[0001] The present invention relates to a tumbler which, thanks to its particular shape,
can also be used to close hermetically a can which is not entirely empty.
[0002] For this purpose, a seat is formed in the inner part of the bottom of the tumbler
and a gasket is inserted therein; such gasket adheres around the outlet, or to the
rim of the can, when the tumbler is arranged in the inverted position on the container.
The pressure on the gasket, required in order to ensure the hermetic tightness of
the closure, is achieved by way of recesses which protrude inside the bottom of the
tumbler and engage the rim of the can.
[0003] It is also possible to provide a grip element to facilitate the removal of the tumbler
from the can by pushing or pulling with one's hand.
[0004] Further characteristics and advantages of the tumbler according to the invention
will become better apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments
thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
Figure 1 is an internal view of the tumbler.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tumbler, arranged upside down.
Figure 3 is an external view of the bottom of the tumbler.
Figure 4 is a sectional view of a can closed hermetically by means of the inverted
tumbler.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 are views of another embodiment of the tumbler provided with a
perimetric gasket, where Figure 5 is a view of the internal, bottom part of the tumbler.
Figure 6 is the longitudinal sectional view of the tumbler, and Figure 7 is an external
upper view of the bottom of the tumbler.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tumbler provided with a different
perimetric gasket.
[0005] In the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates the tumbler, in particular the
lateral wall thereof and the reference numeral 2 designates the bottom thereof. In
the figures 1-4 the internal part of the bottom of the tumbler is provided with a
protrusion 3 whereto a gasket 4 is applied. The protrusion and the corresponding gasket
are arranged in such a position as to surround the pouring hole of the can 5 when
the cup is arranged in an inverted position over it, as shown in Figure 4.
[0006] In order to achieve the necessary pressure on the gasket, recesses 6 are provided
in the bottom 2 of the tumbler; such recesses protrude inwardly and are shaped and
arranged so as to be superimposed, by pressing, on the rim 7 of the can.
[0007] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5-8, the bottom of the tumbler is shaped
so as to accommodate a perimetric gasket 8. Such gasket 8 can have an angular cross-section,
as in Figure 6, which is suitable to surround the edge of the rim of the can, or can
have a rectangular cross-section, as in Figure 8, or a circular cross-section or any
other cross-section suitable to press against the rim of the can.
[0008] A protrusion, or any grip element on which it is possible to apply pressure or traction
with one's hand, can be provided in order to facilitate removal of the tumbler.
[0009] Regardless of the embodiment selected, the tumbler according to the invention can
be used not only in the conventional manner but also to close hermetically a can that
has not been emptied completely.
[0010] The described tumbler can be applied to the can during packaging, before it is distributed,
so as to protect the upper part of the container against dust or dirt in general.
[0011] The tumbler is preferably made of plastics. The number, shapes and positions of the
recesses 6 may differ from the ones shown in the illustrated examples. In particular,
a recess which surrounds the bottom of the tumbler without discontinuities might be
provided.
[0012] In practice, the material used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions,
so long as they are compatible with the specific use, may be any according to requirements
and to the state of the art.
[0013] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. PS2000A000024 from which this application
claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
[0014] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs,
those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility
of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect
on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference
signs.
1. A tumbler for closing hermetically a can, characterized in that in the internal part of its bottom (2) a support or a seat (6) is provided in which
a gasket (4,8) is inserted, said gasket (4) adhering around the pouring hole or on
the rim (7) of the can (5) when the tumbler (1) is pressed in the inverted position
onto the can (5).
2. The tumbler according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure on the gasket (4,8), required to ensure hermetic closure, is achieved
by means of recesses (6) or the like which protrude inside the bottom (2) of the tumbler
(1) and are shaped so as to engage the rim (7) of the can (5).
3. The tumbler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that a grip element is provided on its outer part in order to facilitate removal thereof
from the can (5) by hand pressing or pulling.
4. The tumbler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that application thereof to the can (5) is carried out during packaging, or before distribution,
so as to act as protection for the upper part of the can (5) against dust or dirt
in general.