Beverage can attachment for storing and dispensing ingredients into a beverage can

Abstract

Round-shaped beverage can attachment (1) for storing and dispensing ingredients downwards into a beverage can (A), comprising: - an outer circumference (3) for placing, from above, onto a beverage can, - an opening (2) for reaching through to the opener (B) of the beverage can (A) with a minimum opening area of ​​2 cm 2 , within the (circumferential) outer circumference, and - at least one upwardly curved hollow chamber (4) for storing and dispensing the ingredients into the beverage can (A) with a volume of each hollow chamber of 0.05-0.5cm 3 .

Description

[0001] The invention relates to beverage cans and the storage and dosing of ingredients into these beverage cans by the user.

[0002] Various attachments are available for conventional beverage cans. Some are designed to reseal the can after initial opening. Drinking attachments with a straw are also common.

[0003] Others deal with the addition of ingredients immediately after opening the beverage can.

[0004] US 8,302,803 B1, for example, describes a container of liquid for attaching to the can and for mixing this liquid with the liquid in a conventional can.

[0005] DE102018007299A1 describes a beverage container that itself has several chambers (chambers of a tubular, compressible blister) through which solid ingredients can be added. By applying force to the tubular blister (to a pressure element) from above, the ingredients from the chambers can be mixed into the beverage. An inner part pressed against the inside of the housing lid generates the necessary counter-pressure.

[0006] The described design has the disadvantage that, once the beverage can is manufactured, the ingredients in the tubular blister pack, which is inserted from the top, cannot be changed. The device is not reusable and is complicated to manufacture, which hinders mass production. Contact between the blister pack and the liquid in the can poses hygiene risks.

[0007] The object of the invention is to enable the addition of predominantly solid ingredients to commercially available beverage cans, ideally shortly after opening the can, so that less stable ingredients are only briefly present in the liquid before consumption and thus do not decompose. The inventive solution should be reusable and easy to manufacture. Commercial beverage cans should not need to be modified. Furthermore, it should be possible to switch between different beverage cans using different ingredients. Finally, the dose / quantity of the added ingredient should also be easily controllable.

[0008] The problem is solved using the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a round-surface beverage can attachment for storing and dispensing ingredients downwards into a beverage can, comprising: - an outer ring to be placed, from above, onto the beverage can, - an opening for reaching through to the can opener with a minimum opening area (of this opening) of 2cm 2 , wherein this opening lies within the (circumferential) outer circumference, and - at least one upward-curved hollow chamber for storing and dispensing ingredients into the beverage can, with a volume of each hollow chamber of 0.05-0.5cm 3 .

[0010] "Top" and "bottom" refer to the usual orientation of an upright beverage can, with the can opener located on top. The beverage can opener is placed on top of this can and dispenses the ingredient downwards into the can.

[0011] The upward-curved hollow chamber can therefore hold ingredients which, after opening the can and rotating the beverage can attachment accordingly, can be dispensed into the can by gravity. It is advisable to first open and remove the opener, so that the ingredient can fall downwards through the opening of the beverage can attachment according to the invention. The attachment should be rotated so that the hollow chamber is positioned above the resulting can opening, allowing the ingredient to fall into the beverage can.

[0012] The "opening" of the beverage can attachment according to the invention sensibly (essentially) replicates the shape of the beverage can opener, although a larger opening is also possible. It must at least allow the opener (reference numeral B) to be opened from above through the opening (reference numeral 2) of the beverage can attachment (reference numeral 1).

[0013] “Round-shaped” within the meaning of the invention means that the beverage can attachment is round and flat, i.e., that its diameter is at least 10 times its thickness - thickness measured between the outermost dimensions in a direction perpendicular to the diameter.

[0014] “Ingredients” could include, for example: caffeine, sugar, taurine, headache remedies, or other ingredients that are to be added to the contents of the beverage can in the correct dosage.

[0015] The "hollow chambers" are located within the outer circumference. Preferably, there are several hollow chambers, for example three, whereby individual chambers could also be combined to form a common chamber (for example, an arc-shaped chamber when viewed from above). The volume of all common chambers of a beverage can attachment should preferably be between 0.25 and 0.5 cm³. 3 lay.

[0016] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the beverage can attachment according to the invention, comprising the step: - Injection molding of plastic into a mold (also called extrusion) - to obtain the beverage can top.

[0017] Preferably, after injection molding, the desired ingredients can be introduced into the hollow chambers, and these hollow chambers can then be sealed in a further step using blister packaging. Blister packaging refers to the application of a sealing film so that the hollow chambers are closed and, in particular, no moisture can penetrate.

[0018] The subject of the invention is also a set comprising: - the beverage can attachment according to the invention in a embodiment in which the upwardly curved hollow chamber has a blister pack on its underside, which closes the hollow chamber downwards and can be opened by pressing down on the hollow chamber from above, and - at least one ingredient in the hollow chamber.

