Patent Publication Number: US-2023159219-A1

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. 17/535,886 filed on Nov. 26, 2021, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/122,888 filed on Dec. 15, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,498,717, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/026,277 filed on Sep. 20, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,440,700, the disclosures of which are 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 for covering the opening. 
     Beverage cans for containing liquids such as 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 or end 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 line or weakened portion cut into the lid portion to form a panel or a tear panel having a hinge, a tab portion that is used to rupture the lid portion along the scored line to create an opening, 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 tear panel to partially push the tear panel into the can body to create the opening in the lid. The panel does not fully detach from the lid due to the hinge portion formed in the lid by ends of the score line. 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 beverage 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 is accidentally knocked over. It is also possible that insects, contaminants, or other unwanted matter may infiltrate the beverage can through the opening. If this occurs, then the beverage can and its contents should be thrown away, discarded, or recycled. 
     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, to prevent spillage, or to prevent contaminants from entering the can once opened. 
     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 score line forming a panel, a first rivet formed in the lid and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, a second rivet formed in the panel and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, and a tab portion comprising a main body portion having a rear lifting portion having an indented portion, a first forward rupturing portion, a second forward rupturing portion, an opening formed in the body portion for forming a tongue having a first aperture, a second aperture, and the tab portion connected to the first rivet through the first aperture and the second rivet through the second aperture. 
     In another form of the present disclosure, a resealable beverage can lid comprises a lid having a top side having a score line forming a detachable panel, a first rivet formed in the lid and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, a second rivet formed in the detachable panel and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, and a tab portion comprising a main body portion having a rear lifting portion having an indented portion, a first forward rupturing portion, an extension portion having a second forward rupturing portion, an opening formed in the body portion for forming a tongue having a first rivet opening, the extension portion having a second rivet opening, the first rivet opening for receiving the first rivet and the second rivet opening for receiving the second rivet with the first rivet and the second rivet for connecting the tab portion to the top side of the lid, the first forward rupturing portion for freeing the detachable panel from the lid for forming a lid opening with the indented portion for covering the lid opening. 
     In still another form of the present disclosure, a resealable beverage can lid comprises a lid having a top side having a score line forming a panel with the panel capable of being separated from the lid along the score line for forming a lid 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 panel and extending outwardly from the top side of the lid, and a tab portion comprising a main body portion having a rear lifting portion having an indented portion, a first forward rupturing portion, a second forward rupturing portion, an opening formed in the body portion for forming a tongue having a first rivet opening, a second rivet opening, the tab portion connected to the first rivet and the second rivet, the tab portion capable of movement about the first rivet with movement of the tab portion capable of moving the indented portion into the lid opening. 
     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 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 closure mechanism that allows an individual to reseal the lid of an opened beverage can. 
     The present disclosure provides a 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 sized beverage can. 
     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 cost of manufacturing the beverage can lid. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a resealable beverage can lid that can be used to open and close the lid of an opened beverage can several times. 
