Patent Publication Number: US-2003222083-A1

Title: Top for mounting on a container

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The invention relates to a top for mounting on a container.  
       [0002] In retail, examples of containers with contents susceptible to changes when brought into contact with the surroundings and of containers which cannot be closed once they have been opened are well-known.  
       [0003] Examples hereof are cans containing soft drinks or beer. One problem with the soft drinks or the beer cans or containers is that the contents become flat or undesirable if open for even only a short period of time.  
       [0004] In order to overcome this problem, tops to be placed on top of the container have been developed. Once access to the contents of the container is desired, the top must be removed which requires the user to use both hands. Also, the individual is required to exert a certain amount of force in order to remove the top since it must be tight in order to bear against the container in an even remotely satisfactory manner. Once the individual has removed the top, this is considered a separate part to be put aside while drinking from the container and then subsequently pulled out and placed back on top of the container.  
       [0005] This problem is particularly relevant when the individual is preoccupied with other tasks at the same time such as driving a car. If the individual uses a container with a top known from the prior art, he or she must remove both hands from the steering wheel to get a drink from the container. Also, he or she will often be forced to take his or her eyes off the road in order to focus on the removal of the top from the container. Subsequently, the individual is forced to once again take his or her eyes off the road to relocate the top. Due to the design of the top, it is very likely that the contents will spill from under the top if the container tips over while driving. Also, there is a risk that the top will be knocked off completely e.g. if hitting the breaks hard or when making a turn.  
       [0006] Furthermore, a top for mounting on a container, such as a can, is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,467, wherein the top is mounted over the top of a container. A drinking opening has been provided in the top and comprises a multiple of holes whereby contact between the surroundings and the hole in the container is created. In order to be able to close the drinking opening, the top has been provided with a hinged flap that may be placed over the drinking opening and this flap is provided with a sealing strip. In this manner, the flap is able to close the drinking opening in the top.  
       [0007] The purpose of the invention in U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,467 is to create a space which is tightly sealed from the surroundings and by means of which the flap with the sealing strip closes the drinking opening in the top while at the same time ensuring that the mounting of the top on the container bears against it. Thus, the top creates an indirect sealing of the container since the contents of the container are only allowed to flow into the space between the container and the top.  
       [0008] However, the design of this known top has turned out to possess several drawbacks. One is that it must be manufactured with great accuracy in order to avoid leaks along the relatively long sealing areas. Also, the efficiency of the top depends on the accuracy of manufacturing of the container along the common sealing areas of the container and the top.  
       [0009] In addition, the liquid of the container may flow freely into the space between the container and the top if the container is not constantly kept steady and in vertical position. Aside from the increased requirements to hygiene, this also increases the requirements to the sealing qualities along the common sealing areas of the container and the top since they are constantly exposed to the liquid, both during use and during storage.  
       [0010] This invention does away with these and other drawbacks as will be explained in the following.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011] By the sealing means being connected to said top and pressed against the top of the container around an opening in the container, it is possible to create a tight sealing top for a container. The sealing will be efficient against leaks of as well liquid as air, meaning that a soft drink will be sealed both in relation to the liquid and its contents of carbon dioxide.  
       [0012] Also, it will be easier for an individual to gain access to the contents of the container. The individual will be able to grab around the container and at the same time remove the flexible part from the top by means of only one hand. Since the removal of the flexible part is simple, the individual will be able to carry this action out with only a minimum of concentration and without having to subsequently relocate a separate top.  
       [0013] At the same time, an individual carrying around a container with a top mounted thereupon is guaranteed that the contents will not leak.  
       [0014] It should be emphasized that the top is usually positioned by the consumer of the product. However, the manufacturer of the container or the liquid in the container may also position the top. Further, it should be emphasized that the top is a separate unit which is positioned on the container.  
       [0015] By the sealing means being connected to the under side of the fixed part and pressing it against the top part of the container, it is possible to protect the sealing means from dirt etc. from the surroundings while also keeping bugs out of the container.  
       [0016] Also, the top will appear more aesthetic with the sealing means being permanently hidden between the top and the container.  
