Pull Ring Seal System for Containers

Abstract

Systems and methods for storing a liquid include a container including a body portion defining an internal chamber and at least one opening in communication with the internal chamber, and an insertable plug including a plug body with two rings attached to the plug body via hinges, the insertable plug configured to be inserted into the opening so that a portion of the plug body covers a lip of the opening to restrict access through the opening to the liquid contained in the internal chamber, wherein the hinges can be deformed to raise the two rings away from the plug body. An insertable plug for a container can include a cylindrical plug body, and two rings attached to the plug body by hinges, wherein the hinges can bend to orient the rings towards or away from the plug body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An insertable plug for a container comprising:
 a cylindrical plug body; and   two rings attached to the plug body by hinges, wherein the hinges can bend to orient the rings towards or away from the plug body.   
     
     
         2 . The insertable plug of  claim 1 , wherein the plug body is configured to form an interference fit when inserted into a container opening. 
     
     
         3 . The insertable plug of  claim 1 , wherein the plug body is configured to form a press fit when inserted into a container opening. 
     
     
         4 . The insertable plug of  claim 1 , wherein the insertable plug is made of metal. 
     
     
         5 . The insertable plug of  claim 4 , wherein the insertable plug is made using a one piece steel pressing from a single part of sheet metal. 
     
     
         6 . The insertable plug of  claim 1 , wherein the plug body and the rings are formed of composite materials. 
     
     
         7 . The insertable plug of  claim 1 , wherein the plug body has at least one groove configured to receive an O-ring therein. 
     
     
         8 . A method of assembling a container, comprising the steps of:
 providing a container including a body portion defining an internal chamber and at least one opening in communication with the internal chamber; and   inserting an insertable plug including a plug body with two rings attached to the plug body via hinges, the insertable plug configured to be inserted into the opening so that a portion of the plug body covers a lip of the opening to restrict access through the opening to the internal chamber,   wherein the hinges can be deformed to raise the two rings away from the plug body.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein inserting the plug comprises forming an interference fit between the plug body and the opening. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein inserting the plug comprises forming a press fit between the plug body and the opening. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , comprising attaching a screw top over the opening and the insertable plug.