FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage cans; in particular, an aluminum pull-tab can; and more particularly to a safety seal for use within an aluminum pull-tab beverage can.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aluminum cans have become ubiquitous containers for any number of consumer goods, including fruits, vegetables, sauces and beverages. A subset of aluminum cans includes pull-tab beverage containers for such beverages as soda pop, juice, beer and the like. As their name implies, pull-tab cans include a pivoting pull-tab that is configured to engage a scored flap within the can's lid. Pressure from the pull-tab causes the scored flap to rupture, whereby continued application of pressure serves to push the flap within the container's internal void. Fluid within the container may then be poured through the opening created by this displacement of the flap. However, as the flap is merely scored within the lid of the can, its rupture results in an opening have a sharp meal edge. This sharp edge may lead to cuts to a user's fingers, lips or tongue.

Therefore, there is a need for a safety seal for use with aluminum beverage containers to prevent cuts to users. The present invention addresses these as well as other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to provide a safety seal configured for use with a container. The container defines an interior volume and includes a top lid having a channel defined around a portion of a scored flap, and a pull-tab adapted to engage the flap and enable opening of the flap and creating an open lip within the top lid thereby providing access to the interior volume. The safety seal comprises an arcuate seal member dimensioned to be received within the arcuate channel to thereby seal the container interior volume. The arcuate seal member may be C-shaped, having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a first thickness, and a first edge and a second edge defining a first width. The first edge defines a first channel configured to receive a portion of the top lid therein, and the second edge defines a second channel configured to receive a portion of the flap therein.

In a further aspect of the present invention, one or both of the top surface and bottom surface include a respective furrow defined therein.

In another aspect, the present invention may provide for a beverage container comprising a closed bottom, a continuous sidewall and a top lid, all defining a container interior volume. The top lid includes an arcuate channel defined therein and a scored flap in communication with the arcuate channel. An arcuate seal member is dimensioned to be received within the arcuate channel to thereby seal the container interior volume. A pull-tab is mounted on the top lid proximate the scored flap and is adapted to engage the flap to create an open lip within the top lid. This provides access to the container interior volume while the arcuate seal member surrounds the open lip.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the arcuate seal member is C-shaped and has a top surface and a bottom surface defining a first thickness and a first edge and a second edge defining a first width. The first edge may also define a first channel configured to receive a portion of the top lid therein, and the second edge may define a second channel configured to receive a portion of the flap therein. One or both of the top surface and the bottom surface may also include a respective furrow defined therein. In one aspect, the arcuate seal member comprises a resilient yet flexible material.

Additional aspects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures.

