MXPA06011628A - Drinking sleeve for a beverage container - Google Patents

Abstract

A molded plastic drinking sleeve for push-on assembly to a neck portion of a container according to a typical embodiment includes an annular body formed by an annular sidewall having a uniform taper from a first open end to an opposite second open end, the annular sidewall defining an open interior. The annular sidewall further includes a series of external threads and a roller abutment at the base of the threads for stopping the roller equipment used to help fabricate a metal closing cap that is designed to thread onto the plastic drinking sleeve. The cooperating metal container that receives the drinking sleeve includes a portion that is curled over the upper edge of the drinking sleeve. A free edge of the curled portion is embedded into the plastic of the drinking sleeve.

Description

DRINKING HOSE FOR A DRINK CONTAINER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to beverage containers of the type where the consumer can drink directly from the dispensing opening in the neck of the container. More specifically, the present invention relates to the addition of an externally threaded plastic drinking sleeve to the neck of the container to facilitate and improve the drinking experience. As an example of the type of beverage container that is suitable for the plastic drinking sleeve of the present invention, consider a metal "bottle" of beer with a metal lid that can be closed and opened. Without the plastic drinking hose of the present invention, a consumer who wishes to drink directly from the bottle may need to make contact with a threaded metal opening while drinking. Any exposed metal edges, roughness or burrs that may remain as part of the bottle or created from the interaction of the threaded metal closure cap on the bottle may be a concern. These characteristics can create discomfort for the consumer and can force the consumer to distribute the contents of the container in another container before consuming it. Although this may not be a problem in some environments, drinks of this type are often consumed when no other container is available for content transfer. Therefore, the addition of a plastic drinking sleeve, according to the present invention, improves the overall convenience and feel of the finished producer and the overall drinking experience. When applying a threaded plastic uri sleeve to the neck of the bottle, any roughness and / or exposed metal edges or burrs are removed and / or covered with a smooth molded plastic structure. The plastic sleeve is externally threaded to receive the metal closure cap. As such, it is important that there is a secure seal to capture and contain the internal pressure of carbonated beverages. This requires that there is a closing conformation adjustment and a strong threaded coupling between the plastic sleeve and the closure cap for a safe, leak-free interconnection that captures and maintains the internal pressure. If during the filling procedure at the time of filling the container or at the time the closure cover (unscrewed) is being removed for the first time, it is essential that the plastic sleeve does not loosen, slide or turn (rotate) in relation to the neck of the container. The plastic sleeve can be securely connected or anchored to the neck in such a way that once assembled, there is no relative movement between the plastic sleeve and the neck of the container. Even after opening the container, it is important that the plastic sleeve does not loosen so that it rotates or rotates relative to the neck of the container. The initial removal represents a very high torsional situation due to the breaking of the fragile elements of the closure cap. It is also important to have an assembly procedure for the plastic sleeve that is quick and simple, even reliable and predictable. The threaded plastic drinking sleeve of the present invention includes various structural features, characteristics and cooperative relationships, each of which contributes to some improvement or benefit or to a certain portion of an improvement or benefit of the general assembly of the closure. The aforementioned closure assembly includes the neck of the container, the plastic sleeve, and the closure cap. The present invention is directed primarily to the threaded plastic drinking sleeve and its adjustment and assembly relative to the neck of the container. An important aspect of the present invention is the integration of the free edge portion of the metal neck directly into the plastic of the drinking sleeve. This interfitting anchors and secures the drinking sleeve against rotation or sliding during the removal of and during resealing of the outer closure cap. This integration stage is carried out after the upper portion (ie, chimney) of the neck is screwed onto the upper rim of the plastic drinking sleeve. Additionally, the nature of the threaded coupling between the closure cap and the threaded plastic drinking sleeve is important in that the contents, typically under pressure, must be captured without leakage of gas or liquid. Included as part of the present invention is a modification of the neck geometry of the container. Finally, as part of one embodiment of the present invention, six protrusions protruding internally, in teardrop shape, are molded as part of the inner surface of the sleeve. These protuberances provide another safety feature since they deform the neck metal. A plastic drinking cup for pulse assembly for a neck portion of a beverage container, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes an annular body formed by an annular side wall defining an open interior, the side wall ring has a first open end and, opposite the first end, a second open end and includes a series of external threads, the annular side wall further includes an inner surface that tapers to contact the neck portion with an interference fit when the plastic drinking hose is pushed over the neck portion. The neck portion includes a free edge that is crimped onto an upper edge of the drinking sleeve and integrated into the plastic material of the drinking sleeve. In a further embodiment, enhanced radially internal shapes are included as part of the interior surface of the drinking sleeve. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved plastic drinking hose for a beverage container. Other objects of the present invention include providing an improved plastic drinking cup combination and beverage container and the method for making that combination. Objects and related advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of a beverage container including a plastic drinking cup and metal closure cap according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the plastic drinking sleeve and beverage container illustrating the first stage in its assembly sequence. FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view, in partial section, of the combination of the plastic drinking sleeve and container neck of FIGURE 2 illustrating the second stage in the assembly procedure. FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view, in partial section, of the combination of plastic drinking sleeve and container neck showing the third stage in the assembly procedure. FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view, in partial section, of the combination of plastic drinking sleeve and container neck showing the fourth and final stage of the assembly procedure. FIGURE 6 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the plastic drinking sleeve of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 7 is a front elevation view of the plastic drinking sleeve of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 8 is a top view of the plastic drinking sleeve of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 9 is a front elevation view, partial elongated, in full section of an annular top flange comprising a portion of the plastic drinking sleeve of FIGURE 1 FIGURE 10 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a plastic drinking sleeve and beverage container according to the present invention. FIGURE 11 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the plastic drinking sleeve of FIGURE 10. FIGURE 12 is a front elevational view of the plastic drinking sleeve of FIGURE 10 and the drinking container, as assembled with a closing lid. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the modalities illustrated in the drawings and a specific language will be used to describe them. However, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended with this, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as being able to be presented normally. for someone with experience in the art to which the invention relates. Referring to FIGURES 1-5, there is illustrated a molded plastic drinking sleeve 20 that securely attaches to the annular neck 21 of a beverage container 22. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGURE 1, the beverage container 22 is a metal "bottle" of beer and the plastic sleeve 20 is constructed and arranged to permanently attach to the neck 21. The outer surface of the sleeve 20 is externally threaded into the shape of the threads 23 for receiving an internally threaded metal closure cap 24. In terms of the general shapes and geometries, the container 22 can assume virtually any size and shape, but preferably there will be an annular splice shape such as a support 27 located at the bottom or base of the neck 21. The neck 21 is a hollow annular shape with two frustoconical portions 28 and 29 attached. While the style of the normal or anterior technique of the neck profile is typically a straight conical profile (frustoconical) this particular shape is limited to the upper portion 28. The lower portion 29 has been changed according to the present invention by slightly flared in a radially external direction. This change results in the portion 29 having a greater conical angle, as measured at the apex compared to the conical angle of the portion 28. The neck 21, which includes the portions 28 and 29, is circumferentially symmetrical about its axial central line 21a . The plastic drinking sleeve 20 is a generally annular, hollow shape with external threads 23. The sleeve 20 is a unitary molded plastic structure, which can be manufactured from suitable material based on the contents of the container and compatibility with the metal of the container and the metal of the closure cap. The longitudinally opposite ends 30 and 31 each define a generally circular opening 30a and 31a, respectively. The sleeve 20 is circumferentially symmetrical about the axial central line 20a and when the sleeve 20 is properly installed in the container neck 21, the axial central lines 20a and 21a generally must coincide. The closure cap 24 is an annular metal component that is internally threaded and provided with a fragile ring 34 in its base that is fixed to the lower portion 33 of the plastic drinking sleeve 20. Once the closure lid 24 is securely tightened (initially) on the sleeve 20 at the time of filling, the ring 34 fits behind the radial flange 35 in the annular recess 36. The retrograde rotation of the closure cap 24 to axially move the closure cap 24 upwardly out of the sleeve 20 causes the annulus 34 to abut against the interior surface 37 of the radial flange 35. This connection prevents the additional upward travel of the ring 34 and with a counter-clockwise rotation of the closing cover 24 (unthreaded), the fragile elements 38 connecting the ring 34 to the rest of the cover 24 of Close break, leaving the ring 34 in the recess 36 between the surfaces 37 and the support 27 and allowing the closure cover 24 to be removed from the sleeve 20. With reference to FIGURES 1-5, the structural details of the plastic drinking sleeve 20 will be described, which they include their installation procedure and sequence to secure the sleeve 20 on the neck 21 of the container 22. Figures 6 to 9 of the drawings describe additional structural features of the sleeve 20 including its cross-sectional shape. In FIGURE 9, a portion of the neck 21 is included to show the integration of the metal of the neck 21 into the plastic of the sleeve 20. One aspect of the general construction of the plastic drinking sleeve 20 is that which is constructed and arranged to be pressed on or push on the neck 21 with a certain degree of dimensional interference between the inside of the plastic drinking sleeve 20 and the outside of the neck 21 of the container 22 contributing to the part of • General safe fit between these two components. This degree of dimensional interference has at least two effects in terms of the sleeve and container combination. First, there is a certain degree of dimensional expansion for the outer surface of the plastic sleeve 20 as it is pressed on or pushed onto the neck 21. It is estimated that there is approximately 8 percent expansion in size of the outer profile of the sleeve 20. This dimensional expansion affects the size of the thread in terms of the larger diameter of the thread and the smaller diameter of the thread. There is a difference in size (8 percent) between the free dimensions before installation and the dimensions after the sleeve is pressed on the neck. In order to compensate for the dimensional expansion that is experienced when the plastic sleeve is pushed on the neck with an interference fit, the present invention specifically configures the external threads of molded plastic on the small side, dimensionally. This smaller or smaller scale start size for the thread for the plastic sleeve, when molded initially and before assembly, results in the threads 23 which are capable of expanding to the desired final dimensions in terms of the largest diameter of the thread and the smaller diameter of the thread. Once the sleeve 20 is completely pushed on the neck 21 of the container 22. In fact there is a first larger diameter of the thread and a smaller first diameter of the thread before the assembly of the sleeve 20 and then the second larger diameters greater and less of the thread after assembly. Secondly, the degree of dimensional interference influences how tightly the sleeve 20 fits on the neck 21 when the sleeve 20 is pushed on the neck. It has been learned that a snap fit or interference fit only, between the sleeve 20 and the neck 21, may not be sufficient under all conditions to prevent slippage or rotation of the sleeve 20 when the closure cap 24 is removed (unscrewed) and it becomes applied to the sleeve 20 to close the container. For example, under certain fluctuations or variations in temperature, different coefficients of thermal expansion and contraction between the metal and the plastic can loosen the interference fit between the sleeve 20 and the neck 21. If the degree of interference adjustment is increased to be able to deal with and solve this particular problem, it is anticipated that it will be more difficult to press the sleeve 20 on the neck 21 without creating desirable distortion of the sleeve or damage to the sleeve. Although some degree of interference fit is desirable, having another structural internal fit or connection between the sleeve 20 and neck 21 is believed to be beneficial, if not necessary, in order to achieve the required anchoring of the sleeve 20 in the neck 21 so that the sleeve 20 does not rotate, slide or rotate during use. In order to achieve this additional structural connection, ie anchoring of the sleeve 20 in the neck 21, the upper part of the upper portion 28 is first flanged on the upper flange or edge 41 of the plastic drinking sleeve 20 as part of an operation of formation and conformation. This upper portion defines the opening of the neck and includes a free edge 28a. The upper portion 28 is then stretched in the direction of the radial projection 42 to place the free edge 28a adjacent the radial projection 42. The upper edge 41 of the sleeve 20 includes a round flange 43 extending or raised as detailed in FIGURE 9. The flange 42 is adjacent the base of the flange 43 and surrounds the flange 43. The protrusion 42 is substantially horizontal with the container. in an upright position. The assembly equipment used to assemble and connect the sleeve to the neck applies a downward axial force (FA) at the top of the flanged portion 28 and an internal radial force (FR), (see FIGURES 5 and 9). This internal radial force is directed towards the free edge 28a and the result achieved is to integrate at least part of the free edge 28a into the plastic material of the sleeve 20, see FIGURES 1 and 5. This integration of the metal into the plastic creates a secure connection that anchors the sleeve 20 to the neck 21 so that the sleeve 20 is not allowed to rotate, twist or rotate relative to the neck. The physically described structural combination pushes at least part of the metal edge of the neck of the container in the body of the plastic adjacent the corner joint 44 between the top raised flange 43 and the radial shoulder 42. The free edge 28a has a generally rectangular shape in cross section. This geometry includes an internal annular corner 45 and an external annular corner 46. The integration of the edge 28a into the plastic material of the sleeve 20 results in the corner 45 being integrated into the base of the flange 43 and the corner 46 integrated into the radial projection 42. While the original objective of the metal integration stage in the plastic was to securely anchor the sleeve to the neck to prevent any turning, sliding, or relative rotation, additional benefits have been realized as a result of this method of connection and structure. First, the free edge 28a is now captured and enclosed in the plastic. If the upper portion 28 only flanges on the upper edge 41 of the sleeve 20 to process and conform to the round shape of the flange 43, then the free edge 28a is directed on the projection 42. Without the integration step, the free edge 28a remains exposed. This then exposes the external corner 46 and allows the user to contact this annular corner edge 46 while drinking. The integration of the free edge 28a into the plastic material of the sleeve 20 avoids having any exposed corner edge. Secondly, without the integration step, the free edge 28a has the ability to flex externally with time. If it can be attributed to the retroflexion of the flanged metal or if due to differences in thermal coefficients, or if due to simple use and handling, there is a possibility. If the radial width of the projection 42 exceeds the wall thickness of the portion 28, then it is presumed that the initial fabrication will begin the free edge 28a radially within the outer surface 49 of the sleeve 20. While this may lessen the risk of user contact with corner edge 46, at least initially, there is nothing to prevent the portion 28 from flexing externally. This can then push the corner edge 46 past the surface 49, creating an unacceptable condition due to the presence of the protruding corner edge 46. Furthermore, without the integration step, there is a seam or space between the end surface 50 of the free edge 28a and the upper surface 51 of the radial projection 42. This separation creates a collection trap for debris that is difficult to remove since they function in their own way in the interconnection between flange 43 and portion 28. In order to help avoid this problem, other manufacturers have chosen to introduce the added step of applying certain coating or sealant. This added stage represents an expense of time and money that is not required with • the structure proposed by the present invention. With reference to FIGURES 2-5, the installation or assembling sequence of the plastic sleeve 20 in the neck 21 is illustrated in four steps or steps. Beginning or starting with the illustration in FIGURE 2, the neck 21 of the container is presented for receiving the drinking sleeve 20 from unitary molded plastic, which goes towards the neck by axial movement (pressure) which includes a sliding interference fit of the sleeve 20 on the neck 21. In FIGURE 3, the sleeve 20 is pushed on the neck 21 and the sizes, shapes and contours of the sleeve couple the upper and lower frustoconical portions 28 and 29, respectively. As previously described, the lower portion 29 has a slightly flared profile and this shape creates added interference to the aforementioned dimensional interference when the sleeve 20 begins to encounter the lower portion 29. As illustrated in FIGURE 4, the continuous force or pressure in an axial direction on the sleeve 20 pushes it completely on the neck 21 in a fully assembled condition with respect to the axial position between the two. In this condition, the lower end 30 of the sleeve 20 approaches the support 27 and preferably will contact the support 27. The fully assembled condition of the sleeve 20 on the neck 21, as illustrated in FIGURE 4, leaves the portion 52 of the annular chimney of the neck 21, extending axially on or beyond the upper end 41 of the sleeve 20. The annular chimney portion 52 is then formed on and around the raised annular rim 43 (see FIGURE 5) with the free edge 28a directed towards and in close proximity to the projection 42 radially and adjacent to the corner joint 44. If the assembly and connecting steps are stopped here, then this formed configuration can cooperate with the interference fit to avoid any upward axial travel of the sleeve 20 relative to the neck 21. Any downward axial travel of the sleeve 20 relative to the neck 21 it is partly prevented by the support 27 and partly by the interference fit of the plastic sleeve 20 on the neck 21. However, the assembly and connection steps are not simply stopped with the flanging of the chimney portion 28 on and around the annular ridge 43 enhanced. The present invention includes the additional step of integrating at least a portion of the metal-free edge 28a directly into the plastic material of the sleeve 20. In order to perform this step, a downward axial force FA is applied in the formed or flanged portion (FIG. higher) of the portion 28, as shown in FIGURE 5. Concurrently, an internal radial force FR is applied to the free edge 28a. These two forces cooperate to integrate the inner corner 45 into the base of the raised annular flange 43, directly on the corner joint 44. These two forces also cooperate to integrate the external corner 46 into the radial projection 42. The described integration is more than simple surface contact that can distort the plastic without actually penetrating the plastic. In fact, the described integration actually causes the annular corner edges 45 and 46 to get into the plastic material of the sleeve 20 in the two locations described above, see FIGURE 9. The free edge 28a including the end surface 50 that it extends between the corners 45 and 46 has a wall thickness of approximately 0.016 inches (0.406 mm). Referring now to FIGURE 6, the plastic sleeve 20 is illustrated as a full cut to help show the specific geometry of the various portions and sections and their spatial and functional relationships. The interior surface 53 includes a tapered portion extending downwardly from the upper end 31 to the lower end. A feature omitted from the note is that there is no entry bezel in the area 54 that can normally be seen or expected around the lower end. The taper angle for the inner surface 53 from the end 31 to the end 30 is preferably 1-1 / 2 degrees, but the present invention contemplates that a suitable taper may vary from 1 degree to 2 degrees. The taper direction is outwardly deviating from the end 31 to the end 30. This taper provides adequate clearance to forego the need for any inlet bevel. By omitting any inlet bevel adjacent the lower end 30, the additional surface contact area is provided as part of the inner surface 53 of the sleeve 20 for a more complete coupling of the sleeve within the surface against the outer surface of the neck 21. It is envisioned that having more surface contact area between the sleeve 20 and the neck 21 will help to hold the sleeve 20 in place in the neck 21. The primary anchor of the sleeve 20 on the neck 21 to prevent the sleeve 20 from rotating or Rotation in relation to the neck 21 is achieved by the integration stage. By preventing any swiveling or rotation of the sleeve 20 relative to the neck 21, the closure lid 24 can be properly threaded on and off the sleeve 20 without also rotating or rotating the sleeve 20 on the neck 21. This means that the lid 24 The closure can be fully tightened as part of the filling and capping procedures in order to properly close the container and seal the contents. When the closure cap 24 is to be removed from the sleeve 20, if the first time to cut the fragile ring 34 or subsequently while the contents are being consumed, the closure cap 24 precisely follows the external threads 23 without any sliding between the sleeve 20 and the neck 21. With continued reference to FIGURE 6 and with reference added to FIGURES 7-9, further details of the plastic sleeve 20 are illustrated. The upper flange of the sleeve 20 which is described as the upper edge 41 includes the raised annular flange 43 and the radial projection 42. In the sectional views of FIGURES 6 and 9, the flange 43 has a generally semicircular upper portion 57 and a generally rectangular lower portion 58. The discontinuous lines 59a and 59b provide the boundary or boundary lines for the portions 57 and 58. The upper portion 57 has a radius of approximately 0.020 inches (0.508 mm). The generally rectangular shape of the lower portion 58 measures approximately 0.040 inches (1016 mm) by 0.016 inches (0.406 mm). With respect to the axial central line 20a, the projection 42 is substantially horizontal when the central line 20a is vertical. The radial width of the projection 42 is approximately 0.023 inches (0.584 mm). The notch 60 in the upper edge 41 is provided for the disconnection of the mold. The slots 61 are provided for venting the gas from within the container at the time of removing the closure cover 24. The cross section of FIGURE 9 is described as a section in axial section since the cutting plane is parallel to the axial central line 20a. The capping procedure for the described combination involves the automated (threaded) assembly of the closure cap 24 on the sleeve 20. The initial assembly of the closure cap 24 includes the seating of the fragile ring portion 34 in the annular recess 36. under the radial flange 35. One of the realities of the structures of this type in terms of the sleeve 20 and the closure cap 24 is the need for threaded passages to closely correlate for the best fit and securely connected, tightly sealed interconnection. The technique used is to use tracking rollers to follow the thread in the sleeve when pushing against a closure cap preform and thereby control the manufacture of the closure cap 24 based on the thread specifications. In this way, if the expansion or reconformation of the sleeve 20 takes place when the sleeve is assembled on the neck of the container, these variables will be considered and used in the manufacture of a "correlation" closure lid. The variations that may occur from one assembled sleeve 20 to another is read by the tracking or tracking roller and results in the size and conformation of the cooperative threads of the metal closure cap 24. This method creates a narrower and better fitting metal closure cap 24 that correlates specifically for a corresponding plastic sleeve 20. One of the concerns with the tracking roller equipment currently available is that tracking or tracking rollers continue to travel even after the thread profile has been followed and the threads in the closure cap have been formed. This roller equipment continues to run even after tracking the threaded profile, although no new form information is being generated. As a result, there is an inefficiency in the use of time and equipment. More specifically, in the manufacturing process aimed at creating and applying the metal closure lid 24, the lid starts as a metal shape or preform that needs to be adequately sized and shaped to be able to conform to the neck of the container, in this case, it needs conform to the neck, as adjusted with the plastic sleeve 20. The closure lid 24 at the end will end up as an internally threaded component, but initially the metal preform does not thread. The thread is created by shaping that metal preform into the size and shape of the external threads of the plastic sleeve 20. Ideally, the thread in the closure cap 24 will be sized and shaped to closely conform to the external threads of the plastic sleeve. This is usually guaranteed by using the size, shape and threaded shape of the plastic sleeve profile as the mandrel to form the metal closure cap. With the use of the plastic sleeve as a forming mandrel, there is a high degree of correspondence. and a better fit and function for the closing lid 24 terminated as it fits the threaded plastic sleeve 20. Since the plastic sleeve 20 can vary or change slightly as part of the plastic molding process and since it can change again when it is pushed on the neck 21 of the container 22, use the profile of the Plastic sleeve like a mandrel helps to "correlate" the closure cap that is manufactured with the plastic sleeve that receives the cap. This greater degree of conformation or correspondence helps ensure a tightly closed combination that provides the required seal. This adjustment of the plastic sleeve to the closure cap also helps to ensure that the fragile ring 34 is properly separated and that the closure cap 24 does not become a "rotor". The term "rotor" is used for closures that do not break the fragile ring when twisted. The same term is used to describe closures that have been erroneously rotated (ie, clockwise) with the opening, detach the thread while not breaking the fragile ring. The manufacture of the closure cap and the subsequent capping process or procedure for the robber proof bearing seals (ROPP) (ie, closure cap 24) is a high speed event. A typical production line provides a cap head that is automatically lowered onto the metal preform of the closure cap as it is placed over the plastic sleeve 20. A pressure is applied that creates a seal between the sleeve and any cap liner material. When the head of the lid rotates, a spring pivot system causes the rollers of the equipment to move internally. These rollers couple the outer surface of the metal preform for the closure cap 24 and push the metal internally when the rollers follow the threaded shape of the plastic sleeve that was pushed onto the neck 21 of the container 22. The metal formation of the The preform of the closure cap, using the plastic sleeve 20 as a mandrel, creates the necessary threaded shape for the closing cap 24 which precisely matches and the closure conforms to that particular plastic sleeve. The published document entitled "Understanding the Theft-Proof Bearing Process" by J. Langley, Dr. A. Yoxall, and Prof. John Yates of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, and P. Taylor of Tinsley Bridge Ltd., Sheffield, United Kingdom, provides a discussion of this process. As described, the capping equipment does not have the "intelligence" to prevent the rollers from continuing to rotate around the outside of the closure cap once the threaded form is created and the capping is completed.

Therefore, it can be an improvement for this manufacturing process and cover to modify the roller equipment to eliminate or reduce these inefficiencies. The present invention although proposes a solution to this question by not modifying the roller equipment, rather it incorporates in the external resistance thread 23 of the sleeve 20 a stop in the form of a roller joint 61. This roller or stop splice 61 is formed unitarily at the base of the external threads 23 on a smaller diameter surface. When the roller finds this splice 61, the roller travel stops. There is no continuous movement of the roller and no efficiency of utilization of time or equipment as a result of adding the threaded stop 61 for the roller splice. The roller joint 61 has a crescent shape and functions as a door stop for roller travel. When the tracking or other tracking roller can follow the rotation, this roller joint 61 provides a stopping point and also provides a better capped fixing assembly. With reference to FIGURES 10 and 11, another embodiment of a molded plastic drinking sleeve 80 according to the present invention is illustrated. The sleeve 80 is constructed and arranged to securely attach to the annular neck 81 of a beverage container 82. The outer surface of the sleeve 80 is externally threaded into the thread form 83 for receiving an internally threaded metal closure cap 84 (see FIGURE 12). The plastic drinking sleeve 80 is a unitary molded plastic structure having a generally hollow annular shape. The sleeve 80 can be made of a variety of different plastic materials that are suitable for the contents of the container and compatible with the metal of the container 82 and the metal of the closure cap 84. In the preferred embodiment, the plastic material selected for the sleeve 80 is PET. This material is preferred because of its harder nature when compared to a plastic material such as HDPE. The harder PET material is also suitable as a material for the plastic drinking sleeve 20. The selected composition can be a resin grade for bottle. The longitudinally opposite ends 90 and 91 of the sleeve 80 each define a generally circular opening 90a and 91a, respectively. In terms of the present invention, the plastic drinking sleeve 80 includes two interior features and three exterior features that can be used together, separately, or in any combination of two or three or four as described herein as part of the present invention. invention. While these various features cooperate to provide the improved plastic sleeve, these features individually provide a benefit or improvement, although less than what they can all contribute together as a cooperative group. The sleeve 80 is circumferentially symmetrical around the axial central line 80a and, when the sleeve 80 is properly installed in the neck 81 of the container, the axial central lines 80a and 81a generally must coincide. The closure cap 84 is virtually identical in shape, fit and function to the closure cap 24. The description of the closure cap 24 relative to the sleeve 20 and the container 22 is the same as the description for the closure cap 84 relative to the sleeve 80 and the container 82. A first aspect of the general construction of the sleeve 80 for plastic drinking is pressing on or pushing on the neck 81 and there is a certain degree of dimensional interference between the plastic drinking sleeve 80 and the neck 81 of the container 82 which contributes to the overall safe fit between these two components. This degree of dimensional interference has at least two effects in terms of the sleeve and container combination. First, there is a certain degree of dimensional expansion for the outer surface of the plastic sleeve 80 as it is pressed or pushed onto the neck 81. It is estimated that there is approximately an eight percent (8%) size expansion of the outer profile of the sleeve 80 This dimensional expansion affects the size of the thread in terms of the larger diameter of the thread and the smaller diameter of the thread. There is a different size (eight percent) between the free dimensions before installation and the dimensions after the sleeve 80 is pressed on the neck. To compensate for the dimensional expansion that is experienced when the plastic sleeve is pushed onto the neck with an interference fit, the present invention specifically configures the external threads of molded plastic on the small side dimensionally. This smaller or falling scale size for the thread of the plastic sleeve, as molded initially and before assembly, results in the thread 83 being able to expand to the desired final dimension in terms of the larger diameter of the thread and the smaller diameter of the thread, once the sleeve 80 is completely and properly installed on the neck 81 and the container 82. In fact there is a first larger diameter of the thread and a smaller first diameter of the thread before the assembly of the thread. sleeve 80 and then the second major and minor diameters of the largest thread after assembly. Secondly, the degree of dimensional interference influences how strongly the sleeve 80 fits on the neck 81 when the sleeve 80 is pushed on the neck. In order to improve the tightening and safety of the sleeve-to-neck connection, the inner surface 101 of the plastic sleeve 80 is molded with an equally spaced series of six (6) protrusions or protuberances 102 raised in the form of drops. These protrusions extend away from the. inner surface 101 in a radially internal direction towards the central line 80a In addition, the presence of these protuberances 102, noting the use of a harder plastic material (ie, PET), means that these protuberances 102 are pushed and deform the neck metal in the form of separate indentations when the sleeve 80 is pushed over the neck 81 with an interference fit. The final assembly of the sleeve 80 on the container 82 and the closure cap 84 on the sleeve 80 is illustrated in FIGURE 12. Considering only the annular round flange 43 and 103 and the raised protuberances 102 (extending internally radially). , it is envisioned that, as part of the present invention, a suitable plastic drinking sleeve may include, with or without all other features as described herein, at least the flange 43 (103), or the protuberances 102 , or both of those characteristics work together in combination. The assembly steps and their sequences for assembling the sleeve 80 on the neck 81 of the container 82 are substantially the same as the steps described together with the sleeve 20, which includes the use of the round annular flange 103, similar to the flange 43, and the flanging of the metal of the chimney as described together with the first embodiment. The only structural difference in terms of what happens in the sequence of the assembly stages between the sleeve 80 and the sleeve 20 is that the sleeve 80 includes the six (6) projections or protuberances 102 raised in the shape of a drop. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, the same will be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it has been understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention you want to protect.

Claims (43)

1. CLAIMS 1. A unitary plastic drinking hose for the assembly to a neck portion of a beverage container, the plastic drinking hose is characterized in that it comprises: an annular body formed by an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall has a first open end and opposite the first end a second open end and includes a series of external threads, an raised annular rim formed as part of the annular side wall adjacent to the first open end, and an annular protrusion surrounding the raised annular rim, the raised annular rim is shaped in axial cross section with a generally semicircular portion and a generally rectangular portion. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner surface is externally deflected from the first end to the second end. 3. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 2, characterized in that the internal surface that deviates externally tapers by approximately 1-1 / 2 degrees. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 3, characterized in that the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to receive a threaded closure cap sealingly when the plastic drinking sleeve is assembled in the neck portion. 5. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 4, characterized in that the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to start with a downscaled thread size and wherein the annular body is constructed and arranged to expand due to the Assembling over the neck portion, the expansion causes the size of the descending-scale thread to expand to the size required to receive the threaded closure cap in a sealed manner. 6. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 5, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop formed integrally the base of the series of external threads. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner surface includes a plurality of raised protrusions directed radially and internally. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner surface is externally deflected from the first end to the second end. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 7, characterized in that the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to receive a threaded closure cap sealingly when the plastic drinking hose is assembled on the neck portion. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 1, characterized in that the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to receive sealingly a threaded closure cap when the plastic drinking hose is assembled on the neck portion. 11. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 10, characterized in that the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to start with a downscaled thread size and where the annular body is constructed and arranged to expand due to the assembly on the neck portion, the expansion causes the downscaled thread size to extend to the size required to receive the threaded closure cap in a sealed manner. 12. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 11, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop formed integrally at the base of the series of external threads. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop integrally formed at the base of the series of external threads. 14. A plastic sleeve for assembly into a neck portion of a container, the plastic sleeve is characterized in that it comprises: an annular body formed by an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall has a first open end and opposite the first end a second open end, the annular side wall further includes an interior surface constructed and arranged with an externally deviating shape extending from the first end to the second end. 15. The plastic sleeve according to claim 14, further characterized in that it includes a series of external threads that are constructed and arranged to seally receive a threaded closure cap when the plastic sleeve is assembled on the neck portion. 16. The plastic sleeve according to claim 15, characterized in that the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to start with a downscaled thread size and where the annular body is constructed and arranged to expand due to the assembly on the neck portion, the expansion causes the size of the downscaled thread to extend to the size required to receive the threaded closure cap in a sealed manner. 17. The plastic sleeve according to claim 16, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop integrally formed at the base of the series of external threads. 18. The plastic sleeve according to claim 11, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop integrally formed at the base of the series of external threads. 19. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 14, characterized in that the inner surface includes a plurality of raised protrusions directed radially and internally. 20. A plastic sleeve for assembly into a neck portion of a container, the plastic sleeve is characterized in that it comprises: an annular body formed by an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall having a first end open and opposite the first end a second open end, and includes a series of external threads, the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to receive a threaded closure cap sealingly when the plastic spout is assembled in the neck portion, the series of external threads is constructed and arranged to start with a reduced thread size and where the annular body is constructed and arranged to expand due to the assembly on the neck portion, the expansion causes the reduced thread size to expand to the size of thread required to receive the threaded closure cap in a sealed manner. 21. The plastic sleeve according to claim 20, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop formed integrally to the base of the series of external threads. 22. The plastic drinking hose according to claim 20, characterized in that the annular side wall includes an inner surface formed with a plurality of raised protuberances. 23. A plastic sleeve for assembly into a neck portion of a container, the plastic sleeve is characterized in that it comprises: an annular body formed by an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall having a first end open and opposite the first end a second open end and includes a series of external threads, the annular body includes a roller splice stop formed integrally at the base of the series of external threads. 24. In combination: a drink container that includes a neck portion; a plastic drinking sleeve for assembly into a neck portion, the plastic drinking sleeve is characterized in that it comprises: an annular body formed by an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall having a first open end and opposite the first end a second open end and includes a series of external threads; wherein the neck portion includes a free edge that is formed on a portion of the annular side wall adjacent the first open end, part of the free end is integrated into the plastic drinking sleeve; and a closure cap constructed and arranged to thread sealingly on the series of external threads with the plastic drinking sleeve assembled on the neck portion. 25. The combination according to claim 24, characterized in that the inner surface is externally deflected from the first end to the second end. 26. The combination according to claim 25, characterized in that the internal surface that deflects externally tapers by approximately 1-1 / 2 degrees. 27. The combination according to claim 26, characterized in that the annular body includes a roller splice stop integrally formed at the base of the series of external threads. 28. The combination according to claim 24, characterized in that the plastic drinking sleeve has a first dimension of greater diameter of thread and a first dimension of smaller diameter of thread before assembly in the neck portion and a second dimension of greater diameter of thread and a second dimension of smaller diameter of thread after assembly and the plastic drinking sleeve in the neck portion, the second dimensions are larger than the corresponding first dimensions due to the expansion of the annular bodies resulting from an interference fit between the plastic drinking sleeve and the neck portion when the plastic drinking sleeve is assembled on the neck portion. 29. The combination according to claim 24, characterized in that the annular side wall includes an inner surface formed with a plurality of raised protuberances. The combination according to claim 24, characterized in that the plastic drinking sleeve includes an annular raised flange formed as part of the annular side wall adjacent to the first open end and an annular protrusion surrounding the raised annular flange. 31. The combination according to claim 30, characterized in that the free edge includes an inner corner and an outer corner and the assembly of the plastic drinking sleeve in the neck portion includes having an internal corner and the outer corner integrated into the neck. plastic drinking hose. 32. The combination according to claim 31, characterized in that the inner corner is integrated into a portion of the raised annular rim. 33. The combination according to claim 32, characterized in that the outer corner is integrated into a portion of the annular projection. 34. In combination: a beverage container including a neck portion including a free end defining a neck opening; and a plastic drinking sleeve integrated in the neck portion, the plastic drinking sleeve is characterized in that it includes an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall has an annular rim at a first end, part of the The neck portion is flanged over the annular flange and a portion of the free end is integrated into. the plastic drinking hose. 35. The combination according to claim 34, characterized in that the free end includes an inner corner and an outer corner and the assembly of the plastic drinking sleeve in the neck portion includes having the inner corner and the outer corner integrated into the neck. plastic drinking hose. 36. The combination according to claim 35, characterized in that the inner corner is integrated into a portion of the raised annular rim. 37. The combination according to claim 36, characterized in that the annular side wall further includes an annular projection surrounding the annular rim. 38. The combination according to claim 37, characterized in that the outer corner is integrated into a portion of the annular projection. 39. The combination according to claim 34, characterized in that the annular side wall includes an inner surface formed with a plurality of raised protuberances. 40. In combination: a beverage container including a neck portion including a free end defining a neck opening; and a plastic drinking sleeve integrated in the neck portion, the plastic drinking sleeve is characterized in that it includes an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall has an annular rim at a first end, part of the The neck portion is flanged on the annular flange and a portion of the free end is integrated into the plastic drinking sleeve. 41. The combination according to claim 40, characterized in that the free end includes an inner corner and an outer corner and the assembly of the plastic drinking sleeve in the neck portion includes having the inner corner and outer corner integrated into the sleeve to drink plastic. 42. A method for securing a plastic drinking sleeve on the neck of a metal beverage container, the method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) providing a metal beverage container, the beverage container of metal includes a neck portion that includes a free end defining a neck opening; (b) providing a plastic drinking hose, the plastic drinking hose includes an annular side wall defining an open interior, the annular side wall has an annular flange at a first end; (c) assembling the plastic drinking sleeve over the neck portion; (d) flanging the portion of the neck portion on the annular rim; and (e) integrating the free end portion into the plastic drinking sleeve. 43. The method according to the claim 42, characterized in that the integration step is performed in part by applying an internal radial force against the free end.