Patent Publication Number: US-2013240474-A1

Title: Beverage container, container body and stopper for such container

Description:
The present invention relates to a beverage container, and more particularly relates to a beverage container which is especially suited for containing, storing and serving carbonated or sparkling drinks, but is also suitable for use with other types of drinks. The present invention also relates to container bodies and stoppers for use in such containers. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Containers of many different kinds are used for storing, and subsequent serving of drinks. The most popular containers these days are cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles. One problem associated with these kinds of containers is that they are not very comfortable for a consumer who wants to drink directly from the container. 
     It is therefore common practice in bars, discotheques and restaurants to empty e.g. a glass bottle in a drinks glass. The beverage is thus ultimately served in a different container than the container in which it was stored and transported. 
     When glass bottles are used, the glass bottles are filled in a bottling plant and transported to bars and restaurants. After use, the glass bottles are returned to the bottling plant, where they are cleaned and reused. Typically, glass bottles may be used approximately 25 times, before they are retired. During their lifecycle, the glass bottles add weight to be transported, both when they are filled and being transported away from the bottling plant, and when they are empty and being returned to the bottling plant. This added weight is costly, and also leads to a higher production of greenhouse gases. 
     A solution to this problem has been proposed in e.g. US 2010/0133285. One problem related to the design proposed in US 2010/0133285 is that the hygiene of the rim of the container cannot be guaranteed. A consumer would put his lips at the rim of the container, which cannot be guaranteed to be free from contamination. 
     Another solution is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,341. In the design of U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,341, a closure lid extends over the rim of the container body. GB 2 417 240 discloses a container neck and closure assembly, wherein the container neck comprises a first screw thread on an internal surface thereof and the closure comprises a cylindrical plug for insertion into the container neck, said plug having a second screw thread on an outer surface thereof for engagement with the first screw thread to secure and resecure the closure on the neck. The sealing plug may be provided with a floor to define a chamber or compartment, which may be filled with a dehydrated beverage ingredient or snack food. However, one problem associated with these designs is due to the threads provided on the container wall near to the opening: these threads are unpleasant for a consumer when drinking. 
     Yet another solution is proposed in US 2008/0257849. One problem associated with this design is that the design of the cap of the container is rather complicated and therefore rather expensive. Another problem associated with this design is that no mix drinks could be served in such a container. If a carbonated drink is used, the entire volume of the container will practically be taken up by the carbonated drink. There is no space available for adding liquor (e.g. Vodka, rum, whiskey etc.) and/or ice cubes after opening of the container. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a container which at least partially solves one or more of the aforementioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect, the invention provides a beverage container comprising a container body having a wall extending between a bottom and an opening and a stopper for closing said opening, the interior wall of the container body comprising first securement means by which the stopper may be releasably secured to the container body, the stopper comprising second securement means mating with the first securement means, a first lid, and a second lid such that, when the stopper is secured to the container body, a first volume is defined in the container body between the bottom of the container body and the first lid and a second volume is defined in the container body between the first lid and the second lid. 
     In this aspect, two separated volumes are provided; a first volume may be used for containing e.g. a carbonated drink, the second volume may be used for liquor and/or ice cubes after the beverage container is opened. Due to the separation in two volumes, a carbonated drink in the first volume does not loose the carbon dioxide gas in the beverage, whereas a second volume is available after opening for fitting e.g. liquor and/or ice cubes. 
     In some embodiments, the second lid may be in sealing contact with the rim of the opening of the container body when the stopper is secured to the container body. 
     In some embodiments, the first volume is slightly larger than a predefined quantity of carbonated drink to be stored in the beverage container. When a carbonated drink is contained and stored in the container, it is preferable that the carbonated drink does not loose the carbon dioxide. For this purpose, only a small free space between the level of the carbonated drink and the first lid is provided. 
     In some embodiments, the container may contain predefined standard quantities (e.g. 200 ml, 250 ml, 330 ml, 350 ml or 500 ml) of a beverage. An aspect of using standardized quantities is that both bottling plants and e.g. bars are prepared for such standard quantities. A bartender is used to standard quantities of e.g. Coca-Cola™ for preparing certain mixed drinks and cocktails. 
