CA2023420A1

CA2023420A1 - Resealable container closure

Info

Publication number: CA2023420A1
Application number: CA002023420A
Authority: CA
Inventors: W. Coy Willis; Scott C. Biondich
Original assignee: Aluminum Company of America
Current assignee: Howmet Aerospace Inc
Priority date: 1989-08-23
Filing date: 1990-08-16
Publication date: 1991-02-24
Also published as: BR9004153A; KR910004430A; EP0414249A3; EP0414249A2; JPH03176368A; AU6117990A; IL95450A0

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure This invention provides a closure cap and cap assembly for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container closure having an opening therein circumscribed by a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon. The closure cap includes a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface on the container closure. The sealing portion comprises elastic portions circumferentially spaced by a plurality of radially extending less elastic portions. The cap assembly of this invention may be anchored to the end wall of a container closure.

Description

- -RESEALABLE CONTAINER CLOSVRE
Back~round of the Inve~ion The present invention relates to a resealable, easy open can end. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reaealable closure cap and a cap assembly easily applied to a spout of a can er-d which is capable of accornmoda-ting inherent internal can preasures.
The prior art teaches various structures for containers such as drawn and lroned cans having end panels double seamed to the can. The end panels typically include opening devices which are generally called "easy open ends". Examples of easy open ends of the prior art are described in U.S. Patents 3,929,251;
3,977,341; 3,997,076; 4,024,981; and 4,148,410.
The market for containers having easy open ends may be extended, particularly, though not exclusively, in the area of larger volume containera. This may be accomplished through the utilization oP a cap to close and reseal the spout or pouring opening defined by the easy open end. Without a resealable closure cap, the liquid contents of an open container could easily spill or be other~ise lost. Also, dissociable gases, i.e., carbonation, in the remaining liquid are raadily lost Prom unsealed, open containers.
One construction for a reaealable closure cap assembly is taught in the p~ior art, namely ~S. ~atent ~,5~0,692. This reference teachas a construction for auch a resealable closure cap aasemhly in association with a aelectively contoured can end to , 6~ ~1 accommodate the resealable clos~re and to retain the advantacJes characteristic of the easy open end.
The provislon of commercially acceptable resealable easy open can end constructions for eurrent and larger volume beverage containers requires ease of application of the resealing eap over khe spout, sealable retention of remaining container eontents and accor~nodation of inherent internal can pressure that builds aftar resealing the can. Also desired is a ean end eonfiguration having an easy open end which does not require the use of lever mechani.sms or the like to aecomplish opening of the pouring spout. Ideally, the easy open end is easily and readily opened by a user through the mere applieation of digital pressure in a simple and safe manner. Sueh eonstruetion of a resea~lable easy open can end should be aceomplished without diminution of the convenience and cost effective nature of the basie easy open end construction during manufacturing, filling, handling, shipping, distributing, selling and consumer usage.
Experience to date with resealable caps and can end construetions, such as those diselosed in U.S. Paten~s 4,580,692 and 4,648,528, the contents of which are incorporated here.in by reference, has indicated a need to as~ure proper application and retention of the resealable eap over the spout defined by the easy open end. Despite atternpts and progress in this area o resealable container closures, there is still a need and a clemand ~or further improvement.
Aecordingly, a new and improved resealable eontainer elosure is desired which is easily applied to the spout to provide ;. . ~ :.

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an effective seal for an opened container.
~m~ary of the Invention This inventiorl may be summarized as providing a closure cap for ~ubstantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container closure having an opening therein circumscribed by a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon. The closure cap includes a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight seaJing relation wi~h the sealing surface on the container closure. The sealing portion comprises elastic portions circumferentially spaced by a plurality of radially eY~tending less elastic portions. The cap assemb]y of this invention may be anchored to the end wall of a sheet metal container closure.
Among -the advantages of this invention is the provision of a resealable container closure for a can which is easily and eEfectively applied over an open spout on a can end.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a resealable container closure for a can which, when applied over an open spout, creates and maintains an ef~ective seal to hold the contents and the in-ternal can pressure.
An objective of this invention is to provide an improved construction for a resealable container clo~ure for easy open end beverage containers and the like.
A feature of this inven~ion is the ability to provide an efEective c:Losiny and sealing mechanism for a can end wh:ich allows the use oE larger voLume containers because such containers may be effectively sealed to retain carbonation over longer s-torage periods required to consume such larger volumes of container contents.
1hese and other advantages and objectives of the invention will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings which illustrate, in accordance with the mandate of the patent statutes, a presently preferred embodiment of a container closure construction incorporating the principles of this invention.
~Lief Descri~tion o~ the ~rawings Figure 1 is a top plan view o~ an easy open can end construction incorporating the principles of this invention.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section as taken along the line 2-2 in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an enlarged hoxizontal section as taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a section showing the cap member disposed in superposed sealing relation on the spout of Figure 2.
Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged sections showing a closure cap in superposed sealing relation on the spout of Figure 2.
pe~ail.ed Pe~crlp~iQn_~f_~hQ_Invention As noted above, the present invention is described in association with a resealable easy open end construction of the type generally disclosed in U.S. Patents 9,580,692 and 9,698,528 which are incorporated by reference. However, it should be understood that the present invention may be used in other easy open can end constructions.

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Where the words "upwardly", "inward", "outwardly", "under", "underside", "downwardly" and the like are used in this application, the meaning, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, is -to be applied with reference to a can standing on its base in an upright position having a can end incorporating this invention attached to the top end thereof.
Referriny particularly to the drawing~, Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of an easy open can end construction incorporatiny the principles of this invention. Figure 1 shows a can end closure 12 prior to engagernent of the can end closure at the top end of a generally cylindrical can body, such as by conventional double seaming. Such can end closure 12 is generally made of sheet metal, such as aluminum, steel or tinplate, but may be made of nonmetallic or laminate material. ThQ closure 12 includes a genexally -flat or planar end wall 16, a countersink defining an inner panel wall 17, and an outer chuckwall 14 terminating in an upwardly and outwardly projecting annular flange 18 forming a chime for conventional attachment of the sheet metal can end 12 to a can body by double seaming.
As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the can end closure 12 further include3 an upwardly projecting dispensing spou-t 20 or pouring opening. The spout 20 is typically of circular con~iguration and is ~ormed as an inteyral portion oE the can end closure. Although the preferred spout 20 i9 circular, it should be understood that alternate configuration~, includiny oval, teardrop and ellipsoidal shapes, are comprehended by the present invention. The spout 20 may inclucle a domed surface haviny a , ., ~3~1~f~

score line 26. The score is interrupted by a hinge 28, but otherwis0 the score line 26 circumscribes and defines an opening panel 27 which is depressable inwardly of the can upon fracture of the score line 26. The opening panel 27 and the score line 26 are surrounded by a continuous lip ~4 having substantially smooth sealing surfaces 30 and 32. In the preferred embodiments, the lip 24 is circular.
As illustrated in the drawing, the present invention pertains to a resealing cap 10 which, as described below, is disposable o~er the lip 24 -to seal the container over the spout 20, or pouring opening. The cap 10 is preferably molded in one piece of a resinous or plastic material having a relativel~ low modulus of elasticity, such as, for example, low density polyethylene, polyvinyl, polyester, polyurethane or nylon. In addition to a low modulus of elasticity, suitable cap materials typically exhibit thermal and dimensional stability, chemical resistance, strength and durability.
The resealing cap 10 includes a sealing portion about the locking recess 68, adapted to be placed in sealing relation over the spout 20 and the score line defined opening panel 27 therein. The cap 10 also includes an integral tab 38 projectiny outwa~dl~ ~rom the cap portion for convenience in dicJi-tally manipulating the cap 10. In a preferred embodirnent illustrated in the drawir-g, an integral extendiLIg arm 39 extends from the cap assembly 10 and terrnina~es in a boss 35. The boss 35 has an openincJ therethrough to accommodate a rivet 36 for securincJ the cap assembly 10 to the sheet metal can end closure. ~n example o~

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an alternate lid to which the cap assembly of this invention may be applied, such as by an integral rivet, is described in U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 07/302,016, filed January 26, 1989, and assigned ~o the assignee of this invention.
The outboard edge of a flange of the rivet 36 is formed downwardly a controlled amount when the rivet 36 i9 staked to securely attach the cap assembly 10 to the can end closure 12.
The rivet 36 also permits the cap assembly lO to be rotated by hand about the rivet 36 with relative ease as indicated by dotted line 90, also called the locus of securement. Preferably the rivet is an integrally formed portion of a sheet metal end wall 16.
It has been found that a closure cap 10 of this invention requires sufficient resiliency or flexura to be able ~o be stretched over the lip 24 of the spout 20 as the cap 10 is being applied. It is also desirable to maximize the sealability of a closure cap 10 after it has been applied in order to provide a structure which does not yield from its sealing enga~Jement when subjected to internal can pressure situations. These two objectives of resiliency and sealabililty may appear to be somewhat contrary to one another, and prior to this invention it was generally believed that a successful closure cap 10 would be one having a struct~lre which would strike a very delicate balance between the fleY~ibility considered necessary to provide resiliency and the rigidity considered necessary to provide sealability.
The structure of the closure cap assembly 10 of the present invention provides a device which is able to rnaximize the ! ~ , " . . .

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need for flexibility while simul~aneously maximizing the sealability necessary to withhold high internal can pressures.
This surprising combination o~ seemingly inconsistent and countervailing properties is accomplished by radially alternating a plurality of elastic and less elastic portions about the majority of the circurnference or perimeter of the cap assambly 10 as described in this patent application. Less elastic portions include those portions which require more stress to cause deforlrlation as compared to the elastic portions, yet both the elastic and the less elastic portions have the abili.ty to return to their original dimensions after the removal of stresses.
In a pre~erred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the closurs cap 10 is provided with a series of radially extending ribs 60. As illustrated in the drawings, the ribs 60 extend radially outwardly from a location on the cap assembly 10 which is inwardly of the lip 29 when -the cap assembly 10 is disposed in overlying sealing relation with the lip 24. The ribs 60 eYtend outwardly to a location on the cap asseMbly 10 which is at or beyond the lip 24 when the cap assembly is disposed in overlyiny sealing relation with the lip 29. In one preferrad embodiment each rib 60 begins at a location adjacent an outer portion o~ the boss 50 and extends radially outwardly, with a generally planar, thin top sur~ace 66, to a radial location coterminous with the outside diameter o~ the body of -the cap assembly 10, as shown in Figure 5 The ribs 60 may be provicled at successi.ve locations, such as every 8 to 10 degrees around at least a ma~ority of the circumference of the preferred round cap assembly 10. In one embodiment, the ribs 60 may be successively provided around the entlre circumference of such cap assembly 10. In Figure 1 the closure 10 is provided with ribs 60 around about 310 of the circumference of the cap assembly 10. In a preferred embodiment the ribs 60 have a circumferential width within the range of from about .020 to about .030 inch. ~ach rib 60 has a height which eY.tends above the yenera]. plane of the upper surface 62 of the cap assembly 10 as defined by the membrane portions 64 between the al-ternating ribs 60. In a preferred embodimen-t, the upper surface of the ribs 60 provide locations having a greater height than the height of the balance of the mernbrane portions 64 of the cap assembly 10 between the ribs 60. Such rib height, or increased cap assembly thickness, provide a plurality of portions or zones about the circumference of the cap assembly 10 which e~hibit less elasticity than the thinner cap assembly membra~e portions 64, or ~ones, between the ribs 60. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the height of the ribs 60 may have to be limited to that height which will not interfere with stable vertical stacking of the con-tainers.
Although the rib structure is preferred, the present invention contemplates the use of radially alternating materials with dissimilar elastic properties about -the circumfererlce of the cap assembly 10. Likewise, the present invention contemplates -the use of radially alternating dissimilar materials about the circumference of the closure cap assembly 10. ~lowever, the use oE
a cap assembly with radially alternating zones of varying ~, ., .~

s~

thickness, or height, is considered the best mode of the present invention.
The elastic portions 64, or membranes between the radial ribs 60, preferably have a wall thickness, or height, of less than about .030 inch, and more preferably from about .015 to .025 inch. In one preferred embodirnent the wall thickness of the elastic mernbrane 64 tapers from a thickness of about .025 inc}l at a location inwardly of the lip 24 to a thickness of about .015 inch at a location at or outwardly of the lip 24. Such elastic membranes 69 provide adequate Elexibility, particularly though not eY.clusively in the arcuate directions, to permit the cap assembly 10 to fle~ as the cap assembly lO ls digitally applied over the lip 24 of the pour spout 20 as explained in detail below.
In opera-tion of the cap assembly 10 of the present invention, the user typically receives a beer or beverage container with a cap assembly 10 disposed remote from the pour spout 20. The cap assembly 10, though secured and hinged by a rivet 36, may be provided with an additional temporary securing mechanism or device, not shown, to prevent undesired rotational movement of the cap assembly 10 during handling prior to consumer us~ . .
In a preferred embodiment, the sealing cap ass~-~mbly lO
is adapted to be pivotally displaced about the rive~. 36 ~rom a firc;t locatiosl remote from the openinCJ panel 27 and pouring spout 20 to a second location in overlying, sealing relation with the opening panel 27 and pouring spout 20. When the user intends to open the container, the cap assembly 10 may be rotated or ~ 3 otherwise positioned such that it is disposed directly over the opening panel 27 prior to the digital initiation of fracture of the score line 26 defining the spout 20. A clearly visible pressure point location indicia, such as pressure index 46, may be provided on the cap assembly at a predetermined location on the upper surface of the cap assembly 10. Such pressure index 46, which may be o~ rhomboid character and rnolded on the cap surface, may cover an included circumferentlal extent of about 70 and serve to provide maximum visibllity within the limited space avail~ble. Such pressure poin~ location indicia ~6 is located in radial alignrnent with and above a selectively shaped and located, downwardly projecting boss 50 on the undersurface of the closure cap 10.
The boss 50 is suitably in the nature of a downwardly projecting extension. As will be apparent, the boss 50 serves to enhance and magnify unit pressures at the point of digital contact to initiate fracture of the score line 20 when it is desired to gain access to an unopened container. Once initiated, the balance of the fracture of the score line 20 from one end of the hinge 28 to the o-ther end o~ the hinge 28 may he attained with relatively rninor digital pressure. 'rhe reseal cap assembl.y 10 is typically pivoted away from the pour spout after the score line 20 has been fractured. As the score line 20 is fractured, the panel 27 bends inwardly, about the hinge 28, to result in an unobstructecl pour spout throuyh which the liquid contents of -the contairler may be poured.

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After a portion of the co~tents of th~ container have been removed, it may be desirable to reseal the container. Such resealing is desirable, for example, to maintain carbonation in a beverage as well as to preven~ spillage of the contents and to keep foreign elements from entering the opening of a container.
It will be understood by those c~killed in the art that carbonated beverages typically release dis~ociable gas/ i.e., carbonation, unless and until gas equilibriurn is reached and maintained. This is accomplished in a container by providing an effective gas-tight seal. The present invention provides a closure cap 10 for providing substantially gas-tight sealing engagement over the lip 24 of an open pour spout 20.
To reseal the container, the cap assembly 10 as shown in the drawing is rotationally pivoted directly over the pour spout 20. Then, downward pressure is exerted against the upper surface o~ the cap assembly 10, preferably at locations near the circumferential edges of the cap assembly 10. Such pressure forces a circumferential inwardly ~acing recess 68 in the cap assembly 10 over the circumferential outwardly facing lip 29 defining the pour spout 20. lt will be appreciated that during the application of such pressure, the elastic zones or membranes 69 in the closure cap 10 yield as required to permit the cap temporarily to expand or deforrn slicJhtly, as required, to fit over the lip 29 around the circumference or perimeter of the pour spout 20. It will be appreciated by those skilled ln the a:rt that the cap material will deform or flex over the lip 24, well within the elastic limit of the cap rnaterial. ~fter the elas-tic membrane 64 ,~J ~ ~JJ ~
has stretched slightly, as downward pressure continues the locking recess 68 in the cap assembly 10 seats agains~ the outwardly projecting lip 24 as the fle~ed cap returns through its resilience to its unflexed shape. The user will have a positive indication, through sight and through feel, that the cap assembly 10 is disposed in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface 32 on the lip 24 of the pour spout 20 about the entire circurnference of the lip 24.
The effectiveness of the gas-tigh~ seal between -the closure cap 1() ar,d the pour spout 20 is dependent on a number oE
variables ~irst, the interference fit between the lip 2~ and the locking recess 68 is such that the lip 29 has an outside cliameter ec~ual to or greater than the inside diameter of the locking recess 68~ Preferably, the outside diameter of the lip 24 is from .005 to .010 inch grea~er than the inside diameter of the lockiny recess 68 to provide a tight fit therebetween. The tight fit in such embodiment is obtained as the cap 10 attempts to return to its original dimensions, yet is prevented from accomplishing Eull return by the interference fit with the lip 24 and thereby retains a slight degree of stress in the cap 10. Secondly, the sealing surface 70 of the locking recess 68 intimately contacts at least a por~ion of the sealing surface 32 of the lip 24, such as for a raclial contact width of at least .004 inch and preferably at least .005 inch under the lip 24 and about the circumference oE the pour spout 20. Also, the contacting surfaces, i.e., the sealing surface 30 of the lip 24 and the seal.ing surEace 70 of the recess 68, provicle a gas-tight seal at least at one point therebetween , . ~,:.

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about the circumference of the pour spou~ 20. This gas-tight seal may be accomplished by provlding substantially smooth sealing surfaces 30 and 70 which circumscribe the opening in the sheet metal container closure 12. Smooth sealing surfaces are those which enhance a gas-tight seal therebetween by inhibitlng or restricting yas transfer therebetween. Alternatively, one or more sealing surfaces may be treated, such as with a blooming agent that provides a thin film or wax layer which acts to accosnmodate surface imper~ec-tions at the sealinc3 interface as necessary to insure a gas-tight seal therebetween.
Once sealed with the closure cap 10, the container is typically, though not exclusively, stored on its base. During storage of .such container, gases may become disassociated with the remaining beverage in the container to cause internal can pressures on the order of about 30 to about 60 pounds per square inch or higher to be exertecd against the cap assarnbly 10. When such internal can pre~sure increases, such pressure may cause the closure cap 10 to flex somewhat, such as from the position shown in Figure 5 to a position such as that shown in Figure 6. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that closure cap 10 movement, such as that from Figure 5 to that of Figure 6, may be more or less dramatic than that illustrated in the drawings. In particular, the rib 60 and the loop or boss 50 rnay rotate upwardly more or less than that shown in phantom lines in Figure 6 dependirlg on such variables a5 internal can pr~sure, cap 10 material, and the like.

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Internal can pressure may cause a closure cap 10, particularly at locations of the ~lexible membrane 6q, to llft above and away from an upper portion of the pour spout 20.
However, the structure of the cap assembly 10, with the alternating less elastic portions, or ribs 60, resists flexure above and away from the pour spout 20. Furthermore, the ribs 60 serve to enhance the seal between adjacent sealing surfaces 30 and 70 in response to such internal pressures. This enhanced seal is believed to result from an increase in the hoop streng-th of the pressure lifted cap assembly 10. ~nd, such enhanced seal serves to anchor the cap assembly 10 firmly in its position about the lip 24 of the pour spout 20.
~ hen it is desired ~o regain access to the contents of the resealed container, the user lifts the cap assembly 10. The cap assembly 10 may be lifted such as by grasping an integral tab 38 between the thumb and forefinger and lifting. It has been found that an inward rolling type motion is desirable to initiate the separation and release of the cap assembly 10 from its engagement under the lip 24 of the pour spout 20. The alternating radial elastic and less elastic structure of the cap assembly 10, providing circumferentially or perimetrically spaced elastic and less elastic portions, promotes removal of the cap assernbly 10 in the same yeneral fashion that facilitates application oE the closure cap 10. Once the closure cap assernbly 10 has been lifted from the lip 29, the cap 10 may be pivotally ro-tated about the rive~ 36, in those applica-~ions in which a rivet 36 is utili~ed, to provide unobstructed access to the remaining contents of the can through the open pour spout 20. It will be appreciated that multiple resealing operatior,s are comprehended with the cap assembly 10 of this invention as may be necessary or appropriate over the life of a large volume container with which the cap assembly 10 may be utilized.
What is believed to be the best mode of the invention has been described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that nwnerous variations of the illustrated and described details may be made without departing from the scope o~ this invention.
We claim:

Claims

1. A cap for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container closure having an opening therein circumscribed by a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon, the cap comprising:
a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface on the container closure, said sealing portion comprising elastic portions perimetrically spaced by a plurality of generally radially extending less elastic portions.

