CN102317171A - The device that is used for airtight container - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of device that is used to seal the container of multiple different size, this device comprises the wheel rim of multiple different size, the wheel rim of each different size is used for engaging with the container of corresponding different size, to seal this container.

Description

device for sealing containers

technical field

The present invention relates to a device for sealing a container, and in a particular example, a lid or cap for sealing a container, such as a can or the like. According to a particular example, the device is used to seal the container when it contains food or drink.

Background technique

References in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the publication), or any known material are not and should not be considered as an endorsement, acknowledgment or any form of prior publication (or information derived from the publication) or any known substance that forms part of the general general knowledge in the field of study to which this specification relates.

Currently, with many containers, such as cans, it is difficult to reseal them once they have been opened. This can lead to spoilage of the contents of the can (typically including the effervescent beverage), making it inedible.

Furthermore, with containers such as cans, it is often difficult to carry multiple containers at the same time. For example, at some events, such as a music festival, a person may purchase multiple cans filled with beverages and typically open the cans after purchase. Therefore, it is often difficult to carry multiple cans without overflowing.

The present invention seeks to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to provide an alternative to current arrangements.

Contents of the invention

In a first broad form there is provided an apparatus for sealing a plurality of different sized containers comprising a plurality of different sized rims, each different sized rim for Engages with a corresponding container of different size to seal the container.

According to a specific example, the rim protrudes from the first surface of the device.

In yet another example, the device includes a walled portion for holding another container on the device when the device seals the container.

According to another aspect, the wall portion protrudes from the second surface of the device.

In another form, the first surface and the second surface are opposite sides of a chassis of the device.

According to yet another example, the first surface and the second surface are the same surface and form the bottom plate of the device.

In yet another example, the bottom plate of the device has a domed portion. In yet another aspect, the base of the device is substantially flat.

In yet another example, the device is circular in shape and includes a plurality of concentric rims, each of the plurality of rims configured to fit around the rim of a respective container.

According to yet another example, the device includes a tab protruding from a side of the device configured to pull the device away from the container.

According to a further aspect, the device includes at least one vent formed in the base plate of the device.

As another example, the device includes a sliding flap movable between an open position and a closed position, in which a recess formed in the base plate of the device allows access, access) the contents of the container, and in the closed position, the sliding flap seals the recess.

In another form, the device includes at least one rib formed in the device such that the rib provides clearance between the device and the stacked container when the container is stacked on the device.

According to another form, the device is configured for use with an aluminum can.

In a second broad form there is provided a device for sealing/capping a container comprising a rim for sealing to the rim of the container.

In one particular example, the device is circular and includes a plurality of concentric rims, each rim of the plurality of concentric rims being configured to fit around the rim of a container of a different size. According to another example, the device comprises a wall portion, wherein the wall portion is configured to support a further container arranged on the device.

In a third broad form there is provided an apparatus for sealing a container comprising:

- a first surface having a rim for sealing with the rim of the container;

- A second surface having a wall portion protruding from the second portion, the wall portion being configured to retain a second container on the second surface.

In a fourth broad form there is provided a device for sealing a plurality of different sized containers, the device comprising a plurality of different sized rims protruding from a surface of the device, the plurality of different sized rims being Each rim is configured to engage the edge of a corresponding container.

In a fifth broad form there is provided an apparatus for sealing a container comprising:

- a sealing portion having a rim for sealing with the rim of the container;

- A wall portion operatively connected to the sealing portion, the wall portion being configured as a second container held on/at least partially within the device.

It should be understood that any of the forms/instances described herein may be used alone or in combination.

Description of drawings

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of one example of a device for sealing a container;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the example device of FIG. 1 used on a container;

1C is a schematic diagram of the example apparatus of FIG. 1 for stacking multiple containers on top of another container;

Figure 2A is a schematic top view of one example of a device for sealing a container;

Figure 2B is a schematic bottom view of the example device of Figure 2A;

2C is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 2A cut at cross-section A-A;

Figure 2D is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of Figure 2A;

Figure 2E is a schematic side sectional view of the example device of Figure 2A taken at cross-section A-A;

Figure 2F is a schematic side view of the example device of Figure 2A;

Figure 2G is a schematic bottom perspective view of the example device of Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is a schematic top view of an example of another device for sealing a container;

Figure 3B is a schematic bottom view of the example device of Figure 3A;