       [0017] By letting the sealing means become an integrated part of the fixed part, the possibility of manufacturing a top by means of one or more automated processes is obtained which will limit manufacturing costs significantly.  
       [0018] By providing the sealing means with an extension in the shape of a neck extending down into the opening of the can, a close connection between the container and the top is obtained.  
       [0019] By connecting the sealing means to the flexible part and pressing it against the top part of the container, easy inspection and cleaning of the sealing means are created. This includes the possibility of inspecting the top on a container when it has been mounted for a while and it is inconvenient to take it off in order to determine whether the sealing means does still appears to be hygienic and clean.  
       [0020] By the sealing means forming an integrated part of the flexible part, the possibility of manufacturing a top by means of one or more automated processes is obtained which will limit manufacturing costs significantly.  
       [0021] By the flexible part comprising an elongation capable of extending into a neck in the fixed part, it is possible to stabilize the flexible part in relation to the fixed part of the top.  
       [0022] By said elongation comprising at least one first sealing means being pressed against the top part of the container and the neck in the fixed part, it is possible to create a very tight and secure sealing. Further, the sealing means will have a “click” function when closing the top and hereby inform the user that the top has been properly secured.  
       [0023] Further, the container has been sealed and the flexible part has been locked to the fixed part.  
       [0024] By the flexible part comprising a lip engaging with a rim of the fixed part, it is possible to ensure a safe connection between the flexible and the fixed parts. Further, the lip will have a “click” function when closing the top and hereby inform the user that the top has been properly secured.  
       [0025] By letting the top be wholly or partly manufactured in polypropylene (PP), it is possible to utilize the advantageous properties of the plastic material. Especially the reduced level of induration of the PP is advantageous over other plastic materials and makes it very suitable, since it ensures that the PP sealing means bears against the container while also being easy to mount.  
       [0026] By letting the sealing means be an 0-ring or a vulcanization, a close connection between the container and the top is obtained.  
       [0027] By using an O-ring, the sealing means becomes both inexpensive in retail and simple to mount onto the top. By using a vulcanization, the shape of the sealing means during manufacturing becomes optional. This opens up for manufacturing of specialized tops for individual types of containers.  
       [0028] By providing the fixed part with a jaw and/or a wall engaging with and capturing the fixed part to the container, it is possible to create durable and strong capturing. Especially if both a wall and a jaw are applied to press against e.g. an edge of the container from each side.  
       [0029] By providing the fixed part with at least one folded joint or an edge and providing the flexible part with at least one folded joint or an edge, the possibility of creating a tight sealing between the flexible and the fixed parts is increased. The folded joint or edge may be provided with a rubber film, or a rubber edge in relation to the folded joint, in order to increase the sealing further and in order to increase the capturing of the flexible part in closed position.  
       [0030] By having a hinge connecting the flexible part and the fixed part, which is created by a reduction in the thickness of the material in an area around the flexible and/or the fixed part, it is ensured that the flexible part may only move in a certain manner from certain given positions to other certain given positions. Also, the guaranteed tight connection between the flexible and the fixed part is significantly improved in comparison with other kinds of loose connections between the two.  
       [0031] By the flexible part having an axle and the fixed part having one or more set of jaws placed across from each other and engaging with or around the axle, a hinge is created in a simple and inexpensive manner.  
       [0032] By providing the flexible part with one or more ribs or elevations and providing the fixed part with one or more ribs or elevations, said elevations engaging with the ribs, the possibility of locking the flexible part into a fixed position is obtained. This is particularly advantageous in relation to the emptying of the container since the flexible part will often constitute an annoying factor as it may suddenly move when tipping the container.  
       [0033] By letting the top comprise one or more compartments, it is possible to basically isolate the top of the container from cold or hot surroundings.  
       [0034] By having at least one or more of the compartments comprise a coolant, such as cooled liquids or ice, it is possible to actively add a chill factor to the top of the container and thereby its contents or to compensate for the impact of the surroundings on the container. The cooling of the coolant may e.g. be obtained by placing the top in a refrigerator or a freezer prior to use.  
       [0035] Further, the coolant will actively cool the content of the container as it flows through the top. The coolant will also cool the lips of the user drinking from the container and provide the user with great pleasure on a hot day.  
       [0036] By providing the top with a drinking collar or a drinking edge, it is possible to create a more secure transition between the top and the user&#39;s mouth and to improve the drinking conformity for the user.  
       [0037] By said flexible part comprising an opening or a groove capable of surrounding said drinking collar or drinking edge, the sealing functionality of the top is maintained in an advantageous manner.  
       [0038] By providing the top with attachment or detachment means, such as one or more edges or ribs along the side of the top, replacement or mounting of the top on a container is made easy. In order to ensure optimal sealing between the top and the container, a close connection between the two is required and an edge on the side of the top may therefore be necessary for assistance when pressing the top into place or removing it again.  
       [0039] By providing the top with pressure compensating means for limiting or compensating for the differences in pressure between the surroundings and the inside of the container, it is possible to avoid excessive pressure against the back of the top which would otherwise mean that the pressure on the top may partially or wholly cause the top to detach from the container in extreme cases.  
       [0040] By said pressure compensating means including said lip of the flexible part, said rim in the fixed part, and said sealing means of the flexible part, said pressure compensating means being designed and interrelated in such a manner that the mutual engagement between said lip and rim and said sealing means and container, respectively, allows for the creation of a liquid escape path between the flexible part, the fixed part and the container, it is possible to remove any excess pressure in the container by creating a path through the top to the surroundings.  
       [0041] Hereby, is ensured that excess pressure will not push the top off the top of the container.  
       [0042] By having the container contain beer or soft drinks, significant advantages may be obtained.  
       [0043] In particular, the fact that an unopened can for beer or soft drinks comprises excess pressure makes the top of the can slightly conical in shape in an upwards direction. Once the excess pressure is released by opening the can, the top will sink and form a slight drop towards the opening of the can instead. This means that the sealing means may be placed anywhere on top of the can, incl. in the immediate vicinity of the opening or along the outer edges of the container. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0044] The invention will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which  
     [0045]FIG. 1 shows a perspective embodiment of the invention with a container,  
     [0046]FIGS. 2 a - d  show various first embodiments of a top according to the invention and mounted on a container,  
     [0047]FIGS. 3 a - b  show various second embodiments of a top according to the invention and mounted on a container,  
     [0048]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a top according to the invention and mounted on a container,  
     [0049]FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment wherein the sealing means has been integrated in the top,  
     [0050]FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment wherein a top according to the invention is provided with compartments,  
     [0051]FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a further preferred embodiment,  
     [0052]FIG. 8 shows the top in the embodiment of FIG. 7, and  
     [0053]FIG. 9 shows the fixed part with a drinking collar or edge. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0054]FIG. 1 shows a possible perspective embodiment of the invention prior to mounting on top of a container. The container basically consists of two parts from a cut metal plate, a bottom part  1  and a top part  2 , respectively, and the parts have been joined together by bending and form an essentially vertical edge  2   c.  In addition, the top part is provided with an area encompassed by an attenuation line whereby the area can be pressed into the can by means of an opening mechanism  3 . The opening mechanism is designed as a lever  3   a  over a rivet  3   b  connecting and capturing the lever in relation to the top part  2 . The lever  3   a  extends towards the area  2   a  at one end and may be lifted by the user at the other end which creates downwards pressure towards the area  2   b.  In this manner, an opening  2   a  will be created along the attenuation line which may be used to empty the container of its contents.  
     [0055] The top for mounting on a can has been illustrated by a fixed part  4 , 5  and a flexible part  7 , and the function of the flexible part is mainly to open/close an opening  6  in the fixed part. The location of the opening  6  in the fixed part  4 , 5  basically corresponds to the location of the container opening  2   a  in the top part  2 .  
     [0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible part  7  has been mounted directly onto the upper side of the fixed part by means of a hinge. In addition, it has been provided with a closing edge  9  which fits over a folded joint  8  in the upper side  5  of the fixed part whereby the opening  6  can be shut tightly by the flexible part.  
