US20040040964A1 - Can top having a space for separately storing a small quantity of a substance - Google Patents
Can top having a space for separately storing a small quantity of a substance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040040964A1 US20040040964A1 US10/381,345 US38134503A US2004040964A1 US 20040040964 A1 US20040040964 A1 US 20040040964A1 US 38134503 A US38134503 A US 38134503A US 2004040964 A1 US2004040964 A1 US 2004040964A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- accordance
- wall
- space
- slit line
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 235000015872 dietary supplement Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012173 sealing wax Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CVSVTCORWBXHQV-UHFFFAOYSA-N creatine Chemical compound NC(=[NH2+])N(C)CC([O-])=O CVSVTCORWBXHQV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011796 hollow space material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960003624 creatine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000006046 creatine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000005454 flavour additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013355 food flavoring agent Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013406 prebiotics Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000018291 probiotics Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008786 sensory perception of smell Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
-
- 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
- B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
- B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
- B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
-
- 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
- B65D2517/0047—Provided with additional elements other than for closing the opening
- B65D2517/0056—Unusual elements
-
- 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
- B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
- B65D2517/0089—Unusual details
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to a can top, and especially a beverage can top, for crimping onto a corresponding can body.
- the can top is designed so that additives can be stored therein separately from the remaining can contents, which [additives] reach its interior and are thus possibly in contact with the remaining can contents only when opening the can.
- U,S. Pat. No. 5,290,574 discloses the suggestion to arrange a gas- and liquid-permeable membrane under the top of beverage cans for foamy beverages and to fasten this [membrane] all-around in the area of the crimped edge. After sealing the can the space between the top and the membrane is then filled—either by pasteurizing or by placing the can upside down—partly with liquid, which then lies on the membrane when standing the can upright, based on the excess pressure prevailing in the can interior.
- the membrane can then tear, as a result of which an outlet opening is formed for the beverage.
- the membrane covers only a portion of the pouring opening.
- both the contents of the compartment formed by the membrane with the top and the remaining beverage located in the can are able to be poured next to one another directly through the opening in the can top.
- Both liquids the compartment separated by the membrane may additionally contain a foam stabilizer, e.g., a sugar solution) are then mixed when pouring out.
- the object of the present invention is to create, using simple means, a space within a can, which is provided for the storage of a small quantity of a substance separately from the remaining contents of the can during the storage of the can, whereby this space, when the can is opened, likewise opens without further measures and delivers liquid or solid substances possibly contained therein to the remaining can contents, regardless of whether or not the can contents are under gas pressure and/or are supposed to foam.
- the object of the present invention is accomplished in that the said space is provided in the area of the top of the can and is formed at least partially by a flexible, but essentially non-expandable, gas-tight and liquid-tight wall.
- This wall does not require any internal tension or any potentially stored kinetic energy here.
- the space is arranged near the pouring opening, in such a manner that its edge crosses a slit line provided in the top surface, which, when opening the can top, is torn open by means of a likewise provided tear-open strip.
- the tongue to which the strip is fastened, is pressed into the interior of the can, as is well known from the state of the art.
- the wall in the edge area of the said space is destroyed; an opening is formed, through which the substance inserted into the space beforehand can escape.
- the space is limited toward the can interior by a foil, toward the top by the top material itself.
- FIG. 1 a shows a lateral view of this embodiment with the tear-open tongue pressed inwards
- FIG. 1 b shows this embodiment schematically viewed from the interior, whereby the point of intersection of the slit line and the edge area of the space can be seen.
- FIG. 2 shows another embodiment, in which the space is formed by two foils that are connected with one another in their edge area, such that they form a pocket.
- the pocket is fastened in the interior of the top surface.
- FIG. 2 a represents a lateral view of this embodiment, likewise with the tear-open tongue pressed inwards, and
- FIG. 2 b shows a top view of this embodiment on the inside of the top, whereby a notch can be seen in the area of intersection between the slit line and the connected edge area of the pocket.
