US2268734A

US2268734A - Method and means for packaging beverages

Info

Publication number: US2268734A
Application number: US217111A
Authority: US
Inventors: Earl W Beck
Original assignee: ALNCIN Inc
Current assignee: ALNCIN Inc
Priority date: 1938-07-01
Filing date: 1938-07-01
Publication date: 1942-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 1959-01-06

Description

Jan. 6, 1942. E. w. BECK METHOD AND MEANS FOR PACKAGING BEVERAGES Filed July 1, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet l E WT BZEEZ ATTORNEYS Jan. 6, 1942 E, w. BEC-K 2,268,734

METHOD AND MEANS FOR PACKAGING BEVERAGES Filed July 1, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sign WTEEK,

Q 401, vain-4..

ATT' RNEYS Jan. 6, 1942. E. w. BECK 2,268,734 METHOD AND MEANS FOR PACKAGING BEVERAGES Filed July 1, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet s 'IIII)" IIIA Patented Jan. 6, 1942 METHOD AND MEANS FOR, PACKAGING BEVERAGES Earl W, Beck, Egger'tsville, N. Y.,' assignor, by mesne assignments, of fifty-one per cent to AlnCin, Inc., a corporation of New York Application July 1, 1938, Serial No. '217,,1 11

2 Claims.

, This invention relates to improvements in methods and means for packaging liquid commodities, and has particular relation to the packaging of beverageswhich are to be drunk directly from the original package.

, It has been customary in the past to place beverages such as milk, soft drinks, beer, or the like, at the bottling plant into a variety of forms of-containersfor transportation to the ultimate consumer. These containers have been primari- .ly designed as transportation means, however, in contemplation of the fact that the beverage will be subsequently poured therefrom and into tumblers, cups, goblets, or the like, for drinking purposes. This system has therefore entailed the necessity of extra handling of the beverages and of the use of extra temporary containing means;

and hence the beverage has been subjected to exposure to contamination during transfer from one container to another. Also, such previous systems have involved the use'of undesirable appearing container means which must be handled and disposed of bythe ultimate consumer.

For example, bottled beverages such as milk, spring water, beer, carbonated drinks and the like have usually heretofore been packaged in small. mounted bottles or containers, the rim edges of which have been relatively thick in section so as to successfully withstand thev rigors of transportation and handling. Consequently, such vessels have been unsuited for drinking of the'beverage directly therefrom. Also, the closure -members used in connection With these previous forms of containers have been of such character as to fail to protect those portions of the outer surfaces of the containers coming intocontact with the lips of the consumer fro-m contaminating contact with soil and foreign substances duringhandling and transportation from the bottling plant. Also, because of the fact that the" closure members of such previous types of containers have been arranged to be locked to the marginal edges of the containers, it has been necessary to provide the rim edges of such containersof thick cross section so as to provide suf ficient strength for successful locking arrangements. Hence, it has become accepted practice inconnection with the use of bottled beverages for the recipient to-pour the beverage fromthe transportation container into a cleansed and relatively thin edged tumbler, goblet or the like, from which the beverage may be drunk with convenience and pleasure. 1

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved method and means Other objects and advantages of the-invention forpackaging beverages such as milk,.soft drinks, beer, or the like at the point of preparation'or manufacture for transportation and presentation to theultimate consumer in an improved and convenient form, whereby the beverage may be drunk directly from the, transportation container with pleasure and convenience and safety fromintermediate contamination of the beverage and/or of thelips of the consumer.

will appear from the claims and the-specification herein which is exemplary thereof.

In thedrawings: v

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary diagrammatic View of a first step-of the method of my invention wherein a container is cleansed preparatory to the filling of. a beverage therein;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of another-step of the method of my invention wherein. the upper portion of the outer wall sur-,

face of. the container is cleansed preparatoryto the placementof a closure member thereon;

Fig. 3 is any elevation of one form of closure member for the container of Figs-1 and 2;.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view in elevation of anotherfstepin the method of my invention wherein the closure member of Fig. 3 is secured in .positionupon the container;

Fig. 5 .is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of, adetail of the closure fastening means and of. an apparatus for securing it thereon;

Fig. 6' is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line VI-VI of Fig. 5; F'ig. 7 isan elevation of acompletely as- 5 sembled' container and closure unit as received by the ultimate consumer of the beverage contained'therein; 1 e 1 Fig. Sillustrates the removal of the closure element'of the container by the recipient;

Fig. '9 is an, elevational view similar; to Fig. 7 of'a modified'form of container and closure construction 'Fig. 10 is an'elevationial view of the form o f theinvention shown in Fig. 9 but with the closure element thereof removed from the mouth of the container and disposed under the base thereof so as to function as a coaster;

Fig. 11 is a section, on an enlarged scale, of

50. a ,detail of the arrangement for securing the closure element of Fig. 9 to the container thereof. Figs. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are elevations of other. forms of container and closure construetions of the invention, Figs. Band 16 being pro- :m vvided. with enlarged fragmentary sectional portions to illustrate the interconnecting means thereof;

Figs. 17 and 18 are fragmentary elevations of portions of modified forms of container and closure locking means thereof.

The invention contemplates generally the provision, in an improved manner, of a container for liquid commodities such as foods and beverages which are to be manufactured and/ or prepared at some central bottling plant preparatory to transportation to the ultimate consumer via any of the usual commercial transportation and distribution systems. The container is preferably in the form of a relatively large mouth container of the tumbler type and may be made of any suitable material such as glass or any other natural or artificial composition substance. The container is internally cleansed before being filled with the beverage to be transported and the upper portion of the outer wall surface thereof is similarly cleansed and preferably sterilized either before or after the beverage is placed therein, as may be preferred. The closure element therefore is in the form of a cap the central portion of which is adapted to span and seal the open end of the container in fluid tight relation. A depending skirt portion of the closure is adapted to embrace and enclose the upper portion of the container and to be locked thereto adjacent its lower marginal edge by means cooperating with a vertically intermediate portion of the container wall which may be in the form of either outwardly or inwardly extending interruptions to the smooth contour of the container wall, and which preferably constitutes a decorative feature of the container. By reason of the provisions. of the invention it is possible to provide the drinking edge portion of the container ofv relatively thin section and smoothly shaped form, while the intermediate portion of the container wall adjacent the locking means may be relatively thick in section so as to have ample strength and ruggedness to withstand the rigors of transportation and of closure attaching and detaching operations. Thus, the upper portion of the outer wall of the container which comes in contact. with the lips of the consumer when drinking the beverage therefrom is of pleasing form to the touch of the lips of the consumer and has been protected in its cleansed condition during transportation from the bottling plant and is therefore germ and soil free when presented to the consumers lips.

Fig. 1 illustrates a. container 20 being supported in inverted position for presentation to washingand sterilizing sprays preparatory to being filled with a beverage at a bottling plant. The container is shown as having an upper portion 2| of tapering cross section, the terminal or drinking edge portion 22 of which is of relatively thin sectional dimension and of smooth outer contour. The lower portion 23 of the container joins the upper portion 2| at an intermediate wall portion 24 which is relatively thick in sec- 1 tional dimension as compared to the drinking edge portion 22. The lower section- 23 is of usual closed bottom form. A laterally extending peripheral ridge 26 is provided about the intermediate portion 24' of the container for cooperation with a portion of a closure member for the container to provide locking means therebetween, aswill be explained hereinafter.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, however, the ridge 26 may be adapted to perform. a secondary function in connection with the washing of the container preparatory to its being filled with beverage, and in this connection the ridge provides means for temporarily mounting the container 20 upon a travelling conveyor. As shown, the conveyor may have opposed frame portions 30 and cooperating finger elements 32 pivotally mounted thereon, the fingers 32 being counterweighted as at 34 so as to cause the fingers 32 to press upwardly against the ridge 26 of the container and to retain it in supported position against the frame portions 30 when the conveyor is in the position shown in Fig. 1. Hence, the container is. supported in inverted position upon the conveyor for presentation to

