U.S. patent application number 10/350242 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for quick-pour can.
Invention is credited to Heck, Jonathan Andrew.
Application Number | 20040144787 10/350242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32735518 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040144787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heck, Jonathan Andrew |
July 29, 2004 |
Quick-pour can
Abstract
A dual aperture beverage can (1) consisting of a venting scored
section (4) and a pouring scored section (6) on the container top
(11). The container (2) is comprised of a container sidewall (9), a
container top (11), and a container bottom (8). A tab (7) is
employed to open both the venting scored section (4) and the
pouring scored section (6), such that their respective apertures
are revealed. The pouring aperture (10) is of the traditional style
common in the beverage can industry, while the venting aperture
(14) leads to a hollow venting tube (13). The hollow venting tube
(13) leads to near the bottom of the container. It is this manner,
that air can enter the venting aperture (14) and displace the
liquid from the bottom of the can while the fluid flows quickly and
evenly out the pouring aperture (10).
Inventors: |
Heck, Jonathan Andrew;
(Franklin Square, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jonathan Heck
1089 Lorraine Dr.
Franklin Square
NY
11010
US
|
Family ID: |
32735518 |
Appl. No.: |
10/350242 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/271 ;
220/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 17/4012 20180101;
B65D 2517/0061 20130101; B65D 2517/0094 20130101; B65D 2517/0014
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/271 ;
220/906 |
International
Class: |
B65D 008/02; B65D
017/34 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A beverage container comprising: (a) a cylindrical container
sidewall; (b) a container bottom; (c) a container top, said
container top further comprising a means for opening a venting
aperture and a pouring aperture; (d) a hollow venting tube
connected to the underside of said container top underneath said
venting aperture, whereby said venting tube allows air to displace
a fluid from the bottom of said container.
2. The beverage container set forth in claim 1, wherein said
container is composed of aluminum.
3. The beverage container set forth in claim 1, wherein a single
tab is employed to open said pouring aperture and said venting
aperture.
4. The beverage container set forth in claim 1, wherein a tab is
attached to a venting scored section by a connecting metal. This is
done in such a manner that when said tab is toggled up, said
venting scored section is detached from the container top,
revealing said venting aperture.
5. A means for air to displace liquid from the bottom of a
container comprising: (a) a sidewall; (b) a container bottom; (c) a
container top, where said top further comprises a means for opening
a pouring aperture and a venting aperture; (d) a hollow venting
tube connected to the bottom of said container top underneath said
venting aperture such that air or liquid can only enter or exit
said hollow venting tube through the bottom of said hollow venting
tube or through said venting aperture.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to beverage cans, specifically to the
manually-operated mechanism that allows for the flow of fluids.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Previously, beverage cans have employed a simple single
opening aperture to allow for the fluids therein to be poured.
Although the design of such a pouring mechanism has changed, the
problems inherent in a single opening persist. In any single
opening container, for fluid to exit, air must enter and displace
the fluid; this causes a slow and uneven stream of liquid that
undulates as it pours. Besides the mere aesthetic issues that this
creates, there are many functional problems that result from an
uneven flow of fluids. The liquid pours out of the container
slowly, making it nearly impossible to quickly imbibe the fluids
directly from the can. In some situations, it is desirable to be
able to quickly drink the contents of a can; however, this feat is
extremely difficult because of the slow, uneven flow and the
problems that result from it. As well, an undulating flow makes it
very difficult to pour the contents of the can into a small opening
or container without spilling.
[0005] Another problem in many prior art cans is the inability to
pour the entire contents of the can, leaving a few last drops once
consumption of the beverage is complete. Besides being wasteful,
these unconsumed remnants can be a nuisance when a person partakes
in recycling the cans. In aggregate, saving the sum of all this
waste would enhance efficiency.
[0006] Prior art has to this point been unable to solve the problem
of excess foam or "head". Much of this foam is caused by the uneven
pour of fluids from a single-opening beverage container into a
glass. This foam makes it difficult to quickly consume the beverage
directly from the can. When poured into a glass, the foam forces
persons to wait until it has settled before drinking the beverage.
Although "widemouth" cans have attempted to solve this problem and
others, they still have only one opening and therefore are subject
to the same problems.
[0007] I am aware of several prior patents that attempt to address
the issue mentioned. U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,060 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,782,373 offer dual aperture beverage containers; however, the
venting aperture in these inventions is simply a second mouth
placed near the bottom of the can. Although this solves the problem
of an uneven pour, it creates many new and undesirable
consequences. For instance, once the second aperture is opened, the
person consuming the beverage is forced to immediately pour or
drink the entire contents of the can. Further, this design requires
a person to open two separate apertures, the second one being in an
awkward position, which can easily lead to spillage. U.S. Pat. No.
6,112,932 is for a beverage can with a flow enhancing sidewall.
Although this may provide a better flow when the can is tilted at
small angles with respect to the horizontal, it is still a single
aperture beverage container and requires air and liquid to compete
for the same space when the can is inverted vertically. Therefore,
this invention does not solve the problems previously stated.
[0008] There remains an unmet need for a beverage can that allows
for a quick and even flow of the fluids therein, thus reducing
foam, spillage, and pouring time. As well, there remains an unmet
need for a beverage can that can reduce the amount of leftover
fluids.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0009] Accordingly several objects and advantages of the present
invention are:
[0010] (a) to provide a can which allows for improved drinkability
without substantially changing the dimensions, stackability, or
manufacturing costs;
[0011] (b) to provide a can which pours smoothly, eliminating the
chugging or undulating motion
[0012] (c) to provide a can that allows for persons to more quickly
drink the fluid directly from the can;
[0013] (d) to provide a can which reduces the amount of residual
leftover fluid commonly associated with current cans, thus allowing
for more fluid per container to be consumed
[0014] (e) to provide a can which can be poured more quickly and
accurately, reducing spillage while doing so.
[0015] (f) to provide a can which eliminates much of the excess
foam that is common when carbonated beverages are poured into
glasses.
[0016] Further objects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
discussion.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0017] The advantages of my invention over prior art and its novel
features will become more apparent through a consideration of the
following detailed drawings and descriptions wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of a dual aperture beverage container.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the
container, the dual apertures, and the venting mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a top perspective of a dual aperture beverage
can.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the
preferred embodiment in use.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another alternative
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a further alternative
embodiment.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0025] 1 dual aperture beverage container
[0026] 2 container
[0027] 3 container rim
[0028] 4 venting scored section
[0029] 5 liquid
[0030] 6 pouring scored section
[0031] 7 tab
[0032] 8 container bottom
[0033] 9 container sidewall
[0034] 10 pouring aperture
[0035] 11 container top
[0036] 12 connecting metal
[0037] 13 hollow venting tube
[0038] 14 venting aperture
[0039] 15 scoring
[0040] 16 venting tube bottom
[0041] 17 air
[0042] 18 spike
SUMMARY
[0043] My invention is a beverage can which aims to eliminate the
problems associated with prior art. The present invention seeks to
provide a beverage can that can be consumed more quickly and easily
in private, social, festive, and business occasions through the
unique dual aperture that allows air to displace the fluid therein
from the bottom of the container. Further, the invention aims to be
employed as easily as the traditional prior art by allowing the
current single-aperture opening mechanism to also open the new
venting aperture. This reduces confusion associated with new
products and maintains the size, stackability, and other important
physical features associated with current beverage containers. The
invention achieves these goals through the preferred embodiment and
many various alternative embodiments.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment of my invention, the invention
is an improvement on the traditional beverage can with a
traditional opening mechanism, a tab that opens a scored pouring
aperture. In this embodiment, there is another scored section on
the top of the can. This second scored section is circular and
placed below the tab; however, additional embodiments can have any
shaped scored section and can be placed anywhere on the can. This
new scored section is attached to the tab by a small piece of
connecting metal. The new venting aperture, when opened, allows air
to flow from outside the can to the bottom of the can. The new
opening under the tab, the venting aperture, leads to a hollow tube
that is connected to the bottom of the container top, the venting
tube. The venting tube extends to a small distance above the bottom
of the container
[0045] There are many alternative embodiments that are suitable for
the invention. The venting tube can be made of a variety of
materials, as well as be made of different shapes sizes, and
directions. What is relevant is that it allows air from the outside
through the venting tube to displace the fluid in the can. Further,
the venting aperture can also be made in a variety of shapes, sizes
or locations that allow for an effective employment of the venting
tube. Further, the venting aperture need not be opened by the
connecting metal. Any effective means for opening the venting
aperture so that air can flow down the venting tube and displace
liquid from below would be an alternative embodiment of my
invention. Many other embodiments exist, and should not be limited
to those mentioned above. Further, the purpose of the abstract is
to allow those skilled in the art, the United States Patent and
Trademark Office, and the public in general to ascertain the
essence of my invention. To this end, it is not expected to limit
the scope of my invention or define it in any manner outside the
claim.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0046] 1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Figures
[0047] A typical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 1 through 4. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a dual-aperture
beverage container 1 and a container top 11 are shown respectively.
In the main embodiment, a container 2 consists of a container
sidewall 9 that wraps around to form a hollow cylinder. The
container sidewall 9 is made of metal and is effectively closed on
both open ends so that it can completely seal the beverage inside.
On top of the container sidewall 9 is connected the container top
11, while the bottom is sealed off with a container bottom 8. Like
the container sidewall 9, the container top 11 and container bottom
8 are both made of metal. The container top 11 contains a pouring
scored section 6, a tab 7, a venting scored portion 4, a container
rim 3, a connecting metal 12, and a hollow venting tube 13. The
container rim 3 is simply the circumference of the container top
11, securing the container top 11 to the container sidewall 9. The
pouring scored section 6 is generally of a circular shape and less
than an inch in diameter. The pouring scored section 6 is defined
by scoring 15 that surrounds most of it except the portion under
the tab 7. The scoring 15 is done in the traditional size and
spacing that is custom in the beverage industry to allow for the
detachment of the pouring scored section 6 when the tab 7 is pulled
up. The tab 7 is attached to the container top 11 so that its
attachment point is next to the pouring scored section 6, but not
on it. As well, it is attached in a manner that allows part of the
tab 7 to overlap the pouring scored section 6, but the majority of
the tab 7 is opposite the side of the pouring scored section 6. The
venting scored section 4 is also of a circular shape and is defined
by scoring 15 that surrounds it entirely. The venting scored
section 4 is smaller than the pouring scored section 6 such that it
is approximately a centimeter or two in diameter. The venting
scored section 4 is connected to the tab 7 by the connecting metal
12. The connecting metal 12 is a sheet of metal that attaches the
top of the venting scored section 4 to part of the tab 7. Below the
container top 11 is connected the hollow venting tube 13. The
hollow venting tube 13 would be made out of the same metal as the
container 2 and presumably manufactured as part of the container
top 11. The hollow venting tube 13 would be just slightly wider
than the venting scored section 4, and the center of the hollow
venting tube 13 would also be that of the venting scored section 4.
A venting tube bottom 16, the bottom of the hollow venting tube 13,
would be open so that anything could enter and exit the bottom of
the hollow venting tube 13 freely. As well, the hollow venting tube
13 is straight but at a slight tilt such that the venting tube
bottom 16 is approximately a centimeter from the container bottom 8
at the side opposite the pouring scored section 6.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view
of the invention after it has been opened. When the tab 7 is
toggled and pulled up on by the end furthest from the pouring
scored section 6, the pouring scored section 6 is detached from the
container top 11 where the scoring is 15 so that it is pushed down
into the container 2. At the same time the pouring scored section 6
is pushed down, the venting scored section 4 is completely detached
from the container top 11 along the scoring 15. The venting scored
section 4 is detached by the force from the connecting metal 12
pulling up on it; however, the connecting metal 12 is, in turn,
being pulled up on because the tab 7 is being pulled. A pouring
aperture 10 is revealed when the pouring scored section 6 is pushed
down, and a venting aperture 14 is revealed when the venting scored
section 4 is detached from the container top 11. The venting
aperture 14 leads to the hollow venting tube 13 such that the only
possible entries and exits for the hollow venting tub 13 are the
venting aperture 14 and the venting tube bottom 16.
[0049] 2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
[0050] FIG. 4, illustrates the present invention in use. The
container 2 is opened by pulling up on the tab 7 from the end
furthest the pouring scored section 6, consequently pushing the
pouring scored section 6 down and simultaneously detaching the
venting scored section 4 completely from the container top 11. In
this drawing, the container 2 has been opened and is inverted, such
that a fluid 5 streams out through the pouring aperture 10 while
air 17 enters the venting aperture 14 and displaces said fluid 5
from the bottom of the container 2. The fluid 5 is at a level below
the venting tube bottom 16 so that it can only exit the can through
the pouring aperture 10. As well, the exiting fluid 5 causes a
pressure change in the container 2 that causes the air 17 to flow
into the venting aperture 14 and through the hollow venting tube
13. In doing this, the fluid 5 is allowed to flow quickly and
freely out of the container 2, eliminating the uneven undulating
motion that is common with prior art cans.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0051] There are a great many possible embodiments for this
invention, and those mentioned should not be seen as limiting the
scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be
determined not by the embodiments illustrated but by the appended
claims; however, some alternative embodiments are briefly discussed
below.
[0052] FIGS. 5 through 7 illustrate some possible embodiments. In
FIG. 5, the only difference with regards to the preferred
embodiment is that the venting scored section 4 is of a square
shape. Changing the shape of the venting scored section 4, and
consequently the venting aperture 14, has no effect on the
functional utility of the invention. Consequently, the venting
scored section 4 can be of any shape or location on the container
top 11, assuming it makes effective use of the hollow venting tube
13. As well, the venting scored section can be many sizes; however,
some of the effectiveness is lost if venting apertures 14 are too
small or too big. An appropriate size would be about 1 to 2
centimeters in diameter.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows another possible embodiment where the venting
aperture 14 is opened in an entirely different manner. In this
drawing, there is a spike 18 attached to the bottom of the tab 7.
The venting aperture 14 no longer has scoring 15 around it, but
rather is made of a more flimsy metal, such that the tab 7, and
consequently the spike 18, can be pushed down to impale the
material covering the venting aperture 14. It is in this manner
that the venting aperture 14 would be opened, while the pouring
aperture 10 and the hollow venting tube 13 would work and act as in
the preferred embodiment. Likewise, there could be any number of
means by which the venting aperture 14 can be opened other than by
using the connecting metal 12.
[0054] FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment whereby
everything is the same as the preferred embodiment except the shape
and direction of the hollow venting tube 13. In this drawing, the
hollow venting tube 13 has many curves rather than being straight.
This alteration would not affect the functional utility of the
invention. Other alternative embodiments could have different
shape, size, direction, or material for the hollow venting tube
13.
[0055] Other possible embodiments consist of changing the shape,
size, direction, or material of components. The pouring scored
section 6 could also be changed, as could the mechanism opening the
pouring aperture 10 or venting aperture 14.
* * * * *