CONTAINER, IN PARTICULAR A DRINKS CAN, AND LID FOR SUCH A CONTAINER

RECIPIENT, NOTAMMENT BOITE-BOISSON, ET COUVERCLE POUR UN RECIPIENT DE CE TYPE

English Abstract

The invention concerns a container, in particular a drinks can (2), which is
closed by a lid (3) with a pull-tab opening (11). The container is also
provided with a rotatable lid element (20) by means of which the pull-tab
opening can be closed again until its contents are subsequently required
and/or by means of which a symbol or indication is covered and becomes visible
only when the closure device has been opened.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne un récipient, notamment une boîte-boisson (2), fermée par un couvercle (3) à ouverture à anneau-tirette (11). Il est en outre prévu un élément de couvercle rotatif (20) avec lequel l'ouverture à anneau-tirette peut être refermée en vue d'une consommation ultérieure, et/ou au moyen duquel un symbole ou une indication est masqué(e) et devient visible uniquement après ouverture de la fermeture.

Claims

Claims

1. Container, especially beverage can, consisting of a container body (2) made of metal and
of a container lid (3, 3a) that seals the container interior (5) and that has a sealing tab (11)
on a lid base (7, 38), which (tab) can be at least partially removed for opening the
container and freeing a container aperture (11'), characterized in that the container lid
(3, 3a) is constructed of at least two parts with a first lid element (6, 32) that contains the
sealing tab (11), as well as a second lid element (20, 31) with an additional aperture (26,
36) that has the same clearance from a middle axis M of the lid as the sealing tab (11) or
the container aperture (11'), that one of the two lid elements is affixed firmly and tightly
to the container body (2), that one of the two lid elements can be rotated on the middle
axis (M) in relation to the lid element that is affixed to the container body (2) between a
first position, in which the additional aperture is congruent with the sealing tab (11) or the
container aperture (11'), and another position, in which the sealing tab (11) or the
container aperture (11) is tightly sealed by the other respective lid element or its lid base,
and that the rotatable lid element (20, 32) has a positive fit on its perimeter with the lid
element (6, 32) affixed to the container body (3) while being able to be rotated on the
middle axis M.

2. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rotatable lid element (20, 32) is
pivoted so that it can rotate in the area of the middle axis (M) of the lid on the lid element
(6, 31) that is affixed to the container body (2), preferably, for example, on a rivet-like
connecting or fastener (19, 19a) made from the material of the base of one lid element.

3. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that means (13, 28)
are provided on the rotatable lid element (20, 32) for rotating this lid element.

4. Container according to Claim 3, characterized in that the means have the form of a pull
ring (13).

5. Container according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the means are formed by at least
one of the carriers (28) provided for on the rotatable lid element (20).

6. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized by a seal (27)
encompassing the sealing tab (11) or the container aperture (11') that is provided for
between the two lid elements (6, 20, 31, 32) and sealing the container aperture (11') in the




other position of the rotatable lid element (20, 32), also in the area between the two lid
elements.

7. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing tab
(11) is formed from the material of the lid element, or its base, that contains this sealing
tab.

8. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing tab
(11) can be pulled off and is provided with a handle for this purpose, for example with a
pull ring.

9. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing tab
(11) can be pressed into the interior (5) of the container in order to open the container (1,
1a).

10. Container according to Claim 9, characterized in that on the outer side of the lid (3, 3a) a
pivotal push-in or pull ring (13) is provided for, in order to pull out or push in the sealing
tab (11).

11. Container according to Claim 10, characterized in that the pull ring (13) is held on the
middle axis (M) of the lid by a fastener (19, 19a) that also serves as a pivot for the
rotatable lid element (20, 32).

12. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that with the original
seal of the container intact the sealing tab (11) or at least an extension or lip (12) on this
tab extends into the second aperture (26, 36) thereby preventing the lid elements from
rotatating in relation to one another.

13. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the container lid
(3, 3a) has bowl-like form.

14. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rotatable lid
element (20, 32) is of circular disk shape.

15. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rotatable lid
element is shaped like a segment of a circle.


11

16. Container according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that one lid element,
preferably the first lid element (6, 32) contains a surface (39, 39') with at least one symbol
and/or notice that, with the original container seal intact, is covered by the other lid
element (20, 31) and is visible through the additional aperture (26, 36) after rotating the
one lid element relative to the other lid element.

17. Container according to Claim 16, characterized in that the surface with at least one symbol
or notice is located across from the container aperture (11') in relation to the middle axis
(M).

18. Container according to Claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the lid elements cannot be
rotated relative to one another in order to make the surface (39, 39') with at least one
symbol visible, until after the original seal has been opened.

19. Container lid for a container, especially beverage can, consisting of a container body (2)
made of metal, of a container lid (3, 3a) that seals the container's interior (5) and that has a
sealing tab (11) on one lid base (7, 38), which (tab) can be at least partially removed for
opening the container and freeing a container aperture (11'), characterized in that the
container lid (3, 3a) is constructed of at least two parts with a first lid element (6, 32) that
contains the sealing tab (11), as well as a second lid element (20, 31) with an additional
aperture (26, 36) that has the same clearance from a middle axis M of the lid as the sealing
tab (11) or the container aperture (11'), that one of the two lid elements is affixed firmly
and tightly to the container body (2), that one of the two lid elements can be rotated on the
middle axis (M) in relation to the lid element that is affixed to the container body (2)
between a first position, in which the additional aperture is congruent with the sealing tab
(11) or the container aperture (11'), and a second position, in which the sealing tab (11) or
the container aperture (11) is tightly sealed by the other respective lid element or its lid
base, and that the rotatable lid element (20, 32) has a positive fit on its perimeter with the
lid element (6, 32) affixed to the container body (3) while being able to be rotated on the
middle axis M.

20. Container lid according to Claim 16, characterized in that the rotatable lid element (20,
32) is pivoted so that it can rotate in the area of the middle axis (M) of the lid on the lid
element (6, 31) that is affixed to the container body (2), preferably, for example, on a
rivet-like connector or fastener (19, 19a) made from the material of the base of one lid
element.

12

21. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that means (13,
28) are provided on the rotatable lid element (20, 32) of rotating this lid element.

22. Container lid according to Claim 18, characterized in that the means have the form of a
pull ring (13).

23. Container lid according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the means are formed by
at least one of the carriers (28) provided for on the rotatable lid element (20).

24. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized by a seal (27)
encompassing the sealing tab (11) or the container aperture (11') that is provided for
between the two lid elements (6, 20, 31, 32) and sealing the container aperture (11') in the
second position of the rotatable lid element (20, 32), also in the area between the two lid
elements.

25. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing
tab (11) is formed from the material of the lid element, or its base, that contains this
sealing tab.

26. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing
tab (11) can be pulled off and is provided with a handle for this purpose, for example with
a pull ring.

27. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing
tab (11) can be pressed into the interior (5) of the container in order to open the container
(1, 1a).

28. Container lid according to Claim 24, characterized in that on the outer side of the lid (3,
3a) a pivotal push-in or pull ring (13) is provided for, in order to pull out or push in the
sealing tab (11).

29. Container lid according to Claim 25, characterized in that the pull ring (13) is held on the
middle axis (M) of the lid by a fastener (19, 19a) that also serves as a pivot for the
rotatable lid element (20, 32).

30. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that with the
original seal of the container intact the sealing tab (11) or at least an extension or lip (12)




13
on this tab extends into the second aperture (26,36) thereby preventing the lid elements
from rotating in relation to one another.

31. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the container
lid (3,3a) has bowl-like form.

32. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rotatable
lid element (20, 32) is of circular disk shape.

33. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rotatable
lid element is shaped like a segment of a circle.

34. Container lid according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that one lid
element, preferably the first lid element (6,32) contains a surface (39,39') with at least
one symbol and/or notice that, with the original container seal intact, is covered by the
other lid element (20,31) and is visible through the additional aperture (26, 36) after
rotating the one lid element relative to the other lid element.

35. Container lid according to Claim 34, characterized in that the surface with at least one
symbol or notice is located across from the container aperture (11 ') in relation to the
middle axis (M).

36. Container lid according to Claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the lid elements cannot be
rotated relative to one another in order to make the surface (39,39') with at least one
symbol visible, until after the original seal has been opened.

