US20230036628A1

US20230036628A1 - Child-resistant sealing cap for a container

Info

Publication number: US20230036628A1
Application number: US17/877,461
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Michael Boyd
Original assignee: Gp Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Gp Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2023-02-02

Abstract

A sealing cap for a container provides a resealable, multi-piece assembly featuring a watertight and airtight seal and child resistance against opening the sealing cap, and which is designed to be snapped on to the top of conventional aluminum cans and extendable to common food and herb matter containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/227,632, filed Jul. 30, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to caps for containers. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention concern a child-resistant sealing cap assembly for existing containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A need exists for a sealing mechanism, for example, to isolate the contents of a container from water and air in a way that permits accessing and resealing the container while preventing unwanted users, such as children, from accessing the contents of the container. A need also exists for a sealing mechanism that can be attached in a simple way to standard containers. A mechanism including all the requirements for attaching to standard containers, for watertight and airtight sealing and form mitigating access by children is available in a single mechanism. Room for improvement exists over the prior art in these and various other areas.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a sealing cap assembly is disclosed which may snap on to a standard aluminum can, for instance, to form a watertight and airtight seal therebetween. According to some embodiments, the assembly may include a ring collar that can be snapped on to, or which may otherwise engage, a standard aluminum can and form a watertight and airtight seal between the inner part of the can and the outside thereof. The combination of a snap-on sealing assembly with child proof unsealing may permit the recyclable use of common cans in many embodiments. In some embodiments, the sealing cap assembly may include a sealing inner cap inside of the outer cap which a user holds. The inner cap may screw into the ring collar with, in some embodiments, a one-turn motion, sealing the contents of the can tightly.
In particular embodiments, to provide child resistance, the assembly may be opened by applying pressure on the top of the sealing mechanism (e.g., by pressing down with the palm of a user's hand). In some embodiments, the inner cap may have no exposed parts on which to grip the inner cap to unscrew it, therefore providing further child resistance. The sealing inner cap may be designed, in certain embodiments, to form an airtight seal with the ring collar, thereby isolating the contents of the can from the environment and creating a watertight and airtight enclosure.
According to some embodiments, the sealing cap assembly may include an outer cap, which may be sometimes referred to hereinafter as a push cap. The inner cap may, in certain embodiments, fit inside of the push cap. In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions may be disposed on the top side of the inner cap and a plurality of corresponding protrusions may be disposed on the bottom side of the push cap. A protrusion on the top side of the inner cap and a corresponding protrusion on the bottom side of the push cap may be engaged when a user pushes the push cap against the can and the sealing cap assembly, in some embodiments, and then turns the push cap. Turning of the push cap may cause the inner cap to turn be unscrewed, in some embodiments. When the inner cap has been unscrewed, it may become entrapped inside a portion of the push cap, in particular embodiments, which, for example, assures that a child cannot easily remove the push cap to access the sealed contents. A reverse operation may be performed by a user to reseal the can.
In some embodiments, the material used for the sealing cap assembly may be compatible with the contents of the can. In some implementations, for example, the contents of the can may include herb and/or edible material. In other implementations, liquids and/or solids may be sealed within the can, including, but not limited to, corrosive, reactive materials. In other applications, any can or bottle or container may be sealed with the same concept for a sealing cap assembly. The ring collar need not be a ring in some embodiments. Many ring collars may have the same sealing cap and in many sizes. This design permits, in some embodiments, efficient recycle usage of container materials.
In accordance with some embodiments, some features of the present invention may include: i) child resistance on a can; ii) a ring collar that snaps on a container can; iii) a two-piece cap that threads into the ring collar; and iv) a flange which maintains a watertight and airtight seal after opening and closing.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a sealing cap assembly may comprise an outer cap, an inner cap, a collar, a spacer, and a sealing ring. The outer cap, inner cap, collar, spacer, and sealing ring may be configured such that they may be assembled together to form a unitary body. In preferred implementations, the sealing cap assembly may be used to seal and unseal a container.
In some embodiments, the outer cap may generally comprise a circular body having a top and a side wall, where the side wall may extend from, and circumscribe, the top. According to some embodiments, a tab may be disposed along the side wall and along a lateral edge of the top. One end of the tab may extend past a bottom edge of the side wall. In some embodiments, the tab may be integrally formed with the side wall and/or top of the outer cap. Alternatively, the tab may be attached by one or more fasteners. In preferred implementations, the tab may be used to open a machine sealed container (e.g., aluminum can).
In some embodiments, the outer cap may be configured such that a portion of the inner cap may be received within an opening defined by the side wall and the top of the outer cap. Disposed on the underside of the top may be a plurality of notches or protrusions which may be configured to engage a complementary structure on the inner cap. In some embodiments, a plurality of notches may be generally arranged in an equally spaced, circular pattern. One or more words and/or designs may be printed on and/or etched into the top of the outer cap.
