U.S. patent application number 14/494126 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for beverage can marketing device with removable center cover.
The applicant listed for this patent is Barry W. Chapin. Invention is credited to Barry W. Chapin.
Application Number | 20150197366 14/494126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52689535 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150197366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chapin; Barry W. |
July 16, 2015 |
BEVERAGE CAN MARKETING DEVICE WITH REMOVABLE CENTER COVER
Abstract
A device that secures to a beverage can top includes a rim
section that includes an inner edge that resides adjacent to the
central panel of the can top. A central cover is secured to the can
top at the inner edge of the rim section. The central cover extends
over the top of a central panel of the can top and covers a tab and
openable section of the can top. The central cover is removable
from the rim section at a releasable boundary defined at the inner
edge of the rim section. The underside of the central cover
supports under-the-cover promotions that are not visible until
removal of the central cover when the can is opened. When scannable
codes are used, a computerized device can provide the GPS location
of where the scan occurred to track GPS location of beverage can
consumption by consumers and social media engagement.
Inventors: |
Chapin; Barry W.;
(Westborough, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chapin; Barry W. |
Westborough |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52689535 |
Appl. No.: |
14/494126 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61881033 |
Sep 23, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/0014 20130101;
B65D 2517/0041 20130101; B65D 51/22 20130101; B65D 85/72 20130101;
B65D 2517/0052 20130101; B65D 2517/0056 20130101; B65D 41/46
20130101; B65D 17/4012 20180101; B65D 17/404 20180101; B65D
2517/0013 20130101; B65D 51/18 20130101; B65D 25/205 20130101; B65D
2251/0015 20130101; B65D 17/4014 20180101; B65D 2517/0098 20130101;
B65D 2251/0028 20130101; B65D 2517/0007 20130101; B65D 2251/0071
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/00 20060101
B65D017/00; B65D 51/22 20060101 B65D051/22; B65D 85/72 20060101
B65D085/72; B65D 25/20 20060101 B65D025/20; B65D 41/46 20060101
B65D041/46 |
Claims
1. A device that secures to a beverage can top, the device
comprising: a rim section having an upper surface that slopes
downwards and radially inwards from an upper region of a rim of the
can top towards a central panel of the can top, the upper surface
of the rim section extending above and across at least a portion of
a countersink groove defined by the can top, the rim section
including an inner edge that resides adjacent to the central panel
of the can top; and a central cover secured to the can top at the
inner edge of the rim section, the central cover extending over the
top of a central panel of the can top and covering a tab and
openable section of the can top; the central cover being removable
from the rim section at a releasable boundary defined at the inner
edge of the rim section.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the releasable boundary defined at
the inner edge of the rim section is a tear away seam defined
between the rim section and the central cover.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the tear away seam is defined as a
thin continuous connection joining the central cover to the inner
edge of the rim section.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein the tear away seam is defined as
at least one of: a perforated seam joining the central cover to the
inner edge of the rim section; a series of periodic connections
that each joining the central cover to the inner edge of the rim
section seam; and an adhesive that secures the central cover to the
inner edge of the rim section.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the central cover includes visible
branding content on a top side of the central cover.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the central cover includes visible
information on an underside of the central cover, the visible
information not being viewable when the device is secured to the
can top until removal of the central cover.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the visible information on the
underside of the central cover is a scannable code that is operable
to be scanned by a computerized device for transmission along with
location information of the computerized device at a time of the
scan to a remote computer system.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein an upper surface of the rim
section includes a visible branding message.
9. The device of claim 6 wherein the visible information on the
underside of the central cover is at least one of: a coupon
providing a discount; Information to allow a consumer to
participate in a contest, promotion, or customer loyalty program;
and a code to allow a consumer to obtain digital content.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein the central cover includes a
grasping element that extends from the central cover to allow a
user to pull on the central cover to remove the central cover from
the can top while leaving the rim section secured to the can
top.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein the grasping element is at least
one of a tab, a ring, a tape-like material, and a cutaway in the
central cover allowing grasping of the central cover for removal
from the can top.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein the rim section and the central
cover are separate disconnected pieces of the device, and wherein
the central cover is secured to the can top by a physical fit
between the inner edge of the rim section and an outer edge of the
central cover prior to removal of the central panel from the can
top.
13. The device of claim 12 wherein an outer edge of the central
cover has a diameter that is slightly larger at at least one
location that an inner diameter of an opening defined by the inner
edge of the rim section, the outer edge of the central cover to
residing under the inner edge of the rim section prior to removal
of the central cover from the can top, the central cover being
deformable during removal to allow the outer edge of the central
cover to pass through an opening defined by the inner edge of the
rim section.
14. The device of claim 12 wherein an outer edge of the central
cover snaps onto the inner edge of the rim section to create the
releasable boundary that between the rim section and the central
cover that unsnaps to allow removal of the central cover from the
rim section.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the central cover, after removal
from the can top, can be snapped back onto the can top to rejoin
the central cover and the rim section.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein the central cover includes a tab
connecting mechanism that temporality secures to a tab on the
central panel of the can top when the central panel is placed on
the can top, the tab connecting mechanism causing the tab on the
can top to lift upwards from the central panel of the can top to
open at least a portion of the openable section of the can top upon
removal of the central cover from the device.
17. The device of claim 1 wherein the rim section secures to the
can top by snapping onto an outside lower edge of the rim of the
can top, the outside lower edge being formed on the can top during
couple seaming of the can top to a can housing of the beverage
can.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein the rim section secures to the
can top along an upper inner edge of the rim of the can top and
does not extend over the rim of the can top.
19. The device of claim 1 wherein the rim section and central cover
are secured to the can top prior to double seaming the can top to a
beverage can housing.
20. The device of claim 1 wherein the rim section and central cover
are thermoformed to the can top.
21. The device of claim 1 wherein rim section and central cover are
injection molded to the can top.
22. The device of claim 1 wherein the central cover is dome shaped
and defines an area underneath the central cover the covers a tab
and openable section of the central panel of the beverage can
top.
23. A device the secures to a beverage can top, the device
comprising: a rim section that secures to a rim area of a beverage
can; a central cover coupled to the rim section along an inside
edge of the rim section, the central cover covering an openable
section and tab area of the beverage can top, the central cover
being removable from the beverage can to allow opening of the
openable section of the beverage can while the rim section remains
in place on the can top after removal of the central cover, the
central cover including visible information on an underside of the
central cover, the visible information not being viewable when the
device is secured to the can top until removal of the central
cover.
Description
CLAIM TO BENEFIT OF EARLIER FILED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
earlier filed, co-pending, U.S. Provisional Application for Patent
having Ser. No. 61/881,033, filed Sep. 23, 2013, entitled "Beverage
Can Marketing Device With Removable Portion", naming the same
inventor as the present application. The entire disclosure,
figures, photos, teachings and contents of the above-identified
Patent Applications and or Issued Patents are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
Incorporation by Reference Filed Co-Pending Applications
[0002] This application is related to the following earlier filed
U.S. Applications for patent and/or issued patents, and shares
common inventorship therewith:
[0003] 1) Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 61/254,274 filed in
the U.S. Patent Office on Oct. 23, 2009 entitled "APPARATUS AND
METHODS PROVIDING A CLEAN BEVERAGE CAN", naming the same inventor
as the present application.
[0004] 2) Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 61/351,258 filed
Jun. 3, 2010 entitled "CLEAN METALLIC BEVERAGE CAN", naming the
same inventor as the present application.
