EP3521194A1 - Closing device for beverage container - Google Patents
Closing device for beverage container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3521194A1 EP3521194A1 EP18000084.6A EP18000084A EP3521194A1 EP 3521194 A1 EP3521194 A1 EP 3521194A1 EP 18000084 A EP18000084 A EP 18000084A EP 3521194 A1 EP3521194 A1 EP 3521194A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- closing device
- horizontal surface
- opening
- cover
- beverage container
- 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.)
- Pending
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
- B65D39/0005—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers made in one piece
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- 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
- B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
- B65D39/16—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers with handles or other special means facilitating manual actuation
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- 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
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/026—Caps or cap-like covers attached to the bottle neck by sliding them perpendicularly to the neck axis
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- 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
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/007—Separate closure devices for reclosing opened cans or tins, e.g. beer cans
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
- B67B7/40—Devices for engaging tags, strips, or tongues for opening by tearing, e.g. slotted keys for opening sardine tins
- B67B7/403—Devices for engaging tags, strips, or tongues for opening by tearing, e.g. slotted keys for opening sardine tins adapted for engaging the ring of a pull tab for opening an aperture
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- 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
- B65D2517/0031—Reclosable openings
- B65D2517/004—Reclosable openings by means of an additional element
- B65D2517/0041—Reclosable openings by means of an additional element in the form of a cover
Definitions
- the invention belongs in the area of packaging used for storage of beverages. More specifically, the invention is about a closing device for an open beverage container, e.g. a can with an opening tab and/or a bottle with cap.
- a closing device for an open beverage container e.g. a can with an opening tab and/or a bottle with cap.
- the object of the present invention is a device designed for repeated closing and opening of an open beverage container and protection of its contents, preventing the entry of insects, fine particles and other undesirable objects into the beverage container and the beverage contained therein.
- the closing device for beverage container is a reversible device with a horizontal surface, which can be used both for beverage cans and bottles.
- open beverage containers e.g. beverage cans and beverage bottles with non-turnable caps
- the drawback with open beverage containers is that those cannot be closed and reopened after the initial opening, i.e. the beverage can or bottle remains open for the whole period of consuming the beverage. Often, not all the beverage is consumed from an open container immediately, and the open container is left waiting for a while.
- wasps, bees, ants and other insects can enter the open beverage container (especially if it is a sugar-containing beverage), as well as other undesirable objects (e.g. dust, fine waste, etc.).
- Bees, wasps, ants and other biting/stinging/poisonous insects pose an especially great risk, as they may sting/bite the person (re)drinking from the beverage container in the mouth or throat, which may cause serious health risks (e.g. allergic reactions) and in the worst case result in the death of the person.
- the metal opening tab of a beverage can may cause discomfort to a person while consuming the drink from a beverage can (e.g. for children, it touches their nose and the possible sharp edges may injure the user; also, the moustache of a user might be caught in it).
- Various solutions have been developed in order to solve such problems.
- a protective cover for beverage can is known ( US20090032531, Navare et. al., published February 05, 2009 ), made as a complete rotating piece, which can be placed on an open beverage can for protection and removed. The cover is turned to close and reopen the opening of the beverage can.
- a drawback of such a solution is that the use of the cover is unpractical, as it can be left behind and it is costly to produce such a cover.
- the solution is not designed for use on the opening tab of a beverage can. Neither does it solve the inconveniences of consumption related to the opening tab.
- a solution is known ( CN105564804, Zhang Shan, published May 11, 2016 ), including a sealable bottle cover that can be placed on a bottle and removed. There is a sealing block in the middle of the bottle cover functioning through a pump.
- a drawback of the solution is the fact that it is not universal, i.e. usable both for a beverage can and a bottle.
- a known solution ( WO2011063428 , Smooth HIP Ltd, published May 26, 2011) presents a bottle cap having adjacent grasping formations at the perimeter, which makes the cap sit tightly in the bottle neck.
- a drawback of the solution is the fact that it is not universal, i.e. usable both for a beverage can and a bottle.
- the aim of the invention is to offer a "two-in-one" solution, for easy closing and reopening of beverage containers (cans with opening tabs or rings or bottles with caps (preferably non-turnable caps) during or in the period between the consumption.
- the closing device for beverage container is a reversible (can be used from both sides) device with a horizontal surface, whereas the closing device may be distinguishably marked (e.g. be of one colour as a whole, or the sides of the surface are of different colour, or with different pictures, text, numbers, shapes, etc. elements).
- the horizontal surface of the closing device is a fan-shaped half-circular component with an curved narrow end and a widening fan-shaped wider end interconnected on sides with straight segments. Both sides of the horizontal surface have vertically protruding additional components attached, which give different functionalities to the different sides of the surface, whereas the additional components can be distinctively marked (e.g. be of different colour, including the parts).