     In some embodiments, the predefined quantity of carbonated drink is 200 ml, which is a standard size drink. In these embodiments, it is preferable that when the stopper is secured to the container body, the second volume is at least approximately 150 ml. About 150 ml is needed for fitting both a standard quantity of liquor (approx. 70 ml) such as rum or whiskey and a few ice cubes (approx. 80 ml). In these embodiments, standardized mix drinks may thus be comfortable served in the same container in which the carbonated drink was stored and transported. 
     In some embodiments, the predefined quantity of carbonated drink may be 350 ml, which is also a standard quantity. In these embodiments, the second volume may preferable be at least approximately 50 ml, more preferably at least 70 ml. In these embodiments, at least some ice cubes can be added and the container may still be comfortably held by a consumer. 
     In some embodiments, the ratio of said first volume to said second volume is between approximately 0.8 and approximately 3.15, preferably between approximately 1.1 and approximately 1.7. To prepare some standard mix drinks, the ratio of carbonated drink (e.g Coca Cola™) to liquor is around 2.85 (approx. 200 ml of carbonated drink and about 70 ml of liquor). It will be clear that variations to these proportions are possible. The first volume of the beverage container may generally comprise a quantity of carbonated drink and a small free space. The second volume would preferably be large enough to contain liquor and/or ice cubes and at least a small free space. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a container body for use in the beverage container as substantially hereinbefore described. The interior of such a container body comprises at least securement means by which a stopper may be releasably secured to the container body. 
     In some embodiments, the securement means may be one or more threads, such as e.g. screw threads or bayonet threads. A stopper may thus be easily attached to and removed from a container body. In other embodiments, other securement means may be provided. 
     In preferred embodiments, the opening of the container body is a wide-mouth opening. It is more pleasant for consumers to drink from containers with a wide-mouth opening and they may also more easily be used for preparing mix drinks etc. Additionally, the carbon dioxide consumed is generally lower when drinking from a container with a wide mouth than when drinking directly from e.g. a can or bottle; a consumer will thus generally experience less of a “gassy” feeling after drinking. 
     In some embodiments, the position of the securement means in the container is determined such that the first lid of a stopper closes off a first volume which is suitable for containing a predefined quantity of a carbonated drink. In these embodiments, the first volume may be only slightly larger than the volume occupied by the predefined quantity of carbonated drink. By establishing a first volume which is only slightly larger than the volume occupied by a carbonated drink, only a small free space is available in the first volume. It can hereby be avoided that significant amounts of carbon dioxide of the beverage escapes to the free space during transport and storage. 
     In some embodiments, the volume between the opening of the container body and the securement means is at least approximately 150 ml. Such a volume would be enough to fit liquor and a plurality of ice cubes. 
     In some embodiments, the container may comprise a marker indicating a predetermined amount of liquor to be added to a quantity of carbonated drink provided in the container. Since the quantity of carbonated drink is exactly known, a marker that indicates a predetermined quantity of liquor may help to indicate to a bartender, a consumer, and also the owner of a bar that the exact quantity of liquor is added. 
     In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a stopper for use in the beverage container as substantially hereinbefore described. Such a stopper comprises a first lid and a second lid and securement means mating the securement means provided on a container body. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second lid may be connected via a central shaft. In alternative embodiments, the first and second lid may be connected via a cylindrical wall. In yet further embodiments, both a central shaft and a cylindrical wall may be provided to connect the first lid to the second lid. Alternative connections between the first and second lid are also possible, as long as the first lid can be released from the securement means in the container by actuation of the second lid. 
     In some embodiments, the second lid may be releasable from such a central shaft or cylinder. For example, a central shaft may comprise threads, which mate with threads arranged with the second lid. In this example, the second lid may be screwed off the shaft. An aspect of this embodiment is that the second lid may be used as a cover again for the beverage container after the initial opening. In another example, a tearable portion may be provided between the lid and a central shaft or a cylinder. Similarly as in the previous example, the lid may be torn off and subsequently be used again as a cover for the beverage container. 
     In some embodiments, the first lid may comprise the second securement means. The second securement means may be e.g. one or more helical threads. In alternative embodiments, e.g. a bayonet coupling may be used. 
