U.S. patent application number 10/362700 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for top for mounting on a container.
Invention is credited to Pladsbjerg, Christina.
Application Number | 20030222083 10/362700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8159684 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030222083 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pladsbjerg, Christina |
December 4, 2003 |
Top for mounting on a container
Abstract
The invention relates to a top (A, B) for mounting on a
container, preferably a can, comprising a fixed part (B) mounted on
top of the container, said fixed part having means for capturing
the container, said fixed part (B) further having an opening (6)
connecting the top of the container to the upper side of the fixed
part. The top (A, B) further comprises a flexible part (A)
connected to the fixed part (B) in such a position that it may bear
against the opening (6) of the fixed part (B); and sealing means
(12) connected to the top (A, B). The sealing means (12) is pressed
against the top of the container around an opening (2a) in the
container.
Inventors: |
Pladsbjerg, Christina;
(Vejle, DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
|
Family ID: |
8159684 |
Appl. No.: |
10/362700 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK01/00570 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/258.2; 220/259.1; 220/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0071 20130101;
B65D 2517/0098 20130101; B65D 2251/0025 20130101; B65D 17/4012
20180101; B65D 51/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/258.2; 220/259.1; 220/906 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/18; A47G
019/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2000 |
DK |
PA 2000 01288 |
Claims
1. Top (A, B) for mounting on a container (C), preferably a can,
comprising a fixed part (B) mounted on top of the container, said
fixed part (B) including means for capturing the container, said
fixed part (B) including at least one opening (6) connecting the
top of the container (C) to the upper side of the fixed part (B), a
flexible part (A) connected to the fixed part (B) in a position
capable of bearing against the fixed part and over the opening (6)
of the fixed part (B), characterized by sealing means (12)
connected to said top (A, B) and pressed against the top of the
container (C) around an opening (2a) in the container.
2. Top according to claim 1, characterized by the sealing means
(12) being connected to the under side of the fixed part (B) and
pressed against the top part of the container (2).
3. Top according to claim 2, characterized by the sealing means
(12) forming an integrated part of the fixed part (B).
4. Top according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the
sealing means (12) comprising an elongation in the shape of a neck
(19) extending into the opening (2a) of the container.
5. Top according to claim 1, characterized by the sealing means
(12) being connected to the flexible part (A) and pressed against
the top part of the container (C).
6. Top according to claim 5, characterized by the sealing means
(12) forming an integrated part of the flexible part (A).
7. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the flexible part (A) comprising an elongation
(33) capable of extending into a neck in the fixed part (B).
8. Top according to claim 7, characterized by said elongation (33)
comprising at least one first sealing means (23) being pressed
against the top part of the container (C) and the neck in the fixed
part (B).
9. Top accroding to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the flexible part (A) comprising a lip (25)
engaging with the rim (29) of the fixed part (B).
10. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the top being partially or wholly manufactured in
polypropylene (PP).
11. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the sealing means (12) being an O-ring or a
vulcanization.
12. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the fixed part (B) comprising a jaw (11a) and/or a
wall (11b) engaging with and capturing the fixed part (B) to the
container (C).
13. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the fixed part (B) comprising at least one folded
joint (8) or an edge (9) and by the flexible part (A) comprising at
least one folded joint (8) or an edge (9).
14. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by a hinge (13) connecting the flexible part (A) and
the fixed part (B) which is created by means of a reduction in the
thickness of material in an area of the flexible part (A) and/or
the fixed part. (B).
15. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the flexible part (A) comprising an axle and the
fixed part (B) comprising one or more sets of jaws placed across
from each other and engaging with or around the axle.
16. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the flexible part (A) being provided with one or
more ribs (10) or elevations (10a) and by the fixed part (B) being
provided with one or more ribs (10) or elevation (10a), and
elevations capable of engaging with the ribs.
17. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the top, such as the fixed part, comprising one or
more compartments (22).
18. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by one or more of said compartments (22) containing a
coolant such as a cooled liquid or ice.
19. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by said fixed part (B) of the top being provided with
a drinking collar or a drinking edge (32) preferably substantially
along the edge of the fixed part and/or the opening in the fixed
part.
20. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by said flexible part (A) comprising an opening or a
groove capbable of surrounding said drinking collar or drinking
edge (32).
21. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the top being provided with mounting and
dismounting means (31) such as one or more edges or ribs along the
side of the top (A, B).
22. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the top (A, B) being provided with pressure
compensating means for limiting or compensating for differences in
pressure between the surroundings and the inside of the container
(C).
23. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by said pressure compensating means including said
lip (25) of the flexible part (A), said rim (29) of the fixed part
(B), and said sealing means (12, 23) of the flexible part (A), said
pressure compensating means being designed and interrelated in such
a manner that the mutual engagement between said lip and rim and
said sealing means (23) and container (C), respectively, allows for
the creation of a liquid escape path between the flexible part, the
fixed part and the container.
24. Top according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized by the contents of the container (C) being beer or a
soft drink.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a top for mounting on a
container.
[0002] In retail, examples of containers with contents susceptible
to changes when brought into contact with the surroundings and of
containers which cannot be closed once they have been opened are
well-known.
[0003] Examples hereof are cans containing soft drinks or beer. One
problem with the soft drinks or the beer cans or containers is that
the contents become flat or undesirable if open for even only a
short period of time.
[0004] In order to overcome this problem, tops to be placed on top
of the container have been developed. Once access to the contents
of the container is desired, the top must be removed which requires
the user to use both hands. Also, the individual is required to
exert a certain amount of force in order to remove the top since it
must be tight in order to bear against the container in an even
remotely satisfactory manner. Once the individual has removed the
top, this is considered a separate part to be put aside while
drinking from the container and then subsequently pulled out and
placed back on top of the container.
[0005] This problem is particularly relevant when the individual is
preoccupied with other tasks at the same time such as driving a
car. If the individual uses a container with a top known from the
prior art, he or she must remove both hands from the steering wheel
to get a drink from the container. Also, he or she will often be
forced to take his or her eyes off the road in order to focus on
the removal of the top from the container. Subsequently, the
individual is forced to once again take his or her eyes off the
road to relocate the top. Due to the design of the top, it is very
likely that the contents will spill from under the top if the
container tips over while driving. Also, there is a risk that the
top will be knocked off completely e.g. if hitting the breaks hard
or when making a turn.
[0006] Furthermore, a top for mounting on a container, such as a
can, is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,467, wherein the top is
mounted over the top of a container. A drinking opening has been
provided in the top and comprises a multiple of holes whereby
contact between the surroundings and the hole in the container is
created. In order to be able to close the drinking opening, the top
has been provided with a hinged flap that may be placed over the
drinking opening and this flap is provided with a sealing strip. In
this manner, the flap is able to close the drinking opening in the
top.
[0007] The purpose of the invention in U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,467 is
to create a space which is tightly sealed from the surroundings and
by means of which the flap with the sealing strip closes the
drinking opening in the top while at the same time ensuring that
the mounting of the top on the container bears against it. Thus,
the top creates an indirect sealing of the container since the
contents of the container are only allowed to flow into the space
between the container and the top.
[0008] However, the design of this known top has turned out to
possess several drawbacks. One is that it must be manufactured with
great accuracy in order to avoid leaks along the relatively long
sealing areas. Also, the efficiency of the top depends on the
accuracy of manufacturing of the container along the common sealing
areas of the container and the top.
[0009] In addition, the liquid of the container may flow freely
into the space between the container and the top if the container
is not constantly kept steady and in vertical position. Aside from
the increased requirements to hygiene, this also increases the
requirements to the sealing qualities along the common sealing
areas of the container and the top since they are constantly
exposed to the liquid, both during use and during storage.
[0010] This invention does away with these and other drawbacks as
will be explained in the following.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] By the sealing means being connected to said top and pressed
against the top of the container around an opening in the
container, it is possible to create a tight sealing top for a
container. The sealing will be efficient against leaks of as well
liquid as air, meaning that a soft drink will be sealed both in
relation to the liquid and its contents of carbon dioxide.
[0012] Also, it will be easier for an individual to gain access to
the contents of the container. The individual will be able to grab
around the container and at the same time remove the flexible part
from the top by means of only one hand. Since the removal of the
flexible part is simple, the individual will be able to carry this
action out with only a minimum of concentration and without having
to subsequently relocate a separate top.