[0005] 3) Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 61/406,120 filed
before the present invention, but on the same day, Oct. 23, 2010
entitled "BEVERAGE CAN TOP GROOVE COVER AND MARKETING DEVICE", and
naming the same inventor as the present application.
[0006] 4) U.S. Utility Patent Application, U.S. Ser. No. 13/842,023
filed Mar. 15, 2013 entitled "BEVERAGE CAN MARKETING DEVICE",
naming the same inventor as the present application.
[0007] 5) Issued U.S. Utility Pat. No. 8,708,188 entitled "BEVERAGE
CAN MARKETING DEVICE", naming the same inventor as the present
application.
[0008] 6) Issued U.S. Utility Pat. No. 8,534,490 entitled "BEVERAGE
CAN MARKETING DEVICE", naming the same inventor as the present
application.
[0009] 7) Issued U.S. Design Pat. application D672,235 entitled
"Countersink Groove Cover for a beverage can", naming the same
inventor as the present application.
[0010] 8) Issued U.S. Design Pat. application D658,980 entitled
"Countersink Groove Cover for a beverage can", naming the same
inventor as the present application.
[0011] 9) Issued U.S. Design Pat. application D640,141 entitled
"Countersink Groove Cover on a beverage can`
[0012] 10) PCT application PCT/US10/53881 filed Oct. 23, 2010,
entitled "BEVERAGE CAN MARKETING DEVICE", naming the same inventor
as the present application.
[0013] The entire teachings, disclosure, figures, and contents of
the above-identified Patent Applications and or Issued Patents are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to a branding and marketing
device that secures to a beverage can top. The device includes a
removable central cover or dome that peals away from a rim section.
The rim section can remain in place to cover and eliminate the
countersink grove found on beverage can tops, while providing
continuation branding as the user drinks from the can. The
removable central cover can provide under-the-cap like promotions
to consumers and can enable a mobile app to scan a code on the
underside of the central cover (not visible until the cover is
removed) to allow real-time geo-location specific contests,
promotions, giveaways and tracking of precisely where the beverage
can is opened for consumption.
BACKGROUND
[0015] Conventional beverage cans such as aluminum, tin or steel
cans are commonly used to package and contain a variety of
carbonated, noncarbonated, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic liquid
beverages. Examples of beverages or other consumables that are
packaged in beverage cans include carbonated and noncarbonated
soda, pop, fruit juice, water, mixers, alcoholic beverages such as
beer and wine, and other consumable and even sometimes
non-consumable liquids.
[0016] FIG. 1 provides an illustration of a typical conventional
metallic beverage can 100. A typical beverage can container holds
twelve fluid ounces of a liquid such as beer, juice or soda.
Conventional can dimensions include heights, diameters and subtle
features of the can such as tapering near the top vary and depend
often on vendor choice, branding and marketing requirements.
Details of the construction of a typical conventional modern
beverage can are disclosed in an article/paper entitled "The
Aluminum Beverage Can", written by William F. Hosford and John L.
Duncan that was published in the September 1994 issue of Scientific
American Magazine, copyright 1994 by Scientific American, Inc. The
entire contents of this paper is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety. This paper shows various example details of
conventional beverage can construction.
[0017] In FIG. 1, the typical beverage can 100 includes a can body
105 and a lid or can top 120 (as used herein, the term "can top"
refers to a can lid used to cover a beverage can). The body 105 is
formed from a piece of continuous metal such as aluminum alloy or
steel or other metal that is drawn, ironed, extruded, stretched,
pressed, molded, stamped or otherwise shaped into a cylindrical
shape to form the body 105. The above referenced paper provides
details on one example process of forming the can body or housing a
cold forming and ironing process. Once formed, the can housing or
body 105 includes a lower end 108 and an upper end 109. The lower
end 108 typically tapers slightly inwards to form a base or bottom
portion 106 of the can that typically tapers inwards at its
lowermost end and is smaller in diameter at it base (the portion
contacting a surface when the can is upright in position) than a
middle area of the body 105. In many conventional can body designs,
the upper end 109 or neck of the body 105 tapers slightly inward at
a top of the body 105 and terminates at an upper body edge 110. The
cylindrical-shaped outer surface of the body 105 typically includes
decoration that provides a label on the metallic surface of the
body that identifies a brand of liquid as well as the contents,
ingredients, manufacturer of liquid contained within the can 100
and other information.
[0018] The can 100 shown in FIG. 1 is fully assembled, filled with
liquid contents and "sealed". Sealing the can is a process
performed during a bottling or canning process when a manufacturer
affixes a can top 120 to the upper body edge 110 after placing
liquid contents into the can body 105. In a conventional
canning/bottling/seaming process, a canning machine (not shown in
this figure) dispenses liquid into the body 105 and thereafter the
same or a different machine affixes the can top 120 to the upper
body edge 110 by crimping, seaming or pinching a peripheral edge
121 of the can top 120 around the upper body edge 110, thus forming
an airtight and liquid-tight seal between the can top 120 and the
body 105. This seam is sometimes referred to as a double seam and
forms the rim at the top of the can. Manufacturers may make and
sell can tops 120 and bodies 105 as separate individual items that
are then combined as generally explained above during the canning
process by a canning/bottling company or beverage/liquid
manufacturer to form the can 100 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] Prior to canning or bottling, a conventional can top 120
(for example as shown in in FIG. 1 sealed onto the can 100) is
formed using a can top press, chuck and/or mold(s) that stamp,
roll, press or otherwise form a piece of metal such as aluminum
alloy or steel into the desired shape of the can top 120. Once
formed, a conventional can top 120 includes a central panel area or
upper surface 129 that provides a top or exterior side and that has
an underside facing into the can (not shown in FIG. 1) opposite the
upper surface 129 of the can top 120 (i.e. the underside of the can
top is exposed to the liquid contents contained within the can
100). The upper surface 129 of the can top 120 is substantially
flat in some conventional can designs, and in other designs the
upper surface 129 may have a slight curvature, domed or arced shape
with a center region being slightly higher in elevation than an
outer peripheral upper surface edge. The conventional can top 120
also includes a tab 115 affixed via a tab connector 116 to the
upper surface 129 of the can top 120. The tab connector 116 may be
a rivet or spot weld located at or near a center region of the can
top 120. The tab 115 includes a lifting end 118 and a leveraged end
119. The leveraged end 119 of the tab 115 is aligned over an
openable section 124 defined by a breakaway seam 123 on the can top
120. The openable section is commonly a circular or oval shaped
region defined on the upper can top surface by being pressed,
punched, scratched or etched into the upper surface 129 of the can
top 120. This openable section 124 includes a breakaway seam 123 in
the upper surface 129 of the can top. The tab 115 and openable
section 124 allow a person to open the can 100 to dispense (e.g.
drink or pour into a container) the liquid contents of the beverage
can 100. Upon opening, the tab 115 remains affixed to the can top
to minimize debris or garbage produced by cans that are sold and
opened by consumers.