3C is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 3A cut at cross-section A-A;

FIG. 3D is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 3A;

3E is a schematic side sectional view of the example device of FIG. 3A taken at cross-section A-A;

Figure 3F is a schematic side view of the example device of Figure 3A;

Figure 3G is a schematic bottom perspective view of the example device of Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is a schematic top view of another example device;

Figure 4B is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of Figure 4A;

Figure 4C is a schematic side view of the example device of Figure 4A;

Figure 4D is a schematic bottom perspective view of the example device of Figure 4A;

Figure 4E is a schematic side view of the example device of Figure 4A stacked with other devices;

Figure 4F is a schematic top perspective view of the device of Figure 4A stacked with other devices;

5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of the apparatus of FIG. 4A for sealing a first can and stacking a second can on the first can;

Figure 6A is a schematic perspective bottom view of another example of a device for sealing a container;

Figure 6B is a schematic side view showing the rim of the example device of Figure 6A;

Figure 6C is a schematic side view of the example device of Figure 6A;

7A is a schematic perspective bottom view of another example of a device for sealing a container;

Figure 7B is a schematic side view showing the rim of the example device of Figure 7A;

Figure 7C is a schematic side view of the example device of Figure 7A;

8A to 8X are schematic diagrams showing example cross-sections of variations of the device of FIG. 1;

Fig. 9 is another schematic diagram showing another example cross-section of a modification of the device of Fig. 1;

10A is a schematic top view of another example device of FIG. 1 showing the sliding flaps in a closed position;

FIG. 10B is a schematic top view of the example device of FIG. 10A showing the sliding flaps in an open position;

10C is a schematic bottom view of the example device of FIG. 10A showing the sliding flaps in a closed position;

10D is a schematic bottom view of the example device of FIG. 10A showing the sliding flaps in an open position;

Figure 10E is a schematic side sectional view of the device of Figure 10A, showing a cross-section of the sliding fin;

FIG. 10F is a schematic top perspective cut-away view of the device of FIG. 10A showing a cross-section of the sliding fin;

10G is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of FIG. 10A showing the sliding flaps in an open position;

Figure 10H is a schematic top perspective view of the example device of Figure 10A, showing the sliding flaps in a closed position;

10I to 10K are schematic diagrams showing examples of sliding fins used in FIGS. 10A to 10H;

11A is a schematic top view of another example device of FIG. 1 showing vent holes and ribs/cavities;

11B and 11F are schematic top perspective views of the example device of FIG. 11A showing vent holes and ribs/cavities;

11C and 11D are schematic side views of the example device of FIG. 11A;

11E is a schematic bottom view of the example device of FIG. 11A showing vent holes and ribs/cavities.

Detailed ways

A device for sealing/capping a container is shown in FIG. 1 .

In particular, FIGS. 1A and 1B show a device 1 comprising a rim 5 for sealing with the rim of a container 10 . The rim 5 for sealing the tank forms part of the sealing portion 12 . Obviously, the sealing portion 12 can also be an engaging portion, wherein the rim 5 can engage with the edge of the container. This is discussed further below.

Figures 1A to 1C show that the device 1 may comprise a wall portion 15 configured to support a further container 10 placed on/at least partially within the device 1 (as shown in particular in Figure 1C). Thus, the wall portion 15 may also be referred to as a receiving portion, wherein it is formed to receive and/or hold another container, or, as described below, another device 1 for sealing.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C , device 1 may include a first surface 20 having a rim 5 for sealing with the rim of container 10 . The device 1 may also include a second surface 25 that may include a wall portion 15 protruding therefrom, wherein the wall portion 15 is configured to retain the second container 10 on the second surface 25 . Obviously, the first surface and the second surface may be opposite sides of the same surface, wherein each opposite side comprises a respective wall portion and sealing portion, or according to another example, may be the same surface of the device, and may be referred to as The bottom plate or base of the device 1.

Figures 2A to 2G show another example of the device 1 in which the sealing part 12 comprises two rims 5A and 5B. Figures 3A to 3G show yet another example of the device 1 in which the wall portion 15 comprises two walls 14A and 14B.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A to 3G , inner wall 14B and/or inner rim 5B may be shorter in height than outer wall 14A and/or outer rim 5A, respectively. This limits interference of the shorter walls with the stacking function of the device and further limits interference of the shorter rim when using the device to seal larger containers (via the outer rim).

Thus, it will be appreciated that the device shown may include a plurality of walls 14 for receiving the bases of different sized containers, and may also include a plurality of rims 5 to accommodate different sized containers. Thus, the device described herein can be used to seal food and beverage cans of different sizes, such as cans ranging in diameter from 50mm to 160mm.

Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that by having multiple rims the sealing characteristics may be improved, as the rim just inside the rim used to seal the container may press against the rim of the container for further engagement with the container.

In addition, in the example shown in FIGS. 2A to 3G , the sealing portion 12 has a smaller diameter than the wall portion 15, and although the sealing portion 12 may be connected to the wall portion 15 by any operable means, in this particular example, Due to the change in diameter, they are connected via a stepped portion 13 .

Figures 4A to 4F show yet another example of the device 1, wherein the device 1 comprises a tab 35, which in this example is semicircular and which can be used by the user to pull the device 1 away from the container. Obviously, the fins 35 can be formed on either side of the device 1 .

Figures 4E and 4F also show a plurality of devices 1 that are stackable due to the stepped portion 13, which allows the wall portion 15 of another device 1 to receive the sealing portion 12 of the device 1 (as in this example, they form on different sides of the holding surface of the device, or on two opposing surfaces).

5A to 5B show examples of cans 40 stacked using the device 1 . Thus, the device 1 can be used to seal a first can and at the same time to provide a stacking mechanism for a second can on top of the first can.

6A to 6C show some further examples of the configuration of the device 1 . In this particular example, sealing portion 12 is (about its perimeter) arcuate (or circular) and includes a plurality of concentric rims 5A and 5B, wherein each rim 5A, 5B is configured to fit around and/or engage Edges of containers of different sizes. In particular, Figure 3 shows that the rims 5A and 5B may include a widened or flanged portion 7 specially designed to snap-lock with the edge of the container. Obviously, in the example device 1 shown in Figures 2 to 4, the diameter of the sealing portion is smaller than the diameter of the wall portion.

Figures 7A to 7C show a variant of the device 1 in which the sealing part 12 and the wall part 15 have the same diameter. This is essentially a reversible arrangement in which the sealing portion 12 comprises wall portions 15 on either side of the retaining surface 30 . Both sides of the retaining surface 30 include rims 5 so that the device 1 can be used at either side of containers of various sizes. Thus, it will be appreciated that, based on the configuration of the device 1 , the sealing portion 12 and the wall portion 15 are operatively connected.

In yet another example, the retaining surface 30 (which may be the first and second surfaces described herein) may be domed or flat. Obviously, the holding surface may also be referred to as base or the like.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1 may be formed from a combination of multiple wall portions and sealing portions on the same side or on each side of the retaining surface. 8A to 8X show cross-sections of various combinations of the wall portion and the sealing portion of the device 1 .

Specifically, FIGS. 8A to 8M show some examples of devices with flat surfaces, while FIGS. 8N to 8X show some examples of devices with domed surfaces on one side.

Figure 8A shows an example of a device with one rim and no stacking walls, Figure 8B shows an example device with one rim and one stacking wall, and Figure 8C shows an example device with one rim and two stacking walls Example device. Figure 8D shows an example of a device with one stacking wall and two rims on one side, and Figure 8E shows an example of a device with one rim on each side and no stacking walls. Figure 8F shows an example of a device with three rims (two of which are on the same side) and one or two stacked walls, and Figure 8G shows an example of a device with three rims (two of which are on the same side) ) and an example of a device without stacked walls. Figure 8H shows an example of a device with two rims on one side and two stacking walls, while Figure 81 shows an example device with two stacking walls and a rim on either side.

Additionally, Figure 8J shows an example device without stacking walls, but with a combination of one or more rims on either side. Figures 8K and 8L show examples of devices with one stacked wall and one rim on either side. Figure 8M shows an example device with one rim and one stacking wall on either side of the retaining surface.

Figure 8N shows an example device with two rims on one side and one rim on the other side, and no stacking walls. Figure 8O shows an example device with one rim on either side of the device and one stacking wall on one side. Figure 8P shows an example of a device with a rim on either side and a stacking wall, while Figure 8Q shows an example of a device with a rim on either side and a stacking wall on either side. instance. Figure 8R shows an example of a device with two rims on one side, and with stacked walls.