37. Container, especially beverage can, consisting of a container body (2) made of metal, of a
container lid (3,3a) that seals the container's interior (5) and that has a sealing tab (11) on
one lid base (7, 38), which (tab) can be at least partially removed for opening the container
and freeing a container aperture (11 '), characterized in that the container lid (3,3a) is
constructed of at least two parts with a first lid element (6, 32) as well as a second lid
element (20, 31) with an aperture (26,36), that one of the two lid elements is affixed
firmly and tightly to the container body (2), that one of the two lid elements can be rotated
on the middle axis (M) in relation to the lid element that is affixed to the container body
(2), and that one lid element, preferably the first lid element (6,32) forms a surface (39,
39') with at least one symbol and/or notice that is covered by the other lid element (20,



14
31) with the original container seal intact and that is visible after rotation of the one lid
element relative to the other lid element through the additional aperture (26,36).

38. Container according to Claim 37, characterized in that the surface with at least one symbol
or notice is situated opposite of the container aperture (11') in relation to the middle axis
(M) of the lid.

39. Container according to Claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the lid elements cannot be
rotated relative to each other in order to make the surface (39,39') with at least one
symbol visible until after the original seal has been opened.

40. Container lid for a container, especially beverage can, consisting of a container body (2)
made of metal, of a container lid (3,3a) that seals the container's interior (5) and that has a
sealing tab (11) on one lid base (7,38), which (tab) can be at least partially removed for
opening the container and freeing a container aperture (11'), characterized in that the
container lid (3, 3a) is constructed of at least two parts with a first lid element (6,32) as
well as a second lid element (20,31) with an aperture (26,36), that one of the two lid
elements is affixed firmly and tightly to the container body (2), that one of the two lid
elements can be rotated on the middle axis (M) in relation to the lid element that is affixed
to the container body (2), and that one lid element, preferably the first lid element (6,32)
forms a surface (39, 39') with at least one symbol and/or notice that is covered by the
other lid element (20, 31) with the original container seal intact and that is visible after
rotation of the one lid element relative to the other lid element through the additional
aperture (26,36).

41. Container lid according to Claim 40, characterized in that the surface with at least one
symbol or notice is situated opposite of the container aperture (11 ') in relation to the
middle axis (M) of the lid.

42. Container lid according to Claim 40 or 41, characterized in that the lid elements cannot be
rotated relative to each other in order to make the surface (39, 39') with at least one
symbol visible until after the original seal has been opened.

