JP2024519002A - Container with a resealable cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The resealable cap includes a container top with a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly from the container top, and a cap assembly threadably coupled to the container top. The cap assembly includes an aesthetic cap positioned on top of the cap assembly, the aesthetic cap having an interface extending along a midpoint of the aesthetic cap, and also includes a lug cap coupled to the aesthetic cap, the lug cap being positioned about a periphery of the lug cap and including a lug cap interface configured to receive the plurality of protrusions. A tamper insert is coupled to the aesthetic cap below the aesthetic cap and positioned within the interface. (FIG. 1)

Description

(CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS)
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/190,127, filed May 18, 2021. This application also claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,609, filed November 23, 2021. Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure generally relates to containers having resealable caps. The containers (e.g., cans, bottles, vessels, etc.) may be used to store liquids (e.g., beverages, chemicals, paints, or any other type of liquid), solids, or combinations thereof. The present invention also relates to resealable caps. The resealable caps utilize an inverted lug design configured to be coupled to the container.

An exemplary embodiment relates to a resealable cap including a container top with a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly from the container top and a cap assembly threadably coupled to the container top. The cap assembly includes an aesthetic cap positioned on top of the cap assembly, the aesthetic cap having an interface extending along a midpoint of the aesthetic cap, and also includes a lug cap coupled to the aesthetic cap, the lug cap being positioned about a periphery of the lug cap and including a lug cap interface configured to receive the plurality of protrusions. A tamper insert is coupled to the aesthetic cap below the aesthetic cap and positioned within the interface.

In some embodiments, the cap assembly is repositionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the tamper insert is configured to engage the protrusion when the cap assembly is in the locked position.

In some embodiments, the tamper insert is configured to disengage from the protrusion when the cap assembly is positioned in the unlocked position, and the protrusion prevents the cap assembly from being repositioned back into the locked position.

In some embodiments, the container top includes a tamper-evident portion positioned near a top of the container top, the tamper-evident portion configured to indicate a position of the cap assembly. The tamper-evident portion may be a laser-etched portion including multiple identification portions, the multiple identification portions may be positioned opposite one another. The multiple identification portions may include a lock identification portion and an unlock identification portion, and an interface of the aesthetic cap may be aligned with the lock identification portion and the unlock identification portion to indicate a position of the cap assembly.

In some embodiments, the contour of the tamper insert is substantially similar to the contour of the interface, and the tamper insert is retained within the interface.

In some embodiments, the lug cap includes one or more lug cap interfaces extending vertically along an interior surface of the lug cap, the tamper insert is insertably coupled to the aesthetic cap along the one or more lug cap interfaces, and the plurality of protrusions are selectively received within the lug cap interfaces.

In some embodiments, the tamper insert may include a first end and a second end positioned opposite one another, a body centrally provided within the tamper insert, and a transition portion positioned between the body and the respective first end and second end. The transition portion is configured to flex upon rotation of the cap assembly from a locked position to an unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the tamper insert includes an insert interface positioned at a first end and a second end of the insert, the insert interface configured to engage with the protrusion.

In some embodiments, the cap assembly is selectively repositionable between a closed position and an open position, the open position being any position of the cap assembly that allows fluid flow therethrough.

In some embodiments, the tamper insert is repositionable from a compressed position and a normal position, and the tamper insert is in the compressed position when the cap assembly is in the locked position. An end of the tamper insert is configured to decompress outwardly over the protrusion when the tamper insert is in the normal position.

In some embodiments, the container top is fixedly attached to the top of the container for attaching a resealable cap to the container.

In some embodiments, the aesthetic cap includes one or more beverage interfaces positioned opposite one another along an outer edge of the aesthetic cap and offset from the interface of the aesthetic cap, the one or more beverage interfaces being configured to transition fluid flow therebetween.

In some embodiments, the aesthetic cap includes one or more cavities positioned on either side of the interface and extending downwardly from a top portion of the aesthetic cap, the one or more cavities configured to receive a portion of a user (e.g., a user's finger).

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a container (e.g., a beverage container) that includes a resealable cap. The container also includes a container top or top portion configured to receive the resealable cap. The resealable cap includes an aesthetic cap (i.e., a user-facing portion having a desired aesthetic) and a lug cap (a portion for coupling the resealable cap to the container top). The container top is fixedly coupled (e.g., crimped, welded, swaged, etc.) to the container and includes a container top interface positioned inside the container top. The aesthetic cap and the lug cap are fixedly coupled to each other to form a cap assembly. The lug cap includes at least one dimple positioned along the lug cap interface, a first opening, and a second opening configured to be positioned adjacent to the first opening. The resealable cap is configured to be selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. The resealable cap is sealed by a sealing edge when the resealable cap is in the closed position. The dimple is configured to abut against the top of the container when the repositionable cap is in the open position.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a container (e.g., a beverage container) including a container top and configured to be coupled to a resealable cap including at least one of an aesthetic cap and a lug cap. The aesthetic cap and the lug cap may be formed as a unitary component, may be formed from at least two separate components that are permanently affixed or coupled to one another, or may be formed from two separate components that are removably coupled to one another. The container top is configured to be fixedly coupled to the container (e.g., at its top) and includes a container top interface for receiving the resealable cap. The aesthetic cap is configured to be fixedly or removably coupled to the lug cap and includes a cap handle. The lug cap is configured to be removably or selectively coupled to the container top. The lug cap includes a lug cap interface, one or more dimples positioned along the lug cap interface, a first opening, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening. The aesthetic cap and the lug cap together form a cap assembly. The cap assembly is intended to be selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position. The dimple is configured to abut the container top when the cap assembly is in an open position. The resealable cap is configured to be sealed when the lug cap abuts the container top with a face seal and/or a flare seal.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a resealable cap for use with a container. The resealable cap includes an aesthetic portion and a lug cap and is configured to interface with a top portion of the container including an inverted lug configuration. The aesthetic portion is fixedly coupled to the lug cap to form a cap assembly. The aesthetic portion includes, among other things, a handle for manipulating the cap relative to the container to which the cap is coupled. The lug cap includes a lug cap interface, one or more dimples positioned on the lug cap interface, a first opening, and a second opening positioned adjacent to the first opening. The cap assembly is selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position by rotating the cap assembly within the top portion. The dimples are configured to abut the top portion when the cap assembly is in the open position. The cap is configured to be completely sealed by a sealing edge positioned between the top portion and the lug cap when the cap assembly is in the closed position. The sealing edge further includes a face seal and a flare seal.

This summary is illustrative only and should not be considered limiting. The various embodiments described herein may be combined in whole or in part with other described embodiments, and all such combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a container including a resealable cap according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a resealable cap for use with a container such as that shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. 4 is a front perspective view of the resealable cap of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. 4 is a bottom view of the resealable cap of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the resealable cap of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. 7 is a side view of the resealable cap of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a container similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 with the resealable cap removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. 4 is a perspective front view of the resealable cap of FIG. 3 shown in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment. 4 is a perspective front view of the resealable cap of FIG. 3 shown in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container top such as that shown in the previous figure, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 is a top view of the vessel top of FIG. 12 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of the vessel top of FIG. 12 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of the aesthetic cap shown in FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16 is a top view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 15 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16 is a side view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 15 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 15 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of the lug cap shown in FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective bottom view of the lug cap of FIG. 19 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 20 is a top view of the lug cap of FIG. 19 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 20 is a front view of the lug cap of FIG. 19 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cap assembly shown in FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment. 24 is an exploded cutaway view of the cap assembly of FIG. 23 according to an exemplary embodiment. 8 is a cutaway view of the cap assembly shown in FIG. 7 in an assembled configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cap assembly of FIG. 7 showing a dimple according to an exemplary embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the resealable cap of FIG. 3 showing a particular sealing edge according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the resealable cap shown in FIG. 27 according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a perspective top view of the resealable cap of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 30 is a perspective bottom view of the resealable cap of FIG. 29 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 30 is a cutaway side view of the resealable cap of FIG. 29 according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a photograph showing a prototype of a container including a resealable cap according to an example embodiment. 33 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment. 34 is a photograph showing a top view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 33 according to an exemplary embodiment. 34 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the lug cap of FIG. 33 according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a cutaway side view of a resealable cap according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the top of the container of FIG. 36 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the lug cap of FIG. 36 according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of a resealable cap according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. FIG. 40 is a top view of the resealable cap of FIG. 39 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a side view of the resealable cap of FIG. 39 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the can top of FIG. 39 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 43 is a top view of the can top of FIG. 42 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 43 is a side view of the can top of FIG. 42 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the lug cap of FIG. 39 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 46 is a top view of the lug cap of FIG. 45 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 46 is a side view of the lug cap of FIG. 45 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 39 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a top view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 39 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a side view of the aesthetic cap of FIG. 39 according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a tamper-evident cap for use with a container such as that shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 52 is a side view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 51 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the can assembly of FIG. 51 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 54 is a rear perspective view of the can assembly of FIG. 53 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 54 is a side view of the can assembly of FIG. 53 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 54 is a portion of the cap assembly of FIG. 53 including a locking member according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the container top of FIG. 51 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 58 is a top view of the container top of FIG. 57 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 52 is a top view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 51 shown in the locked position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 52 is a top view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 51 shown in an unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the locking member of FIG. 56 shown in a pre-loading position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the locking member of FIG. 56 shown in an engaged position according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a tamper-evident cap for use with a container such as that shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a side view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 63 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a rear perspective view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 63 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the can assembly of FIG. 63 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the container top of FIG. 63 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a detailed view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 63 showing an insert according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 68 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 69 is a top view of the insert of FIG. 68 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 69 is a side view of the insert of FIG. 68 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 70 is a detailed view of the insert of FIG. 68 shown in a locked position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 69 is a detailed view of the insert of FIG. 68 shown in the unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a top view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 63 shown in the locked position according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 64 is a top view of the tamper-evident cap of FIG. 63 shown in an unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment.

