US20230339659A1 - Child-resistant can top - Google Patents
Child-resistant can top Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230339659A1 US20230339659A1 US18/133,338 US202318133338A US2023339659A1 US 20230339659 A1 US20230339659 A1 US 20230339659A1 US 202318133338 A US202318133338 A US 202318133338A US 2023339659 A1 US2023339659 A1 US 2023339659A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- covering member
- tab portion
- rim
- tab
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims 4
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 240000004308 marijuana Species 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000012766 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000012765 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. spontanea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical group [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000015897 energy drink Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013334 alcoholic beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000009120 camo Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000005607 chanvre indien Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000599 controlled substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000001647 drug administration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000011487 hemp Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002574 poison Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000614 poison Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014214 soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
- B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
- B65D50/06—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of different actions in succession
- B65D50/061—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of different actions in succession being disengageable from container only after rotational alignment of closure, or other means inhibiting removal of closure, with container, e.g. tortuous path type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
- B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
- B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
- B65D17/4012—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening partially by means of a tearing tab
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/46—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2215/00—Child-proof means
- B65D2215/04—Child-proof means requiring the combination of different actions in succession
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
- B65D2517/0001—Details
- B65D2517/001—Action for opening container
- B65D2517/0014—Action for opening container pivot tab and push-down tear panel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
- B65D2517/0001—Details
- B65D2517/0031—Reclosable openings
- B65D2517/004—Reclosable openings by means of an additional element
- B65D2517/0041—Reclosable openings by means of an additional element in the form of a cover
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
- B65D2517/0001—Details
- B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
- B65D2517/0059—General cross-sectional shape of container end panel
- B65D2517/0061—U-shaped
- B65D2517/0062—U-shaped and provided with an additional U-shaped peripheral channel
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to child-resistant container covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing child access to a container, such as a beverage can, and providing evidence of tampering or access to the container.
- Beverages have been stored, distributed, and sold in various types of containers. For individual use, bottles and cans are ubiquitous.
- One type of container is an aluminum can in a cylindrical shape, usually with a flip-top opening for manual breaking of a seal and flexing back to clear an opening for pouring and drinking the contents.
- Some beverages are subject to legal restrictions, such as most notably, alcoholic beverages.
- Another type of consumable that is restricted is pharmaceuticals and marijuana-based or hemp-based products.
- Casual consumption can be dangerous if consumed to excess or without proper administration.
- a chief concern is limiting access to minors (individuals under the local legal age of majority) to avoid harmful consequences.
- governments institute laws and regulations mandating child-protective barriers to the use by minors of controlled substances, such as cannabis and cannabis products.
- the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulated child-resistant packaging based on the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) are directed towards designing packaging to make it significantly difficult for children under five years old to open the packaging or obtain a toxic or harmful amount of the substance therein within a reasonable amount of time.
- the requirements also maintain that it should not be difficult for ordinary adults to use the packaging properly.
- the PPPA requirements do not dictate that the packaging should be designed such that 100 percent of children cannot open the packaging or obtain a toxic or hazardous amount within a reasonable time.
- the U.S. child-resistant packaging performance specifications are found in the regulation cited as 16 C.F.R. ⁇ 1700.15, The U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidance on child-resistant packaging is available at https://www.fda.gov/media/70788/download.
- individual states usually have their own child-resistant packaging regulations and guidance.
- Cannabis-based beverages are sold in the same cans or type of container. It is desirable that consumers are not inadvertently consuming cannabis beverages in the same manner as energy drinks, sodas, or other soft drinks. To prevent minors from accessing and consuming controlled beverages and to avoid mistaken consumption by people unfamiliar with consumption of cannabis-based beverages, an apparatus to limit and control opening such containers would be useful.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0060578 A1 to John R. Church, et al. discloses a locking container and lid assembly incorporating a resilient polymer container and lid that are closed by a snap-lock engagement of the lid with a groove inside a container opening.
- this document does not disclose a lid fitted for a top of a can or for preventing child access to an opening tab for such a can.
- a can lid for metal cans that children will find difficult to open but adults, especially senior adults, and disabled adults will be able to open the lid readily and easily.