Description

CA 02265897 l999-03- 16CONTAINER, ESPECIALLY BEVERAGE CAN, AND LID FOR SUCH A CONTAINERThe invention pertains to a container, especially a beverage can according to the preamble ofpatent claim 1 or 37. Furthermore, the invention pertains to a container lid or container sealaccording to the preamble of patent claim 19 or 40.Beverage cans with a can body made of metal, for example of an aluminum alloy and with acan lid, which is also made of metal and forming a sealing tab on the surface of the lid thatcan either be pulled out of the lid or pushed into the interior of the can in order to open thecan, are known and are widely used. The disadvantage is that after opening such a container, itcannot be re—closed for further consumption of the contents of the container (working seal).The purpose of the invention is to improve a container or a container seal of the typementioned above in such a way that a convenient and tight working seal is achieved, withoutthe necessity of the user having to use additional elements not already present on the lid.In order to solve this problem a container according to the characteristics of patent claim 1 or37 and a container lid or seal according to the characteristics of patent claim 19 or 40 isembodied.Due to the rotatable lid element the container can be sealed effectively even after the firstopening. In one embodiment of the invention the rotatable lid element is located, seen fromthe top of the lid, above the lid element that is affixed to the body of the can, whereby thebases of both lid elements are adjacent to one another. In another possible embodiment of theinvention the rotatable lid element is located beneath the lid element affixed to the body of thecan in the interior of the body of the container. In this embodiment the bases of the two lidelements are likewise adjacent to one another. In all preferred embodiments it is intended thatthe perimeter of the respective rotatable lid element has a positive fit while being able to berotated in the lid element that is affixed to the body of the container, so as to prevent the twolid elements from lifting off of each other on the perimeter as well, and so that a tight sealingof the container aperture is achieved especially for the working seal. Further embodiments ofthe invention are the subject of the dependant claims. In the following, the invention isdescribed in more detail with examples of embodiments with reference to the figures, whichdepict:Fig. 1 a simplified depiction in top View of a beverage can with the original seal intact;C:\WlNDOWS\TEMP\l 7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 16Fig. 2 a sectional view of the upper part of the beverage can through the can seal there withthe original seal intact;Fig. 3 a top view of the opened can;Fig. 4 and 5 in sectional view the upper part of the opened beverage can (Figure 4) and of theclosed beverage can for further use or consumption;Fig. 6 the beverage can of Figures 1 — 5 in side view, partially in sectional view;Fig. 7 in top view, a second embodiment of the can according to the present invention in itsoriginal, sealed condition;Fig. 8 a sectional View through the can in Figure 7;Fig. 9 a top View of the can in Figure 7, however in opened condition;Fig. 10 and 11 a sectional View through the beverage can in Figure 9 in opened condition aswell as through the working seal in closed condition;Fig. 12 a view as in Figure 3, however with a re—closed lid;Fig. 13 — 15 in enlarged sectional view, the lid elements of the can lid in the vicinity of theseals.In the figures there is 1 a beverage can that is intended for soft drinks, for example, and has abody 2 made of metal, for example aluminum or aluminum alloy, that is manufactured bydeep drawing and has a sealed peripheral wall and a sealed bottom. On the top, the open canbody 2 is sealed by a can lid 3 that is affixed in the customary manner and with the customarymeans by a lock seam 4 along one rim of the can with the can body 2 and that hermeticallyseals the interior 5 of the beverage can to the outside.The can lid 3 consists of the lid element 6 that is preferably manufactured from a sheet ofaluminum or aluminum allow by deep—drawing, with a base 7 and with a rim 8 that extendsupward beyond the top of the base and has an essentially circular ring shape andconcentrically encompasses the middle axis M of container and lid and which is affixed to thecan body 2 or with the rim that encompasses the aperture of this can body by means of thelock seam 4. At the transition to the rim 8 a snap ring groove 9 that encompasses the middleaxis M of the can lid in a circular ring shape is molded into the base 7 and is open on theupper side of the lid base 7, i.e. has its concave side there. Connected to the snap ring groove9 and across from this in relation to the middle axis M and displaced radially inward, the lidbase 7 likewise has a ring lip 10 that concentrically encompasses the middle axis M and that isarched convexly on the top of the lid base 7.C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\l7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 16In the lid base 7, which is essentially of circular disk shape there is, furthermore, a sealing tab11 that is radially displaced to the middle axis M and that can be pushed inward in the usualmanner in order to open the beverage can or the can lid 3 in such a way that this tab 1 1, whenthe can is open, is still partially connected with the lid base 7 in the interior 5 of the can forfreeing an aperture 11, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.The tab 11 is manufactured of one piece with the lid element 6 or with its base 7 in that therim line of this tab 11 is formed at least partially from a