US20090101651A1

US20090101651A1 - Disposable can

Info

Publication number: US20090101651A1
Application number: US12/158,861
Authority: US
Inventors: Ulrik Skovgaard Rasmussen; Werner Schulz
Original assignee: Columbus E ApS
Current assignee: Columbus E ApS
Priority date: 2005-12-21
Filing date: 2006-06-20
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: WO2007071237A1; EP1963200A1; CA2633465A1; JP2009520647A; JP2009520648A; WO2007071241A1; EP1963199A1; US20090080813A1; CN101341079A

Abstract

“The invention relates to a disposable can formed at least partly by flexible film material, where

the can includes a top surface and where the can has at least one discharge arrangement having at least one re-closure foundation and where the discharge arrangement is attached to the can

such that a drinking can may advantageously be formed by film material, where the can may advantageously be suitable for use in the same way as conventional cans made of solid walls and at the same time be manufactured in a very cost-efficient way, and the can may be disposed in a very environmentally friendly way.”

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a disposable can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Different attempts in the prior art have been made to apply film-based packages in connection with e.g. distribution of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,368 discloses a beverage container which is made by film material. The container comprises a discharge system which involves a pull tab system covering a straw input area.
International patent application WO 01185560 discloses a further container which is a stand-up bag of heat-sealable plastic film. The container is applied for containing flowable products.
The above documents suffer from the disadvantage that the discharge systems are either not suitable for drinking per se, i.e. requires further discharge elements such as a straw, or that drinking directly from the beverage is inconvenient compared to conventional discharge arrangements such as bottles, cans or glasses in the sense that the container itself comprises integrated discharge arrangements such as a pipe-like output from which a user may drink directly. A further problem related to the above mentioned discharge arrangement is that re-closure is impossible or un-reliable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF RELATED ART

