EP0870685A1 - Disposable spout for cans containing beverages - Google Patents

Disposable spout for cans containing beverages Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0870685A1
EP0870685A1 EP98105714A EP98105714A EP0870685A1 EP 0870685 A1 EP0870685 A1 EP 0870685A1 EP 98105714 A EP98105714 A EP 98105714A EP 98105714 A EP98105714 A EP 98105714A EP 0870685 A1 EP0870685 A1 EP 0870685A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lid
spout
slit
strip
basically
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98105714A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Igor Marangon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0870685A1 publication Critical patent/EP0870685A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B65D25/48—Separable nozzles or spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4012—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening partially by means of a tearing tab
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/001—Action for opening container
    • B65D2517/0014—Action for opening container pivot tab and push-down tear panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0047—Provided with additional elements other than for closing the opening
    • B65D2517/0049—Straws, spouts, funnels, or other devices facilitating pouring or emptying

Definitions

  • This invention concerns a disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages.
  • Cans containing beverages generally have a metal lid that provides a hermetic seal, and that is equipped with a pull-up tab that covers the opening through which the liquid contained in the can is poured.
  • One of the purposes of this invention is to provide a disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, that makes it possible for the consumer to drink directly from the can in the most convenient way while avoiding direct contact between the can and the mouth, thereby ensuring hygiene.
  • Another purpose is to provide a spout as indicated that can be associated to a can containing a beverage in such a way that it can be stacked with other similar cans and can also be placed on any flat surface.
  • Another purpose is to provide a spout as indicated with a simplified structure, easy to use and convenient, at a low cost.
  • this invention provides a disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, the essential characteristics of which are the subject of claim no. 1.
  • the spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, according to the invention, as shown in fig. 1, is marked no. 10.
  • This spout no. 10 consists of a flexible piece of plastic 11, bent in such a way as to present two opposite faces, one concave 11.1 and the other convex 11.2. For hygienic reasons this spout 10 is made of sterile material suitable for use for food products and preferably recyclable.
  • This piece of plastic 11 has a basically rectangular border in the shape of an isosceles trapezium, seen from the front in fig. 1, but the corners rounded in the manner of a fingernail.
  • first stiffening rib 11.3 that runs along the trapezoidal edge and is higher along the side corresponding to the longer base 11.30.
  • a second stiffening rib 11.4 is provided on the concave face 11.1 of the piece of plastic 11, in the mid-point position between the inclined sides 11.40 of its outer border, adjacent to the base line 11.30.
  • This second rib 11.4 presents a thickening 11.5 in the central part.
  • a continuous linear slit 12 is formed, running basically parallel and close to the side of wider base 11.30. This slit 12 runs along the part of the greater height of the first rib 11.3.
  • tracks 11.6 are provided on the surface running downward toward the slit.
  • a sliding surface 11.31 is provided, running downward toward the outside of the spout 10.
  • the shape and size of the spout 10 are suitable for fitting it easily, before use, in the external cavity that is provided in the bottom of a can CA (fig. 6).
  • the spout 10 should preferably be protected in a sterile envelope B that is applied to the cavity with an adhesive strip so as not to hinder stacking of the can CA with other similar cans and standing it on any flat surface.
  • the spout 10 After opening the can by pulling the tab T, the spout 10 is inserted in the opening A on the lid CO, by holding the spout between the fingers of one hand loosely bent into a "U" shape (as seen from above) like a spring strip with its convex face 11.2 toward the lid CO, its longer base 11.30 downward, aligning its slit 12 with the lid CO.
  • a "U" shape like a spring strip with its convex face 11.2 toward the lid CO, its longer base 11.30 downward, aligning its slit 12 with the lid CO.
  • the operation of bending the spout 10 correctly into a "U” shape is facilitated by the arrangement of the stiffening ribs 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5 described above, while the sliding surface tracks 11.6 on its convex face 11.2 facilitate insertion of the spout 10, bent as described, into the opening A on the can.
  • the spout 10 When the spout 10 is released, after inserting it in the opening A, it springs open and automatically fits itself, with its slit 12, to the lid CO, adhering to it permanently in a fixed position suitable to facilitate the outward flow of the beverage in the can CA.
  • the spout 10 is ready for use, facilitating drinking and ensuring hygienic conditions for the consumer.