Before turning to the figures which show in detail certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methods described in the description or shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

Furthermore, although the accompanying drawings illustrate the use of the resealable cap with a beverage container, such as a container, it should be understood by one reviewing this application that the resealable cap may be used with a wide variety of other types of containers that may be configured to contain either a wide variety of different types of liquids, solids, or combinations thereof, and all such configurations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a container (e.g., a beverage container such as a soda container, a beer container, or other type of container configured to hold carbonated or non-carbonated beverages) includes a resealable cap, the features of which are shown and described with respect to various exemplary (and therefore non-limiting) embodiments. The resealable cap may also be removable from the container.

The container is configured to hold liquids, solids, or combinations thereof, and the resealable cap is configured to allow materials to flow in and out of the container under various conditions of use and to seal the container when liquid flow is undesirable. The container includes a container top that is directly bonded to the body of the container (e.g., to the top end of the container sidewall) and forms an interface for the resealable cap. The resealable cap includes an aesthetic cap that provides a desired aesthetic to the container top, facilitates actuation or rotation of the resealable cap, and is visible to the consumer or user when the cap assembly is in place, and a lug cap that facilitates bonding of the resealable cap to the container top.

The aesthetic cap may be fixedly coupled to the lug cap by a seaming process (or by any other suitable process, such as welding, adhesive, crimping, etc.), such that the aesthetic cap and the lug cap together may define a cap assembly. According to other exemplary embodiments, the aesthetic cap and the lug cap may be removably coupled to one another.

The container top is crimped (or otherwise permanently affixed by welding, adhesive, etc.) onto the container (e.g., to an upper edge or portion of a sidewall of the container). In some embodiments, the container and container top may be manufactured together such that the combination between the container and container top are separate pieces. The container top further includes a threaded interface positioned along an inner diameter of the container top.

A lug cap includes a threaded interface to allow the cap assembly to be screwed onto the container top. In some embodiments, the cap assembly may move or slide to engage and disengage from the container top. A resealable cap is configured to be selectively repositionable between open and closed positions by rotating the cap assembly, or to be completely removed from the container to allow for a larger opening at the top of the container (e.g., to fill or refill the container and/or to allow for quicker removal of materials contained within the container).

The lug cap further includes one or more dimples positioned at or near the bottom of the lug cap. The dimples are configured to be protrusions that abut the container top when the resealable cap is in the open position. The dimples are configured to prevent the cap assembly from being completely removed from the resealable cap unless the user intends to (e.g., by creating a "stop" that the user must apply additional force to overcome to prevent unintentional complete removal of the cap from the container). Thus, in some embodiments, the cap assembly may be completely removed by the user applying sufficient rotational force to overcome the dimple. For example, the dimples may be deformable when sufficient force is applied by the aesthetic cap to allow the resealable cap to overcome the dimple to allow removal of the aesthetic cap. In such embodiments, the resealable cap may be rethreaded onto the container top by rotating the cap in the opposite direction to reseat the cap on the container. Thus, the resealable cap may be introduced into and removed from the container one or more times.

The resealable cap further includes one or more sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces include face seals and flare seals. The sealing surfaces are formed from the engagement of the container top and the lug cap when the resealable cap is in the closed position. The sealing surfaces are configured to completely seal the resealable cap such that material does not flow out of the container. In some embodiments, the resealable cap may be sealed by a gasket positioned on the container top, a gasket positioned on the lug cap, or both. The resealable cap may be sealed by any combination of face seals and flare seals.

1, a container, designated as container 100, is shown. Container 100 includes a first body end 110 and a second body end 120. First body end 110 is configured to be positioned proximate a top of container 100. Second body end 120 may be disposed opposite first body end 110. For example, second body end 120 may be positioned proximate a bottom of container 100. Container 100 further defines a body portion 130 disposed between first body end 110 and second body end 120. Body portion 130 may be integrally formed with or coupled to first body end 110 and second body end 120. In at least one configuration, container 100 may have a generally cylindrical configuration such that the radius of container 100 is substantially the same around the entire circumference of container 100 over a majority of the height of container 100. In some embodiments, the container 100 or a portion thereof may have a non-cylindrical configuration, such as a rectangular structure. The container 100 further includes a resealable cap 150 positioned proximate the first body end 110. The resealable cap 150 is configured to be positioned on the top of the container 100. The resealable cap 150 may be positioned flush with the top of the container 100 (e.g., to allow the containers to be stacked without interference from components at the top of the container) such as when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be recessed into the container 100. For example, the side of the resealable cap 150 that faces away from the second body end 120 may be recessed relative to the top of the container 100 or may be positioned closer to the second body end 120 than the top of the container 100 is positioned relative to the second body end 120 when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position. Positioning the resealable cap 150 flush with or recessed from the top of the container 100 can help protect the resealable cap 150 and can help prevent accidental actuation or rotation of the resealable cap 150.

2, a top view of the container 100 is shown. The resealable cap 150 is configured to be positioned equidistant from the edge of the container 100. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may not be positioned along the midpoint such that the resealable cap 150 is not equidistant from the edge of the container 100. As shown, the resealable cap 150 is positioned on at least a portion of the top of the container 100. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be positioned along the entire top of the container 100 such that the resealable cap 150 may be the top of the container 100. The container top 160, best shown in FIG. 3, may surround or extend continuously around the resealable cap 150 or a portion thereof.

3, a perspective view of the resealable cap 150 and the container top 160 is shown. The resealable cap 150 includes an aesthetic cap 170 and a lug cap 180. The container top 160 is selectively coupled to the lug cap 180 when the resealable cap 150 is coupled to the container top 160 along an interface such that the container top 160 can provide support between the container 100 and the lug cap 180. The lug cap 180 is fixedly coupled to the aesthetic cap 170, such that the lug cap 180 and the aesthetic cap 170 may further be separate parts. In some embodiments, the lug cap 180 is selectively coupled to the aesthetic cap 170, such that the lug cap 180 and the aesthetic cap 170 may not be separate parts. The resealable cap 150 is configured to be positioned on the top of the container 100. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be positioned along the bottom of the container 100 (e.g., if the container 100 is designed to open at the bottom rather than the top). In at least one configuration, the perimeter of the aesthetic cap 170 (e.g., the perimeter or side of the aesthetic cap 170 facing outward toward the container top 160) and the perimeter of the lug cap 180 may be spaced apart from the container top 160. Additionally, the aesthetic cap 170 and the resealable cap 150 may not extend above, overhang, or surround the container top 160 in one or more configurations.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the resealable cap 150 is further configured to be selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position. For example, the resealable cap 150 may be configured to be in a closed position when a user is traveling with the container 100 or when the container 100 is in transit or storage. This prevents material (e.g., liquid, etc.) from exiting the resealable cap 150 and out of the container 100. The resealable cap 150 may be configured to be in an open position when the container 100 is in use (e.g., drinking, pouring, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, both the container top 160 and the resealable cap 150 are formed from a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). The all-metal design further allows the resealable cap 150 to be recyclable without disassembly of any components. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be disassembled to recycle the materials. According to yet other embodiments, one or more of the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 may be formed from a material different from the material used to form the container 100 and/or the container top 160 (e.g., the aesthetic cap may be formed from a polymeric material, a composite material, a glass material, or any other suitable material including a metal or metal alloy different from one or more of the container, container top, and/or lug cap, and other configurations may also be possible according to other exemplary embodiments, although the concepts herein are not intended to be limited by the particular materials selected for each component described herein, all of which are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure).

The resealable cap 150 may be reconfigurable to include different combinations of various modules to create custom resealable caps 150. As shown, the resealable cap 150 includes an aesthetic cap 170 and a lug cap 180. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may include a container top 160 and an aesthetic cap 170, but may not include a lug cap 180. In yet some other embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may include only a container top 160 and a lug cap 180, but may not include an aesthetic cap 170. In yet some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may include only an aesthetic cap 170 and a lug cap 180, but may not include a container top 160. The resealable cap 150 may include any combination of a container top 160, an aesthetic cap 170, and a lug cap 180.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front perspective view of the resealable cap 150 of FIG. 3 is shown. According to at least one embodiment, the resealable cap 150 has a generally cylindrical configuration, and the radius of the resealable cap 150 may be uniform or substantially constant. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the radius of the resealable cap 150 may not be uniform. In still other embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may have a rectangular configuration or a variety of other configurations that may be non-circular.

The resealable cap 150 further includes a vertical axis 190 positioned at a midpoint of the resealable cap 150 (e.g., halfway to the edge). In some embodiments, the vertical axis 190 may not be positioned at a midpoint of the resealable cap 150. The vertical axis 190 is positioned within the container top 160, the aesthetic cap 170, and the lug cap 180 such that the vertical axis 190 is equidistant from the edges of the components (e.g., the container top 160, the aesthetic cap 170, and the lug cap 180 may be positioned about or along the vertical axis 190). In some embodiments, the vertical axis 190 is not positioned within the container top 160, the aesthetic cap 170, and the lug cap 180. Additionally, in some embodiments, the vertical axis 190 is not equidistant from the edges of the container top 160, the aesthetic cap 170, and the lug cap 180.

5 and 6, a bottom view of the resealable cap 150 of FIG. 3 is shown. The resealable cap 150 includes an opening shown as a resealable cap opening 210. The resealable cap opening 210 is located at the center of the resealable cap 150 and is disposed along the vertical axis 190. In some embodiments, the resealable cap opening 210 is located proximal to an edge of the resealable cap 150 and is not disposed along the vertical axis 190. The resealable cap opening 210 further includes an opening edge 220. The opening edge 220 is configured to have a cylindrical configuration, and the resealable cap opening 210 is disposed within the opening edge 220. In some embodiments, the opening edge 220 or a portion thereof may have a non-cylindrical or non-circular configuration, such as a rectangular configuration. The resealable cap opening 210 is configured to allow a material (e.g., liquid, etc.) to flow therethrough. In some embodiments, the material can flow around the resealable cap opening 210. The container top 160 further includes a surface shown as the container bottom 230. The bottom 230 is configured to be between the opening edge 220 and the lug cap 180. The bottom 230 is configured to have a face length 240 around the entirety of the bottom 230. The face length 240 is configured to be the distance between the lug cap 180 and the opening edge 220. In at least one configuration, the face length 240 may be measured perpendicularly from the opening edge 220. The face length 240 is uniform around the circumference of the bottom 230. In some embodiments, the face length 240 may be longer or shorter and/or non-uniform around the bottom 230.