The invention provides a disposable can suitable for keeping and discharging of e.g. carbonated or non-carbonated beverages or liquids.
The invention relates to a disposable can formed at least partly by a flexible film material wherein
said can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure foundation and wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the can.
According to the invention, a drinking can may advantageously be formed by film material. The can may advantageously be suitable for use in the same way as conventional cans made of solid walls and at the same time be manufactured in a very cost-efficient way. Moreover, the can may be disposed in a very environmentally friendly way.
Moreover, the can according to the invention may be easily collapsed and handled after use during disposal.
According to the invention, the can should facilitate transportation, storage of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages and facilitate drinking by means of a discharge arrangement of the can. Preferable, the drinking should be facilitated directly without a requirement for additional accessories such as straws and mouthpieces.
Moreover, the invention addresses basic application of cans from a user perspective, as conventional advantages and comfort are obtained by the flexible can together with further advantages such as comfortable and easy collapsing of the can after use which may easily be obtained just by squeezing the can by means of the hands instead of relying on compression tools.
Moreover, the flexible can provides further significant advantages with respect to the possibility of incorporating e.g. filter or further internal barriers within the can in a cost-effective way as many such measures may be obtained by altering the sealing pattern or procedure and/or simply applying a relatively cheep further film.
Moreover, the flexible can according to the invention offers several various wall materials which may be adapted to the specific application, i.e. with or without UV barrier, with or without heat insolating properties, with or without transparency, etc.
According to a feature of the invention, a disposable can formed at least partly by a flexible film material comprises a discharge arrangement which may be resealed one or several times by means of a re-closure foundation. The re-closure foundation may e.g. typically comprise a flange or other suitable foundation attached to the top surface of the can. The top surface of the can may again also e.g. comprise flexible film material.
By attaching a re-closure foundation to the top surface, it is possible to apply e.g. a lid, plug, stopper, cork, etc. together with the foundation in order to obtain the desired re-closure of the discharge arrangement.
It is noted that that a re-closure is quite attractive with respect to can structures but such re-closures are generally expensive and difficult to produce both with respect to fastening and with respect to compatibility of materials.
According to an preferred embodiment of the invention, such re-closure and re-closure foundation should formed by compatible materials or at least by materials which may either be biodegradable or degradable by combustion in conventional trash combustion plants according to environmentally attractive combustion principles.
A re-closure and/or the re-closure foundation may preferably be made in a rigid or at least semi-rigid material in order to facilitate a safe and easy re-closure.
One of several goals which may achieved within the scope of the invention is that disposal by the ultimate consumer of the can and the can materials produced by the applied polymers may result in improvement with respect to disposal as toxic combustion products are expected if a proper incineration of the can is applied.
The products of complete combustion of the polymer may typically be carbon dioxide and water, optionally along with small amounts of different oxides.
Anyway, disposal of a can of the applied type may moreover be regarded as far more attractive than existing challenges with respect to disposal of conventional metal cans as e.g. polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be incinerated while minimizing polluting or undesired residues.
In an embodiment of the invention, the disposable can formed at least partly by a flexible film material wherein
said can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure foundation and wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the exterior of the can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the discharge arrangement is attached to the top surface of said can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the discharge arrangement is attached to flexible film material of the can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation is attached by heat sealing.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation is attached by adhesive.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is a beverage can.
The can according to the invention is in particular useful as a beverage can for carbonated or-non-carbonated liquids.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the can may be applied for containing of solids, such as powdered or granulated products. Such products may e.g. relate to sugar, chocolate, coffee, etc.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation is attached to the top surface.
According to a very preferred embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation is attached to the top surface.
The attachment is preferably applied without any pre-perforation of the top surface. In this way, initial leakage may be avoided, as breaking or removal of the sealing of the discharge arrangement may be postponed until the very last moments, i.e. when the user initially needs to use the outlet of the can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation is attached to the exterior of the top surface.
In an embodiment of the invention, passage through the re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the can-forming material
In an embodiment of the invention, passage through the re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the can-forming film material
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface seals passage through said re-closure foundation.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface seals passage through said re-closure foundation.
In an embodiment of the invention, said re-closure foundation surrounds an area of the top surface to be broken and used for discharge.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation comprises a flange attached to the exterior of the top surface by heat sealing.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation comprises a flange attached to the exterior of the top surface by adhesive.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation is fitted with or facilitates mounting of a re-closure.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure comprises a lid, plug, stopper, cork or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure is fitted to said re-closure foundation by means of a thread, snap or bayonet lock.
The resealing obtained by the use of a re-closure mounted to the re-closure foundation may be obtained by e.g. by thread, snap or bayonet lock.
According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a bayonet-like lock is preferred due to the fact that such as locking may result in a very flat re-closure foundation, thereby improving the cost-efficiency during manufacturing and not least during packaging.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure foundation wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the can and wherein said can further comprises at least one re-closure removably fitted to said re-closure foundation.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can structure comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface and a container wall and wherein said container wall is formed by flexible film material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can structure comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface and a container wall and wherein said top end is formed by flexible film material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can structure comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface and a container wall and wherein said bottom surface is formed by flexible film material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can structure comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface and a container wall and wherein said container wall top end and bottom surface is formed by flexible film material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the container wall comprises a flexible film sheet joined together in the direction between the top end and the bottom surface.
In an embodiment of the invention, the container wall comprises at least two flexible film sheets joined together in the direction between the top end and the bottom surface.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is joined as a substantially flat or collapsed structure.
In an embodiment of the invention, the collapsed joined structure is expanded subsequent to the joining of the can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is expanded prior to or simultaneously with filling by liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the joining is performed by gluing.
In an embodiment of the invention, the joining is performed by heat-welding.
In an embodiment of the invention, the joinings are at least 2 mm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the width of the joinings is within the range of about 3 mm to 30 mm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the joinings are within the range of about 4 mm to 25 mm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the can is about 40 to 120 mm and the height is about 90 mm to about 150 mm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface has a smallest dimension which is less than about 10 cm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface has a smallest dimension of less than about 7 cm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface is substantially cylindrical.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface is formed of a separate film/sheet material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface is formed of a bended part of a can defining film material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface approximates a rectangular surface when the can is filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface approximates a rounded surface when the can is filled with liquid.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the top surface, shape, size and joining to the side walls of the can, define at least a part of the tubular shape of the receptacle which compares to conventional circular top ends of a can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the interface between the can and the top surface is formed by at least one joining.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top sealing is at least partly covered by an at least partly removable further sealing to the discharge arrangement.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the top surface should be at least partly covered by a further sealing in order to protect the part of the can applied during drinking hygienically prior to the initial opening of the can. The further sealing may e.g. comprise a sheet covering the opening and e.g. a part of the edge of the can.
Different provisions may be applied for the purpose of removing or perforate the further sealing when access to internal of the can is desired, typically e.g. in connection with outlet. One provision may be to attach the further sealing to the re-closure by a strong joining, e.g. heat sealing or adhesive, thereby enabling that the further sealing is ripped of when the re-closure is removed, e.g. by screwing. An alternative way of removing or perforating this further sealing may be to include sharp parts of the re-closure or forming the re-closure in such a way that a portion of the re-closure is brought into mechanical contact with the further sealing within the re-closure foundation thereby invoking cutting, breaking by pressure or any suitable interaction between the re-closure and the further sealing.
One embodiment of such a re-closure arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,286, hereby incorporated by reference.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a bottom surface.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises at least one bottom fold.
In an embodiment of the invention the can comprises a bottom end which comprises a self-supporting arrangement.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom arrangement comprises a bottom which allows the can to be self-standing in substantially the same way as conventional solid cans.
Such bottom arrangement may e.g. comprise a bottom surface approximating a circular surface as close as possible to the bottom surface of a conventional can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface approximates a rounded surface when the can is filled with liquid.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, bottom surface, shape, size and joining to the side walls of the can, defines at least a part of the tubular shape of the receptacle which compares to conventional circular top ends of a can.
According to a further embodiment, the can may comprise a resealable closing, e.g. a separate sheet or tab which may be attached to the can and cover the opening of the discharge arrangement completely or partly if a user wants to reseal the can after the initial opening.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has an internal volume.
In an embodiment of the invention, the internal volume comprises a barrier arrangement.
The barrier arrangement basically comprises an inside barrier to flow in the internal volume, in particular to flow from the inside of the can to the outside. The barrier arrangement may simply be comprised by different flow-restricting measures in the internal volume such as a wall comprising one or several openings, a filter material with smaller apertures, etc.
The barrier arrangement may moreover facilitate consumer control of the outlet flow of the flexible can.
It is furthermore noted that the barrier material may also serve the purpose of keeping the can form stable, i.e. adding strength to the construction vis-à-vis pressure.
In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement is arranged between the discharge arrangement and the internal volume.
In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.
In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement defines an outlet volume.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the internal volume of the can comprises an outlet volume through which liquid must flow in order to be discharged from the can. This volume may advantageously be applied to filter liquid prior to discharge, serve as a spillage constrainer in the sense that sudden flow towards the outlet, i.e. the opening of the top surface, may face flow restriction in various different ways and therefore counteract unintended discharge.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a barrier arrangement comprising at least one perforated sheet material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement comprises a filter.
In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement is joined to the can at the top end by the at least one joining gathering the top surface and the side wall(s).
In an embodiment of the invention, the discharge arrangement comprises an opening in said top surface when the closure initially has been removed.
In an embodiment of the invention, the opening is at least partly a cut-out or a peel-out opening formed in a sheet material of said top surface.
In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface and said at least one joining form an external reservoir.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top of the can should advantageously form a sort of reservoir or at least an external spillage-restricting barrier in the top of the container.
Experiments have revealed that such external reservoir may also render eventual extra discharge arrangements or fitting such as a straw superfluous and more importantly provide the user with a “drink feeling” which is comparable to the experience when drinking from conventional solid cans, such as beer cans.
In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the can defining films extends above the top surface and extends to form a drinking edge.
The drinking edge may advantageously form a spout which may help a user to drink from the can without spilling.
In an embodiment of the invention, the drinking edge comprises at least one reinforcement in the transverse direction of the drinking edge.
In an embodiment of the invention, the opening in said top surface has an area which is less than half the area of the top surface.
In an embodiment of the invention, the opening in said top surface has an area which is less than half the area of the top surface and higher than about 0.25 cm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises an outer support arrangement.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises an outer support arrangement and wherein the outer support arrangement comprises a cylindrical outer wall
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the can is fitted with or supported by a cylindrical structure which may both serve as a support for the by nature relatively flexible can and thereby allow the structure to be experienced as a conventional e.g. aluminum-based can having a solid metal wall. It may moreover increase the ability of the can to be self-standing in a secure and reliable way and it may also increase the ability of the can to comprise e.g. carbonated drinks.
The outer can may serve both to keep the can stable with respect to shape and handling. Moreover, the outer can may serve as a volume fixation which allows filling by carbonated fluid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support may be formed as a thermal cup or jug giving the possibility of contributing to keeping the content of the can at a desired temperature, e.g. cold or warm. This may likewise be done by using two or more layers of flexible, or partially flexible film for the outer support, and placing an insulating material or gas between the two or more layers.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support arrangement is formed by a form-stable polymer.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support arrangement is formed by a form-stable cardboard.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support arrangement has the form of a tube. The support arrangement may also comprise part of a cup or a container. The user may then pour liquid into the container from the can and use the container e.g. as a cup.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support arrangement further comprises a bottom support.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support arrangement further comprises a bottom support and a top support.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is at least partly attached to said outer support.
In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the can including the outer support is about 40 mm to 100 mm and the height is about 75 mm to about 150 mm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the can including the outer support is about 50 mm to 60 mm and the height is about 88 mm to about 125 mm.
In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support arrangement may be applied as a beverage or a cup.
In an embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises a multilayer film.
In an embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises a single-layer film.
In an embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises polyethylene.
In an embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises polypropylene.
In an embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises aluminum foil.
In an embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises metalized film material.
Metalized films may e.g. result in a complete or at least partial UV filtering of light into the can and thereby protect the interior of the bag.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the film material comprises metalized film material thereby enabling disposal by burning with a minimum impact on the environment.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is a drinking can.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the can should facilitate drinking directly without a requirement for additional accessories such as straws and mouthpieces.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises carbonated liquid and an outer support.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is burnable.
In an embodiment of the invention, the container volume (131) is between about 0.10 to about 2 liters, preferably between about 0.2 and 1.5 liters.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises water cleaning material.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises at least one inlet, at least one outlet and at least one barrier between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet within the can.
When arranging a barrier between an inlet and an outlet it is possible ensure or facilitate that liquid poured into the can by means of the inlet is directed towards the outlet through a filter.
It is a known problem that the water in parts of the world is polluted, e.g. by health threatening organisms, bacteria, minerals, toxics, dangerous metals or the like. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the can may comprise a water cleaning material. Thereby it is possible for the user of the can to add water, in the right doses given by the volume of the can when compared to the amount of water cleaning material. This gives a very cost efficient and practical way of cleaning water. In this particular embodiment of water cleaning the flexible can could be recyclable in contrary to all other applications where the can is disposable. Further there may be at least one barrier, e.g. filters, between the inlet and the outlet. These filter(s) may have different sizes of perforation for removing undesired larger particles, dirt, small insects or other undesired particles giving the advantage of separate the water from at least a part of the particles. Further the filter could be a type of a chemical filter.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is reinforced by a form-stable material such as a cylindrical structure within about 30 minutes from time where carbonated liquid was introduced into the can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is comprised by less than 50% by weight of metal.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a reduced amount of metals compared to conventional cans, e.g. made of stiff aluminum-based metal, thereby providing an environmental friendly disposable can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is comprised by less than 10% by weight of metal.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is comprised by less than 5% by weight of metal.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can is substantially free of metal.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can prior to filling with liquid has a volume which is less than 5% of the can.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 30% of the can filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 20% of the can filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 10% preferably less than 5% of the can filled with liquid.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the can is substantially free of metal and may therefore be disposed by an environmental burn-process which may ultimately reduce the complete packaging to residues such as e.g. carbon dioxide and water. Evidently, such process should advantageously be controlled to result in the desired, preferably non-metal, residues.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can prior to filling with liquid has a volume which is less than 5% of the can when filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 30% of the can filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 20% of the can filled with liquid.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 10% preferably less than 5% of the can filled with liquid.
Moreover, the invention relates to a disposable can, preferably formed by at least one flexible film wall, comprising an inside barrier arrangement. It is noted that this barrier, according to an embodiment of the invention, basically needs to be positioned between the main volume of the can and the outlet irrespective of the design of the top end of the can with respect to the discharge arrangement. The can basically comprises an inside barrier to flow in the internal volume, in particular to flow from the inside of the can to the outside. The barrier arrangement may simply be comprised by different flow-restricting measures in the internal volume such as a wall comprising one or several openings, a filter material with smaller apertures, etc.
It is furthermore noted that the barrier material may also serve the purpose of keeping the can form stable.
A further, and very broad perspective of an embodiment of the invention is that the logistics are significantly improved when applying a flexible can according to the invention due to the fact that the can may initially be produced and brought to the filling station, e.g. at a brewery, in a collapsed state and then be expanded during filling. Then, when a consumer has emptied the can, the can may easily be collapsed to a minimum volume. This also applies significantly, when applying a can comprising an outer support.
In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a re-closure comprising cutting, pressing or perforation means. These means may allow an easy opening of the further sealing of the can. On embodiment of the re-closure may comprise a slightly inclined downwardly oriented surface or edge, which may break the further sealing when the re-closure is actuated, e.g. by screwing or pushing in the opposite direction than the screwing movement applied during removal of the re-closure. In other words, the re-closure may be applied alone or in conjunction with the re-closure foundation as a tool for opening the further sealing.
Finally, the invention also features very environmental-friendly provisions compared to conventional metal cans.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of which