[0013] At the same time, an individual carrying around a container
with a top mounted thereupon is guaranteed that the contents will
not leak.
[0014] It should be emphasized that the top is usually positioned
by the consumer of the product. However, the manufacturer of the
container or the liquid in the container may also position the top.
Further, it should be emphasized that the top is a separate unit
which is positioned on the container.
[0015] By the sealing means being connected to the under side of
the fixed part and pressing it against the top part of the
container, it is possible to protect the sealing means from dirt
etc. from the surroundings while also keeping bugs out of the
container.
[0016] Also, the top will appear more aesthetic with the sealing
means being permanently hidden between the top and the
container.
[0017] By letting the sealing means become an integrated part of
the fixed part, the possibility of manufacturing a top by means of
one or more automated processes is obtained which will limit
manufacturing costs significantly.
[0018] By providing the sealing means with an extension in the
shape of a neck extending down into the opening of the can, a close
connection between the container and the top is obtained.
[0019] By connecting the sealing means to the flexible part and
pressing it against the top part of the container, easy inspection
and cleaning of the sealing means are created. This includes the
possibility of inspecting the top on a container when it has been
mounted for a while and it is inconvenient to take it off in order
to determine whether the sealing means does still appears to be
hygienic and clean.
[0020] By the sealing means forming an integrated part of the
flexible part, the possibility of manufacturing a top by means of
one or more automated processes is obtained which will limit
manufacturing costs significantly.
[0021] By the flexible part comprising an elongation capable of
extending into a neck in the fixed part, it is possible to
stabilize the flexible part in relation to the fixed part of the
top.
[0022] By said elongation comprising at least one first sealing
means being pressed against the top part of the container and the
neck in the fixed part, it is possible to create a very tight and
secure sealing. Further, the sealing means will have a "click"
function when closing the top and hereby inform the user that the
top has been properly secured.
[0023] Further, the container has been sealed and the flexible part
has been locked to the fixed part.
[0024] By the flexible part comprising a lip engaging with a rim of
the fixed part, it is possible to ensure a safe connection between
the flexible and the fixed parts. Further, the lip will have a
"click" function when closing the top and hereby inform the user
that the top has been properly secured.
[0025] By letting the top be wholly or partly manufactured in
polypropylene (PP), it is possible to utilize the advantageous
properties of the plastic material. Especially the reduced level of
induration of the PP is advantageous over other plastic materials
and makes it very suitable, since it ensures that the PP sealing
means bears against the container while also being easy to
mount.
[0026] By letting the sealing means be an 0-ring or a
vulcanization, a close connection between the container and the top
is obtained.
[0027] By using an O-ring, the sealing means becomes both
inexpensive in retail and simple to mount onto the top. By using a
vulcanization, the shape of the sealing means during manufacturing
becomes optional. This opens up for manufacturing of specialized
tops for individual types of containers.
[0028] By providing the fixed part with a jaw and/or a wall
engaging with and capturing the fixed part to the container, it is
possible to create durable and strong capturing. Especially if both
a wall and a jaw are applied to press against e.g. an edge of the
container from each side.
[0029] By providing the fixed part with at least one folded joint
or an edge and providing the flexible part with at least one folded
joint or an edge, the possibility of creating a tight sealing
between the flexible and the fixed parts is increased. The folded
joint or edge may be provided with a rubber film, or a rubber edge
in relation to the folded joint, in order to increase the sealing
further and in order to increase the capturing of the flexible part
in closed position.
[0030] By having a hinge connecting the flexible part and the fixed
part, which is created by a reduction in the thickness of the
material in an area around the flexible and/or the fixed part, it
is ensured that the flexible part may only move in a certain manner
from certain given positions to other certain given positions.
Also, the guaranteed tight connection between the flexible and the
fixed part is significantly improved in comparison with other kinds
of loose connections between the two.
[0031] By the flexible part having an axle and the fixed part
having one or more set of jaws placed across from each other and
engaging with or around the axle, a hinge is created in a simple
and inexpensive manner.