water spray tubes

36 and 38 during the washing and sterilizing process.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the next step of the process subsequent to the cleansing and drying of the container, is to present the container 20 in upright position toany usual form of filler mechanism for filling of the beverage therein. If required or if desired, in any given instance, the outer surface of the upper portion 2! of the container may be given a final washing and sterilizing operation as by spray tubes 40 subsequent to the filling of the beverage therein. It will be noted that in connection with the use of the form of conveyor means shown, the conveyor frame 30 may be reversed as in Fig. 2 with respect to its attitude as shown in Fig. 1; and it will be seen that in this second position of the frame 30 the fingers 32 will automatically move to disengaged position with respect to the ridge 26 of the container under the influence of the forces of gravity on the counterweights 34. Thus in this position of the conveyor frame 30 the container will be supported thereon solely by the influence of gravity forces and by reason of the overhanging cooperation of the ridge 26 relative to the conveyor frame portions 30. It Will be apparent that the conveyor may be provided in any con- Venient form, such as of the continuous chain type operating between horizontally opposed sprocket members (not shown), whereby the relative position of the conveyor frame and the container shown in Fig. 2 will obtain during movement of the conveyor chain in one plane of its horizontal movement, and the relative position-s of the conveyor and the container shown in Fig. 1 will obtain during the opposed or return movement of the conveyor chain in the other plane of its horizontal movement. It will also be apparent that the conveyor frame portions 30 may be so formed as to provide for convenient reception of the container, as from a side 5 of the conveyor mechanism, as it moves along in the position shown in Fig. 2; whereby the operator of the mechanism may simply slide the containers into supported engagement upon the conveyor; and upon subsequent reversal of the conveyor attitude the containers will be presented to the first washing sprays as illustrated in Fig. 1. A further subsequent reversal of the conveyor attitude may then be provided for to present the containers to the beverage filling mechanism (not shown), and if desired, to the final outside wall sterilizing process as illustrated in Fig. 2. It will be understood, however, that the invention contemplates, as an initial step of the packaging process, the preparation of the container by any suitable form of washing,

cleaning, and/or sterilizing process, as may be desirable and/ or required in any given instance; and that the specific means-and arrangement i1- lustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and hereinabove described is merely illustrative of one mode of acby a sprayin .tact with foreign bodies.

"of the invention are app end of the container the closed, end

"(Fig 4) to provide cooperative means integral t will befunderistood, therefore, that I arious degrees of internal cleaning of the container will be necessary; and similarly, that various degrees of cleaning of the outer surface of complishing' uchresults.

sequent to the filling of the beverage'therein, prior to the application of the closure member thereon. i. V x

As illustrated in Fig; 2; the cleaning of the outer surface of the container may be accomplished operation I subsequent to the disposal of the beverage within the container;. and

in order to insure againstthe cleaning fluid of the operation gaining access to the beverage, a stopper 42 may be'placed over the open end of the container immediately upon disposition of the beverage therein. .Thestopper 42 may be arranged to be retained in closure position across the container' 'opening'i'in any desired-.manner, such as by being provided with some formof ad-' hesive substance on its undersurface'for temporarily cementing the stopper to the rim of the container; In the alternative, and toiavoid the disadvantage of admitting"adhesivesubstance to the'rim of theicontain er, the stopper" may be allowed to merely rest byreason of its "own weight against the rim; of the container "during the final cleaning process; or some other-form of temporary holding means therefore may be utilized. For instance, the container handling apparatus mayinclude a bumper 44 adapted to be brought down intoabuttingco-ntact' withthe stopper 4-2 during the final cleaning process-for insuring the positive closing of the container opening- .by the 'stOpperr-If-necessary,- an *opposed bumper 46, maybe arrangedto abut the opposite or lower-end-of the container simultaneously with the application of upper bumper 44, and; it will beapparent that these bumper members may be arranged to be manipulated by any suitable, form 'of manualcr mechanical-actuating means. v

A closure member for the ,container 20 is illustratedin Fig.v 3 as. comprising a cup-shaped shell which is closed at ene. end and provided with :a cylindrical, depending skirt-portion 5| adapted to extend downwardly from the. rim.portion of thecontainer and torencloseland. embrace the upper portion 2 i, of; the container and to shield the outer surface thereof againstf'conjrne closure .50 is provided of such contour.v as to ,adapt it, to conform substantially to the upper portion of. the contain er,.and as shown herein is. of frusto-conical, form,

being adapted to fit the tapered form of the up per portion of the container 211 illustratem It will be understood, however, that the, principles licable with equal facility toany other form and shape of tumbler con struction, and that the general form of the cljosure member therefor will be determined accord,- ingly. v H. I Q

The lower marginal edge portion of;the skirt 5| of the closure'is provided with a peripheral bead 52, which, in the 'instance'il lustrate'd, i's'iri the form of a laterally extendingridge similar in configuration to the ridgej26 of thefcontainer. The component parts of the cont'ainer -2 0 and 'the closure 50 are soarrange'd'and proportion edithat when the closure 50 disposed about the upper portion of the closure is adapted'to bearagainst the rim of the open end 'of the container, the bead 52; being disposed adjacent the ridge 26 of the" container v the upper portion of the container will be required either prior to or'subcf the locking of the with the closure and the intermediate portionof the container for locking engagement therebetween I v One form of means for providing locking engagement between the ridge 26 and the bead 52 is illustratedin Fig. 4 wherein a tape 60 is diagrammatically shown as being pressed into linking engagement with the ridge 26 and the bead 52,- The tape 60 may be of any deformable material such as'metal foil, Celluloid or xylonite composition products, paper, thermo-plastic substances, or any other material which is adapted to-be providedin sheet form and which may have portions thereof pressed into angular relation with respect to the body thereof and to retain such pressed shape so as to provide a link connecting means between the container and the closure. It will be apparentthat the tape 66 will thus provide mechanical connecting means between the container and the closure and will at the same time providea seal for between, thus preventing ingress of dust or other contaminating substances into the space between the closure and the upper surface of the outer surface of the container portion 2|. I

As illustrated inFig. 4; the tape 66 may be conveniently applied ln connecting relation upon the container and the closure by means of a roller die 62, the outer face portion of which is provided with a pair of opposed series of projections 64 which are adapted'to register in sequence with the members of the series of

recesses

28 and 54 of the container and closure, respectively, as the die 6| is revolved in rolling'contact around the tape-60, thus pressing portions of the tape 60 into the

recesses

54 and 28.

Figs55 and 6 illustrate,on an enlarged scale, the pressing operation of the'projections 64, and v tape into connecting engagement with the container26 and the closure 50. Also, if desired, the tape 60 may be provided of such width as to extend both upwardly and downwardly beyond the vertical limits of the I ridge 26 and the bead 52, and the roller die 62 may be provided with suitable annularshoulder portions for turning the overhanging portions of the tape 60 inwardly in flanged and embracing relation about the upper and lower side portions of the bead 52andjtheridge 26, respectively (Fig. 5). Thus, a positive form of link connecting means between the ridge 26 and the bead" 52 is provided, the tape 66 being'formed of suchma'te trial as to be sufiiciently strong to retain the con'- tainerand' the closure members in locked together relation inanygiven instance according to the size of thecontainer, the weight contents, and the' magnitude of the pressure, if any, under which 'the beverage-isto be maintained during .transportation. The tape 66'is preferably provided'with a tab' 6| for the conve'nience of the recipient in connection with'the manual deformation of thetape which is neces- "sary to'sever the connection between the container and the closure. -It'will be understood'that any other appropriate means for locking the tape 60 upon the unit maybe'einp'loyed in lieu of the pressing operation" described.. For instance, a' p'ap'er or Cellophane: tape carrying an applicaof adhesive substance may be employed intio'n stead if desired. V t

The component parts of the container and the closure areprefera'bly so proportionedas to'provide a slight space between adjacent portions of the joint thereof theportion of the container.

'unit, and in addition to functioning as a temporary closure during the final container cleaning process it may be simply allowed to remain in position upon the container during the application of the closure 50 thereon and to function as a gasket member therein. Or, in lieu of the stopper 42, a gasket member of annular form may be employed to assist in sealing thejuncture between the container rim and the closure. Opposed bumpers 55 and 58 (Fig. 4) may be brought into abutting contact, if desired, during the application of the tape W to hold the container and closure in fluid sealing position until the tape is locked thereon.

, Upon receipt by the ultimate consumer of the beverage within the container, the closure member 50 may be readily removed as by pulling the tab 6| (Fig. 7) to sever the connection between the ridge 26 and the bead 52; and the closure may then be lifted from the container as illustrated in Fig. 8 to make the beverage available for direct drinking from the container. The gasket or stopper 42 may be arranged to be withdrawn from the container simultaneously with removal of the closure, if desired, as by providing for some kind of connection means between the gasket and the closure. For instance, when the closure 50 is being applied to the container some form of cementing material may be applied between the gasket and closure; or, the gasket and the closure may be so relatively proportioned that the gasket is nested within the closure in press-fitted relation when the parts are brought together into operative position. However, it will be understood that such an arrangement is not a necessary feature of the invention, as the stopper 42 may be allowed to remain upon the rim edge of the container upon withdrawal of the closure therefrom, and to be subsequently independently removed by the consumer just before he drinks the contents.

