GB2429009A

GB2429009A - Venting drinks can for effervescent liquids

Info

Publication number: GB2429009A
Application number: GB0516358A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason Andrew Titton; Hendre Vos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-09
Filing date: 2005-08-09
Publication date: 2007-02-14
Also published as: GB0516358D0; GB0517489D0

Abstract

The invention provides a container 2 for storing effervescent liquids comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane 12. Preferably the membrane does not cover the means by which liquid is to be removed from the container, and is arranged so that it can be exposed to the atmosphere before the means of dispensing the liquid from the container is opened. A removable cover 14 may be provided, along with a ring pull 16.

Description

CONTAINERS FOR EFFERVESCENT LIOUIDS

rho present invention relates to containers for effervescent iquids in which a gas may be released on opening of The container, and in particular to containers which allow excess gas to escape upon opening, whilst preventing accidental oscupe of liquid.

When storing liquids which are intended to be effervescent at the point of use, for example soft drinks in which carbon dioxide had been dissolved, naturally effervescent mineral waters or certain alcoholic drinks, it is important to ensure that the effervescence producing gas is not gradually released from the container during storage. This can, however, lead to the bi.i1d up of gaseous pressure in the container, purtcularly if the container is subjected to excessive c:henqes in temperature or pressure, or motion. In turn, this build up of pressure may often lead to the accidental escape ef some of the stored liquid when the container is opened.

The present invention seeks to provide a container to overcome the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a container for storing effervescent liquids comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane.

The gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane (hereafter referred to as the membrane) is arranged so that it allows the prc.u.:sure inside containers according to the invention to be equalised with the atmospheric pressure by allowing gas to s.:a1)e from the container as, or shortly before, it is opened, whilst preventing accidental spillage of the contained liquid.

Suitable types of containers for use in the present invention ncIude plastic, aluminium and steel cans, and plastic and q ass bottles.

Il-ic membrane is arranged so that it does not permit gas to escape from conLainers according to the invention during storage, but only at a time chosen by the person seeking access to the contained liquid. Exposure of the membrane to the atmosphere may be carried out either in a separate exposure step, to be completed before the opening of the C(.)flLiner, or as an integral part of the process of opening the container by the person seeking access to the contained liquid (i.e., so that a single action firstly exposes the membrane to the atmosphere, allowing built up gas to escape from the container, and then opens the means for dispensing the contained liquid) The membrane may cover the means by which the contained liquid is t.o be dispensed from a container according to the invention, in which case it will be necessary for the person seeking access to the contained liquid to remove the membrane after the means for dispensing the liquid has been opened but before the liquid is dispensed.

l1erriatively, and preferably, the membrane may be arranged so that it does not cover the means by which liquid is removed from the container, and in this case the membrane will he arranged so that it can be exposed to the atmosphere before the means for dispensing the liquid from the container is opened. In this embodiment, pouring of liquids out of the conLainer will be improved, because the separate means 3lowirig gases to escape from the container will also allow au: tc) flow into the container during pouring, improving the flow thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container c.:ornprises one or more areas separate from the means by which liqi.iids are dispensed from the container, the area or areas each having a single hole or multiple perforations si.fficient 5.0 u].low gases to pass in and out of the container, and tho aiea or areas each being covered by a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane to prevent the liquid contents of the container passing therethrough (the membrane may be attached eiLher to the inside or the outside of the container) . in lC) this arrangement, the area or areas are each covered by a removable, air tight seal so that gases do not escape from the Container during storage, and so that the area or areas may be exposed by a person seeking access to the liquid in the c:ontainer, to allow the pressure in the container to be equalised with the atmosphere, as, or before, the means for dispensing liquid from the container is opened.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the ConLainer comprises a plastic, aluminium or steel can and the means for dispensing liquid from the container comprises a rinq pull mechanism. In this embodiment the membrane is located on the outside of the container, entirely covering the location of the orifice through which the liquid contents may he dispensed, and at least partially passing below the ring pull activator, so that activating the ring pull mechanism will cause the orifice to be opened but to remain sealed to the passage of liquids by the membrane. The membrane is also arianged so that i.t may be removed after the opening of the orifice to allow Lhe liquid contents to be dispensed from the container, preferably by means of one or more non- secured areas which allow the user to peal the membrane from the cori I a iner.