Abstract

The spout (10) is applied to cans containing beverages, in particular carbonated beverages, closed by a hermetically sealed lid equipped with a pull-up tab that covers an opening in the lid for pouring the liquid.
According to the invention, it consists of a flexible strip (11) in a plastic material, bent so as to present two opposite faces, one concave (11.1) and the other convex (11.2), and provided on this convex face (11.2) with a continuous linear slit (12).
This spout (10) -- after the can (CA) has been opened by pulling up the tab (T) -- is inserted in the opening (A) thereby created on the lid (CO) of the can by holding it loosely bent between the fingers of one hand, basically in a "U" shape (as seen from above" like a spring strip and with its convex face (11.2) toward the lid so as to align its slit (12) with the lid.
When it is then released, it springs outward so as to automatically fit itself, with its slit (12) into the lid (CO) of the can where it is permanently held in a fixed position suitable to facilitate the outward flow of the beverage from the can and facilitating drinking while ensuring hygienic conditions for the consumer.

Description

This invention concerns a disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages.
Cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, generally have a metal lid that provides a hermetic seal, and that is equipped with a pull-up tab that covers the opening through which the liquid contained in the can is poured.
Among the consumers of beverages in cans, there is a widespread habit of drinking, after pulling up the tab, directly from the can, applying the mouth to the top of the can.
This is not hygienic, because the outside of the can, after the beverage has been introduced and sealed, is not protected in any way and therefore dust and other contaminants can deposit on the surface.
One of the purposes of this invention is to provide a disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, that makes it possible for the consumer to drink directly from the can in the most convenient way while avoiding direct contact between the can and the mouth, thereby ensuring hygiene.
Another purpose is to provide a spout as indicated that can be associated to a can containing a beverage in such a way that it can be stacked with other similar cans and can also be placed on any flat surface.
Another purpose is to provide a spout as indicated with a simplified structure, easy to use and convenient, at a low cost.
In view of these purposes, this invention provides a disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, the essential characteristics of which are the subject of claim no. 1.
Further advantageous characteristics are outlined in the subordinate claims.
The aforementioned claims are understood to be an integral part of the description of the invention.
This invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the enclosed drawings, that are supplied only by way of example, in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a front view of the disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, according to the invention;
  • Fig. 2 is a view of the layout from below;
  • Fig. 3 is a side view;
  • Fig. 4 and 5 are views in enlarged scale and in cross section according to lines IV-IV and V-V of fig. 1, respectively;
  • Fig. 6 and 7 show a view in perspective and in a different scale of a can containing a carbonated drink, in one case hermetically closed and with the spout according to the invention applied, before use, on the outside of the bottom, and open, after removing a pull-up tab on the lid, and with the spout applied in the position ready for use for drinking through the aperture created in this way on the lid.
In the drawings, the spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, according to the invention, as shown in fig. 1, is marked no. 10.
This spout no. 10 consists of a flexible piece of plastic 11, bent in such a way as to present two opposite faces, one concave 11.1 and the other convex 11.2. For hygienic reasons this spout 10 is made of sterile material suitable for use for food products and preferably recyclable.
This piece of plastic 11 has a basically rectangular border in the shape of an isosceles trapezium, seen from the front in fig. 1, but the corners rounded in the manner of a fingernail.
On the concave face 11.1 of the piece of plastic 11 there is a first stiffening rib 11.3 that runs along the trapezoidal edge and is higher along the side corresponding to the longer base 11.30.
A second stiffening rib 11.4 is provided on the concave face 11.1 of the piece of plastic 11, in the mid-point position between the inclined sides 11.40 of its outer border, adjacent to the base line 11.30. This second rib 11.4 presents a thickening 11.5 in the central part.
On the convex face 11.2 of the piece of plastic a continuous linear slit 12 is formed, running basically parallel and close to the side of wider base 11.30. This slit 12 runs along the part of the greater height of the first rib 11.3.
Between this slit 12 and the side of the larger base 11.30 of the outer edge of the convex face 11.2, corresponding to the extreme corner zone, tracks 11.6 are provided on the surface running downward toward the slit.
On the longer base side 11.30 of the outer edge of the concave face 11.1 a sliding surface 11.31 is provided, running downward toward the outside of the spout 10.
The shape and size of the spout 10 are suitable for fitting it easily, before use, in the external cavity that is provided in the bottom of a can CA (fig. 6). The spout 10 should preferably be protected in a sterile envelope B that is applied to the cavity with an adhesive strip so as not to hinder stacking of the can CA with other similar cans and standing it on any flat surface.
Use of the spout 10:
After opening the can by pulling the tab T, the spout 10 is inserted in the opening A on the lid CO, by holding the spout between the fingers of one hand loosely bent into a "U" shape (as seen from above) like a spring strip with its convex face 11.2 toward the lid CO, its longer base 11.30 downward, aligning its slit 12 with the lid CO. The operation of bending the spout 10 correctly into a "U" shape is facilitated by the arrangement of the stiffening ribs 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5 described above, while the sliding surface tracks 11.6 on its convex face 11.2 facilitate insertion of the spout 10, bent as described, into the opening A on the can.
When the spout 10 is released, after inserting it in the opening A, it springs open and automatically fits itself, with its slit 12, to the lid CO, adhering to it permanently in a fixed position suitable to facilitate the outward flow of the beverage in the can CA. The spout 10 is ready for use, facilitating drinking and ensuring hygienic conditions for the consumer.

