ES1058995U - Device for beverage cans, comprising a cover and hole - Google Patents

Abstract

Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, of the type that is applied in the liquid outlet port of beverage cans, essentially characterized in that it consists of two parts (1) and (2) linked together, forming a all, being positioned one on the other and being perfectly coupled, so that the piece (1), located on a lower plane, is shaped like a ring, with a flexible perimeter edge (11) and a hollow (7) in its central part and it is directly coupled to the liquid outlet hole while the second part of the set, located on a higher plane, is a cover-like sheet body (2), of the precise shape and dimensions to fit on the first part (one). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Device with lid and mouthpiece for cans drinks.

The present invention, as expressed in the set forth in this specification, refers to a device with lid and mouth for beverage cans that, by design, configuration and obvious utility, significantly improves the state of the art in this sector, providing a viable solution and easy industrial application to seal or block the liquid outlet in the beverage cans while forms a mouthpiece to facilitate the absorption of the drink by the user.

Despite its obvious advantages as packaging of drinks, especially for its low cost and ease of transport and storage, aluminum cans have serious problems in Two specific aspects. First, once the container is opened, it is not possible to close the liquid outlet opening, which forces you to consume all the contents of the can immediately if you want to taste the drink in perfect condition. Further, this permanent opening implies a very high risk of spillage accidental liquid. Second, the container, due to its transport and storage conditions in factories, distributors and outlets, is likely to be seriously affected by dirt of all kinds, dust, microbes and bacteria, etc ... This dirt is deposited on the entire surface of the can and It is especially evident at the top, just where it places the liquid outlet opening which implies that this same liquid mixes with dirt and the consumer ends up ingesting one thing and another, whether you drink directly from the can As if he does it in a glass.

There are numerous patents that have developed systems to provide a means of closure to this type of containers or a mouth to facilitate the exit of the liquid. By example, European Patent 2193761 refers to a "Cap pressure applied to boats containing drinks. "In this case, the top of the boat is protected against contamination by means of a light lid, almost without volume and with a side handle to facilitate handling. For its part, the patent 200002503 refers to a "cap applicable to beverage cans" that is formed by three pieces: a rigid plastic ring, one piece flexible plastic intermediate equipped with a threaded neck and a plug itself attachable by thread to the neck of the intermediate piece Another invention patent that provides a solution is the number P200001943, on a "Tapalatas", composed of a piece with a dashed dashed line that allows it to separate into two other pieces at the time of opening.

A similar system is the one presented in the utility model U 200401678, which refers to a "Protector hygienic for beverage cans "and consisting of a sheet Self-adhesive covering the top of the can. For its part utility model U 200401137 develops a "Can lid of drink "which consists of two overlapping bodies, one of larger diameter than the other and which are likely to incorporate advertising and / or game elements. Also the utility model U 200301505 on a "lid for beverage cans" presents a solution that is specified in a circular piece that adapts to the upper part of the can and which has a perimeter skirt that surrounds the upper part of the can and that it has inside and half height, of a nerve that is placed, once the lid is placed on the container, below the upper thickening of the can, preventing accidental separation of the whole.

Utility model 200202591 refers, by its part, to a "conservative lid applicable to the mouth of can-containers for beverages or liquids "which is composed of an ovoid body of flexible plastic material in whose there is a hollow on the top and on one of its sides it has a small handle indeterminate and capricious that can be a advertising support Utility model U 200003092 presents a "hygienic opening for beverage cans" consisting of a ring, which when stretched allows the cylindrical part, the which is folded over itself, unwind in all its length, forming a mouth. Another system to cover the cans is the one that (presents utility model U 200001968, about a "lid for beverage cans" that is specified in a flip hatch that snaps into the opening of the top of the can.

It is evident, therefore, that they have been analyzed numerous ideas to protect beverage cans and to facilitate a comfortable and safe way to drink the liquid but in general they only solve a part of the problems that affect the can and to which we have referred previously. The reality is that the solutions provided, many of which are similar in their approaches have not been developed either industrially or commercially

The purpose of this utility model presents substantially differentiating characteristics with respect to background cited as part of a broader concept that it allows to conjugate and unite in a single element the closing, and therefore the blockage of the outlet opening of the liquid contained in the can and shaping a mouthpiece or mouthpiece to drink the mentioned liquid, preventing this liquid from coming into contact Direct with the surface of the can.