FIG. 1 illustrates flexible can according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 a-f illustrate an embodiment with a re-closure foundation in the top surface,

FIG. 3 a-c illustrate an embodiment with re-closure foundation in the side walls of the can,

FIG. 4 a-f illustrate an embodiment with a barrier arrangement,

FIG. 5 a-g illustrate a preferred embodiment of a re-closure arrangement,

FIG. 6 a-h illustrate perspective view of different embodiments of re-closure arrangements applicable within the scope of the invention,

FIG. 7 a-d illustrate a can within the scope of the invention in connection with a support structure,

FIG. 8 a-b illustrate a further reinforced can structure within the scope of the invention and where

FIG. 9 a-h illustrate different alternative embodiments of the application of outer support arrangements for use with a can within the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A can is generally referred to as a usually cylindrical receptacle for holding liquids or flowable material. Within the field of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, typically carbonated beverages, such terminology typically refers to a metal receptacle having a removable pull-tab and a world standard has generally evolved over some decades.
In the present context of flexible containers one of the important can-forming features is the so-called top surface. The top surface corresponds or emulates the conventional top surface of a conventional aluminum can with respect to both shaping of the container and with respect to handling and discharge as the can may be experienced by the user in the same way as conventional metal cans with respect to e.g. holding and tilting during discharge.
The top surface may be formed by single pieces or sheets or the top surface may be defined by e.g. a prolonged part of a wall-defining sheets and corresponding top surface-defining weldings. This will be explained in detail in the illustrated embodiments.
It is generally noted that joinings, e.g. heat or glue sealings are permanent and in principle not intended for peeling unless specifically stated.
It should moreover be noted that the present invention relates to a can formed at least partly by flexible film having discharge arrangement facilitating re-closure.
The below described disposable cans are both suitable for beverages or solids such as powders, granules, etc.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a can formed in flexible film according to an embodiment of the invention. The illustrated can is formed by four welded film surfaces, two wall-forming surfaces 13, 130, a bottom surface (not shown in FIG. 1) and a top surface 16.
The different surfaces may be formed by separate sheets by means of welding or some of the surfaces may be formed by the same sheet. Thus, the top surface 16 may also e.g. be formed by a folded upper end of one of the side- walls 13, 130 instead of applying a separate sheet. The same applies for the other surfaces such as the side- walls 13, 130 which may optionally be formed by one single sheet.
One of the important aspects of a can within the scope of an embodiment of the invention is that the can structure and can features may be obtained in several different ways as long as the can comprises flexible film, preferably forming most of the inner volume of the can container and preferably also forming at least a part of the externally visible can.
Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the complete can may simply be produced by two or preferably three joined film sheets or cutouts.
The illustrated moreover comprises a re-closure and a re-closure foundation, here a screw cap foundation 14 attached to the exterior of the top surface 16, which may be fitted with a screw tab or other suitable closure (not shown).
The screw cap foundation 14 moreover forms part of discharge arrangement as the film within the circumference of the re-closure foundation may be broken or removed in order to establish an outlet from the interior of the can to the exterior.
Turning now to FIG. 2 a-2 f a more detailed explanation of the structure, manufacture and application of a slight modification of the can of FIG. 1 will be given. FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C illustrate a cross-section along the line IIC of FIG. 2A.
The illustrated disposable can 20 is formed by joined films 230, 23, 26 and 29, where the films 230 and 23 form the wall(s) of the can and the sheet 26 forms a top surface 26 and the sheet 29 forms a bottom surface 29.
The two films 23 and 230 are joined by side sealing 232 and 233. Alternatively, the can 20 may be produced on the basis of one single film which is folded at the one side and joined at the other, e.g. by sealing 232 or 233.
The top surface 26 of the can 20 is formed with a re-closure foundation 24 adapted for fitting with a re-closure, e.g. a screw-cap, a bayonet cap or any suitable re-closure. The re-closure should preferably be established by means of a mechanical locking between the re-closure foundation and the applied re-closure.
The top surface 26 may also be formed by a separate sheet as illustrated or e.g. be formed by a folded part of one of the side walls 23 or 230.
The walls 23, 230 and the top surface 26 and the bottom surface 29 forms a container comprising an inner volume 231.
An opening 280 is moreover formed by the re-closure foundation 24 thereby defining an outlet which may be applied as a re-closureable discharge opening if the film sealing of the opening 280, here a part of the top surface 26, is broken or removed. The re-closure foundation may e.g. be fitted with a removable re-closure as from the beginning or this re-closure, e.g. a cap, may be fitted after the first breaking of sealing formed in the opening 280.
The top surface 26 has at least one inward fold 27, which allows the can to be expanded from the manufacturing position which is completely or at least partly collapsed. In this context it is noted that collapsing according to the present embodiment is made significantly easier and effective if the re-closure foundation is made as low as possible. This may e.g. be seen on FIG. 2 b, where an effective folding of the top surface 26 and thereby the complete can may be counter acted if the re-closure foundation is too high. Thus, the plug-like re-closure foundation 24 where a re-closure may be fitted to the re-closure foundation by one rotating movement as a bayonet-like fitting represents an advantageous and very cost-efficient solution. This is described in the following.
The bottom surface 29 has at least one bottom fold 28, which allows the can to be expanded from the manufacturing position which is completely or at least partly collapsed.
The can comprises an upper discharge arrangement 201 formed by the top surface 26, the opening 280 and joinings 202 and 204, which defines the circumference of a reservoir-like structure.
The circumference-defined reservoir structure around the opening 280 allows a user to drink from the can 20 without other operation than the operation related to a conventional can, namely removal of the part of the can sealing the opening 280 and subsequently drinking directly from the top end of the can.
The provided discharge arrangement 201 furthermore allows the user to capture optional undesired spilling during drinking, as in conventional cans.
A drinking edge 22, which is optional in other embodiments of the invention, serves as a support or a sort of mouthpiece availing an attractive handling during drinking. Evidently, such drinking edge may be avoided, in particular if fitting or allowing fitting of a mouthpiece or spout onto the re-closure foundation 24.
FIG. 2F illustrates when a re-closure 205 has been removed from the re-closure foundation of the can and thereby giving access to the internal volume of the can via an opening 280 in the re-closure foundation when the sealing, here a part of the film of the top surface is broken or removed.
FIGS. 2D and 2E show a three-dimensional view of the can 20.
The re-closure foundation 24 exposes an opening 280 in the re-closure foundation 24 which, when broken or removed may be applied as a opening to and from the internal volume 231
FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F illustrate a can 30 which is a minor modification of the above-described drinking can of FIG. 2A-2F, now with a modified positioning of a re-closure foundation.
The re-closure foundation 34 is now attached to a side wall 33 and can serve as a foundation for a re-closure, which may be attached to the re-closure foundation 34 when the further sealing 380 within the re-closure foundation 34 of the discharge arrangement has been broken or removed. Thus, in this context the further sealing functions as an initial sealing of the re-closure foundation, thereby facilitating that the can may be initially provided completely sealed to a user even without necessarily mounting the re-closure initially. If, on the other, the re-closure has been mounted initially, the further sealing ensures that the risk of re-closure leaking is minimized. The can has a main volume 331.
FIG. 4A to 4C illustrate a further embodiment of the invention based on the can 40 of FIG. 2A to 2F, but now provided with a barrier arrangement 410.
The barrier arrangement 410 comprising a sheet 450 perforated by perforations 420 is fastened to the can and divides the internal volume 431 in two volumes, the main volume 431 and an outlet volume 425.
The barrier 410 may serve several different purposes.
One purpose is to restrict or counteract sudden flow from the internal volume 431 to the exterior via an opening 480 in the re-closure foundation 44.
Another purpose may also be to act as a filter to residues which should not be outlet during emptying of the can. Such residues may e.g. comprise food-fibers, small fruit parts, etc. Evidently, the above-illustrated embodiment basically is most suitable for liquid unless the barrier arrangement is carefully designed to allow passage of the content of the main volume 431 from the interior through the barrier and an opening in the re-closure foundation.