Claims (7)

  1. Disposable spout for cans containing beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, closed by a hermetically sealed lid equipped with a pull-up tab that covers an opening in the lid for pouring the liquid, characterized in that it consists of a flexible strip (11) in a plastic material, bent so as to present two opposite faces, one concave (11.1) and the other convex (11.2), and provided on this convex face (11.2) with a continuous linear slit (12), this spout (10) -- after the can (CA) has been opened by pulling up the tab (T) -- being inserted in the opening (A) thereby created on the lid (CO) of the can by holding it elastically bent between the fingers of one hand, basically in a "U" shape (as seen from above) like a spring strip and with its convex face (11.2) toward the lid so as to align its slit (12) with the lid, afterwards it is released and springs outward so as to automatically fit itself, with its slit (12) into the lid (CO) of the can where it is permanently held in a fixed position suitable to facilitate the outward flow of the beverage from the can and facilitating drinking while ensuring hygienic conditions for the consumer.
  2. Spout according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip (11) on its concave face (11.1) is provided with a first stiffening rib (11.3), that runs along its outer edge and has its greatest width at the slit (12) provided on the other face (11.2), and a second stiffening rib (11.4) placed in a basically middle position between the two opposite edges (11.40) of its outer edge, adjacent to the two ends of the slit (12), respectively, serving to facilitate the operation of correct manual bending in a "U" shape of the spout (10) by the arrangement of these stiffening ribs (11.3, 11.4).
  3. Spout according to claim 2, in which the second stiffening rib (11.4) includes a thickening (11.5) in the central part.
  4. Spout according to claim 1 characterized in that, between the slit (12) and the nearest and basically parallel outer edge (11.30) of the convex face (11.2) of the strip (11), tracks are provided on the surface (11.6) running downward toward the slit (12) to facilitate the insertion of the spout (10), when bent basically into a "U" shape, into the opening (A) on the can (CA).
  5. Spout according to claim 4, characterized in that on the edge (11.30) of the concave face (11.1) of the strip (11) there is a sliding surface (11.31) that runs downward toward the outer edge of the strip in order to facilitate the flow of the beverage out of the can (CA).
  6. Spout according to claim 1 characterized in that the strip (11) has a basically quadrangular edge in the form of an isosceles trapezium as seen from the front (fig. 1), with rounded corners resembling a fingernail.
  7. Spout according to claim 1 characterized in that it is made of sterile material suitable for use with food products, preferably recyclable, and is fitted, before use, in an external cavity provided on the bottom of the can (CA), preferably protected inside a special packet consisting of a sterile envelope, applied to this cavity by means of an adhesive strip so as not to hinder stacking the can (CA) with other similar cans or standing it on any flat surface.
EP98105714A 1997-04-07 1998-03-30 Disposable spout for cans containing beverages Withdrawn EP0870685A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT97TO000292A IT1292248B1 (en) 1997-04-07 1997-04-07 SPOUT FOR SANITARY DRINKS IN CAN
ITTO970292 1997-04-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0870685A1 true EP0870685A1 (en) 1998-10-14

