Beverage can and crushing device assembly

Abstract

A beverage can and crushing device assembly, wherein the metallic can has a lower base (1), an upper base (2), and a tubular body (3), characterized in that the crushing device is formed by two prism- or disc-shaped pieces (7, 8), each with a cylindrical cavity (9) on one face, adjustable to a base (1, 2) of the can.

Description

Beverage can and crushing device assembly OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a can applicable to beverages, such as soft drinks or beer, usable with a specially designed crushing device. It features a body with several improvements for post-use handling, such as reducing its volume for disposal and recycling, or for a better grip. This innovation offers advantages previously unknown in current techniques for this format, especially when dealing with metal cans. It is applicable in the field of packaging and packing. STATE OF THE ART The present invention arose from the observation that cans of soft drinks, beer, and similar products occupy a large volume even when empty, making their transport after consumption excessively bulky. Since many consumers do not crush the can before disposing of it, this solution reduces its volume more easily and efficiently, avoiding other associated problems. One known solution is to place a can crusher on the opening of the bin, or other crushers that require anchoring and have a bulk that makes them difficult to transport, in addition to their cost and tedious, delicate installation requiring some DIY skills. However, this solution is complex and expensive and is only applicable at the time of final disposal, so the user who saves several cans before use (for example, at a party) still has the problem of volume. Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage can comprising a solution to facilitate controlled volume reduction once its contents have been consumed, aiding collapse with greater ease, ensuring that it withstands internal pressure during filling and stacking of cans during storage and transport. On the other hand, in the current state of the art, various types of compressors or crushers for cans and light metal containers are widely known, such as the one described in utility model ES1073656U, relating to an instrument for compressing cans, as well as other containers. The instrument consists of two rigid, horizontal plates facing each other and joined by a hinge, with recesses on their inner surfaces for placing the cans to be compressed. This compression is performed by pressing one plate against the other, using a force applied manually via a handle attached to the upper plate of the instrument. This instrument is quite bulky and does not allow the can to be properly secured before crushing, so it can slip out. Furthermore, it is preferable to have a device that allows the crushing to be performed by hand or foot, interchangeably. Currently, there is no known existence of any can that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is the creation of an assembly with a beverage can and a device for crushing it, which provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description. The present invention relates to a beverage can, generally made of aluminum or steel, comprising a lower base, an upper base, generally with an opening closed by a tab actuated by a ring, and a tubular body. The tubular body features a series of indicator marks in key areas where pressure should be applied with the fingers to slightly deform the can before crushing it. This significantly reduces the effort required for crushing and ensures a controlled collapse. The markings are placed on the tubular body of the can to apply pressure with the fingers towards the inside in order to create a deformation that facilitates collapse. These marks can be arranged interchangeably at the same height or at several heights; that is, they can be arranged in the same line or they can be comprised in several lines distributed on the body to obtain an optimal deformation for the subsequent compression between the bases with the crusher. The marks can be indicated by a graphic print such as circles. The markings can also be indicated with adhesive accessories such as paper or rubber stickers, or indentations can be added by embossing into the body itself, which are made with a relief towards the inside or outside of the tubular sheet. In any case, it is applicable to any can referred to, whether in aluminum or steel, since it does not affect the geometry of the original standard body and its basic functional characteristics. It should be noted that the can has a maximum diameter similar to that of other similar cans, facilitating its storage when full, in the same way as cans from current technology. This measure allows the same vending machines to continue being used without modification, as well as existing transport equipment and other sales channels. This innovation is especially useful for restaurants, bars, and other establishments that use a lot of cans, as it greatly reduces the volume of waste generated. It is also helpful in situations where waste storage capacity is limited, such as in homes, particularly when shared containers are used. Furthermore, it improves the efficiency of waste treatment and recycling facilities. Thus, once the can is emptied, the pressure exerted by the bases using the crushing device of the invention will cause it to deform, resulting in a significantly smaller volume, reaching up to one-sixth of its original volume. This crushing device consists of two prism- or disc-shaped pieces, each with a cylindrical cavity on one face that fits onto a can base. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a can. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the crushed can. Figure 3 shows an example of a crushing device in the position of use. Figure 4 shows the faces of the crushing device with the cavity. Figure 5 shows the initial crushing. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION. The can shown in the figure comprises an essentially cylindrical body, with a lower base (1), an upper base (2) where the emptying opening is defined, and a tubular body (3). The tubular body (3) of the can may have markings indicating pressure points for pre-deformation to facilitate collapse. These are the optimal points where the user should place their fingers to gently flatten the can before it passes through the crushing device. The markings are placed on the tubular body of the can to apply pressure with the fingers towards the inside in order to create a deformation that facilitates collapse. In one embodiment, the marks are arranged at the same height, although they can also be arranged at various heights, i.e., in several lines distributed on the body to obtain optimal deformation for subsequent compression between the bases with the crusher. In one embodiment, the marks can be indicated by a graphic print such as circles. In another embodiment, the marks may consist of adhesive accessories such as stickers made of paper, rubber, or other material. In another embodiment, the marks can be indentations, which can be made by deep drawing in the body itself; the relief can face either inwards or outwards from the tubular sheet. In any case, the markings are applicable to any can, whether aluminum or steel, as they do not affect the geometry of the original standard body and its basic functional characteristics. Later, in recycling, it allows for a greater quantity of containers to be processed in each pressing cycle, increasing efficiency and reducing the overall cost of the process. Figures 4 and 5 show an example of the device with an upper piece (7) and a lower piece (8), both prism- or disc-shaped, the cross-section of which is irrelevant. Both pieces (7, 8) have a cylindrical cavity (9) on one of their faces, with dimensions and shapes adapted to the geometry of each end of the can. Thus, the two pieces (7, 8) can be fitted into the bases (1, 2) of the can. Preferably, a non-slip layer (10) is provided to facilitate fitting. The non-slip layer (10) can be made of silicone or be an area with a rougher surface. When the can has both pieces (1, 2) attached, the user can apply pressure to the upper piece (7), either with the hand or the foot, while the lower piece (8) is supported on a sturdy surface. The edges of the parts (7, 8) can also be non-slip, for example, textured, to facilitate gripping and handling of the device. They can also include decorative elements to aid in identification. The device has a second function during consumption of the can's contents, as the pieces (7, 8) can serve as coasters, lids, etc., thus protecting the contents from accidental contamination and spillage. For this purpose, the cavity (9) of the upper piece (7) fits hermetically onto the can. For example, its geometry allows it to fit directly onto the rim that forms the contour of the upper base (2), ensuring a watertight seal and secure retention. The device can be designed to be used with the feet, by stepping on it, in which case it requires enhanced stability. For this purpose, the pieces (7, 8) can be circular with a radius between 80 and 105 mm, or rectangular with a diagonal between 90 and 115 mm, that is, adapted to the anthropometric range of an adult foot last for stepping on the assembly. In this way, they fit perfectly to adult foot sizes, while also ensuring that it does not tip over when the user stands on the upper piece (7), with the lower piece (8) on the ground. In another embodiment, the pieces (7, 8) are the same height. This allows them to be placed on a surface, resulting in a uniform height. Thus, for example, they can be used as individual coasters. To facilitate storage and transport of the device, the parts (7, 8) may incorporate detachable joining elements (11), such as tongue-and-groove pieces or magnets, which allow for their temporary mutual attachment. The support areas on the facing faces (with cavities (9)) are designed to be connected by tongue-and-groove joints (which constitute a preferred type of joining element (11)), for attachment and support, thus becoming a disc usable as a coaster. The faces without a cavity (9) may have magnets to attach to a refrigerator, metal parts of a counter, etc. They may also have points with non-slip material. The main function of the crushing device (1) is to facilitate the collapse of the cans to promote recycling without applying direct contact with the hands. The can cannot be crushed manually, regardless of the crusher. Compressing it can cause cuts, skin marks, or bruising due to the force applied to the can's structure. Using the specially designed crushing device provides greater safety and avoids the aforementioned risks. It also allows for the application of greater compressive force and better directs the collapse stroke. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A beverage can and crushing device assembly, wherein the metallic can has a lower base (1), an upper base (2), and a tubular body (3), characterized in that the crushing device is formed by two prism- or disc-shaped pieces (7, 8), each with a cylindrical cavity (9) on one face, adjustable to a base (1, 2) of the can.

2. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavities (9) have a non-slip layer (10).

3. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises detachable joining means (11) between the two pieces (7, 8).

4. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the contour of the pieces (7, 8) is non-slip. 5.A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the faces lacking a cavity (9) have magnets or points with anti-slip material.

6. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (9) of the upper piece (7) is hermetically sealed onto the can.

7. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pieces (7, 8) are circular with a radius between 80 and 105 mm, or rectangular with a diagonal between 90 and 115 mm.

8. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pieces (7, 8) have the same height.

9. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the markings are a graphic print. 10.A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the markings are formed by adhesive accessories.

11. A beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the markings are indentations.