- the present invention is substantially different in structure, function, and approach from that of the child-resistant can tops previously disclosed.
- a device for covering an opening formed in a first surface of a container may comprise; a covering member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a rim portion, said lower surface contacting a rim portion of a first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container, the lower surface of the covering member having a recess for enclosing said rim of the first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container and a pivotal lever inside the periphery of the first surface of the container for opening the container, a tab portion at least partially covering the pivotal lever, the tab portion comprising an opening for lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever, a frangible seal securing the tab portion to another portion of the covering member, an interior aperture formed through the covering member, the
- a combination of a device for covering an opening formed in a first surface of a can and a can for holding a beverage may comprise; a can, including, a top with a rim, a cylindrical body attached to said top at said rim, an orifice formed through said top, and a pivotal lever for operation by a user to open said orifice, a covering member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a rim portion, said lower surface contacting a rim portion of a first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container, the lower surface of the covering member having a recess for enclosing said rim of the first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container and a pivotal lever inside the periphery of the first surface of the container
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 shows an elevation view of a covering member, according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 shows the reverse side of the covering member shown in FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 shows a side view of a covering member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a side view of the covering member in FIG. 4 , rotated about 180 degrees, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a covering member applied to a can, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the invention is often referred to herein as an apparatus and method for restricting child access to opening metal beverage cans, it is understood that such description is not limiting, such that the technology in this invention may be applied in numerous other products and methods, including but not limited to non-beverage containers, non-metallic containers, and similar structures.
- the can lid of the present invention cannot be easily opened in a conventional manner by a child, yet is easily opened by an adult, especially senior adults or disabled adults.
- Another advantage is that the outer edge of the can lid is tapered inwards radially and smooth such that the can lid is not easy to grip off or pry off without opening the lid and breaking the seal composed of frangible elements.
- the tapered, smooth outer edges of the can lid make the lid difficult to grasp when applied to the top of the can and a sealing ledge on the lid reverse side facing inside grabs a seam roll on the upper edge of the can.
- a beverage container depicted as a can (or container) 12 is a typical beverage container known in the art.
- the can 12 has a top 14 , a rim 16 , and a cylindrical body 18 attached to the first surface (top) 14 at the rim 16 .
- a drinking opening 20 is formed in the top 14 , opened by a pivotal lever 22 .
- the container 12 has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface 18 and includes a rim portion 16 extending along the periphery of the first surface 14 of the can 12 .
- the pivotal lever 22 is situated inside the periphery of the first surface 14 of the can 12 for opening the container.
- the pivotal lever 22 may be operated by most people, including children, to open the can 12 and consume the contents of the can 12 .
- the covering member may be manufactured of injection-molded plastic, such as polypropylene.
- FIG. 2 a covering member 100 is shown, with an upper surface 101 , a lower surface 103 (shown in FIG. 3 ), and a rim portion 102 , said lower surface 103 contacting a rim portion 16 of a first surface 14 of the container 12 .
- a tab portion 104 is configured to at least partially cover the pivotal lever 22 (shown in FIG. 1 ), the tab portion 104 comprising an opening 106 for lifting the tab portion 104 away from the pivotal lever 22 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and away from the first surface 14 of the can 12 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the covering member 100 may be an integral structure.
- a frangible seal/connector 108 or even a plurality of seals/connectors 108 , may be situated to secure or hold in a securing position the tab portion 104 to another portion of the covering member 100 , such as a guide member 122 ;
- An interior aperture 110 may be formed through the covering member 100 , and the interior aperture 110 may be situated between the tab portion 104 and the guide member 122 .
- a lower tab aperture 112 may be formed through the covering member 100 , situated between the tab portion 104 and the guide member 122 .
- the lower tab aperture 112 may be bounded by the breakable seal/connector 108 .
- the guide members 122 here in FIG. 2 shown as two guide members, may be connected to the frangible seal/connector 108 to secure the tab portion 104 within the covering member 100 before lifting the tab portion 104 away from the pivotal lever 22 ;
- a lateral aperture 116 formed from the guide member 122 and a semi-circular stabilizing member 124 , the lateral aperture 116 may be integral with the covering member 100 .