Basically, this utility model is configured by two interlinked pieces that make up a all, positioned one at a lower level and another at a higher level, that is, one over the other. The first part of the set, the bottom, is a piece that conforms and delimits the perimeter or contour of the assembly as it fits directly into the hole of exit of the existing liquid in the can and that in turn has a central opening coinciding with said hole. The second part of the set is a laminar body of the shape and dimensions precise to fit on the first piece and that acts as stopper, covering the central opening of the same and therefore closing The liquid outlet.

Both pieces are linked together by a joint system that allows the lower part to be fixed in its position and coupled to the liquid outlet, acting as a mouthpiece, while the upper part has mobility enough that allows you to move from a closed position to an opening position of the liquid outlet and to the inverse, acting as directly as a plug.

The union of both pieces is done preferably by a hinged or articulated system or of sliding guides, although other joining means are not ruled out that allow the same purpose.

The bottom piece is a laminar body of matter plastic, general prismatic configuration and thickness necessary, similar to a ring, that is, with an edge perimeter and a hollow in its center, which has the dimensions necessary to fit perfectly, by pressure, to the liquid outlet orifice thanks to a peripheral recess, practiced on its inner face, which allows it to engage and adjust perfectly to the aforementioned hole, maintaining a conformation anatomical that allows its perfect fit in the space included between the opening ring of the can and the flange of the can. Thus, this piece has a slight bump on the front which rests on the flange of the can and on which the user rests The lips to drink. At the opposite end, this piece has a slight curvature that follows the approximate profile of the ring of the can.

The top piece has dimensions slightly higher than those of the lower part or put ring which function is to completely cover the hole of the can that the lower ring exposes, acting as a lid.

Both pieces - bottom ring and top cover- they can be independent pieces or form a unique body and indissoluble, being linked together by an articulated system or hinge, which can be placed anywhere in the perimeter of the set So, for example, this hinge or joint can be in the area near the edge of the can, that is, in the part of the ring that rests on the edge of the can, so that the top or lid, when moving, is supported by vertical and inverted position on the side of that same can. Yes, on the contrary, the hinge or joint is located at the end opposite of the ring, that is, in the part next to the ring of the can, the lid, when rising, moves towards the ring and it remains on a horizontal plane above it, without obstructing any User moment. Joint or hinge joint between ring and cover can also be placed in the lateral area of the assembly, opening in this case the cover towards the corresponding side and being supported partially or completely on the can. In In all cases, the cover or upper part has on its lower face a recess with the same shape and diameter as the ring, which allows which is coupled by pressure to the aforementioned ring. This cover It also has a tongue-like extension to facilitate subject and opening and closing.

When the two parts of this innovation - cover and ring - they are joined by a sliding guide system, the ring maintains basically the same configuration, but incorporates in its upper part and in a position close to the curved end next to the ring protrusions as a stop and a guide point for the movement of the cover or piece higher.

For its part, this top piece or lid has, on the inside, some gutters as guides that allow a forward and reverse movement movement of one's own lid, which moves by covering or uncovering the exit hole of the liquid. This recoil movement is blocked by the action of the stops on the upper face of the ring.

The forward and reverse movement of the lid it can be done interchangeably in one way or another, always keeping the stops described at the end of travel. In this way, the lid can move towards the end opposite of the can, moving over the top of it and  being supported on it, in what would be the most logical and functional, but it can also move in the direction opposite, so that the lid swings over the edge of the can and is in a vertical position supported on the side of it.

