U.S. patent application number 12/158861 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for disposable can.
This patent application is currently assigned to COLUMBUS E. APS. Invention is credited to Ulrik Skovgaard Rasmussen, Werner Schulz.
Application Number | 20090101651 12/158861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36968715 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090101651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rasmussen; Ulrik Skovgaard ;
et al. |
April 23, 2009 |
DISPOSABLE CAN
Abstract
"The invention relates to a disposable can formed at least
partly by flexible film material, where the can includes a top
surface and where the can has at least one discharge arrangement
having at least one re-closure foundation and where the discharge
arrangement is attached to the can such that a drinking can may
advantageously be formed by film material, where 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, and the can may be disposed in a very
environmentally 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.: |
12/158861 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
June 20, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK2006/000360 |
371 Date: |
November 17, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5838 20130101;
B65D 75/5833 20130101; B65D 75/008 20130101; B65D 77/32 20130101;
B65D 2575/586 20130101; B65D 75/54 20130101; B65D 75/525 20130101;
B65D 77/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 2005 |
DK |
PCT DK2005/000814 |
Claims
1-99. (canceled)
100. Disposable can formed at least partly by a flexible film
material, the can comprising: a top surface and wherein said can
has at least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one
re-closure foundation and wherein said discharge arrangement is
attached to the exterior of the can.
101. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said discharge
arrangement is attached to the top surface of said can.
102. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said discharge
arrangement is attached to flexible film material of the can.
103. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein passage through
the re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the
can-forming material.
104. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein passage through
the re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the
can-forming film material.
105. Disposable can according to any of the claim 100, wherein said
re-closure foundation surrounds an area of the top surface to be
broken and used for discharge.
106. Disposable can according to any of the claim 100, wherein said
re-closure foundation is fitted with or facilitates mounting of a
re-closure.
107. Disposable can according to claim 100 wherein the can is
formed at least partly by a flexible film material, wherein said
can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at least one
discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure foundation
wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to the can and
wherein said can further comprises at least one re-closure
removably fitted to said re-closure foundation.
108. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said barrier
arrangement comprises a filter.
109. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said discharge
arrangement comprises an opening in said top surface when the
closure initially has been removed.
110. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said opening is
at least partly a cut-out or perforated or a peel-out opening
formed in a sheet material of said top surface.
111. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said top
surface and said at least one joining form an external
reservoir.
112. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein the outer
support arrangement is formed by a form-stable cardboard.
113. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein the outer
support arrangement has the form of a tube.
114. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein said can is
burnable.
115. Disposable can according to claim 100, wherein the can
comprises a re-closure comprising cutting, pressing or perforation
means.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a disposable can.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Different attempts in the prior art have been made to apply
film-based packages in connection with e.g. distribution of
carbonated or non-carbonated beverages.
[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. A further problem related to the above
mentioned discharge arrangement is that re-closure is impossible or
un-reliable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF RELATED ART
[0006] The invention provides a disposable can suitable for keeping
and discharging of e.g. carbonated or non-carbonated beverages or
liquids.
[0007] The invention relates to a disposable can formed at least
partly by a flexible film material wherein
[0008] said can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at
least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure
foundation and wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to
the can.
[0009] 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.
[0010] Moreover, the can according to the invention may be easily
collapsed and handled after use during disposal.
[0011] According to the invention, the can should facilitate
transportation, storage of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages
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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] According to a feature of the invention, a disposable can
formed at least partly by a flexible film material comprises a
discharge arrangement which may be resealed one or several times by
means of a re-closure foundation. The re-closure foundation may
e.g. typically comprise a flange or other suitable foundation
attached to the top surface of the can. The top surface of the can
may again also e.g. comprise flexible film material.
[0016] By attaching a re-closure foundation to the top surface, it
is possible to apply e.g. a lid, plug, stopper, cork, etc. together
with the foundation in order to obtain the desired re-closure of
the discharge arrangement.
[0017] It is noted that that a re-closure is quite attractive with
respect to can structures but such re-closures are generally
expensive and difficult to produce both with respect to fastening
and with respect to compatibility of materials.