Figure 8S shows an example device with rims on either side and no stacking walls. Figure 8T shows an example device with three rims, two on one side and one on the other, with one or no stacking walls. Figure 8U shows an example of a device with two rims (arranged on the same or each side) and with two stacked walls. Figure 8V shows an example of a device with one rim and no stacking walls. Figure 8W shows an example device with one rim and one stacking wall. Figure 8X shows an example device with one rim and two stacking walls.

FIG. 9 also shows further examples of different variants of walls and rims that may form part of the device 1 .

Obviously, the device 1 described and shown in the figures is arcuate (or circular or oval) in order to fit around the rim of an aluminum can or the like for sealing the beverage inside the can. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the device is not limited to these shapes, but can be used to seal other types of containers, so the device can be manufactured for any shape, such as triangular, rectangular, square, etc.

Furthermore, it will also be understood that the device 1 may be referred to as a cap, cover, cover, etc., and that the wall portion and/or sealing portion need not necessarily surround the entire diameter of the device, but may comprise discrete portions.

Thus, as described herein, there is provided an apparatus 1 for sealing a plurality of different sized containers, wherein the apparatus 1 may include a plurality of different sized rims, wherein each different sized rim is associated with a corresponding Containers of different sizes are joined to seal the container.

These rims typically protrude from the first surface of the device, and the device may include wall portions to hold another container on the device when the device seals the container, or to stack another device through the device, with for storage etc. The wall portion may protrude from a second surface of the device 1, and according to one embodiment, the first and second surfaces are opposite sides of the floor of the device, or alternatively, as described herein, the first and second surfaces are opposite sides of a floor of the device. The second surface is the same surface and forms the floor of the device.

Also, as shown in some of the figures, the bottom plate of the device may have a domed portion, or be substantially flat.

It will be further understood that, in the example shown here, the device 1 is circular and comprises a plurality of concentric rims, each of which is configured to fit over the edge of a respective container around. Thus, the device 1 is especially suitable for use with aluminum cans, plastic cups and the like. However, the device 1 may have other shapes and are considered within the scope of this application.

Also as described herein, the device 1 may include a variety of features including, but not limited to, fins, vents, sliding fins, and ribs or cavities.

Thus, for example, a tab may be formed protruding from a side of the device, wherein the tab is configured for pulling the device away from the container. In addition, at least one vent hole is formed in the base plate of the device to allow excess pressure in the container to be released when the container is sealed.

The device may further comprise a sliding flap, wherein the sliding flap is movable between an open position in which a recess formed in the floor of the device allows access to the contents of the container, and a closed position, wherein In the closed position, the sliding flap seals the recess.

Furthermore, the device may further comprise at least one rib/cavity, wherein the rib/cavity is formed in the device such that when containers are stacked on the device, the rib provides a clearance between the device and the stacked containers.

Further examples of the device 1 and the features outlined above will be given below.

other examples

In one example, the devices described herein are round plastic caps or lids that allow soft drink or alcoholic beverage cans to be stacked on top of each other to hold or carry, reduce spillage from opened cans, and also Helps maintain the carbonation or effervescence of liquids in tanks.

Thus, the device reduces the problem of spilling liquid from opened cans. The top (or surface) and rim of the sealing portion of the device may also allow liquid to return to the tank. This is achieved by providing a seal to the tank which prevents/restricts liquid coming out of the opening of the tank from flowing out of the tank.

In one specific example, cans were tested that were opened and then sealed by the devices described herein. After a twelve hour period, the carbonated beverage in the can was still almost fully effervescent due to the seal provided by the device. Clearly, the domed example of the device described herein can provide a tighter seal, allowing the carbonated beverage to remain effervescent for a longer period of time.

According to yet another example, the stacking feature described above may allow another can to be placed on top of the can with the device. Thus, this may allow a person to carry two or more canisters in each hand whether they are walking or standing still but swinging their arms. In one specific example, the stack features a 1 cm wall around the outer edge of the top of the device. The inner diameter of this wall is the same as the diameter of the large tank. Thus, the wall can reduce the amount of movement of the top tank relative to the bottom tank and thereby reduce the risk of the top tank falling.

Clearly, if two cans are stacked on top of each other without the use of the apparatus described herein, the risk of at least one can slipping due to movement may be increased and a significant amount of the can's contents may be lost.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the means for sealing a container may be used in a variety of situations. In one specific example, people attending a music festival, usually held in a park, can use this device to buy multiple cans of beverages at once and bring these beverages to their friends.