Another important purpose of the barrier may also be to add form stability to the flexible can.
Evidently, several other barrier arrangements may be made within the scope and the spirit of the invention.
FIG. 5 a-f illustrate the functionality of a re-closure arrangement applied within the scope of the invention.
FIG. 5 a, 5 c, 5 e and 5 f illustrate cross-sections of a re-closure arrangement comprising a re-closure foundation 54 and a corresponding re-closure in the form of a plug-like lid 505.
FIG. 5 a illustrates a cross-section of the lid 505 positioned fixedly to a re-closure foundation 54. The lid is thus primarily mechanically locked to the re-closure foundation 54 by means of an inwardly extending flange 507 of the re-closure and an outwardly extending flange 541 of the re-closure foundation 54.
Moreover, FIG. 5 a illustrates that the re-closure 505 as from the beginning, is attached e.g. by heat-welding, gluing, nano technology or the like, to an underlying flexible film 56, preferably a part of a top surface of one of the herein illustrated cans. Such top surface may thus e.g. be top surface 26 of the can 20, or top surface 46 of the can 40.
Moreover, according to another embodiment of the invention, such underlying flexible film may comprise part of another wall of a film based can as illustrated in the can 30 of FIG. 3 a-c and thereby form a further sealing 5801. The further sealing of the illustrated type will typically not be completely re-sealable but, of course, form part of and contribute to a complete re-closure arrangement.
The re-closure foundation may be cast or molded in a suitable material according to any suitable shaping technique and any suitable material. It is however noted that both the re-closure 505 and the re-closure foundation 54 may preferably be made in a material which is compatible with the can or at least most of the can. Such considerations may both relate to environmental issues such as disposal and incineration and moreover with respect to mutual attachment. Thus, when applying compatible materials at least in the border zone between the illustrated underlying surface and the contact part of the re-closure foundation 54, the two portions may be mutually heat-welded or glued.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the top surface should be at least partly covered by a further sealing in order to protect the part of the can applied during drinking hygienically prior to the initial opening of the can. The further sealing may e.g. comprise a sheet covering the opening and e.g. a part of the edge of the can.
According to the illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention, the further sealing should form a sealing, which per se, provide a proper and sufficient sealing of the can. Thus perforations facilitating removal of the further sealing 5801 should preferably be avoided to ensure that the can is completely sealed prior to user. Further this could have the benefit of contributing to the keeping of the quality of the content of the can.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the further sealing may however be associated with weakening lines or other suitable “break-helping” measures.
In FIG. 5 c-d, the lid 505 has been rotated about 10-40 degrees and the further sealing 5801 has been broken as this sealing is completely attached, e.g. by heat-welding or gluing, to the bottom of the lid 505. The lid 505 has now been rotated and a part of the lid is not longer mechanically engagement with the flange 541.
In FIG. 5 e-g, the lid 505 has been turned about 90 degrees and is now free of engagement with the re-closure foundation and the lid may be removed. It is noted that the further sealing 5801 is attached to the bottom of the lid and is removed together with the lid 505 thereby establishing a discharge arrangement formed at least partly by an opening 580 formed in the ring-formed re-closure foundation 54. This opening may be re-closed by means of the lid 505 by means of rotation.
The locking of the lid may be obtained in several different ways. Thus, a click lock may be applied or a slight inclination may be established between the flange 541 and the corresponding flange of the lid in order to establish a squeeze or pinch-lock.
Such locking may also be supplemented by click-arrangements.
A further outlet arrangement suitable for the purpose of discharge is illustrates in e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,286, hereby included by reference.
FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b illustrate a perspective view of the re-closure 54 and the corresponding re-closure foundation 505 of FIG. 5 a-f where FIG. 6 b illustrate the situation of FIG. 5 e-g where the lid has been released from its closed position and where the re-closure foundation defines an opening 580 which may be used for inlet or discharge.
FIG. 6 c and FIG. 6 d illustrate a perspective view of a re-closure corresponding to the previous illustrated embodiment but now with a modified lid. The re-closure foundation 64 may be the same as illustrated or, evidently, modified if so desired.
In this embodiment, the lid cover has been extended to form a complete lid, whereas the inwardly extending flanges 507 has been maintained, thereby basically facilitating the same mechanical lock as previously described.
FIG. 6 e-g illustrate a further embodiment of the invention where a cap closure 805 has been or may be attached to and released from a re-closure foundation 84 by a screw-cap fitting to a thread 841 of the re-closure foundation 84. The re-closure foundation is again simply glued or welded to a part of the can, preferable a top surface.
The application of thread-locking is most attractive when it is possible to allow a certain height of the re-closure foundation.
FIG. 6 h illustrates a further embodiment of the invention corresponding to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 e-g comprising a re-closure foundation 94 facilitating screw lock of a cap 905. In the present embodiment, the re-closure foundation has been fitted with wings 942, 943 allowing the user to tighten the screw cap without risking that the re-closure foundation 94 is unintentionally de-attached from the can, e.g. the top surface of a can.
FIG. 7A illustrates a disposable can according to an embodiment of the invention. The can 60 may e.g. fully correspond to the can 20 of FIG. 2A-2F.
The can 60 fits into a rigid tube structure 601 forming an outer support for the can 60 and may be provided with a bottom support 603 and a top lid 602.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a further embodiment of a flexible can 70 supported by an outer support 701 according to the invention. The can 70 corresponds largely to the can 20 illustrated in FIG. 2A but now without a prolonged drinking edge.
The can 70 may be positioned within the cylindrically shaped outer support 701, supported at the bottom by a bottom support 703 and protected at the top by a top support 702. The bottom support is moreover formed in a suitable form 753 to mechanically fixate the outer support 701.
All support components 701, 702, 703 may be mutually fixed or completely or partially releasable.
The can may moreover be fastened, e.g. by gluing or welding to the outer support or simply just be mechanically fixated by the outer support arrangement 701,703.
When applying the flexible can for carbonated drinks, all surfaces of the can should be supported by the outer support, i.e. outer support 701, bottom support 703 as well as the top support 702 in order to compensate the significant pressure in the can.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a further embodiment of the invention where a can 80 is positioned in an outer cardboard support 801. The can 80 corresponds largely to the can 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, i.e. corresponding to FIG. 2 a-2 f, but now without a prolonged drinking edge.
The outer support 801 comprises a peel-off strip 808 integrated into the outer support and with a handle 807.
FIG. 9B illustrates when the peel-off strip has been removed and the outer support has been split into two separate parts 801, 802 and now facilitating access to the can 80.
In the illustrated embodiment, a further embodiment will now be described. This embodiment involves that the can 80 is brought to the consumer within the outer support 801, 802.
The user breaks the sealing 808 as explained above and removes the can 80 from the outer support 801. Then, the user opens the discharge arrangement and pours liquid contained within the can 80 into the below outer support 801 and finally drinks the liquid from the below outer support 801 as a cup.
FIG. 10A to FIG. 10H illustrates a number of alternative embodiments of the application of outer support arrangements for use with a can, e.g. the can 10.
The outer support arrangements comprises an outer support 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, 901E, 901F, 901G, 901H, a top support 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 902E, 902F, 902G, 902H and a bottom support 903A, 903B, 903C, 903D, 903E, 903F, 903G, 903H.
When applying the can and the outer support arrangement for carbonated liquid the outer support has a very important function of counteracting the pressure within the can, i.e. ensuring the film structure does not break due to the relatively high pressure invoked by the carbonated liquid. Thus, the use of a combined flexible can and an outer support solves a problem in relation to keeping carbonated liquid in flexible container which has never been solved before.
The outer support may advantageously be formed in relatively rigid and form-stable polymer of cardboard-based structure.
The can may fit loosely into the outer support or be fastened to the outer support.
The outer support may serve several different purposes such as

- keeping the can in the desired shape,
- facilitating packaging and transportation to the shelves and piling,
- adding strength to the flexible can and facilitating filling with carbonated soft drinks.

FIG. 11 illustrates a can 90 with at least one inlet 1189 and at least one outlet 1188. The inlet and outlet at least partly defined by re-closure foundations are sealed by a further sealing (not shown in FIG. 11) as described earlier in connection with e.g. FIGS. 2 and 4. The inlet and outlet may be sealed by means of a re-closures 1105 and 1205 when mounted to corresponding a re-closure foundation 114, 124. Further this embodiment of the invention comprises a barrier arrangement 1110. The barrier arrangement 1110 comprises a sheet 1150 perforated by perforations 1120 is fastened to the can and divides the internal volume in two volumes, whereby it is possible to filter and contain e.g. particles and granules fed into the can via the inlet.
Further the can 90 comprises water cleaning means 1191. In this embodiment of the invention the water cleaning means is a capsule 1191, but in another embodiment of the invention the water cleaning means may comprise powder or the like.
In another embodiment of the invention the barrier may be placed at the inlet or at the outlet. It is noted that it is possible to make the inlet 1189 have the function of an outlet, and have the outlet 1188 have the function of an outlet.
According to a further embodiment, both the inlet and the outlet may be placed at the top of the can. Further the barrier 1110 in this embodiment of the invention may be placed horizontally as well as vertically or any combination thereof.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the can may comprise several filters having different properties with respect to filtering and fixation of the water cleaning compound.
Generally, the films applied to form the above illustrated cans may comprise a single or a multilayer web-material.
The films may be transparent or at least partly transparent to light. The films may also be provided with a UV filter to protect liquid held in the can.
The films may preferably comprise polymer films optionally supplemented by metal films. According to a preferred embodiment, however, the complete can is made substantially free of metals or at least such small an amount to render the can burnable when disposed in a relatively environmentally attractive way.
At least the inner part of the flexible can should be made of liquid-impermeable material.
In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of liquid-impermeable material comprise multilayered sheets.
In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of liquid-impermeable material comprise a laminate of at least one polymer sheet and at least one metal sheet.
In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of liquid-impermeable material comprise wall(s), top and bottom of can.
In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of liquid impermeable material comprises at least one film or foil selected from the group of metal foils, polymer films, metalized or coated films, polymer sealants, polyesters, polyamides and polyolefines comprising polyethylenes and polypropylenes or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment of the invention, said liquid-impermeable material of the can has a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 2 mm, preferably 40 μm to 500 μm, more preferably 60 μm to 200 μm and most preferably 80 μm to 150 μm.
In an embodiment of the invention, said multilayer structure of the can comprises an outside film, an optional intermediate barrier layer and an inside layer of polymer sealant.
The filter arrangement material and/or liquid-permeable inner compartment material may comprise punctured, etched, melted, stamped or cut material. The material may e.g. comprise plastic, polyolefines such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides and other polymers, woven or non-woven expanded plastic, cloth, screen, wire-mesh, metal or injection-molded plastic.
The arrangement forming sheets may comprise liquid permeable sheet material provided with a density of holes in the range of 1-30 holes per cm², preferably 2-20 holes per cm²and most preferably 4-12 holes per cm².
The holes may have dimensions in the range of 0.01 mm*0.01 mm to 2.00 mm*2.00 mm, preferably 0.1 mm*0.1 mm to 1.0 mm*1.0 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm *0.1 mm to 0.6 mm*0.6 mm.
The wall film(s) of the flexible can may for example comprise a multilayer laminate material comprising three layers: An outside layer made of PETP, an intermediate layer as barrier layer made of aluminum foil, e.g. a 9 μm foil and an inside layer forming a sealant comprising 80 to 120 μm polyethylene (PE). The multilayer laminate material may typically comprise two or further layers.
The bottom surface of the can may for example be made of a multilayer laminate material comprising three layers: An outside layer made of coextruded biaxially oriented polypropylene, e.g. of a thickness of 20 μm, an intermediate layer as barrier layer made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) metalized and coated with ethylene vinyl alcohol (EvOH), and an inside layer forming a sealant comprising, e.g. a 50 μm linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Filter material and/or inner compartment may for example be made of 30 μm high-density polyethylene (HDPE) stamped with holes of 0.2 mm*0.4 mm size and 8 holes per cm²density.
The structural material of the outer support may comprise at least one polymer film, metalized or coated film, EvOH-coating, metal foil, sealant or combinations thereof.
The outer support may generally be formed by a large variety of material, whereas cardboard, fiber-based material and different polymers are obvious choices. The outer support should preferably be rigid enough the keep the can form-stable even when used or piled.
If the liquid comprised in the can is carbonated the outer support should preferably be strong enough to counteract breaking of the can due to overpressure invoked by the carbonated liquid.
The outer support may be made of single-layer material or formed by multiple layers of materials.
The can may also comprise and outer sealing medium layer of the first side wall section which may be a copolymer comprising polyethylene and polypropylene and an inner sealing medium layer of the can walls which is substantially made from polyethylene. Such structure may e.g. facilitate that the can is form-stable enough to form a stand-up can made from a single film web comprising an inner sealing medium layer of substantially polyethylene and an outer sealing medium layer which is a copolymer comprising polyethylene and polypropylene.
For the manufacture of the bag and or the prefabricated bag according to the invention one or more flexible films may be used which have at least one inner heat-sealable surface, preferably comprising a polyolefin, i.e. PE or PP. Preferably, a softer or more flexible, e.g. thicker, film is used for the top and bottom walls than for the side walls to obtain the intended expansion and standing properties. Furthermore, multilayer films are preferably used comprising an inner heat-sealable surface layer. For the manufacture of the bag the laminate COEX OPP/PETP (polyester) may for instance be used, in which the PE layer is on the inner side seen in relation to the finished or prefabricated and COEX OPP denotes a CO-extruded oriented polypropylene film on either side provided with a thin sealing medium layer comprising a copolymer of PP and PE. In order to obtain enhanced barrier properties, a barrier layer, e.g. a metallization layer or an aluminum film, may be provided between the PETP layer and the PE layer or between the COEX OPP film and the PETP layer.
Furthermore, the PETP layer may be replaced by an oriented polyamide, OPA.
The re-closure foundation and the re-closure of the can may also be made of the above-described materials.
It should also be noted that the surface, e.g. the top surface of a can, to which the re-closure arrangement is attached may be reinforced by means of further laminated layers of a polymer films, cardboard, paper, metal films, etc.

Claims

1-99. (canceled)

100. Disposable can formed at least partly by a flexible film material, the can comprising:

a top surface and wherein said can has at least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure foundation and wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the exterior of the can.

101. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the top surface of said can.

102. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to flexible film material of the can.

103. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein passage through the re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the can-forming material.

104. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein passage through the re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the can-forming film material.

105. Disposable can according to any of the claim 100, wherein said re-closure foundation surrounds an area of the top surface to be broken and used for discharge.

106. Disposable can according to any of the claim 100, wherein said re-closure foundation is fitted with or facilitates mounting of a re-closure.

107. Disposable can according to claim 100 wherein the can is formed at least partly by a flexible film material,

wherein said can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure foundation wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the can and wherein said can further comprises at least one re-closure removably fitted to said re-closure foundation.

108. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said barrier arrangement comprises a filter.

109. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said discharge arrangement comprises an opening in said top surface when the closure initially has been removed.

110. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said opening is at least partly a cut-out or perforated or a peel-out opening formed in a sheet material of said top surface.

111. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said top surface and said at least one joining form an external reservoir.

112. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein the outer support arrangement is formed by a form-stable cardboard.

113. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein the outer support arrangement has the form of a tube.

114. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said can is burnable.

115. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein the can comprises a re-closure comprising cutting, pressing or perforation means.