CA2889234A1

CA2889234A1 - Anti-splash device for a beverage container

Info

Publication number: CA2889234A1
Application number: CA2889234A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jason R. Swist
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-27
Filing date: 2015-04-27
Publication date: 2016-10-27

Description

ANTI-SPLASH DEVICE FOR A BEVERAGE CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] This invention relates to barrier members for containers, and in particular to anti-splash devices and lids incorporating same for cups, cans and other beverage containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Beverage cans are metal containers designed to hold a fixed portion of liquid such as carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, teas, herbal teas, energy drinks, etc.
Today, beverage cans are made of aluminium (75% of worldwide production) or tin-plated steel (25% worldwide production). Worldwide production for beverage cans was approximately 280 billion in 2011. These typically employ pull-tabs originally patented in 1975 as US 4,030,631 which improved on previous designs by employing a separate tab attached to the upper surface of the beverage can as a lever to depress a scored part of the lid, which folds underneath the top of the can and out of the way of the resulting opening. However, upon opening the required force for the tab to break the metal seal causes a small quantity of fluid to splash out, resulting in a spill on the individual or the surrounding areas and once open the user whilst walking, moving, re-positioning the can etc. can easily further spill or splash the contents.
Also, once open it is easy for debris and objects and insects to enter the can via the opening. It would be beneficial to provide a low cost, high volume, low complexity means of preventing such splashing and spilling of the contents of the beverage can whilst also providing a means to cover the opening when desired.

[003] Within the wider context of beverage containers then different types of lids for disposable and non-disposable cups are known in the beverage container industry. Such disposable cups or other containers may be formed from paper, polystyrene, and plastic but have plastic lids that engage an upper rim of a cup to prevent the spillage of liquid or other substances contained within the cup. Some lids include an opening which is configured to provide access to the interior of the cup whilst others are initially deployed closed with a pull-back section.
Irrespective of this the exposed opening is still subject to sloshing, splashing and other undesirable movement of a liquid contained within the cup. Accordingly, it would be beneficial for such lids to have a low cost, high volume, low complexity means of preventing such splashing and spilling of the contents of the cup.

[004] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] It is an object of the present invention to address limitations within the prior art with respect to barrier members for containers, and in particular to anti-splash devices and lids incorporating same for cups and other beverage containers.

[006] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cover for a beverage container which is attached at one end and can be rotated within a plane approximately parallel to a surface of the beverage container containing an opening within the beverage container in order to in a first state expose the opening and in the second state be disposed above a predetermined portion of the opening.

[007] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cover for a beverage container which is attached at one end and can be rotated within a plane approximately parallel to a surface of the beverage container containing an opening within the beverage container in order to in a first state expose the opening and in the second state be disposed above a predetermined portion of the opening, wherein the cover acts as the attachment means for assembling the pull tab to the container.

[008] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cover for a beverage container which is attached at one end and can be adhered to a surface of the beverage container containing an opening within the beverage container in order to in a first state expose the opening and in the second state be disposed above a predetermined portion of the opening.

[009] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 depicts examples of beverage cups and lids according to the prior art;

[0012] Figure 2 depicts examples of beverage cans according to the prior art;

[0013] Figure 3 depicts an anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Figure 4 depicts cross-sectional views of the anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 3;

[0015] Figure 5 depicts cross-sectional views of the anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention as depicted in Figure 3;

[0016] Figure 6 depicts an anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 7 depicts cross-sectional views of the anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 6;

[0018] Figure 8 depicts an anti-splash fitting for a disposable cup lid according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 9 depicts an anti-splash fitting for a disposable cup lid according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 10 depicts an anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0021] Figure 11 depicts cross-sectional views of the anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention is directed to barrier members for containers, and in particular to anti-splash devices and lids incorporating same for cups and other beverage containers.

[0023] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims.

[0024] A "cup" as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to a small open container used for carrying and drinking drinks. This includes, but is not limited to, cups made of wood, plastic, glass, clay, metal, stone, china or other materials which may or may not have a stem, handles or other adornments. It can include cups for extended re-use as well as cups for single or limited duration use, i.e. disposable cups.

[0025] A "beverage can" ("can") as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to container, typically metal, designed to hold a fixed portion of liquid.

[0026] A "bottle" as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to a typically rigid container with a neck that is narrower than the body and a "mouth". This includes, but is not limited to, bottles made of glass, clay, plastic, aluminium or other impervious materials, and typically used to store liquids. Within the contexts of this invention embodiments of the invention may be applied to a cap of a bottle allowing its contents to be poured without requiring the cap to be removed.

