U.S. patent application number 12/158777 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-26 for disposable beverage can.
This patent application is currently assigned to COLUMBUS E. APS. Invention is credited to Ulrik Skovgaard Rasmussen, Werner Schulz.
Application Number | 20090080813 12/158777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36968715 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090080813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rasmussen; Ulrik Skovgaard ;
et al. |
March 26, 2009 |
DISPOSABLE BEVERAGE CAN
Abstract
"The invention relates to a disposable beverage can formed at
least partly by a flexible film material where the can including a
top surface and where the can includes a discharge arrangement
having a pull-tab opener formed in said top surface, such that a
drinking can may advantageously be formed by film material the can
being suitable for use in the same way as conventional cans made of
solid wall and at the same time be manufactured in a very
cost-efficient way where, the can may be disposed in a very
environmental-friendly way."
Inventors: |
Rasmussen; Ulrik Skovgaard;
(Middelfart, DK) ; Schulz; Werner; (Horsens,
DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
20 Church Street, 22nd Floor
Hartford
CT
06103
US
|
Assignee: |
COLUMBUS E. APS
Fredericia
DK
|
Family ID: |
36968715 |
Appl. No.: |
12/158777 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
December 21, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK2005/000814 |
371 Date: |
November 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/008 20130101;
B65D 77/32 20130101; B65D 2575/586 20130101; B65D 75/5838 20130101;
B65D 75/5833 20130101; B65D 75/525 20130101; B65D 75/54 20130101;
B65D 77/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/205 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00 |
Claims
1-90. (canceled)
91. Disposable beverage can formed at least partly by a flexible
film material wherein said can comprises a top surface and wherein
said can comprises a discharge arrangement comprising a pull-tab
opener formed in said top surface.
92. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said can
structure comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a
bottom surface and a container wall and wherein said top end is
formed by flexible film material.
93. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said top
surface is formed of a separate film/sheet material.
94. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said top
surface is formed of a bended part of a can defining film
material.
95. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said top
surface approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
96. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said top
surface approximates a rectangular surface when the can is filled
with liquid.
97. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein the can
comprises a bottom end which comprises a self-supporting
arrangement.
98. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
pull-tab opener is formed of film material.
99. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
pull-tab opener comprises a handle.
100. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
pull-tab opener comprises a handle having a finger opening.
101. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
pull-tab opener is formed in an overlay sheet) which is fastened to
the top surface of the can by a peelable sealing.
102. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
pull-tab opener is formed in an overlay sheet which is fastened to
the top surface of the can by a peelable sealing over at least half
the area of the top overlay sheet.
103. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein the
internal volume comprises a barrier arrangement.
104. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
can comprises a barrier arrangement comprising at least one
perforated sheet material.
105. Disposable beverage can according to claims 91, wherein said
barrier arrangement comprises a filter.
106. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
barrier arrangement is joined to the can at the top end by the
sealing joining the top surface and the side wall(s).
107. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein said
top surface and said at least one joining form an external
reservoir.
108. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein at
least one of the can defining films extends above the top surface
and extends to form a drinking edge.
109. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein the
drinking edge comprises at least one reinforcement in the
transverse direction of the drinking edge.
110. Disposable beverage can according to claim 91, wherein the can
comprises an outer support arrangement.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a disposable beverage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Different attempts in the prior art have been made to apply
film-based packages in connection with e.g. distribution of soft
drinks.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,368 discloses a beverage container which
is made by film material. The container comprises a discharge
system which involves a pull tab system covering a straw input
area.
[0004] International patent application WO 01185560 discloses a
further container which is a stand-up bag of heat-sealable plastic
film. The container is applied for containing flowable
products.
[0005] The above documents suffer from the disadvantage that the
discharge systems are either not suitable for drinking per se, i.e.
requires further discharge elements such as a straw, or that
drinking directly from the beverage is inconvenient compared to
conventional discharge arrangements such as bottles, cans or
glasses in the sense that the container itself comprises integrated
discharge arrangements such as a pipe-like output from which a user
may drink directly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention to provides a disposable beverage suitable for
keeping and discharging of e.g. soft drinks.
[0007] The invention relates to a disposable beverage can formed at
least partly by a flexible film material wherein said can comprises
a top surface and wherein said can comprises a discharge
arrangement comprising a pull-tab opener formed in said top
surface.
[0008] According to the invention a drinking can may advantageously
be formed by film material. The can may advantageously be suitable
for use in the same way as conventional cans made of solid walls
and at the same time be manufactured in a very cost-efficient way.
Moreover, the can may be disposed in a very environmentally
friendly way.