7, a side view of the resealable cap 150 of FIG. 6 is shown. The aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are configured to be disposed within the container top 160. In some embodiments, at least one of the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 may be disposed within the container top 160. In further embodiments, the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 may not be disposed within the container top 160. The aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are configured to be selectively repositionable within and relative to the container top 160. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are configured to be fully seated within the container top 160 such that the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are in a closed position. The aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 may be rotated about a vertical axis 190 such that the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are in an open position, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are selectively repositionable between the open and closed positions by a push or pull release. In such an embodiment, the resealable cap 150 is selectively repositionable between the open and closed positions by a user applying a force along the vertical axis 190. Additionally, in some embodiments, the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are selectively repositionable between the open and closed positions by pulling or pushing the aesthetic cap 170.

8 and 9, perspective views of a container similar to the container 100 are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The container 100 is shown with the container top 160 fixedly coupled thereto. That is, the cap assembly 250 (e.g., similar to the resealable cap 150 shown in FIG. 9 and described above and elsewhere herein) has been removed from the container top 160. A user may remove the cap assembly 250 to increase the flow rate of material from the container 100, such as to increase the flow rate or flow rate, as compared to when the cap assembly 250 is introduced. The cap assembly 250 may also be removed if a user is adding material (e.g., liquid, ice, etc.) into the container 100. In some embodiments, the cap assembly 250 must be completely removed in order for material to flow out of the container 100.

The aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are fixedly coupled to each other to form the cap assembly 250. Referring now to FIG. 9, a front perspective view of the cap assembly 250 of FIG. 3 is shown. The aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are configured to be fixedly coupled by seaming (e.g., crimping). In some embodiments, the aesthetic cap 170 may be fixedly coupled to the lug cap using alternative manufacturing methods (e.g., welding, stamping, metal extrusion, rolling, 3D printing, casting, etc.). Additionally, in some embodiments, the cap assembly 250 may be a separate piece (e.g., instead of bonding the aesthetic cap 170 to the lug cap 180). The crimps are located where the aesthetic cap 170 abuts the lug cap 180 and are located along the entire circumference of the cap assembly 250. In some embodiments, the crimps may be located along at least a portion of the circumference of the cap assembly 250.

With further reference to FIG. 9, the cap assembly 250 further comprises a first opening 260. The first opening 260 may be a through hole. The first opening 260 is configured to be positioned between the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180. In some embodiments, the first opening 260 may be positioned only in the aesthetic cap 170. In further embodiments, the first opening 260 may be positioned only in the lug cap 180. The first opening 260 is configured to facilitate the flow of material between the container 100 and the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the first opening 260 may be configured to facilitate the flow of material into another container.

10, a front perspective view of the resealable cap 150 of FIG. 3 in a closed position is shown. The resealable cap 150 is configured to be in a closed position when the cap assembly 250 is fully seated on the container top 160, thereby preventing material from flowing through the first opening 260. In some embodiments, when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position, material can flow through the first opening 260. The cap assembly 250 is fully seated within the container top 160 such that the top of the aesthetic cap 170 can be flush with the top of the container top 160. In some embodiments, the aesthetic cap 170 may not be flush with the container top 160 when the cap assembly 250 is fully seated within the container top 160. For example, the cap assembly 250 may be recessed relative to the top of the container top 160. The resealable cap 150 is positioned in the closed position by rotating the cap assembly 250 in a clockwise direction until the first opening 260 is closed by the container top 160. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 is positioned in the closed position by rotating the cap assembly 250 in a counterclockwise direction.

11, a front perspective view of the resealable cap 150 of FIG. 3 in an open position is shown. The resealable cap 150 is configured to be in the open position when the cap assembly 250 is not fully seated on or sealed to the container top 160 such that material can flow through the first opening 260. In some embodiments, when the resealable cap 150 is in the open position, material cannot flow through the first opening 260. The resealable cap 150 is positioned in the open position by rotating the cap assembly 250 in a counterclockwise direction until the first opening 260 is no longer closed off from the container top 160. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 is positioned in the open position by rotating the cap assembly 250 in a clockwise direction.

12, a perspective view of the container top 160 of FIG. 3 is shown. The container top 160 further includes an interface shown as a container top interface 270. The container top interface 270 includes one or more threads. In some embodiments, the container top interface 270 may include a groove configured to provide structural support to the aesthetic cap 170. In further embodiments, the container top interface 270 may be a smooth surface. The threads of the container top interface 270 may interlock or mate with corresponding threads of the cap assembly 250. The container top interface 270 is disposed on an inner diameter of the container top 160. In some embodiments, the container top interface 270 may be disposed on an outer diameter of the container top 160. The container top 160 further includes an interface shown as a stacking interface 280. The stacking interface 280 is disposed along the entire circumference of the container top 160. In some embodiments, the stacking interface 280 may be disposed on the inner circumference of the container top 160. Additionally, in some embodiments, the stacking interface may be disposed along at least a portion of the circumference of the container top 160. The stacking interface 280 is configured to allow the containers 100 to be stacked on top of one another. The stacking interface 280 may be dimensionally similar to the bottom of the containers 100, such that mating the bottom of one container 100 with the stacking interface 280 of another container 100 may aid in aligning and stacking the containers 100.

13, a top view of the container top 160 of FIG. 12 is shown. The containers 100 are configured to be stackable near the stacking interface 280. The containers 100 may be stacked such that the containers 100 are positioned vertically. Stacking allows the containers 100 to be packaged and stored without requiring excessive space. In some embodiments, the containers 100 may be stacked horizontally. When the containers 100 are stacked, the containers may still be selectively coupled to one another such that the containers 100 are not locked together. In some embodiments, the containers 100 may be configured to be fixedly coupled when stacked by a locking mechanism. In such embodiments, the containers may be locked or unlocked by twisting the containers 100 to engage and disengage with another container 100. In further such embodiments, the containers 100 may be fixedly coupled by an alternative locking mechanism.

With reference to FIG. 14, a side view of the container top 160 of FIG. 12 is shown. The stacking interface 280 is formed by rolling a portion of the container top 160. In some embodiments, the stacking interface may be formed using alternative manufacturing methods (e.g., stamping, casting, 3D printing, etc.). The stacking interface 280 is further configured to fixedly couple the container top 160 to the container 100. In some embodiments, the container top 160 may be selectively coupled to the container 100. The stacking interface 280 is fixedly coupled to the container 100 by crimping. In some embodiments, the stacking interface 280 is fixedly coupled to the container 100 by seaming such that the container 100 is further configured to be airtight. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the stacking interface 280 is fixedly coupled to the container 100 by welds positioned along the periphery of the stacking interface 280.

15, a perspective top view of the aesthetic cap 170 of FIG. 3 is shown. The aesthetic cap 170 further comprises a handle, shown as cap handle 290. The cap handle 290 is located along the midpoint of the aesthetic cap 170 such that the aesthetic cap 170 may be configured into two equal parts. In some embodiments, the cap handle 290 may not be located along the midpoint of the aesthetic cap 170 or may have a configuration other than that shown. For example, the cap handle 290 may be non-linear. The cap handle 290 is configured to be grasped or engaged by a user or mechanism when selectively repositioning the cap assembly 250 between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the cap handle 290 may be configured to facilitate stacking of the containers 100. The cap handle 290 is further configured to seat flush with the aesthetic cap 170 such that the aesthetic cap 170 includes at least two cavities, shown as a first cavity 300 and a second cavity 310. In some embodiments, the cap handle 290 may be positioned on top of the aesthetic cap 170. The first cavity 300 is configured to be dimensionally similar to the second cavity 310. In some embodiments, the first cavity 300 may not be dimensionally similar to the second cavity 310. The first cavity 300 and the second cavity 310 are configured to recess into the aesthetic cap 170 to allow a user or mechanism to interact with the cap handle 290. The cap handle 290 may also be a pop-up handle or may be one that is initially laid flat and then moved or bent into place.

16, a top view of the aesthetic cap 170 of FIG. 15 is shown. The cap handle 290 is further configured to be positioned parallel to the pour interface 320. In some embodiments, the cap handle 290 may be positioned perpendicular to the pour interface 320. The pour interface 320 is configured to be positioned within the first cavity 300. In some embodiments, the pour interface 320 is positioned within the second cavity 310. The pour interface 320 is configured to further allow material to flow through the resealable cap 150. The pour interface 320 is configured to be a concave portion positioned at the edge of the aesthetic cap 170, with the open portion positioned distal to the center of the aesthetic cap 170. The pour interface 320 can provide a visual reference as to where material stored within the interior of the container 100 can exit the container 100.

17 and 18, a side view of the aesthetic cap 170 of FIG. 15 is shown. As shown, the first cavity 300 and the second cavity 310 are recessed into the aesthetic cap 170. The first cavity 300 and the second cavity 310 extend below the top of the aesthetic cap 170. In some embodiments, the first cavity 300 and the second cavity 310 may extend above the top of the aesthetic cap 170. The aesthetic caps 170 of different containers 100 may be further configured to be stackable with each other. In some embodiments, the aesthetic cap 170 may include features that prevent the ability to stack different containers 100. The aesthetic cap 170 further includes a cap interface 330. The cap interface 330 is configured to interact with the lug cap 180 such that a seam may be positioned at least on the cap interface 330. In some embodiments, the cap interface 330 may interact with the container top 160.