[0027] A "lid" (also known as a cap) as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to a permanent or removable part of a container, such as a cup, bottle or can, that serves as the cover or seal. As such a lid includes, but is not limited to, those made of metal and plastic and are a type of closure.

[0028] A "user" as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, an individual or group of individuals who may use a liquid storage container, such as a bottle, cup, or can in order to access the liquid stored within. This includes, but is not limited to, private individuals, employees of organizations and / or enterprises, members of community organizations, members of charity organizations, men, women, children, and teenagers. In its broadest sense the user may further include, but not be limited to, mechanical systems, robotic systems, android systems, etc.
that may be characterised by an ability to handle, manipulate, or use a liquid storage container, such as a bottle, cup, or can in order to access the liquid stored within.

[0029] The discussion below and the figures referenced herein describe various embodiments of an anti-splash device and methods for preventing unwanted sloshing, splashing and spillage of liquids or other materials placed within container. A number of these embodiments are particularly well suited for implementation in a disposable cup, disposable can and the like.
However, it will be appreciated that the features, advantages and other characteristics related to the different embodiments described herein may be incorporated into other types of containers and storage devices, whether intended to retain a beverage or not.

[0030] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the disclosure below is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other products. For example, container lids as disclosed and claimed are not limited to the materials described herein, and the size, shape, and features of the closure and other components can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0031] An anti-splash device can be positioned with respect to a cup or another container and/or within a lid or other component of a beverage container to eliminate or reduce splashing, sloshing and/or other undesirable movements of the beverage or other materials.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1 there are depicted examples of beverage cups and lids according to the prior art. These include:
= First disposable cup 110, typic4lly made of paper for the body 112 and separate sleeve 116 and plastic for the lid 114 (of which approximately 14 billion were employed in the United States alone in 2009) wherein the lid 114 has an opening for the user to drink from and may include additional contouring;
= Stopper 120 introduced by a coffee retail chain to address spillage for users carrying their disposable cups 110 which is inserted into the opening of the lid;
= Second disposable cup 130 typically made of paper for the body wherein the lid will generally have a pull-back tab to provide an opening for the user to drink from such that splashing / spillage are stopped until the user takes their first sip;

= Mug 140 with a lid similar lid 114 wherein such mugs may have a handle or no handle and are generally metal or ceramic and employed by the user for repeated use;
and = Third disposable cup 150 which is a smaller version of first disposable cup 110 and represents a range of cup size, offered by retailers of beverages that may, example, include small, medium and large wherein each may have its own lid or two or more sizes may share common lid geometry and vary solely in height of the cup.

[0033] Now referring to Figure 2 there are depicted examples of beverage cans according to the prior art. These include:
= Closed beverage can 200A with body 210, pull-tab 220, and tab 230 wherein the tab 230 is defined within the top of the body 210 with a scored profile such that the tab 230 can be pivoted on its mounting and push the tab 230 into the inner region of the body 210 but is still attached to the body 210 close to the tab 230;
= Open beverage can 200B wherein the pull-tab 220 has pushed the tab 230 into the inner region of the body 210 allowing the user to pour the contents or drink through the opening now within the top of the body 210; and = Beverage can 200C comprising the body 270 with top end 280 and bottom end wherein disposed with respect to the top end 280 are tab 250 and pull-tab 260.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3 there is depicted an anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention in first to fourth images 300A to 300D which respectively depict:
= First image 300A wherein the top surface 310 of the beverage can shows the pull-tab 320 in conjunction with cover 330 -;cording to an embodiment of the invention such as may be presented to a user upon their purchase of the beverage can;
= Second image 300B wherein the user has moved the cover 330 such that the standard pull-tab 320 (also known as a ring-pull) and tab 340 are evident as part of the top surface 310;
= Third image 300C wherein the user has now "pulled" the pull-tab 320 such that is has pushed the tab 340 into the inner region of the beverage can body forming an opening 350 within the top surface 310 of the beverage can; and = Fourth image 300D wherein the user has now re-positioned the cover 330 relative to the pull-tab 320 and what is now the opening 350 within the top surface 310.

[0035] It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the position of the cover 330 at initial purchase of the beverage can may be over the tab 340 or rotated relative to the tab 340. The cover 330 may be formed from a range of materials according to the desired properties of the cover, e.g. permeable, non-permeable, deformable, solid, etc. as well as considerations such as cost, colour, and an ability to add text or imagery to the cover 330 for advertising, sell-by date, use by date, best before date, flavor identification, branding, marketing, etc.

[0036] Now referring to Figure 4 there is are depicted first to fifth cross-sectional views 400A to 400E respectively of the anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 3. The structure depicted comprises the can top surface, part of the body 440, the tab 430, pull-tab 420 and the cover 410. Accordingly, as depicted these cross-sectional views are:
= First cross-sectional image 400A wherein the user has purchased, obtained, acquired the beverage can and is going to open it;
= Second cross-sectional image 400B wherein the user has started to open the can and pull the pull-tab 420 up at the end distal to the tab 430 wherein the cover 410 by virtue of its attachment to the pull-tab 420 pivots as well towards the surface of the beverage can;
= Third cross-sectional image 400C wherein the user has continued to open the can and pull the pull-tab 420 up at the end distal to the tab 430 wherein pull-tab 420 deforms the tab 430 breaking its contact to the beverage can body 440 but the cover 410 by virtue of its attachment to the pull-tab 420 pivots as well until it contacts the surface of the beverage can wherein its motion stops; ' = Fourth cross-sectional image 400D wherein the user having opened the beverage can releases the pull-tab 420 which returns to its original essentially parallel orientation relative to the surface of the aluminium can within which the tab is formed;
= Fifth cross-sectional image 400E wherein the user now pivots the cover 410 out of the way in order to drink or pour from the beverage can such as depicted in fourth image 300D in Figure 3.

[0037] As evident to one of skill in the art the cover 410 in Figure 4 has a rigid structure either through design and / or material choice such that when disposed above the opening within the beverage can created by deformation of the tab 430 it acts as an anti-splash guard for the beverage container. Based upon the liquid within the beverage can and the separation between the bottom of the cover 410 and the top surface of the body 440 then the cover 430 may also reduce or eliminate spills or spillage. Cover 410 may, for example, be a biodegradable plastic, a plastic, a thermoplastic, a coloured plastic, white plastic, aluminium, steel, and coated steel.

[0038] Now referring to Figure 5 there are depicted cross-sectional views of the anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention as depicted in Figure 3 wherein now the cover 410 has been replaced with deformable cover 510. As such deformable cover 510 may be formed from a thin sheet of material such as a biodegradable plastic, a plastic, a thermoplastic, a coloured plastic, white plastic, aluminium, steel, and coated steel.
Accordingly, first to fifth cross-sectional images 500A to 500E depict a similar process flow and operation sequence as those depicted in first to fifth cross-sectional images 400A to 400E in Figure 4 except that during the pivoting of the pull-tab 420 to break the tab 430 free from the body 440 the cover 510 now deforms once its distal edge to the pivot point touches the body 440 such as depicted in third cross-sectional image 500C. Whilst the cover 510 may be moved to allow the user to drink from the beverage can the compliant cover 510 allows the liquid to be poured even when the cover 510 is in close proximity or contact with the external surface of the lid of the beverage can.

[0039] Optionally, the profile of the cover depicted in Figures 4 and 5 may be other than planar or flat such as corrugated, louvered, shaped according to a predetermined profile such as convex or concave for example.

[0040] Optionally, the cover may be brmed from a permeable material, a porous material, a mesh, or have holes defined within in addition to being solid.

[0041] Optionally, the cross-section of the cover may be constant or vary such as, for example, have a thicker edge and thinner inner region.

[0042] Optionally, the cover may be formed from paper or another biodegradable material, such as a biodegradable plastic, or aluminium.

[0043] Optionally, the cover may itself be removed by the user.

[0044] Now referring to Figure 6 there are depicted first and second images 600A and 600B
respectively of an anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention. As depicted in first image 600Athe pull-tab 620 and cover 630 are depicted relative to the top surface 610 of the beverage can. The cover 630 now has an opening 640 allowing the pull-tab 620 to engage the tab of the beverage can whilst the cover is in place. Subsequently, the pull-tab 620 is rotated thereby also rotating the cover 630 such that the now open tab region 650 is accessible to the user for drinking or pouring the liquid within the beverage can. This sequence is depicted in Figure 7 with first to fifth cross-sectional views 700A to 700C
where it is evident that until fifth cross-sectional view 700E when the cover 710 is rotated that it is moved away from the opening in the beverage can and that is in place during the opening of the beverage can through the combined actions of the tab 730 and pull-tab 720.

[0045] Now referring to Figure 8 there are depicted first and second images 800A and 800B of an anti-splash fitting for a disposable cup lid according to an embodiment of the invention. As depicted the lid 810 has an opening 830 for the user to drink through and a cover 820 that can be rotated out of the way or into position to stop splashing etc. Optionally, as depicted in third image 800C a small fitting 830 may be disposed as part of the lid when molded to retain the edge of the cover 820 in the position covering the opening to restrict movement away from the opening when the cover 820 is formed from a rigid material.