In accordance with some embodiments, the inner cap of the sealing cap assembly may generally comprise a circular body having a top, an outer wall, and an inner wall. Disposed on the top of the inner cap may be a plurality of teeth or protrusions which may be configured to engage complementary notches or protrusions of the outer cap. In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth may be generally arranged in a circular pattern and may align with the arrangement of notches of the other cap.
According to some embodiments, when the outer cap and the inner cap are engaged together, without external pressure applied to the top of the outer cap, the outer cap may slide across the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (or clockwise direction, depending on the frame of reference). When sufficient pressure is applied to the top of the outer cap, the outer cap and the inner cap may move together in a counterclockwise direction (or clockwise direction, depending on the frame of reference). With or without external pressure applied to the top of the outer cap, the outer cap and the inner cap may move together in a clockwise direction (or counterclockwise direction, depending on the frame of reference), or the outer cap may be prevented from being turned (e.g., if the inner cap is fully turned in a clockwise direction).
In accordance with some embodiments, the inner cap may be threaded for the engagement with the collar of the sealing cap assembly, which may also be threaded. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the inner cap may have a plurality of sections which may vary in shape and size. For example, the diameter of one section may be greater than a second section.
On the underside of the inner cap, according to some embodiments, a cavity may be disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall of the inner cap. The cavity may be configured to receive a portion of the spacer of the sealing cap assembly. In accordance with some embodiments, the spacer may be generally annular and may have a width which may be slightly less than a width of the cavity. When the sealing cap assembly is fully assembled, the spacer may not be visible to a user.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the collar of the sealing cap assembly may comprise a generally annular body with a central opening therein. In some embodiments, the collar may have a lip which may encircle the central opening. The collar may also comprise an outer wall which may encircle the lip. When the sealing cap assembly is fully assembled, the spacer may abut the top of the collar and the central opening of the spacer may encircle the lip. Additionally, the inner wall of the inner cap may be received within the central opening of the collar. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the collar may be raised, relative to an adjacent surface. When the sealing cap assembly is assembled, this raised portion may abut a portion of the inner wall of the inner cap.
In accordance with some embodiments, a cavity may be disposed between the outer wall and an inner wall of the collar. In some embodiments, the cavity may be configured to receive the sealing ring of the sealing cap assembly. The sealing ring may be provided to ensure an airtight and watertight seal between the sealing cap assembly and a container. In some embodiments, the sealing ring may comprise a thin, circular body which may be slightly conical (i.e., the diameter of the body may increase or decrease from top to bottom). When the sealing cap assembly is fully assembled, the sealing ring may only be visible to a user when the sealing cap assembly is viewed from a lower end (and is not engaged with a container). When the sealing cap assembly is engaged with a container, the sealing ring may abut the top of the container and may not be visible to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary sealing cap assembly comprising an outer cap, an inner cap, and a collar in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the collar of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the collar of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the collar of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating the collar of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the collar of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view illustrating detail M of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view illustrating detail W of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the outer cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating the outer cap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the sealing cap assembly of FIG. 1 with the parts thereof assembled together.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the sealing cap assembly of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing cap assembly of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16B is a is an enlarged view illustrating detail Z of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary sealing cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary outer cap, an exemplary inner cap, an exemplary collar, an exemplary spacer, and an exemplary sealing ring of the sealing cap assembly of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the outer cap of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is a bottom view illustrating the outer cap of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 23 is a bottom view illustrating the inner cap of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the collar of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 25 is a side view illustrating the collar of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 26 is a bottom view illustrating the collar of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating the spacer of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the spacer of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating the sealing ring of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating the sealing ring of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 31 is a photograph illustrating an exemplary sealing cap assembly engaged with an aluminum can, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments themselves do not limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, where like elements have like numerals, do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and/or invention, including any length, angles, or other measurements provided. Rather the invention, as defined by the claims, may cover alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents of the exemplary embodiments.
Referring, generally, to FIGS. 1-16B, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an exemplary sealing cap assembly 10 may comprise three main components: i) an outer cap 20 (which may sometimes be referred to herein as a push cap); ii) an inner cap 30, and iii) a generally annular collar 40. In preferred embodiments, one or more of the components of sealing cap assembly 10 may be constructed from polypropylene and may be adapted to be used with containers having a diameter of between about 0.5 and 5 inches.
According to some embodiments, collar 40, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2-4 , may comprise plastic material which may snap firmly around the top of a container which, in preferred embodiments, may be an aluminum can. In some embodiments, the tolerances between collar 40 and the top of a container may be tight—in preferred embodiments about 0.006 inches—between the diameter of the top of the container and the collar diameter that once the collar is engaged with (e.g., snapped onto) the container, it may not rotate and may form a watertight and airtight seal.
As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2 , collar 40 may generally comprise a smooth outer surface which may comprise approximately the same dimension or diameter as a container to which it is engaged. FIG. 4 illustrates preferred dimensions and tolerances of collar 40 (where the units of the bracketed numbers are millimeters and the units of the non-bracketed numbers are inches). Referring, for example, to FIGS. 5-6B, collar 40 may comprise a cavity 46 for receiving a lip or sealing feature inherent in a container. In preferred implementations, collar 40 may fit onto the top of a standard aluminum can. Once attached to a container by, in some embodiments, a one-time assembly step, a seal may be formed between the body of the container and the top of the container, isolating the top of the container. In preferred embodiments, collar 40 may be configured to be engaged, and form an airtight seal, with inner cap 30.
Referring, for example, to FIG. 6A, collar 40 may comprise threading 44 disposed on an inner surface for mating with corresponding threading 34 of inner cap 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8 ). FIGS. 6A and 6B also illustrate preferred dimensions and tolerances associated with various parts of collar 40 (where the units of the bracketed numbers are millimeters and the units of the non-bracketed numbers are inches) which may allow collar 40 to be engaged to the top of, for example, a standard aluminum can with little to no play between the top of the can and the collar.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, inner cap 30 may comprise plastic material which can be engaged with collar 40 to create a watertight and airtight seal. In preferred embodiments, threading 34 of inner cap 30 may mate with threading 44 of collar 40 (the male threading shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 matches the female threading on the inside of collar 40 of FIG. 2 ), such that inner cap 30 may be screwed into collar 40 to create the seal. In some embodiments, inner cap 30 may form the seal between the inner surface of the lower region and the inner surface of the ring collar. In preferred embodiments, opening of the seal may be facilitated by a single turn upon compression of outer cap 20 against inner cap 30 and simultaneous rotation thereof. As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 10 , inner cap 30 may also comprise a plurality of protrusions 32 on a top side and which may be generally arranged in a circular pattern. For example, the inner cap may comprise about fifty protrusions which may have a maximum thickness of about 1 to about 3 millimeters. In preferred embodiments, protrusions 32 may be configured to mate with corresponding protrusions disposed on an underside of outer cap 20.
Exemplary dimensions and tolerances of inner cap 30 are illustrated in FIGS. 8-9B (where the units of the bracketed numbers are millimeters and the units of the non-bracketed numbers are inches), which may, for example, be suitable for a standard aluminum container. The underside of inner cap 30 may only be visible to a user after outer cap 20 and inner cap 30 are unscrewed from each other. In some embodiments, the underside of inner cap 30 may have markings and/or identifiers.
When sealing cap assembly 10 is fully assembled (see, e.g., FIGS. 14-16B), a user (e.g., a child) would not be able to readily access any part of inner cap 30 and thereby allow the user to unscrew the inner cap (using, for example, one or more tools). When inner cap 30 is engaged with outer cap 20, it may become an integral part of outer cap 20 and therefore may be isolated from a user when sealed—thus providing child resistance.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, outer cap 20 may comprise plastic material and may be configured to receive, or otherwise engage, inner cap 30. In preferred embodiments, outer cap 20 may comprise plurality of protrusions (not illustrated) disposed on an underside of the top of outer cap 20 and which may be generally arranged in a circular pattern. For example, the outer cap may comprise about fifty protrusions which may have a thickness of about 1 to about 3 millimeters The protrusions of outer cap 20 may be configured to mate with protrusions 32 of inner cap 30. When outer cap 20 is engaged with inner cap 30, pressing down on outer cap 20 and simultaneous rotation thereof may cause protrusions 32 of inner cap 30 to each mate with a corresponding one of the protrusions of outer cap 20—thereby rotating inner cap 30. The rotation of inner cap 30 may allow it to be screwed into, or unscrewed from, collar 40. For example, a user may apply pressure to the top of outer cap 20 using the palm of their hand and may turn outer cap 20 in a counterclockwise direction, thus causing inner cap 30 to rotate and unscrew from collar 40.
