Method and apparatus for closing containers

An elastic container lid, stretchably adjustable to cover an opening of any of a plurality of disposable non-rigid containers each having a readily deformable opening wall defining a mouth configuration for an opening of the container, each container opening having a diameter ranging from a minimum of approximately three inches to a maximum of approximately six inches, comprising;

• a closure panel having a predetermined surface area of approximately two and one-half inches in diameter in an unstretched condition, the closure panel having a predetermined thickness ranging from approximately two-eight thousands (0.002 to 0.008) inches to enable the closure panel to have sufficient elasticity to be stretchable over said maximum container diameter of approximately six inches to cover any of aid container openings;
• a gripping zone extending transversely from the periphery of the closure panel, the gripping zone having a width ranging from approximately one-eighth to one-half inches and a thickness ranging from approximately two-eight thousands (0.002 to 0.008) inches, the gripping zone further including an annular bead along the periphery of the gripping zone for engaging the opening wall of any container of the plurality when the closure panel and gripping zone are resiliently stretched over the opening wall of the container, wherein in a stretched condition the closure panel seals the container while leaving the mouth configuration of the container opening substantially undisturbed;
• the closure panel and the gripping zone being formed of a latex elastomeric material that substantially retains its resiliency during use.