     The present disclosure is further directed to a resealable beverage can lid that allows use of a tab portion to move a tear panel into an opened position and a closed position. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a resealable beverage can lid that has a tab having a first rupturing portion and a second rupturing portion that are used to fully separate a panel from the 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 top view of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage can having the resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to the beverage can with the resealable beverage can lid being shown in a closed position; 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of the resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure with the panel in the process of being moved to in a partially opened position; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure with the tab portion removed for clarity; 
         FIG.  6    is top view of a tab portion prior to being staked to a lid; 
         FIG.  7    is a top view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to a beverage can; 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG.  7    being removed from the beverage can; 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of a tab portion shown in  FIG.  7    prior to the tab portion being staked to the lid; 
         FIG.  10    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG.  7    constructed according to the present disclosure with the tab portion removed for clarity; 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to a beverage can; 
         FIG.  12    is a top view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure connected to a beverage can with the tab portion removed for clarity; 
         FIG.  13    is a top view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a top view of a tab portion shown in  FIG.  13    prior to the tab portion being staked to the lid; 
         FIG.  15    is a top view of the resealable beverage can lid shown in  FIG.  13    being shown in a closed or resealable position; 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid taken along the plane of lines  16 - 16  of  FIG.  15    constructed according to the present disclosure with the resealable beverage can lid being shown in a closed or resealable position; 
         FIG.  17    is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  18    is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid constructed according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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 or reclosable 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 score line  16  for forming a completely separable tear panel  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 . A second rivet  22  is formed within the tear panel  18  and extends outwardly from the top side  14  of the lid  12 . A tab element or portion  24  is connected to the first rivet  20  and the second rivet  22 . The tab portion  24  is used to open the lid  12  by rupturing the score line  16  to completely free the tear panel  18  from the lid  12 . The tab portion  24  comprises a main body portion  26  having a rear lifting portion or end  28  and a forward rupturing portion or end  30 . A generally U-shaped opening  32  is used to form a generally semicircular portion or tongue  34  that has a first aperture or first rivet opening  36  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  20 . In this manner, the tab portion  24  is staked or held to the lid  12 . The first aperture  36  also allows the tab portion  24  to rotate or move about the first rivet  20 . The tab portion  24  also has a front portion  38  having a second aperture or second rivet opening  40  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  22 . In this manner, the tab portion  24  is staked or held to the tear panel  18 . An opening  42  may also be formed in the rear lifting portion  28  of the tab portion  24 . Although hidden from view in this drawing figure, the score line  16  completely surrounds the panel  18  which allows the panel  18  to be completely freed from the lid  12  when the score line  16  is ruptured. The score line  16  is ruptured by use of the tab portion  24 . Once the tear panel  18  is fully separated or detached from the lid  12 , the tab portion  24  may be moved to move the tear panel  18 . As can be appreciated, the lid  12  is shown in a closed or unopened condition in that score line  16  has not been ruptured to completely detach the panel  18  from the lid  12 . 
       FIG.  2    is a bottom view of the lid of the resealable beverage can lid  10 . The lid  12  has a bottom side  44  having a first rivet indentation  46  and a second rivet indentation  48  in the bottom side  44 . The indentations  46  and  48  are left over from the manufacturing process that forms the rivets  20  and  22  ( FIG.  1   ). The score line  16  is shown in phantom in this particular view. The score line  16  completely surrounds the tear panel  18  with the tear panel  18  taking on the shape or outline of the score line  16 . The bottom side  44  may also have formed therein a reinforcing rib  50  to help in strengthening the lid  12 . Again, the lid  12  is shown in a closed or unopened position in that score line  16  has not been fractured or ruptured to separate the panel  18  from the lid  12 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  3   , a partial cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid  10  being connected to a beverage can  70  is shown. The lid  12  has a flange  72  that is shaped to receive a neck portion  74  of a cylindrical can body  76 . The can body  76  has an interior  78  in which a liquid  80 , such as a carbonated beverage, is filled. As can be appreciated, the lid  12  is used to seal or cap the neck portion  74  of the can body  76 . The lid  12  has the top side  14  having the score line  16  