US4793510A — Resealable container closure

Claim 1

Independent Claim 415 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said beaded flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said wall portion of said metallic end wall having a substantially frustoconical annular section extending outwardly from said flange means and said lever portion having a smooth surfaced section which intimately engages said substantially frustoconical annular section of said end wall when said lever portion is moved to said second position so as to substantially prevent ingress of dirt and the like between said lever portion in said second position and said annular section of said wall portion.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 415 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said beaded flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said wall portion of said metallic end wall having a substantially frustoconical annular section extending outwardly from said flange means and said lever portion having a smooth surfaced section which intimately engages said substantially frustoconical annular section of said end wall when said lever portion is moved to said second position so as to substantially prevent ingress of dirt and the like between said lever portion in said second position and said annular section of said wall portion.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 361 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said selected angle between said wall portion and said exterior surface portion of said flange means lying within the range of about 55 degrees 75 degrees ; said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 361 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said selected angle between said wall portion and said exterior surface portion of said flange means lying within the range of about 55 degrees 75 degrees ; said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 386 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connection portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said opening of said end wall having a neck portion of minimum diameter relative to other portions of said opening, said exterior surface portion of said flange means extending at a selected angle of between about 30 degrees and about 40 degrees to a plane passing through said neck portion.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 386 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connection portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said opening of said end wall having a neck portion of minimum diameter relative to other portions of said opening, said exterior surface portion of said flange means extending at a selected angle of between about 30 degrees and about 40 degrees to a plane passing through said neck portion.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 335 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange mean of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means only as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 335 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange mean of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means only as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 20 words

The invention as claimed in claim 1,2,3 or 4, wherein said metallic end wall is formed from a steel alloy.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 37 words

The invention as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said flange means of said metallic end wall includes a bent over end section with the end section extending in the direction of said opening.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 35 words

The invention as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said lever portion has an outer periphery and at least one pull tab is connected to said outer periphery of said lever portion.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 17 words

The invention as claimed in claim 7, wherein said pull tab has means for indicating tampering therewith.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 15 words

The invention as claimed in claim 2, wherein said selected angle is approximately 60 degrees.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 15 words

The invention as claimed in claim 3 wherein said selected angle is approximately 35 degrees.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 20 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said metallic end is formed from an aluminum alloy.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 19 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said flexible closure element is formed from polypropylene.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 19 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said flexible closure element is formed from polyethylene.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 22 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the surfaces of said metallic end wall includes a coating thereon.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 14 words

The closure device of claim 14 wherein said coating comprises a wax or lacquer.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 24 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said closure element is coated with a low gas transmission rate coating material.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 13 words

The closure device of claim 16 wherein said coating material comprises polyvinylidene chloride.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 14 words

The closure device of claim 16 wherein said coating material comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 21 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said end wall includes means for attachment comprising a curl.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 29 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said end wall has means for attachment comprising a surface which may be adhesively bonded to a can.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 17 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said flange means is inwardly beaded.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 32 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said lever portion is of increasing thickness in a radial inner segment and of decreasing thickness in a radial outer segment.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 24 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said metallic end wall is heated prior to assembly of said closure device.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 23 words

The closure device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said closure element is heated prior to installation on said end wall.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention of claim 24 wherein said closure element is heated to a temperature between about 95 and 120 degrees F.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 411 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded. flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said beaded flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of the said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said beaded flange means including a rounded portion and said closure element including a surface that is of substantially complementary configuration in size, shape and curvature to said rounded portion so that said rounded portion and said surface on said closure element are in substantially full and complete contact with each other upon initial positioning of said closure element over said opening prior to inverting said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 411 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded. flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said beaded flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of the said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said beaded flange means including a rounded portion and said closure element including a surface that is of substantially complementary configuration in size, shape and curvature to said rounded portion so that said rounded portion and said surface on said closure element are in substantially full and complete contact with each other upon initial positioning of said closure element over said opening prior to inverting said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 457 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said beaded flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of the said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said metallic end wall having a substantially frustoconical annular section extending outwardly from said flange means and said lever portion having a smooth surfaced section which intimately engages said substantially frustoconical annular section of said end wall when moved to said second position so as to substantially prevent ingress of dirt and the like between said lever portion in said second position and said annular section of said end wall, said opening of said end wall having a neck portion of minimum diameter relative to other portions of said opening, said exterior surface portion of said flange means extending at a selected angle of between about 30 and about 40 degrees to a plane passing through said neck portion.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 457 words