As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 14 and 15 , when sealing cap assembly 10 is fully assembled, during the use of outer cap 20 to screw or unscrew inner cap 30, no part of inner cap 30 may be visible or directly accessible to a user. Thus, sealing and unsealing of a container may be achieved only by the rotation of outer cap 20 (while also applying pressure to the top thereof). In some embodiments, the top of the outer cap 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12-14 ) may be designed to allow the user to affix any custom identifiers and/or text to the top. For example, the top of outer cap 20 may have easily readable instructions printed thereon, such as “push down to open.” According to some embodiments, the outer perimeter of outer cap 20 may comprise a plurality of grooves 23 (illustrated, for example, in FIG. 12 ) which may allow a user to grip outer cap 20 during rotation thereof. When fully assembled, and as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 14 and 15 , sealing cap assembly 10 may form a watertight and airtight seal of the entire area accessible to the contents of a container (not illustrated). Exemplary dimensions and tolerances are illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B (where the units of the bracketed numbers are millimeters and the units of the non-bracketed numbers are inches). Sealing cap assembly 10 may permit a user to open a container and subsequently reseal it quickly and easily, while also providing child resistance.
Referring now, generally, to FIGS. 17-30 , an exemplary sealing cap assembly 110 is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Sealing cap assembly 110 may generally comprise an outer cap 120, an inner cap 130, a collar 140, a spacer 150, and a sealing ring 160. Each of outer cap 120, inner cap 130, collar 140, spacer 150, and sealing ring 160 may be configured such that they may be assembled together to form a unitary body, as illustrated in FIG. 17 . In preferred implementations, sealing cap assembly 110 may be used to seal and unseal a container, such as a standard aluminum can. In some embodiments, sealing cap assembly 110 may be constructed from polypropylene, or a like material, and may be adapted to be used with containers having a diameter of between about 0.5 and 5 inches.
According to some embodiments, and as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 19 , outer cap 120 may generally comprise a circular body having a top and a side wall 121 extending therefrom and circumscribing the top. Disposed along side wall 121 and along a lateral edge of the top of outer cap 120 may be a tab 128. As further illustrated, for example, in FIG. 19 , in preferred embodiments, one end of tab 128 may extend past the bottom edge of side wall 121. In some embodiments, tab 128 may be integrally formed with side wall 121 and/or the top of outer cap 120. In other embodiments, tab 128 may be attached by one or more fasteners.
In preferred implementations, tab 128 may be used to open a machine sealed container. For example, when sealing cap assembly 110 is engaged with an aluminum can, outer cap 120 and inner cap 130 may be removed from the assembly to expose the lid and pull tab for initially opening the can (i.e., by breaking the lid seal). Then, a user may place tab 128 underneath the pull tab and force the pull tab in a direction that causes the lid of the can to open. It is to be appreciated that, according to some embodiments, collar 140 and spacer 150 may be configured and positioned such that a user may have a limited or no ability to access the pull tab of a can with their fingers. Furthermore, if a user is able to access the pull tab, collar 140 and spacer 150 may limit the ability of the user to engage and lift the pull tab (e.g., by limiting the amount of leverage the user has to lift the pull tab). Thus, tab 128 may provide a means for engaging the pull tab of a can and obtaining sufficient leverage to lift the pull tab and open the can. This provides a further safety feature, for even if an unauthorized user (e.g., a child) is able to remove outer cap 120 and inner cap 130, they would not be able to access the pull tab of a can (or would otherwise be unable to lift the pull tab). This means that the unauthorized user would only be able to open the can using tab 128, which would require a particular amount of mechanical skill which, for example, young children would lack.
Referring more particularly to FIG. 20 , in preferred embodiments, outer cap 120 may be configured such that the diameter of the inner surface of side wall 121 may be greater than the outermost diameter of inner cap 130, such that a portion of inner cap 130 may be received within an opening defined by side wall 121 and the top of outer cap 120. Provided on the underside of the top of outer cap 120 may be a plurality of protruding, rectangular shaped bodies referred to herein as notches (e.g., protrusions) 122 which may be configured to engage, or mate with, a complementary structure of inner cap 130. For example, the outer cap may comprise about fifty notches which may have a thickness of about 1 to about 3 millimeters. In some embodiments, and as further illustrated in FIG. 20 , notches 122 may be generally arranged in a circular pattern with, in preferred embodiments, the spacing between adjacent notches being approximately equal. In some embodiments, one or more words and/or designs may be printed on and/or etched into the top of outer cap 120.
Referring now, particularly to FIGS. 21-23 , inner cap 130 may generally comprise a circular body having a top, an outer wall 131 extending therefrom and circumscribing the top, and an inner wall 139 extending in a direction away from the top. Provided on the top of inner cap 130 may be a plurality of teeth 132 which may be configured to engage, or mate with, notches 122 of outer cap 120. For example, the inner cap may comprise about fifty teeth which may have a maximum thickness of about 1 to about 3 millimeters. In preferred embodiments, teeth 132 may be generally arranged in a circular pattern which may align with the arrangement of notches 122. Each of teeth 132 may comprise a right-triangular shape such that each may comprise i) a surface which may be oblique to the surface of the top of inner cap 130 and ii) a surface which may be orthogonal to the surface of the top of inner cap 130 (as more clearly illustrated, for example, in FIG. 22 ).