- An outer aperture 118 may be formed between the stabilizing member 124 and the rim portion 102 of the covering member 100 .
- the covering member 100 is depicted with four outer apertures 118 .
- the covering member 100 may benefit from a lower aperture 114 through the tab portion 104 .
- the tab portion 104 may comprise a tab portion base 120 for providing substantial structure, a flexing surface, and a location for identifying markings, such as a serial number, trademark, artwork, or other items.
- FIG. 3 is the covering member 100 of FIG. 2 from the opposite side.
- FIG. 3 depicts the lower surface 103 of the covering member 100 having a recess 102 for enclosing said rim 16 of the first surface 14 of the can 12 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 shows an anterior view of the covering member 100 depicting useful arrangements of the structural features, such as semi-circular stabilizing member 124 and retaining tab 126 . These features assist in “snapping” the covering member 100 to a can and permitting the covering member 100 to retain securely engagement with the top 14 and/or rim 16 of the can 12 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 ).
- FIG. 5 shows another, opposite view of the covering member, depicting exemplary structural aspects for securing the covering member 100 to the can 12 .
- Protrusions may serve to protect a covering member and can when multiple units are stacked vertically, to prevent inadvertent opening or breaking of the frangible seals/connectors from the direct weight and pressure of cans above a base can.
- FIG. 6 shows a covering member 100 , as described herein, installed securely onto a can 12 to inhibit child access to the pivoting lever 22 of the can 12 to prevent unauthorized access to the contents of the can 12 .
- the apertures in the covering member may serve to enhance flexibility in a circumferential direction to make the covering member easily attached to a beverage can and to snugly fit on the top of the can in engagement with the rim of the can top.
- Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
- two elements may be connected to each other physically or in any other manner, through one or more additional elements.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention may comprise a main tab, a tab shield, a rim, an interior rim guard, and a tab finger port. The invention may further comprise breakable connectors among the tab, tab shield, rim, interior rim guard, and other structures, such that breakage of the connectors indicates access to a container after preventing or inhibiting access to a container, such as a beverage can.
Description
- The application claims priority from U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/729,304, filed on Dec. 28, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,623,800, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to child-resistant container covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing child access to a container, such as a beverage can, and providing evidence of tampering or access to the container.
- Beverages have been stored, distributed, and sold in various types of containers. For individual use, bottles and cans are ubiquitous. One type of container is an aluminum can in a cylindrical shape, usually with a flip-top opening for manual breaking of a seal and flexing back to clear an opening for pouring and drinking the contents.
- In some cases, people do not want containers to be easily opened by children or unauthorized individuals when the containers carry a substance that is harmful, controlled, dangerous, or costly.
- Some beverages are subject to legal restrictions, such as most notably, alcoholic beverages. Another type of consumable that is restricted is pharmaceuticals and marijuana-based or hemp-based products. Casual consumption can be dangerous if consumed to excess or without proper administration. A chief concern is limiting access to minors (individuals under the local legal age of majority) to avoid harmful consequences. Also, governments institute laws and regulations mandating child-protective barriers to the use by minors of controlled substances, such as cannabis and cannabis products.
- The European Union and the United States maintain regulations as to child-resistant packaging for drugs and other substances. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulated child-resistant packaging based on the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), The special packaging requirements under the PPPA are directed towards designing packaging to make it significantly difficult for children under five years old to open the packaging or obtain a toxic or harmful amount of the substance therein within a reasonable amount of time. The requirements also maintain that it should not be difficult for ordinary adults to use the packaging properly. The PPPA requirements do not dictate that the packaging should be designed such that 100 percent of children cannot open the packaging or obtain a toxic or hazardous amount within a reasonable time. The U.S. child-resistant packaging performance specifications are found in the regulation cited as 16 C.F.R. § 1700.15, The U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidance on child-resistant packaging is available at https://www.fda.gov/media/70788/download. In the United States, individual states usually have their own child-resistant packaging regulations and guidance.