[0020] To open the can 100, a person (not shown) inserts a
fingertip, fingernail or other prying device under the lifting end
118 of the tab 115 (between the lifting end 118 and the upper
surface 129 of the can top 120) and applies an upward or lifting
force to the lifting end 118 of the tab 115 up and away from the
upper surface 129 of the can top 120. In response to the raising
the lifting end 118 in this manner, the tab 115 pivots at the tab
connector 116 and the leveraged end 119 applies a downward force
against the openable section 124 causing the openable section 124
to be forced downwards into the can housing 105 relative to the
upper surface of the can top 120. When enough force is applied, the
openable section 124 breaks away from the can top 120 along the
breakaway seam 123 and bends downwards and inwards into the inside
of the can 100. After opening the can 100 in this manner, the tab
115 remains fixed to the top surface 129 via the rivet 116 and the
openable section 124 remains connected to the can top 120 via a
small region of the upper surface 129 of the can top that remains
connected between the upper surface 129 and the openable section
124 (that is now depressed or bent down into the can body 105).
That is, the openable section 124 remains attached to the can top
120 since the breakaway seam 123 does not completely surround the
openable section 124. In this manner, the openable section 122 and
tab 115 do not break off completely from the can top 120 and avoid
becoming loose in the liquid contents of the can 100.
[0021] Once the conventional can 100 has been opened by a person in
this manner, a person is able to dispense liquid contents from the
can 100 by tipping or tilting the can 100 sideways from its upward
position toward the openable section 124 (that now provide a hole
in the can) in order to pour liquid from the "now open" openable
section 124. The person may dispense the liquid contents of the can
100 into another beverage container such as a glass, cup, bowl or
the like, or quite frequently the person may drink directly from
the can 100 using his or her mouth.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,634 discloses some examples of
conventional can top designs and also teaches and shows details of
machinery to securely seal a can top to a can body using
conventional techniques. This patent further shows details of an
example seam between a can and can top. The entire teachings and
contents of this reference patent are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0023] Conventional beverage can and beverage can top
configurations such as those described above suffer from a variety
of deficiencies. In particular, conventional beverage cans and
beverage can tops such as the can 100 and can top 120 as shown in
FIG. 1 are subject to contamination issues on their outer surfaces.
Surfaces such as the upper surface 129 of the can lid or top 120
and the upper end 109 or neck of the can 100 are highly susceptible
to exposure to substances that are containments or debris such as
dirt, dust, grime, germs, bacteria, viruses, microbials, fungus,
mold, toxins or other depositions. Exterior surfaces of
conventional cans and can tops often become "dirty" or unsanitary
from exposure to various environmental contaminants shortly after
the canning process is complete. Additionally, liquid consumed
either directly or indirectly from conventional beverage cans may
become contaminated from debris or bacteria on the can tops due to
the design of conventional beverage cans and can top or lids.
[0024] In particular, after the can top and body manufacturing
and/or canning process is complete, a conventional can and can top
are often exposed to a variety of unsanitary environments. Such
unsanitary environments may exist during the conventional processes
of can and/or can top manufacturing, filling (canning or
bottling)/seaming, packaging and shipping, and while awaiting
purchase by the consuming public (e.g., while sitting on
supermarket shelves and/or in refrigerators or vending machines),
and after purchase but before opening of a conventional can. These
contaminants can be swept up in the flow of liquid over a
conventional can top when dispensing the liquid from the can.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a detailed cross-sectional, profile or cut-away
side view of the cross sectional shape of one example design of a
conventional can top 120. Note that in FIG. 2, the coupling between
the can top 120 and can body or housing 105 are shown only
generally and details of the double seam that form the rim 122 of
the can are not shown in this figure. During a conventional
canning/bottling process, a conventional canning machine (not shown
in this figure) forms a rim 122 of the can top 120 by seaming an
outside peripheral edge 121 of the can top 120 to the upper end of
can body 105 to form a liquid and airtight seal between the can top
120 and the can body 105. Once the top or lid 120 is seamed to the
can housing or body 105 in this manner, the inside surfaces 111 of
the can are protected from the outside environment by an airtight
seal. To form the seal, the outside edge 121 of the rim may be
folded and wrapped around and under the upper body edge 110 to form
a double seam that creates the rim 122. The circular rim 122
continues around the circumference of the can top 120. The shape or
profile (as shown in FIG. 2) of a conventional can top 129 also
defines a well area or countersink groove 130 located just inside
the rim 122. Note that depending on the can top 120, the slope,
profile or angle of the inside edge 127 of rim 122 of the can top
120 can be greater or less than that illustrated in this example.
Depending upon the manufacturer and process of forming the can top,
can housing and seaming process, the exact profile and size of a
beverage can housing 105 and top 120 may vary from this figure.
[0026] The countersink groove 130 defined by a conventional can top
120 is a recessed crevice-like area of open space defined between
the inside edge 127 of the rim 122 of the can and an outer edge 135
of the upper surface 129 (i.e. the central panel 129) of the can
top (the outer edge 135 of this central panel 129 also generally
defines the top inside edge of the groove 130). The groove 130 dips
down in elevation below the upper surface 129 of the can top at the
peripheral or outer edge 135 of the upper surface 129 of the can
top 120. If a can 100 is positioned upright, the groove 130 is
formed by the surface of the can top between an inside of the rim
122 (on the side of the rim facing the center of the can top) and
dips or extends in elevation below the top surface 129 of the can
top and ends where the upper surface of the can top begins (at the
edge 135). The bottom of the groove 130 is typically the lowest
point in elevation on the entire can top surface. One purpose of
providing this groove is to allow the can top 120 to not distort
when the contents of the can are under pressure. Thus the groove
130 provides strength to the can top design and most conventional
beverage cans in use today include a groove of this nature.
[0027] In conventional can and can top designs, the groove is
problematic since the groove is a countersink area that is very
susceptible to collecting debris such as dirt, dust, sand, or other
particulate matter that may settle onto the cap top surface and
that may fall into or be pushed or wiped into the groove 130. As an
example, many health conscious consumers who consume liquids from
conventional beverage cans 100 have a desire to have the least
amount of contamination possible in the liquid dispensed from the
can 100. In an attempt to clean the can top 120 of as much debris
as possible, many consumers often wipe the top 120 of a
conventional beverage can 100 with a cloth or with their fingers
prior to opening the can. This wiping action may result in pushing
or forcing debris and contaminants such as dust and dirt into the
groove 130 defined by a conventional can top 120 just prior to
opening of the can. Additionally, even if not wiped, any loose dirt
or contaminants that reside on the top of the can may simply shake
loose during handling and fall into the groove prior to opening the
can. The groove 130 defined in a conventional can top thus serves
as a receptacle or collection area for much of the dirt and debris
on a can top.
[0028] When dispensing (i.e. pouring) liquid contents from a
conventional can from the openable section 124, a person tilts the
can so that the liquid contents within the can is able to flow or
be poured from the openable section. This tilting action may cause
debris that resides in the groove to roll, slide or otherwise move
towards a portion of the groove 130 that is adjacent or close to
the openable section 124 of the conventional can 100. As the liquid
contents flows out of the conventional can 100, the liquid flows
out of the opening 124 and over a portion of the upper surface 129
of the can top 120, into and through the groove 130, and then over
and off of the outer edge rim 122 of the conventional can 100. The
turbulent flow of the liquid over this path may cause the liquid to
pick up and transport debris from within the groove. Such debris or
contaminants can be picked up by the flowing liquid and/or absorbed
or dissolved into the liquid and transported for ingestion by the
person consuming the liquid either directly or indirectly from the
can. In general then, conventional cans and can tops provide for a
less sanitary design and the groove 130 provides a receptacle for
dirt and debris that is difficult to effectively clean. Further
still, the presence of the groove 130 in the path of the liquid can
introduce turbulent flow that causes extra release of carbonation
within the liquid being poured from a conventional beverage can 100
prior to consumption. Thus the groove 130 in a conventional can and
can top design can cause premature release of carbonation that can
negatively impact the feeling and taste of the liquid as
experienced by a person consuming the liquid.
[0029] Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and apparatus
to reduce or inhibit the collection of debris on the outer surfaces
of beverage cans and can tops, including the rim, groove area, as
well as the upper can top surface. Mechanisms and techniques
disclosed herein provide embodiments that reduce health risks,
cleanliness and sanitary issues posed by designs of conventional
beverage cans, can tops and methods of manufacture and use
thereof.
[0030] Generally, embodiments disclosed herein reduce the ability
of outer surfaces of a can top and body to collect, trap and/or
support growth of debris or other contaminant substances.
Embodiments disclosed herein thus provide "clean can" technology
that reduces the ability of a can top, rim and upper can housing
area to collect debris.
[0031] Issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,490, and issued U.S. Utility Pat.
No. 8,708,188 are both invented by the same inventor as the present
disclosure. These patents disclose a ring shaped device that
secures to a beverage can top (applied either before double seaming
the can top to the can housing, or applied after the can top is
seamed to the housing). The devices provide a groove cover that
essentially covers and removes the surface presence of the groove
on the can top. Some embodiments in these patents extend over the
rim of the can, while others secure to the can top. The devices can
be applied before, during or after the canning operation and are
able to remain on the can during shipping, and while opening and
drinking from the can. Some versions are able to be removed prior
to drinking, and some have portions that can be removed while some
portions remain affixed to the can while opening and dispensing the
liquid form the can.
[0032] The groove cover is these two patents can be placed over the
groove (e.g. in the canning line while bottling the beverage in the
can) and provides an upper groove cover surface that enables easy
wiping of the exterior surfaces of the can top. The groove cover of
these patents provides an upper surface that slopes up the inside
area of the rim and thus provides a nice seamless (e.g. no edges or
corners to clean or trap dirt) transition to wipe dirt up and over
the rim. Some embodiments of these two patents fill in the groove,
while others reside totally above the groove. By filling in or
covering or providing an upper surface that resides above the
groove and providing a smoother and cleaner can top surface (as
opposed to the presence of the groove on a conventional can top), a
more health friendly can top results. The devices of these two
patents also substantially reduce the metallic taste found in
beverages packaged in aluminum beverage cans. This is because the
devices of these two patents in many embodiments covers much of the
aluminum that contacts a person's mouth while drinking from the
can. The devices of these two patents also promote easier removal
of contaminants that resides on the exterior can top surfaces. The
devices of these two patents can include an antimicrobial (e.g.
within the plastic) to reduce the growth of germs, and the the
devices of these two patents can be made of biodegradable materials
(e.g. biodegradable plastic) to be an environmentally friend (e.g.
eco-friendly or green) product. The devices of these two patents
does not limit the recycling process of cans, nor does it interfere
with the six pack holder rings (commonly known as Hi-Cones in the
Industry). The devices of these two patents device also do not
interfere with stacking of the cans.
[0033] Embodiments disclosed herein include devices that secure to
a beverage can top. One example embodiment of such a device
includes a rim section having an upper surface that slopes
downwards and radially inwards from an upper region of a rim of the
can top towards a central panel of the can top. The upper surface
of the rim section extends above and across at least a portion of a
countersink groove defined by the can top. The rim section includes
an inner edge that resides adjacent to the central panel of the can
top. A central cover secures to the can top at the inner edge of
the rim section. The central cover extends over the top of a
central panel of the can top and covers a tab and openable section
of the can top. The central cover is removable from the rim section
at a releasable boundary defined at the inner edge of the rim
section.
[0034] In another embodiment, the releasable boundary defined at
the inner edge of the rim section is a tear away seam defined
between the rim section and the central cover. In another
embodiment the tear away seam is defined as a thin continuous
connection joining the central cover to the inner edge of the rim
section. In another embodiment the tear away seam is defined as
either a perforated seam joining the central cover to the inner
edge of the rim section, or a series of periodic connections that
each joining the central cover to the inner edge of the rim section
seam, or an adhesive that secures the central cover to the inner
edge of the rim section.
[0035] In other embodiments, the central cover includes visible
branding content on a top side of the central cover. In another
embodiment the central cover includes visible information on an
underside of the central cover. In another embodiment the visible
information on the underside of the central cover is a scannable
code that is operable to be scanned by a computerized device for
transmission along with location information of the computerized
device at a time of the scan to a remote computer system. This
allows tracking of the geographic physical location of where
beverage cans are opened. In another embodiment an upper surface of
the rim section includes a visible branding message. In yet another
embodiment, the visible information on the underside of the central
cover can be a coupon providing a discount, or information to allow
a consumer to participate in a contest, promotion, or customer
loyalty program, or a code to allow a consumer to obtain digital
content, such as a free download.
[0036] In another embodiment the central cover includes a grasping
element that extends from the central cover to allow a user to pull
on the central cover to remove the central cover from the can top
while leaving the rim section secured to the can top. In another
embodiment the grasping element can be a tab (e.g. a pull tab
extending from the central panel), a ring, a tape-like material, or
a cutaway or small finger opening in the central cover allowing
grasping of the central cover for removal from the can top.
[0037] In another embodiment the rim section and the central cover
are separate disconnected pieces of the device, and the central
cover is secured to the can top by a physical fit between the inner
edge of the rim section and an outer edge of the central cover
prior to removal of the central panel from the can top. In another
embodiment an outer edge of the central cover has a diameter that
is slightly larger at at least one location that an inner diameter
of an opening defined by the inner edge of the rim section. When
the dome in in place on the can top, the outer edge of the central
cover resides under the inner edge of the rim section prior to
removal of the central cover from the can top. The central cover
may be deformable during removal to allow the outer edge of the
central cover to pass through an opening defined by the inner edge
of the rim section. In another embodiment an outer edge of the
central cover snaps onto the inner edge of the rim section to
create the releasable boundary that between the rim section and the
central cover that unsnaps to allow removal of the central cover
from the rim section. In another embodiment, the central cover,
after removal from the can top, can be snapped back onto the can
top to rejoin the central cover and the rim section.
[0038] In another embodiment the central cover includes a tab
connecting mechanism that temporality secures to a tab on the
central panel of the can top when the central panel is placed on
the can top. The tab connecting mechanism causes the tab on the can
top to lift upwards from the central panel of the can top to open
at least a portion of the openable section of the can top upon
removal of the central cover from the device. In another embodiment
the rim section secures to the can top by snapping onto an outside
lower edge of the rim of the can top, the outside lower edge being
formed on the can top during couple seaming of the can top to a can
housing of the beverage can. In another embodiment the rim section
secures to the can top along an upper inner edge of the rim of the
can top and does not extend over the rim of the can top. In another
embodiment the rim section and central cover are secured to the can
top prior to double seaming the can top to a beverage can housing.
In another embodiment the rim section and central cover are
thermoformed to the can top. Thermoforming can allow the central
cover to melt during formation to lay flush on the central panel of
the can top and conform to the shape of the tab use to open the
can. In yet another embodiment, the rim section and central cover
are injection molded directly to the can top (where the can top
serves to form part of the mold cavity. In another embodiment, the
central cover is dome shaped and defines an area underneath the
central cover the covers a tab and openable section of the central
panel of the beverage can top.
[0039] Another embodiment provides a device that secures to a
beverage can top. The device comprises a rim section that secures
to a rim area of a beverage can as well as a central cover coupled
to the rim section along an inside edge of the rim section. The
central cover covers an openable section and tab area of the
beverage can top. The central cover is removable from the beverage
can to allow opening of the openable section of the beverage can
while the rim section remains in place on the can top after removal
of the central cover.
[0040] It is to be understood that these are example embodiments
only and are not intended to be limiting of the embodiments
disclosed herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0041] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of preferred embodiments herein, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead
being placed upon illustrating the embodiments, principles,
concepts, and variations, etc. disclosed herein.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a conventional beverage
can.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a cross sectional view of a
can top double seamed to a beverage can housing.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a beverage can marketing device with a
removable central cover in accordance with one example
embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a beverage can marketing device with a
removable central cover secured to a beverage can in accordance
with one example embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of removal of the central
cover of a beverage can marketing device by a user's finger in
accordance with one example embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a beverage can marketing
device after removal of the central cover in accordance with one
example embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of a beverage can
marketing device with a removable central cover in accordance with
one example embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of a beverage can
marketing device with a removable central cover in accordance with
one example embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of a beverage can
marketing device with a removable central cover in accordance with
another example embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a beverage can having a beverage can
marketing device with a removable center cover and perforated seam
to allow removal of the central cover from a rim section of the
device in accordance with one example embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates how the rim section and the central
cover can be separate disconnected pieces of the beverage can
marketing device and how the rim section can hold the central cover
in place on a beverage can top in accordance with one example
embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross sectional view of a beverage can
marketing device where the removable central cover includes an
example tab connecting mechanism that temporality secures within an
opening defined by the tab on the central panel of the can top in
accordance with another example embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of a beverage can
marketing device where the removable central cover includes an
example alternative tab connecting mechanism that temporality
secures to one or more portions of the tab on the central panel of
the can top in accordance with another example embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates one example of a beverage can marketing
device that provides a less than full connection between an inner
edge of the rim section and the central cover in accordance with
one example embodiment to allow easy removal of the central
cover.
[0056] FIG. 15 illustrates how the underside of the removable
center cover can include visible information on the underside of
the central cover that can include a scannable code that is
operable to be scanned by a computerized device in accordance with
one example embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 16 illustrates how the scannable code scanned by the
computerized device can be transmitted to a remote computer system
along with location information to identify a location of opening
of the beverage can when the removable central cover is removed and
scanned by the computerized device such as a cell phone in
accordance with one example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a can top device 300 configured in accordance
with one example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows
a beverage can 200 (e.g. a soda can, beer can or other beverage
can) on which the can device 300 from FIG. 3 is installed.
[0059] The can top device 300 in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a rim
section 310 and a removable central cover 312. The rim section 310
is operable to be secured to the top of a beverage can 200 (as
shown in FIG. 4) by snapping onto the rim of the can. The rim
section 310 in this example includes an outer surface that begins
at the lower edge of an outer skirt 313. The outer surface of the
rim section 310 in this example extends up an outside area of the
beverage can, over the rim, and slopes downwards towards the
central panel of the beverage can top and over a countersink groove
inside the rim of the beverage can top. The rim section 310 ends at
an inner edge that joins in this example to an outer lower edge of
the removable central cover 312 to form a releasable boundary 314
between the rim section 310 and the central cover 312.
[0060] The central cover 312 is a circular dome-like structure in
this example. The central cover 312 begins at the inner edge of the
rim section 310 (at the releasable boundary 314) and includes an
upper surface that extends upwards and over the top of the central
panel of the beverage can top. In this manner, the central cover
312 extends over and covers the upper surface of the central panel
of the beverage can top and covers the tab and openable section of
the beverage can to keep these areas clean. By covering the entire
can top, the device 300 prevents any debris from contacting the
upper surface of the beverage can top, thus resulting in a clean
can top.
[0061] The central cover 312 includes a grasping element 316 which,
in this example, is formed as an integral part of the central cover
312. The grasping element 316 is a small tab or ledge in this
example that extends horizontally outward from an upper area of the
central cover 312. The grasping element 316 may extend any distance
around the perimeter of the central cover 312. In the illustrated
examples, the grasping element 316 extends approximately 1/8 of the
distance around the central cover 3/12 thus providing enough from
for a consumer to insert one or two fingers under the grasping
element 316 in order to remove the central cover 312. In an
alternative embodiment, the grasping element 316 can extend entire
circumference of the upper region of the central cover 312 and thus
the central cover 312 can be pulled and removed from any direction
of position when holding a beverage can.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the grasping element 316, which is a tab
in this example, enables a consumer to use a top of his or her
finger(s) placed adjacent to and slightly under the grasping
element 316 to pull upwards on the grasping element 316 with force.
This upward pulling action on the grasping element 316 causes
separation of the central cover 312 from the rim section 310 along
the releasable boundary 314. To enable this separation between the
central panel 312 and the inner edge of the rim section 310 to
occur, the releasable boundary 314 may be formed, for example, of
thin plastic material extending around the lower circular edge of
the central cover 312 and the circular inner edge of the rim
section 310. In this manner, the releasable boundary 314 is thin
enough that, upon upward force of the grasping element 316, the
releasable boundary 314 is able to break away and tear away
enabling removal of the central cover 312.
[0063] While the grasping element is shown as a tab in this
example, it can be provided in other shapes and configurations. For
example, the grasping element may be a tape-like structure that
lies flat and is lightly adhered to the sloping surface of the rim
section, and may extend as a pullable tab that extends up the
sloped upper surface and over the rim. When a consumer purchases
the can, he or she can grasp this tab like piece of tape (that can
extend over the rim and down a portion of the outside of the rim
section (and even down a portion of the side of the can. When doing
so, the consumer can pull this tape-like tab to unstick its
backside form the outer surface of the rim section. This tape-like
tab connects to the base of the central cover and upon pulling this
tape-like tab upwards, the releasable boundary 314 begins to
breakaway and tear, thus enabling removal of the central cover 312.
The tape-like removing tab can remain affixed to the central cover
312 after removal. In another embodiment, the releasable boundary
is provided by an adhesive that extends around the perimeter of the
base of the central cover 312, and when the consumer removes the
central panel 312, they can replace it back onto the can top and
the adhesive can re-stick or re-bond the central cover back in
place substantially in its original position prior to removal.
[0064] In another example embodiment, the releasable boundary 314
may be formed as a perforation between the central cover 312 and
the rim section 310. Upon upward force of the grasping element 316,
the perforated releasable boundary 314 tears along the perforation
at the inner edge of the rim section thus enabling removal of the
central cover 312 from the rim section 310. In these examples,
during removal of the central cover 312, the rim section 310
remains affixed to the rim of the beverage can upon which the
device 300 is secured.
[0065] FIG. 6 shows the appearance of the beverage can containing
the rim section 310 after removal of the central cover 312. As
demonstrated by the above description of a beverage can containing
the device 300, when a consumer purchases a beverage can, the
entire can top of the beverage can is covered and free from dirt
and debris due to the presence of the device 300. When the consumer
desires to open the beverage can to consume its contents, he or she
can remove the central cover 312 as described above to expose the
central panel of the can top. The consumer can operate the tab to
open the openable section on the can top while the rim section 310
of the device 300 remains affixed to the can. The rim section 310
thus provides continuous branding and marketing to the consumer
while consuming the beverage due to the visible information 320 on
the rim section 310. Additionally, since the rim section 310
remains affixed to the can when a consumer opens the can and when
the consumer dispenses the liquid from the can, the liquid does not
pass into the countersink groove of the can top that exists below
the upper surface of the rim section 310. The smooth sloped upper
surface of the rim section 310 produces a less turbulent flow when
pouring the liquid from the can. For carbonated beverages the
decreased turbulence can reduce the loss of carbonation when
pouring from the can and can increase taste when drinking directly
from the can.
[0066] In other embodiments, the rim section 310 can include a
flavoring that is picked up by the flow of liquid from the openable
section as it passes over the rim section (e.g. during pouring from
the can). The flavoring can mix with the liquid to enable a
consumer to experience a different taste for the liquid. In still
other embodiments, the device 300 can include thermochromic
material that can change color based on temperature. This can
enable the device 300 to indicate whether or not the can is cold,
warm or hot.
[0067] FIG. 7 shows a slightly different version of the device 600
that does not include the side skirt that extends below the outside
of the can. As shown in the example in FIG. 7, the releasable
boundary 314 extends around the lower perimeter of the removable
central cover 312 less than the entire circumference of the lower
edge of the central cover 312. That is, the releasable boundary 314
includes a beginning 314-1 and an end 314-2. In this example, the
releasable boundary 314 extends between the beginning 314-1 and the
end 314-2. The region outside of the beginning 314-1 and the end
314-2 defines a disconnected region 322 at the base of the central
cover 312 that is in proximity to (e.g. that is below) the grasping
element 316. That is, in this example the lower outer edge of the
central cover 312 that is in proximity to the grasping element 316
does not couple to the inside edge of the rim section 310. In this
embodiment, when a consumer grasps the grasping element 316 in
order to remove the central cover 312, because the outer lower edge
of the central cover 312 in proximity to the grasping element 316
does not couple to the region of the inner edge of the rim section
310 that is also in proximity to the grasping element 316, there is
less upwards resistance when pulling upwards on the grasping
element 316 since there is no connection between central cover 312
and the inner edge of the ring section 310 in this disconnected
region 322. This enables easier upward lifting and removal and
subsequent disconnect of the central cover 312 from the rim section
310. This also enables the beginning and end of the releasable
boundary 314 to begin to tear easier upon upward lifting of the
grasping element 16 than if the releasable boundary 314 is fully
connected around the entire circumference of the base of the
central cover 312.
[0068] As a specific example of an embodiment of the device 300
that includes this disconnected region 322, the perforated edge or
thin plastic region that forms the releasable boundary 314 around
the lower perimeter of the central cover 312 can extend
approximately 300.degree. around the base of the central cover 312,
while the remaining 60.degree. of the circumference of the base of
the central cover 312 can remain disconnected from the inside edge
of the rim section 310 thus forming the disconnected region 322. It
is to be understood that these degree distances are given by way of
example only and that changes to these dimensions are contemplated
within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
[0069] FIGS. 8 and 9 show cross sectional views of example
embodiments of the invention as described above and show more
particularly the placement of connected regions of the releasable
boundary 314 and the disconnected region 322 as described
above.
[0070] FIGS. 8 and 9 also show an example cross sectional profile
of the central cover 312. It is to be understood that this profile,
which is dome-like in this example, is not meant to be limiting. In
particular, in alternative embodiments the central cover 312 can be
shaped in a lower profile manner to define a region to accept the
tab that is riveted to the central panel of the beverage can top.
In this configuration, when placing the device 300 on the beverage
can top, the central cover 312 defines a tab region and needs to be
rotationally oriented or aligned with the tab on the can top. The
tab region defined in the central cover 312 can receive the tab of
the beverage can top in this manner (i.e. when properly aligned) to
provide a low profile central cover 213.
[0071] In the illustrated configurations described and shown thus
far, it is noted that no particular rotational orientation is
required when securing the device 300 to a beverage can top. That
is, the device can be rotationally oriented with the grasping
elementary 16 in any direction relative to the circular shape of
the beverage can top and the dome shaped central cover 312 provides
enough clearance in any orientation to provide sufficient space for
the tab of the beverage can top two reside underneath the central
cover 312. It is also noted that the height of the central cover
312 and existence of the grasping element 316 do not interfere with
stacking of the beverage cans equipped with the device 300.
Additionally, in an alternative embodiment of the invention,
instead of having a grasping element 316 that protrudes as a small
ledge from the top of central cover 312, the grasping element 16
can be a small recess or indentation within the central cover 312
enabling, for example, a consumer to place his or her fingernail or
tip of their finger in the recess or indentation to enable the
consumer to pool upwardly on the central cover 312 facilitating its
removal.
[0072] In another alternative configuration, the central cover 312
can include a section on its upper surface and an outer upper
peripheral edge that is open (e.g. a small opening or slot). That
is, the central cover 312 can define a small opening, slot or hole
that has no material present thus enabling a consumer to place his
or her fingers into the slot or hole and pull upwardly on the
central cover 312 to facilitate its removal. In this example, the
grasping element 316 would be the defined opening located on the
upper surface of the central cover 312 somewhere along its upper
outer peripheral edge. Such an opening the can facilitate insertion
of a fingernail or fingertip to remove the central cover 312.
[0073] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative configuration in which
the central cover 312 does not get fully removed when a consumer
pulls upward on the grasping element 316. In particular, in this
example, the releasable boundary 314 is defined up and across a
portion of the central cover 312/only a portion (e.g.,
approximately 1/2 of) central cover is removed when lifting in the
grasping elementary 16. As shown in FIG. 10, in this configuration
central cover 312 includes a removable portion 312-2 and a fixed
portion 312-1 that remains in place after pulling on the grasping
elementary 16. This configuration can be useful and beverage can
designs that provide for a push opening in the can top that does
not require lifting of a tab rather, requires a user to depress a
portion of the central panel of the beverage can top downwards to
open the beverage can.
[0074] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative configuration of a
beverage can top cover device 300 in which the device is composed
of two separate parts. In particular, the device 300 includes the
central cover 312 which is placed onto the beverage can top in
order to cover the openable section and tab of the beverage can top
prior to placement of the rim section 310. The central cover 312 in
this configuration can be self-centering within the opening defined
by the inner edge of the rim section 310. The outer lower base of
the central cover 312 can have a diameter that is slightly larger
than a diameter of the hole defined by the lower inner edge of the
ring section 310. In this manner, when the central cover 312 is
placed onto the beverage can top and the rim section 310 is placed
over the rim of the can, the central cover 312 self-centers within
the hole defined by the rim section 310 and is held in place for
the rim section 310 with the rim section snaps onto the beverage
can top. This embodiment provides for the ability to manufacture
and brand the rim section 310 separately from the central cover
312. By producing these parts separately and then mating them
together during placement onto the beverage can, a beverage
manufacture can provide separate branding and marketing messages on
each of the central cover 312 and the rim section 310. For example,
the central panel 312 may provide for branding and marketing of a
sports team, hotel, airline or other franchise as a tie-in to
beverage sales while the rim section 310 provides branding for the
beverage brand itself. This enables a beverage manufacture to
provide for different central cover 312 that provides branding for
different geographic regions or for smaller manufacturing runs of
the central cover 312 for a particular event while keeping the rim
section 310 consistent with the beverage brand nationwide. These
are provided as examples only and it will be apparent to
advertising and marketing executives of the many possibilities
available for branding and marketing provided by the combination of
the rim section 310 and central cover 312.
[0075] FIG. 12 illustrates a beverage can top covering device 300
configured in accordance with another embodiment of the invention
in which the central cover 312 includes a tab connecting mechanism
340 that is operable to couple to the tab 315 of the central panel
of the beverage can top of the beverage can during placement or
installation of the device 300 onto the beverage can. In
particular, the tab connecting mechanism 340 in this example
configuration extends downwards from the underside of the central
cover 312 in order to rigidly insert within an opening defined in
the tab 315. Upon insertion of the tab connecting mechanism 340
rigidly into the tab opening of the tab 315, the tab connecting
mechanism 340 secures to the tab 315. In the illustrated
configuration, the tab connecting mechanism 340 includes a base
portion that is slightly wider in diameter than the inside diameter
of the opening defined in the tab 315. When the device 300 is
oriented with the tab and is pressed onto the beverage can top, the
base of the tab connecting mechanism 340 is aligned with the
opening defined in the tab 315 and this base portion compresses
slightly during pressing of the device 300 onto the can top and the
base is forced through the opening defined in the tab 315. After
passing through the opening defined in the tab 315, the base
portion of the tab connecting mechanism 340 expands within the
opening and resides just under the tab. This design can benefit
from a tab that is optimally designed with an opening to
accommodate coupling of the tab connecting mechanism for a secure
connection between the central cover 312 and the tab 315. In this
manner, when a consumer pulls upwardly on the grasping element 316,
the tab connecting mechanism 340 concurrently pulls upwardly on the
tab 315 in order to begin the process of opening the openable
section defined in the beverage can top. In this manner, when a
consumer begins removal of the central panel 312, the consumer
simultaneously begins opening of the openable section of the can
top. This mechanism may be beneficial to avoid consumers from
attempting to remove and steal the central cover 312 prior to
purchase of the beverage can in a store because attempted removal
of the central cover 312 will result in the breaking of the seal of
the openable section of the can top due to the upward lifting of
the tab 315 (from its connection to the tab connecting mechanism
340). Under the cap like promotions can thus be provided since
information on the underside of the central cover is not accessible
until the can is at least partially opened. The tab connecting
mechanism 340 can be arranged so as to separate from the tab when
pulled upward, thus leaving the can slightly opened, while allowing
removal of the dome from the tab.
[0076] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tab
connecting mechanism 340. In FIG. 13, when the device 300 is
installed onto the beverage can top, the tab connecting mechanism
340 includes fingers 345 that extends downwards from the underside
of the central cover 312. These fingers are positioned and aligned
in order to receive and surround the end of the tab 315 of the
beverage can top that a consumer's finger would lift in order to
open the beverage can. These tab connecting fingers essentially
snap onto and around the end of the tab. Subsequently, when a
consumer grasps the grasping element 316 in order to remove the
central cover 312, the fingers pull upwards on the end of the tab
thus causing partial opening of the beverage can and subsequent
separation of the central panel from the tab.
[0077] In an alternative configuration, to secure a portion of the
underside of the central cover 312 to a portion of the tab 315, a
ring of adhesive 350 (e.g., a food grade epoxy) can be placed on
the underside of the central cover 312 prior to installation of the
device 300 onto a beverage can 200. This adhesive ring 350 can be
sized with a diameter to coincide with aligning of the radially
outmost portion of the top of the tab 315 on the top of the
beverage can. In this manner, when the device 300 is installed on
the beverage can top, a certain section of the adhesive ring will
come into contact with the radially outmost portion of the top of
the tab 315. When the adhesive dries to this section of the tab
315, the underside of the central cover 312 is effectively
temporarily secured to the top of the tab 315. Accordingly, when a
consumer pulls on the central cover 312 for removal, the portion
that is adhered to the top of the tab 315 pulls upwards on the tab
315 causing the can to partially open. The adhesive can be of a
variety that will allow the central cover 312 to be removed from
(i.e. broken off of) the tab 315 with sufficient force thus
removing the central cover 312 without interfering with consuming
the beverage from the can. When the central panel is pulled upwards
via the grasping element 316, the angle of lift of the tab as
compared to the central panel are different since the tab pivots on
a central rivet on the can top while the central panel peels away
and upwards. This divergent angle (between the panel and the tab)
that increases as the central panel is lifted more and more upwards
can provide the necessary force to cause the connecting mechanism
340 to separate from the tab during the lifting procedure of the
central panel, but this separate can occur after the tab has been
lifted enough to cause the openable section to be broken on the can
top, thus effectively opening the can. The user may be required to
further lift the tab after separation and removal of the central
panel to fully open the openable section to obtain access to the
liquid contents of the can.
[0078] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative configuration of a device
300 for covering a beverage can top in which the central panel 312
provides for a releasable boundary 314 that does not fully extend
around the entire inside perimeter of the inside edge of the rim
section 310. Instead, a small section of the material in between
the central cover 312 in the rim section 310 forms a connected
boundary 365 that can remain in place after opening of the central
cover 312. The connected boundary 365 thus allows the central cover
312 to remain secured and affixed to the beverage can even after
opening of the central cover 312 to expose the openable section on
the can top. As illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 14, the tab and
the openable section (that reside under the central cover 213) can
be oriented orthogonally to the grasping element 316 thus enabling
the central cover 312 to open off to the side of the opening in the
beverage can top while the central cover 312 hinges on the
connected boundary. In this manner, a consumer can open the central
cover 312 which hinges on the connected boundary 365, then open the
can using the tab, and the central cover does not become a separate
piece of disposable waste, but rather stays with the can.
[0079] In yet another configuration, the boundary between the
central cover 312 and the inside edge of the rim section 310 can
include a seal mechanism allowing the central cover 312 can be
reached secured in place after removal or opening. That is, in this
configuration, the releasable boundary 314 can be a resealable
boundary that is releasable for some period of time to enable the
consumer to open and drink from or pour the contents of the
beverage can out and thereafter the consumer can reseal the central
cover 312 back down onto the rim section 310. This configuration
can prevent spillage of the liquid within the can is a consumer
does not empty the entire contents. It will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that there be me may be many types of resealable
seems that can be utilized to reconnect the central cover 312 to
the rim section 310. As an example, a Ziploc type connector seam
can be used between the central cover 312 in the rim section 310
that enables the consumer to press the central cover 312 back into
place on the rim section 310. Another example connector would be a
magnetic connection between the central cover 312 in the rim
section 310 in which the central cover 312 secure itself by having
a small metallic ring installed within its base that would be
magnetically attracted to a magnetic portion of the rim section 310
located along the inside edge of the rim selection. Another
alternative arrangement would be a resealable adhesive will between
the central cover 312 in the rim section 310 that enables the
central cover to be stuck back down onto the rim section 310 after
removal. A food grade re-sticking adhesive can be used for this
purpose.
[0080] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an alternative configuration of a
device 300 in accordance with example embodiments of the invention
in which a portion of the device includes information on an
underside of either the rim section 310 or the central cover 312.
The information can be used to provide contests, giveaways,
promotions, coupons, discounts, customer loyalty programs or the
like or for other uses as may be seen fit by a beverage
company.