[0046] Optionally within an alternate embodiment of the invention the cover over an opening such as within the lid depicted in Figure 8 may be formed from a compliant material that when formed has a curl to it, i.e. by using two layers of material with different stress-strain characteristics and disposing onto what will become the lower surface in contact with the lid a region of adhesive. Accordingly, as depicted in Figure 9 with first and second stages 900A and 900B the disposable lid 910 is supplied in second stage 900B wherein the cover 930 is flat and covering the hole. Supplying in this state maintains the normal stacking of high quantities of lids within small storage areas for shipping and use. As the user peels the cover 930 or releases an edge the inherent curl of the cover pulls the remainder away and the cover 930 transitions to its state 920 wherein it maintains the curl and the hole 940 is exposed. The adhesive may be on the edge that comes into contact adjacent the hole distal the point the cover 920 maintains contact with the lid 910 or it may disposed along the edges or adjacent the hole but towards the point that the cover 920 maintains contact with the lid 910.

[0047] Optionally, the cover 930 may be coloured to reflect a category of beverage, may have text, logos, designs, etc. reflecting the beverage, the retailer, an event, a charity etc. In contrast to prior art peel-to-open the inventive cover maintains contact with the lid as it is attached with a different adhesive, different mounting technique, etc. Accordingly, the user can pour or drink and then re-seal.

[0048] Now referring to Figure 10 there are depicted first and second images 1000A and 1000B
respectively of an anti-splash fitting for a beverage can according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the pull-tab 1020 and cover 1030 are linked such that rotation of the pull-tab 1020 automatically rotates the cover 1030. As depicted in first image 1000A
the pull-tab 1020 and cover 1030 are depicted relative to the top surface 1010 of the beverage can. The cover 1030 is attached to the pull-tab 1020 but above it allowing the pull-tab 1020 to engage the tab of the beverage can whilst the cover is in place. Subsequently, the pull-tab 1020 is rotated thereby also rotating the cover 1030 such that the now open tab region 1040 is accessible to the user for drinking or pouring the liquid within the beverage can. This sequence is depicted in Figure 11 with first to fifth cross-sectional views 1100A to 1100C where it is evident that until fifth cross-sectional view 1100E when the cover 1110 is rotated that it is moved away from the opening in the beverage can and that is in place during the opening of the beverage can through the combined actions of the tab 1130 and pull-tab 1120.

[0049] Within embodiments of the invention the pull tab and / or cover may be attached to the beverage container through a rivet which may be metal or plastic within different embodiments of the invention. Optionally, a press fit are employed to assemble cover and /
or pull tab to a post having a slightly larger exposed end so that once pushed on the cover and / or pull tab do not come back off except through the use of force.

[0050] Optionally, the cover may be designed to cover a larger area of the beverage container exterior than that defining the hole. In these instances a large cover may provide additional sanitary benefits such as limiting the ingress of dirt, debris etc. into the open beverage container once opened but also during period post closure with shipping, handling, storage, retail etc.

[0051] The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

[0052] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the, method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cover for a beverage container which is attached at one end and can be rotated within a plane approximately parallel to a surface of the beverage container containing an opening within the beverage container in order to in a first state expose the opening and in the second state be disposed above a predetermined portion of the opening.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein it is attached above a pull tab of the beverage container and allows the pull tab to perform normally to push a tab of the beverage container to form the opening.

3. The cover according to claim 1, wherein it is attached between a pull tab of the beverage container and the surface of the beverage container and allows the pull tab to perform normally to push a tab of the beverage container to form the opening.

4. The cover according to claim 1, wherein it is formed from a compliant material.

5. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is attached during the same operation as the pull tab is attached to the beverage container.

6. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover and pull tab are attached to the beverage container through a rivet.

7. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover and the attaching rivet are produced as one piece.

8. A cover for a beverage container which is attached at one end and can be rotated within a plane approximately parallel to a surface of the beverage container containing an opening within the beverage container in order to in a first state expose the opening and in the second state be disposed above a predetermined portion of the opening, wherein the cover acts as the attachment means for assembling the pull tab to the container.

9. A cover for a beverage container which is attached at one end and can be adhered to a surface of the beverage container containing an opening within the beverage container in order to in a first state expose the opening and in the second state be disposed above a predetermined portion of the opening.

10. The cover according to claim 8, wherein in the second state the cover is curled due to a predetermined stress profile within the cover.

11. The cover according to claim 8, wherein the cover adheres from a releasable adhesive disposed on a predetermined portion of the cover distal the point at which it is attached to the surface of the beverage container.