Beverage container end with multiple openings

Abstract

A beverage container has a tab member rotatably and pivotally mounted thereon. The tab member can be used to form two separate openings in the can top, and each opening can be used either independently or together. One opening is the main drink opening, and the other opening is designed to receive a straw. While the primary use for the second opening is to receive a straw, the second opening may also serve as a built in vent when the main drink opening is used.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 402,215 filed Aug. 26, 2010.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableFIELD OF INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates generally to end members of beverage containers, and, more particularly, to an easy-open, stay on tab (SOT) can end with an easy-open, secondary opening to receive a straw, that can be opened and used independent of the main drink opening, and that also serves as a built in vent when used with the main drink opening, in which an attached tab is lifted to partially sever and displace a scored tear panel, thereby creating a pouring or drinking opening, with the tab and tear panel remaining attached to the end. The attached tab is then rotated 180 degrees, again lifted partially to sever and displace a second scored tear panel, thereby creating a straw opening, that also serves as a built in vent, with the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Another object of the invention is to provide a straw opening that can be opened independent of the drink opening, and in which a straw can be placed to drink from and which will prevent insects and debris from entering a beverage can, and provide a more sanitary means for consuming the beverage from the can.

Problems solved by technology

While a variety of beverage can end structures have been utilized as appropriate for particular drink applications, an inherent problem is difficulty achieving a “smooth” outlet flow from beverage cans, resulting in excessive foaming when pouring a beverage from such a can into a glass, or drinking a beverage from such a can directly, where use of a straw, or built in vent would be beneficial.

In general, the most commonly encountered opening in beverage cans, an oval opening provided when the tear panel is popped inward using the attached tab, does not provide for a smooth flow of liquid from the can, and heavy carbonation in the beverage makes inserting a straw into the main drink opening unsteady and difficult.

Typically, such openings result in restricted outward flow, as outbound carbon dioxide competes with inbound air in the available opening space.

And, even though “wide mouth” cans have enhanced drinkability to a limited degree by providing more room for outbound carbon dioxide, such cans are less than satisfactory in providing smooth, continuous delivery of a beverage to the mouth of a user, and make insertion and use of a straw more difficult.

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