Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
  • B65D23/12—Means for the attachment of smaller articles
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21K—NON-ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES USING LUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING CHARGES OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL; LIGHT SOURCES USING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AS LIGHT-GENERATING ELEMENTS; LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F21K2/00—Non-electric light sources using luminescence; Light sources using electrochemiluminescence
  • F21K2/06—Non-electric light sources using luminescence; Light sources using electrochemiluminescence using chemiluminescence
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
  • B65D2203/12—Audible, olfactory or visual signalling means

Definitions

• a package for containing drinks comprising a chemiluminescent apparatus
• the present invention relates to the field of chemiluminescent apparatus, as well as to the field of illuminated packages for drinks .
• the present invention relates to a package for containing drinks, comprising a body which comprises transparent material; and a chemiluminescent apparatus which is adapted to being activated under the influence of deformation.
• chemiluminescent apparatus comprise a plastic envelope and glass tubes filled with the liquids, wherein the glass tubes are positioned inside the envelope, and wherein the envelope is flexible to such an extent that the glass tubes may be broken under the influence of pressure which is exerted on the envelope.
• illumination apparatus are supplied as separate parts, which need to be combined with the package for drinks by an end user.
• An example is known from US 5,695,270, which relates to a chemiluminescent coaster comprising reagents for generating chemiluminescence and at least one transparent surface. The coaster is intended to be placed underneath glasses, but does not get incorporated in these glasses.
• Another example is known from US 6,082,866, which relates to an illuminated coaster for illuminating a package for containing drinks by means of chemiluminescence as well. This coaster also comprises an adhesive layer for connection to the package.
• solutions do constitute ready-to-use solutions, i.e. solutions according to which a combination of a package and a chemiluminescent apparatus is provided.
• An example is known from US 5,171,081, which relates to a chemiluminescent reaction vessel comprising flexible inner walls and outer walls, wherein a space between these walls is filled with chemiluminescent liquids, and wherein a thin membrane is applied for the purpose of separating the liquids. When the vessel is bent by a user, the membrane breaks, so that the liquids get mixed and a chemiluminescent reaction is obtained.
• standard chemiluminescent apparatus are applied.
• a bottle and a chemiluminescent apparatus comprising a glow stick are disclosed.
• the apparatus is inserted in the neck of the bottle, and the glow stick is impressed by the apparatus when the bottle is opened, so that the glow stick is activated and starts emitting light.
• a flexible sleeve which needs to be arranged around a package containing a drink, and which is suitable for holding a chemiluminescent apparatus.
• the package, the sleeve and the chemiluminescent apparatus are supplied as separate parts to an end user, and the end user needs to put the sleeve in place, to activate the chemiluminescent apparatus and to attach the activated apparatus to the sleeve. All in all, the user needs to undertake many steps for the purpose of obtaining an illuminated package, which is an important disadvantage.
• this solution would cause problems in the blowmoulding process of the containers, since it would be difficult to distribute the glass evenly in a mould that is used during such a process. Furthermore, according to the solution, an additional component, namely a stopper, is necessary, which is another disadvantage. According to yet another solution, which is known from US 6,739,731, a bottle is provided with a chemiluminescent element which is shaped like a logo. However, this solution has important disadvantages, and it is practically not possible to apply this solution in the field of glass bottles or pressurized plastic bottles, as activation of the logo would simply require too much force of a user.
• the logo would be arranged at the outside of a glass bottle, and the logo would be made flexible to such an extent that it is easy for user to activate the logo, there would be another risk, namely the risk of premature activation of the logo during transport and handling of the bottle. Furthermore, the appearance of the logo may not be chosen freely, as the logo needs to be capable of enclosing at least one glass ampoule containing one of the liquids for causing a chemiluminescent reaction.
• US 6,020,823 reveals a variety of containers wrapped in a sleeve with various products enclosed under said sleeve.
• the container may be bottle-shaped, and the enclosed product may be an illumination device which is to be activated by pressure.
• a first obvious disadvantage of the container known from US 6,020,823 is that there is a need for an explicit use of electrical illumination and power sources, which renders the complete container nondisposable in glass waste.
• a second and more important disadvantage is that the total shape of the container cannot be that of a normal bottle, because the products are placed upon the outer walls of the container. This would lead to incompatibility problems in automated handling processes, storage and transportation. Also, the risk of premature activation of an illumination device would be large in such processes.
• US 2004/0004829 reveals a container for beverages that may be bottle-shaped, and that includes a reservoir in one of its outer walls for the reception of a light source.
• the light source may operate according to the principles of chemiluminescence.
• the main problem for an embodiment having a glass bottle and a chemiluminescent light source resides in difficulties for activating the light source by pressure when it is placed upon a rigid outer wall, or in a rigid reservoir. This is a common problem when attempting to combine such light sources, which need to be flexed for activation, in a ready-to-use fashion with glass bottles or pressurized plastic bottles, as such bottles do not allow for the necessary deformation.
• US 2005/0024858 reveals various combinations of containers with light sources and connection mechanisms to illuminate the content of these containers.
• the containers may be custom made with a cavity for insertion of the light source, so that the outside of the light source is flush with the surrounding outer wall of the container.
• the connection mechanism can be an adhesive label.
• electrical light sources which leads to disadvantages mentioned in the foregoing.
• the light source fits neatly in the cavity, so that this light source cannot be a chemiluminescent light source, as it is impossible to activate the light source by pressure if the container is rigid (glass or pressurized plastic) .
• a package for containing drinks comprising: - a body which comprises transparent material, and which is provided with at least one recess comprising a portion of an outer surface of the body that is recessed with respect to a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the body; and - a chemiluminescent apparatus which is located in the recess in the body, and which is adapted to being activated under the influence of deformation, wherein a surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus is freely accessible for realizing such a deformation; wherein the chemiluminescent apparatus occupies only a portion of a space which is offered by the recess in the body; and wherein space is present behind the chemiluminescent apparatus, as seen in a direction in which a surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus is freely accessible for realizing a deformation of the apparatus .
• the package according to the present invention For the purpose of manufacturing the package according to the present invention, only a few adjustments need to be made in a standard process for manufacturing a standard package.
• the first place there is a need for providing a recess in an outer surface of a body of the package.
• the second place there is a need for providing a chemiluminescent apparatus and putting this apparatus in place in the recess. Both needs are easily met by applying commonly known techniques.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus may simply be a standard chemiluminescent apparatus having a standard shape.
• the present invention also offers a solution to the problem of a premature activation of the chemiluminescent apparatus during transport and handling of the package, as the chemiluminescent apparatus is accommodated in a recess in the body of the package, wherein there is no need for the chemiluminescent apparatus to project from this recess. Still, it is easy for a user to activate the chemiluminescent apparatus, as a portion of a surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus is freely accessible for realizing the necessary deformation.
• the solution according to the present invention is very well applicable in the field of packages comprising a body which is manufactured of glass.
• deformation surface the portion of the surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus which is freely accessible for realizing a deformation which is necessary for the purpose of activating the chemiluminescent apparatus.
• a package according to the present invention due to the fact that space is present behind the chemiluminescent apparatus, it is very easy for a user to activate the chemiluminescent apparatus, as more than just a deformation of the deformation surface is allowed for.
• a user exerts pressure on the deformation surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus, a substantial portion of the apparatus is displaced to the space. In this way, it is easy for the user to realize the deformation of the chemiluminescent apparatus that is needed to activate the apparatus. This is especially advantageous in case the body of the package is non-flexible .
• the deformation surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus substantially extends as a continuation of a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the body.
• the appearance of the package according to the present invention resembles the appearance of a standard package, which is advantageous in view of the acceptance of the package according to the present invention by the target group of users.
• the package may be transported and handled in a standard manner, as the outside shape of the package matches a standard outside shape.
• the present invention also relates to a package being filled with a liquid, wherein the package is a package according to the present invention, as described in the foregoing, and wherein the body of the package is filled with the liquid.
• figure 1 shows a bottle and a chemiluminescent apparatus of a package according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• figure 2 shows the bottle, the chemiluminescent apparatus and a shrink-sleeve of the package according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
• figure 3 shows the package according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state
• figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of a preferred embodiment of the bottie which is shown in figures 1-3, as well as of the chemiluminescent apparatus which is arranged in a recess in an outer surface of the bottle
• figure 5 shows the bottle and the chemiluminescent apparatus as shown in figure 4, in a deformed state.
• Figure 1 shows a bottle 2 and a chemiluminescent apparatus 3 of a package 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• the bottle 2 is shaped like a normal bottle, and comprises a cylindrical basic portion 4 and a cylindrical neck portion 5, wherein the neck portion 5 is connected to the basic portion 4, through a transitional portion 6, and wherein the neck portion 5 has a smaller diameter than the basic portion 4.
• the bottle 2 comprises a recess 7, which is adapted to receiving and accommodating the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• the recess 7 comprises a portion of an outer surface of the bottle 2 that is recessed with respect to a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the bottle 2.
• the insertion of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7 is represented by an arrow.
• the recess 7 is situated in the basic portion 4. Nevertheless, within the scope of the present invention, it is possible for the recess 7 to be situated in another portion of the bottle 2.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 may be any suitable standard chemiluminescent apparatus, which is adapted to being activated under the influence of deformation.
• a chemiluminescent apparatus comprises a flexible plastic envelope containing a first liquid and at least one breakable ampoule containing a second liquid.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus is deformed in such a manner and to such an extent that the ampoule breaks, a mix of the liquid is obtained, which causes a chemical reaction during which light is emitted.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 fits in the recess 7 in the bottle 2, such that the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 does not project from the recess 7 when it is put in place.
• a process of manufacturing the package 1 according to the present invention involves the steps of providing the bottle 2 having the recess 7, inserting the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7, and fixing the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 and a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the bottle 2 are covered by a layer of material.
• the application of the layer of material may easily be realized by arranging a sleeve, in particular a shrink-sleeve 8, around the basic portion 4 of the bottle 2.
• a sleeve 8 is shown in figure 2.
• the sleeve 8 is manufactured of a flexible foil which comprises a plastic material like PE, PVC or PET.
• the shrink-sleeve 8 is put around the basic portion 4 of the bottle 2, preferably starting from the side of the neck portion 5.
• a direction in which the sleeve 8 is moved with respect to the bottle 2 is diagrammatically indicated by means of two arrows.
• the sleeve 8 is shrunk onto the bottle 2 in a manner known per se.
• the package 1 which is obtained as a result of this manufacturing process is shown in figure 3.
• the shape of the package 1 does not deviate from the shape of a normal bottle, the package 1 may be processed and transported in a standard manner.
• the steps of inserting the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7 and applying the shrink-sleeve 8 around the bottle 2 may be carried out prior to the step of filling the bottle 2 with a liquid, but may as well be carried out after the filling step has been performed.
• the steps may be performed mechanically, but it is also possible that the steps are performed manually.
• At least a portion of the shrink-sleeve 8 is transparent, so that it is capable of letting through light that is emitted by the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 when it is in an activated condition.
• the shrink-sleeve 8 is mat, in order to be capable of evenly distributing this light.
• a shrink-sleeve 8 for the purpose of fixing the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7 and covering the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 and a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the bottle 2. It is also possible to apply another type of sleeve, or a label or a sticker, for example. In the latter case, it is preferred if the label or sticker is flexible to such an extent that it does not get torn when a user exerts pressure on the underlying chemiluminescent apparatus 3 for the purpose of activating this apparatus 3. Furthermore, it is not necessary to cover the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 and a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the bottle 2.
• the package 1 is used for containing a turbid liquid.
• a turbid liquid is capable of evenly distributing light which is emitted by the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 to the outside of the package 1 in an activated condition of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• a position of the recess 7 and the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 at the basic portion 4 of the bottle 2 is preferred, so that an effect of the liquid on the lighting appearance of the package 1 is maintained as long as possible.
• the package 1 may comprise more than one recess 7, and the package 1 may comprise more than one chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• the package 1 does not necessarily need to comprise a bottle 2 for containing the drink.
• any type of container may be part of the package 1.
• the container may be closeable, but this is not necessary.
• the container may also comprise a mug.
• FIGS 4 and 5 the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 and a preferred embodiment of the bottle 2 are shown, wherein the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is shown in a position in which it is located in the recess 7 of the bottle 2.
• Figure 4 shows the assembly of the bottle 2 and the chemiluminescent apparatus 3, with the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in a normal state
• figure 5 shows the assembly of the bottle 2 and the chemiluminescent apparatus 3, with the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in a deformed state.
• a pressure that is exerted on the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is diagrammatically indicated by means of an arrow, and the activation of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is diagrammatically indicated by means of a wave line behind the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• the recess 7 of the bottle 2 offers more than enough space for accommodating the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is located at a front side of the recess 7, wherein a space 9 is present behind the chemiluminescent apparatus 3. Due to the presence of this space 9, it is very easy for a user to activate the chemiluminescent apparatus 3, as the space 9 provides sufficient room for the necessary deformation of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• chemiluminescent apparatus 3 When the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is in a normal state, a front surface of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is flush with a surrounding portion of the outer surface of the bottle 2. When the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is in a deformed state, the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is bent. In this situation, the at least one breakable ampoule with liquid, which is part of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3, is broken, and the chemiluminescent reaction is realized.
• the bottle 2 Due to the presence of the space 9 behind the chemiluminescent apparatus 3, there is no need for a deformation of the bottle 2 in order to realize a deformation of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 that is sufficient for causing the chemiluminescent reaction. Therefore, there is no need for the bottle 2 to be flexible. Consequently, the bottle 2 may be manufactured of a non-flexible material like glass. For the purpose of producing a glass bottle 2 having the recess 7, well-known glass blowing techniques may be applied. In case the bottle 2 is manufactured of a flexible material like plastic (PET) , it is preferred if a user activates the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 prior to opening the bottle 2, in order to avoid a situation in which liquid is squeezed from the bottle 2.
• PET plastic
• the bottle 2 which is manufactured of a flexible material acts like a non-flexible bottle 2, due to a pressure that is prevailing inside the bottle 2. Therefore, in those cases, the presence of the space 9 behind the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is also advantageous, as the user is not capable of deforming the closed bottle 2.
• the package 1 according to the present invention has important advantages. A number of these advantages are listed below.
• the package 1 is a ready-to-use product.
• an end user or seller does not need to make a great effort. Instead, all that is needed is the application of a pressure on the chemiluminescent apparatus 3. This is particularly advantageous in the context of a bar or the like, in which the personnel needs to hand out a lot of drinks .
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 may be manufactured at relatively low costs, in specialized plants. During the manufacturing process, it is not necessary to account for food safety regulations, in view of the fact that in the package 1, it is impossible for the chemiluminescent liquids to mix with a drink that is contained by the package 1, even in case a leak occurs in the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 has a usual shape, as a result of which cheap chemiluminescent techniques can be applied.
• the final shape of the package 1 may correspond to the shape of any common bottle. Consequently, common transporting processes may be applied, and the packages 1 may be placed in common crates, for example.
• automated, high-speed production steps like rinsing and filling, during which bottles are picked and placed by specialized equipment, do not need to be adjusted. In this way, large investments may be avoided. Also, there is practically no risk of a premature activation of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• the package 1 may comprise any type of material. It is not necessary for the body 2 of the package 1 to be flexible, so the body 2 may be manufactured of glass. In many cases, the use of glass is preferred with respect to the use of plastic, for example, in view of the fact that in general, the use of glass involves less stringent food safety measures, easier transport processes, and more possibilities of recycling. Furthermore, in general, the appearance of a glass product is more appealing to a user than the appearance of a plastic product.
• the package 1 may be provided with a common shrink-sleeve 8, for both the purpose of fixing the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7 and displaying a print. Also in respect of the sleeve 8, adjustments of the various manufacturing processes and associated large investments are avoided. Furthermore, the application of a shrink-sleeve 8 has the advantage that in case of breakage of the body 2 of the package 1, the fragments are kept within the sleeve 8, so that the safety of the package 1 is enhanced.
• the package 1 may look like any other familiar package for containing drinks, and it will be no problem for a user to accept the package 1.
• the esthetic features of the package 1 may be chosen freely by a manufacturer.
• the package 1 comprises a bottle 2 having a recess 7 for receiving and accommodating a chemiluminescent apparatus 3.
• a front surface of the apparatus 3 is flush with a surrounding portion of an outer surface of the bottle 2, so that there is little or no interruption of an outer surface of the bottle
• the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 may be fixed in the recess 7 in any suitable manner.
• a shrink-sleeve 8 may be arranged around a basic portion 4 of the bottle 2, wherein the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 is retained in the recess 7.
• the package 1 may even be manufactured with the use of an existing production line for common bottles, wherein the only adjustments that need to be made are aimed at manufacturing the bottle 2 of the package 1 with a recess 7, supplying the chemiluminescent apparatus 3, inserting the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7, and fixing the chemiluminescent apparatus 3 in the recess 7.
• An important advantage of the present invention is related to the fact that the bottle 2 of the package 1 does not necessarily need to be flexible in order to allow for an activation of the chemiluminescent apparatus 3. Therefore, the bottle 2 may be a glass bottle.
• the present invention offers a ready-to- use product, and especially the combination of a glass bottle and a ready-to-use product is a main advantage over the prior art.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=35447972

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Cited By (3)

Citations (6)

• 2005
  • 2005-04-25 NL NL1028863A patent/NL1028863C2/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2006
  • 2006-03-23 TR TR2006/01370A patent/TR200601370A1/xx unknown
  • 2006-04-21 WO PCT/NL2006/000212 patent/WO2006115399A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (6)

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