- the object of the invention is a closing device for beverage container, with one side of the horizontal surface being a cover for placement on the opening tab of a can in order to close the opening of the can (including also as an aid for initial opening of the can), and the other side is a cover for placement on the open bottle in order to close the opening.
- the horizontal surface is penetrated by an opening through which it is possible to attach the closing device to e.g. a key ring and thus use it as a separate key chain or keep in a bunch of keys.
- the opening may be used for attachment of e.g. a string, ribbon, rubber band, etc. by which the closing device is attached to e.g. a beverage container to avoid the loss of the closing device when using the beverage container or unwanted detachment from the beverage container.
- a component with a specific shape is vertically formed, with a polygon with rounded corners in the centre, reaching from the narrower end of the horizontal surface to the proximity of the wider end.
- a horizontal slit has been made, and a cut out at the wider part of the horizontal surface to form oblong side polygons with rounded ends at the sides of the polygon, which are parallel to the straight side segments of the horizontal surface.
- the other side of the closing device i.e. the cover of bottle opening
- the covers for bottle opening can be used for bottles with different dimensions of opening.
- a vertical crescent-shaped edge with straight segments at sides is formed on the horizontal surface, from the wider end towards the narrower end, which form a gap getting smoothly narrower towards the crescent, into which the end of a bottle neck without cap can be inserted.
- the crescent-shaped edge and the straight segments have a flange on the edge vertically distant from the horizontal surface, which is folded inward, and the surface of the horizontal surface has a smoothly elevated (thickened) surface towards the narrower end.
- the horizontal surface comprises a vertical flange at the outer edge.
- the horizontal surface has a cap formed vertically approximately in its centre, with an outer thread and (truncated) cone shape.
- the horizontal surface is completely surrounded by a vertical outer edge.
- the presented solution is designed for resealing and reopening of an open beverage container (a can or a bottle with a cap) and for protecting its contents from insects, fine particles and other undesirable objects while consuming the beverage, whereas it is not the purpose to reseal the open beverage container in airtight manner.
- the object of the invention is a reversible (can be used from both sides) device with a horizontal surface 5, one side of which is cover 1 or 2, which is meant for placement on the opening tab of a can in order to close the opening of the can, and the other side is a cover for closing the opening of a bottle, whereas there are two alternative embodiments for use - cover 3 which is a cover slid on bottle opening, or cover 4, which is a protruding element inserted in bottle opening.
- the horizontal surface 5 of the closing device for beverage container is a fan-shaped half-circular component with an a curved narrow end and a widening fan-shaped wider end interconnected with straight segments. Both sides of the horizontal surface 5 have vertically protruding additional components attached, which give different functionalities to the different sides (1 or 2 and 3 and 4) of surface 5.
- a component with a specific shape is vertically formed, with a polygon with rounded corners 6 in the centre, reaching from the narrower end of the horizontal surface 5 to the proximity of the wider end.
- a horizontal slit 7 has been made, which extends significantly into the interior of the polygon 6, and at the entry point, a crescent-shaped opening with straight side segments has been made into the polygon.
- a cut out has been made in the sides at the wider end of the horizontal surface 5 of the polygon 6 to form oblong side polygons with rounded ends 8 at the sides of the polygon 6, which are parallel to the straight segments of the horizontal surface 5.
- the opening tab of the beverage can is inserted in slit 7 of the polygon 6.
- the side polygons 8 function as an additional side barrier to the can opening, preventing the entry of insects and/or fine particles into the can from between the closing device and the top surface of the can.
- the closing device can also be used as an aid for initial opening of the can.
- the other side of the horizontal surface of the closing device 5, i.e. the surface of the cover for bottle opening, contains two alternative embodiments - cover 3 which is a cover slid on bottle opening, or cover 4, which is a protruding element inserted in bottle opening.
- a vertical crescent-shaped edge 9 with straight segments 10 at sides is formed on the horizontal surface 5 of the closing device (i.e. cover 3 which is designed for closing the opening of a bottle as a lid), from the wider end towards the narrower end.
- the crescent-shaped edge 9 and the straight segments 10 have a flange 11 on the edge vertically distant from the horizontal surface, which is folded inward and is useful for more secure sliding of the cover on the bottle opening.
- the horizontal surface 5 has a vertical flange 13 at the outer edge. To close an open bottle, the cover 3 is slid horizontally from the wider end of the fan-shaped horizontal surface 5 onto the bottle opening.
- the surface of the horizontal surface 5 has a smoothly elevated (thickened) surface towards the narrower end.
- the crescent-shaped edge 9 with straight segments 10 at sides forms a gap getting smoothly narrower towards the crescent, into which the end of a bottle neck without cap can be inserted. Thanks to the above characteristics, a wedge effect is applied, which enables more secure sealing of bottle opening. Also, the narrowing gap of the cover makes it possible to use the closing device for sealing bottles with different outer diameter of bottle opening.
- the other side of the horizontal surface 5 of the closing device i.e. cover 4 designed for inserting into bottle opening as a protruding element
- the closing device has a cap 12 formed vertically approximately in its centre, with an outer thread and (truncated) cone shape, whereas the (truncated) cone has a larger diameter at the end towards the horizontal surface 5.
- the horizontal surface 5 is surrounded by a vertical outer edge 13.
- the cap 12 is inserted in the bottle opening. Thanks to the cone-shaped part of cap 12, the solution is suitable for sealing bottles with different outer diameter of bottle opening.
- the grooved surface of the protruding part of cap 12 helps the closing device to be better/tighter fixed in the bottle opening.
- the vertical flange 13 is an additional aid for removing the closing device from the beverage container, as it can be conveniently grasped by the user's fingers/fingernails.
- the horizontal surface 5 is penetrated by an opening 14 through which it is possible to attach the closing device to e.g. a key ring and thus use it as a separate key chain or keep in a bunch of keys.
- the opening 14 may be used for attachment of e.g. a string, ribbon, rubber band, etc. by which the closing device is attached to a beverage container to avoid the loss of the closing device when using the beverage container or unwanted detachment of the closing device from the opening tab of the can or opening of the bottle.
- the closing device is made of material with certain flexibility and elasticity.
- the closing device is made of biodegradable material.
- the closing device may be produced as distinguishable (e.g. be of one colour as a whole, or its sides are of different colour, or the components of different sides are of different colour, or with pictures, text, numbers, shapes, etc. elements used on the closing device).
- other suitable materials and means may be used to mark the closing device distinguishably. The selection of materials and colours of the closing device or using other distinguishing means do not limit its intended purpose and technical nature.
- the closing device for beverage container prevents the entry of insects, fine particles and/or other undesirable objects into an open beverage container while consuming the beverage. This ensures increased hygiene and safety of the user when the beverage is consumed periodically.
- the closing device When the closing device is used in the open position of beverage container, it also has an additional protection and convenience function. For example, for children, the opening tab of can touches their nose and the possible sharp edges may cause injuries to the user. Also, moustache may get caught in the opening tab. By using the closing device on the opening tab, such injuries and discomfort can be avoided. Also, the closing device can be used for distinguishing one's beverage container from other open beverage containers.
- the closing device installed on it does not significantly touch the lid of the beverage can and the possible liquid on it. Also, the closing device is not significantly exposed to the liquid in the beverage can when it is closed again. That makes the closing device relatively hygienic (e.g. it does not become sticky), which makes it convenient for reuse and e.g. put it in the pocket between uses.
- the closing device When using a bottle, the closing device is preferably used on a bottle with non-turnable cap but it is also possible to use it for closing a bottle with threaded cap (e.g. if the cap is lost). Also, it is possible to use the closing device on bottles with caps inserted in the bottle opening (e.g. wines).
- Cover 3 or 4 of the closing device is universal, which makes it possible to use it for closing bottles with different diameter of opening.
- the dimensions of the vertical component of cover 3 slid on the bottle opening are the following: the width of the open side of the gap is 29 ⁇ 1.5 mm and it narrows towards the curve by about 1 to 2 mm per each 10 mm of the edge length (crescent-shaped edge 9 and straight segment 10), and the total vertical height is 5 ⁇ 2 mm.
- the relevant cover 3 is suitable for use on standard beverage bottles with 27 ⁇ 0.5 mm outer diameter of bottle opening.
- the dimensions of the (truncated) cone shaped and threaded cap 12 of cover 4 are as follows: 20 ⁇ 2.5 mm from the end towards the horizontal level 5 and 14.5 ⁇ 2 mm from the opposite end.
- the relevant cover is suitable for use on standard beverage bottles with 17 to 23 mm inner diameter of bottle opening.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention belongs in the area of packaging used for storage of beverages. More specifically, the invention is about a closing device for an open beverage container, e.g. a can with an opening tab and/or a bottle with cap.
- The object of the present invention is a device designed for repeated closing and opening of an open beverage container and protection of its contents, preventing the entry of insects, fine particles and other undesirable objects into the beverage container and the beverage contained therein. The closing device for beverage container is a reversible device with a horizontal surface, which can be used both for beverage cans and bottles. The drawback with open beverage containers (e.g. beverage cans and beverage bottles with non-turnable caps) is that those cannot be closed and reopened after the initial opening, i.e. the beverage can or bottle remains open for the whole period of consuming the beverage. Often, not all the beverage is consumed from an open container immediately, and the open container is left waiting for a while. Thus, wasps, bees, ants and other insects can enter the open beverage container (especially if it is a sugar-containing beverage), as well as other undesirable objects (e.g. dust, fine waste, etc.). Bees, wasps, ants and other biting/stinging/poisonous insects pose an especially great risk, as they may sting/bite the person (re)drinking from the beverage container in the mouth or throat, which may cause serious health risks (e.g. allergic reactions) and in the worst case result in the death of the person. Also, the metal opening tab of a beverage can may cause discomfort to a person while consuming the drink from a beverage can (e.g. for children, it touches their nose and the possible sharp edges may injure the user; also, the moustache of a user might be caught in it). Various solutions have been developed in order to solve such problems.
- A protective cover for beverage can is known (
US20090032531, Navare et. al., published February 05, 2009 ), made as a complete rotating piece, which can be placed on an open beverage can for protection and removed. The cover is turned to close and reopen the opening of the beverage can. A drawback of such a solution is that the use of the cover is unpractical, as it can be left behind and it is costly to produce such a cover. Also, the solution is not designed for use on the opening tab of a beverage can. Neither does it solve the inconveniences of consumption related to the opening tab. - A solution is known (
CN105564804, Zhang Shan, published May 11, 2016 ), including a sealable bottle cover that can be placed on a bottle and removed. There is a sealing block in the middle of the bottle cover functioning through a pump. A drawback of the solution is the fact that it is not universal, i.e. usable both for a beverage can and a bottle. - A known solution (
WO2011063428 , Smooth HIP Ltd, published May 26, 2011) presents a bottle cap having adjacent grasping formations at the perimeter, which makes the cap sit tightly in the bottle neck. A drawback of the solution is the fact that it is not universal, i.e. usable both for a beverage can and a bottle. - By technical nature, the most similar solution is (
US2007051725 , Glade Dwight, published March 08, 2007) a cover for an open beverage can containing a top surface, a bottom surface and side walls which form a hollow polygon with a slit at the front. The cover of the beverage container has a turnable opening tab. In order to close an open beverage can, an opening tab is placed in the slit of the cover, and when the cover is turned with the opening tab, the opening of the beverage can closes. The presented cover is reusable. The solution is designed for use only on beverage cans. - The aim of the invention is to offer a "two-in-one" solution, for easy closing and reopening of beverage containers (cans with opening tabs or rings or bottles with caps (preferably non-turnable caps) during or in the period between the consumption.
- The closing device for beverage container is a reversible (can be used from both sides) device with a horizontal surface, whereas the closing device may be distinguishably marked (e.g. be of one colour as a whole, or the sides of the surface are of different colour, or with different pictures, text, numbers, shapes, etc. elements). The horizontal surface of the closing device is a fan-shaped half-circular component with an curved narrow end and a widening fan-shaped wider end interconnected on sides with straight segments. Both sides of the horizontal surface have vertically protruding additional components attached, which give different functionalities to the different sides of the surface, whereas the additional components can be distinctively marked (e.g. be of different colour, including the parts).
- This way, the object of the invention is a closing device for beverage container, with one side of the horizontal surface being a cover for placement on the opening tab of a can in order to close the opening of the can (including also as an aid for initial opening of the can), and the other side is a cover for placement on the open bottle in order to close the opening.
- The horizontal surface is penetrated by an opening through which it is possible to attach the closing device to e.g. a key ring and thus use it as a separate key chain or keep in a bunch of keys. Also, the opening may be used for attachment of e.g. a string, ribbon, rubber band, etc. by which the closing device is attached to e.g. a beverage container to avoid the loss of the closing device when using the beverage container or unwanted detachment from the beverage container.
- On one side of the horizontal surface of the closing device i.e. the cover of can opening, a component with a specific shape is vertically formed, with a polygon with rounded corners in the centre, reaching from the narrower end of the horizontal surface to the proximity of the wider end. At the narrower end of the horizontal surface of the polygon, a horizontal slit has been made, and a cut out at the wider part of the horizontal surface to form oblong side polygons with rounded ends at the sides of the polygon, which are parallel to the straight side segments of the horizontal surface.
- The other side of the closing device, i.e. the cover of bottle opening, is to be used as two alternative embodiments: a cover to be slid on the bottle opening and a protruding element inserted into the bottle opening, whereas the covers for bottle opening can be used for bottles with different dimensions of opening.
- In one alternative embodiment, a vertical crescent-shaped edge with straight segments at sides is formed on the horizontal surface, from the wider end towards the narrower end, which form a gap getting smoothly narrower towards the crescent, into which the end of a bottle neck without cap can be inserted. The crescent-shaped edge and the straight segments have a flange on the edge vertically distant from the horizontal surface, which is folded inward, and the surface of the horizontal surface has a smoothly elevated (thickened) surface towards the narrower end. The horizontal surface comprises a vertical flange at the outer edge.
- In the next alternative embodiment, the horizontal surface has a cap formed vertically approximately in its centre, with an outer thread and (truncated) cone shape. The horizontal surface is completely surrounded by a vertical outer edge.
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Fig 1A shows a closing device for beverage container, with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in the drawing) usable as a cover for can opening, to be installed on the opening tab of the can, and the other side as a cover to be slid on the bottle opening; -
Fig 1B shows a closing device for beverage container, with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in the drawing) usable as a cover for can opening, to be installed on the opening tab of the can, and the other side as a protruding element to be inserted in the bottle opening; -
Fig 2A shows a closing device for beverage container, with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in the drawing) usable as a cover slid on the bottle opening and the other side as a cover of can opening to be installed on the opening tab of the can; -
Fig 2B shows a closing device for beverage container, with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in the drawing) usable as a cap inserted in the bottle opening and the other side as a cover of can opening to be installed on the opening tab of the can; -
Fig 3A displays the closing device of beverage container shown infig 1A used on a can, where the top side of the horizontal surface is an alternative embodiment of the cover slid on the bottle opening; -
Fig 3B displays the closing device of beverage container shown infig 1B used on a can, where the top side of the horizontal surface is an alternative embodiment of the protruding element inserted in the bottle opening; -
Fig 4 shows the alternative embodiments of eitherFig 3A or Fig 3B used on a bottle. - The presented solution is designed for resealing and reopening of an open beverage container (a can or a bottle with a cap) and for protecting its contents from insects, fine particles and other undesirable objects while consuming the beverage, whereas it is not the purpose to reseal the open beverage container in airtight manner.
- The object of the invention is a reversible (can be used from both sides) device with a
horizontal surface 5, one side of which iscover cover 3 which is a cover slid on bottle opening, orcover 4, which is a protruding element inserted in bottle opening. - The
horizontal surface 5 of the closing device for beverage container is a fan-shaped half-circular component with an a curved narrow end and a widening fan-shaped wider end interconnected with straight segments. Both sides of thehorizontal surface 5 have vertically protruding additional components attached, which give different functionalities to the different sides (1 or 2 and 3 and 4) ofsurface 5. - On one side of the
horizontal surface 5 of the closing device i.e.surface rounded corners 6 in the centre, reaching from the narrower end of thehorizontal surface 5 to the proximity of the wider end. At the narrower end of thehorizontal surface 5 of thepolygon 6, ahorizontal slit 7 has been made, which extends significantly into the interior of thepolygon 6, and at the entry point, a crescent-shaped opening with straight side segments has been made into the polygon. A cut out has been made in the sides at the wider end of thehorizontal surface 5 of thepolygon 6 to form oblong side polygons withrounded ends 8 at the sides of thepolygon 6, which are parallel to the straight segments of thehorizontal surface 5. - When using
cover slit 7 of thepolygon 6. Thus, it is convenient to turn the closing device together with the opening tab to cover the can opening. Thus, the opening tab does not hinder the use of the closing device (e.g. double movements are not necessary). When the closing device and the opening tab are turned to cover the can opening, theside polygons 8 function as an additional side barrier to the can opening, preventing the entry of insects and/or fine particles into the can from between the closing device and the top surface of the can. When the opening tab of the can is inserted into theslit 7 of the closing device, the closing device can also be used as an aid for initial opening of the can. - The other side of the horizontal surface of the
closing device 5, i.e. the surface of the cover for bottle opening, contains two alternative embodiments -cover 3 which is a cover slid on bottle opening, orcover 4, which is a protruding element inserted in bottle opening. - In one alternative embodiment, a vertical crescent-shaped
edge 9 withstraight segments 10 at sides is formed on thehorizontal surface 5 of the closing device (i.e.cover 3 which is designed for closing the opening of a bottle as a lid), from the wider end towards the narrower end. The crescent-shapededge 9 and thestraight segments 10 have aflange 11 on the edge vertically distant from the horizontal surface, which is folded inward and is useful for more secure sliding of the cover on the bottle opening. Thehorizontal surface 5 has avertical flange 13 at the outer edge. To close an open bottle, thecover 3 is slid horizontally from the wider end of the fan-shapedhorizontal surface 5 onto the bottle opening. Compared to the wider part of the fan-shaped end, the surface of thehorizontal surface 5 has a smoothly elevated (thickened) surface towards the narrower end. Also, the crescent-shapededge 9 withstraight segments 10 at sides forms a gap getting smoothly narrower towards the crescent, into which the end of a bottle neck without cap can be inserted. Thanks to the above characteristics, a wedge effect is applied, which enables more secure sealing of bottle opening. Also, the narrowing gap of the cover makes it possible to use the closing device for sealing bottles with different outer diameter of bottle opening. - In the next alternative embodiment, the other side of the
horizontal surface 5 of the closing device (i.e.cover 4 designed for inserting into bottle opening as a protruding element) has acap 12 formed vertically approximately in its centre, with an outer thread and (truncated) cone shape, whereas the (truncated) cone has a larger diameter at the end towards thehorizontal surface 5. Thehorizontal surface 5 is surrounded by a verticalouter edge 13. For closing an open bottle, thecap 12 is inserted in the bottle opening. Thanks to the cone-shaped part ofcap 12, the solution is suitable for sealing bottles with different outer diameter of bottle opening. The grooved surface of the protruding part ofcap 12 helps the closing device to be better/tighter fixed in the bottle opening. - The
vertical flange 13 is an additional aid for removing the closing device from the beverage container, as it can be conveniently grasped by the user's fingers/fingernails. - The
horizontal surface 5 is penetrated by anopening 14 through which it is possible to attach the closing device to e.g. a key ring and thus use it as a separate key chain or keep in a bunch of keys. Also, theopening 14 may be used for attachment of e.g. a string, ribbon, rubber band, etc. by which the closing device is attached to a beverage container to avoid the loss of the closing device when using the beverage container or unwanted detachment of the closing device from the opening tab of the can or opening of the bottle. - Preferably, the closing device is made of material with certain flexibility and elasticity. Preferably, the closing device is made of biodegradable material. The closing device may be produced as distinguishable (e.g. be of one colour as a whole, or its sides are of different colour, or the components of different sides are of different colour, or with pictures, text, numbers, shapes, etc. elements used on the closing device). Also, other suitable materials and means may be used to mark the closing device distinguishably. The selection of materials and colours of the closing device or using other distinguishing means do not limit its intended purpose and technical nature.
- The closing device for beverage container prevents the entry of insects, fine particles and/or other undesirable objects into an open beverage container while consuming the beverage. This ensures increased hygiene and safety of the user when the beverage is consumed periodically. When the closing device is used in the open position of beverage container, it also has an additional protection and convenience function. For example, for children, the opening tab of can touches their nose and the possible sharp edges may cause injuries to the user. Also, moustache may get caught in the opening tab. By using the closing device on the opening tab, such injuries and discomfort can be avoided. Also, the closing device can be used for distinguishing one's beverage container from other open beverage containers.
- As the opening tab bends slightly away from the level of the top lid of the beverage can when opened, the closing device installed on it does not significantly touch the lid of the beverage can and the possible liquid on it. Also, the closing device is not significantly exposed to the liquid in the beverage can when it is closed again. That makes the closing device relatively hygienic (e.g. it does not become sticky), which makes it convenient for reuse and e.g. put it in the pocket between uses.
- When using a bottle, the closing device is preferably used on a bottle with non-turnable cap but it is also possible to use it for closing a bottle with threaded cap (e.g. if the cap is lost). Also, it is possible to use the closing device on bottles with caps inserted in the bottle opening (e.g. wines).
-
Cover cover 3 slid on the bottle opening are the following: the width of the open side of the gap is 29±1.5 mm and it narrows towards the curve by about 1 to 2 mm per each 10 mm of the edge length (crescent-shapededge 9 and straight segment 10), and the total vertical height is 5±2 mm. Thus, therelevant cover 3 is suitable for use on standard beverage bottles with 27±0.5 mm outer diameter of bottle opening. Preferably, the dimensions of the (truncated) cone shaped and threadedcap 12 ofcover 4 are as follows: 20±2.5 mm from the end towards thehorizontal level 5 and 14.5±2 mm from the opposite end. Thus, the relevant cover is suitable for use on standard beverage bottles with 17 to 23 mm inner diameter of bottle opening. -
- 1 - closing device with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in
Fig 1A ) usable as a cover for can opening, to be installed on the opening tab of the can, and the other side as a cover to be slid on the bottle opening; - 2 - closing device with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in
Fig 1B ) usable as a cover for can opening, to be installed on the opening tab of the can, and the other side as a protruding element to be inserted in the bottle opening; - 3 - closing device with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in
Fig 2A ) usable as a cover slid on the bottle opening and the other side as a cover of can opening to be installed on the opening tab of the can; - 4 - closing device with one side of the horizontal surface (top side in
Fig 2B ) usable as a protruding element inserted in the bottle opening and the other side as a cover of can opening to be installed on the opening tab of the can; - 5 - horizontal surface of the closing device;
- 6 - middle part of
can opening cover - 7 - a
slit 6 made in the polygon withrounded corners 6 ofcan opening cover - 8 - oblong side polygon of the polygon with rounded corners of
can opening cover - 9 - crescent-shaped edge of
bottle opening cover 3; - 10 - side straight element of crescent-shaped
edge 9; - 11 - flange of crescent-shaped
edge 9 andstraight elements 10; - 12 - cap;
- 13 - vertical outer edge of the
horizontal surface 5 of closingdevice cover - 14 - opening penetrating
horizontal surface 5.
Claims (14)
- Closing device for beverage container having a cover for closing the opening of a beverage container, which is a hollow polygon with a slit with a top surface, bottom surface and a side wall characterized in that the closing device for beverage container is a reversible device with a horizontal surface (5), wherein the horizontal surface is a fan-shaped half-circular component with an a curved narrow end and a widening fan-shaped wider end interconnected on sides with straight segments, and both sides of the surface have vertically protruding additional components attached, and one side of the horizontal surface (5) closing device is a cover, which is meant for placement on the opening tab of a can in order to close the opening of the can, and the other side is a cover to be mounted on the opening of a bottle in order to close it, wherein:- one side of the horizontal surface (5) of the closing device is a cover (1) which is meant for placement on the opening tab of a can with a surface where specific shape is vertically formed, with a polygon with rounded corners (6) in the centre, reaching from the narrower end of the horizontal surface (5) to the proximity of the wider end, at the narrower end of the horizontal surface (5) of the polygon (6), at the narrow end of the horizontal surface (5) of the polygon (6) a horizontal slit (7) has been made, which extends significantly into the interior of the polygon (6), and at the entry point, a crescent-shaped opening with straight side segments has been made into the polygon (6), and a cut out has been made in the sides at the wider end of the horizontal surface (5) of the polygon (6) to form oblong side polygons with rounded ends (8) at the sides of the polygon (6), which are parallel to the straight segments of the horizontal surface (5);- the other side of the horizontal surface (5) of the closing device is a cover (3) which is designed as a cover to be slid on the bottle opening where a vertical crescent-shaped (9) edge with straight segments (10) at sides is formed on the horizontal surface, from the wider end towards the narrower end, which form a gap getting smoothly narrower towards the crescent; the crescent-shaped edge (9) and the straight segments (10) have a flange (11) on the edge vertically distant from the horizontal surface (5), and the surface of the horizontal surface has a smoothly elevated surface towards the narrower end compared to the wider fan-shaped end;and the closing device comprises an opening (14) penetrating the horizontal surface (5); and the closing device and/or the components vertically protruding from its horizontal surface (5) are distinguishably marked.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claim 1 characterized in that the flange (11) is folded inward.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the cover (3) of the horizontal surface (5) comprises a vertical flange (13) at the outer edge.
- Closing device for beverage container having a cover for closing the opening of a beverage container, which is a hollow polygon with a slit with a top surface, bottom surface and a side wall characterized in that the closing device for beverage container is a reversible device with a horizontal surface (5), wherein the horizontal surface is a fan-shaped half-circular component with an a curved narrow end and a widening fan-shaped wider end interconnected on sides with straight segments, and both sides of the horizontal surface have vertically protruding additional components attached, and one side of the horizontal surface (5) closing device is a cover, which is meant for placement on the opening tab of a can in order to close the opening of the can, and the other side is a cover to be mounted on the opening of a bottle in order to close it, wherein:- one side of the horizontal surface (5) of the closing device is a cover (2) which is meant for placement on the opening tab of a can with a surface where specific shape is vertically formed, with a polygon with rounded corners (6) in the centre, reaching from the narrower end of the horizontal surface (5) to the proximity of the wider end, at the narrower end of the horizontal surface (5) of the polygon (6), at the narrow end of the horizontal surface (5) of the polygon (6) a horizontal slit (7) has been made, which extends significantly into the interior of the polygon (6), and at the entry point, a crescent-shaped opening with straight side segments has been made into the polygon (6), and a cut out has been made in the sides at the wider end of the horizontal surface (5) of the polygon (6) to form oblong side polygons with rounded ends (8) at the sides of the polygon (6), which are parallel to the straight segments of the horizontal surface (5);- the other side of the horizontal surface (5) is a cover (4) which is designed as a protruding element to be inserted into the opening of a bottle which includes a vertical cap (12) on the horizontal surface (5) approximately at the centre, which is with outer thread and shaped as cone or truncated cone;and the closing device comprises an opening (14) penetrating the horizontal surface (5); and the closing device and/or the components vertically protruding from its horizontal surface (5) are distinguishably marked.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claim 4 characterized in that the cover (4) of the horizontal surface (5) is surrounded by a vertical outer edge (13).
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that the cap (12) has a larger diameter at the end towards the horizontal surface (5).
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the closing device is made of elastic material.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the closing device is made of rigid material.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the closing device is made of biodegradable material.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the opening (14) is designed for attaching a separate fitting to the closing device or attachment of the closing device to an external fitting.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it is of one colour.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 10 characterized in that its vertical components are of different colours.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 10 characterized in that pictures and/or text and/or numbers and/or shapes have been applied to the closing device and/or its vertical components.
- Closing device for beverage container according to claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the cover (1 or 2) is also designed as an aid for initial opening of the can by the opening tab.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18000084.6A EP3521194A1 (en) | 2018-02-01 | 2018-02-01 | Closing device for beverage container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18000084.6A EP3521194A1 (en) | 2018-02-01 | 2018-02-01 | Closing device for beverage container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3521194A1 true EP3521194A1 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
Family
ID=61226357
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18000084.6A Pending EP3521194A1 (en) | 2018-02-01 | 2018-02-01 | Closing device for beverage container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3521194A1 (en) |
Citations (12)
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US3851783A (en) * | 1973-02-06 | 1974-12-03 | P Braginetz | Bottle closure |
US4598435A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1986-07-08 | German Borodulin | Opener and stopper for crimped and threaded bottle caps |
DE8712867U1 (en) * | 1987-09-24 | 1987-11-05 | Bodensee-Plastik Gmbh + Co, 7990 Friedrichshafen, De | |
JP2002337901A (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2002-11-27 | Kunou Tsuriguten:Kk | Cap for pull-top can |
US20050284263A1 (en) * | 2004-06-28 | 2005-12-29 | Lawrence Gerald Klosterman | Ring-tab extending sleeve for easy opening and re-closing the opening of a beverage container |
US20070051725A1 (en) | 2005-08-29 | 2007-03-08 | Glade Dwight | Cover for receptacle opening |
WO2009001984A1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2008-12-31 | Youn-Seok Choi | Can having cover for outlet |
US20090032531A1 (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-05 | Navare Ravi Y | Beverage can protective cover |
US7631777B1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-12-15 | Bukowski Bryan A | Can and bottle covers |
US20110006064A1 (en) * | 2009-07-07 | 2011-01-13 | My Can Your Can LLC | Beverage Can Multi-Functional Tool |
WO2011063428A1 (en) | 2009-11-20 | 2011-05-26 | Smooth Hip Ltd, | Bottle cap with releasable external formations |
CN105564804A (en) | 2014-10-23 | 2016-05-11 | 张珊 | Detachable glass cover sealing structure |
-
2018
- 2018-02-01 EP EP18000084.6A patent/EP3521194A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3851783A (en) * | 1973-02-06 | 1974-12-03 | P Braginetz | Bottle closure |
US4598435A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1986-07-08 | German Borodulin | Opener and stopper for crimped and threaded bottle caps |
DE8712867U1 (en) * | 1987-09-24 | 1987-11-05 | Bodensee-Plastik Gmbh + Co, 7990 Friedrichshafen, De | |
JP2002337901A (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2002-11-27 | Kunou Tsuriguten:Kk | Cap for pull-top can |
US20050284263A1 (en) * | 2004-06-28 | 2005-12-29 | Lawrence Gerald Klosterman | Ring-tab extending sleeve for easy opening and re-closing the opening of a beverage container |
US20070051725A1 (en) | 2005-08-29 | 2007-03-08 | Glade Dwight | Cover for receptacle opening |
WO2009001984A1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2008-12-31 | Youn-Seok Choi | Can having cover for outlet |
US20090032531A1 (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-05 | Navare Ravi Y | Beverage can protective cover |
US7631777B1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-12-15 | Bukowski Bryan A | Can and bottle covers |
US20110006064A1 (en) * | 2009-07-07 | 2011-01-13 | My Can Your Can LLC | Beverage Can Multi-Functional Tool |
WO2011063428A1 (en) | 2009-11-20 | 2011-05-26 | Smooth Hip Ltd, | Bottle cap with releasable external formations |
CN105564804A (en) | 2014-10-23 | 2016-05-11 | 张珊 | Detachable glass cover sealing structure |
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