19 and 20, top and bottom perspective views of the lug cap 180 of FIG. 3 are shown. The lug cap 180 includes an interface, shown as lug cap interface 340. The lug cap interface 340 is positioned along at least a portion of the circumference of the lug cap 180. For example, the lug cap interface 340 may be positioned closer to the vertical axis 190 than the lug cap surface 380 (best shown in FIG. 23) on which the aesthetic cap 170 may be placed. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 340 may be positioned along the entire circumference of the lug cap 180. The lug cap interface 340 may be internally and/or externally threaded. For example, the lug cap interface 340 may be threaded into the container top 160. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 340 may include a groove. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 340 may be configured to be a smooth surface. Located along the lug cap interface 340 is an opening, shown as second opening 350. The second opening 350 is configured to be a through hole and is positioned midway through the lug cap interface 340. The second opening 350 is further configured to be positioned adjacent to the first opening 260. In some embodiments, the second opening 350 may be positioned proximally relative to the first opening 260. The second opening 350 is configured to allow a fluid, such as a gas or a gas mixture such as air, to pass through the second opening 350 to facilitate the flow of material through the first opening 260. The second opening 350 may have the same shape as the first opening 260, the same volume as the first opening 260, a different shape than the first opening 260, and a different volume than the first opening 260. In FIG. 22, the first opening 260 is larger than the second opening 350 and is larger than the second opening 350. In some embodiments, the second opening 350 may be configured to be the first opening 260. Further, in some embodiments, the lug cap 180 may include a plurality of second openings 350. As an example, the second openings 350 may be adjacent to the first openings 260. As another example, the second openings 350 may be disposed within the first openings 260. In such an embodiment, the combination of the first openings 260 and the second openings 350 may allow both material and fluid to exit the container 100.

21, a top view of the lug cap 180 of FIG. 19 is shown. The lug cap 180 further includes an interface shown as pour interface 360. The pour interface 360 is configured to be a concave depression on the edge of the lug cap 180 through which material (e.g., liquid, etc.) can pass. The pour interface 360 extends along only a portion of the edge of the lug cap 180. In some embodiments, the pour interface 360 may extend along the entire edge of the lug cap 180. The combination of the pour interface 320 of the aesthetic cap 170 and the pour interface 360 of the lug cap 180 are configured to direct the flow of material after it passes through the first opening 260. In some embodiments, the pour interface 320 and the pour interface 360 are configured to be coupled to the first opening 260. Pour interface 320 is configured similar to the length of pour interface 360 such that the two beverage interfaces (e.g., pour interface 320 and pour interface 360) may be aligned when aesthetic cap 170 is coupled to lug cap 180. In some embodiments, pour interface 320 may be offset relative to pour interface 360.

22, a front view of the lug cap 180 of FIG. 19 is shown. The lug cap 180 includes one or more stops, shown as dimples 370. The dimples 370 are positioned along the lug cap interface 340. In at least one embodiment, the dimples 370 may be positioned along or near the bottom of the lug cap interface 340. In some embodiments, the dimples 370 are positioned along or near the top of the lug cap interface. In yet some embodiments, the dimples 370 are positioned along the center of the lug cap interface 340. In some embodiments, the lug cap 180 may include only a single dimple 370 disposed along the lug cap interface 340. The dimples 370 are configured to abut the container top 160 when the resealable cap 150 is in the open position. The dimples 370 limit the movement of the resealable cap 150 such that the cap assembly 250 remains selectively coupled to the container top 160. A user or mechanism may apply sufficient twisting force to the cap assembly 250 to overcome the resistance provided by the dimples 370 to allow further movement of the cap assembly 250 and to completely remove the cap assembly 250 from the container top 160. The cap assembly 250 may be rethreaded onto the container top 160 after the cap assembly 250 is completely removed. In some embodiments, even if the cap assembly 250 is completely removed, the cap assembly 250 may not be rethreaded onto the container top 160.

23, a detailed perspective view of the cap assembly 250 of FIG. 7 is shown. The aesthetic cap 170 abuts the lug cap 180 at the lug cap surface 380. The lug cap surface 380 may be configured to be a substantially flat portion and positioned perpendicular to the vertical axis 190. In some embodiments, the lug cap surface 380 may include a groove. The cap interface 330 is configured to be selectively coupled to the lug cap surface 380. In some embodiments, the cap interface 330 is configured to be fixedly coupled to the lug cap surface 380. The aesthetic cap 170 is configured to be fixedly coupled to the lug cap 180 by a seaming process. Seaming the aesthetic cap 170 to the lug cap 180 forms a crimp along the cap interface 330 and the lug cap surface 380. In some embodiments, a weld may be positioned between the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180. The aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 are positioned along the vertical axis 190 such that the midpoint of the aesthetic cap 170 is positioned above the midpoint of the lug cap 180. In some embodiments, at least one of the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180 may not be positioned on the vertical axis 190.

24 and 25, an exploded front cross-sectional view through the center of the cap assembly 250 is shown along line AA in FIG. The cap assembly 250 includes an aesthetic cap 170 and a lug cap 180. The aesthetic cap 170 is configured to be coupled to the lug cap 180 such that the cavities of the aesthetic cap 170 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15 as the first cavity 300 and the second cavity 310) can be configured to be positioned within the lug cap 180. In some embodiments, the cavities of the aesthetic cap 170 may be positioned outside the lug cap 180. The cap assembly 250 further includes a cavity wall 382 disposed within the aesthetic cap 170 and a lug wall 384 disposed within the lug cap 180. The cavity wall 382 is configured to be positioned along the first cavity 300 and the second cavity 310. The cavity wall 382 may have a uniform cross-section or a uniform cross-sectional length around the entirety of the aesthetic cap 170. The lug wall 384 is configured to be disposed between the lug cap interface 340 and the lug cap surface 380. The lug wall 384 may have a uniform cross-section or a uniform cross-sectional length around the entirety of the lug cap 180. As shown, the cavity wall 382 is configured to be substantially parallel to the lug wall 384 when the aesthetic cap 170 is coupled to the lug cap 180. As an example, the cavity wall 382 may not contact the lug wall 384 when the aesthetic cap 170 is coupled to the lug cap 180. In some embodiments, the cavity wall 382 may abut the lug wall 384 to form a sealing surface between the aesthetic cap 170 and the lug cap 180.

26, a detailed rear view of a dimple 370 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The dimple 370 may be a feature located along the lug cap interface 340. For example, the dimple 370 may be a protrusion that may be located between adjacent threads of the lug cap 180 and may extend away from the vertical axis 190. The dimple 370 may also be a cylindrical protrusion. In some embodiments, the dimple 370 may be a hollow feature. The lug cap 180 includes multiple dimples 370 positioned along the same contact plane. In some embodiments, the lug cap 180 may include dimples 370 positioned on different contact planes along the lug cap interface 340. The lug cap 180 may include any number of dimples 370 positioned on the lug cap interface 340. As shown, the dimple 370 is configured to abut the container top 160 when the resealable cap 150 is in the open position. The dimple 370 does not abut the container top 160 when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the dimple 370 may abut the container top 160 when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position. By way of example, the cap assembly 250 may be rotated past a position where the dimple 370 abuts the container top 160. In such an embodiment, the dimple 370 is deformed into an orientation that allows further rotation of the cap assembly 250 by a rotational force applied by a user. Once the cap assembly 250 is completely removed from the container top 160, the dimple 370 is configured to re-orient itself to its original configuration, such that the cap assembly 250 may be repeatedly positioned between the coupled position and the removed position. In some embodiments, the dimple 370 may not be formed back into its original configuration once the dimple 370 is deformed. In other words, when the cap assembly 250 is completely removed from the container top 160, the dimple 370 can be deformed to prevent the cap assembly 250 from rotating between the open and closed positions.

27, an assembled front cross-sectional view through the center of the cap assembly 250 along line AA in FIG. 9 is shown. The lug cap 180 may be configured to abut the container top 160 when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position, thereby completely sealing the resealable cap 150. The engagement between the lug cap 180 and the container top 160 may include one or more sealing edges, such as a face seal 400, a flare seal 410, or both. 28, a detailed front view of the sealing edges (e.g., face seal 400 and flare seal 410) of the resealable cap 150 along window M in FIG. 27 is shown. The face seal 400 may be configured to be an engagement between the lug cap surface 380 and the container top 160, such that the engagement between the lug cap surface 380 and the container top 160 may completely seal the resealable cap 150. The flare seal 410 is configured to be an engagement between the container top interface 270 and the lug cap interface 340, such that the coupling of the container top interface 270 and the lug cap interface 340 can completely seal the resealable cap 150. In some embodiments, the combination of the face seal 400 and the flare seal 410 can completely seal the resealable cap 150. Additionally, in some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be sealed only by at least one of the face seal 400 and the flare seal 410.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the resealable cap 150 may include any combination of features, where the features are configured to be the dimples 370, the face seals 400, and the flare seals 410. As an example, the resealable cap 150 may include the dimples 370 and the face seals 400, but not the flare seal. As another example, the resealable cap 150 may include the dimples 370 and the flare seals 410, but not the face seals 400. As another example, the resealable cap 150 may include the face seals 400 and the flare seals 410, but not the dimples 370. The resealable cap 150 may include any combination of its features.

To prevent material from flowing in and out of the container 100 when the resealable cap 150 is in the closed position, the sealing edges (e.g., face seal 400 and flare seal 410) are configured to completely seal the resealable cap 150. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be sealed by a gasket positioned between the container top 160 and the lug cap 180. In such embodiments, the gasket may be disposed on the container top 160, the lug cap 180, or both. Additionally, in some embodiments, the resealable cap 150 may be sealed using a latch to maintain a sealing force on the resealable cap 150.

28, a detailed view of the sealing edges (e.g., face seal 400 and flare seal 410) of FIG. 27 is shown. As shown, face seal 400 is configured to seal against lug cap surface 380, where face seal 400 may have a larger surface area than flare seal 410. In at least one embodiment, face seal 400 and lug cap surface 380 may be configured to abut one another along the length of the sealing edges (e.g., face seal 400 and flare seal 410). In some embodiments, face seal 400 may be positioned only along the edges such that the sealing surface area is smaller. Flare seal 410 may seal against lug cap interface 340, where flare seal 410 may have a larger surface area than face seal 400. In at least one embodiment, one or more mating surfaces of flare seal 410 and lug cap interface 340 may be configured to abut one another along the length of the sealing edges (e.g., face seal 400 and flare seal 410). The flare seal 410 is further configured to be positioned along a portion of the lug cap interface 340. In some embodiments, the flare seal 410 may be positioned along the entirety of the lug cap interface 340.