[0032] By providing the flexible part with one or more ribs or
elevations and providing the fixed part with one or more ribs or
elevations, said elevations engaging with the ribs, the possibility
of locking the flexible part into a fixed position is obtained.
This is particularly advantageous in relation to the emptying of
the container since the flexible part will often constitute an
annoying factor as it may suddenly move when tipping the
container.
[0033] By letting the top comprise one or more compartments, it is
possible to basically isolate the top of the container from cold or
hot surroundings.
[0034] By having at least one or more of the compartments comprise
a coolant, such as cooled liquids or ice, it is possible to
actively add a chill factor to the top of the container and thereby
its contents or to compensate for the impact of the surroundings on
the container. The cooling of the coolant may e.g. be obtained by
placing the top in a refrigerator or a freezer prior to use.
[0035] Further, the coolant will actively cool the content of the
container as it flows through the top. The coolant will also cool
the lips of the user drinking from the container and provide the
user with great pleasure on a hot day.
[0036] By providing the top with a drinking collar or a drinking
edge, it is possible to create a more secure transition between the
top and the user's mouth and to improve the drinking conformity for
the user.
[0037] By said flexible part comprising an opening or a groove
capable of surrounding said drinking collar or drinking edge, the
sealing functionality of the top is maintained in an advantageous
manner.
[0038] By providing the top with attachment or detachment means,
such as one or more edges or ribs along the side of the top,
replacement or mounting of the top on a container is made easy. In
order to ensure optimal sealing between the top and the container,
a close connection between the two is required and an edge on the
side of the top may therefore be necessary for assistance when
pressing the top into place or removing it again.
[0039] By providing the top with pressure compensating means for
limiting or compensating for the differences in pressure between
the surroundings and the inside of the container, it is possible to
avoid excessive pressure against the back of the top which would
otherwise mean that the pressure on the top may partially or wholly
cause the top to detach from the container in extreme cases.
[0040] By said pressure compensating means including said lip of
the flexible part, said rim in the fixed part, and said sealing
means of the flexible part, said pressure compensating means being
designed and interrelated in such a manner that the mutual
engagement between said lip and rim and said sealing means and
container, respectively, allows for the creation of a liquid escape
path between the flexible part, the fixed part and the container,
it is possible to remove any excess pressure in the container by
creating a path through the top to the surroundings.
[0041] Hereby, is ensured that excess pressure will not push the
top off the top of the container.
[0042] By having the container contain beer or soft drinks,
significant advantages may be obtained.
[0043] In particular, the fact that an unopened can for beer or
soft drinks comprises excess pressure makes the top of the can
slightly conical in shape in an upwards direction. Once the excess
pressure is released by opening the can, the top will sink and form
a slight drop towards the opening of the can instead. This means
that the sealing means may be placed anywhere on top of the can,
incl. in the immediate vicinity of the opening or along the outer
edges of the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The invention will be described in the following with
reference to the figures in which
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a perspective embodiment of the invention with
a container,
[0046] FIGS. 2a-d show various first embodiments of a top according
to the invention and mounted on a container,
[0047] FIGS. 3a-b show various second embodiments of a top
according to the invention and mounted on a container,
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a top according to the
invention and mounted on a container,
[0049] FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment wherein the sealing means
has been integrated in the top,
[0050] FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment wherein a top according to
the invention is provided with compartments,
[0051] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a further preferred
embodiment,
[0052] FIG. 8 shows the top in the embodiment of FIG. 7, and
[0053] FIG. 9 shows the fixed part with a drinking collar or
edge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a possible perspective embodiment of the
invention prior to mounting on top of a container. The container
basically consists of two parts from a cut metal plate, a bottom
part 1 and a top part 2, respectively, and the parts have been
joined together by bending and form an essentially vertical edge
2c. In addition, the top part is provided with an area encompassed
by an attenuation line whereby the area can be pressed into the can
by means of an opening mechanism 3. The opening mechanism is
designed as a lever 3a over a rivet 3b connecting and capturing the
lever in relation to the top part 2. The lever 3a extends towards
the area 2a at one end and may be lifted by the user at the other
end which creates downwards pressure towards the area 2b. In this
manner, an opening 2a will be created along the attenuation line
which may be used to empty the container of its contents.