surrounding the panel  18 . The lid  12  has the first rivet  20  that extends outwardly from the top side  14 . The panel  18  also has formed therein the second rivet  22  that extends outwardly from the top side  14  of the lid  12 . The lid  12  also has the bottom side  44  which has the first rivet indentation  46  and the second rivet indentation  48  formed therein. The tab portion  24  is staked to the lid  12  by the first rivet  20  and to the tear panel  18  by the second rivet  22 . The rear lifting portion  28  and the forward rupturing portion  30  of the tab portion  24  are also illustrated. The panel  18  is shown in an initial closed position in which the score line  16  has not been ruptured. The liquid  80  within the beverage can  70  cannot escape because there is no opening in the lid  12 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a top view of the resealable beverage can lid  10  connected to the beverage can  70  with the tear panel  18  being separated from the lid  12  along the score line  16  and in the process of being moved into an opened position. The tab portion  24  has been slightly rotated or moved so that the tear panel  18  is no longer covering an opening  82  formed by rupturing the score line  16 . The liquid  80  within the beverage can  70  is now visible and able to be removed or emptied from the can  70 . The tab portion  24  may be moved to seal, block, or close the opening  82 . Once the panel  18  is moved into the closed position the liquid  80  within the beverage can  70  is prevented from escaping or being spilled. To reopen the opening  82 , the tab portion  24  is grasped by the rear lifting portion  28  to move the panel  18  back into the interior  78  of the beverage can  70 . Once the panel  18  is re-positioned into the opened position, any contents within the beverage can  70  may be removed, used, or emptied. The second rivet  22  is used to prevent the tear panel  18  from falling into the beverage can  70 . The first rivet  20  is used to keep the tab portion  24  staked to the lid  12  so that the tab portion  24  may be moved to open or close the opening  82 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid  10  with the tab portion  24  removed is depicted. The resealable beverage can lid  10  has the lid  12  having the top side  14  and the bottom side  44 . The top side  14  has the score line  16  formed therein for outlining and forming the panel  18 . The lid  12  has the 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 the first rivet indentation  46  formed in the bottom side  44  of the lid  12  during the manufacturing process that forms the first rivet  20 . The second rivet  22  is also formed in the lid  12  and extends outwardly from the top side  14  of the lid  12 . The second rivet  22  has the second rivet indentation  48  formed in the bottom side  44  of the lid  12 . The second rivet indentation  48  is leftover after forming the second rivet  22 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a top view of the tab portion  24  before the tab portion  24  is connected to the first rivet  20  and the second rivet  22 . The tab portion  24  comprises the main body portion  26  having the rear lifting portion or end  28  and the forward rupturing portion or end  30 . The generally U-shaped opening  32  is used to form a generally semicircular portion or tongue  34  that has the first aperture  36  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  20  (not shown). The first aperture  36  also allows the tab portion  24  to rotate or move about the first rivet  20 . The tab portion  24  also has the front portion  38  having the second aperture  40  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  22  (not shown). The tab portion  24  may also have a reinforced edge  84  that adds strength to the tab portion  24  so that the tab portion  24  is strong enough to separate the panel  18  from the lid  12 . The opening  42  is also shown being formed in the rear lifting portion  28  of the tab portion  24 . 
     The operation of the resealable beverage can lid  10  may be as follows. The can body  70  is filled with the liquid  80  and the lid  12  is sealed to the can body  70  and the product is then made available for purchase to an individual or consumer. Once purchased and the individual wants to use the product the individual will lift the rear lifting portion  28  of the tab portion  42  which causes the forward rupturing portion  30  to press against the panel  18  to rupture the panel  18  along the score line  16 . This causes the panel  18  to completely separate from the lid  12  and to move into the interior  78  of the can body  76  to create the opening  82 . However, the panel  18  is prevented from falling into the interior  78  of the can body  76  due to the panel  18  being connected to the tab portion  24  by the second rivet  22 . Once the opening  82  has been created by rupturing the score line  16  the rear lifting portion  28  of the tab portion  24  is pressed downwardly which causes the tab portion  24  to return to an initial position. The opening  82  allows the individual to drink the liquid  80  from the can body  76 . When the individual wants to close or reseal the opening  82  the individual may grasp the tab portion  24 , such as by the rear lifting portion  28 , and move or rotate the tab portion  24  to thereby move the panel  18  to cover or close the opening  82 . The beverage can  70  may be held, stored, or refrigerated without concern that the liquid  80  will spill out of the beverage can  70  or that the liquid  80  will become stale or that the liquid  80  will be contaminated. When the individual desires to again drink from the beverage can  70  the individual moves the tab portion  24  to again move the panel  18  away from the opening  82  to uncover the opening  82 . As is known, once the liquid  80  from the beverage can  70  has been consumed, the beverage can may be recycled. 