- FIG. 3 shows a spatial view of a foil partially detached from the top by the tongue.
- the present invention is especially suitable for beverage cans, e.g., made of metal, since, when the substance stored separately beforehand is opened, whether it now be gaseous, solid or liquid, it can reach into the beverage or the atmosphere surrounding the beverage and can bring about a flavoring or enrichment of the beverage.
- a solid in the form of a powder or crystals or a liquid when opening the can, can come into contact with the remaining beverage contents and possibly be mixed therewith, e.g., a concentrate, a flavoring, a coloring or the like.
- Even a gaseous or highly volatile aroma may be stored in the said space. This [aroma] stimulates the sense of smell when consuming the can contents, especially if one drinks directly out of the can.
- the space provided at the can top may also be used for accommodating food supplements.
- This may be, e.g., the agent of choice, if the stability of these substances is not guaranteed for the long term in a liquid or if the additive might enter into conversion reactions with the contents of the beverage.
- An important field in this regard are sports or health beverages, which may be enriched with pro- or prebiotic substances, as well as with the muscle-building preparation creatine. It is advantageous to mix together such substances only immediately before consuming the beverage.
- the wall by which the additional substance to be stored is separated from the remaining contents of the can, should be flexible and at least essentially impermeable to liquids and gases; “essentially impermeable” should mean that a gaseous substance, with which the space arranged according to the present invention may be filled, also remains effective for a long time in this space, while the wall must represent only a moderately effective barrier for oxygen, but also possibly is gas-tight against oxygen.
- the material for this wall may be selected at random as long as it is not expandable in such a manner that it gives way to the pulling of the tear-open strip when opening. Examples of suitable materials are metal foils, e.g., aluminum foils, plastic films or optionally cardboard coated with a material or such paper that repels the main content(s) of the can and/or the substance to be stored separately.
- the space for the storage of the said substance is formed by a foil or another flexible material being fastened at the top surface with the formation of a hollow space.
- the external outline of the foil may be selected at random, e.g., round, oval or even polygonal, as long as the edge of the body or of the foil connected with the top surface crosses the slit line at at least one point.
- a round or oval aluminum foil may be mentioned, which is arranged centrally in the top surface and fastened at the top surface on its outer edge. In this case, it crosses the slit line at two points. However, it should be clear that it is sufficient if the foil crosses the slit line at only one point.
- the substance to be stored separately is arranged on the inside of the preshaped top, which is otherwise preferably ready, and is optionally fixed by means of cold or another measure.
- the top surface may optionally have a small, circumferential projection in order to hold a drop or the like in position.
- the foil is applied and is fastened in a sealing manner, e.g., glued, heat-sealed or sealed, whereby the space for storing this substance is sealed. It is only opened when the can—after filling and sealing with the top, e.g., by crimping—is opened by pulling on the tear-open strip.
- the space for accommodating the substance to be stored separately is formed by a pocket or another flexible hollow body, which is fastened in the top surface of the can top.
- a pocket is obtained if a foil-type material is used.
- the foils which were mentioned above for the simple embodiment, are suitable as materials.
- the pocket or the other flexible hollow body, finished and completely filled, may be fastened at the inside of the top, whereby the fastening can be performed, e.g., by means of gluing with an adhesive permitted in accordance with food laws or by means of sealing.
- an adhesive permitted in accordance with food laws or by means of sealing.
- two foils are connected, e.g., glued, sealed or heat-sealed, with one another in their edge area, between which the substance to be stored separately is arranged.
- half of a foil may be placed onto the other half and sealingly connected with same, e.g., glue or be connected by sealing.
- the bond preferably has a width of about 1 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm) up to a few millimeters (e.g., 5 mm).
- the pocket or the hollow body is relatively flat, e.g., has a lens-shaped design.
- the person skilled in the art is free in his choice, as long as the lateral edge of the pocket or of the otherwise flexible hollow body crosses the slit line at at least one point.
- crossing does not have to inevitably mean that the edge itself is connected with the top at the slit line; it is sufficient if the connection area is arranged sufficiently close to the slit line and the movability of the material at this point is sufficiently low that a tear in the foil or the like is forced when opening the tear-open strip.
- a notch which weakens the wall at this point and functions as a desired tear point, is provided in the edge area that extends over the slit line.
- FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show an embodiment of the present invention, in which the space 8 provided for the substance to be stored separately is formed by a foil 4 , which is fastened with its lateral edge 6 on the inside of the top 1 .
- FIG. 1 a shows a lateral view
- FIG. 1 b shows a top view of the inside of the top. It can be seen from a combination of the two views that, when opening the can, in which the tongue 2 is pressed into the interior of the can, the foil is detached by means of the rivet 12 up to the slit line 3 approximately from the point of intersection 11 between the slit line 3 and its edge 6 up into the area of a vertical line 13 to the axis of symmetry S. This area of detachment 5 is shown shaded in FIG. 1 b.
- FIG. 3 shows the result of this detachment process in a spatial view.
- the top surface is designated by 14 here.
- FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which the space for the substance to be stored separately is designed as a pocket 9 .
- This [pocket] is formed by two foils 4 ′, 4 ′′, which are connected with one another on their lateral edges in the area 6 ′.
- the foil 4 ′ facing towards the top surface is connected with same over the greater portion of its underside, but not in the area of the edge 6 ′.
- the pocket is shown as round; however, it could also, e.g., be formed by means of only an oval or round foil by folding the left half onto the right half.
- FIG. 2 b shows the notch 7 , which is arranged in the area, in which the edge 6 ′ of the pocket crosses the slit line 3 .
- the notch is less wide than the edge width, such that a narrow bridge to the outer edge 10 of the interior remains.
- FIG. 2 a shows that this bridge, when opening the can and when pressing in the tongue 2 , is torn inwards, so that the contents of the pocket can reach the environment, e.g., the beverage.
- the substance is a liquid and/or gaseous aroma
- the consumer feels an intensive olfactory experience, since the aroma is released directly at the top and thus when drinking directly from the can near the nose of the consumer.
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a can top (1) for crimping onto a can body that, in its top surface (12), comprises a tongue (2) for forming a pouring opening along a slit line (3). This [can top] is characterized in that it has, on its side pointing toward the interior of the can, a separate space (8) provided for accommodating solid, liquid or gaseous substances, which [space] is formed by at least one flexible, but essentially non-expandable, essentially gas-tight and liquid-tight wall (4, 4′, 4″) and extends over a portion of the top surface (12) so that its lateral edge (10) crosses the slit line (3) at at least one point (11) in such a manner that, when opening the can, the portion of the tongue (2) moving toward the interior exerts a force on the wall (4), by means of which an opening is made for the space (8). The separate space may be used, e.g., for accommodating food supplements and/or liquid or gaseous aromatics.
Description
- The present invention pertains to a can top, and especially a beverage can top, for crimping onto a corresponding can body. The can top is designed so that additives can be stored therein separately from the remaining can contents, which [additives] reach its interior and are thus possibly in contact with the remaining can contents only when opening the can.
- For a long time there has been a demand for storing additives for the contents of cans, e.g., beverage flavoring additives separately from the remaining can contents so that they come into contact with the remaining contents only when the can is opened for its specified use. Corresponding internal containers for cans have already been suggested. However, most of these internal containers are only suitable for foamy beverages under gas pressure, since the blending of the separately stored, flavoring substance is linked with the generation of a sudden difference in pressure that forms between a gas-filled space within the internal container connected with the rest of the liquid by a very small opening and the pressure of this liquid. This difference in pressure is used for forcing open the wall of the space in the internal container that is used for storing the additive. Examples of this principle are shown in WO 99/54229 or in EP 965 536 A1.
- An internal container has become known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,635, which, suitably arranged in the can, breaks by means of contact with a tongue that descends down when opening the can and releases a second liquid, which can then be mixed with the beverage in the can, regardless of the gas pressure in the can. However, this internal container must be a rigidly elastic body that is designed such that it contains energy stored in the form of tension, in such a manner that a slight activation energy only is needed to release this tension by means of breaking the container. The body should, accordingly, have the shape of a cylinder or a pea pod with a lengthwise running bursting edge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,635 does not explain how such an internal container [sic, typo in original—Tr.Ed.] could be prefabricated, filled with liquid and then sealed.
- U,S. Pat. No. 5,290,574 discloses the suggestion to arrange a gas- and liquid-permeable membrane under the top of beverage cans for foamy beverages and to fasten this [membrane] all-around in the area of the crimped edge. After sealing the can the space between the top and the membrane is then filled—either by pasteurizing or by placing the can upside down—partly with liquid, which then lies on the membrane when standing the can upright, based on the excess pressure prevailing in the can interior. If the can is opened, first the pressure in the compartment located between the top and the membrane drops suddenly, which causes gas to shoot out of the gas space between the liquid level of the beverage and the membrane through its openings into the liquid located above the membrane, which leads to a first formation of foam as well as the formation of seeds for the further formation of gas bubbles after pouring out. If the tear-open strip is opened further by the descending tongue, the membrane can then tear, as a result of which an outlet opening is formed for the beverage. As an alternative, it may be provided that the membrane covers only a portion of the pouring opening. In this case, it does not need to be torn open or otherwise removed, since both the contents of the compartment formed by the membrane with the top and the remaining beverage located in the can are able to be poured next to one another directly through the opening in the can top. Both liquids (the compartment separated by the membrane may additionally contain a foam stabilizer, e.g., a sugar solution) are then mixed when pouring out.
- The object of the present invention is to create, using simple means, a space within a can, which is provided for the storage of a small quantity of a substance separately from the remaining contents of the can during the storage of the can, whereby this space, when the can is opened, likewise opens without further measures and delivers liquid or solid substances possibly contained therein to the remaining can contents, regardless of whether or not the can contents are under gas pressure and/or are supposed to foam.
- The object of the present invention is accomplished in that the said space is provided in the area of the top of the can and is formed at least partially by a flexible, but essentially non-expandable, gas-tight and liquid-tight wall. This wall does not require any internal tension or any potentially stored kinetic energy here. The space is arranged near the pouring opening, in such a manner that its edge crosses a slit line provided in the top surface, which, when opening the can top, is torn open by means of a likewise provided tear-open strip. When the can is opened, the tongue, to which the strip is fastened, is pressed into the interior of the can, as is well known from the state of the art. The wall in the edge area of the said space is destroyed; an opening is formed, through which the substance inserted into the space beforehand can escape.
- The figures show various embodiments of the present invention:
- In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the space is limited toward the can interior by a foil, toward the top by the top material itself.
- FIG. 1a shows a lateral view of this embodiment with the tear-open tongue pressed inwards, and
- FIG. 1b shows this embodiment schematically viewed from the interior, whereby the point of intersection of the slit line and the edge area of the space can be seen.
- FIG. 2 shows another embodiment, in which the space is formed by two foils that are connected with one another in their edge area, such that they form a pocket. The pocket is fastened in the interior of the top surface.
- FIG. 2a represents a lateral view of this embodiment, likewise with the tear-open tongue pressed inwards, and
- FIG. 2b shows a top view of this embodiment on the inside of the top, whereby a notch can be seen in the area of intersection between the slit line and the connected edge area of the pocket.
- FIG. 3 shows a spatial view of a foil partially detached from the top by the tongue.