[0055] The top for mounting on a can has been illustrated by a
fixed part 4,5 and a flexible part 7, and the function of the
flexible part is mainly to open/close an opening 6 in the fixed
part. The location of the opening 6 in the fixed part 4,5 basically
corresponds to the location of the container opening 2a in the top
part 2.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible part 7 has been
mounted directly onto the upper side of the fixed part by means of
a hinge. In addition, it has been provided with a closing edge 9
which fits over a folded joint 8 in the upper side 5 of the fixed
part whereby the opening 6 can be shut tightly by the flexible
part.
[0057] The fixed part is of such proportions that it is capable of
fitting over and be captured by a container of the type described
above.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, it is also possible to fixate
the flexible part 7 to the upper side 5 of the fixed part by having
the flexible part extend towards the upper side with the surface
which is not provided with a closing edge 9. However, this surface
comprises one or more elevations (not shown) which fit between the
ribs 10 in such a manner that the flexible part is captured in a
position allowing free access to the opening 6.
[0059] FIG. 2a shows a sectional view of an embodiment according to
the invention, and the invention is placed in normal user position
on top of a container.
[0060] The top has been provided with a jaw 11a capable of
capturing the bent edge of the can 2c on the outside and a wall 11b
pressing against the edge on the inside. It would also be possible
to use only the jaw 11a to fix the top to the container or
alternatively design the wall 11b as a jaw capturing the edge 2c
from the inside. Correspondingly, two walls may be used where one
or both could be provided with a flexible edge, e.g. a rubber edge,
being pressed over or around the edge.
[0061] Alternatively, the top may be provided with a wall extending
against the inside of the bent edge on the container while the back
of the top is shaped in such a manner that it follows the folded
joint. Hereby, the top may fix itself onto the container.
[0062] A flexible sealing means 12 has been placed within the area
created by the wall 11b. In this embodiment, the sealing means 12
is illustrated by an O-ring fixed to the back of the fixed part 5
and around the opening 6. When mounting the top on a container, the
sealing means is pressed against the top part 2 and around its
opening 2a in such a manner that a connection between the two
openings is made. The connection ensures that a completely or
practically completely air tight separation between the contents of
the container and the surroundings is achieved when closing the
opening 6 in the top part 2. Similarly, the sealing means 12
ensures that the contents of the container will not escape behind
the ring when emptied out through the openings 2a, 6 of the
container and the top.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the 0-ring extends around the
immediate opening and presses against and around the lever 3a,
among others.
[0064] Apart from the use of an 0-ring in a flexible material such
as rubber, foam or air-filled plastic mounted on the back of the
fixed part 5 of the top subsequent to manufacturing, it is possible
to place a vulcanization on the back in connection with the
manufacturing of the top.
[0065] In this embodiment, the flexible part 7 is directly
connected to the fixed part 5 by means of a hinge 13 which is
created by a reduction of the thickness of material. The reduction
is so significant that the flexible part can move freely from the
surface of the fixed part 5 on the one side of the hinge to the
other side.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the flexible part 7 may be a
loose unit ending in an axle. One or more sets may be placed across
from each other on the fixed part, and these may engage with or
around the axle capturing it and thereby creating a hinge.
[0067] FIG. 2b shows a variation of the embodiment in FIG. 2a where
the sealing means 12 is placed immediately behind the wall 11b and
extends with it in parallel.
[0068] FIG. 2c shows an embodiment in which the flexible part 7 has
a diameter corresponding to that of the fixed part 5. Also, a loose
connection 14 has been shown between the flexible part 7 and the
fixed part 5, and this connection may e.g. be a line in
plastic.
[0069] At the same time, the embodiment illustrates a slide 15
extending past the sealing means 12 to the top of the container
which ensures improved and more defined control when emptying the
contents out of the can.
[0070] FIG. 2d shows an embodiment offering the possibility of
locking the flexible part 7 to the fixed part 5 by means of ribs 10
on the fixed part and an elevation 10a engaging between the ribs
(as previously explained in relation to FIG. 1). Other ways in
which to fix the flexible part 7 to the fixed part 5 are naturally
also possible and include the use of an adhesive material or the
like on one of the surfaces.
[0071] In all of the FIGS. 2a-d, the sealing means 12 has been
mounted directly onto the back of the fixed part of the top 5.
[0072] In a particular embodiment, the top may be provided with a
pocket placed between the top and the sealing means in a position
right above the lever of the container. When mounting the top onto
the container, the lever will be pressed into the pocket while the
sealing means will be placed between the lever and the top of the
container. In this manner, a close connection between the container
and the top is established.
[0073] FIG. 3a shows a second embodiment according to the
invention. The sealing means 12 is mounted onto the back of the
flexible part 7 and it will be pressed down against the top part 2
of the container when closing the flexible part 7 against the fixed
part 5. In addition, the flexible part 7 is provided with an
opening 16 and a neck 17 on the upper side with an inside angling
which makes the neck pointy in an upwards direction. In this
manner, a drinking opening is created with a close connection
between the opening 2a of the container, the sealing means 12 and
the opening 16 of the flexible part 7.
[0074] The opening of the flexible part 7 is provided with a cap 18
which may be placed over the neck 15 in order to close it tightly.
The neck 17 and the cap 18 may e.g. be provided with an outer and
an inner thread or the like in order to create the tight closing.
Alternatively, the neck 17 and the cap 18 may be manufactured with
so little tolerance that the cap encompasses the neck by pressing
it down over it.
[0075] Alternatively, a drinking opening may be created by
designing the fixed part 5 with a slide (as explained and shown in
relation to FIGS. 2c and 2d). In order to avoid leaks when emptying
the container, the capturing must be tight around the edge 2c or a
tight edge be used in relation to the edge 2c and the jaw 11a
and/or the wall 11b (as explained in relation to FIG. 2a). However,
this makes the opening 16 in the flexible part 7 superfluous.
[0076] FIG. 3b shows a variation of the embodiments in FIGS. 3a and
2c in which these have been combined in such a manner that the
sealing means 12 is mounted on the flexible part 7 which, in turn,
is loosely connected to the fixed part 5. The flexible part 7 is
illustrated without an opening so that the emptying of the
container takes place as described in the paragraph above. A
variant with an opening and a neck/cap is naturally also
possible.
[0077] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In this
example, the sealing edge has been replaced by a neck 19 which
either constitutes a fixed part 5 of the top or is mounted onto the
back of the same. The neck 19 is designed in a flexible material,
such as rubber, and is shaped in such a manner that it may extend
into the opening 2a of the container. The edge of the opening 2a
will push into the side of the neck 19 so that airtight sealing is
achieved on the outside of the neck. When emptying the container,
the contents will pour out through the inner opening of the neck
20.
[0078] Of course, a variety of other embodiments according to the
invention is possible, incl. combinations of one or more features
of the illustrated embodiments. Other embodiments may e.g. feature
drinking openings similar to that shown in FIG. 3a or a slide as
shown in FIGS. 2c-2d.
[0079] Also, the top may have a different shape than round such as
a square.
[0080] FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment in which the top and the
sealing means 21 constitute one integrated unit which can be poured
in one or more automated processes.
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment in which the top is provided
with one or more compartments 22 comprising a liquid such as water.
By placing the top in a freezer, the water in the top is frozen
into ice prior to use which provides the top with an active ability
to keep the temperature of the container down for a certain period
of time. The top may potentially be provided with a feeding pipe
for the liquid, just as the individual compartments may be provided
with a structure which limits or inhibits movement of the
liquid.
[0082] Alternatively, the top may comprise various chemical liquids
capable of developing a cold environment. Similarly, the
compartments may be filled with air and thereby work as a passive
means of isolation in relation to its surroundings.
[0083] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a further preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0084] The fixed part B of the top is positioned on top of the
container C. The fixed part includes a second sealing means 24
which is pressed against the inner side of the top of the container
or against a groove 26 in the top part of the container. In case of
a high bent edge of the container, the pressure will be against the
side, and in case of a lower edge, the pressure will be against the
groove. Further, the fixed part includes a neck 27 extending toward
the opening of the container C.
[0085] The flexible part A of the top includes an elongation having
a first sealing means 23 in the shape of a lip. If the top is in
closed position, the elongation extends into the neck of the fixed
part and the lip is pushed against the top of the container as well
as against the bottom of the neck. The inward surface of the neck
is preferably cone-shaped.
[0086] The flexible part also comprises a rim capable of extending
over the rim of the fixed part. The rim of the flexible part
includes a lip 25 which is pressed over the bottom of the rim of
the fixed part when the top is in closed position. The flexible
part may be moved slightly before causing the lip to push against
the bottom of the rim of the fixed part. When the flexible part is
moved to this position, the elongation and the first sealing means
23 are drawn back into the neck of the fixed part. Hereby, a path
or passage is established from the opening of the container to the
surroundings through the neck and the lip 25 of the flexible part
since the diameter of the first sealing means 23 is smaller than
the diameter of the neck at the position to which it has been
pushed. Excess pressure in the container may hereby be removed.
[0087] FIG. 8 shows the top of FIG. 7 where the top includes a
flexible part A (viewed from above) and a fixed part B (viewed from
below) and a flexible hinge 28 connecting the two.
[0088] The flexible part A comprises mounting and dismounting means
31 such as a gripping lug easing opening or closing of the top.
[0089] The fixed part B comprises a rim 29, a second sealing means
24, a neck 27 and an opening 30 connecting the surroundings with
the container.
[0090] FIG. 9 shows the fixed part of the top in an embodiment
including a drinking collar or a drinking edge. The drinking collar
preferably extends substantially along the edge of the fixed part
and/or the opening in the fixed part.
[0091] The flexible part in the embodiment may comprise an opening
allowing the drinking collar to extend through the flexible part or
the flexible part may encompass the drinking collar. The
encompassment may be established e.g. by letting the flexible part
have a surface raising toward the drinking collar side or a housing
over the drinking collar.
[0092] In all the shown embodiments, in which the flexible part has
a section extending into the opening 6 or into the neck of the
fixed part, various means of fixation may be provided, e.g. barbs
or a surface with a high coefficient of friction such a rubber.
Also, the means of fixation on the flexible part 7 may engage with
corresponding means on the fixed part 5.
[0093] Finally, it should be mentioned that the top may be provided
with pegs, rabbetings or similar arrangements to improve a person's
ability to better grasp around the top. For example, the flexible
part 7 may e.g. have a pegs or rabbetings to ease opening or
closing. At the same time, the fixed part 5 may have one or more
pegs or rabbetings to ease mounting or dismounting of a top on a
container.
[0094] List
[0095] 1. bottom part of a container
[0096] 2. top part of a container
[0097] 2a. opening in top part
[0098] 2b. area encompassed by an attenuation line in the top
part
[0099] 2c. bent edge
[0100] 3. opening mechanism
[0101] 3a. lever
[0102] 3b. rivet
[0103] 4. side of fixed part
[0104] 5. fixed part of top
[0105] 6. opening in fixed part
[0106] 7. flexible part of top
[0107] 8. folded joint in fixed part
[0108] 9. closing edge in flexible part
[0109] 10. ribs
[0110] 10a. elevation in flexible part
[0111] 11a. jaw in fixed part
[0112] 11b. wall in fixed part
[0113] 12. sealing means
[0114] 13. hinge between flexible and fixed parts
[0115] 14. line to connect flexible and fixed parts
[0116] 15. slide
[0117] 16. opening in flexible part
[0118] 17. neck
[0119] 18. cap
[0120] 19. neck in fixed part
[0121] 20. inner opening of neck
[0122] 21. integrated sealing means
[0123] 22. one or more compartments
[0124] 23. first sealing means
[0125] 24. second sealing means
[0126] 25. lip stop
[0127] 26. groove in the top part of the container
[0128] 27. neck in the fixed part
[0129] 28. flexible hinge
[0130] 29. rim of the fixed part
[0131] 30. opening in the fixed part
[0132] 31. mounting and dismounting means
[0133] 32. drinking collar or drinking edge
[0134] A. flexible part of top (A=7)
[0135] B. fixed part of top (B=5)
[0136] C. container (C=1, 2)
* * * * *