     [0057] The fixed part is of such proportions that it is capable of fitting over and be captured by a container of the type described above.  
     [0058] In the illustrated embodiment, it is also possible to fixate the flexible part  7  to the upper side  5  of the fixed part by having the flexible part extend towards the upper side with the surface which is not provided with a closing edge  9 . However, this surface comprises one or more elevations (not shown) which fit between the ribs  10  in such a manner that the flexible part is captured in a position allowing free access to the opening  6 .  
     [0059]FIG. 2 a  shows a sectional view of an embodiment according to the invention, and the invention is placed in normal user position on top of a container.  
     [0060] The top has been provided with a jaw  11   a  capable of capturing the bent edge of the can  2   c  on the outside and a wall  11   b  pressing against the edge on the inside. It would also be possible to use only the jaw  11   a  to fix the top to the container or alternatively design the wall  11   b  as a jaw capturing the edge  2   c  from the inside. Correspondingly, two walls may be used where one or both could be provided with a flexible edge, e.g. a rubber edge, being pressed over or around the edge.  
     [0061] Alternatively, the top may be provided with a wall extending against the inside of the bent edge on the container while the back of the top is shaped in such a manner that it follows the folded joint. Hereby, the top may fix itself onto the container.  
     [0062] A flexible sealing means  12  has been placed within the area created by the wall  11   b.  In this embodiment, the sealing means  12  is illustrated by an O-ring fixed to the back of the fixed part  5  and around the opening  6 . When mounting the top on a container, the sealing means is pressed against the top part  2  and around its opening  2   a  in such a manner that a connection between the two openings is made. The connection ensures that a completely or practically completely air tight separation between the contents of the container and the surroundings is achieved when closing the opening  6  in the top part  2 . Similarly, the sealing means  12  ensures that the contents of the container will not escape behind the ring when emptied out through the openings  2   a,    6  of the container and the top.  
     [0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the 0-ring extends around the immediate opening and presses against and around the lever  3   a,  among others.  
     [0064] Apart from the use of an 0-ring in a flexible material such as rubber, foam or air-filled plastic mounted on the back of the fixed part  5  of the top subsequent to manufacturing, it is possible to place a vulcanization on the back in connection with the manufacturing of the top.  
     [0065] In this embodiment, the flexible part  7  is directly connected to the fixed part  5  by means of a hinge  13  which is created by a reduction of the thickness of material. The reduction is so significant that the flexible part can move freely from the surface of the fixed part  5  on the one side of the hinge to the other side.  
     [0066] In an alternative embodiment, the flexible part  7  may be a loose unit ending in an axle. One or more sets may be placed across from each other on the fixed part, and these may engage with or around the axle capturing it and thereby creating a hinge.  
     [0067]FIG. 2 b  shows a variation of the embodiment in FIG. 2 a  where the sealing means  12  is placed immediately behind the wall  11   b  and extends with it in parallel.  
     [0068]FIG. 2 c  shows an embodiment in which the flexible part  7  has a diameter corresponding to that of the fixed part  5 . Also, a loose connection  14  has been shown between the flexible part  7  and the fixed part  5 , and this connection may e.g. be a line in plastic.  
     [0069] At the same time, the embodiment illustrates a slide  15  extending past the sealing means  12  to the top of the container which ensures improved and more defined control when emptying the contents out of the can.  
     [0070]FIG. 2 d  shows an embodiment offering the possibility of locking the flexible part  7  to the fixed part  5  by means of ribs  10  on the fixed part and an elevation  10   a  engaging between the ribs (as previously explained in relation to FIG. 1). Other ways in which to fix the flexible part  7  to the fixed part  5  are naturally also possible and include the use of an adhesive material or the like on one of the surfaces.  
     [0071] In all of the FIGS. 2 a - d,  the sealing means  12  has been mounted directly onto the back of the fixed part of the top  5 .  
     [0072] In a particular embodiment, the top may be provided with a pocket placed between the top and the sealing means in a position right above the lever of the container. When mounting the top onto the container, the lever will be pressed into the pocket while the sealing means will be placed between the lever and the top of the container. In this manner, a close connection between the container and the top is established.  
     [0073]FIG. 3 a  shows a second embodiment according to the invention. The sealing means  12  is mounted onto the back of the flexible part  7  and it will be pressed down against the top part  2  of the container when closing the flexible part  7  against the fixed part  5 . In addition, the flexible part  7  is provided with an opening  16  and a neck  17  on the upper side with an inside angling which makes the neck pointy in an upwards direction. In this manner, a drinking opening is created with a close connection between the opening  2   a  of the container, the sealing means  12  and the opening  16  of the flexible part  7 .  
     [0074] The opening of the flexible part  7  is provided with a cap  18  which may be placed over the neck  15  in order to close it tightly. The neck  17  and the cap  18  may e.g. be provided with an outer and an inner thread or the like in order to create the tight closing. Alternatively, the neck  17  and the cap  18  may be manufactured with so little tolerance that the cap encompasses the neck by pressing it down over it.  
     [0075] Alternatively, a drinking opening may be created by designing the fixed part  5  with a slide (as explained and shown in relation to FIGS. 2 c  and  2   d ). In order to avoid leaks when emptying the container, the capturing must be tight around the edge  2   c  or a tight edge be used in relation to the edge  2   c  and the jaw  11   a  and/or the wall  11   b  (as explained in relation to FIG. 2 a ). However, this makes the opening  16  in the flexible part  7  superfluous.  
     [0076]FIG. 3 b  shows a variation of the embodiments in FIGS. 3 a  and  2   c  in which these have been combined in such a manner that the sealing means  12  is mounted on the flexible part  7  which, in turn, is loosely connected to the fixed part  5 . The flexible part  7  is illustrated without an opening so that the emptying of the container takes place as described in the paragraph above. A variant with an opening and a neck/cap is naturally also possible.  
     [0077]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In this example, the sealing edge has been replaced by a neck  19  which either constitutes a fixed part  5  of the top or is mounted onto the back of the same. The neck  19  is designed in a flexible material, such as rubber, and is shaped in such a manner that it may extend into the opening  2   a  of the container. The edge of the opening  2   a  will push into the side of the neck  19  so that airtight sealing is achieved on the outside of the neck. When emptying the container, the contents will pour out through the inner opening of the neck  20 .  
     [0078] Of course, a variety of other embodiments according to the invention is possible, incl. combinations of one or more features of the illustrated embodiments. Other embodiments may e.g. feature drinking openings similar to that shown in FIG. 3 a  or a slide as shown in FIGS. 2 c - 2   d.    
     [0079] Also, the top may have a different shape than round such as a square.  
     [0080]FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment in which the top and the sealing means  21  constitute one integrated unit which can be poured in one or more automated processes.  
     [0081]FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment in which the top is provided with one or more compartments  22  comprising a liquid such as water. By placing the top in a freezer, the water in the top is frozen into ice prior to use which provides the top with an active ability to keep the temperature of the container down for a certain period of time. The top may potentially be provided with a feeding pipe for the liquid, just as the individual compartments may be provided with a structure which limits or inhibits movement of the liquid.  
     [0082] Alternatively, the top may comprise various chemical liquids capable of developing a cold environment. Similarly, the compartments may be filled with air and thereby work as a passive means of isolation in relation to its surroundings.  
     [0083]FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention.  
     [0084] The fixed part B of the top is positioned on top of the container C. The fixed part includes a second sealing means  24  which is pressed against the inner side of the top of the container or against a groove  26  in the top part of the container. In case of a high bent edge of the container, the pressure will be against the side, and in case of a lower edge, the pressure will be against the groove. Further, the fixed part includes a neck  27  extending toward the opening of the container C.  
     [0085] The flexible part A of the top includes an elongation having a first sealing means  23  in the shape of a lip. If the top is in closed position, the elongation extends into the neck of the fixed part and the lip is pushed against the top of the container as well as against the bottom of the neck. The inward surface of the neck is preferably cone-shaped.  
     [0086] The flexible part also comprises a rim capable of extending over the rim of the fixed part. The rim of the flexible part includes a lip  25  which is pressed over the bottom of the rim of the fixed part when the top is in closed position. The flexible part may be moved slightly before causing the lip to push against the bottom of the rim of the fixed part. When the flexible part is moved to this position, the elongation and the first sealing means  23  are drawn back into the neck of the fixed part. Hereby, a path or passage is established from the opening of the container to the surroundings through the neck and the lip  25  of the flexible part since the diameter of the first sealing means  23  is smaller than the diameter of the neck at the position to which it has been pushed. Excess pressure in the container may hereby be removed.  
     [0087]FIG. 8 shows the top of FIG. 7 where the top includes a flexible part A (viewed from above) and a fixed part B (viewed from below) and a flexible hinge  28  connecting the two.  
     [0088] The flexible part A comprises mounting and dismounting means  31  such as a gripping lug easing opening or closing of the top.  
     [0089] The fixed part B comprises a rim  29 , a second sealing means  24 , a neck  27  and an opening  30  connecting the surroundings with the container.  
     [0090]FIG. 9 shows the fixed part of the top in an embodiment including a drinking collar or a drinking edge. The drinking collar preferably extends substantially along the edge of the fixed part and/or the opening in the fixed part.  
     [0091] The flexible part in the embodiment may comprise an opening allowing the drinking collar to extend through the flexible part or the flexible part may encompass the drinking collar. The encompassment may be established e.g. by letting the flexible part have a surface raising toward the drinking collar side or a housing over the drinking collar.  
     [0092] In all the shown embodiments, in which the flexible part has a section extending into the opening  6  or into the neck of the fixed part, various means of fixation may be provided, e.g. barbs or a surface with a high coefficient of friction such a rubber. Also, the means of fixation on the flexible part  7  may engage with corresponding means on the fixed part  5 .  
     [0093] Finally, it should be mentioned that the top may be provided with pegs, rabbetings or similar arrangements to improve a person&#39;s ability to better grasp around the top. For example, the flexible part  7  may e.g. have a pegs or rabbetings to ease opening or closing. At the same time, the fixed part  5  may have one or more pegs or rabbetings to ease mounting or dismounting of a top on a container.  
     [0094] List  
     [0095] 1 . bottom part of a container  
     [0096] 2 . top part of a container  
     [0097] 2   a.  opening in top part  
     [0098] 2   b.  area encompassed by an attenuation line in the top part  
     [0099] 2   c.  bent edge  
     [0100] 3 . opening mechanism  
     [0101] 3   a.  lever  
     [0102] 3   b.  rivet  
     [0103] 4 . side of fixed part  
     [0104] 5 . fixed part of top  
     [0105] 6 . opening in fixed part  
     [0106] 7 . flexible part of top  
     [0107] 8 . folded joint in fixed part  
     [0108] 9 . closing edge in flexible part  
     [0109] 10 . ribs  
     [0110] 10   a.  elevation in flexible part  
     [0111] 11   a.  jaw in fixed part  
     [0112] 11   b.  wall in fixed part  
     [0113] 12 . sealing means  
     [0114] 13 . hinge between flexible and fixed parts  
     [0115] 14 . line to connect flexible and fixed parts  
     [0116] 15 . slide  
     [0117] 16 . opening in flexible part  
     [0118] 17 . neck  
     [0119] 18 . cap  
     [0120] 19 . neck in fixed part  
     [0121] 20 . inner opening of neck  
     [0122] 21 . integrated sealing means  
     [0123] 22 . one or more compartments  
     [0124] 23 . first sealing means  
     [0125] 24 . second sealing means  
     [0126] 25 . lip stop  
     [0127] 26 . groove in the top part of the container  
     [0128] 27 . neck in the fixed part  
     [0129] 28 . flexible hinge  
     [0130] 29 . rim of the fixed part  
     [0131] 30 . opening in the fixed part  
     [0132] 31 . mounting and dismounting means  
     [0133] 32 . drinking collar or drinking edge  
     [0134] A. flexible part of top (A=7)  
     [0135] B. fixed part of top (B=5)  
     [0136] C. container (C=1, 2)