The resealable cap 150 may be sealed from the outside before a user interacts with the container 100. The resealable cap 150 may include an exterior seal positioned around the cap assembly 250. The exterior seal may further be configured to be a tamper band, which may be destroyed when the resealable cap 150 is repositioned to the open position. In some embodiments, the exterior seal may be a label positioned on the resealable cap 150. The exterior seal is configured to indicate to a user whether the container 100 has been previously opened or used. In some embodiments, the exterior seal may be accidentally destroyed. Additionally, in some embodiments, the exterior seal may be configured to be a cover positioned on the outside of the container top 160, over the resealable cap 150.

29 and 30, a perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of the resealable cap 500 of FIG. 1 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the resealable cap 500 can have a smooth lug design. The resealable cap 500 is configured to be substantially similar to the resealable cap 150, and similar components may be used to describe the resealable cap 500. The resealable cap 500 has a modular design including a container top 510, an aesthetic cap 520, and a lug cap 530. The aesthetic cap 520 is fixedly coupled to the lug cap 530 by a seam positioned between the aesthetic cap 520 and the lug cap 530. The resealable cap 500 is selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position by pulling or pushing the aesthetic cap 520. In some methods, a twisting force may be applied to the aesthetic cap 520 to selectively reposition the resealable cap 500 between the open and closed positions.

31, a detailed side view of the resealable cap 500 along line BB of FIG. 29 is shown. As shown, the lug cap 530 is configured to have a lug cap interface 540. The lug cap interface 540 is configured to be substantially smooth, which can reduce friction between the lug cap 530 and the container top 510 when selectively repositioning the resealable cap 500 between the open and closed positions. The resealable cap 500 further comprises one or more sealing surfaces, such as a face seal 550 and a flare seal 560. The face seal 550 and the flare seal 560 are configured to completely seal the resealable cap 500 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 500 may be sealed by at least one of the face seal 550 and the flare seal 560. In further embodiments, the resealable cap 500 may not be sealed by either the face seal 550 or the flare seal 560.

Now referring to Figures 32-35, various views of a container 100 including a resealable cap 150 according to another exemplary embodiment are shown. The resealable cap 150 shown in Figures 32-35 is configured substantially similarly to at least the resealable cap 150 shown in Figures 3-28, and therefore alternative embodiments may be described utilizing similar components and numbering. The resealable cap 150 is manufactured using a direct metal laser sintering process (e.g., DMLS 3D printing). DMLS 3D printing utilizes a high-powered laser to melt and fuse metal powder to create the resealable cap 150. By way of example, the resealable cap 150 may be manufactured using a variety of methods, such as to create a custom resealable cap 150. In some embodiments, at least one component of the modular resealable cap 150 may be manufactured using DMLS 3D printing.

36, a cutaway side view of the resealable cap 600 along line AA is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The resealable cap 600 is configured similarly to the resealable cap 150, and therefore similar terminology may be used to describe the resealable cap 600. The resealable cap 600 is configured to be a modular design including a container top 610, an aesthetic cap 620, and a lug cap 630. The aesthetic cap 620 is fixedly coupled to the lug cap 630 by a seam positioned between the aesthetic cap 620 and the lug cap 630. The resealable cap 600 is selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position by a twisting force applied in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the aesthetic cap 620. In some methods, a pulling or twisting force may be applied to the aesthetic cap 620 to selectively reposition the resealable cap 600 between an open position and a closed position. As shown, the lug cap 630 is configured to have a lug cap interface 640. The lug cap interface 640 is configured to include a guide 645 that is angularly disposed along the circumference of the lug cap 630. The lug cap interface 640 includes multiple guides 645 positioned along the lug cap interface 640. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 640 may include only a single guide 645. The resealable cap 600 further includes one or more sealing surfaces, such as a face seal 650 and a flare seal 660. The face seal 650 and the flare seal 660 are configured to completely seal the resealable cap 600 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the resealable cap 600 may be sealed by at least one of the face seal 650 and the flare seal 660. Additionally, in some embodiments, the resealable cap 600 may not be sealed by either the face seal 650 or the flare seal 660.

37 and 38, a perspective view of the container top 610 and lug cap 630 of FIG. 36 is shown. The container top 610 may further include a button, shown as a dimple 670. The dimple 670 is configured to be positioned along the inner diameter of the container top 610. The dimple 670 is configured to interface with the guide 645 such that the dimple 670 provides a stop when the lug cap 630 is in the open position. By way of example, when the resealable cap 600 is selectively repositionable between the open and closed positions, the dimple 670 is continuously disposed within the guide 645. The guide 645 may further include a stop, shown as a dimple stop 647. The dimple stop 647 is configured to be disposed in each of the plurality of guides 645. In some embodiments, the dimple stop 647 may be disposed in only at least one of the plurality of dimple stops 647. The dimple stop 647 is configured to be positioned at three different locations on the guide 645: (a) at the bottom of the guide 645, distal to the aesthetic cap 620; (b) at the top of the guide 645, proximal to the aesthetic cap 620; and (c) along a midpoint of the guide 645, midway between the top and bottom of the guide 645. In some embodiments, the dimple stop 647 may be located at many different locations along any number of the guides 645.

39-50, various views of a resealable cap 700 according to another exemplary embodiment are shown. According to an exemplary embodiment, the resealable cap 700 can have a threaded lug design. The resealable cap 700 is configured to be substantially similar to the resealable cap 150, and therefore similar reference numbers may be used to describe the resealable cap 700. The resealable cap 700 has a modular design and includes a container top 710, an aesthetic cap 720, and a lug cap 730. The aesthetic cap 720 is fixedly coupled to the lug cap 730 by a seam positioned between the aesthetic cap 720 and the lug cap 730. The resealable cap 700 is selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position by rotating the aesthetic cap 720 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In some methods, a pulling or twisting force may be applied to the aesthetic cap 720 to selectively reposition the resealable cap 700 between the open and closed positions.

42-44, various views of the can top 710 of FIG. 39 are shown. The can top 710 may include an interface, shown as a can top interface 740. The can top interface 740 may be configured to be disposed along the entire inner diameter of the can top 710. In some embodiments, the can top interface 740 may be disposed along only a portion of the inner diameter of the can top 710. By way of example, the can top interface 740 may include multiple extensions or protrusions, shown as can top lugs 750. The can top lugs 750 may be positioned equidistant from one another within the can top interface 740. The can top 710 may be configured to include six can top lugs 750. In some embodiments, the can top 710 may include any number of can top lugs 750. The can top lugs 750 are configured to be positioned at an angle relative to the top of the can top 710. In some embodiments, the can top lugs 750 may be positioned parallel to the top of the can top 710. In yet some further embodiments, the can top lug 750 may be positioned vertically relative to the top of the can top 710. To reduce manufacturing materials, it may be considered advantageous to include the can top lug 750 in place of a traditional threaded interface.

As will be appreciated by those reviewing this disclosure, the can top interface 740, including the can top lug 750, can serve a similar purpose as the lug cap interface 340 described with respect to FIG. 19, for example, while using less material. In other words, the shortened thread lug may have a similar pitch as the thread included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 and may interface with a complementary feature to secure the lid to the can while using less material.

45-47, various views of the lug cap 730 of FIG. 39 are shown. The lug cap 730 may include an interface shown as a lug cap interface 760. The lug cap interface 760 may be further configured to be a threaded interface disposed along an inner diameter of the lug cap 730. By way of example, the lug cap interface 760 may be disposed on at least a portion of an outer diameter of the lug cap 730. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 760 may be a smooth interface, and the lug cap 730 may be selectively repositioned to and from a closed position by pulling and pushing the lug cap 730. The lug cap interface 760 may be configured to interact with the can top lugs 750 such that at least one of the plurality of can top lugs 750 may be disposed within the threaded interface. In such an embodiment, the lug cap 730 may be selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position by rotating the lug cap 730 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

48-50, various views of the aesthetic cap 720 of FIG. 39 are shown. The aesthetic cap 720 may further comprise a handle, shown as cap handle 770. The cap handle 770 may be configured to be a handle located along a midpoint of the aesthetic cap 720. The cap handle 770 may be configured to facilitate a user repositioning the lug cap 730 between an open position and a closed position. By way of example, a user may interact with the cap handle 770 to provide a rotational force on the aesthetic cap 720. In some embodiments, a user may push or pull the cap handle 770 to selectively reposition the lug cap 730 between an open position and a closed position. The cap handle 770 may further be configured to have a curved geometry. The cap handle 770 includes a curved portion, shown as cap handle radius 780. The cap handle radius 780 is located at either end of the cap handle 770. In some embodiments, the cap handle radius 780 may be located at only one end of the cap handle 770. By way of example, the cap handle radius 780 is configured to allow a portion of a user's hand to be positioned within the curved portion when interacting with the aesthetic cap 720.

51 and 52, a tamper-evident cap 800 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The tamper-evident cap 800 may be configured for use with a container (such as that shown in FIG. 1). The tamper-evident cap 800 includes a container top 840 and a cap assembly 810 at least partially disposed within the container top 840. The container top 840 may be coupled (e.g., crimped, seamed, etc.) to the container.

The cap assembly 810 includes an aesthetic cap 820 and a lug cap 830. A container top 840 may be selectively coupled to the lug cap 830 when the tamper-evident cap 800 is coupled to the container top 840 along an interface, and the container top 840 may provide support between the container (e.g., container 100 of FIG. 1) and the lug cap 830. The aesthetic cap 820 and the lug cap 830 may be cooperatively combined to form the cap assembly 810 and may be formed as a single component or as two separate components from a variety of materials, including aluminum or plastic.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the tamper-evident cap 800 is positioned at the top of the container (e.g., container 100 of FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be positioned at the bottom of the container (e.g., if the container is designed to open at the bottom rather than the top). In at least one configuration, the perimeter of the aesthetic cap 820 (e.g., the perimeter or side of the aesthetic cap 820 facing outward toward the container top 840) and the perimeter of the lug cap 830 may be spaced apart from the container top 840. Additionally, in some configurations, the aesthetic cap 820 and the tamper-evident cap 800 may not extend above, overhang, or surround the container top 840.