breaking line on which the material ofthe lid base is reduced in cross section. The tab 11 is reinforced by means of a self-containedenforcement lip 12 of circular ring shape that extends beyond the surface of the tab 11 orbeyond the top of the base 7.In order to open the beverage can 1, i.e. to pull up and bend the tab 11 inward, a pull-ring 13is provided for on the top of the can lid 3 that is formed in the usual manner in the top View ofFigures 1 and 3 as an oval ring 14 with a middle stay 15 and two ring apertures 16 and 17 oneither side of the middle stay 15. A tab 18 by which the pull ring 13 is fastened to the top ofthe lid element 6 in the vicinity of the middle axis M by means of a rivet-like fastener 19 thatis formed from the material of the lid base 7 extends into the ring aperture 17, which is closerto the sealing tab 11 than the ring aperture 16. The ring body 14 and the middle stay 15 arestationary. The tab 18 can be bent. The pull ring or its ring body 14 lies against the pull tab 11or the lip 12 on the side away from the ring aperture 16. On a can with the original seal intactthe plane of the pull ring lies parallel or nearly parallel to the plane of the lid base, within thespace encompassed by the rim 8, i.e. below the upper lip of the beverage can 1 formed by thelock seam 4.A further lid element 20 on the fastener 19 between the can base 7 and the tab 18 is providedfor that can rotate around the middle axis M. This lid element 20 is of circular disk shape inthe depicted embodiment and has a rolled-in, closed rim lip 21 that encompasses the middleaxis M in the manner of a ring. The lid element 20 is guided in the snap ring groove 9 with theclosed, rolled-in rim lip 21. In several areas around the middle axis M, i.e. in the depictedembodiment in six areas surrounding the middle axis M, 22 cams are pressed into the rim 8,extending beyond the inner side of the rim facing the base 7 and holding the rim 21 in thesnap ring groove 9.In the depicted embodiment the lid element 20 is also slightly bowl-shaped, i.e. it has a base23 of essentially circular disk shape, a ring-shaped rim 24 that extends diagonally downwardC:\WINDOWS\'I‘EMP\l7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 164into the snap ring groove 9 encircling the middle axis M and has a rim lip 21. At the joiningof the rim 24 and the base 23 there is a ring lip 25 that likewise encompasses the middle axisM, giving the lid element 20 additional stiffness. Across from the middle axis M, radiallydisplaced, in the base 23 of the lid element 20 an aperture 26 is provided for that has at leastthe same dimensions as the sealing tab 11 or the drinking or pouring aperture 11’ afterpressing in this sealing tab. In a can 1 with the original seal intact the aperture 26 is congruentwith the sealing tab 11. The lip 12 is located within the aperture 26 and extends into thisaperture 26 so that rotation of the lid element 20 in relation to the lid element 6 is notpossible.Furthermore, 27 designates a self—enclosed ring-shaped seal that encompasses the sealing tab11 or the aperture 11' on its lip and is provided for on the upper side of the lid element 6 or ofthe lid base 7 between the latter and the base 23.At the joining of the lid base 23 and the ring lip 25 the bottom side of the lid base 23 liesagainst the ring lip 10 of the lid base 7. This causes a gap to be formed between the two lidbases 7 and 23, the width of which is approximately the same as the thickness of the elasticseal 27 stretched between the two bases 7 and 23, i.e. the pressure of the lid base 23 againstthe ring lip 10 also prevents the seal 27, by means of corresponding riveting in the vicinity ofthe fastener 19 from being deformed too strongly and thus damaged.On the lid base 23 two carriers 28 that extend beyond the top of the lid base are also providedfor. All components of the lid element 20, as of the lid element 6, are manufactured from asingle sheet of metal by punching and molding. The pull ring 13 as well as all parts of the lidelement 26 are formed and arranged in such a way that there is sufficient free space also onthe inner side of the can lid 3 to process it with the usual machines for sealing of the can body2.Figures 1 and 2 show the beverage can 1 with the original seal intact. In order to open thebeverage can 1 the pull ring 13 is lifled on the side opposite its sealing tab 11 correspondingto the arrow A in Figure 2, whereby the other side of the pull ring comes into position againstthe sealing tab 11 or against the lip 12 there, causing the sealing tab 11 to be pushed inward,creating the aperture 11' (Figure 4). The contents of the beverage can 1 can then be poured ordrunk through the apertures 11' and 26, which are now congruent. The beverage can 1 can besealed during consumption. In order to do this the lid element 20 is rotated on the carriers 28around the middle axis M far enough that the aperture 26 is located outside of the aperture 11'C:\WlNDOWS\TEMP\l7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 16and the latter is covered by the lid base 23, as depicted in Figure 5. In the depictedembodiment, the lid element 20 is intended to be turned 180°. The two end positions aredetermined by means of stops 29 and 30 (Figure 6) in the snap ring groove and on the rim orthe ring lip 21. Turning of the lid element 20 for closing and opening the aperture 11' takesplace on the carriers 28. In the depicted embodiment the pull ring 13 is also connected withthe lid element 20 in such a way that it cannot be turned, in that the rectangular-shaped tab 18fits into a depression in the lid base 23 corresponding to this tab. By means of the seal 27 atight working seal is achieved, especially since the lid element 20 is guided firmly at itsperimeter by the earns 22 in the snap ring groove 9 and is prevented by the cams 22 pressedagainst the rim lip 21 from unwanted lifting on the rim, so that even with carbonatedbeverages or beverages under pressure there is no danger of a lifting of the working seal.The Figures 7 ff. show a beverage can la that again consists of a can body 2 and a can lid 3asealing the can on the top which differs essentially from the can lid 3 in that the lid element 31affixed to the body of the can is the upper lid element and the rotatable lid element 32 for theworking seal is the lower lid element, i.e. located in the interior 5 of the beverage can.The lid element 31 is again bowl—like with a lid base 33 of essentially circular diskishape and :a lid rim 34 that is affixed to the rim of the can body 2 by means of a lock seam. At thejoining of the lid base 33 and the rim 34 a ring lip 35 is provided for on the lid element 31 that ii ‘encompasses the middle axis M and extends into the interior 5, i.e. beyond the bottom side ofthe base 33 and encircling the middle axis M. The lid element 31 also has an aperture 26 onthe base 33 corresponding to the aperture 36.With the help of this rivet-like fastener 19a formed from the material of the lid element 32 thepull ring 13 is attached to the upper side of the base 33. In the depicted embodiment thefastener 19a has a non-circular cross-section, for example a rectangular or square crosssection. In the tab 18 of the pull ring 13 an aperture adjusted to this cross section is providedfor, so that by turning the pull tab 13 on the middle axis M the lid element 32 is also turned.With the fastener 19a the lid element 32 is pivoted in the middle of the lid element 31 so thatit can rotate.The circular ring-shaped rim of the lid element 32 is formed in such a way that it encompassesthe ring lip 35 there with a positive fit, but also forming at the same time a guide for the lidelement 32 when revolving on the middle axis M. In the base 38 of the lid element 32 thesealing tab 11 is formed with the lip 12 that, with the original seal of the beverage can laC:\WINDOWS\TEMP\l7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 166intact, extends into the aperture 36, thus preventing the lid element 32 from turning in relationto the lid element 31 on the middle axis M. On the upper side of the base 38 the seal 27encompassing the sealing tab 11 is again provided for.In order to open the beverage can lathe pull ring 13 is again lified on the side opposite of theaperture 36 (Arrow A in Figure 8); this causes the sealing tab 11 to be broken out through theaperture 36 and pressed into the interior 5 allowing the contents of the can to be removedthrough the congruent apertures 36 and 11' (Figure 10). For the working seal the lid element32 can be turned by means of the pull ring 13 in such a way that the aperture 11' is sealed bythe upper lid element 31 or its lid base 33.In Figures 1 and 2, 39 refers to a surface provided for on the upper side of the lid element 6 orits base 7, displaced in relation to the rotation axis of the lid element 20 (axis of the fastener19) by 180° opposite the sealing tab 18. With the original seal of the beverage can 1 intact thissurface is covered by the lid element 20 and not visible from the outside. Not until thebeverage can is opened and the lid element 20 is unlocked can the latter be turned in such away that the aperture 26 is congruent with the surface 39 and this is visible. The surface 39can be used for the attachment or imprinting of information, pictures etc., for example forimprinting of ticket numbers or winning numbers, collective numbers, serial numbers, etc.,that are not visible with the original beverage can la seal intact. In the same manner, a surface39' is also possible for the beverage can la, in this case on the upper side of the can element32 or the base 38 situated diametrically across from the tab 11 in relation to the rotation axisof this can element (axis of the fastener 19a). After opening of the original seal, the lidelement 32 with the surface 39' can, in this embodiment again, be rotated in such a way that itis visible through the aperture 36.Figure 12 shows, in a depiction similar to Figures 1 and 3, the lid 1 in resealed condition. Inthis position the surface 39 is visible through the aperture 26. As shown in Figures 13 and 14,the seals 27, that are made of rubber or an appropriate, elastic plastic suitable for food, forexample with a silicone-rubber base, can also be formed as seals with a circular ring-shapedcross section (Figure 14) or as a lip or labyrinth seal (Figure 13). The possibility remains toform the seals by suitable deforming of the material used for the respective can elementdirectly from this material or from metal as metallic labyrinth seals, as shown by 27' in Figure15.C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\l7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 16The invention was described above using examples of embodiments. Of course, numerousalterations and variations are possible without abandoning the inventive idea on which theinvention is based.C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\l7884.DOCv-AN>-v--Ar--Av—do—-:->-\ooo\)o\(J1.(;L,J[\)»-AUr-A k» to - - C> ”‘ :1’?16, 171819, 19a2021222324252627, 27'2829, 3031, 3233343536373839, 39'C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\l7884.DOCCA 02265897 l999-03- 168List of reference symbolsbeverage canbody of canlid of canlock seaminteriorlid elementbaserimsnap ring groovering lipsealing tabaperturelippull ringring bodymiddle stayring aperturetabfastenerlid elementrim lipcambaserimring lipaperturesealcarrierstoplid elementbaserimring lipaperturerimbasesurface

Representative Drawing