[0009] Moreover, the can according to the invention may be easily
collapsed and handled after use during disposal.
[0010] According to the invention, the can should facilitate
transportation, storage of soft drinks and facilitate drinking by
means of a discharge arrangement of the can. Preferable, the
drinking should be facilitated directly without a requirement for
additional accessories such as straws and mouthpieces.
[0011] Moreover, the invention addresses basic application of cans
from a user perspective, as conventional advantages and comfort are
obtained by the flexible can together with further advantages such
as comfortable and easy collapsing of the can after use which may
easily be obtained just by squeezing the can by means of the hands
instead of relying on compression tools.
[0012] Moreover, the flexible can provides further significant
advantages with respect to the possibility of incorporating e.g.
filter or further internal barriers within the can in a
cost-effective way as many such measures may be obtained by
altering the sealing pattern or procedure and/or simply applying a
relatively cheep further film.
[0013] Moreover, the flexible can according to the invention offers
several various wall materials which may be adapted to the specific
application, i.e. with or without UV barrier, with or without heat
insolating properties, with or without transparency, etc.
[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, said can structure
comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface
and a container wall and wherein said container wall is formed by
flexible film material.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, said can structure
comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface
and a container wall and wherein said top end is formed by flexible
film material.
[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, said can structure
comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface
and a container wall and wherein said bottom surface is formed by
flexible film material.
[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, said can structure
comprises a container volume defined by a top end, a bottom surface
and a container wall and wherein said container wall, top end and
bottom surface is formed by flexible film material.
[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, said container wall
comprises a flexible film sheet joined together in the direction
between the top end and the bottom surface.
[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, said container wall
comprises at least two flexible film sheets joined together in the
direction between the top end and the bottom surface.
[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is joined as a
substantially flat or collapsed structure.
[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, said collapsed joined
structure is expanded subsequent to the joining of the can.
[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is expanded
prior to or simultaneously to filling by liquid.
[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, said joining is performed
by gluing.
[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, said joining is performed
by heat-welding.
[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, said joinings are at
least 2 mm.
[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, said joinings are within
the range of about 3 mm to 30 mm.
[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, said joinings are within
the range of about 4 mm to 25 mm.
[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the can
is about 40 to 120 mm and the height is about 90 mm to about 150
mm.
[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface has a
smallest dimension which is less than about 10 cm.
[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, said top has a smallest
dimension of less than about 7 cm.
[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface is
substantially cylindrical.
[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface is
formed of a separate film/sheet material.
[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface is
formed of a bended part of a can defining film material.
[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface
approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface
approximates a rectangular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface
approximates a rounded surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the top surface, shape, size and joining to the side walls of the
can, define at least a part of the tubular shape of the receptacle
which compares to conventional circular top ends of a can.
[0038] In an embodiment of the invention, the interface between the
can and the top surface is formed by at least one joining.
[0039] In an embodiment of the invention, the top sealing is at
least partly covered by an at least partly removable further
sealing to the discharge arrangement.
[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the top surface should be at least partly covered by a further
sealing in order to protect the part of the can applied during
drinking hygienically prior to the initial opening of the can. The
further sealing may e.g. comprise a sheet covering the opening and
e.g. a part of the edge of the can. Alternatively, such further
sealing may e.g. comprise part of the pull tab arrangement and be
flapped around the drinking edge in order to ensure that the
drinking edge is clean.
[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, said can comprises a
bottom surface.
[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, said can comprises at
least one bottom fold.
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a
bottom end which comprises a self-supporting arrangement.
[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
bottom arrangement comprises a bottom arrangement which allows the
can to be self-standing in substantially the same way as
conventional solid cans.
[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, said bottom surface
approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, said bottom surface
approximates a rounded surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
bottom surface, shape, size and joining to the side walls of the
can, defines at least a part of the tubular shape of the receptacle
which compares to conventional circular top ends of a can.
[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener is
formed of film material.
[0049] The peelable discharge arrangement may be made in numerous
ways within the scope of the invention. One of obtaining a
film-based peelable opening is described in WO 00/58166 hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener is
formed of a multilayer film material.
[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener
comprises of reinforced film material.
[0052] The reinforcement of the film material forming at least part
of the pull-tab opener may be obtained e.g. by lamination of
several film layers or e.g. by increased thickness of the film or
sheet material. Alternative embodiments may e.g. comprise film with
an attached adhesive label which makes the pull tab easier to grip
and makes the peeling by the tab more effective.
[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of said
pull-tab opener is comprised by a part of said top surface.
[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of said
pull-tab opener is comprised by a cut-off or a peel-off part of
said top surface.
[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener
comprises a handle.
[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener
comprises a handle having a finger opening.
[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener is
formed in an overlay sheet which is fastened to the top surface of
the can by a peelable sealing.
[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener is
formed in an overlay sheet which is fastened to the top surface of
the can by a peelable sealing over at least half the area of the
top overlay sheet.
[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener
covers and seals an opening by a peelable sealing.
[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, said pull-tab opener is
fastened to the top surface by means of a resealable sealing.
[0061] When fastening the pull tab to the top surface by means of a
resealable sealing, the can may be closed after use. The resealable
sealing may thus facilitate that a user may initially open the can
and the, subsequently, close the can again by the pull tab.
[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a
resealable closing.
[0063] According to a further embodiment, the can may comprise a
resealable closing, e.g. a separate sheet or tab which may be
attached to the can and cover the opening of the discharge
arrangement completely or partly if a user wants to reseal the can
after the initial opening.
[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, the can has an internal
volume.
[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, the internal volume
comprises a barrier arrangement.
[0066] The barrier arrangement basically comprises an inside
barrier to flow in the internal volume, in particular to flow from
the inside of the can to the outside. The barrier arrangement may
simply be comprised by different flow-restricting measures in the
internal volume such as a wall comprising one or several openings,
a filter material with smaller apertures, etc.
[0067] The barrier arrangement may moreover facilitate consumer
control of the outlet flow of the flexible can.
[0068] It is furthermore noted that the barrier material may also
serve the purpose of keeping the can form stable, i.e. adding
strength to the construction vis-a-vis pressure.
[0069] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
is arranged between the discharge arrangement and the internal
volume.
[0070] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.
[0071] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
(defines an outlet volume.
[0072] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the internal volume of the can comprises an outlet volume through
which liquid must flow in order to be discharged from the can. This
volume may advantageously be applied to filter liquid prior to
discharge, serve as a spillage constrainer in the sense that sudden
flow towards the outlet, i.e. the opening of the top surface, may
face flow restriction in various different ways and therefore
counteract unintended discharge.
[0073] In an embodiment of the invention, said can comprises a
barrier arrangement comprising at least one perforated sheet
material.
[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, said barrier arrangement
comprises a filter.
[0075] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a
filter is provided to filter residues from liquid kept in the
internal volume of the can.
[0076] In an embodiment of the invention, said barrier arrangement
is joined to the can at the top end by the sealing joining the top
surface and the side wall(s).
[0077] In an embodiment of the invention, said discharge
arrangement comprises an opening in said top surface when the
pull-tab has been peeled.
[0078] In an embodiment of the invention, said opening is at least
partly a cut-out or a peel-out opening formed in a sheet material
of said top surface.
[0079] In an embodiment of the invention, said discharge
arrangement comprises an opening in said top surface formed by a
flap preferably pointing towards the circumference of the top
surface.
[0080] In an embodiment of the invention, said top surface and said
at least one joining form an external reservoir.
[0081] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
top of the can should advantageously form a sort of reservoir or at
least an external spillage-restricting barrier in the top of the
container.
[0082] Experiments have revealed that such external reservoir may
also render eventual extra discharge arrangements or fitting such
as a straw superfluous and more importantly provide the user with a
"drink feeling" which is comparable to the experience when drinking
from conventional solid cans, such as beer cans.
[0083] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the can
defining films extends above the top surface and extends to form a
drinking edge.
[0084] The spout may advantageously help a user to drink from the
can without spilling.
[0085] In an embodiment of the invention, the drinking edge
comprises at least one reinforcement in the transverse direction of
the drinking edge.
[0086] In an embodiment of the invention, the opening in said top
surface has an area which is less than half the area of the top
surface.
[0087] In an embodiment of the invention, the opening in said top
surface has an area which is less than half the area of the top
surface and higher than about 0.25 cm.sup.2.
[0088] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises an
outer support arrangement.
[0089] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises an
outer support arrangement and wherein the outer support arrangement
comprises a cylindrical outer wall.
[0090] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the can is fitted with or supported by a cylindrical structure
which may both serve as a support for the by nature relatively
flexible can and thereby allow the structure to be experienced as a
conventional e.g. aluminum-based can having a solid metal wall. It
may moreover increase the ability of the can to be self-standing in
a secure and reliable way and it may also increase the ability of
the can to comprise e.g. carbonated drinks.
[0091] The outer can may serve both to keep the can stable with
respect to shape and handling. Moreover, the outer can may serve as
a volume fixation which allows filling by carbonated fluid.
[0092] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement is formed by a form-stable polymer.
[0093] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement is formed by a form-stable cardboard.
[0094] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement has the form of a tube.
[0095] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement further comprises a bottom support.
[0096] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement further comprises a bottom support and a top
support.
[0097] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is at least
partly attached to said outer support.
[0098] In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the can
including the outer support is about 40 mm to 100 mm and the height
is about 75 mm to about 150 mm.
[0099] In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the can
including the outer support is about 50 mm to 60 mm and the height
is about 88 mm to about 125 mm.
[0100] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement may be applied as a beverage or a cup.
[0101] In an embodiment of the invention, said film material
comprises a multilayer film.
[0102] In an embodiment of the invention, said film material
comprises a single-layer film.
[0103] In an embodiment of the invention, said film material
comprises polyethylene.
[0104] In an embodiment of the invention, said film material
comprises polypropylene.
[0105] In an embodiment of the invention, said film material
comprises aluminum foil.
[0106] In an embodiment of the invention, said film material
comprises metalized film material.
[0107] Metalized films may e.g. result in a complete or at least
partial UV filtering of light into the can and thereby protect the
interior of the bag.
[0108] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the film material comprises metalized film material thereby
enabling disposal by burning with a minimum impact on the
environment.
[0109] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is a drinking
can.
[0110] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
can should facilitate drinking directly without a requirement for
additional accessories such as straws and mouthpieces.
[0111] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises
liquid.
[0112] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises
carbonated liquid and an outer support.
[0113] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is burnable.
[0114] In an embodiment of the invention, the container volume is
between about 0.15 to about 2 liters, preferably between about 0.2
and 1.5 liters.
[0115] Moreover the invention relates to a method of filling
carbonated drinks into a can wherein the can is reinforced by a
form-stable material such as a cylindrical structure within about
30 minutes from time where carbonated liquid was introduced into
the can.
[0116] Moreover the invention relates to a disposable can
comprising carbonated drinks wherein said can is comprised by less
than 50% by weight of metal.
[0117] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
can comprises a reduced amount of metals compared to conventional
cans, e.g. made of stiff aluminum based metal, thereby providing an
environmental friendly disposable can.
[0118] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is comprised by
less than 10% by weight of metal.
[0119] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is comprised by
less than 5% by weight of metal.
[0120] In an embodiment of the invention, said can is substantially
free of metal.
[0121] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the can is substantially free of metal and may therefore
be disposed by an environmental burn-process which may ultimately
reduce the complete packaging to residues such as e.g. carbon
dioxide and water. Evidently, such process should advantageously be
controlled to result in the desired, preferably non-metal,
residues.
[0122] In an embodiment of the invention, the can prior to filling
with liquid has a volume which is less than 5% the can.
[0123] In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume
subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 30% of the can
filled with liquid.
[0124] In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume
subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 20% of the can
filled with liquid.
[0125] In an embodiment of the invention, the can has a volume
subsequent to emptying of liquid which is less than 10% preferably
less than 5% of the can filled with liquid.
[0126] Moreover, the invention relates to a disposable can,
preferably formed by at least one flexible film wall, comprising an
inside barrier arrangement. It is noted that this barrier,
according to an embodiment of the invention, basically needs to be
positioned between the main volume of the can and the outlet
irrespective of the design of the top end of the can with respect
to the discharge arrangement. The can basically comprises an inside
barrier to flow in the internal volume, in particular to flow from
the inside of the can to the outside. The barrier arrangement may
simply be comprised by different flow-restricting measures in the
internal volume such as a wall comprising one or several openings,
a filter material with smaller apertures, etc.
[0127] It is furthermore noted that the barrier material may also
serve the purpose of keeping the can form stable.
[0128] A further, and very broad perspective of an embodiment of
the invention is that the logistics are significantly improved when
applying a flexible can according to the invention due to the fact
that the can may initially be produced and brought to the filling
station, e.g. at a brewery, in a collapsed state and then be
expanded during filling. Then, when a consumer has emptied the can,
the can may easily be collapsed to a minimum volume. This also
applies significantly, when applying a can comprising an outer
support.
[0129] Finally, the invention also features very
environmental-friendly provisions compared to conventional metal
cans.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0130] A can is generally referred to as a usually cylindrical
receptacle for holding liquids or flowable material. Within the
field of soft drinks, e.g. carbonated beverages, such terminology
typically refers to a metal receptacle having a removable pull-tab
and a world standard has generally evolved over some decades.
[0131] It is generally noted that joinings, e.g. heat or glue
sealings are permanent and in principle not intended for peeling
unless specifically stated.
[0132] FIG. 1A-FIG. 1F illustrate an embodiment of a disposable can
according to the invention.
[0133] FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C illustrate a cross-section along the
line IC of FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0134] The illustrated disposable beverage can 10 is formed by
joined films 130, 13, 16 and 19, where the films 130 and 13 form
the wall(s) of the can and the sheet 16 forms a top surface 16 and
the sheet 19 forms a bottom surface 19.
[0135] The two films 13 and 130 are joined by side sealing 132 and
133. Alternatively, the can may be produced on the basis of one
single film which is folded at the one side and joined at the
other, e.g. by sealing 132 or 133.
[0136] The top surface 16 of the can 10 is formed with a pull-tab
opener 11 which is formed by an overlay film and defined by
peel-off lines 14 an 15. The overlay material partly covering the
top surface may be formed by a single sheet of a film or e.g., as
the illustrated design, by a top end of the side wall 130, extended
from the wall portion at the top to form a folded drinking edge 12,
at least partly joined by joining 102 and an optionally further
joining (not shown). The peel-off lines should preferably be about
5-8 mm or longer in order to facilitate the intended peeling of the
tab.
[0137] The top surface 16 may also be formed by a separate sheet as
illustrated or e.g. be formed by a folded part of one of the side
walls 53 or 530.
[0138] An opening 180 beneath the pull-tab 11 is defined and
preformed in the top surface 16. The overlay portion of the pull
tab 11 is completely sealed by a peelable sealing 103 which, alone
or e.g. in combination with the joining 102, seals the internal
volume 131 of the can completely.
[0139] The top surface 16 has at least one inward fold 17, which
allows the can to be expanded from the manufacturing position which
is completely or at least partly collapsed.
[0140] The bottom surface 19 has at least one upward fold 18, which
allows the can to be expanded from the manufacturing position which
is completely or at least partly collapsed.
[0141] The can comprises an upper discharge arrangement 101 formed
by the top surface 16, the opening 180 and joining 102 and 104,
which defines the circumference of a reservoir-like structure.
[0142] The circumference-defined reservoir structure around the
opening 180 allows a user to drink from the can 10 without other
operation than the operation related to a conventional can, namely
removal of the tab and subsequently drinking directly from the top
end of the can.
[0143] The provided discharge arrangement 101 furthermore allows
the user to capture optional undesired spilling during drinking, as
in conventional cans.
[0144] The drinking edge 12, which is optional in other embodiments
of the invention, serves as a support or a sort of mouthpiece
availing an attractive handling during drinking.
[0145] FIG. 1F illustrates when the pull tab 11 has been removed
from the can and giving access to the internal volume of the can
via the opening 180.
[0146] FIGS. 1D and 1E show a three-dimensional view of the can
10.
[0147] The pull tab 11 is defined by two peel lines 14 and 15 and
the pull tab 11 exposes an opening 180 to the internal volume when
removed.
[0148] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F illustrate a can 20 which is a variant of
the above-described drinking can of FIG. 1A-1F, now with a modified
pull tab 21.
[0149] The pull tab 21 is again formed and attached to the top
surface of the can by means of joining 204 surrounding and sealing
an opening 280 completely prior to removal. The pull tab 21 is
again formed in an overlay sheet 2001 which covers the surface of
the can 20 at least partly and at least enough to cover the opening
280.
[0150] The pull tab 21 is at least partly joined to a cut-off or a
peel-off part 205 of the top surface.
[0151] When the pull tab 21 is removed, the cut-off or peel-of part
205 of the top surface will stick to the pull tab and be removed
together with it as illustrated in FIG. 2F.
[0152] An alternative embodiment of the above-illustrated pull tab
may be to form the part 205 as a peel-off or push-down part 205 and
omitting the above-explained joining between the pull tab 21 and
the peel-off part 21. In this way, the opening of the can may be
performed as a two-step opening comprising a separate removal of
the peel-tab and a separate peel-off or push-down of the part 205
of the top surface. When applying the part as a push-down part, the
part should at least partly be fastened to or form part of the top
surface when the part has been push down.
[0153] A further alternative embodiment may be obtained by a
complete initial cut-off of the opening and thus covering the
opening only by a pull tab.
[0154] FIG. 3A to 3C illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention based on the can 10 of FIG. 1A to 1F, but now provided
with a barrier arrangement 310.
[0155] The barrier arrangement 310 comprising a sheet perforated by
perforations 350 is fastened to the can and divides the internal
volume 331 in two volumes, the main volume and an outlet volume
325.
[0156] The barrier 310 may serve several different purposes.
[0157] One purpose is to restrict or counteract sudden flow from
the internal volume 331 to the exterior via an opening 380.
[0158] Another purpose may also be to act as a filter to residues
which should not be outlet during emptying of the can. Such
residues may e.g. comprise food-fibers, small fruit parts, etc.
[0159] Another important purpose may also be to add form stability
to the flexible can.
[0160] FIG. 4A to 4F illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention based on the can 20 of FIG. 2A to 2F, but now provided
with a barrier arrangement 410.
[0161] The barrier arrangement 410 comprising a sheet perforated by
perforations 350 is fastened to the can and divides the internal
volume 331 in two volumes.
[0162] The barrier 410 may serve several different purposes.
[0163] One purpose is to restrict or counteract sudden flow from
the internal volume to the exterior via an opening.
[0164] Another purpose may also be to act as a filter to residues
which should not be outlet during emptying of the can. Such
residues may e.g. comprise food-fibers, small fruit parts, etc.
[0165] Another important purpose may also be to add form stability
to the flexible can.
[0166] FIG. 5A to 5C illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention also based on the can 20 of FIG. 2A to 2F, but now
provided with another barrier arrangement 510 than the
above-explained perforated filter structure.
[0167] The barrier arrangement 510 comprises a sheet comprising an
opening 5800, which is fastened to the internal volume of the can
and divides the internal volume into two volumes.
[0168] The barrier 510 may again serve several different
purposes.
[0169] One purpose is to restrict or counteract sudden flow from
the internal volume to the exterior of the can via an opening
580.
[0170] Another purpose may also be to act as a filter to residues
which should not be outlet during emptying of the can. Such
residues may e.g. comprise food-fibers, small fruit parts, etc.
[0171] Another important purpose may also be to add form stability
to the flexible can.
[0172] Evidently, several other barrier arrangements may be made
within the scope and the spirit of the invention.
[0173] It is moreover noted that the can 50 has some further
modifications when compared to the can 20 with respect to the pull
tab design and the design of a drinking edge 52.
[0174] Starting with the drinking edge design, a reinforcement 590,
e.g. in the form of a relatively rigid string 590, has been
inserted into a folded side wall 530 forming the drinking edge 52
and part of a pull tab 51. The reinforcement 590 may be made of any
suitable material, preferably a polymer, and be both welded or
glued within the compartment forming the inside of the drinking
edge or even just be positioned by means of the
compartment-defining sealing. The function of the applied
reinforcement 590 is to keep the drinking edge 52 form stable and
comfortable to drink of during discharge. Finally, the
reinforcement 590 may simply be fixated at the two ends within the
fold by side weldings 532, 533.
[0175] Turning now to the modified pull tab 51, this tab is formed
by peel-lines 54 and 55 in an overlay sheet 5001 which covers a top
surface 56 of the can 50 at least partly and at least enough to
cover a cut 581 in the top surface 56 forming a horse shoe formed
opening 580 in the top surface 56. The peel-lines 54, 55 may e.g.
comprise perforated lines or cuts in the overlay sheet 5001. It is
noted that the perforated line or cut form a flap-like arrangement
pointing towards the circumference of the top surface, thereby
providing a self-opening arrangement, which when inclined slightly,
will facility relatively unrestricted output of liquid. Moreover,
it is noted that the opposite end of the flap pointing towards the
circumference should be as close to the circumference as possible
in order to facilitate complete emptying of the internal volume.
Again, the overlay sheet 5001 may form a single sheet welded to a
side wall 530 or simply be formed by a folded prolonged side wall
530 as illustrated.
[0176] The overlay sheet 5001 is welded to the top surface 56 by a
peelable sealing over the entire area of the overlay sheet,
although it is preferred that the end of the overlay sheet 5001 or
at least the part of the overlay sheet forming the pull tab 51
defined by the peel-lines 54, 55 is un-joined to the top surface 56
thereby enabling a user to grip the pull tab 51.
[0177] It is noted that the opening 580 is now defined by a flap
which is still fastened to the top surface 51 although discharge is
now made possible.
[0178] FIG. 6A illustrates a disposable can according to an
embodiment of the invention. The can 60 may e.g. fully correspond
to the can 20 of FIG. 2A-2F.
[0179] The can 60 fits into a rigid tube structure 601 forming an
outer support for the can 60 and may be provided with a bottom
support 603 and a top lid 602.
[0180] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a further embodiment of a
flexible can 70 supported by an outer support 701 according to the
invention. The can 70 corresponds largely to the can 20 illustrated
in FIG. 2A but now without a prolonged drinking edge.
[0181] The can 70 may be positioned within the cylindrically shaped
outer support 701, supported at the bottom by a bottom support 703
and protected at the top by a top support 702. The bottom support
is moreover formed in a suitable form 753 to mechanically fixate
the outer support 701.
[0182] All support components 701, 702, 703 may be mutually fixed
or completely or partially releasable.
[0183] The can may moreover be fastened, e.g. by gluing or welding
to the outer support or simply just be mechanically fixated by the
outer support arrangement 701,703.
[0184] When applying the flexible can for carbonated drinks, all
surfaces of the can should be supported by the outer support, i.e.
outer support 701, bottom support 703 as well as the top support
702 in order to compensate the significant pressure in the can.
[0185] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention where a can 80 is positioned in an outer cardboard
support 801. The can 80 corresponds largely to the can 10
illustrated in FIG. 1A but now without a prolonged drinking
edge.
[0186] The outer support 801 comprises a peel-off strip 808
integrated into the outer support and with a handle 807.
[0187] FIG. 8B illustrates when the peel-off strip has been removed
and the outer support has been split into two separate parts 801,
802 and now facilitating access to the can 80.
[0188] In the illustrated embodiment, a further embodiment will now
be described. This embodiment involves that the can 80 is brought
to the consumer within the outer support 801, 802.
[0189] The user breaks the sealing 808 as explained above and
removes the can 80 from the outer support 801. Then, the user opens
the discharge arrangement and pours liquid contained within the can
80 into the below outer support 801 and finally drinks the liquid
from the below outer support 801 as a cup.
[0190] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9H illustrates a number of alternative
embodiments of the application of outer support arrangements for
use with a can, e.g. the can 10.
[0191] The outer support arrangements comprises an outer support
901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, 901E, 901F, 901G, 901H, a top support 902A,
902B, 902C, 902D, 902E, 902F, 902G, 902H and a bottom support 903A,
903B, 903C, 903D, 903E, 903F, 903G, 903H.
[0192] When applying the can and the outer support arrangement for
carbonated liquid the outer support has a very important function
of counteracting the pressure within the can, i.e. ensuring the
film structure does not break due to the relatively high pressure
invoked by the carbonated liquid. Thus, the use of a combined
flexible can and an outer support solves a problem in relation to
keeping carbonated liquid in flexible container which has never
been solved before.
[0193] The outer support may advantageously be formed in relatively
rigid and form-stable polymer of cardboard-based structure.
[0194] The can may fit loosely into the outer support or be
fastened to the outer support.
[0195] The outer support may serve several different purposes such
as [0196] keeping the can in the desired shape, [0197] facilitating
packaging and transportation to the shelves and piling, [0198]
adding strength to the flexible can and facilitating filling with
carbonated soft drinks.
[0199] Generally, the films applied to form the above illustrated
cans may comprise a single or a multilayer web-material.
[0200] The films may be transparent or at least partly transparent
to light. The films may also be provided with a UV filter to
protect liquid held in the can.
[0201] The films may preferably comprise polymer films optionally
supplemented by metal films. According to a preferred embodiment,
however, the complete can is made substantially free of metals or
at least such small an amount to render the can burnable when
disposed in a relatively environmentally attractive way.
[0202] At least the inner part of the flexible can should be made
of liquid-impermeable material.
[0203] In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of
liquid-impermeable material comprise multilayered sheets.
[0204] In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of
liquid-impermeable material comprise a laminate of at least one
polymer sheet and at least one metal sheet.
[0205] In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of
liquid-impermeable material comprise wall(s), top and bottom of
can.
[0206] In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of liquid
impermeable material comprises at least one film or foil selected
from the group of metal foils, polymer films, metalized or coated
films, polymer sealants, polyesters, polyamides and polyolefines
comprising polyethylenes and polypropylenes or any combination
thereof.
[0207] In an embodiment of the invention, said liquid-impermeable
material of the can has a thickness in the range of 10 .mu.m to 2
mm, preferably 40 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m, more preferably 60 .mu.m to
200 .mu.m and most preferably 80 .mu.m to 150 .mu.m.
[0208] In an embodiment of the invention, said multilayer structure
of the can comprises an outside film, an optional intermediate
barrier layer and an inside layer of polymer sealant.
[0209] The filter arrangement material and/or liquid-permeable
inner compartment material may comprise punctured, etched, melted,
stamped or cut material. The material may e.g. comprise plastic,
polyolefines such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyesters,
polyamides and other polymers, woven or non-woven expanded plastic,
cloth, screen, wire-mesh, metal or injection-molded plastic.
[0210] The arrangement forming sheets may comprise liquid permeable
sheet material provided with a density of holes in the range of
1-30 holes per cm.sup.2, preferably 2-20 holes per cm.sup.2 and
most preferably 4-12 holes per cm.sup.2.
[0211] The holes may have dimensions in the range of 0.01 mm*0.01
mm to 2.00 mm*2.00 mm, preferably 0.1 mm*0.1 mm to 1.0 mm*1.0 mm,
more preferably 0.1 mm*0.1 mm to 0.6 mm*0.6 mm.
[0212] The wall film(s) of the flexible can may for example
comprise a multilayer laminate material comprising three layers: An
outside layer made of PETP, an intermediate layer as barrier layer
made of aluminum foil, e.g. a 9 .mu.m foil and an inside layer
forming a sealant comprising 80 to 120 .mu.m polyethylene (PE). The
multilayer laminate material may typically comprise two or further
layers.
[0213] The bottom surface of the can may for example be made of a
multilayer laminate material comprising three layers: An outside
layer made of coextruded biaxially oriented polypropylene, e.g. of
a thickness of 20 .mu.m, an intermediate layer as barrier layer
made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) metalized and coated with
ethylene vinyl alcohol (EvOH), and an inside layer forming a
sealant comprising, e.g. a 50 .mu.m linear low-density polyethylene
(LLDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
[0214] Filter material and/or inner compartment may for example be
made of 30 .mu.m high-density polyethylene (HDPE) stamped with
holes of 0.2 mm*0.4 mm size and 8 holes per cm.sup.2 density.
[0215] The structural material of the outer support may comprise at
least one polymer film, metalized or coated film, EvOH-coating,
metal foil, sealant or combinations thereof.
[0216] The outer support may generally be formed by a large variety
of material, whereas cardboard, fiber-based material and different
polymers are obvious choices. The outer support should preferably
be rigid enough the keep the can form-stable even when used or
piled.
[0217] If the liquid comprised in the can is carbonated the outer
support should preferably be strong enough to counteract breaking
of the can due to overpressure invoked by the carbonated
liquid.
[0218] The outer support may be made of single-layer material or
formed by multiple layers of materials.
[0219] The pull tab of the can may further include a backing which
covers the adhesive on the free end portion so that the adhesive
present at the free end portion cannot adhere to the top surface.
This backing could be either a plastic or paper material.
Alternatively, instead of a separate backing, a top portion of the
free end could be folded over and adhered to itself to provide the
free end portion.
[0220] The can may also comprise and outer sealing medium layer of
the first side wall section which may be a copolymer comprising
polyethylene and polypropylene and an inner sealing medium layer of
the can walls which is substantially made from polyethylene. Such
structure may e.g. facilitate that the can is form-stable enough to
form a stand-up can made from a single film web comprising an inner
sealing medium layer of substantially polyethylene and an outer
sealing medium layer which is a copolymer comprising polyethylene
and polypropylene.
[0221] Moreover, according to the invention the pull tab comprises
a film strip arranged between the two side wall sections in the
overlapping area and having a first and a second outer sealing
medium layer with which the film strip is firmly (non-peelably)
heat-sealed to the respective side wall sections. The film strip
may further comprise an intermediate layer peelably connected to at
least one of the outer sealing medium layers having a tear
resistance weaker than the peel strength between the intermediate
layer and the said sealing medium layer. The peelable connection is
thus opened by tearing the weak sealing medium layer on both sides
of the sealing seam and by a delamination between the weak sealing
medium layer and the intermediate layer.
[0222] The peel strength of the pull tab connections may e.g. be in
the range from 100 to 800 g/20 mm, preferably from 200 to 600 g/20
mm, and most preferably from 300 to 500 g/20 mm.
[0223] For the manufacture of the bag and or the prefabricated bag
according to the invention one or more flexible films may be used
which have at least one inner heat-sealable surface, preferably
comprising a polyolefin, i.e. PE or PP. Preferably, a softer or
more flexible, e.g. thicker, film is used for the top and bottom
walls than for the side walls to obtain the intended expansion and
standing properties. Furthermore, multilayer films are preferably
used comprising an inner heat-sealable surface layer. For the
manufacture of the bag the laminate COEX OPP/PETP (polyester) may
for instance be used, in which the PE layer is on the inner side
seen in relation to the finished or prefabricated and COEX OPP
denotes a CO-extruded oriented polypropylene film on either side
provided with a thin sealing medium layer comprising a copolymer of
PP and PE. In order to obtain enhanced barrier properties a barrier
layer, e.g. a metallization layer or an aluminum film, may be
provided between the PETP layer and the PE layer or between the
COEX OPP film and the PETP layer.
[0224] Furthermore, the PETP layer may be replaced by an oriented
polyamide, OPA.
* * * * *