- Many energy drink beverages are sold in aluminum cans and are popular with youth consumers. Some cannabis-based beverages are sold in the same cans or type of container. It is desirable that consumers are not inadvertently consuming cannabis beverages in the same manner as energy drinks, sodas, or other soft drinks. To prevent minors from accessing and consuming controlled beverages and to avoid mistaken consumption by people unfamiliar with consumption of cannabis-based beverages, an apparatus to limit and control opening such containers would be useful.
- Several have tried to create child-resistant can lids. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0060578 A1 to John R. Church, et al. discloses a locking container and lid assembly incorporating a resilient polymer container and lid that are closed by a snap-lock engagement of the lid with a groove inside a container opening. However, this document does not disclose a lid fitted for a top of a can or for preventing child access to an opening tab for such a can.
- Herein is disclosed a can lid for metal cans that children will find difficult to open but adults, especially senior adults, and disabled adults will be able to open the lid readily and easily.
- Thus, it would be advantageous to have a device and a method that prevents minor access for safety and waste control.
- As will be seen more fully below, the present invention is substantially different in structure, function, and approach from that of the child-resistant can tops previously disclosed.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a device for covering an opening formed in a first surface of a container, may comprise; a covering member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a rim portion, said lower surface contacting a rim portion of a first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container, the lower surface of the covering member having a recess for enclosing said rim of the first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container and a pivotal lever inside the periphery of the first surface of the container for opening the container, a tab portion at least partially covering the pivotal lever, the tab portion comprising an opening for lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever, a frangible seal securing the tab portion to another portion of the covering member, an interior aperture formed through the covering member, the interior aperture situated between the tab portion and a guide member, the guide member connected to the frangible seal to secure the tab portion within the covering member before lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever, a lateral aperture formed from the guide member and a semi-circular stabilizing member, the lateral aperture integral with the covering member, an outer aperture formed between the stabilizing member and the rim portion of the covering member, and a lower aperture through the tab portion.
- In another aspect of the present invention a combination of a device for covering an opening formed in a first surface of a can and a can for holding a beverage may comprise; a can, including, a top with a rim, a cylindrical body attached to said top at said rim, an orifice formed through said top, and a pivotal lever for operation by a user to open said orifice, a covering member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a rim portion, said lower surface contacting a rim portion of a first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container, the lower surface of the covering member having a recess for enclosing said rim of the first surface of the container, wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container and a pivotal lever inside the periphery of the first surface of the container for opening the container, a tab portion at least partially covering the pivotal lever, the tab portion comprising an opening for lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever, a frangible seal securing the tab portion to another portion of the covering member, an interior aperture formed through the covering member, the interior aperture situated between the tab portion and a guide member, the guide member connected to the frangible seal to secure the tab portion within the covering member before lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever, a lateral aperture formed from the guide member and a semi-circular stabilizing member, the lateral aperture integral with the covering member, an outer aperture formed between the stabilizing member and the rim portion of the covering member, and a lower aperture through the tab portion.
- These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in, or will become apparent from, the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows an elevation view of a covering member, according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 shows the reverse side of the covering member shown inFIG. 2 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 shows a side view of a covering member, according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 shows a side view of the covering member inFIG. 4 , rotated about 180 degrees, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a covering member applied to a can, according to an embodiment of the present invention. - The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- Although the invention is often referred to herein as an apparatus and method for restricting child access to opening metal beverage cans, it is understood that such description is not limiting, such that the technology in this invention may be applied in numerous other products and methods, including but not limited to non-beverage containers, non-metallic containers, and similar structures.
- The can lid of the present invention cannot be easily opened in a conventional manner by a child, yet is easily opened by an adult, especially senior adults or disabled adults. Another advantage is that the outer edge of the can lid is tapered inwards radially and smooth such that the can lid is not easy to grip off or pry off without opening the lid and breaking the seal composed of frangible elements. The tapered, smooth outer edges of the can lid make the lid difficult to grasp when applied to the top of the can and a sealing ledge on the lid reverse side facing inside grabs a seam roll on the upper edge of the can.