     Additional objects, advantages and features of embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Particular embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1   a - 1   d  illustrate a first embodiment of a beverage container according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  illustrate a second embodiment of a beverage container according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  illustrate further embodiments of stoppers according to the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 4   a - 4   c  illustrate various methods of manufacturing a container body in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1   a  schematically illustrates cross-sections of a first embodiment of a beverage container  10  according to an aspect of the invention, comprising a container body  20  and a stopper  30 . Stopper  30  closes off opening  24  at one end of the container body  20  when it is mounted on the container body.  FIG. 1   d  illustrates an isometric view of the stopper and a partial cross-section of the same embodiment. 
     The container body  20  extends between a bottom  22  and the opening  24  and may generally be thin-walled. Threads  26  are provided in the interior wall of the container body. An annular flange  21  provided at the top of the threads  26  serves to provide a sealing as will be explained later on. The flange  21  may or may not comprise threads. 
     The threads  26  and flange  21  may be performed as a recess in the wall (see option A or option C) or as an inner protrusion of the wall (see option B or option D). An aspect of options B and D is that a smoother outer surface of the container body may be obtained. An aspect of options A and B is that the sealing flange  21  forms part of the threaded portion of the interior wall of the container body. In options C and D the sealing flange does not have threads. 
     The stopper comprises a first lid  32  and a second lid  34 . First lid  32  and second lid  34  of stopper  30  are connected via a central shaft  33 . When the stopper  30  is mounted on the container body  20 , the two lids  32  and  34  divide the interior of the container body in a separate first volume  40  and a separate second volume  50 . 
     The first lid  32  comprises a skirt portion  39  extending upwardly having threads  36  along its external circumference and establishes an airproof and waterproof sealing of the first volume  40 . Threads  36  of the stopper mesh with threads  26  on the interior wall of the container body when the stopper is mounted on the container body. To establish an air- and waterproof sealing, the stopper  30  comprises a gasket ring  31  at the end of the skirt portion  39 . This gasket ring  31 , when the stopper is mounted on the container body, comes into sealing contact with sealing flange  21  formed at the top of the threads  26  of the container body. 
     The second lid  34  may establish a sealing of second volume  50 . To this end, rim  37  of second lid  34  may lie against the outer surface of the container body to seal the second volume and the top wall and rim of the container body and an additional sealing contact may be established by the contact between the bottom surface of the second lid and the top surface of the rim of the container body. 
     Because of the sealing established between the first lid and the container body, no gases can escape from the first volume to the second volume. In some implementations, a carbonated or fizzy drink, such as Coca-Cola™, Fanta™, Sprite™, or carbonated water may be provided in the first volume. The sealing with the first lid makes sure that the carbonated drink may be stored for a prolonged period of time without the gas being lost. The beverage provided in the first volume may thus be maintained in proper conditions. 
     Because of the sealing established between the rim of the container body and the second lid  34  of the stopper, contamination of the second volume may be avoided. The sealing of the second lid does not necessarily need to be airproof in this respect. 
     The beverage container may be filled in a bottling plant already and may subsequently be stored and be transported to a place of consumption. A (standard) quantity that would normally be contained in a bottle can now be provided in the container which may later be used for consumption. 
     In  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c , the dimensions of one embodiment of a beverage container are indicated. One particular aspect of the shown embodiment is that the first volume can contain 200 ml of a carbonated drink. The first lid  32  of the stopper  30  when mounted on the container body is positioned such that only a small free space is available below the first lid (and above the beverage). Carbonated drinks can thus be kept fresh. Carbonated drinks are generally available in various standard sizes, such as 200 ml, 330 ml, 350 ml, 500 ml or 1000 ml. In this particular embodiment, a standard quantity of beverage can be provided in the beverage container. 
     The second volume is large enough to contain approximately 70 ml of liquor (Vodka, Whiskey, Gin etc.) and a plurality of ice cubes occupying approximately 85 ml. The particular embodiment shown may thus be particularly in bars, discotheques, and events wherein mixed drinks are to be prepared. The ratio of the first volume to the second volume in this particular example is approximately 1.2. 
     The ratio of the first volume to the second volume may be varied within the scope of the present invention. An aspect of providing a substantial (“non-insignificant”) second volume is that a space is created to which a build-up of carbon dioxide under pressure can controllably expand. During transport, beverage containers may be shaken which may cause a pressure build-up of carbon dioxide. In ordinary bottles or cans, such a pressure build-up can lead to spilling when the container is opened. Such a problem may be effectively avoided using embodiments of the present invention. 
     With the single consumption packaging provided by the invention, no separate bottle for the carbonated drink needs to be provided, and such a bottle does not need to be emptied in a drinks glass. Since no separate bottles are needed, they do not need to be transported to a bar, restaurant, disco or event either. Additionally, there are no empty bottles that need to be returned to the factory either. The container according to the present invention may be made to be disposable and in this case may be made preferably from plastics. The container may also be made to be reusable various times and in this case may preferably be made from glass. In the former case, there is no need for any transport back to a factory. In the latter case, there may be less weight to be transported back to the factory compared to the weight to be carried with conventional glass bottles (depending on the design of the container). 
     It may be seen that the embodiment of  FIG. 1  has a wide mouth opening. The container body of this embodiment is substantially cylindrical and the diameter of the opening of the container is substantially equal to the diameter of the container wall and a person may drink from the container in the same manner as from a drinks glass. Such containers are more pleasant when drinking than narrow-mouth openings such as provided in bottles and cans. Additionally, since the threads  26  are arranged in the interior wall of the container body away from the rim, the rim of the container body is free from threads, which further improves the drinking experience. The design according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is thus able to provide improvements along the entire added value chain from the filling of the containers in a bottling plant to the drinking experience of an end consumer. 
     The container body of  FIG. 1  may generally be made by injection blow molding (IBM) or extrusion blow molding (EBM) and may be made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Other suitable plastics may however also be used such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polylactid acid (PLA). The container may alternatively also be formed by thermoforming. In further embodiments, the container body could be made from glass or metal as well. 
     In further embodiments of the invention, a shrink cap seal (from e.g. HDPE or LDPE) may be provided around the second lid of the stopper and around the top of the container body. 
     The inner threads may be particularly easily be provided using injection blow molding by adaptation of the mold. The threads may thus be formed as recesses in the wall of the container body and may be noticeable from the outside of the beverage container as well. Alternatively they may be formed as inward protrusions from the wall, not noticeable from the outside. The threads are in any case not provided in the area where a consumer may place his/her mouth. This way a more pleasant drinking experience may be provided. 
     The lid  30  may be made from the same material as the container body or from a different material. The lid may be made e.g. by injection molding. 
     The dimensions shown in  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c  are merely one example. It will be clear that e.g. the height or the diameter of the beverage container may be varied and that the diameter does not necessarily need to be constant over its entire length. Additionally, the opening of the container body and the container body itself do not necessarily need to be circular. 
     It will be clear that the quantities indicated for the carbonated beverage, liquor, and ice cubes are merely indicative. It will also be clear that in other implementations, other drinks (e.g. fruit juice, beer, wine, water etc.) could equally well be provided in the beverage container according to the present invention. 
     In some implementations, a paper or plastic wrapper (sleeve) may be provided around the beverage container. Such a wrapper may comprise e.g. a trademark, logo, name of the beverage company. 
     In some implementations, a marker may be provided (e.g. printed) on the wall of the container body indicating a suitable level of the total of a liquor and a carbonated drink. Since the quantity of carbonated drink is exactly known, a marker that indicates a predetermined total quantity indirectly indicates the quantity of liquor that is to be added. Such a marker may help to indicate to a bartender, a consumer, and also the owner of a bar that the right quantity of liquor is added. 
       FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a beverage container, container body and stopper according to the present invention. The functionalities, structure, manufacturing methods and advantages are largely comparable to the ones described with reference to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d . Only the most important differences will be described here. 
     The container body has the same outer dimensions as the container body shown before. However, the inner thread  26  is provided at a different height. The first volume defined between the first lid  32  of the stopper and the bottom  22  of the container body is thus larger than in the first embodiment. The distance between the first lid  32  and second lid  34 , and also the so-called second volume is shorter. The shaft  33  of the stopper connecting the two lids is thus also smaller. A different quantity of beverage may be provided in the container in the factory, i.e. in this case approximately 350 ml. The second volume may in this case not be large enough to fit both ice cubes and liquor, but may still be big enough to fit some ice cubes or a small quantity of liquor, see also  FIG. 2   c . The ratio of the first volume to the second volume in this embodiment is approximately 7.2. 
     A further difference with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is the design of the stopper  30 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the threads  36  are provided on a downwardly extending annular skirt portion  38 . The first lid  32  is thus positioned above the threads  26  and  36  (see  FIG. 2   a ). In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the first lid is positioned just below the threads  26  and  36  (compare  FIG. 1   a ). Substantially directly underneath the first lid  32 , a gasket ring  31  is integrally formed with the stopper. Sealing contact may be established between the gasket ring  31  and the upper surface of annular sealing flange  21 . Although not indicated in  FIG. 2 , it will be clear that similar options A, B, C and D are also possible for sealing flange  21  in this configuration. 
     An aspect of providing two container bodies with the same outer dimensions is that different containers may be more easily packaged and transported together. It will be clear however in alternative embodiments, by making the beverage container slightly higher (and accordingly adapt the stopper), a larger second volume may be provided if desired. 
       FIG. 2   d  provides an isometric view of the stopper and a partial cross-section of the container body and stopper shown in cross-section in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c.    
       FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  illustrate further alternative embodiments of stoppers according to the present invention. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first lid  32  was provided with a downwardly or upwardly extending skirt portion provided with threads. In  FIG. 3   a , the first lid  32  of the stopper is thicker, and threads  36  are provided on the external circumference of the lid. Gasket ring  31  is integrally formed with the first lid  32  as well. 
     In  FIG. 3   b , the connection between the first lid  32  and second lid  34  is established by a thin-walled cylinder  35 . Cylinder  35  may be arranged such that it is substantially in contact with the inner wall of the container body, thus further reducing the possibilities of any contamination. It may be noted that a shaft connecting the two lids is not needed in this embodiment. In further embodiments however, a central shaft may be provided to increase the strength of the stopper. Threads  36  are provided on the external surface of the cylinder near the bottom of the cylinder. A gasket ring  31  forming an annular wall extending in a downward direction from the cylinder may be in sealing contact with a suitable part of a container body. 
     In  FIG. 3   c , yet a further stopper is illustrated. In this embodiment, the stopper also comprises a cylinder  35  which in use may be in contact with the inner wall of a container body. A skirt portion of a slightly smaller diameter extends from the bottom of the cylinder. On the outside of the skirt portion, threads  36  are provided. The annular portion of the bottom of the cylinder that is external to the skirt portion forms a gasket ring  31  which in use may be in sealing contact with a suitable sealing flange formed in the interior of the container body. 
     In accordance with the chosen design of the stopper, the height of the threads (or other securement means) on the container body may need to be adapted to provide suitable first and second volumes. 
       FIG. 4   a  illustrates a first method of manufacturing a container body  20  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference sign  20   c  refers to a possible preform of the container body, before injection blow moulding (IBM) of the preform. A result of IBM is shown in an interrupted line. Further indicated in  FIG. 4   a  are an annular flange  21  and threads  26  integrated in the preform. The annular flange may cooperate with a gasket ring provided on a stopper to establish a seal of a first volume of the container. 
       FIG. 4   b  illustrates an alternative in which the bottom  20   b  and top  20   a  of the container body may be manufactured separately, and afterwards joint through mating threads  29 . The preform  20   c  before IBM is shown in a continuous line and the resulting bottom  20   b  of the container body is shown in an interrupted line. In this particular embodiment, the threads  26  to which a stopper may be releasably secured are provided in the bottom portion of the container body. 
       FIG. 4   c  illustrates a further alternative. Also in this example, the container body may be split in a top  20   a  and a bottom  20   b , which are manufactured separately, and later connected through mating threads  29 . In this embodiment, threads  26  which serve for securing a stopper are provided in the top portion  20   a . To this end the top portion comprises an annular opening in which threads  29  are provided and in which the edge portion of the bottom  20   b  may be inserted. Once again, pre-form  20   c  is indicated in a continuous line and the result after IBM is shown in an interrupted line. 
     In all illustrated examples, the securement means on the stopper and corresponding securement means on the container body were all cooperating helical threads. Such helical threads may have different cross-sections e.g. triangular, rectangular or trapezoidal. In other embodiments of the invention, bayonet threads may be used or other type of bayonet coupling. 
     Further in all examples, the sealing of the first volume was obtained through a sealing contact between a gasket ring of a stopper and a complementary ring formed in the internal wall of the container body. However, alternative methods of sealing e.g. involving a sealing flange at a different location of the interior wall of the container body or involving sealing contact between other surfaces and/or O-rings or similar may be envisaged. 
     Although only a number of particular embodiments and examples of the invention have been disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, the present invention covers all possible combinations of the particular embodiments described. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by particular embodiments, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.