The description made so far is always refers to two pieces located in different planes, one lower and upper, that is, to a ring coupled to pressure in the liquid outlet orifice and to a cover that fits On the ring. However, technically it is also possible to locate  both parts of the assembly at the same level or plane, so that the moving part or cover fits into the central recess of the piece or ring attached to the hole in the can. In this case, the displacement of this moving part or cover cannot be even by hinge or joint or by sliding guides but just execute a vertical scrolling movement, moving from a horizontal position to a vertical position, so that is at right angles to another piece. In this case the lid has two tabs or side fins that make up, next to the horizontal base of the lid, which is now upright, A mouthpiece to drink.

When the lid goes from the vertical position to the original horizontal position, that is, it closes and stays in the same horizontal plane as the base ring, these fins or eyelashes sides are inserted into the can through it liquid outlet hole.

Logically, the device it claims is always apply over the canister's liquid outlet once the metal segment has already been cut and equipped with the corresponding ring that precisely allows the breakage and separation of this segment from the rest of the can, leaving free the above hole.

In order to facilitate the understanding of the innovation that is claimed here, some sheets are attached with some drawings, which must be analyzed and considered by way of example only and without any limitation or restrictive.

Figure 1.- View of the device to be vindicate

Figure 2.- View of the lower part or ring coupled to the can hole with guide joining system Sliding

Figure 3.- Detail view of the lower part of the cover with sliding guide connection system.

Figure 4.- Top view of the ring assembly and Cover with sliding guides.

Figure 5.- View of the bottom of the ring and cover set with sliding guides.

Figure 6.- View of the device with guides Slides placed in a can.

Figure 7.- Side section of the device with Sliding guides placed in a can.

Figure 8.- View of the device to be claims with hinged joint, with details of the upper face of the ring and the underside of the lid.

Figure 9.- Side view of the ring assembly and hinged lid, open.

Figure 10.- View of the device that is claims with hinged or articulated joint, with detail of the upper face of the cover and the lower face of the ring.

Figure 11.- Side view of the ring assembly and hinged lid, closed.

Figure 12.- View of the ring and cover assembly with hinge or articulated system, closed and positioned on the Orifice of the can.

Figure 13.- View of the ring and cover assembly with hinge or articulated system, open and positioned on the orifice of the can, with detail of the lid resting on the side of the can.

Figure 14.- View of the ring and cover assembly with hinge or articulated system, open and positioned on the hole of the can, with detail of the lid resting on the part top of the can.

Figure 15.- Detail view of the device to be claims with side tabs, in closed position.

Figure 16.- Detail view of the device to be claims with side tabs, in open position.

Figure 17.- Detail view of the device to be vindicates with side tabs, positioned in the can.

According to Figure 1, the device that is vindicated consists of two pieces (1) and (2) linked together forming a whole and fulfilling a double function: they close the exit hole of the drink and set up a mouthpiece for Drink that same liquid. These two pieces are positioned one on the other, being perfectly coupled. The piece (1), located in a lower plane, it is shaped like a ring, with an edge flexible perimeter and a hollow in its central part and is what conforms and delimits the perimeter or contour of the set since it attaches directly into the liquid outlet orifice while that the second part of the set, located in an upper plane (2), is a laminar body of the precise shape and dimensions to engage on the first piece (1), acting as a cover and closing the liquid outlet hole. While the bottom piece (1) is fixed in position and acts as a mouthpiece, the piece upper (2) has enough mobility to move and open or close the liquid outlet hole. The bump (3) that It is drawn at its end allows easy handling of the lid by  user part.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 detail the characteristics of the two pieces of the set. Bottom piece (1) is a laminar body of plastic material, of configuration general prismatic and of sufficient thickness and dimension precise to fit perfectly, by pressure, to the hole of liquid outlet. The conformation of this lower piece is similar to a ring, that is, with a perimeter edge (11) and a cavity (7) in its center, which is coincident with the hole of liquid outlet from the can, in which it fits thanks to a peripheral recess (5) that this ring has on its inner face or lower. In this way, the ring (1) is embedded in the space between the opening ring of the can and the flange of the same. At this point, and considering that this ring or piece lower acts as a mouthpiece for drinking and therefore is in contact with the lips of the user, presents a conformation clearly anatomical (13) that derives in a second ring (4), of smaller diameter and which is located at a right angle to the main body of this piece, so that this second ring (4) protrudes from the can and rests on the side of the said can. In this way, this lower piece, in its set, and seen completely in a horizontal plane, is similar to the shape of the number eight (8), so that the area in which they coincide the two rings or rings correspond to the anatomical mouthpiece (13) proper and that is where the end rests the piece top or cover when in closed position. On the opposite side, The ring (1) has a slight curvature (15) that mimics and adapts to the approximate profile of the can ring. It is important note that in its upper face, this piece (1) incorporates some slight bumps (6) as a stop and a guide point (12) acting to facilitate the movement of the top cover (2).

Figure 3 describes the characteristics of the upper part (2), which has dimensions slightly higher than those of the lower part or ring (1) since its function is to completely cover the hole of the can that the Bottom ring exposes, acting as cover. This piece (2) or lid is also a laminar body of plastic material that It has, on the inside, some gutters (8) as guides they allow a movement of displacement in advance and backward movement of the lid itself (2), which moves by covering or uncovering the hole of liquid outlet. This backward movement is blocked by the action of the stops (6) existing on the upper face of the ring (1) or bottom piece, as previously described. The perimeter edge of this cover (2) has a protuberance (3) It facilitates its handling.

Figure 4 and Figure 5 detail the positioning of the ring (1) and the cover (2) both from a upper and lower perspective, being perfectly visible the conformation of the lower part as an eight, with both rings (1) and (4), and with the perimeter zone (11) and the cavity central (7), also detailing the recess (5) of the part lower ring (1) and frontal anatomical mouth (13). The races (8) of the upper part or cover are also described (2), as well as its frontal protuberance (3).

Figure 6 describes the positioning of the device in a beverage can, the lid being visible both (2) as the base ring (1) and the second side ring (4). So and as described, the base ring (1) is engaged in the liquid outlet hole while the lid (2) moves horizontally to close or uncover the above hole, being easily manipulated thanks to the frontal protuberance (3) of its perimeter. The anatomical protuberance is also defined (13) of the base ring (1) that acts directly as a mouthpiece.

In Figure 7 it is analyzed in greater detail the positioning of the device in the can, so that the base ring (1) covers the hole, the cover (2) blocks it and the Second lateral ring (4) rests on the side of the can. In this same figure is clearly perceived as the die cut tongue of the can is inside it and does not interfere with the placement and operation of the device claimed. The frontal protuberance (3) of the cover (2).

The base ring (1) and the cover (2) can be Solidarity with each other, forming a unique and indissoluble body by a hinge system (9) or articulation system that can be located anywhere in the perimeter of the set, as it is detailed in figure 8, figure 9, figure 10 and figure 11. In this case, the base ring (1), with the recess (7) in its central part, coinciding with the liquid outlet opening of the can, not It has no lateral extension but keeps its mouth Anatomical frontal (13), its extreme curvature (15) that adapts to the ring of the can and its lower perimeter recess (5) that allows to adjust to the hole of the can, while the lid (2) the perimeter extrusion (3) that facilitates its manipulation and incorporates in that perimeter a flange (14) that protrudes and adjusts to pressure with the base ring, closing the set.

Figure 12 details the positioning of the device in the can, the lid (2) being visible. In accordance with the description given above, the hinge or joint (9) can be located anywhere in the perimeter of the device, and can be continuous in a certain segment or in two or more points, distant from each other, from the aforementioned perimeter to object of adapting to the shape of the pieces described. Of this mode, in figure 13 the positioning of the device when the hinge (9) is located at the opposite end of the ring of the can, so that the lid (2) is supported by vertical position on the side of the can. In figure 14 the opposite case is described, that is, the hinge (9), which in this case consists of two distant junction points, it position in the part of the perimeter adjacent to the ring, of so that the cover (2), when moving, rests on said ring or, failing or missing, on the top of the can, adopting a practically horizontal plane. In both figures the position of the ring (1) is clearly perceived, with the extreme curvature (15) that allows it to adapt to the profile of the ring and frontal anatomical protuberance (13) that acts as mouthpiece to drink.

In figure 15, figure 16 and figure 17 are describes the device configuration claimed when the two parts that make it up - base ring (1) and cover (2) are placed in the same plane and level, that is, the cover (2) or part mobile fits into the central recess (7) of the base ring (1) that is It is attached to the hole in the can. In this case, the lid (2) execute a vertical movement, moving from a horizontal position, as reflected in figure 15, to a vertical position, which is detailed in figure 16, so that It is at right angles to the base ring (1). The part Horizontal cover (2) extends in two tabs or fins lateral, which are in a lower plane and at right angles in relation to the lid, (10) forming a whole mouthpiece to drink. Figure 17 fits perfectly reflected the positioning of this device once coupled in the can, which has been previously opened, leaving the liquid outlet hole. Obviously, when the cover (2) is close, move from the vertical position to the horizontal position original, remaining in the same horizontal plane and level as the ring (1), and at this time the tabs (10) remain in the inside of the can, since they are coincident with the hole of the same. The base ring (1) incorporates the second ring (4) that in this case is in a basically horizontal plane that allows the Easy manipulation of the device.

It is not considered necessary to extend this description so that any subject matter expert understands the scope of the invention and the advantages derived therefrom. The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements will be susceptible of variation, as long as it does not alter the Essentiality of the invention. The terms of this report must be always taken in a broad and non-limiting sense.

Claims (8)

1. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, of the type that is applied in the liquid outlet orifice of the beverage cans, essentially characterized in that it is formed by two pieces (1) and (2) linked together forming a all, being positioned one above the other and being perfectly coupled, so that the part (1), located in a lower plane is shaped like a ring, with a flexible perimeter edge (11) and a recess (7) in its central part and it is coupled directly into the liquid outlet orifice while the second part of the assembly, located in an upper plane, is a laminar body as a cover (2), of the precise shape and dimensions to engage on the first piece ( one). 2. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claim, essentially characterized in that the lower part (1) or base ring is fixed in position and the upper part or lid (2) is a movable part, capable of Move and change position. 3. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that the lower part (1) or base ring, which has the precise dimensions to be coupled by pressure to the outlet orifice of the liquid and which presents in its lower or inner face has a peripheral recess (5) that fits the above-mentioned hole, is fitted in the space between the opening ring of the can and the flange thereof. 4. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claims, essentially characterized in that the base ring (1) has a clearly anatomical shaping mouth (13) that derives in a second ring (4), of smaller diameter and which is positioned at a right angle to the main body of this piece, so that this second ring (4) protrudes from the can and is supported on the side of it, while at the opposite end, the ring base (1) has a slight curvature (15) that mimics and adapts to the approximate profile of the can ring. 5. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that the base ring (1) has, on its upper face, slight protuberances (6) as a stop and a guide point (12 ) that are incardinated in the guides (8) of the cover (2) or upper part of the device. 6. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claims, essentially characterized in that the lid (2) or upper part of the device, with dimensions slightly larger than those of the lower part or ring (1), is likewise a laminar body of plastic material whose front perimeter edge has a protuberance (3) and that has, on the inner side, gutters (8) as guides that allow a movement of displacement in advance and retraction of the lid itself, which remains blocked by the stops (6) in the upper face of the ring. 7. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that the base ring (1) and the lid (2) can be integral with each other, forming a unique and indissoluble body by means of a hinge system ( 9) or of articulation, which can be located in any point of the perimeter of the set and can be of a single line in a certain segment or be formed by two or more points of union or articulation, distant from each other, while the cover (2) incorporates a protrusion (14) on the perimeter of its inner or lower face that fits under pressure with the base ring (1). 8. Device with lid and mouthpiece for beverage cans, according to the preceding claims, essentially characterized in that the base ring (1) and the lid (2) can be located in the same plane and level, the lid (2) or part remaining mobile embedded in the central recess (7) of the base ring (1) that is coupled in the hole of the can, so that the horizontal part of the lid (2) is extended in two flanges or lateral fins (10) , which they place in a lower plane and at a right angle to the lid itself and that form, next to the horizontal base of the lid, a mouthpiece for drinking.