Patent Publication Number: US-10773854-B2

Title: Resealable beverage can lid

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/923,789 filed on Mar. 16, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates generally to a beverage can lid having an opening, and more particularly to a resealable beverage can lid. 
     Beverage cans for containing liquids such as a carbonated beverages have become a universal and ubiquitous product. The beverage can is typically constructed of an aluminum alloy composition that may include aluminum, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and copper. The beverage can consists of a can body into which a liquid is filled and a can lid that is sealed to the can body. The can body may include a base or bottom that is dome shaped to resist internal pressure, a generally cylindrical section, a narrowed neck portion, and an open top edge. The can lid may include the lid portion that is about the same circumference as the narrowed neck portion of the can body, a scored opening or weakened portion, a tab portion that is used to open the scored opening portion, and a rivet that is used to secure the tab to the lid portion. The rivet is an integral piece of the lid portion and is formed by stretching the center of the lid portion upwardly and then drawn to form the rivet. The lid is sealed to the can body by trimming the open top edge of the can body, bending the trimmed edge, and seaming the bent trimmed edge to the lid. In this manner, any liquid contained within the can body is sealed. To open the beverage can the tab is lifted to press against the scored opening portion to partially push the scored opening portion into the can body to create an opening in the lid. The scored opening portion typically does not fully detach from the lid. Once opened, liquid from inside the can body may flow through the opening. 
     One problem associated with the use of the beverage can is that once opened it cannot be closed again. Since the liquid within the beverage can may be carbonated, after a period of time the carbonation escapes and the liquid becomes flat or stale. Once flat, the beverage can and its contents may be discarded which may be wasteful. Also, after opening the beverage can the contents may have to be consumed quickly because the contents cannot be preserved. Further, it is also possible that the contents of the beverage can may spill due to not being able to close the opening. In particular, when an individual is walking with an opened can the individual may trip or fall and the contents of the can may be spilled because the can is open. This may also be problematic if the beverage can is stationary and near electrical equipment such as a computer or a laptop and the can accidentally is knocked over. It is also possible that insects or other contaminants may infiltrate the beverage can through the opening. If this occurs then the beverage can and its contents should be thrown away. 
     The present disclosure is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings experienced with prior beverage can constructions. Particularly, it would be advantageous to be able to have a resealable beverage can lid for preserving the contents of the beverage can. Moreover, the present disclosure is related to a resealable beverage can lid that can be easily resealed for later use. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one form of the present disclosure, a resealable beverage can lid is disclosed which comprises a lid having a top side having a first scored opening and a second scored opening and a bottom side, a first rivet formed in the lid and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, a second rivet formed in the lid and extending outwardly from the bottom side of the lid, the second scored opening encompassing the first rivet and the second rivet, a tab portion connected to the first rivet, and a closure element connected to the second rivet. 
     In another form of the present disclosure, a resealable beverage can lid comprises a lid having a top side having a first scored opening and a second scored opening and a bottom side, a first rivet formed in the lid and extending upwardly from the top side of the lid, a second rivet formed in the lid and extending downwardly from the bottom side of the lid, the second scored opening having a portion of the lid with the portion encompassing the first rivet and the second rivet, a tab portion connected to the first rivet, and a closure element connected to the second rivet. 
     In still another form of the present disclosure, a resealable beverage can lid comprises a lid having a top side having a first scored opening capable of being opened to form a first opening in the lid, a second scored opening capable of being opened to form a second opening in the lid, and a bottom side, a first rivet formed in the top side of the lid and extending upwardly from the top side of the lid, a second rivet formed in the lid and extending downwardly from the bottom side of the lid, the second scored opening when opened forming a link portion of the lid with the link portion encompassing the first rivet and the second rivet, a tab portion connected to the first rivet, and a closure element connected to the second rivet. 
     In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that the resealable beverage can lid of the present disclosure is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results. 
     The present disclosure provides a resealable beverage can lid that may be used to reseal an opened beverage can in order to preserve the contents of the beverage can for later use. 
     The present disclosure provides a resealable beverage can lid that employs an easy to use adjustment mechanism that allows an individual to reseal the lid of an opened beverage can. 
     The present disclosure provides resealable beverage can lid that does not require any special tools to use the resealable beverage can lid. 
     The present disclosure also provides a resealable beverage can lid that can be used with any size beverage cans. 
     The present disclosure provides a resealable beverage can lid that can be constructed using readily available materials and construction techniques and machinery. 