When outer cap 120 and inner cap 130 are engaged, without external pressure applied to the top of outer cap 120, the oblique surfaces of teeth 132 may allow notches 122 of outer cap 120 to slide thereacross (if moved in a counterclockwise direction, relative to the orientation of inner cap 130 in FIG. 21 ). However, with sufficient pressure applied, notches 122 will catch between two of teeth 132 which are adjacent to each other, thereby allowing outer cap 120 and inner cap 130 to move together (in a counterclockwise direction). The orthogonal surfaces of teeth 132 may allow notches 122 to be caught between two of teeth 132 which are adjacent to each other (without external pressure applied to the top of outer cap 120), allowing outer cap 120 and inner cap 130 to move together (in a clockwise direction), or to prevent outer cap 120 from being turned (if, for example, inner cap 130 is fully turned in a clockwise direction).
As further illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 21 and 22 , threading 134 may be disposed on a portion of an outer surface of inner wall 139 of inner cap 130. Threading 134 may be configured to mate with, or otherwise engage, a corresponding structure of collar 140 (e.g., threading 144, illustrated in FIG. 24 ). In some embodiments, inner wall 139 of inner cap 130 may comprise multiple sections which may vary in shape and size. For example, an upper portion of the side wall (i.e., the portion proximal to the top) may have a slightly conical shape whereby the diameter may decrease slightly in a direction away from the top of inner cap 130. A lower portion (i.e., the portion distal to the top and the surface of which threading 134 is disposed) may be generally cylindrical, having approximately a constant diameter throughout the lower portion.
As illustrated in FIG. 23 , on the underside of inner cap 130, a cavity 136 may be disposed between outer wall 131 and inner wall 139 of inner cap 130. In preferred embodiments, cavity 136 may be configured to receive a portion of spacer 150 therein. Referring briefly to FIGS. 27 and 28 , and in accordance with some embodiments, spacer 150 may be generally annular with a width which may be slightly less than a width of cavity 136, such that when spacer 150 is received within cavity 136, there may be little to no play therebetween. When sealing cap assembly 110 is fully assembled (as shown, for example, in FIG. 17 ), no portion of spacer 150 may be visible to a user.
Referring now, generally, to FIGS. 24-26 , collar 140 may comprise a generally annular body having a central opening therein. Protruding from a top side of collar 140 may be a lip 148 which may encircle the central opening. Collar 140 may also comprise an outer wall 141 encircling lip 148. When sealing cap assembly 110 is fully assembled, a concentric portion of spacer 150 may abut the top side of collar 140, with the central opening of spacer 150 encircling lip 148. When assembled, inner wall 139 of inner cap 130 may be received within the central opening of collar 140 and may be secured thereto by the mating of threading 134 with threading 144 of collar 140. As also illustrated in FIG. 24 , for example, the inner surface of collar 140 may comprise a raised portion 145 which, in some embodiments, may be disposed between an upper edge of lip 148 and threading 144. When sealing cap assembly 110 is fully assembled, raised portion 145 may abut, or otherwise engage, a portion of inner wall 139 of inner cap 130.
Referring to FIG. 26 , for example, on the underside of collar 140, a cavity 146 may be disposed between outer wall 141 and an inner wall 149. In some embodiments, cavity 146 may be configured to receive sealing ring 160 therein. Sealing ring 160 may be provided to ensure an airtight and watertight seal between sealing cap assembly 110 and a container to which it may be engaged. As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 29 and 30 , sealing ring 160 may comprise a generally circular, and relatively thin, body. As more clearly illustrated, for example, in FIG. 30 , sealing ring 160 may have a slightly conical outer surface such that an outer diameter of sealing ring 160 may increase (decrease) toward an lower (upper) end (relative to the orientation of sealing ring 160 in FIG. 30 ). When sealing cap assembly 110 is fully assembled, sealing ring 160 may only be visible to a user from a lower end (i.e., as viewed from the bottom of collar 140). When sealing cap assembly 110 is engaged with a container, sealing ring 160 may abut a rim around the top of the container (e.g., the rim around the top of an aluminum can) and may not be visible to a user.
As illustrated in FIG. 31 , for example, when a sealing cap assembly is engaged with a container (in this case, an aluminum can) and the sealing cap assembly is in a fully closed, sealed position, a watertight and airtight seal may be formed between the top of the can and the sealing cap assembly. As further illustrated, a watertight and airtight seal may also be formed between an outer cap (the uppermost component, relative to the orientation of the sealing cap assembly in FIG. 31 ) and a collar of the sealing cap assembly (the component adjacent to the aluminum can). In a sealed position, a tab formed with the outer cap (which may be used to open the aluminum can) may extend about the width of the sealing cap assembly (i.e., the combined width of the outer cap and the collar). A user may access the contents of the aluminum can by applying sufficient pressure to the top of the outer cap and turning the same in a counterclockwise (or clockwise, depending on the frame of reference) direction in order to remove the outer cap and expose the top of the aluminum can. To reseal the contents of the aluminum can, the user may place the outer cap back on top of the collar, covering the top of the aluminum can, and then turn the outer cap in a clockwise (or counterclockwise, depending on the frame of reference) direction until the outer cap is securely fastened.
It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.
Moreover in this document, relational terms, such as second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including”, “contains”, “containing”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional elements of the same type in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about”, or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. Also, the term “exemplary” is used as an adjective herein to modify one or more nouns, such as embodiment, system, method, device, and is meant to indicate specifically that the noun is provided as a non-limiting example.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cap assembly for sealing a container, comprising:

