as a valve, which will be apparent as the description of the closure system 1100 proceeds. The median spike 1132 includes a flexible hinge 1140 that permits movement of the spike. Figures 44C, 44D and 44E illustrate the median spike 1132 in the position in which the median spike extends between the outer spikes 1128, 1130. Referring particularly to Figure 44D, each spike 1128, 1130 and 1132 includes a surface 1142 formed by a widening of the jetty. The surfaces 1142 are configured to engage the portion 1136 of the lever 1122 when the lever is rotatably secured to the upper cover 1116. As shown, the surface 1142 of the middle break 1132 is raised relative to the surfaces 1142 of the outer groynes 1128, 1130. Referring now to Figure 44E, the median spike 1132 includes a flange 1144 that is received within a flange seat 1146 formed on the lower surface 1138 of the sealing portion 1118.

Referring to Figures 45A and 45B, the surface 1142 of the median spike 1132 is shown at the same elevation as the surfaces 1142 of all the outer spikes 1128, 1130. This movement is achieved by engaging the portion 1136 of the lever 1122 when the lever is rotated in the manner described above. This movement of the lever 1122 results in the downward movement of the median spike 1132 relative to the outer spikes 1128, 1130. As shown in Figure 45B, the flange 1144 is moved away from the flange seat 1146 thus creating a space 1148 between a body portion 1150 of the median spike 1132 and the sealing portion 1118. This space 1148 allows an initial pressure release of the contents of the container body when the movable closure element 1104 is opened. The body 1134 of the portion 1148 sealing 1118 may include a rubber seal (not designated) to create a sealing engagement of the sealing portion with the lower surface 1138 of the can end 1102. Additionally, the flange seating 1146 may include an over-mold of rubber to create a sealing coupling of the flange 1144 with the flange seat.

Figures 46A and 46B illustrate the top cover 1116 having the body 1120 and the notches 1126. The body 1120 of the top cover 1116 further includes a pair of lock elements, each indicated at 1152, configured to secure the lever 1122 to the top cover. The body 1120 of the upper cover 1116 includes a pair of slots, each indicated at 1154, which are positioned adjacent to the respective securing elements 1152. The slots 1154 are configured to receive the lever 1122 when the lever is rotated. Referring to FIG. 46B, the body 1120 of the top cover 1116 further includes two snap hooks, each indicated at 1158, which attach the top cover 1116 to the can end 1102 as the snap hooks enter the housing. channel guide 1110. The snap hooks also slide along the channel guide 1110 as the top cover 1116 moves horizontally along the channel guide to maintain alignment of the top cover with the guide channel .

Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C, 47D and 47E and to Figures 48A, 48B, 48C and 48D, the rotary connection of the lever 1122 to the top cover 1116 and the manner in which the lever rotates relative to the top cover are illustrated. The bar member 1124 is dimensioned to be received within the notches 1126 formed in the body 1120 of the top cover 1116. This configuration allows the lever 1122 to rotate or rotate with respect to the top cover 1116. As shown in FIG. 47A, the lever 1122 includes a pair of end elements, each indicated at 1156, which are configured to extend into the respective slots 1154 of the top cover 1116 when the lever is rotated. End elements 1156 are designed to provide a guide for lever 1122 as the lever rotates about bar member 1124. Figures 47B and 48A illustrate lever 1122 resting on top cover 1116. Figures 47C and 48B illustrate the lever 1122 rotating away from the top cover 1116 at a short distance from a vertical position with the end elements 1156 entering their respective slots 1154. Figures 47D and 48C illustrate the lever 1122 in a vertical position with respect to the top cover 1116 And Figures 47E and 48D illustrate lever 1122 beyond a vertical position with respect to top cover 1116.

The arrangement is such that portion 1136 of lever 1122 is designed to push down surfaces 1142 of grooves 1128, 1130 and 1132. When lever 1122 is balanced to an open (rotated) position, portion 1136 applies a force descending on the surface 1142 of the median spike 1132 to move the flange 1144 from the flange seat 1146. Once the surfaces 1142 of the spurs 1128, 1130 and 1132 are flush with each other, the portion 1136 moves the sealing portion 1118 down.

The assembly of the closure system 1100 is as follows. Referring to Figures 49A, 49B and 49C, the top cover 1116 is secured to the can end 1102 by inserting the snap hooks 1158 into the channel guide 1110 of the can end. This is best seen in Figure 49C, which illustrates the snap hooks 1158 by coupling the body 1106 of the can end 1102.