- In
FIG. 1 , a beverage container, depicted as a can (or container) 12 is a typical beverage container known in the art. Thecan 12 has atop 14, arim 16, and acylindrical body 18 attached to the first surface (top) 14 at therim 16. Adrinking opening 20 is formed in thetop 14, opened by apivotal lever 22. Thecontainer 12 has a longitudinally extendingcylindrical surface 18 and includes arim portion 16 extending along the periphery of thefirst surface 14 of thecan 12. - The
pivotal lever 22 is situated inside the periphery of thefirst surface 14 of thecan 12 for opening the container. Thepivotal lever 22 may be operated by most people, including children, to open thecan 12 and consume the contents of thecan 12. - The covering member may be manufactured of injection-molded plastic, such as polypropylene.
- In
FIG. 2 a coveringmember 100 is shown, with anupper surface 101, a lower surface 103 (shown inFIG. 3 ), and arim portion 102, saidlower surface 103 contacting arim portion 16 of afirst surface 14 of thecontainer 12. - A
tab portion 104 is configured to at least partially cover the pivotal lever 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ), thetab portion 104 comprising anopening 106 for lifting thetab portion 104 away from the pivotal lever 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ) and away from thefirst surface 14 of the can 12 (shown inFIG. 1 ). - The covering
member 100 may be an integral structure. A frangible seal/connector 108, or even a plurality of seals/connectors 108, may be situated to secure or hold in a securing position thetab portion 104 to another portion of the coveringmember 100, such as aguide member 122; - An
interior aperture 110 may be formed through the coveringmember 100, and theinterior aperture 110 may be situated between thetab portion 104 and theguide member 122. Alower tab aperture 112 may be formed through the coveringmember 100, situated between thetab portion 104 and theguide member 122. Thelower tab aperture 112 may be bounded by the breakable seal/connector 108. - The
guide members 122, here inFIG. 2 shown as two guide members, may be connected to the frangible seal/connector 108 to secure thetab portion 104 within the coveringmember 100 before lifting thetab portion 104 away from thepivotal lever 22; - A
lateral aperture 116 formed from theguide member 122 and a semi-circular stabilizingmember 124, thelateral aperture 116 may be integral with the coveringmember 100. - An
outer aperture 118 may be formed between the stabilizingmember 124 and therim portion 102 of the coveringmember 100. InFIG. 2 , the coveringmember 100 is depicted with fourouter apertures 118. The coveringmember 100 may benefit from alower aperture 114 through thetab portion 104. Thetab portion 104 may comprise atab portion base 120 for providing substantial structure, a flexing surface, and a location for identifying markings, such as a serial number, trademark, artwork, or other items. -
FIG. 3 is the coveringmember 100 ofFIG. 2 from the opposite side.FIG. 3 depicts thelower surface 103 of the coveringmember 100 having arecess 102 for enclosing saidrim 16 of thefirst surface 14 of thecan 12, as shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 shows an anterior view of the coveringmember 100 depicting useful arrangements of the structural features, such as semi-circular stabilizingmember 124 and retainingtab 126. These features assist in “snapping” the coveringmember 100 to a can and permitting the coveringmember 100 to retain securely engagement with the top 14 and/orrim 16 of the can 12 (shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 6 ).FIG. 5 shows another, opposite view of the covering member, depicting exemplary structural aspects for securing the coveringmember 100 to thecan 12. Protrusions, like the stabilizingmember 124 and theretaining tab 126, may serve to protect a covering member and can when multiple units are stacked vertically, to prevent inadvertent opening or breaking of the frangible seals/connectors from the direct weight and pressure of cans above a base can. -
FIG. 6 shows a coveringmember 100, as described herein, installed securely onto acan 12 to inhibit child access to the pivotinglever 22 of thecan 12 to prevent unauthorized access to the contents of thecan 12. - The apertures in the covering member may serve to enhance flexibility in a circumferential direction to make the covering member easily attached to a beverage can and to snugly fit on the top of the can in engagement with the rim of the can top.
- The apparatuses and methods described herein may be modified or altered to comprise more aspects, concurrent steps, simultaneous steps, or other variations.
- It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Furthermore, a method herein described may be performed in one or more sequences other than the sequence presented expressly herein.
- Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
- The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
- In this document, relational terms such as first and second, 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. Numerical ordinals such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and such simply denote different singles of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. The sequence of the text in any of the claims does not imply that steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence unless it is specifically defined by the language of the claim. The steps may be interchanged in any order without departing from the scope of the invention as long as such an interchange does not contradict the claim language and is not logically nonsensical.
- Furthermore, depending on the context, two elements may be connected to each other physically or in any other manner, through one or more additional elements.
- While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.
Claims (14)
1. A device for covering an opening formed in a first surface of a container, comprising:
a covering member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a rim portion, said lower surface contacting a rim portion of a first surface of the container;
wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container;
the lower surface of the covering member having a recess for enclosing said rim of the first surface of the container;
wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container and a pivotal lever inside the periphery of the first surface of the container for opening the container;
a tab portion at least partially covering the pivotal lever, the tab portion comprising an opening for lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever;
a frangible seal securing the tab portion to another portion of the covering member;
an interior aperture formed through the covering member, the interior aperture situated between the tab portion and the rim portion of the covering member; and
a plurality of side apertures, each aperture situated on a side of the tab portion.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is formed as a single unitary structure.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the single unitary structure is made from one type of material.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the one type of material is plastic.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the frangible seal is integral with the tab portion.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is destructively detachable from the container.
7. A combination of a device for covering an opening formed in a first surface of a can and a can for holding a beverage, comprising:
A can, including, a top with a rim, a cylindrical body attached to said top at said rim, an orifice formed through said top, and a pivotal lever for operation by a user to open said orifice;
a covering member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a rim portion, said lower surface contacting a rim portion of a first surface of the container;
wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container;
the lower surface of the covering member having a recess for enclosing said rim of the first surface of the container;
wherein the container has a longitudinally extending cylindrical surface and including a rim portion extending along the periphery of the first surface of the container and a pivotal lever inside the periphery of the first surface of the container for opening the container;
a tab portion at least partially covering the pivotal lever, the tap portion comprising an opening for lifting the tab portion away from the pivotal lever;
a frangible seal securing the tab portion to another portion of the covering member;
an interior aperture formed through the covering member, the interior aperture situated between the tab portion and the rim portion of the covering member; and
a plurality of side apertures, each aperture situated on a side of the tab portion.
8. The combination of claim 7 , wherein the covering member is formed as a single unitary structure.
9. The combination of claim 8 , wherein the single unitary structure is made from one type of material.
10. The combination of claim 9 , wherein the one type of material is plastic.
11. The combination of claim 7 , wherein the frangible seal is integral with the tab portion.
12. The combination of claim 7 , wherein the covering member is destructively detachable from the can.
13. The combination of claim 7 , wherein the covering member comprises a finger hole.
14. A device for restricting access to an opening formed in a first surface of a container, comprising:
a covering member having an integrally molded body including an annular structure and a sidewall, wherein;
the annular structure includes a central void defined by an intermediate perimeter;
a tearable tab portion formed in the body of the integrally molded body with a frangible seal on either side of the tearable tab portion, such that the tearable tab portion breaks when an upward biasing force is applied to the tearable tab portion; and
the sidewall engages with a lip of the container to prevent axial displacement of the covering member until the tearable tab portion is removed.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/133,338 US20230339659A1 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2023-04-11 | Child-resistant can top |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/729,304 US11623800B2 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2019-12-28 | Child resistant can top |
US18/133,338 US20230339659A1 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2023-04-11 | Child-resistant can top |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/729,304 Continuation US11623800B2 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2019-12-28 | Child resistant can top |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230339659A1 true US20230339659A1 (en) | 2023-10-26 |
Family
ID=79032396
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/729,304 Active US11623800B2 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2019-12-28 | Child resistant can top |
US18/133,338 Abandoned US20230339659A1 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2023-04-11 | Child-resistant can top |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/729,304 Active US11623800B2 (en) | 2019-12-28 | 2019-12-28 | Child resistant can top |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US11623800B2 (en) |
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-
2019
- 2019-12-28 US US16/729,304 patent/US11623800B2/en active Active
-
2023
- 2023-04-11 US US18/133,338 patent/US20230339659A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11623800B2 (en) | 2023-04-11 |
US20210403211A1 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
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