[0018] According to an preferred embodiment of the invention, such
re-closure and re-closure foundation should formed by compatible
materials or at least by materials which may either be
biodegradable or degradable by combustion in conventional trash
combustion plants according to environmentally attractive
combustion principles.
[0019] A re-closure and/or the re-closure foundation may preferably
be made in a rigid or at least semi-rigid material in order to
facilitate a safe and easy re-closure.
[0020] One of several goals which may achieved within the scope of
the invention is that disposal by the ultimate consumer of the can
and the can materials produced by the applied polymers may result
in improvement with respect to disposal as toxic combustion
products are expected if a proper incineration of the can is
applied.
[0021] The products of complete combustion of the polymer may
typically be carbon dioxide and water, optionally along with small
amounts of different oxides.
[0022] Anyway, disposal of a can of the applied type may moreover
be regarded as far more attractive than existing challenges with
respect to disposal of conventional metal cans as e.g. polystyrene
(PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl
methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be
incinerated while minimizing polluting or undesired residues.
[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the disposable can formed
at least partly by a flexible film material wherein
[0024] said can comprises a top surface and wherein said can has at
least one discharge arrangement comprising at least one re-closure
foundation and wherein said discharge arrangement is attached to
the exterior of the can.
[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the discharge arrangement
is attached to the top surface of said can.
[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, the discharge arrangement
is attached to flexible film material of the can.
[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
is attached by heat sealing.
[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
is attached by adhesive.
[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is a beverage
can.
[0030] The can according to the invention is in particular useful
as a beverage can for carbonated or-non-carbonated liquids.
[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the can
may be applied for containing of solids, such as powdered or
granulated products. Such products may e.g. relate to sugar,
chocolate, coffee, etc.
[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
is attached to the top surface.
[0033] According to a very preferred embodiment of the invention,
the re-closure foundation is attached to the top surface.
[0034] The attachment is preferably applied without any
pre-perforation of the top surface. In this way, initial leakage
may be avoided, as breaking or removal of the sealing of the
discharge arrangement may be postponed until the very last moments,
i.e. when the user initially needs to use the outlet of the
can.
[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
is attached to the exterior of the top surface.
[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, passage through the
re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the
can-forming material
[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, passage through the
re-closure foundation is initially blocked by a part of the
can-forming film material
[0038] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface seals
passage through said re-closure foundation.
[0039] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface seals
passage through said re-closure foundation.
[0040] In an embodiment of the invention, said re-closure
foundation surrounds an area of the top surface to be broken and
used for discharge.
[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
comprises a flange attached to the exterior of the top surface by
heat sealing.
[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
comprises a flange attached to the exterior of the top surface by
adhesive.
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure foundation
is fitted with or facilitates mounting of a re-closure.
[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure comprises
a lid, plug, stopper, cork or any combination thereof.
[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the re-closure is fitted
to said re-closure foundation by means of a thread, snap or bayonet
lock.
[0046] The resealing obtained by the use of a re-closure mounted to
the re-closure foundation may be obtained by e.g. by thread, snap
or bayonet lock.
[0047] According to a presently preferred embodiment of the
invention, a bayonet-like lock is preferred due to the fact that
such as locking may result in a very flat re-closure foundation,
thereby improving the cost-efficiency during manufacturing and not
least during packaging.
[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a top
surface and wherein said can has at least one discharge arrangement
comprising at least one re-closure foundation wherein said
discharge arrangement is attached to the can and wherein said can
further comprises at least one re-closure removably fitted to said
re-closure foundation.
[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the 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.
[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the 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.
[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, the 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.
[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the 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.
[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the container wall
comprises a flexible film sheet joined together in the direction
between the top end and the bottom surface.
[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, the container wall
comprises at least two flexible film sheets joined together in the
direction between the top end and the bottom surface.
[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is joined as a
substantially flat or collapsed structure.
[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, the collapsed joined
structure is expanded subsequent to the joining of the can.
[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is expanded prior
to or simultaneously with filling by liquid.
[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, the joining is performed
by gluing.
[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the joining is performed
by heat-welding.
[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the joinings are at least
2 mm.
[0061] In an embodiment of the invention, the width of the joinings
is within the range of about 3 mm to 30 mm.