2. A cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein an extending arm, integrally connected to the cap, extends from the cap and terminates in a boss adapted to be anchored to the end wall of the closure.

3. A cap as set forth in claim 2 wherein the boss of the extending arm has an opening therethrough to accommodate a rivet for securement of the cap to the closure.

4. A cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein the generally radially extending less elastic portions comprise a plurality of generally radially extending ribs having a thickness greater than the thickness of the elastic portions.

5. A cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cap is a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyvinyl, polyester, polyurethane, and polyethylene.

6. A cap as set forth in claim 4 wherein each radially extending rib has a circumferential width of from about .020 to .030 inch.

7. A cap as set forth in claim 4 wherein said radially extending ribs are spaced approximately every 8 to 10 degrees around at least a majority of the circumference of the sealing portion.

8. A cap as set forth in claim 7 wherein the ribs are substantially uniformly spaced around the entire circumference of the sealing portion.

9. A cap as set forth in claim 4 wherein the thickness of each elastic portion is in the range of about .010 to .030 inch where the sealing portion engages the sealing surface.

10. A closure assembly for a container that includes:
an end wall having a score line defined opening panel defining a pouring opening therein for dispensing of the contents from the container, said opening panel having an upwardly extending continuous lip portion having a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon, means about the periphery of the end wall for attaching the closure to the container, and a flexible resealing cap secured to the end wall in overlying sealing relation with the lip portion, said cap comprising:
a boss at which the cap is secured to the end wall, and a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface on the lip of the pour spout, said sealing portion having a plurality of radially extending elastic portions spaced by a plurality of radially extending less elastic portions.

11. A closure assembly for a container as set forth in claim 10 wherein an extending arm, integrally connected to the cap, extends from the cap and terminates in a boss anchored to said end wall.

12. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 11 wherein the cap is pivotally secured to the end wall of the boss, and is rotatably displaceable about a locus of securement, for transposition immediate a first location remote from the pouring opening and a second location overlying and in sealing relation with the opening panel.

13. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 11 wherein the boss has an opening therethrough to accommodate a rivet for pivotal securement to the closure.

14. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 10 wherein the radially extending ribs have a thickness greater than the thickness of the elastic portions.

15. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 10 wherein the cap is a material selected from the group consisting of nylon polyvinyl, polyester, polyurethane, and polyethylene.

16. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 10 wherein each radially extending rib has a width of from about .020 to .030 inch.

17. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 10 wherein a plurality of radially extending ribs are provided at successive locations every 8 to 10 degrees around at least a majority of the circumference of the sealing portion.

18. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 17 wherein the ribs are substantially uniformly spaced around the entire circumference of the sealing portion.

19. A closure for a container as set forth in claim 10 wherein the thickness of each elastic portion is in the range of about .010 to .030 inch where the sealing portion engages the sealing surface.

20. A closure assembly for a rigid metal container comprising:
an aluminum end wall having a score line defined opening panel defining a pouring opening therein for dispensing of the contents from the container, said opening panel having an upwardly extending continuous, circular lip portion having a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon, a peripheral double seam attaching the closure about the circumference of the container, and a flexible resealing cap rotatably secured to the end wall, and pivotably movable along a locus of securement into overlying sealing relation with the lip portion, said cap comprising:
a boss at which the cap is riveted to the end wall, a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface on the lip of the pour spout, said sealing portion having a plurality of radially extending ribs circumferentially spaced approximately each 8° to 10° about the circumference of the sealing portion by radially extending flexible membranes, said membranes having a thickness less than the thickness of the ribs, and an extending arm integrally connecting the boss and the sealing portions.