a further preferred alternative embodiment of the invention whoeiri the container is a plastic, aluminium or steel can comprising a ring pull opening mechanism, the upper surface of the container is provided with one or more pre-cut sections scp.irate to the orifice through which liquids may be dispensed, each of the one or more pre-cut sect.ions being aLLn:hed to the ring pull mechanism and being covered (on The iritrior of the container) by a gas permeable, liquid im.srmeahle membrane. In this embodiment, elevation of the ring pui.1 activator will cause the one or more pre-cut secLions to be removed from the upper surface of the con. ainer, allowring gases to pass into and out of the container through the resultant holes, but preventing liquid from passing there through. In this embodiment the ring puli mechanism is most preferably arranged so that the one or more prc.-cut sections are removed from the upper surface of the c:ontaincr shortly before the orifice through which liquids may he dispensed is opened.

in an embodiment of the invention wherein the container comprises a plastic or glass bottle, the membrane is positioned over the mouth of the bottle and is covered by a lid or seal, preventing the escape of gasses during storage.

Once Lhe lid is removed, gasses may pass out of the bottle but the outflow of the liquid contents is prevented until the membrane is removed, for example by means of an integral tab, or by puncturing.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the container comprises a plastic or glass bottle the membrane is posiLioried inside the neck of the bottle above the level of the liquid contents, so that after opening of the bottle gases may pass through the membrane, whilst accidental escape of the liquid contents is prevented. In this embodiment the membrane is t..)rovlded with a. means by which it may be removed before 1qud is poured from the boLtle, for example by means of a release cord, which may be attached to the cap or cork sealing the bottle.

The membrane must be arranged sufficiently securely so that it s not displaced by the pressure of gas and/or liquid escaping from containers according to the invention when Lhe contents becomes exposed to the atmosphere.

Suitable liquids that may be contained in containers according to the invention include liquids in which gases are naturally d.ssc)lved, liquids in which gases have been dissolved (for example by the use of increased pressures) or liquids in which qases are produced by chemical reactions or biological processes. Suitable liquids include naturally carbonated watets; alcoholic drinks in which fermentation is continued aitor the liquid has been placed in the container, for example champagne; flavoured soft drinks; beers and ciders; chemical reagents; pharmaceutical preparations, and effervescent bathing products.

Suitable membranes include all membranes which are permeable to the gases released by the liquids with which they are to be. used, and which are impermeable to the liquids with which they are to be used. Preferred membranes are also strong and flexible enough to prevent breakage when gas escapes from the container, and are chemically inert with respect to the liquids with which they are to be used. Particularly preterred membranes are also stable at the temperatures likeiy to he encountered by the containers in which they are to be LIseq, and are resistant to degradation by the liquids with which they are to he used.

Sxarnples of suitable membrane materials include thermoplastic polyurethanes. Membranes may be made from any number of polymer systems, including polyolefins and fluorocarbon-based :35 polymers particularly polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) , more paticuier1y expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Altrnative1y, the membrane may comprise a conventional liquid permeable membrane which has been coated to make it liquid impermeable.

Conteiners according to the invention may incorporate radio I recTuency identification (RFID) technology.

The present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of the lower end of a container according to a first embodiment of the invent ion; Figure 2 is a plan view of the upper surface of a container in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figi.re 3 is a plan view of the upper surface of a conLainer in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a sectional view of the upper end of the container shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the upper end of a container in accordance with a forth embodiment of the in v e ri t ion; Figure 6 is a plan view of a membrane and containing ring for use in the container shown in Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a sectional view of the upper end of a container in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention.

in the accompanying drawings the various component parts of the devices of the invention are not shown to scale, buL S simply to illustrate the inter-relationships in which they are p 1 a cod.

Turning to figure 1, a container 2 according to a first embohiment of the invention comprises a generally conventional aluminium drinks can 4, the base 6 of which has been shaped to include a recess 8 having perforations 10 therein. The perforated area 10 is covered on the inside of the can 4 with a membrane 12 of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and the recess 8 is sealed by a removable cover 14. The container 2 incii.mdes a conventional ring pull release system (not shown) fp contents of the container 2 are sealed from exposure to the atmosphere by means of the ring pull and the cover 14, which is held in place, for example, by being crimped around iLs diameter. In use, the contents of the container 2 are exposed to the atmosphere by inverting the can 4 and removing the cover 14 by means of a release tag (not shown) . [his ailows excess gas inside the container 2 to escape through the membrane 12 and the perforations 10, whilst escape of the Liqnjd contents is prevented by the membrane 12. The can 4 may then be turned back to its original orientation arid opened in conventional manner by means of the ring pull. Again, escape of liquid from the container 2 through the perforations is prevented by the membrane 12.

A second embodiment of a container according to the present invention is shown in figure 2. In this embodiment, the container 2 comprises a conventional drinks can 4 fitted with a conventional ring pull device 16. The ring pull allows the container 2 to be opened by irreversibly displacing a flap 18 into the container 2 when the end 20 of the ring pull]6 furthest away from the flap 18 is lifted away from the upper sunice 22 of the can 4. This is achieved because, when the end 20 of the ring pull 16 furthest from the flap 18 is lifted, the ring pull 16 rotates around a welded connection 24, causing the other end 26 of the ring pull 16 to press down onto the flap 18, which has been laser cut so that it rncversibly folds away, or tails into, the interior of the conL.einer 2 exposing the contents of the container 2 to the atmosphere. In the present embodiment of the invention an ePTFS membrane 12 is attached to the upper surface 22 of Lhe can 4 entirely covering the flap 18 and partially passing underneath the ring pull 16. The ePTFF membrane is attached t;.o the upper surface 22 of the can 4, but not to the flap 18, SC) that when the end 26 of the ring pull above the flap 18 presses on to the flap 18 through the membrane 12, the flap 18 is displaced into the interior of the container 2 but the resui..tant orifice is entirely covered by the membrane 12. The membrane 12 therefore allows excess gas within the container 2 to escape but prevents the accidental escape of any of the liquid contents of the container 2. The membrane 12 further comprises two areas 28 which are not attached to the upper surface 22 of the can 4, so that when one, or both, of these areas 28 are lifted the meiribrane 12 can be removed from the upper surface 22 of the can 4, allowing the contents of the container 2 to be emptied through the orifice produced by the displacement of the flap 18.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 3 and 4. In this embodiment the container 2 comprises a conventional drinks can 4 fitted with a ring pull 16 and a flap 18, arranged so that elevation of the end 20 of the ring pull 16 furthest from the flap 18 causes the ring pull 16 to rotat:.e around a welded connection 24, and the end 26 of the ring pull above the flap 18 to press down onto the flap 18, causing it to be irreversibly displaced into the interior of the container 2. The upper surface 22 of the can 4 also comprises two circular areas 30, which have been laser cut arid weliad to the end 20 of the ring pull 16 furthest from the fl2p: 18, so that elevation of this end 20 of the ring pull 16 cause the areas 30 to be pulled out of the upper surface 22 of the can 4. As shown in figure 4, two ePTFE membranes 12 are located insidc the can 4 surrounding the areas of weakness 30. The membranes are attached to the inner surface of the upper surface 22 of the can 4 surrounding the areas of weakness 30, but are not attached to the areas of weakness 30.

I.hi..i::, when the areas of weakness 30 are pulled out of the upper surface 22 of the can 4, the membranes 12 remain in place and allow excess gases in the container 2 to escape, hut prevent the accidental escape of any of the liquid contents of the container 2. Preferably the ring pull 16 is fitted in an rJevaLed position above the upper surface 22 of the can 4, so that the areas of weakness 30 are pulled out of the upper surface 22 of the can 4, exposing the membranes 12, before the end 26 of the ring pull 16 above the flap 18 contacts the flap 18 La cause it to be irreversibly displaced into the interior of the container 2. Once the above procedure has been c:ompleted the contents of the container 2 may be removed via the orifice exposed by the irreversible displacement of the flap 18, and pouring of the contents of the container wii.l be enhanced by the holes created by the removal of the two creas of weakness 30, as the two membranes 12 will allow air to flow into the container 2 through the two resultant holes in the upper surface 22 of the can 4.