[0081] In this example, the underside of the central cover 312
includes promotion information 450 such as a coupon code or
scannable QR code, bar code, game code, or numeric or alpha numeric
code or message. A consumer purchases a beverage can containing the
device 300 and can either remove the entire device 300 itself or
can remove the central cover 312 as explained previously and can
thereafter use his or her mobile device's 410 camera 412 to scan
the QR code on the underside of the device 300. In doing so, the
scan application 410 operating within the mobile device can
transmit the scanned QR code along with information such as GPS
data 417 and time of day, date and/or user identification 418 to a
server 460 on a computer network 470 such as the Internet. The
server 460 can operate a customer loyalty and tracking application
490 to receive the scanned code 450 and other information (417,
418) and perform a database lookup to determine whether or not the
consumer scan the code is an instant winner of a game, contest or
promotion. Other information that can be identified with the time
and date that the scan to place. The QR code for 50 could include
information to identify the particular production date of the
beverage and thus beverage companies could identify the amount of
time that takes place between the time of production of a beverage
and the actual consumption date of the beverage.
[0082] In this manner, the device 300 provides the ability to for
the consumer to remove some or all of the device such as the
central cover 312 in order to reveal information enabling a
consumer to participate in customer loyalty programs provided by
beverage companies or other third-party companies. This allows the
device 300 configured in accordance with embodiments of the
invention to provide Coke rewards-like functionality as provided by
the Coca-Cola Corporation using bottle caps, but for beverage cans.
Coke and Coca-Cola are registered Trademarks of Coca-Cola
Corporation. By providing a removable central cover 312, the device
300 can also provide coupons, giveaways or other content on the
underside of the central cover 312 thus increasing consumer
interest in a given beverage brand that contains the device 300.
When a consumer scans information for 50, and transmit this
information to the server 460, information such as GPS data 417 can
identify exactly where geographically the information was scanned.
Since consumers typically remove the central cover 312 and scan the
information 450 just prior to opening the beverage can, this would
enable beverage companies to identify the specific geographic
location where the can was opened and consumed, as well as the time
and date and identity of the consumer performing the scan of the
central cover 312. The server computer system can thus track
information concerning where beverage cans are opened for
consumption. This can be compared with demographic information for
these geographic locations to provide valuable insight for beverage
marketing purposes.
[0083] In example embodiments, upper surfaces of both the rim
section 310 and central cover 312 can include visible information
320 such as logos (e.g., beverage company logos, sports team logos,
or any other logo for a product or service), trademarks, brand
names, or other marketing or promotional information. The
information 320 can be embossed in or on the device (e.g. raised
lettering), embedded in the device or printed on the device, or
formed when the device is injection molded (molded in the plastic)
or provided for in any other visible manner (e.g. printed on the
device 300) so that consumers purchasing a beverage can containing
the device 300 can see the visible information 320. The device thus
provides an excellent branding and marketing surface over the
entire beverage can top, while also keeping the can top clean and
free of external debris, dust, germs, bacteria, etc. The device 300
can include an antimicrobial embedded in its material (e.g.
antimicrobial contained within the plastic, or sprayed on) to
inhibit the growth of germs and bacteria. The device 300 can be
made from biodegradable material such as a cellulose plastic that
can break down quickly when recycled. The device 300 can be
manufactured in large quantities in an inexpensive manner and can
be applied in an automated manner quickly in a canning line just
after the beverage can top is double seamed to the can housing
(e.g. just after filling the can with the beverage or other
liquid).
[0084] It is also to be understood that any of the configurations
the device identified and the '490 patent can be equipped with a
central cover 312 as explained in the present disclosure.
Accordingly, while the present disclosure shows figures containing
a device that goes over the rim of the beverage can top, it is to
be understood that versions of the device that are adhered to an
inside edge of the rim of a can top can also be produced that have
a central panel 312 along with the features and functionality
described herein. Such a configuration could be glued in or
otherwise adhered to the beverage can top and would not extend over
the rim of the can.
[0085] In another configuration, the device itself could be formed
on the beverage can top by directly injection molding plastic to
the beverage can. In such configurations, the can itself would
serve as a portion of the surface for the injection mold. In other
words, an injection mold had could be lowered onto the can to
produce a rim cover portion 310 the injection molding liquid
plastic onto the beverage can itself which hardens to form the rim
section 310. The rim section injection molded directly onto the can
top in this manner could include a rich or channel defined along
the inside edge of the rim section. This channel could receive the
lower edge of the central panel 312 that could snap into the
channel. Central panel would thus be placed onto the can after
placement of the rim section 310 (either by injection molding or
snapping onto the can or otherwise adhering onto the can top). In
one configuration, the rim section 310 can also include an inside
edge that is operable to receive and secure the lower edge of the
central cover 312 within a groove, channel or other fixation
mechanism such as snap fitting. The central cover 312 could thus be
snap onto the rim section 310 after applying the rim section 310 to
the beverage can top.
[0086] Still further configurations, the central cover 312 and/or
the rim section 310 can be manufactured from will a clear or
transparent material thus enabling the consumer to see some or a
portion of the tab, openable section or other region of the
beverage can top through the device 300.
[0087] It is to be understood that an important aspect of the
certain embodiments disclosed herein is that the when the device
300 is placed onto a beverage can top, the rim section 310 can
secure in a fixed manner to the rim of the can (e.g. as disclosed
in the '490 patent). In most embodiments, this rim section is not
intended to be removed during opening and drinking or dispensing
liquid from the can. The central panel 312 is removable as
explained above, leaving the rim section 310 behind and in place on
the can top. After removal, the rim section 310 provides the inner
edge (that defines a central opening) that resides in close
proximity to, or lies directly on top of a portion of the central
panel of the beverage can top at a location that is in proximity to
the openable section of the beverage can top. The inner edge of the
rim section thus remains flush against the central panel of the
beverage can top after removal of the central cover 312, thus
providing the benefits of the rim section as described in the '490
patent. The central panel combined with the rim section enables the
entire can top to be covered and protected from debris, dirt,
germs, etc. After removing of the central panel 312, the consumer
may still chose to wipe the upper can top surface, and the upwardly
sloped surface of the rim section will assist in easy wiping and
removal of any dust or dirt that may have settled onto the sloped
surface of the rim section.
[0088] In an alternative embodiment, the central cover 312 is
adhered to the beverage can top via and adhesive and the base of
the central cover 312 is shaped to conform to the shape and profile
of the sloped surface of the rim section 310. In this
configuration, the base of the central cover 312 can cover a
majority of the portion of the sloped surface of the rim section
310 when installed (e.g. via an adhesive). When removing the
central cover 312, the adhesive backing of the underside of the
central cover enables the base of the central panel to peel away
and expose the sloped surface of the rim section. This
configuration enables the central cover 312 to cover not only the
central panel of the beverage can top (i.e. the tab and openable
sections), but also to cover and protect from debris the sloped
upper surface of the rim section that slopes upwards towards the
top of the rim of the beverage can.
[0089] By providing a unique packaging device as explained herein
for beverage cans, the device serves an important purpose of
package differentiation in the beverage can industry. The device
provides an eye-catching packaging addition to beverage cans to
increase sales and steal market share from competitors do not use
the device. Additionally, the device provides a cleaner drinking
experience for the health conscious consumer.
[0090] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the
appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the
scope of this present application. As such, the foregoing
description of embodiments of the present application is not
intended to be limiting.
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