[0019] If there are multiple hollow chambers, it makes sense to vary the ingredients in each chamber. Advantages

[0020] Advantageously, the invention enables the storage and addition of predominantly solid ingredients to commercially available beverage cans. The addition of the ingredient to the beverage can's contents can occur shortly after opening the can and just before consumption, thus allowing the use of less stable ingredients.

[0021] Another advantage is that the beverage can attachment according to the invention is reusable.

[0022] Furthermore, it is easy to manufacture.

[0023] No modifications to the beverage cans are necessary for use with commercial beverage cans.

[0024] Changing ingredients is easy, for example, by storing different ingredients in different beverage can attachments, allowing the user to choose the appropriate attachment depending on the desired ingredient. A beverage can attachment with several different ingredients is also conceivable, enabling the user to select the appropriate ingredients from the compartments for each beverage.

[0025] Another advantage is that the dose (i.e., the amount) of the added ingredient can be easily controlled – either by the number of cavities or by the amount of ingredient per cavity. This is important, among other things, for complying with regulatory requirements. Preferred embodiments

[0026] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the diameter of the round beverage can attachment is 53.9 mm ±20%, measured at the outermost points of the attachment – ​​i.e., at the outer edges. ±20% here indicates relative range limits. 53.9 mm ±20% is thus equivalent to 43.12–64.68 mm. For all values ​​specified in the document, the range limits can also be narrower in any embodiment, e.g., ±10% or even only ±5%; or even only ±2%.

[0027] Preferably, the material thickness of the attachment in the area of ​​the hollow chamber is 0.2 mm ±20%. "In the area of ​​the hollow chamber" includes all horizontal and vertical walls of the hollow chamber. Preferably, the material thickness in the area outside the hollow chambers (and especially on the outer circumference) is 0.3 mm ±20%.

[0028] Preferably, the beverage can attachment according to the invention has an outer diameter in the range of 40-60mm, better 53.9mm ±10%.

[0029] Preferably, the opening according to the invention (reference numeral 2) has a minimum area of ​​at least 2 cm². 2 (for example, essentially 1 cm x 2 cm). A minimum size of 4 cm is particularly preferred. 2 , maximum 8.5cm 2 .

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow chambers have a depth of 2.6mm ±20% - measured between the upper edge (outside) of the hollow chamber and its lower edge.

[0031] It is a preferred embodiment of the invention if: - the outer circumference is a downwardly (towards the beverage can) open, U-shaped curved outer circumference, so that the beverage can attachment can be placed on an upper circumferential outer edge of the beverage can, and if - the outer circumference has an outer (radial, i.e., circumferential around the outer radius of the diameter) circumferential surface which, when the beverage can is upright, runs as a horizontal ring and has a maximum vertical extent (in terms of the width of the ring) of 10mm, particularly preferably of a maximum of 6mm.

[0032] In the case of such an “open U-shaped curved outer circumference”, “top” would be the side of the U that is closed, i.e., the side of an “upper surface”, as described below.

[0033] This design is particularly suitable for attaching to standard beverage cans.

[0034] In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred if the U-shaped curved outer circumference has a projection on its outer circumferential surface along the lower edge of this surface, pointing towards the center of the attachment (as in Fig. 4 recognizable).

[0035] It is particularly preferred if an arc radius of R0.6 is provided between this outer circumferential surface and the projection (or also to the upper surface of the U).

[0036] The projection preferably extends 0.8mm towards the center of the attachment - measured from the outside of the outer circumferential surface to the end of the projection (the end that points furthest towards the center - measured in a direction perpendicular to the tangent of the outer circumferential surface).

[0037] The dimension between the lower edge of the projection and the upper edge of the upper surface of the U is particularly preferred to be 3.2 mm ±20%.

[0038] It is also a preferred embodiment if the above-mentioned downwardly open, U-shaped curved outer circumference has a segment-like or continuous grip on its outer (radial) circumferential surface.

[0039] "Segment-like" means grip segments repeating symmetrically around the circumference, for example, 1.2 mm wide (viewed horizontally along the outer circumference) and 0.3 mm high (viewed vertically between top and bottom), with a spacing of up to 0.9 mm between the segments (viewed horizontally along the outer circumference) – these values ​​are within a range of ±20%. An example of a segment-like grip is shown in Fig. 6 shown.

[0040] “Grip” within the meaning of the invention is thus a thickening of the outer circumference to increase grip, e.g. with raised areas and / or indentations (i.e. depressions), so that a structure is created or e.g. by means of a soft material such as rubber (then with or without structure).

[0041] The advantage of this type of design with a grip is that twisting the beverage can opener is easier and can be done even with wet hands or if condensation has formed on the can due to cooling. This twisting is necessary to position the hollow chambers over the open can, allowing the contents to fall into the can.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment of the beverage can attachment according to the invention, it is made of a material selected from polypropylene (for example MOPEL EP240P or ISPLEN PR290X9M), polyethylene, a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer and an impact-modified polymer.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer circumference has a projecting holder for containers for liquid ingredients - preferably projecting horizontally outwards on the outer circumference during use.

[0044] In the case of a U-shaped curved outer circumference, the bracket is attached to the outer circumferential surface, for example, as shown in Fig. 4 outlined.

[0045] The holder can be shaped like a pair of pliers, a U-shape, or a V-shape, for example. "Protruding" sensibly means protruding horizontally, so that the container for liquid ingredients, which is to be hung in the holder, "hangs" next to the beverage can when the beverage can attachment is used.

[0046] It is also a preferred embodiment of the invention if the hollow chamber: - a minimum rise of at least 2mm, and - has a maximum elevation of 1.5cm (especially preferably max. 1cm), measured from the underside of the beverage can attachment immediately next to (i.e. 1mm next to) the hollow chamber to the inside of the upper wall of the hollow chamber.

[0047] The preferred height is exactly 2.6mm ±20% (as measured).

[0048] This design is particularly suitable for tablet- or capsule-shaped ingredients.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the upwardly curved hollow chamber has a blister pack on its (open) underside, which seals the chamber at the bottom, so that the chamber and the blister pack can be opened by applying pressure from above. "Blister pack" is to be understood as a foil. Preferably, the blister pack is made of aluminum foil.

[0050] In the case of multiple hollow chambers, each chamber can be individually blister-packed, or all existing hollow chambers can be sealed with a single, continuous blister pack (one continuous film). The latter is easier to manufacture.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferred in the invention if the hollow chamber has indentations and / or elevations (e.g. in cross shape) on its outer upper surface, so that pressing down on the hollow chamber is made easier.

[0052] This means that, for example, a notch facilitates contact with the ingredient inside the hollow chamber (shortening the distance), while a raised section improves the user's finger's accuracy in contact with the hollow chamber and prevents the finger from slipping. If the hollow chamber is sealed with blister packaging on the underside, this design with notches or raised sections facilitates piercing the blister, as it improves the force transmission from the finger to the blister via the ingredient.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the beverage can attachment has three of the hollow chambers according to the invention. This has proven to be particularly practical for common beverage cans.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the beverage can attachment according to the invention, the hollow chambers (when viewed from above) have a shape selected from: round, square, capsule (i.e., oval), and pyramid (i.e., when viewed from above, a square shape with an upward-pointing pyramid apex). All existing hollow chambers may have the same shape or different shapes.

[0055] Preferably, the hollow chambers, when viewed from above on the round beverage can top, have a round shape with a diameter of 7.1mm ±20%, particularly preferably 6.6-7.6mm.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the beverage can attachment has, on its flat side facing upwards away from the beverage can, an upwardly open (round in cross-section) tubular threaded attachment for screwing on containers for liquid ingredients – as in Fig. Figure 2 is sketched. The threaded attachment thus has a thread either internally or externally – preferably internally, so that residual liquid can flow through the tubular threaded attachment into the interior of the beverage can. The longitudinal axis of the tubular threaded attachment therefore runs essentially vertically (with the can standing upright and the beverage can attachment placed on top).

[0057] The beverage can attachment has an opening in the area of ​​this round, tubular threaded section, allowing liquids from a screwed-on container to flow through the threaded section into the beverage can. It is also possible that the beverage can attachment is blister-sealed from below in this area (of the round, tubular threaded section), similar to the hollow chambers.

[0058] It is also a preferred embodiment of the invention if the beverage can attachment according to the invention has an annular recessed area in a circumferential rim region extending between 49.5 mm and 39.3 mm in diameter (preferably between 42 and 45 mm), which (in a transverse view of the cross-section) lies 0.2–1.5 mm below the lowest circumferential edge of the outer circumference – measured between the lowest circumferential edge of the outer circumference and the underside of the deepest point of the recessed area. It is exemplified in Fig. 5 shown. If a projection according to reference numeral 3c is present, the lower edge of the projection forms this lowest edge, namely the lowest extent.

[0059] Preferably, it (the recessed area) can be located 0.92 mm ±20% below the lowest edge of the outer circumference, as also in Fig. 5 recognizable.

[0060] In this variant, the distance between the underside of the recessed area and the upper edge of the outer circumference (reference numeral 3) (or upper surface (reference numeral 3d) of the U) is preferably 4.17 mm ±20%. Fig. Figure 1 shows in part and in sketch form the beverage can attachment according to the invention in an embodiment according to embodiment 1, with three hollow chambers. Fig. Figure 2 shows a sketch-like embodiment with an open, tubular threaded attachment 6 for screwing on containers for liquid ingredients according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 3 shows a partial representation of an embodiment of the outer circumference 3 of the beverage can attachment 1, in which it is designed as a U-shaped curved outer circumference with an outer circumferential surface 3a and an upper surface 3d. A grip 3b is also visible. The outer circumference has a projection. Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlargement of an embodiment of the outer circumference 3 with projection 3c and a support 5 - according to embodiment 4. Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the beverage can attachment of a design with annular recessed area 7 - according to embodiment 5. Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of the outer circumference (i.e., the outer circumferential surface 3a) with segment-like grip 3b. Also Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention as in embodiment 1 but with segment-like grip 3b - as embodiment 6. Fig. Figure 8 shows a magnification of the ring-shaped depression area 7. Fig. 5.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, it is advisable to combine the different embodiments.

[0062] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several preferred embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. Examples of implementation

[0063] Examples 1 to 6 are described in the Fig. Shown 1-8.

[0064] Each of the embodiments has a cross-section according to Fig. 5 on - possibly with other components mentioned.

[0065] In each of the embodiments, the beverage can attachment was manufactured using injection molding. Holder 5, threaded attachment 6, and grip 3b can be attached subsequently or produced simultaneously during the injection molding process. Reference sign 1 beverage can attachment 2 Opening (of the beverage can attachment) 3 Outer circumference (of the beverage can attachment) 3a outer circumferential surface (of the outer perimeter) 3b Grip (of the outer circumference) 3c advantage (of the outer circumference) 3D upper surface (of the outer circumference) 4 Hollow chambers (curved upwards) 5 bracket 6 tubular threaded attachments 7 ring-shaped depression area A beverage can B Opener (of the beverage can) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8,302,803 B1

[0004] DE 102018007299A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Round-top beverage can attachment (1) for storing and dispensing ingredients downwards into a beverage can (A), comprising: - an outer circumference (3) for placing, from above, onto a beverage can, - an opening (2) for reaching through to the opener (B) of the beverage can (A) with a minimum opening area of ​​2 cm 2 , within the (circumferential) outer circumference, and - at least one upwardly curved hollow chamber (4) for storing and dispensing the ingredients into the beverage can (A) with a volume of each hollow chamber of 0.05-0.5cm 3 . [2] Beverage can attachment according to claim 1, wherein the outer circumference (3) - a downwardly open, U-shaped curved outer circumference towards the beverage can, so that the beverage can attachment can be placed on an upper circumferential outer edge of the beverage can (A), and - having an outer circumferential surface (3a) which, when the beverage can is upright, runs as a horizontal ring and has a maximum vertical extent of 10mm from top to bottom. [3] Beverage can attachment according to claim 2, wherein the U-shaped curved outer circumference (3) has a projection (3c) pointing towards the center of the attachment (1) on its outer circumferential surface (3a) along the lower edge of the surface (3a). [4] Beverage can attachment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the downwardly open, U-shaped curved outer circumference (3) has a segment-like or continuous grip (3b) on its outer circumferential surface (3a). [5] Beverage can attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, made of a material selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer and an impact-modified polymer. [6] Beverage can attachment according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer circumference (3) has a projecting holder (5) for containers for liquid ingredients. [7] Beverage can attachment according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hollow chamber (4): - a minimum rise of at least 2mm, and - has a maximum elevation of 1.5cm, measured from the underside of the beverage can attachment directly next to the hollow chamber to the inside of the upper wall of the hollow chamber. [8] Beverage can attachment according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upwardly curved hollow chamber (4) has a blister pack on its underside which closes the hollow chamber downwards and can be opened by applying pressure from above onto the chamber. [9] Beverage can attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hollow chamber (4) has indentations and / or protrusions on its outer upper surface, making it easier to press down on the hollow chamber. [10] Beverage can attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising three such hollow chambers (4). [11] Beverage can attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hollow chambers (4) have a shape selected from round shape, square shape, capsule shape and pyramid shape. [12] Beverage can attachment according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein this attachment comprises on its flat side pointing upwards away from the beverage can an upwardly open tubular threaded attachment (6) for screwing on containers for liquid ingredients. [13] Beverage can attachment according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the can attachment has an annular recessed area (7) in a circumferential rim area extending between 49.5mm and 39.3mm in diameter, which is located 0.2-1.5mm below the lowest circumferential edge of the outer circumference (3), measured between the lowest circumferential edge of the outer circumference and the underside of the lowest point of the recessed area. [14] Set, comprising: - a beverage can attachment according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upwardly curved hollow chamber (4) has a blister pack on its underside which closes the chamber downwards and can be opened by pressing down on the chamber from above, and - at least one ingredient in the hollow chamber (4).

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