     The present disclosure also provides a resealable beverage can lid having a closure mechanism that does not add significantly to the price of manufacturing the beverage can lid. 
     These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage can having a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to the beverage can; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a closure device constructed according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the closure device connected to the rivet constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the beverage can having the resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to the beverage can with the closure device being shown in a closed position and a scored opening portion being shown in an opened position; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the resealable beverage can lid showing the closure device in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a beverage can having a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to the beverage can; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure with a tab portion removed for purposes of clarity; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG. 13  taken along the plane of line  15 - 15 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage can having the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number  10  identifies a preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the resealable beverage can lid  10  is shown to comprise a lid  12  having a top side  14  having a first scored opening  16  and a bottom side  18 . The lid  12  has a first rivet  20  formed therein with the first rivet  20  extending outwardly from the top side  14  of the lid  12 . The first rivet  20  has an indentation  22  formed in the bottom side  18  of the lid  12  during the manufacturing process that forms the first rivet  20 . The first rivet  20  has a scored first circumference  24 . The scored first circumference  24  may be formed in the top side  14  or the bottom side  18 . The scored first circumference  24 , once ruptured, released, or broken from the lid  12 , allows the first rivet  20  to be freed from the lid  12  so that the first rivet  20  is able to rotate about the lid  12 , as will be explained more fully herein. A tab portion  26  is connected to the first rivet  20 . The tab portion  26  is used to open the first scored opening  16  to form an opening (not shown) in the lid  12 . The tab portion  26  may be connected to the first rivet  20  by friction, welding, or adhesive. A rotational force may be applied by rotating the tab portion  26  to release the first rivet  20  from the lid  12  by use of the scored first circumference  24 . A second rivet  28  is connected to the first rivet  20  at the indentation  22 . The second rivet  28  may be connected to the first rivet  20  by welding or use of an adhesive. A closure device or element  30  is connected to the second rivet  28 . The closure element  30  may be connected to the second rivet by friction, welding, or adhesive. The closure element  30  is sized and shaped generally the same as the first scored opening  16 . 
     The lid  12  has a flange  32  that is shaped to receive a neck portion  34  of a cylindrical can body  36 . The can body  36  has an interior  38  in which a liquid  40 , such as a carbonated beverage, may be filed. As can be appreciated, the lid  12  is used to seal or cap the neck portion  34  of the can body  36 . The closure element  30  is initially positioned to be away from the first scored opening  16  so as not to interfere with the operation of the first scored opening  16 . The tab portion  26  is operated to rupture the first scored opening  16  to move the first scored opening  16  into the interior  38  of the can body  36 . An opening (not shown) is created after the first scored opening  16  is moved into the interior  38 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a top view of the resealable beverage can lid  10  constructed according to the present disclosure. The resealable beverage can lid  10  has the lid  12  having the top side  14  having the first scored opening  16 , the first rivet  20 , and the tab portion  26 . The lid  12  has a portion or area  42  that is not scored. The portion  42  prevents the first scored opening  16  from falling completely into the interior  38  ( FIG. 1 ) of the can body  36 . In essence, the first scored opening  16  is held in place on the lid  12  by the portion  42  with the portion  42  acting as a hinge. The tab portion  26  comprises a main body portion  44  having a rear lifting portion  46  and a forward rupturing portion  48 . A generally U-shaped opening  50  is used to form a generally semicircular portion  52  that has an aperture  54  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  20 . The first rivet  20  may be connected to the semicircular portion  52  at the aperture  54 . As previously indicated, the first rivet  20  may be connected by welding, adhesive, or frictional engagement. An opening  56  is also formed in the rear lifting portion  46 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid  10  is illustrated. The resealable beverage can lid  10  has the bottom side  18  of the lid  12  and the closure element  30  connected to the second rivet  28 . The first scored opening  16  and the scored first circumference  24  are both shown in phantom in this particular view. The first scored opening  16  also has the portion  42  that remains connected to the lid  12 . The closure element  30  is positioned in an initial or opened position against the bottom side  18  of the lid  12 . The closure element  30  is capable of rotation by use of the tab  26  ( FIG. 1 ), first rivet  20  ( FIG. 1 ), and the second rivet  28  once the scored first circumference  24  has been ruptured. The first scored opening  16  is also shown in a closed position before the lid  12  is opened. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a top view of the closure element  30 . The closure element  30  has a main body portion  60  having an extension portion  62  having an aperture  64  for receiving the second rivet  28 . The main body portion  60  is shown being generally oval in shape, however, any shape that is capable of covering any opening formed in the lid  12  may be used. The extension portion  62  is generally circular in shape. However, any shape may be used for the extension portion  62 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side view of the closure element  30  having the second rivet  28  inserted therein is shown. The closure element  30  has the main body portion  60 , the extension portion  62 , and the second rivet  28  inserted through the aperture  64  formed in the extension portion  62 . The second rivet  28  has a shank portion  66  having an end  68  and a head portion  70  connected to the shank portion  66 . The end  68  may be connected to the first rivet  20  ( FIG. 1 ) or the indentation  22  ( FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the closure element  30  of the resealable beverage can lid  10  being in a closed position and the first scored opening  16  being in an opened position. The resealable beverage can lid  10  is shown having the lid  12  having the top side  14  having the first scored opening  16  being pushed into the interior  38  of the can body  36 . By having the first scored opening  16  being in the opened position an opening  80  is created in the top side  14  of the lid  12 . Once this occurs the contents or the liquid  40  within the can body  36  may be emptied. The lid  12  also has the bottom side  18  against which is located the closure element  30  which is shown being moved into a closed position covering the opening  80 . The tab portion  26  is also shown being rotated relative to the lid  12  to rotate the closure element  30  into the closed position. The tab portion  26  is connected to the first rivet  20 , the closure element  30  is connected to the second rivet  28 , and the second rivet  28  is connected to the first rivet  20 . These connections provide rotation of the closure element  30  into the closed or opened positions. Further, the tab portion  26  is used to initially break the scored first circumference  24  from the lid  12 . Once the bond between the lid  12  and the scored first circumference  24  is broken the tab portion  26  is able to rotate the closure element  30  to cover or uncover the opening  80 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a top view of the resealable beverage can lid  10  is illustrated with the closure element  30  being in the closed position. The closure element  30  has sealed off the opening  80  and any contents within the can body  36  are not able to escape or be spilled. The closure element  30  is capable of abutting the portion  42 . The tab portion  26  has the main body portion  44  having the rear lifting portion  46  and the forward rupturing portion  48 . The generally U-shaped opening  50  is used to form the generally semicircular portion  52  that has the aperture  54  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  20 . The first rivet  20  may be connected to the semicircular portion  52  at the aperture  54 . It should be noted that the tab portion  26  has been rotated or moved with respect to an initial position or condition of the tab portion  26 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . As has been discussed, rotation of the tab portion  26  moves the closure element  30  into the closed position. Returning the tab portion  26  to its initial position will move or rotate the closure element  30  into an opened position in which the opening  80  is unblocked. With the opening  80  unblocked, the contents of the can body  36  may be removed, used, or emptied. 
     The operation of the resealable beverage can lid  10  may be as follows. The can body  36  is filled with the liquid  40  and the lid  12  is sealed to the can body  36  and the product is then made available for purchase by an individual or consumer. Once purchased and the individual wants to use the product the individual will lift the rear lifting portion  46  of the tab portion  26  which causes the forward rupturing portion  48  to press against the first scored opening  16  to move the first scored opening  16  into the interior  38  of the can body  36  to create the opening  80 . Once the can body  36  has been opened the rear lifting portion  46  of the tab portion  26  is released which causes the tab portion  26  to return to an initial position. The opening  80  allows the individual to drink the liquid  40  from the can body  36 . When the individual wants to close the opening  80  the individual may grasp the rear lifting portion  46  of the tab portion  26  to initially rupture the scored first circumference  24  by rotating the tab portion  26 . Further rotation of the tab portion  26  causes the closure element  30  to move into the closed position to cover the opening  80 . The can body  36  may be held, stored, or refrigerated without fear of the liquid  40  spilling out of the can body  36  or the liquid  40  becoming stale. When the individual desires to again drink from the can body  36  the individual holds the rear lifting portion  46  and rotates the tab portion  26  to move the closure element  30  into the open position uncovering the opening  80 . As is known, once the liquid  40  from the can body  36  has been consumed, the can body  36  may be recycled. 
       FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  100  constructed according to the present disclosure. The resealable beverage can lid  100  is shown to comprise a lid  102  having a top side  104  having a first scored opening  106  and a bottom side  108 . The lid  102  has a rivet  110  having a top portion  112  extending outwardly from the top side  104  of the lid  102  and a bottom portion  114  extending downward from the bottom side  108  of the lid  102 . The rivet  110  has a scored first circumference  116 . The scored first circumference  116  may be formed in the top side  104  or the bottom side  108 . The scored first circumference  116 , once released or broken from the lid  102 , allows the rivet  110  to be freed from the lid  102  so that the rivet  110  is able to rotate about the lid  102 . A tab portion  118  is connected to the top portion  112  of the rivet  110 . The tab portion  118  is used to open the first scored opening  106  to form an opening (not shown) in the lid  102 . The tab portion  118  may be connected to the top portion  112  of the rivet  110  by friction, welding, or adhesive. A rotational force may be applied by rotating the tab portion  118  to release the rivet  110  from the lid  102  by use of the scored first circumference  116 . A closure device or element  120  is connected to the bottom portion  114  of the rivet  110 . The closure element  120  may be connected to the bottom portion  114  of the rivet  110  by friction, welding, or adhesive. The closure element  120  is sized and shaped the same as the first scored opening  106 . 
     The lid  102  has a flange  122  that is shaped to receive a neck portion  124  of a cylindrical can body  126 . The can body  126  has an interior  128  in which a liquid  130 , such as a carbonated beverage, may be filed. As can be appreciated, the lid  102  is used to seal or cap the neck portion  124  of the can body  126 . The closure element  120  is initially positioned to be away from the first scored opening  106  so as not to interfere with the operation of the first scored opening  106 . The tab portion  118  is operated to rupture the first scored opening  106  to move the first scored opening  106  into the interior  128  of the can body  126 . An opening (not shown) is created after the first scored opening  106  is moved into the interior  128 . The tab portion  118  is used to rotate the closure element  120  into a closed position to close or seal the opening formed in the lid  102  when the first scored opening  106  is moved into the interior  128 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a bottom view of another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  200 . The resealable beverage can lid  200  has a lid  202  having a bottom side  204  having a closure element  206  connected to a rivet  208 . A first scored opening  210  and a scored first circumference  212  are both shown in phantom in this particular view. The first scored opening  210  also has a portion  214  that remains connected to the lid  202  when the first scored opening  210  has been opened, as has been previously indicated. The bottom side  204  also has a guide track  216  formed in the bottom side  204  of the lid  202  for guiding movement of the closure element  206 . The guide track  216  may be in the form of a raised rib and the lid  202  may be manufactured to include the guide track  216 . The guide track  216  may also have a stop  218  at an end  220  of the guide track  216 . The stop  218  may be used to prevent the closure element  206  from moving past a certain point which might damage the closure element  206 . The closure element  206  is positioned in an initial or opened position against the bottom side  204  of the lid  202 . Although not shown in this particular view, the resealable beverage can lid  200  may also have a top side of the lid  202 , another rivet, and a tab portion connected to the other rivet. The closure element  206  is capable of being rotated into a closed position and back into the opened position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  250  is depicted. The resealable beverage can lid  250  comprises a lid  252  having a top side  254  having a first scored opening  256 . The lid  252  has a first rivet  258  formed therein with the first rivet  258  extending outwardly from the top side  254  of the lid  252 . The first rivet  258  has a scored circumference  260 . The scored circumference  260 , once released or broken from the lid  252 , allows the first rivet  258  to be freed from the lid  252  so that the first rivet  258  is able to rotate about the lid  252 . A tab portion  262  is connected to the first rivet  258 . The tab portion  262  is used to open the first scored opening  256  to form an opening (not shown) in the lid  252 . The tab portion  262  may be connected to the first rivet  258  by friction, welding, or adhesive. A rotational force may be exerted by rotating the tab portion  262  to release the first rivet  258  from the lid  252  by use of the scored circumference  260 . A pin  264  extends upwardly from the top side  254  of the lid  252 . A scored first circumference  266  surrounds the pin  264 . Applying a rotational force against the pin  264  will rupture the scored first circumference  266  to allow the pin  264  to freely rotate. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom side  268  of the lid  252 . The bottom side  268  has a closure element  270  connected to a bottom portion  272  of the pin  264 . The first scored opening  256  is shown in phantom in this particular view. The closure element  270  is positioned in an initial or opened position against the bottom side  268  of the lid  252 . The closure element  270  is capable of rotation by use of the pin  264  ( FIG. 10 ) once the scored first circumference  266  has been ruptured. The first scored opening  256  is also shown in a closed position before the lid  252  is opened. 