It will be apparent that upon removal of the closure member 50 from the container, that the outer surface of the upper portion 2| of the container is presented to the consumer in completely cleansed and sterile form inasmuch as the skirt portion of the closure has shielded the por tion 2| of the container at all times from the moment the closure was applied thereto against contaminating contact with foreign substances.

Hence, when the consumer drinks the beverage.

of the container his lips come in contact with only sterilized and smooth surfaces of the upper Also, the rim portion of the container, being of smooth configuration and of thin cross section, is pleasant to the touch of the lips; and thus the beverage may be drunk by the consumer with utmost confidence and convenience and pleasure.

As an added feature of the invention, the

depressions

28 and 54 of the ridge 26 and the head 52 of the container and the closure, respectively, are preferably provided of such form as to provide, along with their closure locking function, a decorative feature for the unit; whereby the container is provided of a form that is particularly.

2,268,734 "the ridge 26 and the bead 52- when the closure is pleasing to the eye. For instance, in the example illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, the

depressions

28 and 54 are of elongate form and disposed in diagonal parallel series of band-like form arranged in symetrically opposed relation. It will be apparent, however, that the locking means may take any other desired type of configuration so as to simultaneously provide closure locking means and container decorative means. For instance the recesses may be of any other desired shape or form; or the locking means may be in the form of projections instead of recesses, within the concept of this invention.

It will be apparent that the present invention provides for the use of 'a thin edged, large mouthed container for beverages of the type most pleasant to drink from, the intermediate wall portion of the container being of thicker cross section if desired for insuring ample strength in the vessel in the region of the locking of the closure member thereon. Also, it will be apparent that when closure element is in position upon the container, it constitutes a protection for the structure of the relatively thin rim edge portion thereof, and that the relatively thick sectioned intermediate wall portion of the container takes the major portion of the stresses and shocks imposed upon the container during transportation and handling and at the same time provides a decorative feature for the container.

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a modified form of container and closure construction wherein a container 10 of tumbler-like form and a closure member 12 therefor is provided. As in the case of the construction shown and described hereinabove the container is formed with an upper section II which terminates in a relatively thin sectioned rim edge and extends downwardly therefrom throughout the range of possible contact by the lips of the beverage consumer. It will be understood that the outer surface of the section 1| is. to be of cleansed condition prior to the disposition of the closure 'member 12 thereon, and that the closure member is adapted to extend downwardly thereabout and to enclose and protect the outer surface of the section II from contaiminating contact with foreign sub stances during subsequent handling and trans- A portation to the ultimate consumer of the bever- .deformable material such as metal foil. paper.

Celluloid or allied compositions or the like, such as any semi-rigid material which is adapted to be deformed by pressing portions thereof into angular relation and to subsequently retain such deformed shape. The extreme terminal edge portion of the closure material is turned inwardly and under the lower side portion of the ridge 11, as by means of a roller die as explained hereinabove, thus providing a positive locking engagement between the container and the closure. As in the case of the construction shown in Figs. 2, 4, '7 and 8, any form of suitable gasket means may be utilized to assist in sealing the juncture between the mouth of the container and the closed end portion of the closure 12.

sterilized form. Upon removal be provided as anintegral-extending portion of thelocking portion 14 of the closure. for. the convenience of the recipient of the container in severing the connection between the closureand the container. It will be understood that when the closure is made of metal foil, paper, or Celluloid or tab 15 may be pulled upwardly and then laterally around theperiphery of the unit to tear the lockinglportion 14 of the closure. If desired, to

a A ft ab.- 15, may

assist in this severing action of the closure por-- tion, a line of scoring 16 (Figs. 9 and 11) may be supplied as in, connection with the die rolling process .hereinabove described, by the use of suitably spaced .spikes extending from the die roller (not shown) 4 ,Theridge' portion 11 of the container is preferably formed in combination with a relatively thick sectioned wall portion of the container, the use ofthe latter. in combination with a relatively allied products that the thindrinking edge being made possible by the locating, of the ridge H at a substantial distance below the drinking edge. Consequently, the line oftlocking engagement between the closure and the container is disposed in the region of a relatively thick and strong portion of the container. Hence, in the case where frangible materials are used inthe construction of the container, the advantages of-a thin drinking edge and a rugged closure locking arrangement are obtained, while the drinking edge of the container is shielded at all times from possible injury. It will be understood that the ridge 11 of the container may take any desired decorative form, and thus may serve a still further function. .As illustrated in Fig. 11, the locking portion 11 of the container may take the form of parallel spaced ledges extending peripherally about the container and defining the upper and lower marginal edges of the looking means. Thus, when the closure 12 is removed from the container, a tumbler-like vessel carrying a pair of parallel decorative bands intermediate of its length appears (Fig. 10). Also, lt is contemplated that, if desired, the closure 12 may'subsequently be employed as a coaster for the container (Fig. 10)

Thus, a beverage transporting unit is provided whereby the recipient may quickly and conveniently detach the closure member therefrom to expose a relatively large mouthed open end thereof for direct drinking of the beverage therefrom.; :The drinking edge of the container is of smooth and uninterrupted and thin sectioned form, and the entire lip contacting surface thereof is presented to the user in perfectly clean and of the closure 12 10 1 the container, the closure may be disposed underneath the container to catch any spilling or; condensation liquid occurring on the outer surface of the container.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate another form of container and closure construction wherein a portionof the closure member is adapted to engage directly in gripping relation with means provided on anintermediate portion of the container wall. .In the case of the construction of Fig. 12

the-container, 80 is of double tapered form, thus providing an. i termediate peripheral ridge 82. The closure: member 841s formed of some suitable semi-rigid material so as to be adapted to have its lower marginal edge pressed inwardly as at 8512110111 ithe container .80- and below the ridge 82- thereof to hold the closure 84. in operative position thereon. A tab 86 may be provided to extend-horn thefiange p0rtion 85 of the closure for the convenience of the user in severing the closure for detachment thereof from the container. The form of construction shown in Fig. 13 is quite similar to that ofFig. 12, with the exception that the container 90 is shown as being of substantially straight sided form and the closure locking means thereof includes a radially extending peripheral ridge 92 about which the lower portion of vtheskirt of the closure 94 is e o me f Fig. 14 illustrates another form of container and-closure construction wherein the container 95 isprlovided with a groove 96 extending peripherally about a vertically intermediate portion thereof, thus providing means for temporary locking engagement of a closure member 91 as by pressing a portion of the skirt of the closure 91 intothe groove 96.

If desired, the closure member 91 may be in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid body such as will be provided by forming it of sheet metal or the like, and in such case the crimped end portion of the skirt which engages the groove 96 will provide apositive locking arrangement whereby the unit will be suitable for carrying beverages under substantial pressure, such as carbonated drinks. Any 'form of suitable rim deforming tool may then be employed by the recipient to assist him in deforming the crimped end portion of the skirtand lifting it out of the groove 96 to enable removal of the closure from the container. Also, it is contemplated that the closure constructions of Figs. 9 to 14 may, if desired, be initially applied to the containerportions of the units by some form of shrinking process whereby the skirt portions of the closures will become disposed aboutthe upper outer surfaces of the container walls with their lower terminal edges in shrunk in gripping relation with respect to the locking means provided upon the containers, such as; the ridge 11 of Figs. 9 and,10,'the ridge 82 of Fig. 12, the ridge 92 of Fig. 13, and the groove 96 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 15 illustrates another form of container and closure construction which is somewhat similar to that of Fig. 14. The container I00 is shown as appearing generallyin usual tumbler form with a relatively thin rim edge and a relatively thick section intermediate wall portion which is externally grooved as at I02. The closuremember I64 is illustrated as being in the form of. sheet paper, Celluloid, or other fabric which has been provided of flat disc-like form and disposed upon the open upper end of the container and having its marginal edge portion bent downwardly and pleated into closely conforming relation with respect to the outer wall of the container.. Th lower marginal edge portion of the closure isarranged to be deformed inwardly into engaging contact with the groove 1020f the container as by means of a draw string or .wire I06. It will be apparent that 'as the wire I06 istightened, and drawn into the bottom of v the groove I02 the paper or fabric closure memthe ledges H2 are arranged in parallel inclined relation with respect to the transverse axis of the container. The closure member H4 (Fig. 16) is provided with a series of inwardly extending bosses II5 which are adapted to register with the lower surfaces of the ledges H2 and upon axial rotation of the closure II I relative to the container Hi! to draw the closure downwardly into telescoping relation with respect to th container and into operative position wherein a gasket Ilii is squeezed between the closed end" formed adjacent its lower marginal edge with anannular step or shoulder portion I I8 arranged in opposed relation with respect to an outwardly extending shoulder portion I I9 formed upon the container; and a gasket member I may be disposed therebetween to provide a second sealing arrangement adjacent the lower end portion of the skirt of the closure.

It will be noted that the ledges H2 may take any configuration asmay be desired to enhance the decorative feature thereof as contemplated and described hereinabove; and to increase the decorative value of this form of the closure looking means of my invention I prefer to provide a second series of ledges I'2I which are identical in configuration to the ledges H2 and arranged in symetrically opposed relation thereto. By providing the ledges H2 and vI2I in the form of leaves with attaching stem portions joining centrally of the decorative bands I obtain a particularly attractive decorative eiiect and the junctures between the bodies of the leaves and the stem portions of the ledges constitute the dwell portions hereinabove referred to.

It will be understood that the closure locking means illustrated in Fig. 17 may be utilized in connection with any of the other forms of construction illustrated and described hereinabove in this specification, and that I contemplate using this type of decorative closure engagement means in connection with the impressed tape type of connection method (as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8) and in connection with the direct impression of a marginal edge portion of the closure into connection with the container as illustrated in Figs. 9 to 15, as well as in connection with the mechanical type of connection arrangement between rigid container and closure members as illustrated in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 illustrates a form of connection means which is the reverse of that illustrated in Fig. 17 in that recesses I are provided in the outer Wall of a container I32 to receive portions of a closure member or closure connecting tape member in interlocked relation therewith. Thus, the construction of Fig. 18 retains the decorative features of the construction of Fig. 17 and is applicable for use in connection with the methods illustrated in either Fig. 4 or Figs. 9- to 14 in- Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view showing in elevation a portion of the container I I0 and several of the ledges H2 whereinit will be seen thatto which chocolate should be added" in order to provide a properly proportioned chocolate milk drink. The remaining space above the-line I42 is provided for the addition of ice, if desired.-

For use in connection Withthe dispensing oi highballs, for example, the container III) would;

be filled at the bottling plant with: sparkling water or gingerale to some predetermined level as indicated at I 40. Upon delivery to the consummer, the recipient, upon removal of the clo'sure l- I- I, would fill the container up to the level line 42 with liquor, and the remaining space thereab-ove could be availed of for the addition of cracked ice. Upon return of the closure to operative position upon the container the mixture could be conveniently shaken into homogenousstate; and the closure could then be removed and the mixed beverage would then be available for drinking directly from the container.

It will be understood that by reason of the provision of beverage containers in accordance with my invention that a more efiicient use of carrying space during transportation will be possible, as compared to the use of small mouthed type containers. Also, it will be understoodthat the containers of my invention possess greater carrying space in relation to the amount of material used in forming the container as compared to other types of containers havingelongate portions such as narrow necks. Also, there is eliminated another problem with respect to the filling of small neck types of containerswherein great care must be employed to make certainthat all ofthe air is expelled from the bottle during the filling process in order that the beverage contained therein will not subsequently deteriorate. In connection with high speed filling equipmentitis a particularly difficult problem to prevent the pocketing of some amount of air in the bottles due to the reduced size of the neck portion thereof.

It will also beunderstood that the containers of my invention, being of wide mouthed form, may be manufactured by moulding or pressing processes employed in connection- With a large variety of materials including glass, as distinguished from glass blowing processes or the like which are required in connection with small mouth types of structures. However, if desired, the containers of my invention may also be readily made in accord with the principles of the well known glass blowing process. It will alsobe apparent that in cases Where somewhat frangible materials are used in the forming of thecontainers there will be no" danger of chipping the drinking edge-portion of mycontainers during unlocking and removal of the closure member therefrom, as is true in the case of other forms of bottled beverage containers wherein the closure members are mounted in looking relation upon the terminal edge portion of the container Wall.

It will be understood that my invention is applicable to the packaging. of liquid products and beverages of any and all types, and that the container and closure and gasket and members thereof may be made of any of a great variety of materials as may be desired and required to suit any given instance, including any suitable kinds of rigid, semi-rigid, or non-rigid materials.

My invention provides a method and means for packaging beverage commodities having particular advantage with respect to the dispensing of the beverages in public places. Formerly, the usual system of serving beverages to the public, such as at restaurants, hotels, and service counters, involved the pouring of the beverage from its transportation bottle or container into. a tumbler or goblet. In some States the law requires, for example, that milk must be served to the public in its original container to preclude the possibility of adulteration, and that a properly washed tumbler be provided therewith into which the consumer may pour the milk for drinking. It will be observed, however, that in accord with such instructions the waiter will in some cases invert a tumbler and place it over the upper end of the milk bottle for convenience during carrying to the consumers table. Hence, the inner walls of the tumbler, even though they may have been previously cleansed are brought directly into rubbing contact with the outer upper surfaces of the milk bottle which have in all probability become soiled during transportation from the dairy, as explained hereinabove. Consequently, the very intent of the legal regulations has been thwarted. The difficulties attending the proper cleansing of such tumblers or goblets prior to successive uses thereof is too well known to require discussion here.

My invention eliminates all of the problems of soil contamination which have attended previous methods of beverage packaging; and also, it will be apparent that my invention assures the ultimate consumer of delivery of the beverage in original state as prepared at the bottling plant. Thus, the possibility of the beverage becoming adulterated or changed in any manner before it' reaches the consumer is eliminated, and the consumer is assured of receiving properly blended and proportioned compound beverage commodities such as syrup base drinks, chocolate milk, beer, etc. It will also be apparent that by reason of the provisions of the invention that previous problems attending the public dispensing of beverages from relatively large containers in small quantities as may be required are eliminated. For example, it has been customary at public bars to supply carbonated beverages for individual mixed drinks from relatively large bottles holding beverage enough for a number of such drinks. Thus the bottle is poured from as required, and the contents remaining therein after the first opening are subject to exposure to the outer air whereby they tend to lose their gas content and become flat and are also subject to possible contamination such as by the entrance of flies or other insects into the bottle.

Another important advantage of the invention is that I have provided a system whereby a single container embodies and serves the purposes of two containers which were heretofore required,

and thus results in economies of manufacture, transportation, packing, storing, cleansing, etc., which are all very important from the sanitary and merchandising expense standpoints. Also, since my container is of lighter weight and maximum relative beverage carrying capacity, it effects additional economies in transportation, storage, refrigeration and cleansing; and from the point of household use it provides greatly increased convenience including economies of refrigerating space and reduced handling of beverage vessels.

Although only a limited number of forms of the invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited but that variouschanges may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A drinking tumbler for beverages having a wall portion adjacent the mouth portion thereof of smooth form and reduced thin section for pleasing contact with the lips of the consumer of the beverage when drinking directly therefrom, lock means formed upon the outer wall surface of said tumbler and disposed beyond the reach of the lips of the beverage consumer, and a cover member for said tumbler having a portion adapted to seal the mouth of said tumbler in fluid tight relation and another portion adapted to extend around about the lip contacting portion of said tumbler and terminating at a position adjacent said integral lock forming portion, said lock means and the terminal edge portion of said cover being each provided with symmetrically opposed series of depressions, and tape means spanning said terminal edge portion and said lock means and having portions thereof pressed into said depressions so as to provide detachable means for linking said tumbler and said cover together in mouth closed relation.

2. A drinking tumbler for beverage having a wall portion adjacent the mouth portion thereof of smooth form and reduced thin section for pleasing contact with the lips of the consumer of the beverage when drinking directly therefrom, lock means formed upon the outer wall surface of said tumbler and disposed beyond the reach of the lips of the beverage consumer, and a cover member for said tumbler having a portion adapted to seal the mouth of said tumbler in fluid tight relation and another portion adapted to extend around about the lip contacting portion of said tumbler and terminating at a position ad jacent said integral lock forming portion, said lock means and the terminal edge portion of said cover being each provided witha series of depressions, and means spanning said terminal edge portion and said lock means and having portions thereof interlocked with said depressions so as to provide detachable means for urging said tumblerand said cover together in mouth closed relation.