Reusable container closure

Abstract

A reusable closure device is secured to an engagement member on the nozzle of a container. The device has a stopper which can partially abut the nozzle. The stopper is connected by one or more hinge members to a sleeve. The sleeve has a retaining member which engages the engagement member. The hinge members allow the stopper to pivot about the nozzle from a closed position, which forms a leak-proof and air tight seal, to an open position, which allows access to the container contents.

1 . A reusable closure device securable to the nozzle of a container, the nozzle having at least one engagement member thereon, the closure device comprising:
 a stopper formed of a flexible and resilient material, said stopper comprising a non-abutting portion and an abutting portion;   a sleeve comprising a retaining member; said retaining member adapted to engage the engagement member of said nozzle; and   one or more flexible, elastic and resilient hinge members extending between said stopper and said sleeve, the hinge members adapted to allow the stopper to pivot about the nozzle;   
       wherein said abutting portion is adapted to form a leak-proof, air tight seal when it abuts said nozzle. 
     
     
         2 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve further comprises a gripper adapted to aid in the removal of the reusable closure device from the container. 
     
     
         3 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve is a ring adapted to accommodate the insertion of said nozzle about said retaining member. 
     
     
         4 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve is a resilient clamp with an opening adapted to accommodate the insertion of said nozzle through said opening. 
     
     
         5 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said closure device further comprises two or more flexible, elastic and resilient hinge members extending between said stopper and said sleeve, the hinge members adapted to allow the stopper to pivot about the nozzle; 
     
     
         6 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said engagement member is an annular flange. 
     
     
         7 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said stopper is generally spherical. 
     
     
         8 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said stopper further comprises an attachment member adapted to releasably engage an aesthetic accessory. 
     
     
         9 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said stopper further comprises a generally vertical cylindrical opening and a normally closed valve which closes the opening, said valve adapted to receive a drinking straw. 
     
     
         10 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the material for said stopper is selected from the group consisting of regulatory approved food grade silicon rubber, regulatory approved food grade natural resins, and regulatory approved food grade synthetic resins. 
     
     
         11 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the material for at least one of said stopper, retaining member, and resilient hinge members comprises a food grade additive that imparts an aroma. 
     
     
         12 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said stopper further comprises a hard plastic portion formed using co-injection mould techniques. 
     
     
         13 . The reusable closure device of  claim 2 , wherein said gripper further comprises a hard plastic portion formed using co-injection mould techniques. 
     
     
         14 . The reusable closure device of  claim 1 , wherein said container is a standard polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottle.