U.S. patent application number 09/853815 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for cover mountable to beverage container and mounting method and apparatus thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Conic Korea Inc.. Invention is credited to Song, Jong Hoon.
Application Number | 20010019058 09/853815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27555138 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Song, Jong Hoon |
September 6, 2001 |
Cover mountable to beverage container and mounting method and
apparatus thereof
Abstract
Disclosed is a cover mountable to a beverage container and
mounting method and apparatus thereof. The container cover
detachably mountable to an upper surface of a beverage container
comprises a body which is formed to have substantially a
disc-shaped configuration. The body is partly cut away from an edge
toward a center thereof thereby to define a beverage discharging
opening which has a predetermined width and a predetermined
contour. The beverage discharging opening is capable of being
selectively communicated with a discharging hole of the beverage
container as the body is rotated. An inner end of the beverage
discharging opening is delimited by a rotation guiding part which
has a predetermined curvature to guide rotation of the body. The
body has a straw insertion hole which is defined therein at a
predetermined location to have a predetermined diameter in a manner
such that a straw can be inserted therethrough. The body further
has an advertisement surface which has a predetermined area in a
manner such that an advertising design, letters, and so forth can
be printed or an attachment can be affixed thereon.
Inventors: |
Song, Jong Hoon; (Paju,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KINNEY & LANGE, P.A.
THE KINNEY & LANGE BUILDING
312 SOUTH THIRD STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55415-1002
US
|
Assignee: |
Conic Korea Inc.
824-21 Yeoksam-Dong, Gangnam-Gu
Seoul
KR
135-934
|
Family ID: |
27555138 |
Appl. No.: |
09/853815 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09853815 |
May 11, 2001 |
|
|
|
09534203 |
Mar 24, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/258.2 ;
220/253; 220/257.2; 220/258.5; 220/716; 220/730; 413/13; 413/47;
413/52; 53/133.2; 53/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/007 20130101;
B65D 2517/0025 20130101; B65D 17/4012 20180101; B65D 2517/0013
20130101; B65D 2517/004 20130101; B65D 2517/0041 20130101; B65D
2517/0098 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/258 ;
220/253; 220/716; 220/730; 413/13; 413/47; 413/52; 53/412;
53/133.2 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22; B65D
051/22; B21D 051/44; B65B 061/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 25, 1999 |
KR |
99-35332 |
Nov 17, 1999 |
KR |
99-51022 |
Dec 17, 1999 |
KR |
99-58534 |
Jan 25, 2000 |
KR |
00-2006 |
Feb 29, 2000 |
KR |
00-5570 |
Feb 29, 2000 |
KR |
00-5571 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container cover detachably mountable to an upper surface of a
beverage container, the container cover comprising: a body formed
to have substantially a disc-shaped configuration, the body being
partly cut away from an edge toward a center thereof thereby to
define a beverage discharging opening which has a predetermined
width and a predetermined contour, the beverage discharging opening
capable of being selectively communicated with a discharging hole
of the beverage container as the body is rotated, an inner end of
the beverage discharging opening being delimited by a rotation
guiding part which has a predetermined curvature to guide rotation
of the body, the body having a straw insertion hole which is
defined therein at a predetermined location to have a predetermined
diameter in a manner such that a straw can be inserted
therethrough, the body further having an advertisement surface
which has a predetermined area in a manner such that an advertising
design, letters, and so forth can be printed or an attachment can
be affixed thereon.
2. The container cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein a film member
is provided in the straw insertion hole in a manner such that it
closes the straw insertion hole and is torn when the straw is
inserted through the straw insertion hole.
3. The container cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the beverage
discharging opening is formed with a bulged part which has a preset
curvature in a manner such that the beverage discharging opening
has the same contour as the discharging hole of the beverage
container thereby to enable an opening operation for the beverage
container using a pull tab to be smoothly performed.
4. The container cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container
cover is formed with at least one filtering hole which serves to
filter solid matters existing in the beverage container.
5. The container cover as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4,
wherein a protective tape is removably attached to an upper surface
of the container cover in a manner such that it serves to prevent
foreign substances from directly adhering to the upper surface of
the container cover.
6. The container cover as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
protective tape is removably attached to an entire upper surface of
the container cover, and dotted cut lines are selectively formed
around the beverage discharging opening, the straw insertion hole
and/or the filtering hole, thereby enabling a user to selectively
and partially remove the protective tape as occasion demands and
use the correspondingly exposed opening or hole; and wherein a
removal tab portion is provided in each piece of the protective
tape, which is independently removed from the entire protective
tape.
7. A container cover rotatably mountable to an upper surface of a
container end of a beverage container, the container cover having a
beverage discharging opening which is formed to have a
predetermined contour and is selectively communicated with a
discharging hole which is defined in the upper surface of the
container end of the beverage container, the container cover
comprising: a straw supporting member including a supporting part
and a straw insertion part, the supporting part having a
rectangular configuration and being formed at one end thereof with
a dotted cut line in a manner such that it can be folded along the
dotted cut line from a plane of the container cover, and the straw
insertion part integrally connected to the other end of the
supporting part, the straw insertion part having substantially an
annular ring-shaped configuration and being formed at a boundary
portion between the supporting part and itself with a dotted cut
line in a manner such that it can be folded along the dotted cut
line from a plane of the supporting part, the straw insertion part
having a straw insertion hole through which a straw can be
inserted.
8. The container cover as claimed in claim 7, wherein a
semi-circular groove is defined in the container cover at a
predetermined position in such a manner that it faces the other end
of the straw insertion part, which is opposed to the other end of
the supporting part, thereby facilitating a folding operation of
the straw supporting member.
9. A container cover detachably mountable to an upper end of a
beverage container, the upper end of the beverage container being
defined with a discharging hole and having a pull tab for opening
the discharging hole, the container cover having a beverage
discharging opening and a straw insertion hole, the container cover
comprising: a plurality of protuberances formed on the container
cover at both sides of the beverage discharging opening for
allowing a user to easily rotate the container cover; a plurality
of tab lifting projections formed on the container cover for
lifting the pull tab as the container cover is rotated; and a
filtering part formed with at least one filtering hole, the
filtering part projecting upward from a plane of the container
cover and being delimited by a press line which is formed
therearound in a manner such that the filtering part can be
depressed into the discharging hole of the upper end of the
beverage container thereby to be flushed with a lower surface of
the upper end of the beverage container.
10. The container cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein each tab
lifting projection has a pair of upward inclined portions which are
formed at both sides thereof, respectively, and a tab supporting
portion which is flatly formed between the pair of upward inclined
portions.
11. The container cover as claimed in claim 8, wherein each tab
lifting projection has a pair of upward inclined portions which are
formed at both sides thereof, respectively, and a tab supporting
portion which is depressed downward between the pair of upward
inclined portions.
12. A method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, comprising the processes of: forming a body of
the beverage container, in which a beverage is to be accommodated;
forming a container end which is to be coupled to an upper end of
the body of the beverage container and to which a pull tab for
opening a discharging part and thereby defining a discharging hole
is coupled, the discharging hole allowing the beverage to be
discharged out of the beverage container therethrough; coupling the
container end to the upper end of the body of the beverage
container in a state wherein the beverage is accommodated in the
body of the beverage container; forming a container cover which is
composed of a body of substantially a disc-shaped configuration and
is mounted to an upper surface of the container end, the body being
formed at least with a beverage discharging opening and a straw
insertion hole; and rotatably coupling the container cover formed
in the container cover forming process, between the upper surface
of the container end and the pull tab, while the container end
forming process is implemented.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the container cover
forming process is implemented through a press work using a press;
and wherein the method further comprises the process of loading the
container cover which is formed in such a manner, using a loading
device, thereby enabling the container cover to be supplied onto
the upper surface of the container end.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising the
process of: forming an advertisement such as a design, letters, and
so forth, on an upper surface of the container cover while the
container cover forming process or the container cover loading
process is implemented.
15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the container cover
forming process includes the sub-processes of forming a plurality
of tab lifting projections, forming a straw supporting member, and
providing a film member in the straw insertion hole.
16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein, before the pull tab
is loaded on and coupled to the upper surface of the container end,
the container cover is independently loaded or the pull tab and the
container cover are simultaneously loaded on the upper surface of
the container end, whereby, as the pull tab is installed on the
container end by a central pin, the container cover is supported
along with the pull tab by the central pin.
17. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the
process of: forming fluctuation preventing means selectively on the
container end or the container cover in a manner such that the
container cover is fixedly maintained in place without being
fluctuated while the container cover is loaded on the upper surface
of the container end and installed between the upper surface of the
container end and the pull tab.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fluctuation
preventing means comprises a pair of engaging grooves which are
formed in the container cover in a manner such that a pair of tab
fixing projections which project out of the upper surface of the
container end are engaged into the pair of engaging grooves,
respectively.
19. A method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, comprising the steps of: loading a container
end and moving the container end in a predetermined direction;
sensing and aligning in a predetermined orientation the container
end which is moved by the container end loading step; and inserting
a container cover between an upper surface of the container end
which is moved in an aligned state by the container end sensing and
aligning step and a pull tab, the container cover comprising a body
of substantially a disc-shaped configuration, the container cover
having a beverage discharging opening, a plurality of filtering
holes and a straw insertion hole which can be selectively formed in
the body, the beverage discharging opening being formed in such a
manner that it is communicated with a discharging hole which is
formed by an opening action of the pull tab mounted to the
container end which is coupled to an upper end of a body of the
beverage container, thereby allowing a beverage accommodated in the
body of the beverage container to be discharged out of the beverage
container, the plurality of filtering holes being formed in a
manner such that solid matters existing in the beverage container
can be filtered, the straw insertion hole being perforated to have
a predetermined diameter in a manner such that a straw can be
inserted therethrough.
20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the container cover
inserting step comprises: a first sub-step of fixedly maintaining
the container end which is moved, thereby to prevent the container
end from fluctuating; a second sub-step of slantingly lifting the
pull tab at a predetermined angle, which is coupled to the upper
end of the container end which is fixedly maintained by the first
sub-step; and a third sub-step of inserting the container cover
between the pull tab which is lifted by the second sub-step and the
upper surface of the container end.
21. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising the step
of: arranging and storing in a predetermined pattern container ends
each of which has the container cover inserted thereinto by the
container cover inserting step.
22. An apparatus for mounting a container cover which is mountable
to a beverage container, comprising: a container end loading device
for loading a container end and moving the container end in a
predetermined direction; a container end sensing and aligning
device for sensing and aligning in a predetermined orientation the
container end which is moved by the container end loading device; a
container cover inserting device for inserting a container cover
between an upper surface of the container end which is moved in an
aligned state by the container end sensing and aligning device and
a pull tab, the container cover comprising a body of substantially
a disc-shaped configuration, the container cover having a beverage
discharging opening, a plurality of filtering holes and a straw
insertion hole which can be selectively formed in the body, the
beverage discharging opening being formed in such a manner that it
is communicated with a discharging hole which is formed by an
opening action of the pull tab mounted to the container end which
is coupled to an upper end of a body of the beverage container,
thereby allowing a beverage accommodated in the body of the
beverage container to be discharged out of the beverage container,
the plurality of filtering holes being formed in a manner such that
solid matters existing in the beverage container can be filtered,
the straw insertion hole being perforated to have a predetermined
diameter in a manner such that a straw can be inserted
therethrough; and a container end arranging and storing device for
arranging and storing in a predetermined pattern container ends
each of which has the container cover inserted thereinto by the
container cover inserting device.
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the container end
sensing and aligning device comprises: a sensing section for
sensing a configuration of the container end which is moved; a
memory section for storing configuration data signals which
correspond to a plurality of container ends, respectively; a
control section for receiving a configuration signal of the
container end, which is sensed by the sensing section, comparing
the configuration signal with a configuration data signal of a
corresponding container end, which is stored in the memory section,
and creating a direction adjusting signal when the configuration
signal sensed by the sensing section is different from the
configuration data signal stored in the memory section, thereby to
enable a configuration signal which is the same as the
configuration data signal to be sensed by the sensing section; a
direction adjustment driving section actuated by the direction
adjusting signal which is transmitted from the control section; and
a direction adjusting jig section driven by the direction
adjustment driving section for adjusting a direction of the
container end.
24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the container
cover inserting device comprises: a container end fixing section
for fixedly maintaining the container end in a manner such that it
does not fluctuate; a tab lifting section inserted between the
upper surface of the container end which is fixedly maintained by
the container end fixing section and the pull tab for slantingly
lifting the pull tab at a predetermined angle, the tab lifting
section being returned to its original position after the container
cover is inserted between the upper surface of the container end
and the pull tab; and a container cover inserting section for
loading and inserting the container cover between the upper surface
of the container end and the pull tab in a state wherein the pull
tab is lifted.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a cover mountable to a
beverage container and a mounting method and apparatus thereof, and
more particularly, the present invention relates to a cover
mountable to a beverage container and a mounting method and
apparatus thereof, wherein the cover is mounted to an upper surface
of a container end which is coupled to an upper end of the beverage
container and on which a pull tab is installed to be used when
opening a discharging hole defined in the upper surface of the
container end, in a manner such that the cover can selectively
close and open the discharging hole in a state that the discharging
hole is initially opened.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, a metal can is widely used as a beverage
container throughout the world in view of its portability and
storability. In general, the metal can is, as shown in FIG. 1, made
of aluminum or a thin plate which is coated with aluminum. In its
construction, the metal can comprises a body 10 which is formed to
have a cylindrical configuration so that a beverage is accommodated
therein, and a container end 20 which is coupled to an upper end of
the body 10.
[0005] The container end 20 is formed with a discharging hole 22
through which the beverage can be discharged out of the beverage
container. A capping device for the discharging hole 22 is
installed on the container end 20. The capping device is composed
of a seal plate 24a which is integrally formed with the container
end 20 upon forming the container end 20 to close the discharging
hole 22, and a pull tab 24b which is securely installed on an upper
surface of the container end 20 by a central pin 26 in a manner
such that it can depress downward the seal plate 24a to result in
pivoting movement of the seal plate 24a into the interior of the
beverage container.
[0006] However, in the metal can constructed as mentioned above,
once the discharging hole 22 is opened, it is impossible to reclose
the discharging hole 22. Therefore, in the case that a period of
time is lapsed in a state wherein the beverage container is opened,
foreign substances can enter into the beverage container to
contaminate a beverage accommodated therein. Also, if a user moves
while holding the can in his hand, the likelihood of liquid
spillage from the beverage container is increased.
[0007] To cope with these problems, U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,039
discloses a container cover which is integrally and rotatably
coupled to an upper surface of a beverage container by a central
pin and has a seal depression, a straw insertion hole and a finger
grip; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,763 discloses a beverage container
cover which is detachably and rotatably coupled to an upper surface
of a beverage container and is formed with a notch.
[0008] However, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,039 still suffers from
defects in that the container cover is integrally coupled to the
upper surface of the beverage container. Therefore, because the
container cover must be necessarily coupled to the beverage
container upon manufacturing the beverage container, a separate
assembling process is required and the construction of an existing
beverage container should be modified. Specifically, since the
container cover cannot be detached from the beverage container, the
container cover cannot but be a permanent feature of the beverage
container and, as such, it cannot be removed or reused. In this
regard, due to the fact that the container cover cannot be removed
from the beverage container, it is impossible for a user to see a
lower surface of the container cover, and thus, the container cover
cannot be effectively used for other purposes, such as a game
implement or a medium for providing free gifts.
