WO2008023983A1

WO2008023983A1 - Sealing element for a drinks can, and drinks can provided with such a sealing element

Info

Publication number: WO2008023983A1
Application number: PCT/NL2007/050414
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sander Gordon Zweed
Original assignee: 4Sight Innovation B.V.
Priority date: 2006-08-23
Filing date: 2007-08-23
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: NL2000193C2

Abstract

The drinks can is one of the most accepted disposable packages worldwide for measured quantities of drink. The invention relates to an improved sealing element for drinks can. The invention also relates to a drinks can provided with such a sealing element. The invention further relates to a method for opening such a drinks can.

Description

Sealing element for a drinks can, and drinks can provided with such a sealing element

The invention relates to a sealing element for a drinks can, comprising a top element, which top element is provided with: a first weakening line bounding a passage opening to be formed for drink, a second weakening line bounding at least one ventilation opening to be formed; and an operating element connected to the top element. The invention also relates to a drinks can provided with such a sealing element. The invention further relates to a method for opening such a drinks can.

A conventional metal drinks can is generally formed by a substantially cylindrical body and a sealing element seam-folded onto the cylindrical body. The drinks can is one of the most accepted disposable packages worldwide for measured quantities of drink. Consumers generally appreciate the dimensioning and the design of the drinks cans which enhance handling of the cans. Drinks can moreover be conserved in the drinks cans in relatively durable manner. Soft drinks and beer are packaged worldwide on a large scale in drinks cans which are known particularly in the standard dimensions of 330 ml and 500 ml. The drinks cans are however also applied in other standardized dimensions (there are thus cans with a volume of, among others, 200 ml, 225 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml, 330 ml, 350 ml, 500 ml, slim cans, tall cans and so on). In conventional, standardized drinks cans the sealing element is provided with a weakening line which bounds a passage opening to be formed for drink, and with an operating element for tearing the weakening line so as to form the passage opening. Used as basic material for these cans is aluminium or sheet steel, to which a desired coating can be applied. The existing drinks cans have multiple drawbacks. A significant drawback of the known drinks cans is that the standardized passage opening has such small dimensions that pouring drink out of the drinks can relatively quickly and relatively smoothly is considerably impeded. The drink can generally only be removed from the drinks can in gurgling manner when a consumer wishes to pour the drink too quickly. During gurgling of the drink while it is being poured there is moreover a relatively high risk of spilling the drink, and soiling the consumer as a result.

The American patent US 5,011,037 describes an improved sealing element for a drinks can which comprises a top element, which top element is provided with a passage opening for drink defined by a first weakening and a ventilation opening defined by a second weakening. The sealing element also comprises an operating element connected to the top element for the purpose of creating the passage opening for drink. The top element is provided with an embossing at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed. When the drinks can is opened, a consumer will first have to press the embossing manually, preferably with the thumb or a finger, after which the consumer must form the passage opening for drink using the operating element. Because the sealing element is then provided with two openings, whereby the drinks can can be aerated continuously via the ventilation opening, gurgling of drink during pouring can be prevented. In addition to this great advantage, the known sealing element also has significant drawbacks. It has been found that it is relatively difficult to create the ventilation opening using the known sealing element, wherein the consumer must press relatively hard to in fact be able to create the ventilation opening, and this may be painful for the consumer. Furthermore, not all consumers will be capable of exerting sufficient pressure to be able to create the ventilation opening. In addition, the known sealing element is relatively unsafe in that the consumer comes into contact with the generally sharp edge of the ventilation opening when pushing through the second weakening line, whereby the consumer can be injured relatively easily. The invention has for its object to provide a relatively user-friendly sealing element for a drinks can.

The invention provides for this purpose a sealing element of the type state in the preamble, characterized in that the operating element is adapted for tearing the top element at the position of the first weakening line in order to form the passage opening for drink as well as for tearing the top element at the position of the second weakening line in order to form the ventilation opening, wherein the operating element is displaceable between a non-active position, in which forming of the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening using the operating element is prevented, and an active position in which the passage opening for drink can be formed using the operating element and in which the ventilation opening can be formed by pressing at least a part of the operating element in the direction of the top element. By applying the second weakening line a ventilation opening can be formed before pouring drink from the drinks can by tearing the top element at the position of the second weakening line and using the operating element. As already indicated in the foregoing, gurgling of drink during pouring of the drink can then be prevented, since the drinks can can be aerated continuously via the ventilation opening. Drink can therefore be removed from the drinks can by a consumer at relatively high pouring speed and in relatively smooth manner, which will in general considerably enhance the drinking experience for the consumer. In addition to the advantage that drink can be poured from the drinks can relatively quickly, and at the same time in smooth manner, the risk of spilling drink and the resulting soiling of the consumer can be in this way be limited. In addition to applying the ventilation opening in the drinks can, the drinks can according to the invention is also exceptional in that the applied operating element has a dual functionality; the operating element is adapted on the one hand to form the actual passage opening for drink, and is adapted on the other to form the ventilation opening through pressing of the operating element in the direction of the top element. A consumer therefore no longer has to exert direct pressure on the top element, and this can take place via the operating element, whereby a pressure exerted by the consumer can be exerted in concentrated manner by the operating element on the top element at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed, which considerably facilitates the creation of the ventilation opening. Furthermore, through the use of the operating element to create the ventilation opening, no additional structural components are necessary to enable generation of the ventilation opening, which considerably enhances the efficiency of the construction of the drinks can and reduces the cost price of the drinks can. It is noted here that it is not generally recommended to physically attach the operating element to the top element at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed, since this would impede the displacement of the operating element between the non-active position and the active position. With the physical attachment of the operating element to the top element at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed a consumer would perhaps be inclined to pull loose (in a direction away from the drinks can) a part of the top element lying within the second weakening line, instead of pressing this part of the top element (in a direction toward the drinks can). Pulling loose instead of pressing the part of the top element lying within the second weakening line is however undesirable, because pulling loose will be considerably more difficult than pressing the top element at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed. Furthermore, the construction of the sealing element is generally so weak that a consumer would relatively easily pull apart the operating element and/or the (undesirable) physical connection between the operating element and the top element at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed, which would detract from a reliable and safe operation of the sealing element. The sealing element according to the invention is therefore preferably not provided with a physical coupling between the operating element and the top element at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed, and the operating element is adapted only for pressing of the top element for the purpose of being able to create the drink opening. A further advantage of pressing the top element in order to create the ventilation opening is that the consumer will not be able to injure him/herself on a peripheral edge of the ventilation opening, since it is protected by the operating element. Displacement of the operating element between a non-active position and an active position has the advantage that accidental opening of the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening can be prevented. In general, the second weakening line will moreover be visible to a consumer, at least in the non- active position of the sealing element, whereby a consumer will see that the sealing element is provided with the second weakening line. Tests have shown that it is advantageous if a consumer can see the second weakening line, because the consumer would then be more inclined to open the sealing element in the correct manner, wherein both the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening are opened. If the second weakening line is initially concealed, a consumer would usually be inclined in the first instance to open only the passage opening for drink in the conventional manner, which would detract from the actual, advantageous operation of the sealing element according to the invention. In order to be able to facilitate the creation of the ventilation opening using the operating element, it is advantageous when the operating element comprises a first contact surface remote from the top element and a second contact surface directed toward the top element, wherein the first contact surface is larger than the second contact surface. A relatively large first contact surface is relatively advantageous for a consumer in enabling relatively simple, stable and painless gripping of the operating element. A relatively small second contact surface is relatively advantageous in enabling concentrated transfer to the top element (via the relatively small contact surface) of a load exerted on the operating element by the consumer, which facilitates tearing of the second weakening line. The operating element thus acts here in fact as a pressure-building element to facilitate the creation of the ventilation opening. A first outer end of the operating element is more preferably adapted to tear the first weakening line and thereby form the passage opening for drink, and a second outer end of the operating element remote from the first end is adapted to tear the second weakening line and thereby form the ventilation opening. A consumer can hereby form both openings in relatively user-friendly and rapid manner. Each opening can moreover be formed by making use of a part of the operating element which has not yet been previously loaded in similar manner, whereby material fatigue of the operating element can be prevented, which enhances substantially the reliability of the operating element. If a part of the operating element were adapted to form both the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening, material fatigue would generally occur, whereby the realization of the opening to be formed as second opening can cause problems due to deformation and even breaking of the operating element as a result of the material fatigue. The operating element will generally be connected to the top element between the first outer end and the second outer end, whereby the operating element can function as a lever, on the one hand for the purpose of realizing the passage opening for the drink and on the other for the purpose of realizing the ventilation opening.

In a preferred embodiment the top element is provided with an embossing at least at the position of the second weakening line, which embossing extends in a direction toward the operating element. The embossing is preferably partly enclosed by the second weakening line. Application of the embossing at the position of the second weakening line facilitates forming of the ventilation opening for a consumer in that the consumer will identify relatively quickly the position in which the operating element must be oriented to enable forming of the ventilation opening. The pressure during forming of the ventilation opening can moreover be increased in relatively simple manner by applying a specifically formed embossing, whereby the contact surface between the operating element and the top element can be limited at the position of the ventilation opening to be formed. It will be apparent that this pressure increase can also be achieved by giving the operating element a particular form, for instance by providing the operating element with a (tapering) projection. The embossing more preferably has an inclining progression in longitudinal section and/or cross-section. Particularly in the case where the operating element is positioned in the first instance in a non-active position in which forming of the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening using the operating element is impeded, the application of an inclining embossing is usually particularly advantageous, since the operating element can generally then be positioned in relatively simple and user-friendly manner in an active position, in which the ventilation opening (and optionally the passage opening for drink) can be formed by making use of the operating element. When displaced from the non-active position to the active position the operating element will be rotated relative to the top element and be guided partly in upward direction (away from the top element) by the inclining embossing. An additional advantage of applying the inclining embossing or protrusion is that a space is generated between the operating element and the top element by the upward displacement of at least a part of the operating element, in which space a consumer can place part of a finger in relatively simple manner so as to further displace the part of the operating element at the position of the ventilation opening in upward direction (away from the top element) in order to enable forming of the passage opening for drink.

In order to enable easier forming of the passage opening for drink, the operating element is preferably provided with at least one first projection directed toward the first weakening line. The projection can transmit a load exerted on the operating element by a consumer onto the top element at the position of the first weakening line via a relatively small contact surface, whereby a relatively high pressure can be exerted on the top element by the consumer in relatively simple manner. In another preferred embodiment the operating element is provided with at least one second projection directed toward the second weakening line, whereby opening of the ventilation opening can also be facilitated, as already indicated in the foregoing. The first projection and the second projection are more preferably positioned on respective opposite ends of the operating element. By positioning the two projections on opposite ends of the operating element a relatively user-friendly sealing element can be obtained, in that a user can in this way create both the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening in relatively rapid and simple manner. In a particular preferred embodiment the above- mentioned embossing arranged in the top element is provided with a recess adapted to receive at least a part of the second projection. In this way the operating element can be positioned in a correct orientation (the active position) relative to the top element in relatively simple manner by a consumer to enable creation of the ventilation opening. The active position will be immediately recognisable to the consumer in that the second projection of the operating element will generally at least more or less snap into the recess and usually be secured by the recess. Arranging the second projection in the recess will not only be advantageous in making the (ideal) active position known to the consumer, but will also facilitate the creation of the ventilation opening in that the orientation of the operating element relative to the top element will be substantially locked by applying the second projection and the recess in the top element, whereby undesired sliding of the operating element off the embossing while pressure is being exerted on the operating element can be prevented in this manner. While a consumer is exerting a pressure directed toward the top element on the operating element, the exerted pressure can be transmitted substantially wholly and in stable manner onto the embossing by the locking, whereby the ventilation opening can be created in relatively reliable manner.

As stated, the operating element is displaceable between a non-active position in which forming of the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening using the operating element is prevented, and an active position in which the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening can be formed using the operating element. As also stated, the operating element is adapted, at least in the non-active position, to leave clear at least a part of the second weakening line, whereby a consumer will immediately see that the sealing element is provided with the second weakening line, whereby the consumer will be more inclined to open the sealing element according to the invention in the correct manner. In an alternative preferred embodiment however, the operating element is adapted in the non-active position to at least partly cover the passage opening to be formed for drink and/or the ventilation opening to be formed. In this manner it is possible to prevent, or at least discourage, unintentional opening of the at least one covered opening before use. It is possible here to envisage the operating element in the non-active position at least partly covering the ventilation opening to be formed, while the ventilation opening to be formed is nevertheless visible to a consumer.

In order to enable displacement of the operating element from the non-active to the active position, the operating element is preferably connected displaceably to the top element. The operating element is more preferably connected slidably and/or rotatably to the top element. In the case of a rotatable connection, the rotatable connection can for instance be formed by a pin which mutually connects the operating element and the top element. The operating element here preferably protrudes on at least two sides relative to the pin, wherein, in the case a first projection and a second projection are applied as described in the foregoing, the two projections are positioned on either side relative to the pin. It is however also possible to envisage the operating element being connected to the top element by means of a clamp coupling. This latter clamp coupling can be particularly advantageous since no specific coupling elements (such as for instance a pin) are required for realizing coupling between the top element and the operating element.

In a preferred embodiment the dimensioning of the sealing element falls within a dimensioning which is standardized for sealing elements for drinks cans. By having the sealing element comply with a standardized dimensioning, hardly any modifications need be made in the conventional production process for manufacturing standardized drinks cans. The sealing element according to the invention, and thereby the drinks can provided with the sealing element according to the invention, can thus be realized while retaining (practically) the complete infrastructure suitable for the prior art drinks cans, such as for instance filling lines, packaging equipment, transport means, supply containers, cooling means, vending machines and so on. In a particular preferred embodiment the diameter of the sealing element amounts substantially to 5.4 centimetres. 54 millimetres corresponds to 2 2/16 inch, which is a standardized diameter for drinks cans usually designated with type specification '202'. It is however also possible to envisage the sealing element according to the invention complying with another standardized dimensioning, such as for instance a sealing element designated with type specification '206'. This latter sealing element has a standardized diameter of 2 6/16 inch, which corresponds to a diameter of 7 centimetres. In at least the non-active position the operating element is preferably situated substantially in a space defined within the top element. The top element will generally be seam-folded onto a cylindrical body of a drinks can, wherein the top element has been or is provided with a standing edge, and is therefore in fact cup-shaped. By positioning the operating element, at least in the non-active position, substantially within the space defined by the cup-shaped top element, the beverage container will not be provided with any protruding components, or hardly so. The dimensioning of the beverage container according to the invention does not therefore have to differ from conventional beverage containers of more or less the same type, or hardly so, which is particularly favourable from a logistical viewpoint.

The top element and/or the operating element is preferably manufactured from metal, in particular aluminium. Metals are generally particularly suitable in enabling conservation of beverages. The use of aluminium is particularly recommended since aluminium can be processed relatively easily, is relatively strong and inexpensive, and has a relatively low specific weight (27000 kg/m3). Aluminium moreover has relatively good barrier properties, is non-toxic, has a relatively good resistance to oxidation, and in general can moreover be recycled relatively well. Although generally less preferable, it is also possible to envisage the top element and/or the operating element being manufactured from other types of material, such as for instance plastic.

The invention also relates to a drinks can provided with a sealing element according to the invention. Advantages of the drinks can provided with the sealing element according to the invention have already been described at length in the foregoing.

The invention further relates to a method for opening a drinks can according to the invention, comprising the steps of: A) changing the orientation of the operating element relative to the top element such that the top element tears at the position of the first weakening line, thus forming the passage opening for drink, and B) pressing the operating element in the direction of the top element such that the top element tears at the position of the second weakening line, thus forming the ventilation opening. Steps A) and B) will generally be carried out asynchronously, wherein it is possible to envisage step A) being carried out before step B) as well as step B) being carried out before step A). The method preferably also comprises step C) comprising of changing the orientation of the operating element relative to the top element before forming the passage opening and the ventilation opening respectively as according to steps A) and B), such that the operating element is brought from a non-active position into an active position so as to enable performing of steps A) and B). The displacement of the operating element from the non-active position to the active position will generally take place by moving the operating element in a plane lying substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top element. In a preferred embodiment the operating element is forced, during displacement of the operating element as according to step C), at least partly in a direction away from the top element as a result of a co-action of the operating element with an embossing forming part of the top element. The displacement in upward direction (away from the top element) of at least a part of the operating element generally improves the accessibility of the operating element for a consumer considerably, and this in general considerably facilitates for a consumer the forming of both the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening. The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a part of a drinks can provided with a sealing element according to the invention, figures 2a-2f show successively a first method of opening the drinks can according to figure 1, figures 3a-3g show successively a second method of opening the drinks can according to figure 1, figure 4a shows a cross-section of another drinks can provided with a sealing element according to the invention in closed position, figure 4b shows a detailed cross-section of the drinks can according to figure 4a in a partially opened position, figure 4c shows another cross-section of the drinks can according to figure 4a in a partially opened position, figure 4d shows a cross-section of the drinks can according to figure 4a in a fully opened position, figure 5a shows a perspective view of yet another drinks can provided with a sealing element according to the invention in a closed, non-active position, figure 5b shows a perspective view of the drinks can according to figure 5a in a closed, active position, figure 5c shows another perspective view of the drinks can according to figure 5a in a closed, active position, figure 5d shows a cross-section of the drinks can according to figure 5a in the closed, active position, figure 5e shows a cross-section of the drinks can according to figure 5a in a partially opened position, figure 6a shows a perspective view of another drinks can provided with a sealing element according to the invention in a closed, non-active position, figure 6b shows a perspective view of the drinks can according to figure 6a in a closed, active position, figure 6c shows another perspective view of the drinks can according to figure 6a in a partially opened, active position, figure 6d shows a cross-section of the drinks can according to figure 5a in a fully opened position, figures 7a-7d are respective cross-sections of the sealing element as shown in figures 6a-6d, and figure 8 is a perspective bottom view of an operating element for use in the sealing element as shown in figures 6a-7d.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a part of a drinks can 1 provided with a sealing element 2 according to the invention. Sealing element 2 is connected to drinks can 1 by means of seam -folding. Sealing element 2 comprises a first weakening line 3 which bounds a passage opening 4 to be formed for drink, and an operating element 6 which is rotatably connected via a central pin 5 to sealing element 2 for the purpose of exerting pressure on the first weakening line 3, whereby this line will begin to tear and thus form the passage opening 4 for drink. In order to be able to ensure smooth pouring of drink irrespective of the speed at which it is poured, a second weakening line 7 is also arranged in sealing element 2, which second weakening line 7 bounds an elongate ventilation opening 8 to be formed. The second weakening line 7 can be torn by exerting a load on the second weakening line 7 by means of operating element 6, whereby this line will tear and thus form ventilation opening 8. In order to improve the contact between operating element 6 and sealing element 2 at the position of the ventilation opening 8 to be formed, sealing element 2 has an embossed form at the position of the ventilation opening 8 to be formed, whereby it becomes immediately apparent to a consumer in which position the operating element 6 must be positioned in order to be able to create ventilation opening 8. In this manner a part of operating element 6 is moreover displaced in upward direction, whereby a space is created between operating element 6 and sealing element 2 in which a finger of the consumer can be inserted in order to enable relatively simple further movement of operating element 6 in upward direction in order to break sealing element 2 at the position of the first weakening line 3. Operating element 6 is provided with a projection 9 adapted for co-action with sealing element 2 at the position of the ventilation opening 8 to be formed. The projection can maximize a pressure exerted on sealing element 2 by the consumer, whereby generating of ventilation opening 8 will be facilitated. A top side of operating element 6 remote from sealing element 2 takes a profiled form in order to improve the grip for a consumer. As already noted, ventilation opening 8 has an elongate, and in particular elliptic form in order to facilitate forming of the actual ventilation opening 8. If ventilation opening 8 were to be given a round form, the second weakening line 7 would generally be considerably stronger than if ventilation opening 8 were elongate, whereby the forming of a ventilation opening 8 with elongate form will generally be simpler than the forming of a ventilation opening 8 with a substantially round form. It is noted that ventilation opening 8 is deliberately positioned close to or along a peripheral edge 10 of sealing element 2, substantially opposite the passage opening 4 to be formed for drink, in order to be able to optimize aerating of drinks can 1 during pouring of drink. Unintended passage of drink through ventilation opening 8 can be avoided as far as possible in this way. The actual passage opening 4 has a standardized dimension and design and is sufficiently large to pour or swig drink directly from drinks can 1 into the mouth of the consumer. In an alternative embodiment drink can be sucked from drinks can 1 by making use of a straw. In this latter case it is also possible to envisage the passage opening 4 for drink being embodied considerably smaller, wherein the free space between sealing element 2 and the straw is minimized, which will usually be advantageous from the viewpoint of hygiene. The risk of spilling drink is moreover minimized in this manner.

Figures 2a-2f show successively a first method of opening drinks can 1 according to figure 1. Operating element 6 is first displaced in upward direction (arrow A in figure 2b) from the closed position as shown in figure 2a, whereby the first weakening line 3 is torn and whereby passage opening 4 is formed as a result (figure 2c). Operating element 6 is then rotated slightly relative to sealing element 2 (arrow B in figure 2d) in order to orient operating element 6 substantially in line with the ventilation opening 8 to be formed, whereafter or wherein operating element 6 will once again be displaced in downward direction (figure 2e). Finally, operating element 6 is pressed against sealing element 2 at the position of the ventilation opening 8 to be formed (arrow C in figure 2f), whereby the second weakening line 7 will tear and ventilation opening 8 will be formed.

Figures 3a-3g show successively an alternative method of opening drinks can 1 according to figure 1. Operating element 6 is first rotated relative to sealing element 2 (arrow D) from the closed position as shown in figure 3a, until sealing element 2 lies in line with the ventilation opening 8 to be formed (figure 3b). Ventilation opening 8 is then formed by causing operating element 6 to exert a pressure on the second weakening line 7, whereby ventilation opening 8 is formed (arrow E in figure 3c). Operating element 6 is then displaced in upward direction (arrow F in figure 3d), whereby the first weakening line 3 is torn and passage opening 4 for drink is consequently formed (figure 3e). Finally, operating element 6 is once again displaced in downward direction (arrow G in figure 3f) until operating element 2 is again oriented substantially horizontally and lies in a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by sealing element 2 (figure 3g).

Figure 4a shows a cross-section of another drinks can 11 provided with a sealing element 12 according to the invention in closed position. Sealing element 12 comprises a first weakening 13 and a second weakening 14 for respectively bounding a passage opening 15 to be formed for drink and a ventilation opening 16 to be formed for venting or aerating drinks can 11. Sealing element 12 is provided with an operating tab 17 which is rotatably connected to sealing element 12 and given a profiled form on a top side, wherein a first outer end 17a of operating tab 17 is adapted to exert a high pressure on sealing element 12 such that the first weakening 13 can be broken and passage opening 15 can be formed as a result, and wherein a second opposite outer end 17b of operating tab 17 is adapted to exert a high pressure on sealing element 12 such that the second weakening 14 can be broken and ventilation opening 16 can consequently be formed. Operating tab 17 is rotatably (and pivotally) connected to sealing element 12 between first end 17a and second end 17b. Sealing element 12 is provided at the position of the second weakening 13 with an inclining projection 18, which projection

18 functions as guide element for a counter-projection 19 forming part of operating tab 17. The use of projection 18 and counter-projection 19 makes it possible to orient operating tab 17 in a non-active position, in which projection 18 and counter-projection

19 do not (cannot) co-act with each other and in which operating tab 17 at least partly covers the ventilation opening 16 to be formed, whereby unintentional opening of ventilation opening 16 can be prevented. By then rotating operating tab 17 relative to sealing element 12 from the non-active position to an active position (figure 4b), in which projection 18 and counter-projection 19 are adapted to be able to co-act with each other, ventilation opening 16 can be formed by exerting a pressure on operating tab 17 in the direction of sealing element 12. A point load, whereby ventilation opening 16 can be formed in relatively efficient manner (figure 4c), results from the use of projection 18 and counter-projection 19. The second outer end 17b of operating tab 17 can then be displaced in upward direction, whereby the first outer end 17a of operating tab 17 is displaced in downward direction, as a result of which a high load can be exerted on sealing element 12 at the position of passage opening 15 for drink such that the first weakening 13 will tear, thus forming the actual passage opening 15 (see figure 4d), and whereby drinks can 11 is fully opened.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of yet another drinks can 20 (partially shown) provided with a sealing element 21 according to the invention in a closed position. Sealing element 21 is manufactured from aluminium and connected in seam-folded manner to drinks can 20 at a peripheral edge 22. Sealing element 21 comprises a first weakening line 23 which encloses a passage opening 24 to be formed for drink, and a second weakening line 25 which encloses a substantially kidney-shaped ventilation opening 26 to be formed. Sealing element 21 is given an accidented form at the position of ventilation opening 26 to be formed. More particularly the sealing element 21 is provided here with a protrusion 27 which has a substantially symmetrical form in longitudinal section. Sealing element 21 is provided with a central operating element 28 which is adapted to tear both the first weakening line 23 and second weakening line 25 in order to generate respectively the passage opening 24 for drink and ventilation opening 26. Sealing element 21 is provided here with a curved strengthening rib 29 surrounding the first weakening line 23 so as to prevent excessive tearing of sealing element 21 during forming of passage opening 24. Operating element 28 is rotatably connected to sealing element 21 at a position lying between passage opening 24 to be formed for drink and ventilation opening 26 to be formed. A top side of operating element 28 has a profiled form in order to enable an improved grip for a consumer.

Operating element 28 is further provided with a projection 30 protruding in the direction of sealing element 21. Projection 30 is adapted here for co-action with protrusion 27 forming part of sealing element 21, in order to facilitate the realization of ventilation opening 26. Protrusion 27 is provided here with a centrally located, recessed part 31 for the purpose of providing a preferred orientation in which projection 30 can co-act with protrusion 27, and in particular with recessed part 31 of protrusion 27. In the shown, closed, non-active position the operating element 28 is oriented such that operating element 28 cannot co-act with sealing element 21 at the position of the ventilation opening 26 to be formed. Only after rotation of operating element 28 relative to sealing element 21 can projection 30 of operating element 28 be brought into contact with the centrally located recessed part 31 of protrusion 27 (see figures 5b and 5c).

Figures 5b, 5c, and 5d respectively show different perspective views of drinks can 20 according to figure 5a, here however in a closed, active position. In the shown situation operating element 28 is rotated relative to sealing element 21 (with a view to the position shown in figure 5a), wherein projection 30 of operating element 28 is brought into contact with protrusion 27 of sealing element 21 at the position of the ventilation opening 26 to be formed. Projection 30 is more particularly positioned in stable manner, and in fact enclosed, in the recessed part 31 of protrusion 27 (see figures 5c and 5d). In the shown situation a consumer (or any other user) can exert a pressure on operating element 28 at the position of projection 30 in a direction toward sealing element 21, whereby the second weakening line 25 will break and ventilation opening 26 will be formed as a result (see figure 5e). Operating element 28 can then be displaced in upward direction (away from sealing element 21) at the position of projection 30, whereby an outer end of operating element 28 situated close to the passage opening 24 to be formed for drink will be displaced in downward direction and the first weakening line 23 can be torn. Passage opening 24 for drink will be formed by tearing the first weakening line 23. With reference to figures 5d and 5e, it is noted that protrusion 27 of sealing element 21, which has a substantially symmetrical form in longitudinal cross- section, has a substantially asymmetrical form in cross-section at the position of the ventilation opening 26 which is to be formed or has been formed. These figures show more particularly that the height of protrusion 27 decreases in a direction away from passage opening 24 to be formed for drink, i.e. in a direction toward peripheral edge 22 of sealing element 21 , which considerably improves the user-friendliness in forming of the ventilation opening 26 of sealing element 21 of drinks can 20. During forming of ventilation opening 26 the projection 30 will generally slide over protrusion 27 from a higher part (see figure 5d) to a lower part (see figure 5e) of central part 31 of protrusion 27, whereby ventilation opening 26 can be formed in a uniform and reliable manner.

Figure 6a shows a perspective view of another drinks can 32 provided with a sealing element 33 according to the invention in a closed position. The construction of sealing element 33 corresponds substantially to that of sealing element 21 shown in figures 5a- 5d. Sealing element 33 comprises a top element 34 which is manufactured from aluminium and connected in seam-folded manner to drinks can 32 on a peripheral edge. Top element 34 comprises a first weakening line 35 which encloses a passage opening 36 to be formed for drink, and a second weakening line 37 which encloses a ventilation opening 38 to be formed. Top element 33 comprises an inclining embossing 39 which is defined partially by the second weakening line 37. Embossing 39 is provided with a recess 40 at the position of the ventilation opening 38 to be formed. Sealing element 33 also comprises a central operating element 41 which is rotatably connected to top element 34 and which is adapted to cause tearing of both the first weakening line 35 and second weakening line 37 in order to generate respectively the passage opening 36 for drink and ventilation opening 38. An outer end of operating element 41 is provided with a first projection 42 to facilitate creation of passage opening 36 for drink. An opposite end of operating element 41 is provided with a profile 43 to enable an improved grip for a consumer, wherein a central part of profile 43 protrudes to form a recess relative to operating element 41 , and thereby in fact forms a second protrusion 44 adapted for co- action with recess 40 of embossing 39 of top element 34 for the purpose of facilitating creation of ventilation opening 38. As shown in figures 6a-6d, and also in figure 8, a contact surface (top surface) remote from top element 34 for a consumer is much larger than a contact surface (formed by second projection 44) directed toward top element 34, whereby operating element 42 is adapted to increase a pressure exerted by the consumer to a substantially higher pressure, which will then be exerted on top element 34. This pressure build-up realized by operating element 41 considerably facilitates creation of ventilation opening 38, wherein the chance of injury to the consumer is minimized in that a sharp edge surrounding ventilation opening 38 is covered by operating element 41. In the shown closed, non-active position operating element 41 is oriented such that operating element 41 cannot co-act with top element 34 at the position of the ventilation opening 38 to be formed (see also figure 7a). By rotating operating element 41 relative to top element 34 the second projection 44 will slide over embossing 39 as far as recess 40, whereby second projection 44 is in fact locked and the relative orientation of operating element 41 and top element 34 is substantially fixed (see figures 6b and 7b). In this active position, in which profile 43 of operating element 41 is in raised position, operating element 41 is readily accessible to a consumer, whereby second projection 44 is pushed relatively easily in the direction of top element 34, whereby the second weakening line 37 will tear and ventilation opening 38 will thus be created (see figures 6c and 7c). Operating element 41 will then be displaced in upward direction (away from top element 34) at the position of second projection 44, whereby first projection 42 will engage on top element 34 at the position of the first weakening line 35, whereby the first weakening line 35 will tear and passage opening 36 for drink will thus be opened (see figures 6d and 7d), after which the drink can be poured from drinks can 32 in relatively smooth manner without gurgling. Figure 6d otherwise also shows that the second weakening line 37 only partially surrounds embossing 39, whereby a relatively small ventilation opening 38 is formed. The relatively small ventilation opening 38 is however sufficiently large to enable sufficient venting (when opening drinks can 38) and aeration (when pouring drink from drinks can 38) of the drinks can.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in the field.

Claims

1. Sealing element for a drinks can, comprising:

- a top element, which top element is provided with: o a first weakening line bounding a passage opening to be formed for drink, o a second weakening line bounding at least one ventilation opening to be formed; and

- an operating element connected to the top element, characterized in that the operating element is adapted for tearing the top element at the position of the first weakening line in order to form the passage opening for drink as well as for tearing the top element at the position of the second weakening line in order to form the ventilation opening, wherein the operating element is displaceable between a non-active position, in which forming of the passage opening for drink and the ventilation opening using the operating element is prevented, and an active position in which the passage opening for drink can be formed using the operating element and in which the ventilation opening can be formed by pressing at least a part of the operating element in the direction of the top element.

2. Sealing element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the operating element comprises a first contact surface remote from the top element and a second contact surface directed toward the top element, wherein the first contact surface is larger than the second contact surface.

3. Sealing element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing element is provided with an embossing at least at the position of the second weakening line, which embossing extends in a direction toward the operating element.

4. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the embossing has an inclining progression in longitudinal section.

5. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the operating element is provided with at least one first projection directed toward the first weakening line.

6. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the operating element is provided with at least one second projection directed toward the second weakening line.

7. Sealing element as claimed in claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the first projection and the second projection are positioned on respective opposite ends of the operating element.

8. Sealing element as claimed in claim 3 or 4 and any of the claims 5-7, characterized in that the embossing is provided with a recess adapted to receive at least a part of the second projection.

9. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the second weakening line is at least partially covered in the non-active position of the operating element.

10. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the operating element is connected displaceably, in particular rotatably, to the sealing element for the purpose of enabling displacement of the operating element between the non-active and the active position.

1 1. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the dimensioning of the sealing element falls within a dimensioning which is standardized for sealing elements for drinks cans.

12. Sealing element as claimed in claim 11 , characterized in that the diameter of the sealing element amounts substantially to 5.4 centimetres.

13. Sealing element as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the non- active position of the sealing element the operating element is positioned at least substantially within a space defined by the top element.

14. Sealing element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sealing element is manufactured from metal, in particular aluminium.

15. Drinks can provided with a sealing element as claimed in any of the claims 1-14.

16. Method for opening a drinks can as claimed in claim 15, comprising the steps of:

A) changing the orientation of the operating element relative to the top element such that the top element tears at the position of the first weakening line, thus forming the passage opening for drink, and

B) pressing the operating element in the direction of the top element such that the top element tears at the position of the second weakening line, thus forming the ventilation opening.

17. Method as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that steps A) and B) are carried out asynchronously.

18. Method as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the method also comprises step C), comprising of changing the orientation of the operating element relative to the top element before forming the passage opening and the ventilation opening respectively as according to steps A) and B), such that the operating element is brought from a non-active position into an active position so as to enable performing of steps A) and B).

19. Method as claimed in any of the claims 16-18, characterized in that the operating element is forced, during displacement of the operating element as according to step C), at least partly in a direction away from the top element as a result of a co- action of the operating element with an embossing forming part of the top element.