RESEALABLE CONTAINER LID ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention provides a resealable beverage container lid assembly. The assembly includes a modified tab assembly which includes a sealing portion for releasable engagement within a standard pour opening formed in the top surface of the container. The tab assembly is configured to displace a scored tear panel by way of lever action. A sealing member may be rotated into position to seal the pour opening with the tear panel in the displaced position.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a beverage container having vertical sidewalls and a generally horizontal lid comprising: a tab assembly positioned on said lid, said lid having a semi-circular score line defining a perimeter for a pour opening, said tab assembly forming said pour opening by way of lever action; a cap portion formed on one end of said tab assembly, said cap portion rotatable to a sealing position within said opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of a prior art lid assembly prior to opening.

[0014] FIG. 1B shows a top plan view of the inventive lid assembly prior to opening.

[0015] FIG. 1C shows a top plan view of the inventive lid assembly rotated to a pour position.

[0016] FIG. 1D shows a top plan view of the inventive lid assembly rotated to a sealed position.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a side sectional view of the lid assembly rotated to a sealed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1-2, the assembly of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 10, is shown. The assembly 10 is formed in the top portion of a container 100. The container includes a container cylindrical sidewall 102, a container closed container closed bottom wall 104, integrally formed with the container cylindrical sidewall 102 and a resealable container lid portion 110 connected to the container cylindrical sidewall 102 at the end opposite the container closed container closed bottom wall 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the closed container closed bottom wall 104 and the container cylindrical sidewall 102 are formed from a single piece of aluminum material, using otherwise known processes. The resealable container lid portion 110 is preferably made of the same lightweight aluminum alloy material, and is joined at the upper end of the sidewall through likewise known processes. The resealable container lid 110 portion includes a cap receiving opening 130 which is formed in the lid upper surface 114. The cap receiving opening 130 is formed near a peripheral edge or lip of the resealable container lid portion 110 as is customary in the art, to allow drinking from the container 100. A resealable container sealing tab portion or cap 160 fits into the pour opening or cap receiving opening 130 and engages same in a manner described in more detail below. The cap 160 is a part of the tab assembly 162 as will be described in more detail later. The container cylindrical sidewall 102 of the container 100 is preferably tapered at both the upper and lower ends to provide greater structural integrity, particularly for use with pressurized contents, such as when used for carbonated beverages.

[0019] The resalable container lid 110 has an outer perimeter that is connected to the upper open end of the container cylindrical sidewall 102 of the beverage container, using known processes, to form an enclosure which contains a beverage. Beverages contained therein are not limited, but include carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, and could also include foodstuffs, and non-edible products. The cap receiving opening 130 is integrally formed in the resealable container lid upper surface 114 of the resealable container lid 110 and includes a cap receiving perimeter. A semi-circular score line 136 is formed in the container lid 110 in order to create the opening 130 by way of lever action in the well known manner. In the opened position, the cap receiving opening tear panel 138 remains connected to the lid 110 due to the fact that the circular score line 136 does not make a complete circle or loop; a tear panel hinge 139 is created where the lid 110 is not scored.

[0020] As seen in figures, the resealable container cap 160 is sized to fit substantially within the cap receiving socket 130, the cap being an integral part of the tab assembly 162. The tab assembly 162 is a standard tab assembly coated with a rubberized sealing material 164. The material, which may be a rubberized material such as neoprene, is sufficiently flexible to provide sealing engagement within opening 130 by compression fit. The otherwise standard tab assembly functions to create the opening 130 by way of lever action in the well known manner. A rivet 170 positioned in the lid 110 allows for rotating the entire assembly as seen in FIGS. 1B-1D. The cap 160 has a tapered underside 172 and may optionally include an annular groove to allow for compression fit.

[0021] In use, the tab assembly 162 is used to form opening 130 in the conventional manner. If desired, the user may then rotate the assembly as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D to the sealing position as shown in FIG. 1D.

[0022] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

[0023] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims: