FR2822447A1 - Spout for drinks can closes pouring aperture when flat and can be opened with finger to position where it is open and rests against edge of can top - Google Patents

Abstract

The spout (1) for a drinks can (2) closes the pouring aperture (3) when flat. It can be opened with the finger to a position where it is open and rests against the edge (8) of the can top.

Description

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 The present invention relates to a pouring spout for beverage containers such as cans and cans, the opening of which is located on the lid, is effected using a lever by knocking down the pre-notched cover.

 At present there are on the beverage market, many metal cans with attached lid, the opening of which is ensured by a small lever which smashes a pre-notched lid located on the lid.

 These metal beverage cans or also called cans are cylindrical in shape, with a concave bottom, intended to be packaged and stacked vertically.

The cover generally has a cover of rounded shape, the tear perimeter of which is pre-notched.

These disposable cans are used for the packaging of soft drinks or beer, and represent a considerable share of the beverage market.

At the present time, many consumers do not use a disposable beverage can, because as is most often the case, the consumer wants to drink directly from the can. After breaking down the lid, the box is open, he must press his lips against the surface of the lid and around the outside of the box. The hole appears as a cutting hole, sharpened along its perimeter. Ingestion of the liquid directly from the box then involves significant problems and inconvenience. Injuries to the lips and tongue can occur. Overflows are produced by the flow of liquid from either side of the mouth, from the sides, the top, the bottom, and the liquid flows along the chin and into the neck, the tight application of the lips around the hole being made impossible due to the concavity of the edge and top of the box.

 Several achievements aimed at improving

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 the use of beverage cans have been tried, but their commercial success has failed on the one hand because some of these achievements are not suitable for mass consumption and do not meet consumer expectations, on the other hand , some of these achievements are difficult to make and technically complex accessories, therefore expensive, others too bulky for storage, with space losses for transport, others present problems of passage in vending machines, bring too much complexity and change in the habits of consumers, such as cup-tube-neck. Some do not provide the efficiency, simplicity and comfort expected by consumers.

 The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks of current metal beverage cans.

It relates to an insert on the upper face of the beverage can which has a notched opening.

 The present invention can be used on several types of disposable beverage cans.

 The part of the invention called the pouring spout can be produced by all known techniques, in different materials such as: metal-plastic cardboard, or any other material deemed useful.

 The part of the invention or spout will be adapted in its shapes and dimensions to the shapes and dimensions of the opening of the beverage can. Figure 1 illustrates the shape that corresponds to the most commonly used metal boxes.

 The spout of the invention comprises a single piece, fixed by pre-notched tabs on the top of the box, folded back on itself in three parts.

 In the position to drink directly from the can, after having cleared the opening by knocking down the lid, the pouring spout is fully deployed using the index finger in a single gesture. The spout is then in the operating position. The spout must have, once deployed

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 in total, a crescent shape with the dimensions defined beforehand by: - the shape and dimensions of the lower part of the liquid flow hole. It will join by covering it, part of the cutting edge of the drain hole. the shape of the upper edge of the beverage can.

The spout thus deployed, is supported on the rim of the top of the beverage can by marrying its shape. The sides extend upward at an opening angle that separates them from the cutting edges of the drain hole.

 This opening angle is a very important point in the technique. The pouring spout is fixed on all its part which touches the top of the beverage can.

 In this position, one side of the pouring spout hugs part of the bottom of the drain hole, the other side hugs and rests on the top edge of the beverage can.

 The part of the spout in contact with the top of the box, follows over its entire surface the shapes of the top of the box, to avoid a possible passage of the liquid.

 If necessary, the seal will be guaranteed by a seal made of any material deemed useful, placed between the top of the box and the bottom of the spout.

 Once the mouth is in position to drink directly from the can, the mouth as a whole presses all around as well as on the ends of the spout, on all the sides and the rim of the can. By the natural pressure thus exerted on the whole, this results in a perfect seal between the box and the mouth, with the blocking of the lips on all sides.

 The consumer can then ingest the liquid safely without overflowing, without flow on either side of the mouth, without risk of injuring his lips.

 This process does not modify the technique of opening the box, by its shape, its size, retains the look of the box, the habits of the consumer regarding opening gestures, the way of drinking and ultra simple use. Located at the opening of the cover of the

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 box, attached without accessories to this cover, does not change the shape, dimensions, size for storage and transport, does not pose a problem for passage through vending machines, its cost will be extremely low.

 An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1. is a view of the pouring spout in the first stage of production-cutting of the part to be flat, before it is shaped.

 - Figure 2. is a view of the spout after the first folding of the fixing lugs and its shaping, depending on the shape and dimensions of the liquid flow hole.

 - Figure 3. is a view of the spout after the second folding on itself, in so-called accordion shape.

 - Figure 4. is a view of the pouring spout after the third folding on itself of the sides, towards its medial axis.

 - Figure 5. is an overview of the spout, fixed in the closed position on top of the disposable beverage can.

 - Figure 6. is a sectional view A. A. (Figure 5). The spout is fixed in the closed position on the top of the beverage can.

 - Figure 7. illustrates how to deploy the spout with the index finger. (after opening the drain hole).

 - Figure 8. shows the spout in place, deployed, ready for use.

 - Figure 9. illustrates the pouring spout deployed, in activity, the hatched part represents the mouth which presses all around, letting the liquid flow while ensuring sealing over the entire periphery.

 Referring now to FIG. 1. the part or spout 1. of the invention will be drawn up and cut according to the requirements of imposed shapes and dimensions

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par : d'une part, la forme et les dimensions du trou 3. figure 2., d'autre part la forme et les dimensions du dessus 4. et du rebord 8. de la boîte boisson 2. figure 5.

by: on the one hand, the shape and dimensions of the hole 3. figure 2., on the other hand the shape and dimensions of the top 4. and the rim 8. of the beverage can 2. figure 5.

 The fixing lugs 5. are notched 12. over a length defined by the distance previously noted between the lower side 11. of the hole 3. and the flange 8. of the box 2.

 The legs 5 of which folded in the direction: lower side 11 of the hole 3 towards the rim 8 of the beverage can 2 (FIG. 2 / FIG. 5). The entire pouring spout 1 is shaped so as to obtain (FIG. 2 / FIG. 8) once placed in the active deployed position (FIG. 8) on the top 4 of the box 2 a pouring spout which releases an angle 15 on each side of the hole 3. The part of the pouring spout 1 which we call upper 10 thus obtained, comes to cover the lower edge 11 of hole 3. (Figure 8).

The part of the pouring spout 1 called lower 7 comes to bear on the rim 8 of the top 4 of the beverage can 2 (Figure 8).

 The ends 16 of the spout 1 extension of the upper part 10 on each side of the hole 3 thus oriented by the angles 15 must come to press on the top 4 of the box 2 and their length will be defined according to the dimensions required according to Figure 8 and Figure 9.

 Illustrated in FIG. 3. the pouring spout 1 is folded back on itself in two parts in the so-called accordion shape, a side 13 and a side 14 are thus obtained.

 Illustrated in FIG. 4. the pouring spout 1 after folding according to FIG. 3, has the sides 13 and 14 folded back on themselves each by a single fold towards the medial axis 17.

sur le dessus 4 par collage-soudure-rivet-ou toutes autres techniques existantes. L'emplacement exact du bec verseur 1 fixé sur le dessus 4 de la boîte 2 sera défini de façon à obtenir une fois le bec verseur 1 entièrement déployé en position active, une forme qui présente un The spout 1 thus folded (Figure 4) is fixed in its right place on the top 4 of the beverage can 2 as illustrated very well in Figure 5. The legs 5 are fixed

on top 4 by bonding-welding-rivet-or any other existing technique. The exact location of the pouring spout 1 fixed on the top 4 of the box 2 will be defined so as to obtain, once the pouring spout 1 fully deployed in the active position, a shape which has a

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 angle 15 on each side of the hole 3, the part called upper 10 covers the lower edge 11 of hole 3: the part called lower 7 rests on the rim 8 of the top 4 of the beverage can 2: very well illustrated in FIG. 8 .

 According to the requirements of the different manufacturing techniques chosen by the person skilled in the art who realizes it, the pouring spout 1 may possibly be fixed on the top 4 of the beverage can 2 before folding, or else during the different folding operations according to the figure. 2 and Figure 3.

 Figure 5 illustrates the pouring spout 1 attached to the top 4 of the box 2 in the closed position. The liquid flow hole 3 is also closed.

 Figure 6 shows us a section A. A. showing the space-saving position of the spout 1 in the folded position, fixed on the top 4 of the beverage can 2 whose hole 3 is closed.

 Illustrated in FIG. 7 after having smashed using the lever 9 the cover which releases the hole 3, using the index finger 6 which bears by its end on the part called lower 7 and on the sides 13 and 14 of the pouring spout 1 (FIG. 4) by pulling in the opposite of the top of the box 2 towards the outside of the hole 3 (according to the arrow in FIG. 7) the pouring spout 1 is deployed entirely with a single movement. The pouring spout 1 thus obtains its final, active shape, perfectly suited to the top 4 of the beverage can 2 illustrated in FIG. 8.

 Referring now to FIG. 9. in the active position of the pouring spout 1, the consumer who wishes to drink directly from the beverage can 2 will press his mouth (FIG. 9. hatching) in the normal position to drink directly. Illustrated in Figure 9.

 The mouth (figure 9-hatchings) presses in its periphery all around spout 1, on the ends 16 and 16, on the whole of the top 4, on the rim 8 and the body of the beverage can 2. the upper lip of the mouth is blocked between the top 4 and the spout 1. A pressure is exerted on the assembly of

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 on both sides, which ensures a perfect seal, prevents any overflow, any flow of the liquid all around the mouth. The lips are blocked, which eliminates any risk of cuts or injuries. The consumer can then ingest the liquid in safety, hygiene and comfort.

 It is understood that the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and described above is an exemplary embodiment used to illustrate the invention.

This applies to various types of containers such as boxes, cans, for liquids. On the other hand, various modifications and variants can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS 1-Pouring spout (1) for disposable beverage can (2) which can be made by all known techniques, in different materials deemed useful-metal-plastic, cardboard or other. The beverage can (2) has a pre-notched opening (3) on its upper flat face (4), the pouring spout (1) characterized by its position folded flat on itself in one piece figure 4 (1) and figure 5 (1), fixed to the outside on the top (4) of the box (2) by the tabs (5). Partly obstructing the pre-notched opening (3) and deploying entirely by means of the index (6) in FIG. 7, to become a pouring spout (1) in the form of FIG. 8 (1) and FIG. 9 (1) which takes support by its part called lower (7) against the rim (8) of the top (4) of the beverage can (2) completely freeing the opening (3). 2-pouring spout according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the deployed, open position, for drinking directly from the can Figure 8 (1) its design, shape, these dimensions, will be adapted so that its named part upper (10) follows the shape of the part called lower (11) of the drain hole (3) by covering this lower part (11) of the hole (3), FIG. 8 (10) (11) and FIG. 9 ( 10) (11).  3-pouring spout according to any one of claims 1 and 2 characterized in that, in the open position for drinking directly from the box Figure 8 (1), its part called upper (10) which covers the part called lower (11) the drain hole (3) is extended by pressing the edge obtained by folding the tabs (5) on the top (4) of the drink can (2), on each side of the hole (3) upwards , forming an opening angle figure 7 (15) figure 8 (15) and figure 2 (15). This opening angle (15) causes the separation of the edges of the drain hole (3) on each side with the extended edge, called upper (10) of the spout (1). The separation angles (15) and the length of the sides of the upper edge (10) of the spout (1) extended upwards, will be <Desc / Clms Page number 9>  defined according to the shape and dimensions of the drain hole (3) of the beverage can (2).  The upper edge (10) of the pouring spout (1) its extension on each side of the drain hole (3) its ends (16) the whole defined by the separation angles (15) figure 7-figure 8-figure 9, come to rest on the top (4) of the box (2) over the entire length of the folded part of the legs (5).  4-pouring spout according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the tabs (5) which serve to fix the pouring spout (1) on the top (4) of the box (2) are notched in Figure 1 ( 12) so as to be folded back in FIG. 4 (5) -figure 5 (5) by making the upper part (10) of the spout (1) conform to the shape of the lower part (11) of the hole (3 ).

 The tabs (5) must match the shape of the top (4) of the beverage can (2) at the location where they will be fixed, in order to eliminate any passage of the liquid between the top (4) of the can (2) and of the part in contact with the tabs (5). The seal between the top (4) of the box (2) and the part of the legs (5) can be if necessary, guaranteed by a seal in any material deemed useful such as: plastic-glue-or other. The tabs (5) are fixed with support over their entire surface, on the surface of the top (4) of the box (2) by all possible means of the technique, for example: rivet-weld-glue or other. 5-pouring spout according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that, once deployed in position for drinking directly from the can (2), the pouring spout (1) will have its part called lower (7) in support on the rim (8) of the box (2) which should follow the shape of the rim (8) over a certain distance. Figure 8 (1) (7) (8) and Figure 9 (1) (7) (8).  6-pouring spout according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that, once fixed on the top (4) of the box (2), its position, folded flat on itself Figure 5 (1) will be ensured by folding <Desc / Clms Page number 10>  in two parts: - A first folding in the so-called accordion shape on itself Figure 3 (1). - A second folding by folding the right side thus named (13) and the left side (14) on themselves towards the medial axis (17) of the part. Figure 4 (13) (14) (17).  Using the index (6) Figure 7 which is supported on the edges (7) (13) (14) of the spout (1), by a single gesture by pulling out of the box (2 ), the spout (1) is in the active position. Figure 8 (1).  It is also possible, depending on the shape of the box (2) and the flow opening (3), to use only the first folding said: accordion figure 3 (1) if the open-active position figure 8 (1) is obtained.  open-active-figure 9 (1), after knocking down the cover (3) by the lever (9), in position to drink directly from the can (2), pressing the mouth figure 9 (hatched) against the top (4) of the box (2) the mouth includes a perimeter which partially obstructs the hole (3) open-figure 9, covers the ends figure 9 (16) (16) of the spout (1), covers the lower part from the box (2), let the liquid pass through the lower part of the hole (3), the liquid passes over the spout (1), the spout (1) guides and directs the liquid inside the mouth.

 7-pouring spout according to claims 1 to 6 characterized by the pouring spout (1) deployed in position  (hatched) in position to drink directly from the box (2) which presses in its periphery all around the spout (1) blocks the lips figure 9 (hatching) between the top (4) of the box (2) and the spout pourer (1) deployed.

 8-pouring spout according to claim 7. characterized in that, once the mouth figure 9