[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the joinings are within
the range of about 4 mm to 25 mm.
[0063] 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.
[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface has a
smallest dimension which is less than about 10 cm.
[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface has a
smallest dimension of less than about 7 cm.
[0066] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface is
substantially cylindrical.
[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface is formed
of a separate film/sheet material.
[0068] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface is formed
of a bended part of a can defining film material.
[0069] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface
approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0070] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface
approximates a rectangular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0071] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface
approximates a rounded surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0072] 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.
[0073] In an embodiment of the invention, the interface between the
can and the top surface is formed by at least one joining.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] Different provisions may be applied for the purpose of
removing or perforate the further sealing when access to internal
of the can is desired, typically e.g. in connection with outlet.
One provision may be to attach the further sealing to the
re-closure by a strong joining, e.g. heat sealing or adhesive,
thereby enabling that the further sealing is ripped of when the
re-closure is removed, e.g. by screwing. An alternative way of
removing or perforating this further sealing may be to include
sharp parts of the re-closure or forming the re-closure in such a
way that a portion of the re-closure is brought into mechanical
contact with the further sealing within the re-closure foundation
thereby invoking cutting, breaking by pressure or any suitable
interaction between the re-closure and the further sealing.
[0077] One embodiment of such a re-closure arrangement is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,286, hereby incorporated by reference.
[0078] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a
bottom surface.
[0079] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises at
least one bottom fold.
[0080] In an embodiment of the invention the can comprises a bottom
end which comprises a self-supporting arrangement.
[0081] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
bottom arrangement comprises a bottom which allows the can to be
self-standing in substantially the same way as conventional solid
cans.
[0082] Such bottom arrangement may e.g. comprise a bottom surface
approximating a circular surface as close as possible to the bottom
surface of a conventional can.
[0083] In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface
approximates a circular surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0084] In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface
approximates a rounded surface when the can is filled with
liquid.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] In an embodiment of the invention, the can has an internal
volume.
[0088] In an embodiment of the invention, the internal volume
comprises a barrier arrangement.
[0089] 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.
[0090] The barrier arrangement may moreover facilitate consumer
control of the outlet flow of the flexible can.
[0091] 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.
[0092] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
is arranged between the discharge arrangement and the internal
volume.
[0093] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.
[0094] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
defines an outlet volume.
[0095] 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.
[0096] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a
barrier arrangement comprising at least one perforated sheet
material.
[0097] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
comprises a filter.
[0098] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier arrangement
is joined to the can at the top end by the at least one joining
gathering the top surface and the side wall(s).
[0099] In an embodiment of the invention, the discharge arrangement
comprises an opening in said top surface when the closure initially
has been removed.
[0100] In an embodiment of the invention, the opening is at least
partly a cut-out or a peel-out opening formed in a sheet material
of said top surface.
[0101] In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface and said
at least one joining form an external reservoir.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] The drinking edge may advantageously form a spout which may
help a user to drink from the can without spilling.
[0106] In an embodiment of the invention, the drinking edge
comprises at least one reinforcement in the transverse direction of
the drinking edge.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises an
outer support arrangement.
[0110] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises an
outer support arrangement and wherein the outer support arrangement
comprises a cylindrical outer wall
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support may be
formed as a thermal cup or jug giving the possibility of
contributing to keeping the content of the can at a desired
temperature, e.g. cold or warm. This may likewise be done by using
two or more layers of flexible, or partially flexible film for the
outer support, and placing an insulating material or gas between
the two or more layers.
[0114] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement is formed by a form-stable polymer.
[0115] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement is formed by a form-stable cardboard.
[0116] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement has the form of a tube. The support arrangement may
also comprise part of a cup or a container. The user may then pour
liquid into the container from the can and use the container e.g.
as a cup.
[0117] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement further comprises a bottom support.
[0118] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement further comprises a bottom support and a top
support.
[0119] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is at least
partly attached to said outer support.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer support
arrangement may be applied as a beverage or a cup.
[0123] In an embodiment of the invention, the film material
comprises a multilayer film.
[0124] In an embodiment of the invention, the film material
comprises a single-layer film.
[0125] In an embodiment of the invention, the film material
comprises polyethylene.
[0126] In an embodiment of the invention, the film material
comprises polypropylene.
[0127] In an embodiment of the invention, the film material
comprises aluminum foil.
[0128] In an embodiment of the invention, the film material
comprises metalized film material.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.
[0131] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is a drinking
can.
[0132] 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.
[0133] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises
liquid.
[0134] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises
carbonated liquid and an outer support.
[0135] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is burnable.
[0136] In an embodiment of the invention, the container volume
(131) is between about 0.10 to about 2 liters, preferably between
about 0.2 and 1.5 liters.
[0137] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises water
cleaning material.
[0138] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises at
least one inlet, at least one outlet and at least one barrier
between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet within
the can.
[0139] When arranging a barrier between an inlet and an outlet it
is possible ensure or facilitate that liquid poured into the can by
means of the inlet is directed towards the outlet through a
filter.
[0140] It is a known problem that the water in parts of the world
is polluted, e.g. by health threatening organisms, bacteria,
minerals, toxics, dangerous metals or the like. According to an
advantageous embodiment of the invention, the can may comprise a
water cleaning material. Thereby it is possible for the user of the
can to add water, in the right doses given by the volume of the can
when compared to the amount of water cleaning material. This gives
a very cost efficient and practical way of cleaning water. In this
particular embodiment of water cleaning the flexible can could be
recyclable in contrary to all other applications where the can is
disposable. Further there may be at least one barrier, e.g.
filters, between the inlet and the outlet. These filter(s) may have
different sizes of perforation for removing undesired larger
particles, dirt, small insects or other undesired particles giving
the advantage of separate the water from at least a part of the
particles. Further the filter could be a type of a chemical
filter.
[0141] In an embodiment of the invention, 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.
[0142] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is comprised by
less than 50% by weight of metal.
[0143] 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.
[0144] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is comprised by
less than 10% by weight of metal.
[0145] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is comprised by
less than 5% by weight of metal.
[0146] In an embodiment of the invention, the can is substantially
free of metal.
[0147] In an embodiment of the invention, the can prior to filling
with liquid has a volume which is less than 5% of the can.
[0148] 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.
[0149] 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.
[0150] 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.
[0151] 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.
[0152] In an embodiment of the invention, the can prior to filling
with liquid has a volume which is less than 5% of the can when
filled with liquid.
[0153] 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.
[0154] 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.
[0155] 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.
[0156] 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.
[0157] It is furthermore noted that the barrier material may also
serve the purpose of keeping the can form stable.
[0158] 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.
[0159] In an embodiment of the invention, the can comprises a
re-closure comprising cutting, pressing or perforation means. These
means may allow an easy opening of the further sealing of the can.
On embodiment of the re-closure may comprise a slightly inclined
downwardly oriented surface or edge, which may break the further
sealing when the re-closure is actuated, e.g. by screwing or
pushing in the opposite direction than the screwing movement
applied during removal of the re-closure. In other words, the
re-closure may be applied alone or in conjunction with the
re-closure foundation as a tool for opening the further
sealing.
[0160] Finally, the invention also features very
environmental-friendly provisions compared to conventional metal
cans.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0161] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings of which
[0162] FIG. 1 illustrates flexible can according to an embodiment
of the invention,
[0163] FIG. 2a-f illustrate an embodiment with a re-closure
foundation in the top surface,
[0164] FIG. 3a-c illustrate an embodiment with re-closure
foundation in the side walls of the can,
[0165] FIG. 4a-f illustrate an embodiment with a barrier
arrangement,
[0166] FIG. 5a-g illustrate a preferred embodiment of a re-closure
arrangement,
[0167] FIG. 6a-h illustrate perspective view of different
embodiments of re-closure arrangements applicable within the scope
of the invention,
[0168] FIG. 7a-d illustrate a can within the scope of the invention
in connection with a support structure,
[0169] FIG. 8a-b illustrate a further reinforced can structure
within the scope of the invention and where
[0170] FIG. 9a-h illustrate different alternative embodiments of
the application of outer support arrangements for use with a can
within the scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0171] A can is generally referred to as a usually cylindrical
receptacle for holding liquids or flowable material. Within the
field of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, typically
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.
[0172] In the present context of flexible containers one of the
important can-forming features is the so-called top surface. The
top surface corresponds or emulates the conventional top surface of
a conventional aluminum can with respect to both shaping of the
container and with respect to handling and discharge as the can may
be experienced by the user in the same way as conventional metal
cans with respect to e.g. holding and tilting during discharge.
[0173] The top surface may be formed by single pieces or sheets or
the top surface may be defined by e.g. a prolonged part of a
wall-defining sheets and corresponding top surface-defining
weldings. This will be explained in detail in the illustrated
embodiments.
[0174] It is generally noted that joinings, e.g. heat or glue
sealings are permanent and in principle not intended for peeling
unless specifically stated.
[0175] It should moreover be noted that the present invention
relates to a can formed at least partly by flexible film having
discharge arrangement facilitating re-closure.
[0176] The below described disposable cans are both suitable for
beverages or solids such as powders, granules, etc.
[0177] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a can formed in flexible
film according to an embodiment of the invention. The illustrated
can is formed by four welded film surfaces, two wall-forming
surfaces 13, 130, a bottom surface (not shown in FIG. 1) and a top
surface 16.
[0178] The different surfaces may be formed by separate sheets by
means of welding or some of the surfaces may be formed by the same
sheet. Thus, the top surface 16 may also e.g. be formed by a folded
upper end of one of the side-walls 13, 130 instead of applying a
separate sheet. The same applies for the other surfaces such as the
side-walls 13, 130 which may optionally be formed by one single
sheet.
[0179] One of the important aspects of a can within the scope of an
embodiment of the invention is that the can structure and can
features may be obtained in several different ways as long as the
can comprises flexible film, preferably forming most of the inner
volume of the can container and preferably also forming at least a
part of the externally visible can.
[0180] Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment of the
invention, the complete can may simply be produced by two or
preferably three joined film sheets or cutouts.
[0181] The illustrated moreover comprises a re-closure and a
re-closure foundation, here a screw cap foundation 14 attached to
the exterior of the top surface 16, which may be fitted with a
screw tab or other suitable closure (not shown).
[0182] The screw cap foundation 14 moreover forms part of discharge
arrangement as the film within the circumference of the re-closure
foundation may be broken or removed in order to establish an outlet
from the interior of the can to the exterior.
[0183] Turning now to FIG. 2a-2f a more detailed explanation of the
structure, manufacture and application of a slight modification of
the can of FIG. 1 will be given. FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C illustrate a
cross-section along the line IIC of FIG. 2A.
[0184] The illustrated disposable can 20 is formed by joined films
230, 23, 26 and 29, where the films 230 and 23 form the wall(s) of
the can and the sheet 26 forms a top surface 26 and the sheet 29
forms a bottom surface 29.
[0185] The two films 23 and 230 are joined by side sealing 232 and
233. Alternatively, the can 20 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 232 or 233.
[0186] The top surface 26 of the can 20 is formed with a re-closure
foundation 24 adapted for fitting with a re-closure, e.g. a
screw-cap, a bayonet cap or any suitable re-closure. The re-closure
should preferably be established by means of a mechanical locking
between the re-closure foundation and the applied re-closure.
[0187] The top surface 26 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 23 or 230.
[0188] The walls 23, 230 and the top surface 26 and the bottom
surface 29 forms a container comprising an inner volume 231.
[0189] An opening 280 is moreover formed by the re-closure
foundation 24 thereby defining an outlet which may be applied as a
re-closureable discharge opening if the film sealing of the opening
280, here a part of the top surface 26, is broken or removed. The
re-closure foundation may e.g. be fitted with a removable
re-closure as from the beginning or this re-closure, e.g. a cap,
may be fitted after the first breaking of sealing formed in the
opening 280.
[0190] The top surface 26 has at least one inward fold 27, which
allows the can to be expanded from the manufacturing position which
is completely or at least partly collapsed. In this context it is
noted that collapsing according to the present embodiment is made
significantly easier and effective if the re-closure foundation is
made as low as possible. This may e.g. be seen on FIG. 2b, where an
effective folding of the top surface 26 and thereby the complete
can may be counter acted if the re-closure foundation is too high.
Thus, the plug-like re-closure foundation 24 where a re-closure may
be fitted to the re-closure foundation by one rotating movement as
a bayonet-like fitting represents an advantageous and very
cost-efficient solution. This is described in the following.
[0191] The bottom surface 29 has at least one bottom fold 28, which
allows the can to be expanded from the manufacturing position which
is completely or at least partly collapsed.
[0192] The can comprises an upper discharge arrangement 201 formed
by the top surface 26, the opening 280 and joinings 202 and 204,
which defines the circumference of a reservoir-like structure.
[0193] The circumference-defined reservoir structure around the
opening 280 allows a user to drink from the can 20 without other
operation than the operation related to a conventional can, namely
removal of the part of the can sealing the opening 280 and
subsequently drinking directly from the top end of the can.
[0194] The provided discharge arrangement 201 furthermore allows
the user to capture optional undesired spilling during drinking, as
in conventional cans.
[0195] A drinking edge 22, which is optional in other embodiments
of the invention, serves as a support or a sort of mouthpiece
availing an attractive handling during drinking. Evidently, such
drinking edge may be avoided, in particular if fitting or allowing
fitting of a mouthpiece or spout onto the re-closure foundation
24.
[0196] FIG. 2F illustrates when a re-closure 205 has been removed
from the re-closure foundation of the can and thereby giving access
to the internal volume of the can via an opening 280 in the
re-closure foundation when the sealing, here a part of the film of
the top surface is broken or removed.
[0197] FIGS. 2D and 2E show a three-dimensional view of the can
20.
[0198] The re-closure foundation 24 exposes an opening 280 in the
re-closure foundation 24 which, when broken or removed may be
applied as a opening to and from the internal volume 231
[0199] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F illustrate a can 30 which is a minor
modification of the above-described drinking can of FIG. 2A-2F, now
with a modified positioning of a re-closure foundation.
[0200] The re-closure foundation 34 is now attached to a side wall
33 and can serve as a foundation for a re-closure, which may be
attached to the re-closure foundation 34 when the further sealing
380 within the re-closure foundation 34 of the discharge
arrangement has been broken or removed. Thus, in this context the
further sealing functions as an initial sealing of the re-closure
foundation, thereby facilitating that the can may be initially
provided completely sealed to a user even without necessarily
mounting the re-closure initially. If, on the other, the re-closure
has been mounted initially, the further sealing ensures that the
risk of re-closure leaking is minimized. The can has a main volume
331.
[0201] FIG. 4A to 4C illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention based on the can 40 of FIG. 2A to 2F, but now provided
with a barrier arrangement 410.
[0202] The barrier arrangement 410 comprising a sheet 450
perforated by perforations 420 is fastened to the can and divides
the internal volume 431 in two volumes, the main volume 431 and an
outlet volume 425.
[0203] The barrier 410 may serve several different purposes.
[0204] One purpose is to restrict or counteract sudden flow from
the internal volume 431 to the exterior via an opening 480 in the
re-closure foundation 44.
[0205] 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.
Evidently, the above-illustrated embodiment basically is most
suitable for liquid unless the barrier arrangement is carefully
designed to allow passage of the content of the main volume 431
from the interior through the barrier and an opening in the
re-closure foundation.
[0206] Another important purpose of the barrier may also be to add
form stability to the flexible can.
[0207] Evidently, several other barrier arrangements may be made
within the scope and the spirit of the invention.
[0208] FIG. 5a-f illustrate the functionality of a re-closure
arrangement applied within the scope of the invention.
[0209] FIG. 5a, 5c, 5e and 5f illustrate cross-sections of a
re-closure arrangement comprising a re-closure foundation 54 and a
corresponding re-closure in the form of a plug-like lid 505.
[0210] FIG. 5a illustrates a cross-section of the lid 505
positioned fixedly to a re-closure foundation 54. The lid is thus
primarily mechanically locked to the re-closure foundation 54 by
means of an inwardly extending flange 507 of the re-closure and an
outwardly extending flange 541 of the re-closure foundation 54.
[0211] Moreover, FIG. 5a illustrates that the re-closure 505 as
from the beginning, is attached e.g. by heat-welding, gluing, nano
technology or the like, to an underlying flexible film 56,
preferably a part of a top surface of one of the herein illustrated
cans. Such top surface may thus e.g. be top surface 26 of the can
20, or top surface 46 of the can 40.
[0212] Moreover, according to another embodiment of the invention,
such underlying flexible film may comprise part of another wall of
a film based can as illustrated in the can 30 of FIG. 3a-c and
thereby form a further sealing 5801. The further sealing of the
illustrated type will typically not be completely re-sealable but,
of course, form part of and contribute to a complete re-closure
arrangement.
[0213] The re-closure foundation may be cast or molded in a
suitable material according to any suitable shaping technique and
any suitable material. It is however noted that both the re-closure
505 and the re-closure foundation 54 may preferably be made in a
material which is compatible with the can or at least most of the
can. Such considerations may both relate to environmental issues
such as disposal and incineration and moreover with respect to
mutual attachment. Thus, when applying compatible materials at
least in the border zone between the illustrated underlying surface
and the contact part of the re-closure foundation 54, the two
portions may be mutually heat-welded or glued.
[0214] 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.
[0215] According to the illustrated preferred embodiment of the
invention, the further sealing should form a sealing, which per se,
provide a proper and sufficient sealing of the can. Thus
perforations facilitating removal of the further sealing 5801
should preferably be avoided to ensure that the can is completely
sealed prior to user. Further this could have the benefit of
contributing to the keeping of the quality of the content of the
can.
[0216] According to a further preferred embodiment of the
invention, the further sealing may however be associated with
weakening lines or other suitable "break-helping" measures.
[0217] In FIG. 5c-d, the lid 505 has been rotated about 10-40
degrees and the further sealing 5801 has been broken as this
sealing is completely attached, e.g. by heat-welding or gluing, to
the bottom of the lid 505. The lid 505 has now been rotated and a
part of the lid is not longer mechanically engagement with the
flange 541.
[0218] In FIG. 5e-g, the lid 505 has been turned about 90 degrees
and is now free of engagement with the re-closure foundation and
the lid may be removed. It is noted that the further sealing 5801
is attached to the bottom of the lid and is removed together with
the lid 505 thereby establishing a discharge arrangement formed at
least partly by an opening 580 formed in the ring-formed re-closure
foundation 54. This opening may be re-closed by means of the lid
505 by means of rotation.
[0219] The locking of the lid may be obtained in several different
ways. Thus, a click lock may be applied or a slight inclination may
be established between the flange 541 and the corresponding flange
of the lid in order to establish a squeeze or pinch-lock.
[0220] Such locking may also be supplemented by
click-arrangements.
[0221] A further outlet arrangement suitable for the purpose of
discharge is illustrates in e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,286, hereby
included by reference.
[0222] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b illustrate a perspective view of the
re-closure 54 and the corresponding re-closure foundation 505 of
FIG. 5a-f where FIG. 6b illustrate the situation of FIG. 5e-g where
the lid has been released from its closed position and where the
re-closure foundation defines an opening 580 which may be used for
inlet or discharge.
[0223] FIG. 6c and FIG. 6d illustrate a perspective view of a
re-closure corresponding to the previous illustrated embodiment but
now with a modified lid. The re-closure foundation 64 may be the
same as illustrated or, evidently, modified if so desired.
[0224] In this embodiment, the lid cover has been extended to form
a complete lid, whereas the inwardly extending flanges 507 has been
maintained, thereby basically facilitating the same mechanical lock
as previously described.
[0225] FIG. 6e-g illustrate a further embodiment of the invention
where a cap closure 805 has been or may be attached to and released
from a re-closure foundation 84 by a screw-cap fitting to a thread
841 of the re-closure foundation 84. The re-closure foundation is
again simply glued or welded to a part of the can, preferable a top
surface.
[0226] The application of thread-locking is most attractive when it
is possible to allow a certain height of the re-closure
foundation.
[0227] FIG. 6h illustrates a further embodiment of the invention
corresponding to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6e-g comprising
a re-closure foundation 94 facilitating screw lock of a cap 905. In
the present embodiment, the re-closure foundation has been fitted
with wings 942, 943 allowing the user to tighten the screw cap
without risking that the re-closure foundation 94 is
unintentionally de-attached from the can, e.g. the top surface of a
can.
[0228] FIG. 7A 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.
[0229] 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.
[0230] FIGS. 8A and 8B 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.
[0231] 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.
[0232] All support components 701, 702, 703 may be mutually fixed
or completely or partially releasable.
[0233] 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.
[0234] 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.
[0235] FIGS. 9A and 9B 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. 1, i.e. corresponding to FIG. 2a-2f, but now
without a prolonged drinking edge.
[0236] The outer support 801 comprises a peel-off strip 808
integrated into the outer support and with a handle 807.
[0237] FIG. 9B 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.
[0238] 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.
[0239] 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.
[0240] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10H illustrates a number of alternative
embodiments of the application of outer support arrangements for
use with a can, e.g. the can 10.
[0241] 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.
[0242] 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.
[0243] The outer support may advantageously be formed in relatively
rigid and form-stable polymer of cardboard-based structure.
[0244] The can may fit loosely into the outer support or be
fastened to the outer support.
[0245] The outer support may serve several different purposes such
as [0246] keeping the can in the desired shape, [0247] facilitating
packaging and transportation to the shelves and piling, [0248]
adding strength to the flexible can and facilitating filling with
carbonated soft drinks.
[0249] FIG. 11 illustrates a can 90 with at least one inlet 1189
and at least one outlet 1188. The inlet and outlet at least partly
defined by re-closure foundations are sealed by a further sealing
(not shown in FIG. 11) as described earlier in connection with e.g.
FIGS. 2 and 4. The inlet and outlet may be sealed by means of a
re-closures 1105 and 1205 when mounted to corresponding a
re-closure foundation 114, 124. Further this embodiment of the
invention comprises a barrier arrangement 1110. The barrier
arrangement 1110 comprises a sheet 1150 perforated by perforations
1120 is fastened to the can and divides the internal volume in two
volumes, whereby it is possible to filter and contain e.g.
particles and granules fed into the can via the inlet.
[0250] Further the can 90 comprises water cleaning means 1191. In
this embodiment of the invention the water cleaning means is a
capsule 1191, but in another embodiment of the invention the water
cleaning means may comprise powder or the like.
[0251] In another embodiment of the invention the barrier may be
placed at the inlet or at the outlet. It is noted that it is
possible to make the inlet 1189 have the function of an outlet, and
have the outlet 1188 have the function of an outlet.
[0252] According to a further embodiment, both the inlet and the
outlet may be placed at the top of the can. Further the barrier
1110 in this embodiment of the invention may be placed horizontally
as well as vertically or any combination thereof.
[0253] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the can
may comprise several filters having different properties with
respect to filtering and fixation of the water cleaning
compound.
[0254] Generally, the films applied to form the above illustrated
cans may comprise a single or a multilayer web-material.
[0255] 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.
[0256] 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.
[0257] At least the inner part of the flexible can should be made
of liquid-impermeable material.
[0258] In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of
liquid-impermeable material comprise multilayered sheets.
[0259] 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.
[0260] In an embodiment of the invention, said sheets of
liquid-impermeable material comprise wall(s), top and bottom of
can.
[0261] 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.
[0262] 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.
[0263] 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.
[0264] 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.
[0265] 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.
[0266] 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.
[0267] 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.
[0268] 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). 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.
[0269] 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.
[0270] 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.
[0271] 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.
[0272] The outer support may be made of single-layer material or
formed by multiple layers of materials.
[0273] 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.
[0274] 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.
[0275] Furthermore, the PETP layer may be replaced by an oriented
polyamide, OPA.
[0276] The re-closure foundation and the re-closure of the can may
also be made of the above-described materials.
[0277] It should also be noted that the surface, e.g. the top
surface of a can, to which the re-closure arrangement is attached
may be reinforced by means of further laminated layers of a polymer
films, cardboard, paper, metal films, etc.
* * * * *