     Referring now in particular to  FIG. 12 , a top view of another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  300  constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The resealable beverage can lid  300  has a lid  302  having a top side  304  having a first scored opening  306 , a first rivet  308 , and a tab portion  310 . The lid  302  also has a first tab retaining member  312  and a second tab retaining member  314 . The first tab retaining member  312  has a top portion  316  and the second tab retaining member  314  has a top portion  318 . The tab retaining members  312  and  314  are used to hold the tab portion  310  in place and to prevent rotation of the tab portion  310  until the lid  302  needs to be resealed by use of a closure element (not shown), as has been disclosed herein. The tab retaining members  312  and  314  may be L-shaped brackets in which the top portions  316  and  318  are capable of being moved to allow the tab portion  310  to be lifted up to open or rupture the first scored opening  306 . The tab retaining members  312  and  314  also have side portions, which are not visible in this particular view, which also may be moved to rotate the tab portion  310  at the appropriate time. The top portions  316  and  318  and the side portions (not shown) form the L-shaped brackets which are the tab retaining members  312  and  314 , respectively. In operation, the tab retaining members  312  and  314  initially prevent the tab portion  310  from being rotated and allow the tab portion  310  to be lifted to open the first scored opening  306 . Once the first scored opening  306  is opened, the contents of a can  320  may be removed. If the can  320  needs to be resealed or closed then the tab portion  310  may be rotated against or over one or both of the tab retaining members  312  and  314  to operate a closure element (not shown) positioned within the can  320 . It is also possible and contemplated that the tab retaining members  312  and  314  may take the form of pins so that initial rotation of the tab portion  310  is inhibited by the pins. Once the tab portion  310  has been used to rupture the first scored opening  306 , the tab portion  310  may be manipulated over the pins in order to operate the closure element associated within the can  320 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another preferred embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  400  constructed according to the present disclosure. However, a tab portion, such as the tab portion  26  shown in  FIG. 1 , is not yet connected to the lid  400 . This is for purposes of clarity. The resealable beverage can lid  400  comprises a lid  402  having a top side  404  having a first scored opening  406  and a second scored opening  408 . The top side  404  has a first rivet  410  that extends outwardly from the top side  404  of the lid  402 . The top side  404  also has an indentation  412  formed therein, as will be explained in more detail herein. The second scored opening  408  surrounds, includes, or encompasses both the first rivet  410  and the indentation  412 . The second scored opening  408  forms or leaves a link portion  414  when the second scored opening  408  is ruptured, released, or broken from the lid  402 . The link portion  414  may be of any shape such as an oval shape, a pill shape, a link shape, or a round shape. Once the second scored opening  408  is ruptured, the link portion  414  is freed from the lid  402  to move or rotate. As has been previously indicated, when a tab portion (not shown) is secured to the first rivet  410 , movement of the tab portion is used to rupture or open the first scored opening  406  to form an opening (not shown) in the lid  402 . Further, once the first scored opening  406  has been ruptured, any contents within a can (not shown) may be removed through the opening formed by rupturing the first scored opening  406 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 14 , a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid  400  is illustrated. The resealable beverage can lid  400  has a bottom side  416  of the lid  402  and a second rivet  418  formed in the bottom side  416  of the lid  402  and extending outwardly from the bottom side  416  of the lid  402 . A closure element  420  is connected to the second rivet  418 . The first scored opening  406  and the second scored opening  408  are both shown in phantom in this particular view. The closure element  420  is positioned in an initial or opened position against the bottom side  416  of the lid  402 . The link portion  414  is shown encompassing the second rivet  418  and a first rivet indentation  422 . The first rivet indentation  422  is left over from the manufacturing process that forms the first rivet  410  ( FIG. 13 ). Likewise, the indentation  412  ( FIG. 13 ) is left over after forming the second rivet  418 . The closure element  420  is capable of rotation or movement by use of the tab portion (not shown), the first rivet  410  ( FIG. 13 ), the second rivet  418 , and the link portion  414  once the second scored opening  408  has been ruptured. The first scored opening  406  and the second scored opening  408 , once both are ruptured, are used to vent a can (not shown) that the lid  402  is attached. 
       FIG. 15  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid  400  shown in  FIG. 13  taken along the plane of line  15 - 15 . The resealable beverage can lid  400  has the lid  402  having the top side  404  and the bottom side  416 . The top side  404  has the first scored opening  406  and the second scored opening  408  formed therein. The lid  402  has the first rivet  410  formed therein with the first rivet  410  extending outwardly from the top side  404  of the lid  402 . The first rivet  410  has the first rivet indentation  422  formed in the bottom side  416  of the lid  402  during the manufacturing process that forms the first rivet  410 . A tab portion  424  is connected to the first rivet  410 . The second rivet  418  has the indentation  412  formed in the top side  404  of the lid  402  and the closure element  420  connected thereto. The second rivet  418  extends outwardly from the bottom side  416  of the lid  402 . The link portion  414  is defined by the second scored opening  408  and includes the first rivet  410  and the second rivet  412 . The tab portion  424  is operated to open both the first scored opening  406  and the second scored opening  408 . As has been discussed, once the second scored opening  408  is ruptured from the lid  402  the tab portion  424  is used to rotate the closure element  420  into a closed position from an initial or opened position. The lid  402  also has a flange  426 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage can  450  having the resealable beverage can lid  400  constructed according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The resealable beverage can lid  400  is shown to comprise the lid  402  having the top side  404  having the first scored opening  406 , the second scored opening  408 , and the bottom side  416 . The lid  402  has the first rivet  410  formed therein with the first rivet  410  extending outwardly from the top side  404  of the lid  402 . The first rivet  410  has the first rivet indentation  422  formed in the bottom side  416  of the lid  402  during the manufacturing process that forms the first rivet  410 . The tab portion  424  is connected to the first rivet  410 . The second rivet  418  is formed in the bottom side  416  of the lid  402  and extends outwardly from the bottom side  416  of the lid  402  into the beverage can  450 . The closure element  420  is connected to the second rivet  418 . The indentation  412  is formed in the top side  404  of the lid  402 . 
     The lid  402  has the flange  426  that is shaped to receive a neck portion  452  of a cylindrical can body  454 . The can body  454  has an interior  456  in which a liquid or contents  458 , such as a carbonated beverage, may be filed. As can be appreciated, the lid  402  is used to seal or cap the neck portion  452  of the can body  454 . The closure element  420  is initially positioned to be away from the first scored opening  406  so as not to interfere with the operation of the first scored opening  406 . The tab portion  424  is operated to rupture the first scored opening  406  to move the first scored opening  406  into the interior  456  of the can body  454 . An opening (not shown) is created after the first scored opening  406  is moved into the interior  456 . The tab portion  424  may also be used to rupture the second scored opening  408  to free the link portion  414 . Once the link portion is freed, movement or rotation of the tab portion  424  will rotate or move the closure element  420 . In this manner, the closure element  420  may cover or seal the opening (not shown) created after rupturing the first scored opening  406 . As can be appreciated, the closure element  420  is sized and shaped to be generally the same as the opening (not shown) or the first scored opening  406 . 
     The operation of the resealable beverage can lid  400  by an individual or a consumer may be accomplished as follows. The tab portion  424  will be lifted which causes the first scored opening  406  to be ruptured thereby causing an opening (not shown) to be formed in the lid  402 . Further, movement of the tab portion  424  also causes the second scored opening  408  to be ruptured. Rupturing the second scored opening  408  creates the link portion  414  that is freed from the lid  402 . The link portion  414  includes both the first rivet  410  and the second rivet  418 . The tab portion  424  is returned to its initial position. Once opened, the contents  458  of the can  450  may be removed through the opening (not shown) formed by rupturing the first scored opening  406 . To move the closure element  420 , the tab portion  424  may be moved or rotated to move the closure element  420  into a closed position to reseal the lid  402 . When an individual wants to remove the contents  458  after the closure element has been moved into the closed position the individual rotates the tab portion  424  in the opposite direction to rotate the closure element  420  into an opened position to unseal the lid  402 . Another advantage of having the second scored opening  408  is that the contents of the can  450  are vented so that the contents  458  will flow out of the opening (not show) formed by rupturing the first scored opening  406  in a consistent manner. Although not shown, the closure element  420  may have a curled or rolled perimeter edge to provide a further seal when the closure element  420  has been moved into the closed position. 
     Preferably, the resealable beverage can lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  300 , and  400  will be constructed of a relatively lightweight material so that it can be easily used and manufactured. By way of example only, the resealable beverage can lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  300 , and  400  may be constructed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     Although it has been indicated herein that the resealable beverage can lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  300 , and  400  are used with cans that contain a liquid, such as a carbonated beverage, it is also possible and contemplated that the cans may contain other items such as powders, spices, foods, syrups, gums, candies, or any other item that can be removed from an opening in the lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  300 , and  400  and may need to be resealed. 
     From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a resealable beverage can lid which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject resealable beverage can lid are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.