Figures 50A, 50B and 50C illustrate the attachment of lever 1122 to upper cover 1116. Lever 1122 is positioned on top cover 1116 as shown in Figure 50A. Next, the bar member 1124 of the lever 1122 is received within the notches 1126 of the upper cover 1116. In this position, the end elements 1156 have the ability to enter their respective slots 1154 as shown in the figure 50B. As the lever 1122 is rotated about the bar member 1124, the portion 1136 moves downwardly within the channel guide 1110. The rotational movement of the lever 1122 is shown in Figure 50C.

Next, the sealing element 1118 is secured to the upper cover 1116 by inserting the grooves 1128, 1130 and 1132 through the channel guide 1110. This is illustrated in Figures 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D and 51E. As shown in Figures 51A and 51B, the median spike 1132 is moved so that it is positioned between the two outer spikes 1128, 1130. Referring to Figures 51C, 51D and 51D, the median spike 1132 (as well as the spikes) 1128, 1130) include an aperture 1160 that is dimensioned to receive a hook 1162 of the lever 1122. Referring to FIGS. 52A, 52B and 52C and FIGS. 53A, 53B and 53C, when the groins 1128, 1130 and 1130 are inserted. 1132 in the channel guide 1110, the grooves extend upwards through an opening or groove 1164 formed in the lever 1122 with the lever in its fully rotated position (beyond a vertical position). In this position, the hook 1162 is received within the opening 1160 to secure the sealing element 1118 to the upper cover 1116.

Figures 54A, 54B and 54C illustrate closure system 1100 in the sealed position. As shown, the lever 1122 rests on the body 1120 of the upper cover 1116, and the sealing portion 1118 is in contact with the lower surface 1138 of the can end 1102 to seal the delivery portion 1108. The lever 1122 folds the grooves 1128, 1130 and 1132 so that the grooves are wrapped around the portion 136 to pull the sealing portion 1118 upward toward the surface 1138 of the can end 1102. In this position, the flange 1144 is firmly seated inside the flange seat 1146 to block any transfer of fluid from the body of the container to the atmosphere.

During the operation, in a first position, the upper cover 1116 covers the supply portion 1108, the lever 1122 of the upper cover is resting on the upper cover, and the sealing portion 1118 is in contact with the lower surface 1138 of the end of can 1102. In a second position, upper cover 1116 covers supply portion 1108, lever 1122 is raised relative to the first position, and sealing portion 1118 is separated by a distance from lower end surface 1138 of tin 1102. In this position, the movement of the sealing portion 1118 from the can end 1102 releases the pressure from the interior of the container. In a particular embodiment, a portion of the lever 1122 may be aligned with the sealing portion 1118 to release pressure from the interior of the container. In a third position, the upper cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118 expose the supply portion 1108, and the sealing portion is separated by a distance from the bottom surface 1138 of the can end 1102. In a fourth position, the cover upper 1116 and sealing portion 1118 expose supply portion 1108, lever 1122 is lowered to rest on top cover, and sealing portion is in contact with bottom surface 1138 of can end 1102. In this position, a person can drink from the container.

In a fifth position, the upper cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118 expose at least a portion of the supply portion 1108, the lever 1122 of the upper cover is lifted relative to the fourth position, and the sealing portion is separated for a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 1138 of the can end 1102. In a sixth position, the top cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118 expose at least a portion of the supply portion 1108, the lever 1122 of the top cover is lower relative to the fifth position, and the sealing portion remains in contact with the lower surface 1138 of the can end 1102. In this position, the container is ventilated.

In some embodiments, the can end 1102 (otherwise referred to as the fixed element) is made of a material that is compatible with a material of at least one of the upper cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118. In a particular embodiment , at least one of the upper cover 1116 and the sealing portion 1118 is made of a polymeric material, with a total weight of the polymeric material that is less than or equal to 10 grams. In another embodiment, the top cover 1116 can be configured to indicate whether the closure system 1100 has been opened.

Any of the arrangements described above may be used for beverages, food, other consumable goods, or non-consumable goods. Additionally, as described above, the containers can be made of any material known to those skilled in the art, depending on the use and function of the part or component. For example, container bodies and base plates can be made of aluminum materials used in the conventional manufacture of can bodies. The fixed element, top cover and sealing portion can be formed from common molding and extrusion processes to create reproducible tolerances. The movable closure elements can be formed from polypropylene, while the can and stem cover can be made from polyethylene terephthalate. Alternatively, the can end can be fabricated from aluminum materials used in the conventional manufacture of can bodies. The washer can be made of silicon, rubber, similar plastic. In some examples, one or more components of the closure system can be formed from one or more polymeric materials. Typically, the polymeric material is a recyclable material that is compatible with other components of the closure system and with the contents of the container. The total weight of the polymeric material used in the closure system may be less than a predetermined amount such as a standard maximum weight based on industry standards, or recommended or established by governmental guidelines. Preferably, the total weight of the polymeric material used in the closure system is less than 10 grams, less than 8 grams, less than 6.5 grams, less than 5 grams, less than 3.75 grams or less than 3.2 grams.