- The present invention is especially suitable for beverage cans, e.g., made of metal, since, when the substance stored separately beforehand is opened, whether it now be gaseous, solid or liquid, it can reach into the beverage or the atmosphere surrounding the beverage and can bring about a flavoring or enrichment of the beverage. Thus, a solid in the form of a powder or crystals or a liquid, when opening the can, can come into contact with the remaining beverage contents and possibly be mixed therewith, e.g., a concentrate, a flavoring, a coloring or the like. Even a gaseous or highly volatile aroma may be stored in the said space. This [aroma] stimulates the sense of smell when consuming the can contents, especially if one drinks directly out of the can. Besides or instead of odor-giving or taste-giving substances, the space provided at the can top may also be used for accommodating food supplements. This may be, e.g., the agent of choice, if the stability of these substances is not guaranteed for the long term in a liquid or if the additive might enter into conversion reactions with the contents of the beverage. An important field in this regard are sports or health beverages, which may be enriched with pro- or prebiotic substances, as well as with the muscle-building preparation creatine. It is advantageous to mix together such substances only immediately before consuming the beverage.
- The wall, by which the additional substance to be stored is separated from the remaining contents of the can, should be flexible and at least essentially impermeable to liquids and gases; “essentially impermeable” should mean that a gaseous substance, with which the space arranged according to the present invention may be filled, also remains effective for a long time in this space, while the wall must represent only a moderately effective barrier for oxygen, but also possibly is gas-tight against oxygen. The material for this wall may be selected at random as long as it is not expandable in such a manner that it gives way to the pulling of the tear-open strip when opening. Examples of suitable materials are metal foils, e.g., aluminum foils, plastic films or optionally cardboard coated with a material or such paper that repels the main content(s) of the can and/or the substance to be stored separately.
- In a simple embodiment of the present invention, the space for the storage of the said substance is formed by a foil or another flexible material being fastened at the top surface with the formation of a hollow space. The external outline of the foil may be selected at random, e.g., round, oval or even polygonal, as long as the edge of the body or of the foil connected with the top surface crosses the slit line at at least one point. As an example for this embodiment of the present invention, a round or oval aluminum foil may be mentioned, which is arranged centrally in the top surface and fastened at the top surface on its outer edge. In this case, it crosses the slit line at two points. However, it should be clear that it is sufficient if the foil crosses the slit line at only one point.
- In this embodiment of the present invention, the substance to be stored separately is arranged on the inside of the preshaped top, which is otherwise preferably ready, and is optionally fixed by means of cold or another measure. The top surface may optionally have a small, circumferential projection in order to hold a drop or the like in position. Subsequently, the foil is applied and is fastened in a sealing manner, e.g., glued, heat-sealed or sealed, whereby the space for storing this substance is sealed. It is only opened when the can—after filling and sealing with the top, e.g., by crimping—is opened by pulling on the tear-open strip.
- In another simple embodiment of the present invention, the space for accommodating the substance to be stored separately is formed by a pocket or another flexible hollow body, which is fastened in the top surface of the can top. A pocket is obtained if a foil-type material is used. E.g., the foils, which were mentioned above for the simple embodiment, are suitable as materials.
- The pocket or the other flexible hollow body, finished and completely filled, may be fastened at the inside of the top, whereby the fastening can be performed, e.g., by means of gluing with an adhesive permitted in accordance with food laws or by means of sealing. To produce the pocket, e.g., two foils are connected, e.g., glued, sealed or heat-sealed, with one another in their edge area, between which the substance to be stored separately is arranged. As an alternative, e.g., half of a foil may be placed onto the other half and sealingly connected with same, e.g., glue or be connected by sealing. The bond preferably has a width of about 1 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm) up to a few millimeters (e.g., 5 mm). Preferably the pocket or the hollow body is relatively flat, e.g., has a lens-shaped design. Regarding the remaining geometry, the person skilled in the art is free in his choice, as long as the lateral edge of the pocket or of the otherwise flexible hollow body crosses the slit line at at least one point. In this embodiment, “crossing” does not have to inevitably mean that the edge itself is connected with the top at the slit line; it is sufficient if the connection area is arranged sufficiently close to the slit line and the movability of the material at this point is sufficiently low that a tear in the foil or the like is forced when opening the tear-open strip.
- If the space for the substance to be stored separately is provided in the form of a pocket or otherwise hollow space, it is preferred that a notch, which weakens the wall at this point and functions as a desired tear point, is provided in the edge area that extends over the slit line.
- The present invention shall be explained below in detail based on figures:
- FIGS. 1a and 1 b show an embodiment of the present invention, in which the
space 8 provided for the substance to be stored separately is formed by afoil 4, which is fastened with itslateral edge 6 on the inside of the top 1. FIG. 1a shows a lateral view, while FIG. 1b shows a top view of the inside of the top. It can be seen from a combination of the two views that, when opening the can, in which thetongue 2 is pressed into the interior of the can, the foil is detached by means of therivet 12 up to theslit line 3 approximately from the point of intersection 11 between theslit line 3 and itsedge 6 up into the area of a vertical line 13 to the axis of symmetry S. This area ofdetachment 5 is shown shaded in FIG. 1b. - FIG. 3 shows the result of this detachment process in a spatial view. The top surface is designated by14 here.
- FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which the space for the substance to be stored separately is designed as a
pocket 9. This [pocket] is formed by twofoils 4′, 4″, which are connected with one another on their lateral edges in thearea 6′. Thefoil 4′ facing towards the top surface is connected with same over the greater portion of its underside, but not in the area of theedge 6′. In the example of this figure, the pocket is shown as round; however, it could also, e.g., be formed by means of only an oval or round foil by folding the left half onto the right half. FIG. 2b shows thenotch 7, which is arranged in the area, in which theedge 6′ of the pocket crosses theslit line 3. The notch is less wide than the edge width, such that a narrow bridge to theouter edge 10 of the interior remains. FIG. 2a shows that this bridge, when opening the can and when pressing in thetongue 2, is torn inwards, so that the contents of the pocket can reach the environment, e.g., the beverage. If the substance is a liquid and/or gaseous aroma, the consumer feels an intensive olfactory experience, since the aroma is released directly at the top and thus when drinking directly from the can near the nose of the consumer.
Claims (14)
1. Said can top (1) for crimping onto a can body, which comprises in its said top surface (12) a said tongue (2) for forming a said pouring opening along a said slit line (3), characterized in that
it has on its side pointing toward the interior of the can a said separate space (8) for accommodating solid, liquid or gaseous substances, which [space] is formed by at least one said flexible, but essentially non-expandable, essentially gas-tight und liquid-tight wall (4, 4′, 4″) and extends over a portion of the said top surface (12), so that its said lateral edge (10) crosses the said slit line (3) at at least one said point (11) in such a manner that, when opening the can, the portion of the said tongue (2) moving toward the interior exerts a force on the said wall (4), by means of which an opening is made for the said space (8).
2. Can top in accordance with claim 1 , characterized in that the said wall (4, 4′, 4″) is formed from a plastic film, a metal foil, especially an aluminum foil, or a liquid-repellent paper or cardboard.
3. Can top in accordance with claim 1 or 2, in which the said wall (4) consists of a flexible foil that is connected with the said top via its said lateral edge (6).
4. Can top in accordance with claim 1 , characterized in that the foil is glued to the top on its said lateral edge (6) with an adhesive permitted according to food laws or is sealed there on the top.
5. Can top in accordance with claim 1 or 2, in which the said wall (4) has a said top surface (4′) and a said bottom surface (4″), which are connected laterally (6′) with one another with the formation of a said pocket (9), which is applied to the top.
6. Can top in accordance with claim 5 , characterized in that the said lateral connection (6′) of top surface and bottom surface in the area or at least one of the areas, in which it extends over the said slit line (3), is provided with a said notch (7).
7. Can top in accordance with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the said lateral connection (6′) in the or at least in one area, in which it extends over the said slit line (3), is formed by a gluing of the said wall top surface (4′) and the said wall bottom surface (4″).
8. Can top in accordance with one of the claims 5 through 7, characterized in that the said lateral connection (6′) is 1.0 to 3.0 mm wide.
9. Can top in accordance with one of the claims 5 through 8, characterized in that the said bottom surface (4″) of the wall is glued to the top surface with an adhesive permitted according to food laws or is sealed with a sealing wax.
10. Can top in accordance with one of the above claims, characterized in that the said separate space (8) contains a solid, liquid or gaseous substance.
11. Can having a can body and a can top in accordance with one of the claims 1 through 10.
12. Can in accordance with claim 11 , characterized in that it is a beverage can and a substance is present in the interior of the separate space, which is used as a food supplement and/or for taste and/or smell flavoring of the beverage located in the can.
13. Said pocket (9) for connecting with the side of a said can top (1) pointing toward the interior of the said can, which comprises in its said top surface (12) a said tear-open tongue (12) for forming a pouring opening along a said slit line (3), characterized in that the said pocket has a wall with a said top surface (4′) and a said bottom surface (4″), which are connected to one another laterally, whereby the said lateral connection (6′) is formed by the said bottom surface (4″) and the said top surface (4′) made of a material glued or heat-sealed or sealed with one another at least in one area, which should extend over the said slit line (3) after applying the pocket to the top.
14. Pocket in accordance with claim 13 , characterized in that the said connection (6′) in the area, which shall extend over the said slit line (3) after applying the pocket to the top, is provided with a said notch (7), which is less wide than the said connection (6′).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE10047627 | 2000-09-26 | ||
DE10047627.9 | 2000-09-26 | ||
DE10064572.0 | 2000-12-22 | ||
DE10064572A DE10064572A1 (en) | 2000-09-26 | 2000-12-22 | Can lid with a space for storing a small amount of a substance separately |
PCT/EP2001/010953 WO2002026575A1 (en) | 2000-09-26 | 2001-09-21 | Can top having a separate accommodating space |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040040964A1 true US20040040964A1 (en) | 2004-03-04 |
Family
ID=26007176
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/381,345 Abandoned US20040040964A1 (en) | 2000-09-26 | 2001-09-21 | Can top having a space for separately storing a small quantity of a substance |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040040964A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1326780B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002214985A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL360541A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002026575A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070029214A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-02-08 | Balazik Ronald F | Drink mix system |
US20080023349A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2008-01-31 | Balazik Ronald F | Internal Drink Mix System |
US9473615B2 (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2016-10-18 | Fred Greene | Computer readable method for speed dialling numbers including repetitive-digits and 800 |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102009020524A1 (en) * | 2009-05-08 | 2010-11-11 | Ball Packaging Europe Gmbh | Closure with odorant |
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US3305368A (en) * | 1963-12-09 | 1967-02-21 | Joseph G Bourelle | Beverage package |
US3326363A (en) * | 1965-11-08 | 1967-06-20 | Robert A Bennett | Lid type closure |
US3743520A (en) * | 1971-09-03 | 1973-07-03 | J Croner | Compartmented beverage container |
US3779372A (en) * | 1971-04-01 | 1973-12-18 | Lloret H De | Container for the components of mixed drinks |
US4094435A (en) * | 1977-10-21 | 1978-06-13 | Clyde Kennedy | Pull tab beverage can opener |
US4264007A (en) * | 1978-06-20 | 1981-04-28 | General Foods Corporation | Container having separate storage facilities for two materials |
US4333581A (en) * | 1980-08-19 | 1982-06-08 | Henry H. Howard | Multi-compartment container with pop-top and communicating door |
US4836370A (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 1989-06-06 | Steigmuhle Toss Ag | Dual chamber container and method for forming an opening between the chambers of the container |
US5052553A (en) * | 1989-09-27 | 1991-10-01 | Sanctis Attilio J De | Container having manually openable closure for mixing |
US5290574A (en) * | 1989-12-21 | 1994-03-01 | Whitbread Plc | Carbonated beverage container |
US5558215A (en) * | 1994-11-11 | 1996-09-24 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Arrangement for mixing two components |
US5799775A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-09-01 | Canning Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for dispensing a substance in a liquid beverage |
US5819923A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-10-13 | Canning Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for opening a container and for dispensing a substance in a liquid beverage |
US5885635A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1999-03-23 | Canning Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for dispersing a substance in a liquid beverage |
Family Cites Families (3)
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DE3105247A1 (en) * | 1980-08-02 | 1982-08-26 | Berthold van Dr.-Ing. 7500 Karlsruhe Schoor | Opening for flat film containers for storing and evaporating very small quantities of perfume |
JPH02282063A (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1990-11-19 | Ribu Internatl:Kk | Beverage can |
FR2788034B1 (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 2001-05-18 | Willy Es | CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGE |
-
2001
- 2001-09-21 EP EP01983491A patent/EP1326780B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-21 PL PL36054101A patent/PL360541A1/en unknown
- 2001-09-21 AU AU2002214985A patent/AU2002214985A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-09-21 US US10/381,345 patent/US20040040964A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-09-21 WO PCT/EP2001/010953 patent/WO2002026575A1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3305368A (en) * | 1963-12-09 | 1967-02-21 | Joseph G Bourelle | Beverage package |
US3326363A (en) * | 1965-11-08 | 1967-06-20 | Robert A Bennett | Lid type closure |
US3779372A (en) * | 1971-04-01 | 1973-12-18 | Lloret H De | Container for the components of mixed drinks |
US3743520A (en) * | 1971-09-03 | 1973-07-03 | J Croner | Compartmented beverage container |
US4094435A (en) * | 1977-10-21 | 1978-06-13 | Clyde Kennedy | Pull tab beverage can opener |
US4264007A (en) * | 1978-06-20 | 1981-04-28 | General Foods Corporation | Container having separate storage facilities for two materials |
US4333581A (en) * | 1980-08-19 | 1982-06-08 | Henry H. Howard | Multi-compartment container with pop-top and communicating door |
US4836370A (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 1989-06-06 | Steigmuhle Toss Ag | Dual chamber container and method for forming an opening between the chambers of the container |
US5052553A (en) * | 1989-09-27 | 1991-10-01 | Sanctis Attilio J De | Container having manually openable closure for mixing |
US5290574A (en) * | 1989-12-21 | 1994-03-01 | Whitbread Plc | Carbonated beverage container |
US5558215A (en) * | 1994-11-11 | 1996-09-24 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Arrangement for mixing two components |
US5799775A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-09-01 | Canning Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for dispensing a substance in a liquid beverage |
US5819923A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-10-13 | Canning Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for opening a container and for dispensing a substance in a liquid beverage |
US5885635A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1999-03-23 | Canning Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for dispersing a substance in a liquid beverage |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070029214A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-02-08 | Balazik Ronald F | Drink mix system |
US20080023349A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2008-01-31 | Balazik Ronald F | Internal Drink Mix System |
US7537112B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2009-05-26 | Ronald Frank Balazik | Drink mix system |
US9473615B2 (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2016-10-18 | Fred Greene | Computer readable method for speed dialling numbers including repetitive-digits and 800 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1326780B1 (en) | 2005-04-20 |
WO2002026575A1 (en) | 2002-04-04 |
WO2002026575A8 (en) | 2002-06-06 |
EP1326780A1 (en) | 2003-07-16 |
PL360541A1 (en) | 2004-09-06 |
AU2002214985A1 (en) | 2002-04-08 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BALL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ULLMANN, BERND;REEL/FRAME:014411/0541 Effective date: 20030429 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |