U.S. patent application number 10/559991 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for beverage can with laminate on top.
Invention is credited to Charles Chang, Lucy Chang, Robert J. Sheffler.
Application Number | 20060151501 10/559991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33551659 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060151501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang; Charles ; et
al. |
July 13, 2006 |
Beverage can with laminate on top
Abstract
The present invention achieves the above objects, among others,
by providing, in a preferred embodiment a protective laminate for a
beverage can, applied before the can components are formed,
comprising: at least one layer disposed across substantially an
entire upper surface of a top of said beverage can; and said at
least one layer having therein at least one score or die-cut line
adapted to facilitate manual removal of said at least a portion of
said at least one layer before a person consumes contents of said
beverage can. A method of manufacturing said protective laminate is
also provided.
Inventors: |
Chang; Charles; (Wayne,
NJ) ; Sheffler; Robert J.; (Morganville, NJ) ;
Chang; Lucy; (Wayne, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond Y Chan
108 N Ynez Ave
Suite 128
Monterey Park
CA
91754
US
|
Family ID: |
33551659 |
Appl. No.: |
10/559991 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 8, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/18224 |
371 Date: |
December 7, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60477011 |
Jun 9, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/257.2 ;
220/269; 220/716; 220/729; 220/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 17/4012 20180101;
B65D 2517/0098 20130101; B65D 17/401 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/257.2 ;
220/269; 220/906; 220/729; 220/716 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/20 20060101
B65D051/20; B65D 17/34 20060101 B65D017/34; A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A protective laminate for a beverage can, comprising: (a) at
least one layer disposed across substantially an entire upper
surface of a top of said beverage can; and (b) said at least one
layer having therein at least one score or die-cut line adapted to
facilitate manual removal of said at least a portion of said at
least one layer before a person consumes contents of said beverage
can.
2. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: said at least one score or die-cut line is formed around a
dispensing orifice of said beverage can.
3. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: said at least one score or die-cut line is formed such
that said at least one layer can be manually removed in its
entirety from said upper surface of said top of said beverage
can.
4. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 3,
further comprising: a raised area adjacent said at least one score
or die-cut line to facilitate manual peeling of said at least one
layer from said top of said beverage can.
5. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: said at least one layer is colored.
6. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: said at least one layer has printed thereon indicia.
7. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: said at least one layer has incorporated therein a
temperature sensitive material that changes colors depending on
temperature.
8. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: said at least one layer has incorporated therein a
temperature sensitive material that changes from one color to
another color when a target chilled temperature is reached.
9. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim 1,
wherein: a temperature sensitive layer is disposed on said top of
said can before said at least one layer is disposed on said top of
said can.
10. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim
1, wherein: said at least one layer comprises at least two
layers.
11. A protective laminate for a beverage can, as defined in claim
1, wherein: said laminate is incorporated as part of metal stock
before can components are formed and assembled therefrom.
12. A protective laminate for a beverage can, comprising: a
temperature sensitive material printed or coated across a top of
said beverage can, said temperature sensitive material not being
adapted to be removed before a person consumes contents of said
beverage can.
13. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, comprising: (a) providing at least one layer disposed across
substantially an entire upper surface of a top of said beverage
can; and (b) providing said at least one layer having therein at
least one score or die-cut 1 line adapted to facilitate manual
removal of said at least a portion of said at least one layer
before a person consumes contents of said beverage can.
14. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: providing said at
least one score or die-cut line formed around a dispensing orifice
of said beverage can.
15. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: providing said at
least one score or die-cut line formed such that said at least one
layer can be manually removed in its entirety from said upper
surface of said top of said beverage can.
16. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 15, further comprising: providing a raised
area adjacent said at least one score or die-cut line to facilitate
manual peeling of said at least one layer from said top of said
beverage can.
17. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: providing said at
least one layer colored.
18. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: printing indicia
on said at least one layer.
19. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: incorporating in
said at least one layer a temperature sensitive material that
changes colors depending on temperature.
20. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: incorporating in
said at least one layer a temperature sensitive material that
changes from one color to another color when a target chilled
temperature is reached.
21. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: providing a
temperature sensitive layer disposed on said top of said can before
said at least one layer is disposed on said top of said can.
22. A method of manufacture a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: providing said at
least one layer as at least two layers.
23. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, as defined in claim 13, further comprising: incorporating said
laminate as part of metal stock before can components are formed
and assembled therefrom.
24. A method of manufacturing a protective laminate for a beverage
can, comprising: printing or coating a temperature sensitive
material across a top of said beverage can, said temperature
sensitive material not being adapted to be removed before a person
consumes contents of said beverage can.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to beverage cans generally
and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to novel
beverage can with a laminate layer on top and method of
manufacture, the laminate layer being applied to the sheet or roll
metal stock before the can components are formed.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Dirt and toxic material accumulated on the tops of beverage
cans can be ingested by a drinker of the beverage unless the tops
of the beverage cans are thoroughly cleansed--something that most
beverage drinkers are unlikely, or unable, to do.
[0003] It has been reported that a stock clerk in Maui, Hi. noticed
some dried mouse or rat droppings in areas of a storeroom he was
sent to clean. A couple of days later, he was hospitalized and soon
died from massive organ failure. The doctor attending him
specifically asked if the clerk had been in a warehouse or exposed
to dried rat or mouse droppings at any time. Apparently, there is a
virus, much like the Hanta virus, that lives in dried rat and mouse
droppings. Once dried, these droppings are like dust and can easily
be breathed in or ingested if a person does not wear protective
gear or fails to wash face and hands thoroughly or fails to
thoroughly cleanse items with which that person may come in
contact. An autopsy report confirmed the doctor's suspicions.
[0004] It has also been reported that an investigation of soda cans
by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga. has found that
the tops of soda cans can be encrusted with dried rat's urine,
which is so toxic that is can be lethal. Canned drinks are stored
in warehouses and containers that are usually infested with rodents
and then they get transported to retail outlets without being
properly cleansed.
[0005] The truth is that even the most modern, upper-class, super
store has rats and mice--and their warehouse most assuredly does.
Therefore, it is most important that the tops of beverage cans,
especially those that are intended to be drunk out of directly have
some method of removing foreign materials from the tops thereof,
even when the user is unable to thoroughly cleanse the tops of the
cans with, for example, soap and water.
[0006] Some attempts to provide clean tops to beverage cans include
the following:
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,022, issued Mar. 8, 1994, to Blanco, and
titled CLOSURE FOR BEVERAGES METAL CONTAINERS, describes in one
embodiment, shown on FIG. 1 of that patent, a beverage can with an
adhesive protector that covers only an area around the opening of
the can and that is removed upon opening the can. In a more
preferred embodiment, shown on FIGS. 2 and 3, the protective
covering covers the top of the can and has a tensioned hoop around
the perimeter of the protective covering. The covering is scored
and weakened, such that, when the can is opened, the protective
covering splits and the two halves thereof roll up.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,559, issued Sep. 29, 1998, to Cho, and
tided BEVERAGE CAN WITH SANITARY COVER, describes five embodiments
of the invention, all of which provide a sanitary cover only over
part of the beverage can top. The various embodiments attach the
sanitary cover to the can by means of the rivet on top of the can.
Some provide for the sanitary cover to be rotated 180 degrees
before the can is opened. In others, the sanitary cover is part of
the means to open the can. The differences among the various
embodiments are whether and how the edge of the can is covered.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,495, issued Aug. 10, 1999, to Chiodo,
and titled PROTECTIVE FILM FOR CANS OR DRINK AND FOOD CONTAINERS IN
GENERAL, describes a beverage can with a biodegradable or
recyclable protective film disposed over at least the upper end of
the beverage can. The film is removed before opening the can by
pulling tabs or the like formed at the edge or on the top of the
film. Between the film and the can may be inserted inert gasses,
disinfectants, gadgets, promotion leaflets, illustrations, recipes,
etc. The patent contemplates that the film will be placed on the
can during the fining and/or closing cycle.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,323, issued Sep. 3, 2002, to DeRose, and
titled PROTECTIVE SEAL FOR CANS, describes a protective seal that
is attached underneath the pull tab on a can and covers only the
area of the can directly contacted by the mouth of a user. The
protective seal is rotated out of the way before opening the
can.
[0011] The foregoing devices suffer from the substantial
disadvantage that they are added in a separate step after the can
or at least the top thereof is manufactured. This adds significant
cost to the production of the cans and requires major amendments to
the assembly equipment that is expensive, demanding major revisions
thereto. In some cases, the protective cover does not extend over
all of the tops of the cans, permitting foreign material to enter
the mouth of the person drinking the beverage in the cans or
allowing the foreign material to enter the beverage can itself.
Some devices require that the person using the beverage can perform
an additional, awkward step when opening the beverage can.
[0012] Furthermore, it is commonly known that beers, soda, and
other beverages should be chilled to a certain temperature range
for consumption with the best enjoyment However, at the present
time, there is no means to indicate the temperature of the can.
Consequently, many people drink their beverages at an undesirable
temperature and do not get the proper enjoyment from the
experience.
[0013] Additionally, the can lid surface area has been typically
plain and without graphics. It has not been used for meaningful
promotion purposes.
[0014] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present
invention to provide a beverage can lid with a protective covering
that is applied before the can lid is manufactured.
[0015] It is a further object of the invention to provide such a
beverage can lid that has a protective covering that is removed
during normal opening of the can without having to perform an
additional, awkward step.
[0016] It is an additional object of the invention to provide such
a beverage can lid that is economically and easily
manufactured.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide such a
beverage can lid on which at a portion of or the entire the
protective covering serves as a temperature indicator.
[0018] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such
a beverage can lid in which the protective covering has graphics
thereon.
[0019] It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide
such a beverage can lid and method that are readily accepted by
consumers.
[0020] Other objects of the present invention, as well as
particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be
elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and
the accompanying drawing figures.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0021] The present invention achieves the above objects, among
others, by providing, in a preferred embodiment a protective
laminate for a beverage can, applied before the can components are
formed, comprising: at least one layer disposed across
substantially an entire upper surface of a top of said beverage
can; and said at least one layer having therein at least one score
or die-cut line adapted to facilitate manual removal of said at
least a portion of said at least one layer before a person consumes
contents of said beverage can. A method of manufacturing said
protective laminate is also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] Understanding of the present invention and the various
aspects thereof will be facilitated by reference to the
accompanying drawing figures, provided for purposes of illustration
only and not intended to define the scope of the invention, on
which:
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B are side elevational and top plan views of a
typical metal beverage can before consumption of the contents of
the beverage can.
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side elevational and top plan views of
the typical metal beverage can, in dispensing mode.
[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side elevational and top plan view of a
beverage can constructed according the present invention, with a
protective laminate layer partially removed.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a beverage
can constructed according to the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0027] Reference should now be made to the drawing figures on which
similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying
numerals throughout the various figures thereof, and on which
parenthetical references to figure numbers, when used, direct the
reader to the view(s) on which the element(s) being described is
(are) best seen, although the element(s) may be seen on other
figures also.
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a typical metal beverage can,
generally indicated by the reference number 20. Beverage can 20
includes a body portion 30 and a top portion 32 (FIG. 1B). Disposed
on top portion 32 is a tab ring 40 attached to the top portion by
means of a rivet 42. Tab ring 40 is disposed over a depressed area
50 at one end of which is a generally circular lightly scored line
52 defining an area 54.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2B, tab ring 40 has been pried up
perpendicular to area 54 to the position shown (in some cases,
beverage can 20 is furnished with the tab ring in the position
shown on the figure) and the tab ring is raised to sever scored
line 52 and depress area 54 (FIG. 1B) to create a dispensing
orifice 60, with area 54 being inserted into the beverage can and
in contact with the contents thereof. It will be understood that,
unless top 32 has been thoroughly cleansed, foreign matter on area
54 can enter the contents of beverage can 20 and any foreign matter
on the top can enter the mouth of a person drinking from the
beverage can.
[0030] In the present invention, illustrated most clearly on FIG.
3B, a film or laminate 70 is applied to the flat metal stock before
end 32 has even been formed. The invention requires no equipment
changes in the manufacture of beverage can 20 nor does it
contribute to the costs of forming the metal beverage can. Film or
laminate 70 adheres to the can during the forming of top 32 and
thereafter when it is attached to body 30. Protective film 70 has a
pre-cut score line 61 defined around dispensing orifice 60. When a
consumer "pops" open can 20, protective film 70 on the area of
dispensing orifice 60 goes into the orifice along with a portion of
lid 32. If the consumer wishes, the consumer can then drink the
contents of beverage can 20 right away, as the consumer does
now.
[0031] However, if the consumer wishes to drink from can 20 with a
"clean" lid 32, the consumer can peel off protective film 70 from
part of the lid. There are various score lines and/or die cut lines
72 that can be designed on lid 32 to facilitate the removal of
protective film 70 from the lid including the dispensing orifice
60.
[0032] Can lid 32 is made from a flat sheet of aluminum or coated
steel on a roll. Lid 32 is stamped, formed, and tab ring 42 is then
attached to the lid. The prior art uses an aluminum or steel sheet
without a coating on the "top" side and with a coating on the
"under" side (to protect the aluminum or steel from chemical
reaction by contact with the contents of can 20). The present
invention applies protective film 70 on the "top" side of the lid
32 of beverage can 20 prior to any fabrication.
[0033] Protective film 70 stays on lid 32 through the manufacturing
of the lid and the final filling of beverage can 20 and the
crimping of the lid onto the can body 30. During the manufacturing
of lid 32, peel-off die-cut lines 72 can be incorporated in the
forming and die-cutting process. For example, lines 72 are die-cut
lines, raised area 73 is a formed design to facilitate the
peel-back of protective film 70 along the die-cut lines 72. One of
lines 72 is defined around the entire lid 32 so that protective
film 70 can be peeled off for a full circle.
[0034] The specific requirements of protective film 70 include its
properties of clinging to the metal undersurface when the flat
stock is formed into the lid 32 of can 20. Furthermore, protective
film 70 must separate readily when the dispensing tab breaks
through the scored surface at the time it pulls away from the rest
of lid 32. These properties may be filed by any number of
plasticized coatings, polyesters, or polyolefins.
[0035] Protective film 70 can be made in different colors. This
gives a distinctive character to can 20. Colored protective film 70
can be used as brand identification or for a special promotion.
[0036] From time to time, beverage companies conduct promotional
programs and print messages on body 30 of can 20. Because of the
lead time involved, each promotion is a major undertaking for the
beverage company. Consequently, the companies are limited in the
number of promotions they can do. The surface area on lid 32 of can
20 is a major opportunity for promotional messages. A
pre-programmed message can be printed onto protective film 70 by a
jet printer or by a laser printer or by other high-speed printing
means. The printing can be done either prior to the crimping of the
lid or after the crimping of the lid. Because the printing is
controlled by a computer, the beverage company can run many
mini-promotions using this method. And because the printing can be
done right on the production line, the cost of adding the message
onto protective film 70 is minimal. For a competitive industry,
this a crucial factor.
[0037] Furthermore, protective film 70 can contain temperature
sensitive ingredients that change color at various temperatures.
The color of protective film 70 can be used as a method to indicate
the ideal temperature for consumption.
[0038] The temperature "indicator" can also be positioned on body
30 of can 20. One way to achieve this is to print temperature
sensitive ink on can 20. The printing can be a separate
"temperature indicator" like a bar or a dot It can also be part of
the overall graphics. The "temperature indicator" changes color
from room temperature to the targeted chill temperature. It adds
the "cool" experience of drinking the beverage.
[0039] The laser can both print messages on protective film 70 and
also cut tear-off lines 72 on the protective film First, when
filled can 20 travels along a conveyor belt, a photo sensor will
detect the orientation of pull tab 40 on lid 32. Second, a laser
gun is programmed to "print" the messages on the flat area on lid
32. Third, the laser gun also can "cut" protective film 70 in
various patterns, as at 72, for the removal of the protective film.
For example, the laser gun can create a cut line on the inside
sidewall of the outer rim of beverage can 20. This is shown on FIG.
4 and will help a consumer to peel off protective film 70.
[0040] Another option to providing protective film 70 on lid 32 is
to just print or coat a layer of coating containing temperature
sensitive material on the lid. The coating is not designed to be
peelable.
[0041] An additional option is to print or coat the temperature
sensitive material on lid 32 stock first, then laminate protective
film 70 onto it. Protective film 70 covers the temperature
sensitive layer during fabrication and shipping. Protective film 70
also prevents the coating material from direct contact with the
contents of can 20.
[0042] Yet another option is to have a double layer protective film
70. The "under layer" contains the temperature sensitive material
and is in contact with lid 32. The "top layer" is a see through
layer which allows the color of the "under layer" to be seen
through the "upper layer", but prevents the "under layer" from
coming in contact with the product in can 20 when the can is popped
open.
[0043] In the embodiments of the present invention described above,
it will be recognized that individual elements and/or features
thereof are not necessarily limited to a particular embodiment but,
where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in any
selected embodiment even though such may not be specifically
shown.
[0044] Spatially orienting terms such as "above", "below", "upper",
"lower", "inner", "outer", "inwardly", "outwardly", "vertical",
"horizontal", and the like, when used herein, refer to the
positions of the respective elements shown on the accompanying
drawing figures and the present invention is not necessarily
limited to such positions.
[0045] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those elucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding
description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes
may be made in the above construction and method without departing
from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying
drawing figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not
in a limiting sense.
[0046] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the
invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
* * * * *