       FIG.  7    depicts 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  connected to a beverage can body  104  by use of a flange  106 . The lid  102  has a top side  108  having a score line  110  for forming a tear panel  112 . The lid  102  has a first rivet  114  formed therein with the first rivet  114  extending outwardly from the top side  108  of the lid  102 . A second rivet  116  is formed within the tear panel  112  and extends outwardly from the top side  108  of the lid  102 . The first rivet  114  is shown being larger than the second rivet  116 . However, it is possible that the rivets  114  and  116  may be the same size or the second rivet  116  may be larger than the first rivet  114 . A tab element or portion  118  is connected to the first rivet  114  and the second rivet  116 . The tab portion  118  is used to open the lid  102  by rupturing the score line  110  to partially free the tear panel  112  from the lid  102 . The tab portion  118  comprises a main body portion  120  having a rear lifting portion or end  122  and a forward rupturing portion or end  124 . A generally U-shaped opening or slit  126  is used to form a generally semicircular portion, attachment area, or tongue  128  that has a first aperture or first rivet opening  130  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  114 . In this manner, the tab portion  118  is staked or held to the lid  102 . The first aperture  130  also allows the tab portion  118  to rotate or move about the first rivet  114 . The tab portion  118  also has a front portion  132  having a second aperture or second rivet opening  134  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  116 . In this manner, the tab portion  118  is staked or held to the tear panel  112 . An opening  136  may also be formed in the rear lifting portion  122  of the tab portion  118 . The score line  110  is ruptured by use of the tab portion  118 . Once the tear panel  112  is ruptured or opened, the tab portion  118  may be moved to move the tear panel  112  to reseal the lid  102 . As can be appreciated, the lid  102  is shown in a closed or unopened condition in that score line  110  has not been ruptured to open the lid  102 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  8   , a bottom view of the lid  102  of the resealable beverage can lid  100  is shown. In this particular view the lid  102  has not yet been connected to the beverage can body  104  ( FIG.  7   ). The lid  102  has a bottom side  138  having a first rivet indentation  140  and a second rivet indentation  142  in the bottom side  138 . The indentations  140  and  142  are left over from the manufacturing process that forms the rivets  114  and  116  ( FIG.  7   ). The score line  110  is shown in phantom or dashed lines in this particular view. The score line  110  is used to form a perimeter or a shape  144  of the tear panel  112 . The score line  110  has a first end  146  and a second end  148 . A hinge  150  is formed between the first end  146  and the second end  148 . The hinge  150  is adjacent to the first rivet indentation  140 . The hinge  150  may be used as a spring to move the tear panel  112  by use of the tab portion  118  ( FIG.  7   ). Also, the lid  102  is shown in a closed or unopened position in that score line  110  has not been fractured or ruptured to open the tear panel  112  from the lid  102 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates the tab portion  118  before the tab portion  118  is connected to the lid  102  through use of the rivets  114  and  116 . The tab portion  118  comprises the main body portion  120  having the rear lifting portion or end  122  and the forward rupturing portion or end  124 . The generally U-shaped opening  126  is used to form the generally semicircular portion or tongue  128  that has the first aperture  130  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  114  (not shown). The first aperture  130  also allows the tab portion  118  to rotate or move about the first rivet  114 . The tab portion  118  also has the front portion  132  having the second aperture  134  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  116  (not shown). The tab portion  118  may also have a reinforced edge  152  that adds strength to the tab portion  118  so that the tab portion  118  is strong enough to rupture the tear panel  112  from the lid  102 . The opening  136  is also shown being formed in the rear lifting portion  122  of the tab portion  118 . 
     With particular reference now to  FIG.  10   , an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid  100  with the tab portion  118  removed is shown. The resealable beverage can lid  100  has the lid  102  having the top side  108  and the bottom side  138 . The top side  108  has the score line  110  formed therein for outlining and forming the panel  112 . The lid  102  has the first rivet  114  formed therein with the first rivet  114  extending outwardly from the top side  108  of the lid  102 . The first rivet  114  has the first rivet indentation  140  formed in the bottom side  138  of the lid  102  during the manufacturing process that forms the first rivet  114 . The second rivet  116  is also formed in the lid  102  and extends outwardly from the top side  108  of the lid  102 . The second rivet  116  has the second rivet indentation  142  formed in the bottom side  138  of the lid  102 . The second rivet indentation  142  is leftover after forming the second rivet  116 . The lid  102  is also shown having the flange  106 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  200  constructed according to the present disclosure. The resealable beverage can lid  200  is shown to comprise a lid  202  connected to a beverage can body  204  by use of a flange  206 . The lid  202  has a top side  208  having a score line  210  for forming a tear panel  212 . The lid  202  has a first rivet  214  formed therein with the first rivet  214  extending outwardly from the top side  208  of the lid  202 . A second rivet  216  is formed within the tear panel  212  and extends outwardly from the top side  208  of the lid  202 . The first rivet  214  is shown being larger than the second rivet  216 . However, it is possible that the rivets  214  and  216  may be the same size or the second rivet  216  may be larger than the first rivet  214 . A tab element or portion  218  is connected to the first rivet  214  and the second rivet  216 . The tab portion  218  is used to open the lid  202  by rupturing the score line  210  to partially free the tear panel  212  from the lid  202 . The tab portion  218  comprises a main body portion  220  having a rear lifting portion or end  222 , a forward rupturing portion or end  224 , and a front extension portion  226  that extends from the forward rupturing portion  224 . A generally U-shaped opening or slit  228  is used to form a generally semicircular portion, attachment area, or tongue  230  that has a first aperture or first rivet opening  232  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  214 . In this manner, the tab portion  218  is staked or held to the lid  202 . The first aperture  232  also allows the tab portion  218  to rotate or move about the first rivet  214 . The tab portion  218  also has the front extension portion  226  having a second aperture or second rivet opening  234  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  216 . In this manner, the tab portion  218  is staked or held to the tear panel  212 . An opening  236  may also be formed in the rear lifting portion  222  of the tab portion  218 . The score line  210  is ruptured by use of the tab portion  218 . Once the tear panel  212  is ruptured or opened, the tab portion  218  may be moved to move the tear panel  212  to reseal the lid  202 . As can be appreciated, the lid  202  is shown in a closed or unopened condition in that score line  210  has not been ruptured to open the lid  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  300  is illustrated. The resealable beverage can lid  300  is shown without a tab portion being connected for reasons of clarity. However, any of the tab portions  24 ,  118 , or  218  may be employed with the resealable beverage can lid  300 . The resealable beverage can lid  300  comprises a lid  302  connected to a beverage can body  304  by use of a flange  306 . The lid  302  has a top side  308  having a first or primary score line  310  for forming a tear panel  312 . The lid  302  has a first rivet  314  formed therein with the first rivet  314  extending outwardly from the top side  308  of the lid  302 . A second rivet  316  is formed within the tear panel  312  and extends outwardly from the top side  308  of the lid  302 . The first rivet  314  is shown being larger than the second rivet  316 . However, it is possible that the rivets  314  and  316  may be the same size or the second rivet  316  may be larger than the first rivet  314 . The primary score line  310  has a first end  318  and a second end  320 . A hinge  322  is formed between the first end  318  and the second end  320 . The hinge  322  is adjacent to the first rivet indentation  314 . A second or secondary score line  324  is formed between the first end  318  and the second end  320 . The secondary score line  324  may not be cut as deeply into the lid  302 . The secondary score line  324  is used to completely separate the tear panel  310  from the lid  302  by use of a tab portion connected to the rivets  314  and  316 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  400  constructed according to the present disclosure. The resealable beverage can lid  400  is shown to comprise a lid  402  that has a top side  404  having a score line  406  for forming a detachable or tear panel  408 . The lid  402  has a first rivet  410  formed therein with the first rivet  410  extending outwardly from the top side  404  of the lid  402 . A second rivet  412  is formed within the tear panel  408  and extends outwardly from the top side  404  of the lid  402 . The first rivet  410  is shown being larger than the second rivet  412 . However, it is possible that the rivets  410  and  412  may be the same size or the second rivet  412  may be larger than the first rivet  410 . A tab element or portion  414  is connected to the first rivet  410  and the second rivet  412 . The tab portion  414  is used to open the lid  402  by rupturing the score line  406  to separate, detach, or free the tear panel  408  from the lid  402  to form an opening (not shown) in the lid  402 . Once the detachable panel  408  is separated from the lid  402  the tab portion  414  may be rotated about the first rivet  410 . Further, the second rivet  412  ensures that the tear panel  408  does not fall into a beverage can body (not shown) that the lid  402  may be seamed or sealed to a top portion of the beverage can body. The tab portion  414  comprises a main body portion  416  having a rear lifting portion or end  418  having a solid indented portion or area  420 , a first forward rupturing portion or end  422 , and a front extension portion  424  having a second forward rupturing portion or end  426 . A generally U-shaped opening or slit  428  is used to form a generally semicircular portion, attachment area, or tongue  430  that has a first aperture or first rivet opening  432  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  410 . In this manner, the tab portion  414  is staked or held to the lid  402 . As previously indicated, the first aperture  432  also allows the tab portion  414  to rotate or move about the first rivet  410 . The tab portion  414  also has the front extension portion  424  having a second aperture or second rivet opening  434  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  412 . In this manner, the tab portion  414  is staked or held to the tear panel  408 . The score line  406  is ruptured by use of the tab portion  414  by the first rupturing portion  422  initially contacting the tear panel  408  to initially separate or detach the tear panel  408  from the lid  402 . The second rupturing portion  426  contacts the tear panel  408  and is used secondarily to insure that the tear panel  408  fully separates or detaches from the lid  402  along the score line  406 . Once the tear panel  408  is ruptured or opened, the tab portion  414  may be employed to move or rotate the tear panel  408  away from an opening (not shown) formed in the lid  402 . If the lid  402  needs to be resealed then the rear lifting portion  418  of the tab portion  414  may be rotated so that the indented portion  420  may be inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the lid  402 . As can be appreciated, the indented portion  420  is sized and shaped so that the indented portion  420  may fit into an opening formed after the tear panel  408  is fully detached from the lid  402 . 
     With particular reference now to  FIG.  14   , the tab portion  414  of  FIG.  13    is shown before the tab portion  414  is connected to the lid  402  through use of the rivets  410  and  412 . The tab portion  414  comprises the main body portion  416  having the rear lifting portion or end  418  having the solid indented portion  420 , the first forward rupturing portion or end  422 , and the front extension portion  424  having the second forward rupturing portion or end  426 . The generally U-shaped opening  428  is used to form the generally semicircular portion or tongue  430  that has the first aperture  432  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  410  (not shown). The first aperture  432  also allows the tab portion  414  to rotate or move about the first rivet  410 . The tab portion  414  also has the front extension portion  424  having the second aperture  434  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  412  (not shown). The first forward rupturing portion  422  has an edge  436  that is angled or slanted relative to the second forward rupturing portion  426 . The tab portion  414  also has a front area or portion  438  between the first forward rupturing portion  422  and the first aperture  432 . The front extension portion  424  is between the second forward rupturing portion  426  and the front portion  438 . The tab portion  414  may also have a reinforced edge  440  that adds strength to the tab portion  414  so that the tab portion  414  is strong enough to rupture the tear panel  408  from the lid  402 . 
       FIG.  15    depicts a top view of the resealable beverage can lid  400  in a resealed position. In particular, the tab portion  414  has been used to detach the tear panel  408  from the lid  402 , the tab portion  414  has been rotated about the first rivet  410 , and the indented portion  420  has been inserted into an opening (not shown) created by the detachment of the tear panel  408 . In this manner, the lid  402  is resealed. The indented portion  420  is sized and shaped to fit into the opening (not shown) to reseal the lid  402 . As should be appreciated, the indented portion  420  may be removed from the opening by use of the rear lifting portion  418  and the tab portion  414  may be rotated about the first rivet  410  to gain access to the opening. In this manner, the lid  400  may be opened or resealed as the case may be. The resealable beverage can lid  400  also has the top side  404 . The tab portion  414  is also shown comprising the main body portion  416  having the rear lifting portion or end  418  having the solid indented portion or area  420 , the first forward rupturing portion or end  422 , and the front extension portion  424  having the second forward rupturing portion or end  426 . The opening  428  is used to form the generally semicircular portion, attachment area, or tongue  430  that has the first aperture or first rivet opening  432  formed therein for receiving the first rivet  410 . The tab portion  414  also has the front extension portion  424  having the second aperture or second rivet opening  434  formed therein for receiving the second rivet  412 . The first forward rupturing portion  422  has the edge  436  that is angled or slanted relative to the second forward rupturing portion  426 . The tab portion  414  also has the front area or portion  438  between the first forward rupturing portion  422  and the first aperture  432 . The front extension portion  424  is between the second forward rupturing portion  426  and the front portion  438 . The tab portion  414  also has the reinforced edge  440  that adds strength to the tab portion  414  so that the tab portion  414  is strong enough to rupture the tear panel  408  from the lid  402 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  16   , a cross-sectional view of the resealable beverage can lid  400  being shown in the resealed position is illustrated. The resealable beverage can lid  400  comprises the lid  402  having the top side  404  having an opening  442  formed by detaching the tear panel  408  from the lid  402 . 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 second rivet  412  is formed within the tear panel  408  and extends outwardly from the top side  404  of the lid  402 . The first rivet  410  is shown being larger than the second rivet  412 . The tab portion  414  is connected to the first rivet  410  and the second rivet  412 . Once the detachable panel  408  is separated from the lid  402  the tab portion  414  may be rotated about the first rivet  410  away from the opening  442 . Further, the second rivet  412  ensures that the tear panel  408  is connected to the tab portion  414 . The rear lifting portion  418  may be used to extract the indented portion  420  from the opening  442  when access to the opening  442  is needed. As can be appreciated, the rear lifting portion  418  may be grasped to rotate the tab portion  414 . The indented portion  420  allows the lid  400  to be resealed as needed. 
       FIG.  17    shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  500  being shown in the resealed position. The resealable beverage can lid  500  comprises a lid  502  having a top side  504  having an opening  506  formed by detaching a tear panel  508  from the lid  502 . The lid  502  has a first rivet  510  formed therein with the first rivet  510  extending outwardly from the top side  504  of the lid  502 . A second rivet  512  is formed within the tear panel  508  and the second rivet  512  is used to stake or connect a tab portion  514  to the tear panel  508 . The first rivet  510  is shown being larger than the second rivet  512 . Once the detachable panel  508  is separated from the lid  502  the tab portion  514  may be rotated about the first rivet  510  away from the opening  506 . The tab portion  514  has a rear lifting portion  516  having a solid indented portion  518 . The indented portion  518  has a slanted or angled lower portion or perimeter  520 . The lower portion  520  is used to secure the indented portion  518  within the opening  506 . The lower perimeter  520  of the indented portion  518  is slightly larger than the opening  506  in order to secure the indented portion  518  in place. The lower portion  520  provides a frictional engagement of the lower portion  520  within the opening  506 . The tab portion  514  is similar to the tab portion  414  shown in  FIG.  13    with a difference being that the tab portion  514  has the angled lower portion  520 . The rear lifting portion  516  may be used to remove the indented portion  518  from the opening  506  when access to the opening  506  is needed. The indented portion  518  allows the lid  500  to be resealed or opened as needed. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  18   , a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a resealable beverage can lid  550  is illustrated in the resealed position. The resealable beverage can lid  550  comprises a lid  552  having a top side  554  having an opening  556  formed by detaching a tear panel  558  from the lid  552 . The lid  552  has a first rivet  560  formed therein with the first rivet  560  extending outwardly from the top side  554  of the lid  552 . A second rivet  562  is formed within the tear panel  558  and the second rivet  562  is used to stake or connect a tab portion  564  to the tear panel  558 . The first rivet  560  is shown being larger than the second rivet  562 . Once the detachable panel  558  is separated from the lid  552  the tab portion  564  may be rotated about the first rivet  560  away from the opening  556 . The tab portion  564  has a rear lifting portion  566  having a solid indented portion  568 . The indented portion  568  has a rounded or beaded lower portion or perimeter  570 . The lower portion  570  is used to secure the indented portion  568  within the opening  556 . The lower perimeter  570  of the indented portion  568  is slightly larger than the opening  556  in order to secure the indented portion  568  in place. In essence, the beaded lower portion  570  snaps into the opening  556 . The tab portion  564  is similar to the tab portion  414  shown in  FIG.  13    with a difference being that the tab portion  564  has the beaded lower portion  570 . The rear lifting portion  566  may be used to remove the indented portion  568  from the opening  556  when access to the opening  556  is needed. The indented portion  568  allows the lid  550  to be resealed or opened as needed. 
     Preferably, the resealable beverage can lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  550  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 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  550  may be constructed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     Although it has been indicated herein that the resealable beverage can lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  550  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 non-carbonated beverages, powders, spices, foods, syrups, gums, candies, or any other item that can be removed from an opening in the lids  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  550  and may need to be resealed or reclosed. 
     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.