The device described here reduces the chance of the top tank slipping off. Obviously, if there is also a device on the top can, this will minimize the amount of spillage and keep the drinking rim of the can clean when the can is dropped on the ground (which is unavoidable in a festive environment).

Most music festivals allow people to buy multiple cans at once. It is not uncommon to see people holding two cans of beer in each hand. They do this by holding the top of one can and the bottom of the other in each hand. Whenever they drink a beverage from the can they are drinking from, the liquid in the bottom can is lost. If someone bumps them, they will usually drop one or more cans.

Thus, the device described herein may allow a person holding two cans to seal the two cans in one hand, and the bottom of the drinking can in the other hand to be sealed, so that one only needs to seal each can. Just hold the bottom jar in your hand.

Furthermore, one can drink from the top can while holding the opened can on which the device described herein is placed, and another opened can in the stacked section of the device without Spill beverages in the bottom can while holding only the bottom can. When people invert the can 90° to drink from the top can, at most they only need one finger and thumb to keep the top can from slipping off the stacking section.

Thus, the devices described herein have a number of features that can be used alone or in combination. These features include, stackable wall features; no openings; the ability to fit at least three different tank top sealing rims that can be applied in up to twelve combinations; sealing top/stackable bottom panels for domes, to enhance the tightness of the seal; and to carry the can conveniently in one's pocket.

In one specific example, the device is a round plastic product having the diameter of a typical soft drink can and a height of about 1.5 cm. On the top side is a stack feature. This is the wall at the outer edge of the unit about 1 cm in height which can receive the top tank. Obviously, the internal dimensions of the stacked walls can be the same as the diameter of a large beverage can.

It will be appreciated that while the stackable side may have a flat surface, it is also possible that this surface may include a domed floor which is pushed down onto the can and increases the tightness of the seal of the device on the container.

Additionally, sealing features are located on the bottom side of the device. This usually involves snapping the rim around the bottom edge of the top of the beverage can. The rim attaches the device to the tank top and helps seal the tank. The device can include two or more rims so that it can be used with beverage cans of various sizes. Thus, the device can be used with different types of tanks. Obviously, these rims may include rims which are particularly suitable for ultra-thin tanks.

According to a particular example, the inner wall of the sealing rim has a cavity the length of the top of the tank. The rim also typically includes a rim that is approximately the width of the can top and snaps onto the bottom edge of the can top.

Thus, the sealing rim, in combination with the floor of the stacking feature, can prevent/limit liquid spillage from opened cans and facilitate liquid backflow into the can.

The stacking and sealing features are further described below:

Stacking features:

In one specific example, the stacking feature can be a wall or wall portion at the outer edge of the device about 1 cm in height into which the top can can be placed. The second shorter stacking wall allows stacking of different or smaller diameter cans. The height of the second shorter stacking rim will not interfere with larger cans being placed in the larger outer wall stacking rim. The stacking features typically have a flat bottom surface to reduce the amount of wobble of cans placed therein. The wall can move up almost 1 cm (more or less) along the outside edge of the can it is placed in, and the inner dimensions of the wall can be the same as the can diameter of a large beverage can.

Thus, the stacking feature may reduce the amount of wobble of cans disposed therein. Thus, a person holding a bottom can (on which the device is placed) and a can with a stacking feature (on which the device is also placed on the top can) will be able to move their hands and greatly reduce drink spills, Chance of contamination or spillage.

As mentioned above, stacking features can also have a domed bottom plate. When the device is applied to the tank top, the bottom plate will be pushed down. This will increase the tightness with which the device is attached to the top of the can and thereby enhance the seal which reduces the chances of the beverage being spilled, contaminated or spilled.

It will be appreciated that the stacking feature with the domed bottom plate also provides more room for liquid to flow in from the opened can, which will reduce the likelihood of the device bursting due to pressure inside the can.

It will also be understood that the device can also be manufactured without the stacking feature, so that it can be used for home or office use.

Sealing Features:

The sealing feature is typically located on the bottom side of the device and may include a rim that snaps around the bottom edge of the top of the beverage can. The rim usually attaches the device to the top of the tank and helps seal the tank.

It will be appreciated that since there are generally two diameters of larger beverage top cans and slimline cans, the device may include one, two, three or more such rims, which may allow a device to be used for Different types of cans.

Obviously, the inner wall of the sealing rim may have a cavity the length of the can top and may also include a rim nearly the width of the can top which snaps under the bottom edge of the can top. The sealing rim, in combination with the floor of the stacking feature described above, can stop/restrict liquid from spilling out of the tank and help liquid flow back into the tank.

It will be appreciated that many variations of the above described features are possible, which may include, but are not limited to, arrangements that may consist of many different combinations of one, two, three or more rims as well as any combination of three rims and manufactured with or without stacking features on one or both sides of the device, and/or with a flat bottom/top or domed bottom/top.

Thus, the device described herein may comprise a stacking section with a flat floor and three rims in the sealing section. Two rims are used for larger beverage cans, while one rim is used for slimline cans.

The unit is also available in a smaller form specially designed to fit slimline tanks. The ultra-thin device can be made with or without stacking features and a flat bottom plate top plate or a domed bottom plate top plate.

Accordingly, it should be understood that various combinations of features of the devices described herein are possible. Thus, the device may have three, two or one rims on one side and at least seven different combinations of different numbers of rims may be arranged on the other side. This results in approximately 49 different rim combinations. Approximately 49 different rim combinations can be made with two, one or no stacking features, which makes 147 different combinations possible. In addition, the device can have a flat or domed base plate, which can result in approximately 296 different combinations of features. The unit is not limited to 3 sealing rims and 2 stacked walls.

Obviously, the devices described herein are designed to fit tanks produced by different manufacturers throughout the world. This may include minor adjustments in the diameter of the sealing rim for various sizes and shapes of tanks in the future.

sliding fin feature

FIGS. 10A to 10K show an example of a device 1 in which the bottom plate 50 includes a recess 55 . Recess 55 is typically accessible to allow drinking, pouring, releasing, emptying, accessing, etc. the contents of the container sealed by device 1 .

In this particular example, the recess 55 is here associated with the sliding tab 60 . This sliding tab 60 is typically used to cover the recess 55 when the container needs to be sealed and the recess 55 is not required (that is, for example, if the device 1 is used to cover a beverage can, then when the user does not want to drink, they can slide The tab 60 covers the recess 55). Thus, according to one embodiment, the hole/recess 55 in the base plate 50 of the device 1 is of similar size to the hole/recess of a common aluminum beverage can.

Thus, the sliding tab 60 of this example can be slid open creating an opening (in the recess 55) to access/empty the contents of the container without removing the device 1 from the container. Thus, when the flap 60 is slid closed, the device 1 can seal the container.

10A to 10H show an example where the flap 60 is formed on the bottom side of the device 1 (that is to say, the side of the device 1 that normally faces the interior of the container sealed by the device 1 when the device is used on a container). side.)

In this particular example, the tab 60 is attached to the device 1 by snapping onto a ball 65 in the center (or substantially the center) of the bottom side of the device 1 . This allows the flap 60 to rotate (or pivot) and open or close the hole in the bottom plate 50 of the device 1 .

Also, as shown in this example, the fin 60 is shaped like a tennis racket. Thus, in this example, the head of the fin 60 has a semicircular dome filling the hole in the bottom plate of the device. On one edge of the dome is a small plinth 70 for the user to move the flap 60 . The base 70 may snap into a slot on the edge of the hole/recess 55 in the bottom plate 50 of the device 1 to secure the tab 60 to keep the hole/recess 55 open/closed.

The examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10K further illustrate that the domed outer head of the flap 60 may include a small raised edge 75 that, when the flap 60 is in the closed position (for example, as shown in FIG. 10A ) , the raised edge aligns with a similarly shaped recess (not shown) on the bottom side of the device chassis 50 . The raised rim 70 cooperates with the groove to help increase the seal of the device 1 when the flap 60 is in the closed position. Carbonation or pressure of the contents of the container may also push the flap 60 away from the contents of the container, thereby assisting in the sealing of the container.

It will be appreciated that the flaps 60 described herein are formed to enable a second container to be stacked on the device 1 as described herein.

Clearly, it will be appreciated that while sliding tabs 60 are described herein for covering recesses 55, any covering that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art should be considered to fall within the scope of this application. within. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that this feature of the device 1 may be beneficial in situations such as on an airplane, in a vehicle, where insects may climb into a container, etc.

Vents and Ribs/Cavities

11A to 11F show that the device 1 may also comprise at least one ventilation hole 80 in the bottom plate 50 of the device 1 .

The vent 80 may allow the pressure in the container to be released when the device is used to seal the container.

Obviously, in this particular example, there are two vent holes 80, but those skilled in the art will understand that any number (eg, 1 to 4) of vent holes may be used. It will be further understood that these vent holes may be formed anywhere on the device 1, such as a side wall or the like. Furthermore, the diameter and shape of these vent holes 80 vary depending on the use of the device 1 .

11A to 11F show that the device 1 comprises one or more ribs/cavities 85 . Ribs/cavities may be used in conjunction with vent holes 80 . Thus, for example, assuming that the vent hole 80 is formed on the bottom plate 50 of the device 1, and the device 1 is used on a container, the pressure released from the container may build up if another container is stacked on the device 1.

Therefore, in order to prevent/limit the dislodgement of the device 1 from its sealed container due to the release of pressure from the container, in this particular example six ribs 85 may be formed to protrude and/or indent from the inner wall of the stack wall (when expressed as cavity, etc.). These ribs 85 can lift the containers stacked on the device 1 (or if recessed into the device 1, create a gap between the stacked containers and the device 1), and allow the release of the underside of the stacked containers and of the stacked containers through the channels formed by the ribs. Pressure on the side.

In this particular example, the ribs 85 are 1 mm wide and protrude and/or recess (in the form of cavities) the device 0.2 mm, thereby lifting the stacked containers by 0.2 mm. Obviously, the ribs 85 could be wider and protrude higher from the device 1 or be recessed deeper if necessary (thus allowing for various desired dimensions).

Obviously, the ribs 85 may also reinforce/tighten the hold or engagement with the stacked containers.

It will be appreciated that the device described herein may be used in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, products for sealing food or beverage containers.

According to a specific example, the device described herein can be applied to any container used to hold beverages. These include, but are not limited to, cups, mugs, jars, and the like. Thus, for example, where beverages are often served in plastic cups at large events, the device of the present application can be used to protect the contents of plastic cups, and in another example, can also be used to stack multiple plastic cups on top of each other, They are thus easy to carry.

It will also be appreciated that the device described herein has the advantage that the device can be used to seal open cans containing some liquid, can prevent/limit liquid from spilling from opened cans, can allow some cans to be stacked on top of each other On top, may allow carbonation to remain longer in opened cans containing carbonated beverages, and may allow multiple cans (open or closed) to be held or carried in one hand.

It will also be appreciated that the above arrangement also avoids having to dispose of leftover carbonated beverages. The device may also provide longer lasting effervescence after opening of the can or the like. Additionally, this can limit the chances of the liquid in the open can becoming contaminated which could lead to illness.

The above only describes some embodiments of the present invention, and some modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, and these embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting.

In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "mainly including but not limited to" or "having" or "containing", rather than "only including". Variations of the word "comprise", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.

Claims (14)

1. A device for sealing a plurality of different sized containers, said device comprising a plurality of different sized rims, each of said different sized rims for use with a corresponding different sized container engagement to seal the container. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rim projects from the first surface of the device. 3. A device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a wall portion for holding another container within the device when the device seals the container. superior. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the wall portion protrudes from the second surface of the device. 5. The device of any one of claims 2 or 4, wherein the first and second surfaces are opposite sides of a floor of the device. 6. A device according to any one of claims 2 or 4, wherein the first and second surfaces are the same surface and form a floor of the device. 7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the base plate of the apparatus has a domed portion. 8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the base of the device is substantially flat. 9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device is circular in shape and comprises a plurality of concentric rims, each rim of the plurality of rims being configured to fit around the edge of the corresponding container. 10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device includes a tab protruding from a side of the device, the tab being configured for pulling the device away from container. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device comprises at least one ventilation hole formed in the base plate of the device. 12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device comprises a sliding flap movable between an open position and a closed position in which the A recess formed in the bottom plate of the device allows access to the contents of the container, and in the closed position, the recess is sealed by the sliding flap. 13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device comprises at least one rib formed in the device such that when containers are stacked on the device, The ribs provide clearance between the device and stacked containers. 14. The device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the device is configured for use with an aluminum can.

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