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Family Applications (1)

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EP98105714A Withdrawn EP0870685A1 (en) 1997-04-07 1998-03-30 Disposable spout for cans containing beverages

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EP (1) EP0870685A1 (en)
IT (1) IT1292248B1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001092133A2 (en) 2000-06-01 2001-12-06 Jan Essebaggers Carbonated beverage container with suction spout
FR2812622A1 (en) 2000-08-07 2002-02-08 Chevalier Jean Pierre CONTAINER FOR CONTAINING A FOOD LIQUID, PARTICULARLY BEER
WO2002026565A2 (en) 2000-09-28 2002-04-04 Carlo Antonio Camorani Container
WO2006053922A1 (en) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-26 Enrique Muriel Salvador Device for beverage cans, comprising a cover and hole
WO2016159805A1 (en) 2015-04-01 2016-10-06 Lolik Marcin A mouthpiece for drinking from beverage cans

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB535192A (en) * 1939-10-02 1941-04-01 Riley Cole Masterson Spout for liquid containers and means for attaching the same thereto
US3429478A (en) * 1967-12-07 1969-02-25 William W Ward Drinking attachment for containers
DE1906686A1 (en) * 1969-02-11 1970-09-03 Bernd Rohrbach Aids for drinking up and pouring out cans
US3831824A (en) * 1972-06-08 1974-08-27 Packaging Aids Inc Dispensing system
US3938714A (en) * 1972-06-08 1976-02-17 Packaging Aids, Inc. Pouring spout dispensing system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB535192A (en) * 1939-10-02 1941-04-01 Riley Cole Masterson Spout for liquid containers and means for attaching the same thereto
US3429478A (en) * 1967-12-07 1969-02-25 William W Ward Drinking attachment for containers
DE1906686A1 (en) * 1969-02-11 1970-09-03 Bernd Rohrbach Aids for drinking up and pouring out cans
US3831824A (en) * 1972-06-08 1974-08-27 Packaging Aids Inc Dispensing system
US3938714A (en) * 1972-06-08 1976-02-17 Packaging Aids, Inc. Pouring spout dispensing system

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001092133A2 (en) 2000-06-01 2001-12-06 Jan Essebaggers Carbonated beverage container with suction spout
FR2812622A1 (en) 2000-08-07 2002-02-08 Chevalier Jean Pierre CONTAINER FOR CONTAINING A FOOD LIQUID, PARTICULARLY BEER
WO2002012085A1 (en) 2000-08-07 2002-02-14 Chevalier Jean Pierre Container for food beverage, in particular beer
WO2002026565A2 (en) 2000-09-28 2002-04-04 Carlo Antonio Camorani Container
WO2006053922A1 (en) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-26 Enrique Muriel Salvador Device for beverage cans, comprising a cover and hole
WO2016159805A1 (en) 2015-04-01 2016-10-06 Lolik Marcin A mouthpiece for drinking from beverage cans

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1292248B1 (en) 1999-01-29
ITTO970292A1 (en) 1997-07-07
ITTO970292A0 (en) 1997-04-07

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