Pouring spout for cans

Claim 1

A pouring spout for cans which embody a rim area structure comprising an annular channel of generally U-shaped section open at the top, formed of radially spaced outer and inner vertical walls joined by a bottom wall, the pouring spout comprising a base element of a generally C ring plan and of a generally Ushaped cross section opening horizontally outward, embodying generally parallel upper and lower flanges joined by an inner vertical annular wall, the upper and lower flanges being of sufficient radial dimensions and spaced apart a distance adapting them to engage the top of the inner vertical wall of the can channel and the bottom wall of the latter respectively, the base element being formed of a resilient material and the annular wall thereof having a diameter when in repose greater than the diameter of the inner wall of the can channel and contractable to provide clearance for the base element to be inserted and positioned for engagement with the can channel whereby upon release and expansion the base element will engage the can channel at the top of the inner wall and the bottom thereof, thereby sealing off the interior of the can from the external portion of the rim area, and a dished lip on the base element projecting radially outward beyond the rim area of the can, the lip being generated at opposite points on the base element separated by at least 180* and inclining from the points of generation in uninterrupted curves which merge at their peak.