51 and 52, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be configured to be selectively repositionable between a sealed position, an open position, and a closed position. For example, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be configured to be in a sealed position prior to being opened by a user. The tamper-evident cap 800 may be configured to be in an open position when the container is in use (e.g., drinking, pouring, etc.). Finally, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be configured to be in a closed position (after having been previously opened) when the user is traveling with the container or when the container is in transit or storage. This prevents material (e.g., liquid, etc.) from passing through the resealable cap 800 and out of the container. As described in more detail herein, the tamper-evident cap 800 may include indicia and/or structural components to make it apparent to a user whether the container has been tampered with (i.e., not in a sealed position, etc.).

According to exemplary embodiments, both the container top 840 and the tamper-evident cap 800 may be formed from a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). The all-metal design further allows the tamper-evident cap 800 to be recyclable without disassembly of any components. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be disassembled to recycle the materials. According to still other embodiments, one or more of the aesthetic cap 820 and the lug cap 830 may be formed from a material different from the material used to form the container and/or the container top 840 (e.g., the aesthetic cap 820 may be formed from a polymeric material, various plastics, composite materials, glass materials, or any other suitable material including a metal or metal alloy different from one or more of the container, container top, and/or lug cap, and other configurations may also be possible according to other exemplary embodiments, although the concepts herein are not intended to be limited by the specific materials selected for each component described herein, all of which are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure).

52, the tamper-evident cap 800 is shown in an open position. In the open position, material can exit the container by flowing through a gap between the cap assembly 810 and the container top 840. The tamper-evident cap 800 may be selectively repositionable between the open and closed positions by rotating the cap assembly 810 about the aesthetic cap 820. By way of example, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be opened by rotating the cap assembly 810 in a counterclockwise direction and closed by rotating the cap assembly 810 in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident cap 800 is selectively repositionable by providing a pushing and/or pulling force on the cap assembly 810.

53-55, the cap assembly 810 includes an aesthetic cap 820 and a lug cap 830. The aesthetic cap 820 may include one or more beverage interfaces, shown as a first beverage interface 850a and a second beverage interface 850b. The one or more beverage interfaces 850a, 850b may be positioned substantially opposite one another on the aesthetic cap 820. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage interfaces 850a, 850b may be positioned substantially adjacent one another on the aesthetic cap 820. The lug cap 830 may include an interface, shown as a lug cap interface 860. The lug cap interface 860 may be a threaded interface extending along the periphery of the lug cap 830. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 860 may be a smooth interface. In other embodiments, the lug cap interface 860 may include a slot, groove, or the like extending laterally along the length of the lug cap interface 860.

The lug cap interface 860 includes one or more openings, shown as a first opening 870a and a second opening 870b. Although the one or more openings 870a, 870b are shown as being positioned substantially opposite one another on the lug cap interface 860, in some embodiments, the one or more openings 870a, 870b may be positioned substantially adjacent one another on the lug cap interface 860. The one or more openings 870a, 870b may be configured to facilitate the flow of material from the container when the tamper-evident cap 800 is in the open position.

53-55, the aesthetic cap 820 includes a central interface 880 (e.g., a rib, protrusion, structure, etc.). The central interface 880 is shown as a structure extending through a midpoint of the aesthetic cap 820. The central interface 880 is shown as extending along the entire diameter of the aesthetic cap 880, although other configurations are possible (e.g., extending partway along the diameter). The aesthetic cap 820 also includes an outer edge 885 located proximate the outer periphery of the aesthetic cap 820. The central interface 880 and the outer edge 885 cooperatively surround one or more cavities, shown as a first cavity 890a and a second cavity 890b. The one or more cavities 890a, 890b may be configured to allow a user to grip the central interface 880 and rotate the aesthetic cap 820. Although the first cavity 890a is shown as being located proximate the first beverage interface 850a and the second cavity 890b is shown as being located proximate the second beverage interface 850b, other configurations are possible according to other embodiments.

54-56, the cap assembly 810 includes one or more locking mechanisms 900. Each locking mechanism 900 is shown as a hinge (e.g., a living hinge, etc.) that is selectively repositionable between a locked position (e.g., a preloaded position, etc.) and an unlocked position (e.g., an engaged position, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 900 is designed such that once moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, it does not return to the locked position. In this manner, the cap assembly 810 may be prevented from rotating back to its original position to signal that the container has been opened, as described in more detail below. While in the unlocked position, the cap assembly 810 may be sufficiently tightened to seal a material (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.).

The locking mechanism 900 is positioned at an upper end of the cap assembly 810, proximate the aesthetic cap 820, although other locations are possible according to other exemplary embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism 900 may be positioned at a lower end of the cap assembly 810, distal to the aesthetic cap 820. By way of example, the locking mechanism 900 may be at least partially disposed within an internal cavity of the lug cap 830. According to exemplary embodiments, the lug cap interface 860 includes one or more locking mechanism openings 910. The locking mechanism openings 910 may be axially aligned with the locking mechanism 900 such that the locking mechanism 900 may be at least partially disposed within the locking mechanism openings 910. The locking mechanism 900 may be at least partially disposed within the locking mechanism openings 910 when selectively repositioning between the locked and unlocked positions. The locking mechanism openings 910 may be positioned at an end of the lug cap interface 860, proximate the aesthetic cap 820. The locking mechanism 900 may be preloaded by displacing the lock from the inside center of the cap assembly 810. The locking mechanism 900 may not be preloaded from the outside once the cap assembly 810 is removed. The locking mechanism 900 and container top 840 may be preassembled in the locked position before the cap assembly 810 is attached to the container.

57 and 58, the container top 840 includes an outer edge 930 and an inner edge 940. The outer edge 930 may be configured to interface with the container when the outer edge 930 is fixedly coupled to the container. The inner edge 940 may be configured to interface with the cap assembly 810. The inner edge 940 may include one or more protrusions 950 positioned on the inner edge 940. The protrusions 950 may further extend radially inward toward the center of the container top 840. In some embodiments, the protrusions 950 may extend radially outward away from the center of the container top 840. The protrusions 950 may be received within a lug cap interface 860, which maintains contact with the protrusions 950 when selectively repositioning between the open and closed positions. The protrusions 950 may further abut the locking mechanism 900 when in the closed position. As can be seen, the protrusion 950 can cooperate with the locking mechanism 900 to maintain the cap assembly 810 in the closed position.

57-60, the tamper evident cap 800 includes a tamper evident portion 970. The tamper evident portion 970 is visible to a consumer or other individual viewing the tamper evident cap 800 and is configured to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 800 has been selectively repositioned away from the sealed position. As can be appreciated, a user may use the tamper evident portion 970 to determine whether the container has been previously opened.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the tamper-evident portion 970 may be a color indicator. In such an embodiment, the central interface 880 may be aligned with one or more color indicators to indicate whether the tamper-evident cap 800 is in the sealed position. As shown in FIG. 59, the container top 840 includes one or more green indicators and one or more red indicators. The green indicators may be positioned substantially opposite one another, and the red indicators may be positioned substantially opposite one another. When the central interface 880 is aligned with the green indicators, the tamper-evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened (e.g., as shown in FIG. 59). When the central interface 880 is aligned with the red indicators, the tamper-evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened (e.g., as shown in FIG. 60).

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 970 may be a protrusion identifier. In such an embodiment, the central interface 880 may align with one or more protrusion identifiers to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 800 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 840 may include one or more protrusions having a first depth and/or one or more protrusions having a second depth. The protrusions having the first depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another, and the protrusions having the second depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another. The first depth may be substantially greater than the second depth. In some embodiments, the first depth may be substantially less than the second depth. When the central interface 880 aligns with the protrusions having the first depth, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 880 aligns with the protrusions having the second depth, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 970 may be a recessed identification portion. In such an embodiment, the central interface 880 may align with one or more recessed identification portions to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 800 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 840 may include one or more recesses having a first depth and/or one or more recesses having a second depth. The recesses having the first depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another, and the recesses having the second depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another. The first depth may be substantially greater than the second depth. In some embodiments, the first depth may be substantially less than the second depth. When the central interface 880 aligns with the recesses having the first depth, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 880 aligns with the recesses having the second depth, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 970 may be a combination of a protruding portion and a recessed portion. In such an embodiment, the central interface 880 may align with one or more protruding portions and one or more recessed portions to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 800 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 840 may include one or more protrusions and one or more recesses. When the central interface 880 aligns with one or more protrusions, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 880 aligns with one or more recesses, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened. In some embodiments, when the central interface 880 aligns with one or more recesses, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. In further embodiments, when the central interface 880 aligns with one or more protrusions, the tamper evident portion 970 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper-evident portion 970 may be a word identifier. In such an embodiment, the central interface 880 may be aligned with one or more word identifiers to indicate whether the tamper-evident cap 800 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 840 may include one or more words (e.g., "sealed," "open," "closed," "not in use," etc.) associated with a sealed position, an open position, and/or a closed position. When the central interface 880 is aligned with a letter corresponding to the sealed position, the tamper-evident portion 970 may inform a user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 880 is aligned with one or more words associated with the open position and/or the closed position, the tamper-evident portion 970 may inform a user that the container has been previously opened. As may be appreciated, a word corresponding to the sealed position may inform a user that the tamper-evident cap 800 has not been opened or tampered, and a word corresponding to the open position may inform a user that the tamper-evident cap 800 has been opened or tampered.

61 and 62, the locking mechanism 900 may be moved from a preloaded position (e.g., shown in FIG. 61) to an engaged position (e.g., shown in FIG. 62). The lug cap 830 includes a connecting arm 975 that may be disposed between the lug cap interface 860 and the locking mechanism 900. When the locking mechanism 900 is moved from the preloaded position to the engaged position, the locking mechanism 900 moves around the connecting arm 975. The locking mechanism 900 includes a first side, shown as an angled side 980, and a second side, shown as a flat side 990. The angled side 980 may be angled toward the connecting arm 975. The flat side 990 may extend substantially parallel to a radial direction of the lug cap 830. As can be seen, the angled side 980 may be configured to abut the protrusion 950 when in the preload position, and the end of the locking mechanism 900 moves away from the protrusion 950 as it moves along the angled side 980. When the protrusion 950 reaches the apex of the angled side 980, the locking mechanism 900 may automatically reposition to an engaged position where the flat side 990 abuts the protrusion 950. As shown in FIG. 62, the flat side 990 wedges into the lug cap interface 860 to prevent the tamper-evident cap 800 from rotating back into the sealed position.

62, the locking mechanism 900 may include a protrusion, lip, ridge, or tab, shown as a locking lead-in tab 995. The locking lead-in tab 995 may be a protrusion extending outwardly from the flat side 990. In some embodiments, the locking lead-in tab 995 may extend outwardly from the angled side 980. The locking lead-in tab 995 may be configured to interface with (e.g., receive, etc.) a tool. The tool may be used to introduce the locking mechanism 900 into the lug cap 830. The tool may interact with the locking lead-in tab 995 to move the locking mechanism 900 into an assembled position in which the locking mechanism 900 is assembled into the lug cap 830.

51-62, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be manufactured by first introducing the aesthetic cap 820 onto the lug cap 830 to form the cap assembly 810. The aesthetic cap 820 may be crimped, sealed, pressed, seamed, etc. onto the lug cap 830. The cap assembly 810 may then be screwed onto the container top 840. As can be appreciated, the locking mechanism 900 may be moved away from the engaged position so that the tamper-evident cap 800 may be placed in a sealed position, and then the locking mechanism 900 may be released and returned to a preloaded position. The container top 840 may then be crimped, sealed, seamed, pressed, etc. onto the container. Although a sequence of steps has been described, the tamper-evident cap 800 may be manufactured using any method, combination, or sequence of steps.

63-67, a tamper evident cap 1000 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The tamper evident cap 1000 may be configured for use with a container (such as that shown in FIG. 1). The tamper evident cap 1000 includes a container top 1040 and a cap assembly 1010 at least partially disposed within the container top 1040. The container top 1040 may be coupled (e.g., crimped, seamed, etc.) to the container.

The cap assembly 1010 includes an aesthetic cap 1020 and a lug cap 1030. The container top 1040 may be selectively coupled to the lug cap 1030 when the tamper-evident cap 1000 is coupled to the container top 1040 along an interface, and the container top 1040 may provide support between the container (e.g., container 100 of FIG. 1) and the lug cap 1030. The aesthetic cap 1020 and the lug cap 1030 may be cooperatively combined to form the cap assembly 1010 and may be formed as a single component or as two separate components from a variety of materials, including aluminum or plastic.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the tamper-evident cap 1000 is positioned at the top of the container (e.g., container 100 of FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be positioned at the bottom of the container (e.g., if the container is designed to open at the bottom rather than the top). In at least one configuration, the perimeter of the aesthetic cap 1020 (e.g., the perimeter or side of the aesthetic cap 1020 facing outward toward the container top 1040) and the perimeter of the lug cap 1030 may be spaced apart from the container top 1040. Additionally, in some configurations, the aesthetic cap 1020 and the tamper-evident cap 1000 may not extend above, overhang, or surround the container top 1040.

63-67, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be configured to be selectively repositionable between a sealed position, an open position, and a closed position. For example, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be configured to be in a sealed position prior to being opened by a user. The tamper-evident cap 1000 may be configured to be in an open position when the container is in use (e.g., drinking, pouring, etc.). Finally, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be configured to be in a closed position (after having been previously opened) when the user is traveling with the container or when the container is in transit or storage. This prevents material (e.g., liquid, etc.) from passing through the resealable cap 1000 and out of the container. As described in more detail herein, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may include indicia and/or structural components to make it apparent to a user whether the container has been tampered with (i.e., not in a sealed position, etc.).

According to exemplary embodiments, both the container top 1040 and the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be formed from a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). The all-metal design further allows the tamper-evident cap 1000 to be recyclable without disassembly of any components. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be disassembled to recycle the materials. According to still other embodiments, one or more of the aesthetic cap 1020 and the lug cap 1030 may be formed from a material different from the material used to form the container and/or the container top 1040 (e.g., the aesthetic cap 1020 may be formed from a polymeric material, various plastics, composite materials, glass materials, or any other suitable material including a metal or metal alloy different from one or more of the container, container top, and/or lug cap, and other configurations may also be possible according to other exemplary embodiments, although the concepts herein are not intended to be limited by the particular materials selected for each component described herein, all of which are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure).

When the tamper-evident cap is in the open position, material can exit the container by flowing through a gap between the cap assembly 1010 and the container top 1040. The tamper-evident cap 1000 may be selectively repositionable between the open and closed positions by rotating the cap assembly 1010 about the aesthetic cap 1020. By way of example, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be opened by rotating the cap assembly 1010 in a counterclockwise direction and closed by rotating the cap assembly 1010 in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident cap 1000 is selectively repositionable by providing a pushing and/or pulling force on the cap assembly 1010.

66 and 74-75, the cap assembly 1010 includes an aesthetic cap 1020 and a lug cap 1030. The aesthetic cap 1020 may include one or more beverage interfaces, shown as a first beverage interface 1050a and a second beverage interface 1050b. The one or more beverage interfaces 1050a, 1050b may be positioned substantially opposite one another on the aesthetic cap 1020. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage interfaces 1050a, 1050b may be positioned substantially adjacent one another on the aesthetic cap 1020. The lug cap 1030 may include an interface, shown as a lug cap interface 1030. The lug cap interface 1030 may be a threaded interface that extends along the periphery of the lug cap 1030. In some embodiments, the lug cap interface 1030 may be a smooth interface. In other embodiments, the lug cap interface 1030 may include slots, grooves, etc. that extend laterally along the length of the lug cap interface 1030.

66 and 74-75, the aesthetic cap 1020 includes a central interface 1090 (e.g., a rib, protrusion, structure, etc.). The central interface 1090 is shown as a structure that extends through a midpoint of the aesthetic cap 1020. The central interface 1090 is shown as extending along the entire diameter of the aesthetic cap 1090, although other configurations are possible (e.g., extending partway along the diameter). The central interface 1090 and the outer edge of the container top 1040 cooperatively surround one or more cavities, shown as a first cavity 1060a and a second cavity 1060b. The one or more cavities 1060a, 1060b may be configured to allow a user to grip the central interface 1090 and rotate the aesthetic cap 1020. Although the first cavity 1060a is shown as being located proximate to the first beverage interface 1050a and the second cavity 1060b is shown as being located proximate to the second beverage interface 1050b, other configurations are possible according to other embodiments.

67, the container top 1040 includes an outer edge 1130 and an inner edge 1140. The outer edge 1130 may be configured to interface with the container when the outer edge 1130 is fixedly coupled to the container. The inner edge 1140 may be configured to interface with the cap assembly 1010. The inner edge 1140 may include one or more protrusions 1150 positioned on the inner edge 1140. The protrusions 1150 may further extend radially inward toward the center of the container top 1040. In some embodiments, the protrusions 1150 may extend radially outward away from the center of the container top 1040. The protrusions 1150 may be received within the lug cap interface 1030, which maintains contact with the protrusions 1150 when selectively repositioning between the open and closed positions.

68-73, the tamper evident cap 1000 further includes a tamper evident insert, tamper insert, etc., shown as insert 1160. The insert 1160 may be coupled to the rear side of the aesthetic cap 1020. That is, the insert 1160 may be positioned within the central interface 1090. That is, the insert 1160 may be positioned within the cap assembly interface 1170. The cap assembly interface 1170 may be a portion of the cap assembly sized and positioned to receive the insert 1160. By way of example, the cap assembly interface 1170 may include an aperture, and the protrusion 1150 may be received within the aperture. The insert 1160 may be configured to indicate that the cap assembly 1010 is out of the sealed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the insert 1160 is designed such that when the cap assembly 1010 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, the insert 1160 does not allow the cap assembly 1010 to return to the locked position. In this manner, the cap assembly 1010 may be prevented from rotating back to its original position to signal that the container has been opened, as described in more detail below. While in the unlocked position, the cap assembly 1010 may be tightened sufficiently to seal in a material (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.).

The insert 1160 may include a first end 1160a and a second end 1160b. The ends 1160a, 1160b may be provided opposite one another along the length of the insert. The insert 1160 further includes one or more insert interfaces, shown as interface 1180, positioned proximate the ends 1160a, 1160b. That is, the ends 1160a, 1160b may include respective interfaces 1180. The interface 1180 may be configured to receive the protrusion 1150 therein. The interface 1180 may have a substantially curved profile, and the protrusion 1150 may be received therein. The edges of the curved profile maintain the protrusion 1150 in contact with the interface 1180. In other embodiments, the interface 1180 may exhibit a different geometric configuration than a curvilinear geometric configuration (e.g., prismatic, frustoconical, combinations thereof, etc.). Between the ends 1160a, 1160b is positioned an intermediate portion, shown as body 1175. The body 1175 may be provided centrally between the ends 1160a, 1160b, and the ends 1160a, 1160b may be coupled to the body 1175 via one or more curved portions, shown as body transitions 1165. The body transitions 1165 may be curved, with the openings positioned around the curved portions. In one embodiment, the body transitions 1165 may be capable of bending and/or compressing out of position when the cap assembly 1010 is repositioned out of the sealed position.

71, the side of the insert 1160 has a substantially triangular profile. That is, the sidewall of the body 1175 may not be disposed perpendicular to either the top or bottom of the insert 1160. The insert 1160 may have an angle 1185. The angle 1185 may be an angle perpendicular to the normal of the top surface of the insert 1160 and the sidewall of the body 1175. As can be appreciated, the angle 1185 may be complementary to the angle of the central interface 1090 to facilitate insertion of the inset 1160 into the central interface 1090.

72 and 73, the interface 1180 may selectively engage with the protrusion 1150. The interface 1180 may be engaged with the protrusion 1150 when the cap assembly 1010 is in a locked position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 72). Thus, the interface 1180 may be disengaged from the protrusion 1150 when the cap assembly 1010 is in an unlocked position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 73). By way of example, the unlocked position may be any position in which the cap assembly 1010 is not in a locked position (e.g., a closed position, an open position, etc.). The cap assembly 1010 may be rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to disengage the interface 1180 from the protrusion 1150. In other embodiments, the cap assembly 1010 may be rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) to disengage the interface 1180 from the protrusion 1150. When the insert 1160 is in a locked position, the insert 1160 may be compressed. That is, the insert 1160 can define a length that is substantially greater than the distance between the opposing projections 1150, and insertion of the insert 1160 into the intermediate interface 1090 compresses the insert 1160 about the transition portion 1165. As the cap assembly 1010 rotates, the insert 1160 decompresses to a normal position. In the normal position, the interface 1180 can extend radially beyond the ends of the projections 1150 to prevent the cap assembly 1010 from rotating back to the locked position.

74 and 75, the tamper evident cap 1000 includes a tamper evident portion 1190. The tamper evident portion 1190 is visible to a consumer or other individual viewing the tamper evident cap 1000 and is configured to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 1000 has been selectively repositioned away from the sealed position. As can be appreciated, a user may use the tamper evident portion 1190 to determine whether the container has been previously opened.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the tamper-evident portion 1190 may be a color indicator. In such an embodiment, the central interface 1090 may be aligned with one or more color indicators to indicate whether the tamper-evident cap 1000 is in the sealed position. As shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, the container top 1040 includes one or more green indicators and one or more red indicators. The green indicators may be positioned substantially opposite one another, and the red indicators may be positioned substantially opposite one another. When the central interface 1090 is aligned with the green indicators, the tamper-evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened (e.g., as shown in FIG. 74). When the central interface 1090 is aligned with the red indicators, the tamper-evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened (e.g., as shown in FIG. 75).

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 1190 may be a protrusion identifier. In such an embodiment, the central interface 1090 may align with one or more protrusion identifiers to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 1000 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 1040 may include one or more protrusions having a first depth and/or one or more protrusions having a second depth. The protrusions having the first depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another, and the protrusions having the second depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another. The first depth may be substantially greater than the second depth. In some embodiments, the first depth may be substantially less than the second depth. When the central interface 1090 aligns with the protrusions having the first depth, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 1090 aligns with the protrusions having the second depth, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 1190 may be a recessed identification portion (e.g., laser etching, etc.). In such an embodiment, the central interface 1090 may align with one or more recessed identification portions to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 1000 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 1040 may include one or more recesses having a first depth and/or one or more recesses having a second depth. The recesses having the first depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another, and the recesses having the second depth may be positioned substantially opposite one another. The first depth may be substantially greater than the second depth. In some embodiments, the first depth may be substantially less than the second depth. When the central interface 1090 aligns with the recesses having the first depth, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 1090 aligns with the recesses having the second depth, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 1190 may be a combination of a protruding portion and a recessed portion. In such an embodiment, the central interface 1090 may align with one or more protruding portions and one or more recessed portions to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 1000 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 1040 may include one or more protrusions and one or more recesses. When the central interface 1090 aligns with one or more protrusions, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 1090 aligns with one or more recesses, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened. In some embodiments, when the central interface 1090 aligns with one or more recesses, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. In further embodiments, when the central interface 1090 aligns with one or more protrusions, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the tamper evident portion 1190 may be a word identifier. In such an embodiment, the central interface 1090 may be aligned with one or more word identifiers to indicate whether the tamper evident cap 1000 is in the sealed position. By way of example, the container top 1040 may include one or more words (e.g., "sealed," "open," "closed," "not in use," etc.) associated with a sealed position, an open position, and/or a closed position. When the central interface 1090 is aligned with a letter corresponding to the sealed position, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has not been previously opened. When the central interface 1090 is aligned with one or more words associated with the open position and/or the closed position, the tamper evident portion 1190 may inform the user that the container has been previously opened. As may be appreciated, a word corresponding to the sealed position may inform the user that the tamper evident cap 1000 has not been opened or tampered, and a word corresponding to the open position may inform the user that the tamper evident cap 1000 has been opened or tampered.

64-75, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be manufactured by first introducing the aesthetic cap 1020 onto the lug cap 1030 to form the cap assembly 1010. The aesthetic cap 1020 may be crimped, sealed, pressed, seamed, etc. onto the lug cap 1030. The cap assembly 1010 may then be screwed onto the container top 1040. The insert 1160 may then be inserted into the aesthetic cap 1020, with the insert seated within the rear side of the interface 1090. As can be appreciated, the insert 1160 is first aligned with the projections 1150 to assemble the tamper-evident cap 1000 in a sealed position. The container top 1040 may then be crimped, sealed, seamed, pressed, etc. onto the container. Although a sequence of steps has been described, the tamper-evident cap 1000 may be manufactured using any method, combination or sequence of steps.

Although various implementations of the resealable cap are shown (e.g., resealable cap 100, resealable cap 500, resealable cap 600, resealable cap 700, tamper evident cap 800, and tamper evident cap 1000), any combination of features within resealable caps 100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1000 may be implemented in the resealable cap. For example, the resealable cap may include a flare seal 560, a dimple stop 647, a locking mechanism 900, and an insert 1160.

When used herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed value unless otherwise specified. When used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to encompass minor variations in structure that may result, for example, from manufacturing or assembly processes, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure pertains. These terms should therefore be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the described and claimed subject matter are believed to be within the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

It should be noted that when used herein to describe various embodiments, the term "exemplary" and variations thereof are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily particular or best examples).

As used herein, the term "coupled" and variations thereof mean connecting two members directly or indirectly to each other. Such connection may be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection may be achieved by two members directly connected to each other, by two members connected to each other using a separate intervening member connected to each other and any additional intermediate member connected to each other, or by two members connected to each other using an intervening member integrally formed as a unitary body with one of the two members. When "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the general definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means connecting two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a definition narrower than the general definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

References to the location of elements herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower") are used merely to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may vary in other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by this disclosure.

Although the figures and description may show a particular order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from that depicted and described, unless otherwise specified above. Also, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or with partial concurrence, unless otherwise specified above.

It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the first opening of the exemplary embodiment described with respect to FIG. 9 may be incorporated into the resealable cap 150 and the resealable cap 500. As another example, the face seal 400 and the flare seal 410 may be incorporated into the resealable cap 150 and the resealable cap 500. Although only two examples of elements from one embodiment that may be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment are described above, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (15)

A resealable cap, comprising:
a container top including a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly from the container top;
a cap assembly threadably coupled to the top of the container, the cap assembly comprising:
an aesthetic cap positioned on top of the cap assembly, the aesthetic cap including an interface extending along a midpoint of the aesthetic cap;
a cap assembly comprising: a lug cap coupled to the aesthetic cap, the lug cap comprising a lug cap interface positioned about a periphery of the lug cap and configured to receive the plurality of protrusions;
a tamper insert coupled to the aesthetic cap below the aesthetic cap and positioned within the interface;
A resealable cap comprising: The resealable cap of claim 1, wherein the cap assembly is repositionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the tamper insert is configured to engage the protrusion when the cap assembly is in the locked position. The resealable cap of claim 2, wherein the tamper insert is configured to disengage from the protrusion when the cap assembly is positioned in the unlocked position, and the protrusion prevents the cap assembly from being repositioned in the locked position again. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container top includes a tamper evident portion positioned near a top of the container top and configured to indicate a position of the cap assembly. The resealable cap of claim 4, wherein the tamper evident portion is a laser etched identification portion that includes a plurality of identification portions, the plurality of identification portions being positioned opposite one another. The resealable cap of claim 5, wherein the plurality of identification portions include a lock identification portion and an unlock identification portion, and the interface of the aesthetic cap is aligned with the lock identification portion and the unlock identification portion to indicate the position of the cap assembly. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contour of the tamper insert is substantially similar to the contour of the interface, and the tamper insert is retained within the interface. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lug cap includes one or more lug cap interfaces extending vertically along an interior surface of the lug cap, the tamper insert is insertably coupled to the aesthetic cap along the one or more lug cap interfaces, and the plurality of protrusions are selectively received within the lug cap interfaces. The tamper insert comprises:
a first end and a second end positioned opposite one another;
a body centrally provided within said tamper insert;
a transition portion positioned between the body and each of the first and second ends,
the transition portion is configured to flex upon rotation of the cap assembly from a locked position to an unlocked position.
A resealable cap according to any one of claims 1 or 4 to 8. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 or 4-8, wherein the tamper insert comprises an insert interface located at a first end and a second end of the insert, the insert interface configured to engage the protrusion. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cap assembly is selectively repositionable between a closed position and an open position, the open position being any position of the cap assembly that allows fluid flow therethrough. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1, 4-8, or 11, wherein the tamper insert is repositionable from a compressed position and a normal position, the tamper insert is in the compressed position when the cap assembly is in the locked position, and an end of the tamper insert is configured to decompress outwardly beyond the protrusion when the tamper insert is in the normal position. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the container top is fixedly coupled to a top of the container for coupling the resealable cap to the container. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 10, 12 or 13, wherein the aesthetic cap comprises one or more beverage interfaces positioned opposite each other along an outer edge of the aesthetic cap and offset from the interface of the aesthetic cap, the one or more beverage interfaces being configured to transition fluid flow therebetween. 15. The resealable cap of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aesthetic cap comprises one or more cavities positioned on either side of the interface and extending downwardly from a top of the aesthetic cap, the one or more cavities configured to receive a portion of a user.

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