[0009] While the U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,763 can solve more or less the
defects induced in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,039, due to the fact
that the container cover is detachably coupled to the upper surface
of the beverage container, it also encounters a problem in that the
container cover is only formed with the notch which can be
selectively communicated with a discharging hole of the beverage
container. Consequently, since additional convenience factors such
as a straw insertion hole through which a straw can be inserted
into the beverage container, a finger grip or the like are not
provided, a higher grade of satisfaction cannot be rendered to a
user. Further, in both of the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,717,039 and
4,852,763, if a lengthy period of time is lapsed while the beverage
containers are circulated in the market in a state wherein the
container cover is mounted to each beverage container, because
potentially hazardous debris such as dust particles may be
accumulated on an upper surface of the container cover, the debris
can enter into the human body, whereby health conditions of the
user can be deteriorated.
[0010] Also, because the straw insertion hole of the U.S. Pat. No.
4,717,039 is formed to have a predetermined diameter, in the case
that a diameter of a commercially available straw does not
correspond to the predetermined diameter of the straw insertion
hole, the straw can play or float on the beverage rather than being
fixedly maintained in place. In addition, in the case that a
diameter of a commercially available straw corresponds to the
predetermined diameter of the straw insertion hole, because the
straw is inserted through the straw insertion hole in a vertical
direction, a drinking angle of the straw cannot be easily changed,
whereby a problem is caused in that the user must drink the
beverage while tipping the beverage container.
[0011] On the other hand, in order to open the discharging hole 22
of the beverage container, while the pull tab 24b must be pulled
upward thereby to depress the seal plate 24a downward, at this
time, because the pull tab 24b is brought into nearly close contact
with the upper surface of the container end of the beverage
container, a fingernail of the user is likely to be broken or
damaged in the course of pulling upward the pull tab 24b, whereby
troublesomeness is caused in that the pull tab 24b cannot be easily
pulled upward.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an
effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and a
primary object of the present invention is to provide a container
cover mountable to a beverage container, which is selectively
installed on an upper surface of the beverage container in a manner
such that it can repeatedly close and open an opened discharging
hole of the beverage container, thereby rendering a higher grade of
satisfaction to a user who drinks a beverage accommodated in the
beverage container, and which is constructed to have an
advertisement printing zone on an upper surface thereof, thereby
maximizing effectiveness of advertising.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
container cover mountable to a beverage container, which can
prevent a fingernail of a user from being damaged in the course of
manipulating a pull tab for opening a discharging hole of the
beverage container, thereby allowing the discharging hole of the
beverage container to be opened in an easier manner.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a method and an apparatus for mounting a container cover mountable
to a beverage container, which enable the container cover to be
rotatably coupled to a container end of the beverage container.
[0015] In order to achieve the primary object, according to one
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container
cover detachably mountable to an upper surface of a beverage
container, the container cover comprising: a body formed to have
substantially a disc-shaped configuration, the body being partly
cut away from an edge toward a center thereof thereby to define a
beverage discharging opening which has a predetermined width and a
predetermined contour, the beverage discharging opening capable of
being selectively communicated with a discharging hole of the
beverage container as the body is rotated, an inner end of the
beverage discharging opening being delimited by a rotation guiding
part which has a predetermined curvature to guide rotation of the
body, the body having a straw insertion hole which is defined
therein at a predetermined location to have a predetermined
diameter in a manner such that a straw can be inserted
therethrough, the body further having an advertisement surface
which has a predetermined area in a manner such that an advertising
design, letters, and so forth can be printed or an attachment can
be affixed thereon.
[0016] In order to achieve another object, according to another
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container
cover detachably mountable to an upper end of a beverage container,
the upper end of the beverage container being defined with a
discharging hole and having a pull tab for opening the discharging
hole, the container cover having a beverage discharging opening and
a straw insertion hole, the container cover comprising: a plurality
of protuberances formed on the container cover at both sides of the
beverage discharging opening for allowing a user to easily rotate
the container cover; a plurality of tab lifting projections formed
on the container cover for lifting the pull tab as the container
cover is rotated; and a filtering part formed with at least one
filtering hole, the filtering part projecting upward from a plane
of the container cover and being delimited by a press line which is
formed therearound in a manner such that the filtering part can be
depressed into the discharging hole of the upper end of the
beverage container thereby to be flushed with a lower surface of
the upper end of the beverage container.
[0017] In order to achieve still another object, according to still
another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method
for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a beverage
container, comprising the processes of: forming a body of the
beverage container, in which a beverage is to be accommodated;
forming a container end which is to be coupled to an upper end of
the body of the beverage container and to which a pull tab for
opening a discharging part and thereby defining a discharging hole
is coupled, the discharging hole allowing the beverage to be
discharged out of the beverage container therethrough; coupling the
container end to the upper end of the body of the beverage
container in a state wherein the beverage is accommodated in the
body of the beverage container; forming a container cover which is
composed of a body of substantially a disc-shaped configuration and
is mounted to an upper surface of the container end, the body being
formed with a beverage discharging opening, at least one filtering
hole and a straw insertion hole; and rotatably coupling the
container cover formed in the container cover forming process,
between the upper surface of the container end and the pull tab,
while the container end forming process is implemented.
[0018] Also, according to yet still another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for mounting a container
cover which is mountable to a beverage container, comprising the
steps of: loading a container end and moving the container end in a
predetermined direction; sensing and aligning in a predetermined
orientation the container end which is moved by the container end
loading step; and inserting a container cover between an upper
surface of the container end which is moved in an aligned state by
the container end sensing and aligning step and a pull tab. To this
end, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a container cover
which is mountable to a beverage container, comprising: a container
end loading device for loading a container end and moving the
container end in a predetermined direction; a container end sensing
and aligning device for sensing and aligning in a predetermined
orientation the container end which is moved by the container end
loading device; a container cover inserting device for inserting a
container cover between an upper surface of the container end which
is moved in an aligned state by the container end sensing and
aligning device and a pull tab; and a container end arranging and
storing device for arranging and storing in a predetermined pattern
container ends each of which has the container cover inserted
thereinto by the container cover inserting device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional
beverage container;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a container cover
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 3a through 3d are schematic plan views illustrating
states wherein the container cover according to the embodiment of
the present invention is used;
[0023] FIGS. 4a through 4r are views illustrating container covers
according to several variations of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
beverage container in which the container cover according to the
present invention is coupled to a container end;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an entire procedure
of a method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating detailed processes of
the method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 8a and 8b are explanatory views used for explaining
the method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 9a is a block diagram illustrating an entire procedure
of a method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9b is a block diagram illustrating detailed processes
of the method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to
a beverage container, in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, as shown in FIG. 9a;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a course in which
the container cover is mounted to a container end, while
implementing the method for mounting a container cover which is
mountable to a beverage container, in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9a;
[0031] FIG. 11a is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
mounting a container cover which is mountable to a beverage
container, in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 11b is a schematic plan view illustrating the apparatus
for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a beverage
container, according to the embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 11a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred
embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description
to refer to the same or like parts.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a container cover
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 3a
through 3d are schematic plan views illustrating states wherein the
container cover according to the embodiment of the present
invention is used; and FIGS. 4a through 4r are views illustrating
container covers according to several variations of the present
invention.
[0035] As can be readily seen from FIG. 2, a beverage container 100
is formed, on an upper surface thereof, with a discharging hole 124
through which a beverage accommodated in the beverage container 100
can be discharged out of the beverage container 100. The beverage
container 100 has a capping device. The capping device comprises a
seal plate and a pull tab 122. The seal plate is formed in a manner
such that it closes the discharging hole 124 when the discharging
hole 124 has not yet been opened. The pull tab 122 is coupled to
the upper surface of the beverage container 100 in a manner such
that it can depress downward the seal plate to let the seal plate
break free along a scored line which is formed around the seal
plate. According to the present invention, a container cover 130 is
provided in a manner such that it is mounted to the upper surface
of the beverage container 100 thereby to selectively open and close
the initially opened discharging hole 124.
[0036] The container cover 130 is rotatably installed on the upper
surface of the beverage container 100. The container cover 130
comprises a body which is formed to have substantially a
disc-shaped configuration. By the fact that the body is partly cut
away from an edge toward a center thereof, the container cover 130
is formed with a beverage discharging opening 132 which has a
predetermined width and a predetermined contour. An inner end of
the beverage discharging opening 132 is delimited by a rotation
guiding part 132a which has a predetermined curvature to guide
rotation of the container cover 130. The container cover 130 has an
advertisement surface 138 which is defined on an upper surface of
the body having the disc-shaped configuration. The advertisement
surface 138 has a predetermined area in a manner such that an
advertising design or letters can be printed or an attachment can
be affixed thereon.
[0037] The container cover 130 can selectively include a plurality
of filtering holes 134 and a straw insertion hole 136. The
plurality of filtering holes 134 are defined at a predetermined
region on the upper surface of the body of the container cover 130
to have a predetermined contour, in a manner such that they can
filter solid matters existing in the beverage container 100. The
straw insertion hole 136 is also defined on the upper surface of
the body of the container cover 130 to have a predetermined
diameter, in a manner such that a straw can be inserted
therethrough.
[0038] While the beverage discharging opening 132 has substantially
a shape of an isosceles triangle wherein a width is gradually
decreased from an entrance corresponding to a circumferential outer
surface of the container cover 130 toward the rotation guiding part
132a, it is not limited to the shape of an isosceles triangle and
instead, can be diversely varied in its shape. For example, as
shown in FIG. 4a, the beverage discharging opening 132 can be
formed with a bulged part 132b which has a preset curvature in a
manner such that the beverage discharging opening 132 has the same
contour as the discharging hole 124 of the beverage container 100
thereby to enable a front end of the pull tab 122 to easily depress
the seal plate.
[0039] While it is preferred that the advertisement surface 138 is
defined on a portion of the upper surface of the body of the
container cover 130 to have the predetermined area, which
corresponds to a left side or a right side of the beverage
discharging opening 132, without adversely affecting forming
positions of the beverage discharging opening 132, the plurality of
filtering holes 134 and the straw insertion hole 136, the
advertisement surface 138 can be defined at a variety of locations.
Also, diverse advertising methods such as printing, affixing or
forming can be effected on the advertisement surface 138.
[0040] While the plurality of filtering holes 134 can be formed in
a manner such that they are composed of a plurality of slots which
extend in a vertical direction and have different lengths and such
that the plurality of slots are spaced apart one from another by a
predetermined spacing, they are not limited to this arrangement,
and for example, the plurality of slots can extend in a horizontal
direction and a plurality of holes which have a predetermined inner
diameter can be spaced apart one from another by a predetermined
separation.
[0041] The straw insertion hole 136 can be formed in a manner such
that it has a variety of diameters depending upon a diameter of a
particular straw which is used in the beverage container 100.
[0042] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4a, a plurality of
protuberances 140 are formed on the upper surface of the body of
the container cover 130 for allowing a user to easily apply
rotating force to the body of the container cover 130.
[0043] In this connection, a single protuberance can be projectedly
formed on the body of the container cover 130, or the plurality of
protuberances 140 can be projectedly formed on the body of the
container cover 130 in a manner such that they are spaced apart one
from another by a predetermined distance. The single protuberance
or the plurality of protuberances 140 can be formed at a
predetermined region on the body of the container cover 130,
without adversely affecting forming positions of the beverage
discharging opening 132, the advertisement surface 138, the
plurality of filtering holes 134 and the straw insertion hole 136.
Also, while, in the present invention, the plurality of
protuberances 140 are projectedly formed on the body of the
container cover 130, a person skilled in the art will readily
recognize that the plurality of protuberances 140 can be
depressedly formed on the body of the container cover 130.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3a, in a state wherein the aforementioned
container cover 130 is mounted to the upper surface of the beverage
container 100 of which the discharging hole 124 is opened, if the
user pulls upward the pull tab 122 in order to drink the beverage,
the seal plate (later, described as a "discharging part") breaks
free along the scored line which is formed therearound while
pivoting downward, whereby the discharging hole 124 is defined. In
this state, when the user drinks the beverage, the beverage is
discharged out of the beverage container 100 through the beverage
discharging opening 132 which is arranged to be communicated with
the discharging hole 124.
[0045] If the user moves to a certain place while holding in his
hand the beverage container 100 laden with still-unconsumed
beverage or it is necessary to interrupt drinking of the beverage
and leave the beverage container 100 laden with still-unconsumed
beverage in a moving vehicle, as shown in FIG. 3b, by rotating the
container cover 130 to cause a closure surface which is defined at
a side of the beverage discharging opening 132, to close the
discharging hole 124, it is possible to prevent some gaseous
ingredients contained in the beverage from being discharged into
the atmospheric air and foreign substances suspended in the
atmosphere from entering into the beverage container 100. Further,
it is possible to inhibit spillage of the beverage even when the
beverage container 100 is overturned.
[0046] Also, for example, in the case that a beverage which is made
by grinding vegetables and fruits is accommodated in the beverage
container 100 so that solid matters exist in the beverage, if the
user does not want to drink the solid matters existing in the
beverage, as shown in FIG. 3c, the container cover 130 is rotated
so that the plurality of filtering holes 134 are positioned above
the discharging hole 124. By doing this, when the user drinks the
beverage, the solid matters are filtered by a filtering part which
includes the plurality of filtering holes 134, and only liquid
beverage is discharged through the plurality of filtering holes
134, whereby it is possible to suit the user's taste.
[0047] Further, even in the case that a child wants to drink the
beverage using a straw, as shown in FIG. 3d, by rotating the
container cover 130 so that the straw insertion hole 136 is
positioned above the discharging hole 124, the straw can be
inserted into the beverage container 100 through the straw
insertion hole 136 and the discharging hole 124.
[0048] In the meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4a, in a structure in
which the plurality of protuberances 140 are formed on the upper
surface of the container cover 130, since rotating force can be
easily transferred to the container cover 130, the rotation of the
container cover 130 can be implemented in an easier manner. Also,
as can be readily seen from the same drawing, in a structure in
which the bulged part 132b is formed in the beverage discharging
opening 132, because the front end of the pull tab 122 of the
capping device can easily depress the seal plate thereby to open
the discharging hole 124, even in the case that the container cover
130 is mounted to the beverage container 100 before the discharging
hole 124 is opened, the discharging hole 124 can be easily opened
by pulling upward the pull tab 122.
[0049] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4b, the container cover
130 is configured in a manner such that a connecting part 132c is
formed along a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the
container cover 130, which corresponds to an outer end of the
beverage discharging opening 132, thereby to close the outer end of
the beverage discharging opening 132. According to this, by the
closing function of the connecting part 132c, it is possible to
prevent foreign substances from accumulating on an inner edge
portion of a container end 120. Also, upon drinking the beverage,
because the lip is brought into contact with an upper surface of
the connecting part 132c, uncomfortableness which can be induced to
the user due to contact with the sharp edge portion of the beverage
container 100, can be avoided.
[0050] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4c and 4d, the container
cover 130 is configured in a manner such that a film member 136a is
provided in the straw insertion hole 136 in a manner such that it
closes the straw insertion hole 136 and is torn when the straw is
inserted through the straw insertion hole 136. Hence, it is
possible to prevent foreign substances from accumulating on the
upper surface of the beverage container 100 through the straw
insertion hole 136. Upon drinking the beverage using the straw,
when the film member 136a is torn by an end of the straw and the
straw is inserted through the straw insertion hole 136, because the
torn film member 136a is squeezed against a circumferential outer
surface of the inserted straw, the straw is prevented from playing
or floating in the beverage, whereby it is possible to conveniently
drink the beverage.
[0051] In the meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 4e and 4f, the container
cover 130 is configured in a manner such that a protective tape
138a is removably attached to the upper surface of the container
cover 130. The protective tape 138a serves to prevent foreign
substances from directly adhering to the upper surface of the
container cover 130. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4g and 4h, the
protective tape 138a can be formed to have a contour which is
similar to that of the beverage discharging opening 132 so that it
can close only the beverage discharging opening 132. Also, the
protective tape 138a can be modified to have a variety of shapes.
Also, as shown in FIG. 4i, the protective tape 138a can be
removably attached to the entire upper surface of the container
cover 130, and dotted cut lines 138c are formed on the protective
tape 138a selectively around the beverage discharging opening 132,
the straw insertion hole 136 and the plurality of filtering holes
134, thereby enabling the user to selectively and partially remove
the protective tape 138a as occasion demands and use the
correspondingly exposed opening or hole.
[0052] Moreover, a removal tab portion 138b is provided in an edge
portion of each piece of the protective tape 138a, which is
independently removed from the entire protective tape 138a, thereby
allowing a protective tape removing operation to be smoothly
performed upon drinking the beverage.
[0053] In the mean time, referring to FIGS. 4j and 4k, there are
shown perspective views illustrating another straw insertion
structure according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4j
and 4k, in the vicinity of the beverage discharging opening 132 of
the container cover 130, a straw supporting member 137 is formed by
the fact that a portion of the container cover 130 is cut. The
straw supporting member 137 is configured in a manner such that it
can be folded at a predetermined angle to be positioned above the
beverage discharging opening 132.
[0054] The straw supporting member 137 comprises a supporting part
137a which has substantially a rectangular configuration and a
straw insertion part 137b which has substantially an annular
ring-shaped configuration. The supporting part 137a has one end
which adjoins the beverage discharging opening 132 of the container
cover 130. The one end of the supporting part 137a is integrally
formed with the body of the container cover 130 in a manner such
that it can be folded from a plane of the container cover 130 along
a dotted cut line at a predetermined angle. The supporting part
137a has the other end which is formed as a free end. The straw
insertion part 137b is integrally formed with the other end of the
supporting part 137a in a manner such that it can be folded from a
plane of the supporting part 137a along a dotted cut line at a
predetermined angle. A straw insertion hole 137c is defined in a
center portion of the straw insertion part 137b to have a
predetermined diameter in a manner such that the straw can be
inserted therethrough.
[0055] Also, a semi-circular groove 137d is defined at a portion of
the container cover 130, which defines the straw supporting member
137 in such a manner that it faces the other end of the straw
insertion part 137b, thereby to allow the straw supporting member
137 to be easily separated from the body of the container cover
130.
[0056] In a state wherein the straw supporting member 137 is
configured as shown in FIG. 4j, if the user wishes to use the straw
supporting member 137, as shown in FIG. 4k, a fingernail or the
like is first inserted into the semi-circular groove 137d. Then,
the supporting part 137a is folded at the predetermined angle and
thereafter, the straw insertion part 137b is folded at the
predetermined angle. Thus, in a state wherein the straw insertion
part 137b is positioned above the beverage discharging opening 132,
the straw is inserted through the straw insertion hole 137c to
enable the user to drink the beverage using the straw. At this
time, by altering the folding angles of the supporting part 137a
and the straw insert ion part 137b of the straw supporting member
137 to angles which are adequate for the user to drink the
beverage, it is possible to easily drink the beverage accommodated
in the beverage container 100, without experiencing any
inconvenience.
[0057] On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 4l through 4p, means
for preventing the fingernail of the user from being broken or
damaged in the course of pulling upward the pull tab 122 for
opening the discharging hole 124 of the beverage container 100, is
provided to the container cover 130 which has the beverage
discharging hole 132 and the plurality of protuberances 140,
thereby enabling the discharging hole 124 to be easily opened. Two
groups of protuberances 140a and 140b are formed on the container
cover 130 leftward and rightward, respectively, of the beverage
discharging opening 132 for rendering rotation of the container
cover 130. In the case that the container cover 130 is mounted to
the metal can serving as the beverage container, a pair of tab
lifting projections 135 for slantingly lifting the pull tab 122 at
a predetermined angle upon rotation of the container cover 130, are
formed at positions which correspond to both sides of the pull tab
112 (see FIG. 4o).
[0058] Here, it should be noted that the pair of tab lifting
projections 135 can be formed when forming the container cover 130
(that is, in a pressing process). As an example of this, it is
preferred that the shape as shown in FIG. 4m or the shape as shown
in FIG. 4n be used.
[0059] That is to say, referring to FIG. 4m, when the container
cover 130 is rotated, both sides of each tab lifting projection 135
are formed with a pair of upward inclined portions 135a in a manner
such that the pull tab 122 is easily lifted by the pair of upward
inclined portions 135a. Also, a middle portion of each tab lifting
projection 135 is formed in the shape of a tab supporting portion
135b which is flatly formed between the pair of upward inclined
portions 135a in a manner such that the tab 122 is maintained in a
lifted state.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 4n, both sides of each tab lifting
projection 135 are formed with a pair of upward inclined portions
135c. Also, a middle portion of each tab lifting projection 135 is
formed in the shape of a tab supporting portion 135d which is
depressed downward between the pair of upward inclined portions
135c in a manner such that the pull tab 122 is maintained in a
lifted state.
[0061] Accordingly, by adopting the pair of tab lifting projections
135 constructed as just mentioned above, as shown in FIG. 4o, if
rotating force is applied to two groups of protuberances 140a
and/or 140b to rotate the container cover 130, as the upward
inclined portion 135a or 135c of the tab lifting projection 135 is
moved below the pull tab 122, the pull tab 122 is positioned on the
tab supporting portion 135b or 135d. And, in this way, a
manipulating space for pulling upward the pull tab 122 and thereby
opening the discharging hole 124 is sufficiently secured.
[0062] Also, according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS.
4q through 4r, the plurality of filtering holes 134 are defined
upon forming the container cover 130 in a manner such that the
filtering part which includes the plurality of filtering holes 134
projects upward from the plane of the container cover 130 and a
press line 134a is formed around the filtering part.
[0063] Consequently, in the configuration of the filtering part
including the plurality of filtering holes 134, as can be readily
seen from FIG. 4r, even in the case that the container cover 130 is
rotated, a lower surface of the filtering part is not brought into
direct contact with the upper surface of a body 110 of the beverage
container 100. Also, in this configuration, in a state wherein the
filtering part is aligned with the discharging hole 124 which is
formed in the upper surface of the beverage container 100, by
depressing downward the filtering part including the plurality of
filtering holes 134, the filtering part is fitted into the
discharging hole 124. Therefore, due to the fact that the lower
surface of the filtering part is flushed with a lower end of the
discharging hole 124, it is possible to drink the beverage in a
state wherein solid matters are not caught therebetween .
[0064] In the meanwhile, a person skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that a configuration and a size of the body of the
container cover 130 according to the present invention can be
changed, depending upon a type of a beverage container which is
used, without departing from the technical spirit of the present
invention. Likewise, the present invention must not be understood
to be limited with regard to a thickness, a material and a color of
the body of the container cover 130. Instead, the contours and the
numbers of the beverage discharging opening 132, the plurality of
filtering holes 134, the inner diameter of the straw insertion hole
136, and so forth can be diversely changed.
[0065] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
beverage container in which the container cover according to the
present invention is coupled to the container end.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the beverage container 100 according to
the present invention has a construction wherein the container
cover 130 is installed on the upper surface of the container end
120 which is coupled to an upper end of the body 110 of the
beverage container 100. The container cover 130 is rotatably
coupled between the upper surface of the container end 120 and the
pull tab 122 in the course of forming the container end 120 of the
beverage container 100.
[0067] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an entire procedure
of a method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with the embodiment of the
present intention; FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating detailed
processes of the method for mounting a container cover which is
mountable to a beverage container, in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 8a and 8b are
explanatory views used for explaining the method for mounting a
container cover which is mountable to a beverage container, in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. More
particularly, FIGS. 8a and 8b are views which are connected with
each other and schematically illustrate the processes as shown in
FIG. 7.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a method for mounting a container
cover which is mountable to a beverage container in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention comprises a body forming
process 200, a container end forming process 300, a container end
coupling process 400, a container cover forming process 500 and a
container cover coupling process 600.
[0069] The body forming process 200 is a process for forming the
body 110 of the beverage container 100, in which the beverage is to
be accommodated. The container end forming process 300 is a process
for forming the container end 120 which is to be coupled to the
upper end of the body 110 formed by the body forming process 200
and to which the pull tab 122 for opening the discharging part and
thereby defining the discharging hole 124 is coupled. As described
above, the discharging hole 124 allows the beverage to be
discharged out of the beverage container 100 therethrough.
[0070] The container cover forming process 500 is a process for
forming the container cover 130 which is composed of the body of
substantially the disc-shaped configuration and is mounted to the
upper surface of the container end 120, with the body selectively
formed with the beverage discharging opening 132, the plurality of
filtering holes 134 and the straw insertion hole 136. The container
cover coupling process 600 is a process for rotatably coupling the
container cover 130 formed in the container cover forming process
500, between the upper surface of the container end 120 and the
pull tab 122.
[0071] The body forming process 200, the container end forming
process 300 and the container cover forming process 500 are
inconsecutive processes which may not be sequentially implemented.
Therefore, the body 110 of the beverage container 100, the
container end 120 and the container cover 130 are formed in their
respective forming processes, depending upon process conditions
such as a processing time, a space and the like. Thereafter, while
they are kept in stock, they can be used in the container end
coupling process 400 or in the container cover coupling process
600. The container cover coupling process 600 is performed while
the container end forming process 300 is implemented.
[0072] Moreover, the container cover forming process 500 is
implemented through a press work using a press. The method
according to the present invention further comprises a container
cover loading process 700 for loading the container cover 130 which
is formed in such a way, using a loading device (not shown), and
for supplying the container cover 130 onto the upper surface of the
container end 120.
[0073] The method can further comprise an advertisement forming
process 900 for forming the advertisement such as the design,
letters, and so forth, on the upper surface of the container cover
130 while the container cover forming process 500 or the container
cover loading process 700 is implemented. The advertisement forming
process 900 can be effected using a printing technique in which the
design and letters are printed on the container cover 130, an
affixing technique in which an advertisement is affixed onto the
container cover 130 or a forming technique in which the design and
the letters are integrally formed on the container cover 130.
However, the advertisement forming process 900 is not limited to
the abovedescribed techniques, and instead, can use a diversity of
other techniques which are well known in the art. Also, the
advertisement forming process 900 must not be understood as being
limitedly implemented only while implementing the container cover
forming process 500 or the container cover loading process 700.
Instead, the advertisement forming process 900 can be implemented
under other processes without limitation.
[0074] The loading device can comprise a conveyor system, a feeding
robot or the like.
[0075] On the other hand, describing the container end forming
process 300 in detail with reference to FIG. 7, the container end
forming process 300 comprises a cutting step 310 for circularly
cutting a thin metal plate, (preferably, a metal plate which is
wound in the form of a coil is mounted to a facility such as a
coiler to enable a continuous cutting operation), which is coated
with aluminum thereby to form a circular plate 312, an outer shell
forming step 320 for forming an outer shell 120a of the container
end 120 by bending upward an edge portion of the circular plate 312
which is cut in the cutting step 310, a compound applying step 330
for applying compound at a portion where the outer shell 120a which
is formed in the outer shell forming step 320 is coupled to the
upper end of the body 110 of the beverage container 100, a first
step 342 for forming a protrusion 346 having a predetermined size,
on a center portion of the circular plate 312 as shown in FIG. 8a,
and a second step 344 for forming a pin seating part 348 on which a
central pin 126 for fastening the pull tab 122 is seated, by
depressing downward a center portion of the protrusion 346 which is
formed in such a way. The first step 342 and the second step 344
cooperatively constitute a pin seating part forming step 340.
[0076] The container end forming process 300 further comprises a
container end surface forming step 350 for forming a schematic
entire contour of a container end surface on the circular plate
312, which includes a pair of tab fixing projections 354 for
fixedly maintaining a position of the pull tab 122 and the
discharging part 352 to be formed with the discharging hole 124, a
score line forming step 360 for forming a score line 362 in a
manner such that the score line 362 corresponds to the contour of
the discharging hole 124 in a manner such that the discharging hole
124 through which the beverage is discharged out of the beverage
container 100 is formed as the discharging part 352 which is
defined in the container end surface forming step 350 is opened by
the depressing force of the pull tab 122, and a tab installing step
370 for loading and fastening the pull tab 122 on the pin seating
part 348 which is formed in the pin seating part forming step
340.
[0077] In the meanwhile, after implementing the compound applying
step 330 and the tab installing step 370, as shown in FIG. 7, an
inspecting step 390 for inspecting forming conditions at the
respective steps and thereby for checking inferiority can be
implemented. It is not necessary that this inspecting step 390 be
limitedly implemented only after the compound applying step 330 and
the Lab installing step 370. Instead, the inspecting step 390 can
be implemented before or after the various processes and steps, as
occasion demands.
[0078] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8a and 8b, after the compound
applying step 330 and the pin seating part forming step 340 are
implemented, a design and letter forming step 392 for indicating
manufacturing details 392a or forming advertising letters, design,
and so forth, can be implemented.
[0079] In implementing the above-described container cover coupling
process 600, before the pull tab 122 is loaded and coupled to the
container end 120, the container cover 130 can be loaded on the
container end 120 (see the path `a` of FIG. 8b), or the pull tab
122 and the container cover 130 are simultaneously loaded on the
container end 120. Thereupon, as the pull tab 122 is installed on
the container end 120 by the central pin 126, the container cover
130 is supported along with the pull tab 122 by the central pin 126
(see the path `b` of FIG. 8b). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in
implementing the tab installing step 370, the container cover 130
is simultaneously loaded and installed along with the pull tab 122
which is to be coupled to the container end 120 by the central pin
126.
[0080] Also, fluctuation preventing means 800 are formed on the
container end 120 or on the container cover 130 in a manner such
that the container cover 130 is fixedly maintained in place without
being fluctuated while the container cover 130 is loaded on the
upper surface of the container end 120 and installed between the
upper surface of the container end 120 and the pull tab 122, and in
a manner such that the tab fastening operation is smoothly
performed upon implementing the tab installing step 370.
[0081] For example, as in the container cover 130' illustrated in
FIG. 8b (see the path `c`), the fluctuation preventing means 800
comprises a pair of engaging grooves 810 which are formed in the
container cover 130' (see FIG. 8b) in a manner such that the pair
of tab fixing projections 354 which are projectedly formed on the
upper surface of the container end 120 in the container end surface
forming step 350 for enabling the pull tab 122 installed on the
container end surface in the tab installing step 370 to be fastened
without experiencing fluctuation, are engaged into the pair of
engaging grooves 810, respectively. In the case that the pair of
engaging grooves 810 are formed in the container cover 130' as
described above, the pair of engaging grooves 810 can be
simultaneously formed upon implementing a press work in the
container cover forming process 500.
[0082] In other words, because the pair of tab fixing projections
354 are engaged into the pair of engaging grooves 810,
respectively, of the container cover 130', when installing the pull
tab 122, the container cover 130 can be fixedly maintained without
experiencing fluctuation. And, in a state wherein the container
cover 130 is fixed, if the user pulls upward the pull tab 122 in
order to drink the beverage accommodated in the beverage container
100, as a distance between the pull tab 122 and the container end
surface is lengthened, the container cover 130 is ready to be
rotated.
[0083] In the container end forming process 300, if the tab
installing step 370 by which the pull tab 122 is installed, is
completed, a packing and storing process 380 for packing and
storing the container end 120 in a proper unit is effected.
[0084] In the meanwhile, the method for mounting a container cover
mountable to a beverage container is not limited to the method
according to the above-described embodiment, and instead, can be
variously modified without departing from the technical spirit of
the present invention. Also, while it is explained in the above
embodiment that the cylindrical metal container is used, the
present invention must not be understood to be limited to this
construction. Rather, the present invention can be applied to
containers which have a variety of materials and a diversity of
configurations. In this regard, it is preferred that materials for
the container and the container cover be the same with each other
for promoting recycling. For example, if the beverage container is
made of aluminum, the container cover can also be made of aluminum
for facilitating material recycling. In accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention, the beverage container and the
container cover can be made of paper.
[0085] Hereinafter, a method for mounting a container cover
mountable to a beverage container, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to the attached drawings.
[0086] FIG. 9a is a block diagram illustrating an entire procedure
of a method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention; FIG. 9b is a block diagram illustrating detailed
processes of the method for mounting a container cover which is
mountable to a beverage container, in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9a; and FIG.
10 is a schematic view illustrating a course in which the container
cover is mounted to the container end, while implementing the
method for mounting a container cover which is mountable to a
beverage container, in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, as shown in FIG. 9a.
[0087] In the method for mounting a container cover mountable to a
beverage container in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, as shown in FIG. 9a, the container end 120 is
formed by the preset container end forming process, and the
container cover 130 is formed by the container cover forming
process, for example, the press working process. At this time, the
container cover 130 comprises the body of substantially the
disc-shaped configuration. The container cover 130 has the beverage
discharging opening 132, the plurality of filtering holes 134 and
the straw insertion hole 136 which can be selectively formed in the
body. The beverage discharging opening 132 is formed in such a
manner that it is communicated with the discharging hole 124 which
is formed by an opening action of the pull tab 122 mounted to the
container end 120 which is coupled to the upper end of the body 110
of the beverage container 100, thereby allowing the beverage
accommodated in the body 110 of the beverage container 100 to be
discharged out of the beverage container 100. The plurality of
filtering holes 134 are formed in a manner such that solid matters
existing in the beverage container 100 can be filtered thereby. The
straw insertion hole 136 is formed to have the predetermined
diameter in a manner such that the straw can be inserted
therethrough. The method in accordance with this another embodiment
of the present invention comprises a container end loading step
1210 for loading the container end 120 and moving the container end
120 in a predetermined direction; a container end sensing and
aligning step 1220 for sensing and aligning in a predetermined
orientation the container end 120 which is moved by the container
end loading step 1210; and a container cover inserting step 1230
for inserting the container cover 130 between the upper surface of
the container end 120 which is moved in an aligned state by the
container end sensing and aligning step 1220 and the pull tab
122.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 9b and 10, the container cover inserting
step 1230 comprises a first sub-step 1232 of fixedly maintaining
the container end 120 which is moved, thereby to prevent the
container end 120 from fluctuating; a second sub-step 1234 of
slantingly lifting the pull tab 122 at a predetermined angle, which
is coupled to the upper end of the container end 120 which is
fixedly maintained by the first sub-step 1232; and a third sub-step
1236 of inserting the container cover 130 between the pull tab 122
which is lifted by the second sub-step 1234 and the upper surface
of the container end 120.
[0089] The second sub-step 1234 is, as shown in FIG. 10,
implemented using a proper tool which is inserted between the upper
surface of the container end 120 and the pull tab 122 to lift the
pull tab 122, such as a jig A. Also, the container cover inserting
step 1230 further comprises the sub-step of returning the jig A
which is inserted in the second sub-step 1234 to its original
position after the container cover 130 is inserted between the
container end 120 and the pull tab 122 in the third sub-step 1236.
If the jig A is returned it its original position, as the pull tab
122 is also returned to its original position by its own
elasticity, the mounting of the container cover 130 between the
container end 120 and the pull tab 122 is completed.
[0090] The container end sensing and aligning step 1220 serves as a
step for sensing and aligning the container end 120 in the
predetermined orientation and then feeding the container end 120 to
the next step, to ensure the fact that the container cover 130 is
reliably inserted between the container end 120 and the pull tab
122 in the second and third sub-steps 1234 and 1236 of the
container cover inserting step 1230. Namely, by the container end
sensing and aligning step 1220, because the pull tab 122 which is
coupled to the upper surface of the container end 120, is aligned
in the same predetermined direction, the second and third sub-steps
1234 and 1236 can be rapidly implemented using the single tool or
the jig A, and it is not necessary to additionally adjust a
direction of the tool or the jig A.
[0091] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9a, the method for mounting the
container cover according to the present invention, can further
include an arranging and storing step 1240 for arranging and
storing in a predetermined pattern container ends 120 each of which
has the container cover 130 inserted between the pull tab 122 and
itself by the container cover inserting step 1230.
[0092] On the other hand, as in the above-described method
according to the present invention, if the container cover 130 is
mounted to the container end 120, by implementing the step of
mounting the container end 120 to the body 110 of the beverage
container 100 into which the beverage is accommodated, the
manufacturing of the beverage container 100 is completed.
[0093] FIG. 11a is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
mounting a container cover which is mountable to a beverage
container, in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention; and FIG. 11b is a schematic plan view
illustrating the apparatus for mounting a container cover which is
mountable to a beverage container, according to the embodiment of
the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11a.
[0094] As shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, an apparatus for mounting a
container cover which is mountable to a beverage container, in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, functions
to mount the container cover 130 to the upper surface of the
container end 120. At this time, the container cover 130 comprises
the body of substantially the disc-shaped configuration. The
container cover 130 has the beverage discharging opening 132, the
plurality of filtering holes 134 and the straw insertion hole 136
which can be selectively formed in the body. The beverage
discharging opening 132 is formed in such a manner that it is
communicated with the discharging hole 124 which is formed by an
opening action of the pull tab 122 mounted to the container end 120
which is coupled to the upper end of the body 110 of the beverage
container 100, thereby allowing the beverage accommodated in the
body 110 of the beverage container 100 to be discharged out of the
beverage container 100. The plurality of filtering holes 134 are
formed in a manner such that solid matters existing in the beverage
container 100 can be filtered thereby. The straw insertion hole 136
is formed to have the predetermined diameter in a manner such that
the straw can be inserted therethrough. The apparatus for mounting
a container cover which is mountable to a beverage container, in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, comprises
a container end loading device 1300 for loading the container end
120 and moving the, container end 120 in a predetermined direction;
a container end sensing and aligning device 1400 for sensing and
aligning in a predetermined orientation the container end 120 which
is moved by the container end loading device 1300; a container
cover inserting device 1500 for inserting the container cover 130
between the upper surface of the container end 120 which is moved
in an aligned state by the container end sensing and aligning
device 1400 and the pull tab 122; and a container end arranging and
storing device 1600 for arranging and storing in a predetermined
pattern container ends 120 each of which has the container cover
130 inserted between the pull tab 122 and itself by the container
cover inserting device 1500.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 11b, the container end loading device 1300
comprises a conveyor system which is capable of loading and feeding
the container end 120 when the container end 120 formed by the
container end forming process is transferred therein. It is
preferred that the conveyor system is configured in a manner such
that a plurality of feeding columns 1310 each of which can feed a
plurality of container ends 120, are arranged therein, in a state
wherein they are spaced apart one from another by a predetermined
distance. The drawing reference numeral 1320 represents a driving
device for driving the container end loading device 1300.
[0096] The container end sensing and aligning device 1400 comprises
a sensing section 1410 for sensing a configuration of the container
end 120 which is moved along its path; a memory section 1420 for
storing image data signals which correspond to the plurality of
container ends 120, respectively; a control section 1430 for
receiving an image signal of the container end 120, which is sensed
by the sensing section 1410, comparing the image signal with an
image data signal of a corresponding container end 120, which is
stored in the memory section 1420, and creating a direction
adjusting signal when the image signal sensed by the sensing
section 1410 is different from the image data signal stored in the
memory section 1420, thereby to enable an image signal which is the
same as the image data signal to be sensed by the sensing section
1410; a direction adjustment driving section 1440 actuated by the
direction adjusting signal which is transmitted from the control
section 1430; and a direction adjusting jig section 1450 driven by
the direction adjustment driving section 1440 for adjusting a
direction of the container end 120.
[0097] The sensing section 1410 is composed of, for example, an
image sensor for sensing a configuration of the container end 120.
The sensing section 1410 outputs an image signal which is obtained
by sensing the configuration of the container end 120, to the
control section 1430. The control section 1430 compares the image
signal which is transmitted from the sensing section 1410, with the
image data signal of the corresponding container end 120, and
creates the direction adjusting signal when the image signal sensed
by the sensing section 1410 is different from the image data signal
stored in the memory section 1420. Thereupon, the direction
adjustment is effected by the direction adjustment driving section
1440 and the direction adjusting jig section 1450, whereby the
container cover inserting operation which is performed by the
container cover inserting device 1500 can be reliably implemented.
For example, the image sensor photographs a direction of the pull
tab 122 which is coupled to the upper surface of the container end
120. The direction which is photographed or imaged by the sensing
section 1410 is compared with the data direction of the pull tab
122 which is stored in the memory section 1420, if the two
direction are not coincident with each other, the direction of the
container end 120 is adjusted, whereby it is possible to feed the
container ends 120 which are always aligned in the same
predetermined direction, into the container cover inserting device
1500.
[0098] The sensing section 1410 should not be understood as being
limitedly composed of the image sensor. Instead, the sensing
section can be composed of a proximity sensor.
[0099] The container cover inserting device 1500 comprises a
container end fixing section 1510 for fixedly maintaining the
container end 120 in a manner such that it does not fluctuate; a
tab lifting section 1520 inserted between the upper surface of the
container end 120 which is fixedly maintained by the container end
fixing section 1510 and the pull tab 122 for slantingly lifting the
pull tab 122 at the predetermined angle, the tab lifting section
1520 being returned to its original position after the container
cover 130 is inserted between the upper surface of the container
end 120 and the pull tab 122; and a container cover inserting
section 1530 for loading and inserting the container cover 130
between the upper surface of the container end 120 and the pull tab
122 in a state wherein the pull tab 122 is lifted.
[0100] The container end fixing section 1510 can comprise a jig
which is able to grasp both sides of the container end 120 or a
robot arm which is able to fix the container end 120, etc.
[0101] The tab lifting section 1520 can be constructed to have a
shape as represented by the drawing reference numeral A in FIG. 10,
thereby to effect lifting of the pull tab 122.
[0102] The container cover inserting section 1530 can comprise a
variety of jigs, robot arms, or the like, capable of grasping the
container cover 130 which is formed by the container cover forming
facility, for example, the press and then transferred by the
conveyor system, or is formed by the container cover forming
facility and then received in a storing receptacle, inserting the
container cover 130 between the container end 120 and the pull tab
122, and then returning to its original position.
[0103] Hereinafter, operations of the apparatus for mounting a
container cover mountable to a beverage container, will be
described in detail.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, after the container covers
130 which are formed by the container cover forming process and
transferred by the conveyor system, or are formed by the container
cover forming process and received in the storing receptacle, are
supplied onto an upper surface of the container end loading device
1300, the plurality of container ends 120 are fed at a
predetermined speed along their paths.
[0105] While the container ends 120 are fed as described above, the
sensing section 1410 of the container end sensing and aligning
device 1400 senses a configuration of the container end 120,
creates an image signal for the configuration of the container end
120 and transmits the image signal to the control section 1430.
[0106] The control section 1430 compares the image signal of the
configuration of the container end 120 which is sensed by the
sensing section 1410, with the data signal for the configuration
which is stored in the memory section 1420, creates the direction
adjusting signal if the two signals are not the same, and transmits
the direction adjusting signal to the direction adjustment driving
section 1440 thereby to drive the direction adjustment jig section
1450. By this, the direction of the container end 120 is adjusted
to be the same as that which is stored in the memory section
1420.
[0107] The container end 120 which is adjusted in its direction as
described above, is fed into the container cover inserting device
1500 and then inserted between the upper surface of the container
end 120 and the pull tab 122. Describing this procedure more
detail, in a state wherein the container end 120 is fixedly
maintained by the container end fixing section 1510 not to be
fluctuated, the tab lifting section 1520 lifts the pull tab 122
which is installed on the upper surface of the container end 120 by
the predetermined angle. In this situation, the container cover
insertion section 1530 grasps the container cover 130 which is
formed by the container cover forming facility, for example, the
press and then transferred by the conveyor system, or is formed by
the container cover forming facility and then received in the
storing receptacle, inserts the container cover 130 between the
container end 120 and the pull tab 122, and then returns to its
original position. By this, as the pull tab 122 is also returned to
its original position by its own elasticity, the mounting operation
of the container cover 130 is completed.
[0108] The container ends 120 to which the container covers 130 are
mounted, respectively, are arranged by the container end arranging
and storing device 1600 in the predetermined pattern and then
received in a storage.
[0109] On the other hand, as the container end 120 to which the
container cover 130 is mounted, is coupled to the upper end of the
body 110 of the beverage container 100 in which the beverage is
accommodated, the manufacturing of the beverage container 100 is
completed.
[0110] As described above, the container cover mountable to a
beverage container and a mounting method and apparatus thereof
according to the present invention provide advantages in that,
since it is possible to selectively reclose with the container
cover an opened discharging hole defined in a container end
surface, entrance of foreign substances into the beverage container
is avoided. Also, because the container cover is formed with at
least one filtering hole and a straw insertion hole, a higher grade
of satisfaction can be rendered to a user. Moreover, due to the
fact that the container cover is provided with an advertising
function, advertising effectiveness can be maximized. Furthermore,
according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a
fingernail of the user from being damaged in the course of
manipulating a pull tab for opening the discharging hole of the
beverage container, whereby the discharging hole of the beverage
container can be opened in an easier manner. In addition, by the
method and apparatus according to the present invention, the
container cover can be rotatably coupled to the container end of
the beverage container.
[0111] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed
typical preferred embodiments of the invention and, although
specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the
scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
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