a) an outer cap comprising: a top comprising a plurality of notches disposed on an underside thereof; and a tab disposed at a lateral edge of said top and extending past a bottom edge of a side wall;

b) an inner cap comprising a top comprising a plurality of teeth disposed thereon;

c) a collar;

d) a spacer; and

e) a sealing ring.

2. A method for opening a liquid container having a pull-tab securing the contents of the container in a body thereof, said container further having a cap assembly disposed over a top of said body of said container, and enclosing said pull tab, said method further comprising:

a) pulling a tab on a lateral edge of an outer cap of said sealing cap to remove said outer cap from an inner cap of said cap assembly;

b) twisting said inner cap to remove said inner cap from a collar of said cap assembly and to expose said pull tab of said container through a central opening in said collar;

c) inserting said outer cap tab through said central opening in said collar;

d) positioning said outer cap tab underneath a portion of said container pull tab; and

e) using said outer cap tab, applying a force to said container pull tab to cause said container to open.

3. A cap assembly for sealing a container, comprising:

a) an outer cap comprising:

i) a top comprising a plurality of notches disposed on an underside thereof;

ii) a side wall extending from said top; and

iii) a tab disposed at a lateral edge of said top and extending past a bottom edge of said side wall;

b) an inner cap comprising:

i) a top comprising a plurality of teeth disposed thereon;

ii) an outer wall extending from said top;

iii) an inner wall extending from an underside of said top; and

iv) a cavity disposed between said outer wall and said inner wall;

c) a collar comprising:

i) an outer wall;

ii) a lip extending from a top side of said outer wall;

iii) an inner wall;

iv) a central opening having a perimeter defined by said inner wall; and

v) a cavity disposed between said outer wall and said inner wall;

d) a spacer comprising a central opening; and

e) a sealing ring;

wherein said teeth of said inner cap are adapted to mate with said notches of said outer cap,

wherein said inner wall of said inner cap is adapted to mate with said inner wall of said collar,

wherein said cavity of said inner cap is adapted to receive said spacer therein, and

wherein said cavity of said collar is adapted to receive said sealing ring therein.