MXPA00006768A - Resealable easy open closure and can - Google Patents

Abstract

A can (11) shaped at the top to cooperate with a resealable easy open closure (10) so that the closure (10) can be peeled away to open the can (11) and the easy open closure (10) can be snapped back in to close the can (11). The closure (10) has a pull tab (12) to facilitate opening and a detent portion. The can has a curled rim portion (16) with a recess (17) forming a restraining ledge (17) and a sealing ledge (19) which is engaged by the detent portion of the closure (10).

Description

CLOSING OPENS EASY TO BE RETURNED TO SEAL AND CAN.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a resealable easy-open closure or end for containers such as cans, jars, bottles and the like.

Background of the Invention The ends open easy ("EOE") are ends of cans (upper), which have a marked line or segment of similar weakening, which weakens the end against a force type removable but that maintains a resistance against a force empty type and oppression. A clip to pull that part of the end, pulling the clip the segment of the end, which is inside the line marked in this way is uncovered by opening the can without the use of a can opener. In the case of an EOE sealed in adhesive form, the EOE complete. In the case of beverages (soft drinks, beer, non-carbonated beverages, juices and similar products) only a small section of the end that is bent (or sometimes pushed and left inside the can or pulled and left in the outside of the can). In the case of soups, meats, etc. most of the end is bent leaving a small segment which is on the outside of the marked line for example towards the wall of the can) if the can is heat sealed in adhesive form, a marked line is not necessary and is eliminated the entire segment, although you can use a heat seal or adhesive with a marked line. In the case of the easy open end that is used for sterilized foods such as meat, fish, soups, vegetables, fruits, etc. At present, the part that is normally bent is discarded and it is not thought of using it again, being generally the cans of such size that they are cans of simple use or, in the case of cans of multiple use, the contents are either transferred to a differently resealable container (such as a freezer or refrigerated container), or the top of the open can wrapped in aluminum or plastic. In cases in which the sterilization of the content is not required, such as dry foods, coffee beans, sweets, chips (potatoes or other flakes), pretzels and other foods for snacks, and in the case of seeds for birds and even in sports products for example tennis balls) and industrial products (eg chemicals or small parts) if an easy open end is provided (which in these cases may also be a marked or unmarked membrane stuck or heat sealed to the container) ) a separate removable plastic cover is also usually provided. The container itself can be made of metal, plastic or some compound (paper - aluminum - plastic) generally the membranes are not used when the products are under pressure or substantial vacuum. In the case of ends opens easy for drinks (soft drinks, beer and non-carbonated drinks) whose ends have a small section which is marked or adhered with adhesive, the loss of carbonation and / or health requirements make it difficult to store these products still for a short time, and therefore a resealed screw or bayonet seal is provided, and this requires two hands to be resealed. Since it is very useful and desirable an easy open end that is closed again, the prior art, shows many patents dealing with easy open ends that are closed again. You have patents have factors in common, that is to say that there is a member in the structure attached to the can and to which, the end is attached the easy open ends that are resealed. Additionally, you are patents may or may not have a strip to detach which is attached to the member of the structure, and may or may not have a part of the end that remains on the can. In all these cases, there is a plurality of pieces which are used to achieve the required function. This group of North American patents includes:, 758,793, 5,617,968, 5,51 1, 679, 5, 125,528, 5,085,339, 5,050,763, 5,042,680, 5,020,686, 4,724,979, 4,724,978, 4,699,290, 4,682,706, 4,660,735, 4,529, 1 00 and 3,557,998. The partially open end makes it difficult to move the contents, and the plastic ring to which the end is sealed makes it much more expensive, for example two parts instead of one. The end is also uncomfortable at the time of closing it again because you have to use both hands, one to force the button and the other to hold the can against this force. These ends are expensive since either a member of the structure has to be molded in addition to the removable section or a closure must be provided that closes separately. Besides the cost, which can represent a factor of as much as 20% up to 80%, if not more than the cost of the can, these extremes are not compatible with the environment since they are necessary either a separate closure of plastic or an injection molded structure member. In some cases a flap is also required and part of the closure remains in the can if it is not yet a separate member or a strip is required. This group includes the North American patents: 5, 145,085 5,085,339 ,050,763 4, 741, 450 4,724,979 4,724,978 4,699,290 4,473, 168 4,434,907 4,433,793 4,427, 128 4,385,708 4, 165,016, 3,998,354, 3,557,998, 3,356,250 and 2,998, 158. In all prior patents there is at least one or a combination of structure members separately which remains in the can, a rotated cover, a part of the cover that remains in the can, a detachable strip, a weakening member combined with any of the above, a plurality of pieces, pieces that have to be injection molded, (for example, they can not be cut from a leaf), weakening members, membranes separately (for example two-part ends), or require a double joint. None of the above patents shows an easy open end that is resealed in one piece, simple and easy to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy open or close reclosable end, which is less expensive and compatible with a can and with the environment. The present invention is directed to one end of an easy-open piece that is reclosed (with an integrated or adhered pull clip), which is completely removable, which uses a minimum amount of material in order to be compatible with the environment, can be closed with one hand, and can be manufactured at very low cost. Instead of having to use a structure member separately we make the container with a very small rest facing inward of a flat section, so that the easy open end that is resealed is adhered to the flat section and is slide in the rest, and the very small rest allows the end to slide in and be pulled from the point of adherence using the flexibility of the end to regulate the rest, and again the flexibility of the end is used to immediately return the end. The end and the container cooperate to allow the required function. In another form we make the container with a serrated edge towards the interior and a flat section oriented towards the exterior.

The identical system can be used for an easy-open end that is resealed for beverage cans, and can be part of the attached upper part, or part of an integral upper part and a joined lower part. For this purpose we make our end open easy to reseal at one end open easy type drink, this is an easy open end that partially opens in opposite form to an easy open end that opens fully, causing the rest and section flat is at one end of the can instead of the wall of the can. In this case, if the beverage is carbonated, the carbon dioxide pressure will help seal the system against carbon dioxide loss and make it reclosable after it has been partially used. If the drink is not carbonated, this reclosed end will maintain its hygiene by virtue of its adjustment in the closure. The flat sections can be at rest either above or below the flat part of the end. For carbonated drinks, which are filled with hot water or sterilized beverages, or for foods that are filled with hot water or sterilized, the loop and the sealing segment are located in such a way that the vacuum or pressure in the can does not break the seal, but a release force is used so that when the loop is pulled the seal is not broken. The easy open resealing end is formed and made with such resistance, which cooperates with the detachment force and opposes the vacuum or pressure force. It is well known that the detachment force can break a seal but the vacuum or pressure force can not do so if the sealing area, the sealing method and the pull loop are properly located. In all cases the seal between the end opens easy to reseal and the container can be made by any of some known methods such as those that use an adhesive, use heat, use sonic heat, use high frequency heat or use the heating of the container (if it is metallic) by induction of electricity or locally by the application of direct heat. The easy open resealing end can be made of different plastics, composite plastics, plastic and aluminum metal compounds with or without oxygen vapor barriers or even metal of the required strength. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 show a side view and a top view, respectively, of a can and an easy-open resealing end sealed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3A is a scanning view showing a pull tab, an easy open end, a sealing area and an internal threading of the can and the easy open end of Figures 1 and 2, together with a sealing head that it is used to seal the easy open end, and Figure 3B shows the sealing head in its downward position. Figures 4A through 4D show several steps in opening the easy open end seal, with Figure 4A showing the pull tab bent downward; Figure 4B showing the clip in a position to be pulled; Figure 4C shows the loop for pulling and the seal at the moment it starts to come off; and Figure 4D shows the end opens easily in the position in which it will be pushed. Figure 5A shows the pull tab and the end opens easily in an end view before the version of the clip to pull the easy open end; Figure 5B is an end view after the version; and Figure 5C is a top view after the version. Figures 6A and 6B show the flat and folded loop in a view from the end and in a top view respectively for a clip of a diagonal end piece that opens easily and in accordance with the present invention. Figures 7A and 7B are elevation views of an easy open type end for drinking according to the present invention, with Figure 7A showing the easy open end of the flat part of the ring of the can and Figure 7B showing the end of the flat part of the line of the can.

Figure 8 is a top view of the easy open end for beverages of Figures 7A and 7B. Figures 9A and 9B show elevation and top views, respectively of an alternative embodiment using an outer seal area and an annular collar that holds inwardly and fastens outwardly with detent rings and one end of the inner can. Figure 10A and 10B show upper elevation views, respectively of the modalities of Figures 9A and 9B with the clip for pulling in its raised position and with the seal beginning to be detached.

Detailed Description of the Invention. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a side view and a top view of a resealable easy open end 10, sealed to a 1 1 can according to the present invention. . The end 10 has a pull tab 12 adhered to it, and is sealed to the can 1 1 in an area for seal 13 towards the inside of the can wall. Figure 3A is a scanning view showing the easy open end 10 before the can 1 1 is sealed, in the sealing area 13 by means of a sealing head 14. The can 1 1 has an internal part 16 threaded with a rest 17 that forms the upper and lower projections 18 and 19, respectively. The inner projection 19 may have a sealing adhesive 21 affixed thereto, in the sealing area 13 for sealing with a sealing adhesive 22 affixed to the underside of the easy open end 10 which is in the inner area of the seal. periphery of it. To seal the end opens easy 10 to the can 1 1, the sealing head 14 is moved low (Figure 3B), starting the peripheral part of the easy open end 10 at rest 17. Subsequently heat or other sealing energy is applied , such as infrared rays, to activate the sealing adhesives 21 and 22 and seal the easy open end 10 to the lower projection 19. If no adhesive is used, then heat in various forms will be used to partially melt the plastic for adhesion. It should be noted that the loop to pull 12, it must be located sufficiently inwardly from the inner part of the threaded portion 16, so that the pull tab 12 and the threaded portion 16, do not interfere with each other since the easy open end 10 is being cut in the break. The easy open end 10 is made of a flexible and thin material. Therefore, even when the periphery of the open end 10 extends further from the internal part of the threaded portion 16, it will be flexible since the easy open end 10 is moved inwardly. As will be appreciated, the easy open end 10 must have a diameter decrease longer than the upper projection 18, so that it is split at rest 17 and retained therein, therefore the peripheral portion of end 10 is retained by the upper ledge 18.

As shown in Figure 4A, after sealing, the sealing head 14 is removed leaving the easy open end sealed to the can 1 1. As shown in Figure 4B to remove the seal from the easy open end 10 the clip moves from its downward position upwards. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4C, force is exerted on the clip 12, which causes the adhesive 21 at the easy open end 10 to detach from the adhesive 22 on the lower projection 19. Finally , as shown in Figure 4D, the easy open end 10 is removed from the can 1 1. To reseal the can 1 1, the easy-open end 10 is simply pushed down until the periphery of the end opens easy 1 1 is split in recess 17. The pull-tab 12 and the easy-open end 10, can be formed of two parts separately. This is shown in greater detail in Figures 5A to 5C, Figure 5A showing the clip for pulling 12 before its adhesion to the easy open end 10; Figure 5B showing the clip for pulling 12 after its adhesion; and Figure 5C being a top view, showing the adhesion sealing area of the clip 48 with dotted lines. In Figures 6A and 6B there is shown a part of the easy-open end / pull-tab, in which one easy-open end 10 'and a pull-out loop 12' are formed in one piece by an operation, such as sealing molding or by injection. It is necessary to form notches 23, where the leg portion 15 of the pull tab 12 'intersects with the easy open end 10' so that when the pull tab 12 is bent (as shown in Figure 6B) with dotted lines) it can be bent into the periphery of end 10 '. As mentioned above, this prevents the pull tab 12 'and the threaded portion 16 (Figure 3B) found in the can 1 1 from interfering with each other when the easy-open end 10' is held in the can eleven . The can 1 1 and the easy open end 10 (or 10 ') are designed to be used where full access to the contents of can 1 1 is desired. In other words, the can 1 1 is designed so that the end 10 or 10 'will be completely. On the other hand, for the clinical type cans a small opening is left at the end, which will make it possible for the drinks to be both poured and drinks directly from the can. In FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 are shown easy open ends for drinking cans according to the present invention. More specifically, in Figures 7A and 8 there is shown a drinking can 24 and an upper part 26 having a fixed end portion 27 with a relatively small opening 28. Around the opening 28 there is a threaded portion 29, a rest 31 and the projections 32 and 33, similar to the coiled portion 16, the rest 17 and the projections 18 and 19 of Figures 3A and 3B. One easy open end 34 having a pull tab 36, is positioned to split in and out of rest 31 and be sealed in the lower ledge 33, in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

Figure 7B shows a variation having a threaded portion 29 ', which is formed above the surface of the fixed end portion 27, instead of being formed below it, as shown in Figure 7A. For all other points, this mode is the same as the modality in Figure 7A. During operation, the pull tab 36 is pulled to pull the easy open end 34 out of the opening 28 with the remainder of the top of the can being fixed. To reseal the can open end can 34 is simply pushed so that it snaps into the recess in the threaded portion. In Figures 9A and 9B and in Figures 10A and 10B there is shown another embodiment of the present invention which has an open easy end that is resealed completely open. Returning first to Figures 9A and 9B, a can 40 is shown and an easy open end 41 having an annular slope collar 42, with a small projection or retaining ring 43 extending outwardly therefrom. The upper part of the can 40, instead of being screwed out to form a threaded portion 44 which is molded to form a flat sealing surface 45. The easy open end 41 can be worked out conveniently by vacuum forming or by injection molding, so as to form an integrated pull tab 46. However, in this case since the clip 46 is not inserted in the can 40, the clip 46 need not be formed inwardly of the periphery of the end 41 and, therefore, no notches are needed.

As will be appreciated, a two-part (non-formed) end may also be used in place of the pull tab 46. As with the other embodiments, a sealing adhesive (not shown) may be applied both to the part from below the end opens easy 41 as to the sealing surface 45 of the screwing turned outwards. To remove the end 41, the pull tab 46 is pulled in an upward direction, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, causing the retainer ring 43 to move an annular limiting protrusion 47 formed by the located portion 44. and extending inside from it. To close again, end 41 is simply clamped again. As used in the present description and in the appended claims, the term (cans) means any container, such as a metal can as a plastic container, a glass container or any similar object with which it is desired to use a container. Extreme opens easy to close again. Although the present invention has been described in relation to the particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is preferable that the present invention is not limited by the specific description thereof, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (25)

R E I V I N D I C A I N N E S Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property.

1 .- In combination, a can and an easily opened resealable closure for said can, said can comprising a hollow body closed at the first end and an internal annular limitation projection adjacent to a second opposite end closed by said closing; said closure comprising: a detent part structured and positioned to be fixed from below said limiting projection, said closure being flexible enough to be pulled from the underside of the limit projection and removable from it; can, from the can and then fastened in a new hook with the projection of the limit, to reseal the closure to the can; and a clip to pull said closure.

2. - The combination of a can and an easy-open resealing closure as described in Claim 1, further characterized in that said can includes a part screwed into the second end formed in the inner part thereof, having said coiled portion an annular rest defining said internal annular limitation projection.

3. - The combination of a can and a resealable easy-open closure as described in Claim 2, further characterized in that said closure and said can have common longitudinal axes and the distance between said clip and the longitudinal axis of said closure is smaller than the distance between the closest point of said portion screwed to the longitudinal axis of said can and said longitudinal axis of said can.

4. - The combination of a can and a resealable easy-open closure as described in Claim 3, further characterized in that said closure comprises a part in one piece, said clip having a part of a leg extending from of said closure, said closure having notches extending inward from a periphery of said closure adjacently to said part of the leg, so that said part of the leg may be bent in said closure with said part of the leg being located inside the periphery of said closure.

5. - The combination of a can and a reclosable easy-open closure as described in Claim 1, further characterized in that said annular rest has an annular sealing projection spaced apart from and said inner annular limiting projection and said retainer portion of said closure is structured and positioned to enter said rest between said annular limitation projection and said annular seal projection.

6. - The combination of a can and a reclosable easy-open closure as described in Claim 5, further characterized in that it additionally includes sealing means in at least one of a portion of said said oriented closure. sealed and said sealing projection.

7. - The combination of a can and a resealable easy-open closure as described in Claim 5, further characterized in that it additionally includes sealing means in a portion of said closure by orienting said sealing projection and said projection of said seal. sealed.

8. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 6, further characterized in that said sealing means is a sealing adhesive.

9. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 1, further characterized in that the can has a flat external projection extending externally from the second end and the The closure has a peripheral portion designed to mesh with said external projection.

10. - The combination of a can and an easy-open resealable closure as described in Claim 9, further characterized in that said closure includes an independent annular collar placed inside said outer projection and said retaining portion. It is located on said collar.

The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 10, further characterized in that it additionally includes a means of closing in at least one of said peripheral portion and said external salient

12. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 10, further characterized in that it additionally includes a sealing means in said peripheral portion and said external projection.

13. - The combination of a can and a resealable easy-open closure as described in Claim 12, further characterized in that said sealing means is a sealing adhesive.

14. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 13, further characterized in that said pull-out loop and said closure comprises a part of a part formed by a vacuum forming a molding by injection.

15. - The combination of a can and an easy-open resealing closure as described in Claim 1, further characterized in that said closure includes a fixed end adhered to said second end, said fixed end having an opening in the same and said annular limiting projection being adhered to said fixed end along the periphery of said opening.

16. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 15, further characterized in that said limiting projection is located above the surface of said fixed end.

17. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 15, further characterized in that said limiting projection is located below said fixed end.

18. - The combination of a can and a resealable easy-open closure as described in Claim 17, further characterized in that said fixed end includes a coiled portion formed on the inside along the periphery of said portion. coiled, said coiled portion having an annular recess defining said internal annular limiting projection.

19. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 18, further characterized in that said annular rest has a separate and opposite annular sealing protrusion of said internal annular limiting projection and said retainer portion of said closure is structured and positioned to enter said rest between said annular limitation projection and said annular seal projection.

20. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 19, further characterized in that it additionally includes a sealing means in at least one of a part of said closure orienting said projection of sealing and said sealing projection.

21. The combination of a can and an easy-open resealing closure as described in Claim 19, further characterized in that it additionally includes a sealing means in a portion of said closure orienting said sealing projection and said sealing projection.

22. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 19, further characterized in that said sealing means is a sealing adhesive.

23. - In combination, a can and a jar open easy to reseal for said can: a hollow body closed at one end; a ring at an opposite end; a threaded element formed in said ring, said screwed element having a curved surface in a convex shape oriented towards the interior of the ring and placed below the upper surface thereof, said curved surface having an annular rest in it which stops a projection; and said resealing closure comprising: an end member having a peripheral edge formed to enter the rest and be retained on this side, being sealed at one end to the projection of the container so that said end member it can be released from it by a movement in a first direction and again engaged therein by a movement in an opposite direction, said end member (i) being sufficiently flexible with the end member moving away from the ring, the end member is flexed to decrease an effective diameter thereof, thereby moving the peripheral position out of rest and out of engagement with the threaded element to thereby remove the seal from the container and allow access to the inside thereof (ii ) with shape the end member is moved back towards the ring to reseal the container, the peripheral edge of the member The end is bent by the convex surface of the chime to reduce the effective diameter thereof and allow the peripheral edge to move around the convex surface of the coiled element and within the recess thereof to reseal the container; and a loop to pull to move the closure in the first direction.

24. - The combination of a can and an easy-open resealing closure as described in Claim 23, further characterized in that said end member and said can have longitudinal axes in common and the distance between said clip and the The longitudinal axis of said end member is smaller than the distance between the closest point of the convex surface of said portion screwed to the longitudinal axis of said can and said longitudinal axis of said can.

25. - The combination of a can and an easy open resealing closure as described in Claim 24, further characterized in that said clip and said closure comprise a part in one piece, said clip having a part of a leg extending from said closure, said closure having indentations extending inwardly from a periphery of said closure adjacent said portion of the leg, so that said portion of the leg may be bent in said closure with said portion of the leg located toward the inside of the periphery of said closure.