Although the containers and methods for making them have been described above in terms of certain examples and embodiments, various variations, modifications, substitutions, additions and improvements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of the description. These alterations, modifications, substitutions, additions and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the containers described here. It is also intended that the indefinite articles "a" "an" and "an" as used above and in the appended claims, mean one or more of the articles they modify, and that the terms "include", "including" and "having" are interchangeable with the term of open meaning "comprising". Only the transition phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transition phrases, respectively, with respect to the claims.

The use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third" and the like in the claims to modify an element of the claim by itself does not have a connotation of some priority, precedence or order of an element of the claim about another or the temporal order in which the acts of a method are executed, but simply used as labels to distinguish an element of the claim that has a certain name from another element that has the same name (but for the use of the ordinal term) in order to distinguish the elements of the claim.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and what actual parameters and / or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the systems and techniques of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize, or may determine, using no more than routine experimentation, equivalents or specific examples of the invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the examples described herein are presented by way of examples only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A closure system for sealing a container constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body, the closure system comprising: a fixed element comprising a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide having a first end and a second end, the fixed element constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container; Y a movable closure element comprising: a top cover comprising a lever; and a sealing portion comprising a lever receiving portion constructed and accommodated to accept the lever so that, as the lever is raised, the sealing portion moves in a downward direction away from the can end, and as that the upper cover is moved horizontally from the first end of the channel guide to the second end of the channel guide, the supply portion is exposed.

2. - The closure system according to claim 1, characterized in that in a first position, the upper cover covers the supply portion, the lever of the upper cover is resting on the upper cover, and the sealing portion is in contact with the upper cover. a lower surface of the can end; in a second position, the upper cover covers the supply portion, the lever is lifted relative to the first position, and the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the can end; Y in a third position, the upper cover and the sealing portion expose the supply portion, and the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the can end.

3. - The closing system according to claim 2, characterized in that in a fourth position, the upper cover and the sealing portion expose the supply portion, the lever is lowered to rest on the upper cover, and the sealing portion is in contact with the lower surface of the can end.

4. - The closing system according to claim 3, characterized in that in a fifth position, the upper cover and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the supply portion, the lever of the upper cover is lifted relative to the fourth position, and the sealing portion is separated by a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the can end.

5. - The closure system according to claim 4, characterized in that in a sixth position, the upper cover and the sealing portion expose at least a portion of the supply portion, the lever of the upper cover is lowered relative to the fifth position, and the sealing portion is in contact with the lower surface of the can end.

6. - The closure system according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixed element is made of a material that is compatible with a material of at least one of the upper cover and the sealing portion.

7. - The closure system according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the upper cover and the sealing portion is made of a polymeric material.

8. - The closure system according to claim 7, characterized in that the total weight of the polymeric material is less than or equal to 10 grams.

9. - The closure system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever is constructed and arranged to interact operatively with the lever receiving portion.

10. - The closure system according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper cover is constructed and arranged to at least partially secure the upper cover to the fixed element.

11. - The closure system according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper cover is constructed and arranged to be coupled with the lever.

12. - The closure system according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper cover is constructed and arranged to be coupled with another portion of the upper cover and to at least partially secure the upper cover to the fixed element.

13. - The closure system according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper cover is constructed and arranged to maintain the alignment of the upper cover with the channel guide.

14. - The closure system according to claim 9, characterized in that the content of the container is pressurized and the sealing portion is constructed and arranged to release pressure from the interior of the container.

15. - The closure system according to claim 14, characterized in that the lever interacts operatively with the sealing portion to release pressure from the interior of the container.

16. - The closing system according to claim 15, characterized in that the pressure is released from the container when the lever is lifted from a rest position on the upper cover at a predetermined angle.

17. - The closure system according to claim 16, characterized in that as the lever is lifted, a portion of the lever is aligned with the sealing portion to release pressure from the interior of the container.

18. - The closure system according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper cover is constructed and arranged to secure the lever in a rest position.

19. - The closure system according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper cover is constructed and arranged to indicate whether the closure system has been opened.

20. - A closure system for sealing a container constructed and accommodated to be coupled with a container body, the closure system comprising: a fixed element comprising a can end that includes a supply portion and a channel guide, the fixed element constructed and accommodated to be secured to one end of the body of the container; a movable closure element comprising: a top cover comprising a grip; and a sealing portion constructed and accommodated to operatively interact with the top cover, so that as the top cover is engaged, the sealing portion moves in a vertical direction, and as the top cover is moved in one direction horizontal along the channel guide, the sealing portion moves in the horizontal direction.