Method and Apparatus For Sealing An Opened Beverage Container

Abstract

A method and apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container is characterized by a removable cover member with an upper, a middle, and a lower portion, the middle portion having a cavity configured to receive a beverage container's tab. When in use, in some embodiments, the present invention may provide that a user may insert a beverage tab into the cavity to removably form a tab/cover member combination. The user may then rotate the tab/cover member combination into position over a beverage container's opening. The user may then press down on the tab/cover member combination and insert the tab/cover member combination into the beverage container's opening, thereby removably sealing the beverage container's opening. If desired, the user may press on a raised edge attached to the present invention's upper portion and dislodge the tab/cover member combination from the beverage container's opening, thereby unsealing the beverage container's opening.

Claims

1. A method for sealing an opened beverage, including the steps of: providing a beverage container having a top side, the beverage container's top side having a beverage container opening, a tab, and a rivet; the beverage container opening being bounded by a rim; the tab having a tab opening and a top tab edge, and the tab being rotatable around an axis corresponding to the rivet; providing a removable cover member having an upper portion, a middle portion, a midline, and a lower portion; the upper portion having a top side and an outer upper edge, the top side having a raised edge; the middle portion having a cavity with an opening; and the lower portion having a lower side and an outer lower edge; inserting the top tab edge through the opening into the cavity, thereby creating a tab/cover member combination; rotating the tab/cover member combination into alignment above the beverage container opening; and pushing the tab/cover member combination into the beverage container opening, thereby sealing the beverage container opening with the tab/cover member combination.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating force against the raised edge sufficient to dislodge the tab/cover member combination from the beverage container opening, thereby unsealing the beverage container opening.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer upper edge and the outer lower edge are tapered away from the midline.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the middle portion is configured to removably seal with the rim.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a raised conical element configured to fit within the tab opening.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the front side of the lower portion has a concave semicircular notch configured to receive the rivet.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the lower side is convex.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the cover member is a single contiguous portion.

9. An apparatus for sealing an opened beverage comprising a cover member having an upper portion, a middle portion, a midline, and a lower portion, the upper portion having a top side and an outer upper edge, the middle portion having a cavity with an opening, and the lower portion having a lower side and an outer lower edge.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the outer upper edge and the outer lower edge are tapered away from the midline.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, the upper portion having a raised edge attached to the upper portion's top side.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a groove forming the boundary between the middle portion and the lower portion, wherein the groove is formed by the juncture of a tapered edge along the lower edge of the middle portion and a tapered edge along the top of the lower portion, and wherein the tapered edge along the lower edge of the middle portion and the tapered edge along the top of the lower portion slope towards each other.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the middle portion is configured to removably seal with a beverage container rim, the beverage container rim being the portion of the beverage container surrounding the beverage container's opening.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cavity's interior is configured as the negative impression of a beverage container tab's top edge and side edges.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cavity contains a raised portion.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the raised portion is conical.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lower portion's front side has a semicircular concave notch.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cover member's lower side is convex.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cover member is a single contiguous portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a bottom plan elevational view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIGS. 6A-C illustrate an exemplary method of use of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a front elevational view of an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance.

[0040] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0041] The terms first, second, third, fourth, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms include, and have, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0042] The terms couple, coupled, couples, coupling, and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention may comprise an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100, having an upper portion 101, middle portion 102, and lower portion 103. FIG. 1 also discloses cavity 104, opening 105, and notch 106. Furthermore, FIG. 1 also discloses raised edge 107 and tapered edges 108, along with tapered edge groove 109.

[0045] Remaining with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, raised edge 107 may be shaped as a cylinder, a raised rectangle, or any shape compatible with the present invention. Additionally, in some embodiments the present invention may provide for a deeper, shallower, or differently shaped cavity 104, along with a differently shaped opening 105, that may accommodate alternate tab shapes, including by way of illustration and not limitation square or circular tabs, tabs of different thickness, and tabs of different lengths.

[0046] Continuing with FIG. 1, in some embodiments middle portion 102 may be configured as an approximately teardrop shape, with the teardrop shape's larger end generally corresponding to the present invention's front side. Additionally, in some embodiments, middle portion 102 may be configured in an approximately cylindrical shape. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments middle portion 102 may be configured so as to provide for continuous contact with the rim of any beverage container's opening, such as by way of illustration and not limitation beverage container opening's rim 606. Similarly, in some embodiments notch 106 may be square, oval, or any other shape capable of integration with the present invention.

[0047] Remaining with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the outer edge of upper portion 101 may not be tapered. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments the outer edge of lower portion 103 may not be tapered.

[0048] Turning attention to FIG. 2, a top plan view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, raised edge 107, tapered edge 108, and upper portion 101 are disclosed.

[0049] With respect to FIG. 3, a bottom plan view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, lower portion is disclosed, along with convex lower side 301. Also depicted in FIG. 3 are notch 106 and tapered edge 108.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 4, a front elevational view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, upper portion 101 contains tapered edge 108 as well as raised edge 107 and tapered edge groove 109. FIG. 4 also discloses middle portion 102, lower portion 103, notch 106, and cavity 104, which contains opening 105, raised portion 401, arcuate back wall 402, along with cavity walls 403 and cavity floor 404. As can be seen in FIG. 4, raised portion 401 in some embodiments is located approximately in the center of cavity floor 404 and reaches approximately to the middle of cavity 104. FIG. 4 further discloses convex lower side 301.

[0051] Turning attention to FIG. 5, a side elevational view of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, the configuration of opening 105 can be seen relative to upper portion 101, middle portion 102, lower portion 103, and cavity 104. FIG. 5 also discloses the relative locations of several tapered edges 108, as well as generally discloses raised edge 107 and tapered edge groove 109.

[0052] With respect to FIGS. 6A-6C, an exemplary method of using an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0053] With respect to FIG. 6A, a user may first align apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 with beverage container tab 601. The user may then slide apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 onto beverage container tab 601. A user may accomplish this sliding motion by first aligning cavity 104 with beverage container tab top portion 604, then sliding apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 over beverage container tab 601, causing apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 to be in removable connection with beverage container tab 601. FIG. 6A also generally discloses beverage container opening 602, beverage container opening's rim 606, and beverage container upper surface 607.

[0054] Continuing with FIG. 6A, in the process of sliding apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 into removable connection with beverage container tab 601, in some embodiments raised portion 401 (not pictured) may pass over beverage container tab top portion 604 and remain within beverage tab opening 603, thereby removably securing apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 to beverage container tab 601.

[0055] Turning attention to FIG. 6B, once apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 has been positioned into removable connection with beverage container tab 601, a user may then rotate apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 on a rotation defined by central rotational axis 605 of beverage container tab 601 until apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 is aligned with beverage tab opening 603. FIG. 6B also generally discloses the spatial relationship between lower portion 103 and beverage container opening's rim 606. In some embodiments, lower portion 103 may have a slightly larger circumference than beverage container opening's rim 606. In other embodiments, lower portion 103 may provide for a slightly smaller circumference or an equal circumference relative to beverage container opening's rim 606.

[0056] Remaining with FIG. 6B, in some embodiments the present invention may provide that tapered edge groove 109 may removably receive and secure beverage container opening's rim 606. In some embodiments, when tapered edge groove 109 removably receives and secures beverage container opening's rim 606, this combination may form a seal. In some embodiments, when tapered edge groove 109 removably receives and secures beverage container opening's rim 606, this combination may form an airtight seal.

[0057] Turning attention to with FIG. 6C, once apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 is in position over beverage container opening 602, a user may push down on apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 until lower portion 103 has passed beverage container opening's rim 606, thereby securing apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 into place within beverage container opening 602.

[0058] Remaining with FIG. 6C, in some embodiments the present invention may provide that when apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 is secured into place within beverage container opening 602, lower portion 103 may be in contact with the underside of beverage container upper surface 607, middle portion 102 may be in contact with beverage container opening's rim 606, and upper portion 101 may be in contact with beverage container upper surface 607. Alternatively, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that lower portion 103 may not be in contact with the underside of beverage container upper surface 607, or middle portion 102 may not be in contact with beverage container opening's rim 606, or upper portion 101 may not be in contact with beverage container upper surface 607.

[0059] Continuing with FIG. 6C, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the fit between lower portion 103 and the underside of beverage container upper surface 607 may provide for an airtight seal. In other embodiments, the fit between middle portion 102 and beverage container opening's rim 606 may provide for an airtight seal. In other embodiments, the fit between upper portion 101 and beverage container upper surface 607 may provide for an airtight seal. In still other embodiments, the fit between upper portion 101 and beverage container opening's rim 606 may provide for an airtight seal. In other embodiments, a combination of fits between lower portion 103 and the underside of beverage container upper surface 607, middle portion 102 and beverage container opening's rim 606, upper portion 101 and beverage container upper surface 607, or upper portion 101 and beverage container opening's rim 606 may provide for an airtight seal. In other embodiments, such seal may be less than airtight, yet operative to accomplish the aims of the present invention.

[0060] Returning to FIGS. 6A-6C, to allow air to enter beverage container opening 602, a user may apply pressure to raised edge 107 and thereby dislodge apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 from its fit within beverage container opening 602. After dislodging the present invention from its sealed position, a user may rotate apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 100 back to its starting position and reverse the alignment generally disclosed in FIG. 6A, thereby removing the present invention from its removable connection to beverage tab 601.

[0061] With respect to FIG. 7, a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance in shown. In the embodiment depicted, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 700, having an upper portion 701, middle portion 702, and lower portion 703 is disclosed. FIG. 7 also discloses cavity 704, opening 705, and notch 706. Furthermore, FIG. 7 also discloses raised edge 707 and winged flare shape 708, along with tapered lower edge 709.

[0062] Turning attention to FIG. 8, a front elevational view of an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container in accordance is shown. In the embodiment depicted, alternative embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage 700, upper portion 701, middle portion 702, lower portion 703, notch 706, and cavity 704, opening 705, raised edge 707, winged flare shape 708, and tapered lower edge 709 may be perceived, along with raised portion 801, arcuate back wall 802, cavity walls 803 and cavity floor 804. As can be seen in FIG. 8, raised portion 801 in some embodiments is located approximately in the center of cavity floor 804 and reaches approximately to the middle of cavity 704.

[0063] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0064] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0065] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0066] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0067] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the garment and method of using the same with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the garment and method of using the same to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed garment and method of using the same. The above description of embodiments of the garment and method of using the same is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0068] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the garment and method of using the same are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0069] While certain aspects of the method and apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method and apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the method and apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container.