In figure 5 the container 2 according to the invention is a qII bottle 32 suitable for containing effervescent liqu3ds, such as champagne. The neck 34 of the bottle 32 comprises an

innwiar recess 36 in which is fitted an ePTFE membrane 12, held in a metal or plastic containing ring 38, as shown n fiqure 6. In use, the cork 40 is removed from the neck 34 of the bottle 32 in any conventional manner, and the excess gases in the container 2 are allowed to escape through the membrane 12, which prevents accidental outflow of the liquid contents ot thehottle 32. The membrane 12 and containiri9 ring 38 may thon be removed from the neck 34 of the bottle 32 by means ot removal cord 42, which optionally connects the containing rinq 38 and the cork 40 or, alternatively, is arranged to he accossible after removal of the cork. ..DTD: A J:itth embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 7, in wh.lch the container 2 according to the invention is a plastic bottle 32 suitable for containing, for example, effervescent waLer. The neck 34 of the bottle 32 is sealed by an ePTFF membrane 12. The membrane 12 is covered during storage of the container 2 by a cap 44, which seals the neck 34 of the bottle 32 and prevents the escape of gasses from the bottle 32. When access to the contents of the container 2 is required, the cap 34 is removed, allowing gasses to escape from the interior of the bottle 32. Accidental escape of the liquid contents of the bottle 32 is prevented by the membrane 12. Before poi.ring of the]iquld contents, the membrane 12 is removed by means of a release tab (not shown) It Is to be appreciated that the ePTFE membranes used in the above embodiments of the invention could be replaced by any alternative membranes having suitable permeabilities and structural qualities.

Claims

1. A container for storing effervescent liquids comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas porrrcabie, liquid impermeable membrane is arranged so that it allows the pressure inside the container to be equalised with the atmospheric pressure, by allowing gas to escape from the container as, or shortly before, it is opened, whilst preventing the accidental spillage of the contained liquid.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, which is a pLasLic, aluminium or steel can or a plastic or glass bottle.

4. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the membrane is arranged so that exposure of the membrane to the at.:incsphere may be carried out in a separate exposure step, to be completed before the opening of the container.

5. A container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane is arranged so that exposure of the membrane to the atmosphere may be carried out as an integral part of the process of opening the container.

h. /\ container as claimed in any preceding claim, which is a piaLic, aluminium or steel can and which comprises a ring pi.d] 7. !\ container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the membrane does not cover the means by which liquid is to be removed from the container, and wherein the membrane is arranged so that it an be exposed to the atmosphere before the means of dispensing the liquid from the container is opened.

8. container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the container comprises one or more areas each having a single hole or multiple perforations, the area or areas each being covered by a membrane and the membrane being sealed by a removable air tight seal.

9. /\ container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the container is provided with one or more put sections separate to the orifice through which liquids may he dispensed, each of the one or more pre-cut sections being attached to the ring pull mechanism and being covered on the interior of the container by the membrane, so that elevation of the ring pull activator causes the pre-cut areas tC) be rerriaved from the upper surface of the container, allowing gases to pass into and out of the container through the resultant holes, but preventing liquid from passing there throi.gh.

0. 1 container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container is a plastic or glass bottle and the membrane is arranged to cover the orifice of the bottle, the container further comprising a lid or seal which covers the membrane, preventing the escape of gasses from the container until the lid or seal is removed, and further preventing the escape of liquids from the container until the membrane is removed or punct.

11. A container as claimed i.n any preceding claim! wherein the cent iiner contains a liquid selected from liquids in which gases are naturally dissolved, liquids in which gases have been dissolved or liquids in which gases are produced by c.:hemical reactions or biological processes.

12. /\ container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the liquid is selcc.:ted from naturally carbonated waters; alcoholic drinks in which fermentation is continued after the liquid has been placed in the container; flavoured soft drinks; beers and ciders; chemical reagents; pharmaceutical preparations, or effervescent bathing products.

13. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the TnembLane comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane.

H. A container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the membrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.

15. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the membrane comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

J.6. A container substantially as described heroin with reference to and as shown in the accompanying figures.