A closure device for a can comprising a metallic end wall having an opening therethrough and a flexible closure element, said opening being substantially surrounded by a beaded flange means that flares outwardly relative to said opening, said beaded flange means including an exterior surface portion, said end wall including a wall portion surrounding said flange means with said wall portion extending at a selected angle relative to said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel with said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned in a first position, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical skirt portion and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end wall and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that, upon positioning said closure element over said opening of said metallic end wall and moving said lever portion to a second position including, when said central panel is generally horizontally disposed, moving said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position, said nose portion will sealingly engage at least a continuous annular part of the said exterior surface portion of said flange means, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end wall and said lever means is in said second position and said end wall is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means at least as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said retarding means is free of said flange means, said metallic end wall having a substantially frustoconical annular section extending outwardly from said flange means and said lever portion having a smooth surfaced section which intimately engages said substantially frustoconical annular section of said end wall when moved to said second position so as to substantially prevent ingress of dirt and the like between said lever portion in said second position and said annular section of said end wall, said opening of said end wall having a neck portion of minimum diameter relative to other portions of said opening, said exterior surface portion of said flange means extending at a selected angle of between about 30 and about 40 degrees to a plane passing through said neck portion.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 323 words

A closure device for a can, said closure device comprising a metallic end and a flexible closure element, said metallic end having an opening therein bounded by an outwardly and upwardly flaring beaded flange and having means adjacent its periphery for attachment to said can, said metallic end including an upwardly and inwardly tapering section between said means and said flange, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel and said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical portion or skirt and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that upon positioning said closure element over said opening in said metallic end and inverting said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position said nose portion sealingly contacts the outer surface of said flange without mechanically hooking under the outer surface of said flange and said connecting portion sealingly contacts said flange in a tangential relationship defined between said central panel and said flange while said lever portion abuts against said tapering section of said metallic end, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end and said lever means is in said second position and said end is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means only as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said removal retarding means is free of said flange means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 323 words

A closure device for a can, said closure device comprising a metallic end and a flexible closure element, said metallic end having an opening therein bounded by an outwardly and upwardly flaring beaded flange and having means adjacent its periphery for attachment to said can, said metallic end including an upwardly and inwardly tapering section between said means and said flange, said flexible closure element having a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting said central panel and said lever portion, said lever portion being initially positioned as a generally upwardly directed frustoconical portion or skirt and having, as viewed in vertical cross-section, a nose at its connection with said connecting portion, said metallic end and said closure element being constructed and arranged such that upon positioning said closure element over said opening in said metallic end and inverting said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position said nose portion sealingly contacts the outer surface of said flange without mechanically hooking under the outer surface of said flange and said connecting portion sealingly contacts said flange in a tangential relationship defined between said central panel and said flange while said lever portion abuts against said tapering section of said metallic end, said central panel including a first surface and a second surface each disposed so that, when said closure element is fitted on said flange means of said opening of said end and said lever means is in said second position and said end is mounted on a can body, said first surface will face outwardly of said opening and said second surface will face inwardly, said second surface including removal retarding means for frictionally engaging at least a portion of said flange means only as said closure element is being removed from said opening to thereby provide a resistance to removal of said closure device at least until said removal retarding means is free of said flange means.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 85 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein the upper end of said beaded flange includes a rounded portion and said closure element includes a surface that is of substantially complementary configuration in size, shape and curvature to said rounded portion so that said rounded portion and said surface on said closure element are in substantially full and complete contact with each other upon the initial positioning of said closure element over said opening prior to inverting said lever portion to a generally downwardly directed position.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 64 words

The closure device of claim 29 wherein, when viewed in vertical cross-section, the surface of said beaded flange immediately below said rounded portion is a straight line, and the surface of said closure element immediately below said complementary portion thereof is also a straight line, whereby said inverting brings the two straight line surfaces into contact with each other without any substantial sliding therebetween.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said metallic end is formed from an aluminum alloy.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 15 words

The closure device of claim 28, wherein said flexible closure element is formed from polypropylene.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 15 words

The closure device of claim 28, wherein said flexible closure element is formed from polyethylene.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 18 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein the surfaces of said metallic end wall includes a coating thereon.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 14 words

The closure device of claim 34 wherein said coating comprises a wax or lacquer.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 20 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said closure element is coated with a low gas transmission rate coating material.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 13 words

The closure device of claim 36 wherein said coating material comprises polyvinylidene chloride.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 14 words

The closure device of claim 36 wherein said coating material comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 17 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said end wall includes means for attachment comprising a curl.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 25 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said end wall has means for attachment comprising a surface which may be adhesively bonded to a can.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 13 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said flange means is outwardly beaded.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 28 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said lever portion is of increasing thickness in a radial inner segment and of decreasing thickness in a radial outer segment.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 20 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said metallic end wall is heated prior to assembly of said closure device.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 19 words

The closure device of claim 28 wherein said closure element is heated prior to installation on said end wall.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 25 words

The invention of claim 44 wherein said closure element is heated to a temperature between about 95 and 120 degrees F. (35 and 65.6 C.).

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 72 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 1,2,3,4,26, 27 or 28, wherein said end wall is adapted to be attached to a can body and said removal retarding means is out of contact with a sufficient portion of said flange means when said lever portion is in said second position so that said closure element is movable relative to said opening in response to a predetermined pressure existing in the can body.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 66 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 1,2,3,4,26, 27 or 28, wherein said removal retarding means includes peripheral surface means extending from said second surface of said central panel located relative to said flange means so that as said central panel is flexed upon removal of said closure element from said opening at least a portion of said peripheral surface means frictionally engages said flange means.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 27 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 1,2,3,4,26, 27 or 28, wherein said peripheral surface means is formed as an annular ring portion on said second surface.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 21 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 48, wherein said ring portion surrounds a hollowed out section of said central panel.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 17 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 47, wherein said peripheral surface means includes pressure venting means.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 32 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 50, wherein said pressure venting means comprises at least one groove formed in said peripheral surface means and extending generally transverse to said central panel.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 36 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 47, wherein said peripheral surface means extends from an annular wall which is spaced inwardly of said connecting portion and which extends radially outwardly of said peripheral surface means.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 58 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 26, 27 or 28 wherein said lever portion at a radially outer section tapers to become thinner as the radial distance from said central panel increases and strap means are provided which is formed integrally with a portion of said radially outer section of said lever portion.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 38 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 53 wherein said strap means includes at least one loop having two spaced arms with each arm having an end formed integrally with said radially outer section of said lever portion.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 26 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 54 wherein said arms at their points of juncture with said lever portion are spaced apart approximately 50 degrees.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 31 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 55 wherein said arms diverge with respect to each other outwardly of said points of juncture at an additional angle of approximately 15 degrees.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 20 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 54 wherein said arms are of substantially uniform thickness along their respective lengths.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 22 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 53 wherein two strap means are provided spaced from each other about the lever portion.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 45 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 26, 27 or 28 wherein said second surface includes peripheral surface means and said peripheral surface means includes slot mean for venting the contents of the can body when said closure device is removed.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 28 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 59 wherein said slot means comprises a plurality of recesses formed in said peripheral surface and spaced about said peripheral surface.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 26 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 59 wherein said slot means is located on said peripheral surface adjacent tab means carried on said lever portion.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 32 words

The closure device as claimed in claim 54 wherein said lever portion has a reduced thickness portion between the points where said arms join said radially outer section of said lever portion.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1991-12-27	1992-06-27	1992-12-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1995-12-27	1996-06-27	1996-12-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1999-12-27	2000-06-27	2000-12-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Resealable container closure

Abstract

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