Collapsible beverage can and crushing device set

Abstract

A collapsible 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 tubular body (3) has a series of annular grooves (4) parallel to the bases, and 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

Collapsible beverage can and crushing device set 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, and improving its grip. This innovation offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques for this format, especially when dealing with metal cans. A manufacturing process for the can is also disclosed. 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 install a can crusher at the opening of the bin, or other crushers that require anchoring and are bulky, making them difficult to transport. They are also costly and their installation is tedious, delicate, and requires some DIY skills. However, this solution is complex and expensive and is only applicable at the final disposal stage. Therefore, users who store several cans before use (for example, at a party) still face 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 more easily, 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, no can is known to exist that possesses the same or similar structural and constitutive technical characteristics as those described in this specification, as claimed. The closest existing examples, such as cans for preserves that use corrugation, serve to provide greater structural rigidity and do not facilitate collapse. This is also due to the manufacturing technique employed, deep drawing, as this process aims to provide greater rigidity to a metallic structure. 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 bottom base, an top base (usually with an opening closed by a tab actuated by a ring), and a tubular body. This tubular body has a series of annular grooves parallel to the bases and arranged generally horizontally. For example, each groove may have wavy edges, so that it is not perfectly horizontal. Ideally, the grooves are distributed throughout the tubular body, leaving a smooth area or section for displaying information such as the brand logo or nutritional information. Preferably, the smooth section is located at mid-height, in the center of the tubular body. This smooth section 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 crushing force and allows for a controlled collapse guided by the folding of the corrugations and the deformation applied to this smooth section. 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 notches 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 surface of the tubular body is smooth, so the can has a maximum diameter similar to that of other similar cans, facilitating its storage when full, just like cans of 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 invention allows grooves to define the folding zones of the can when it is compressed by its upper base, with the lower base resting on a smooth, stable surface. Furthermore, these predefined zones prevent irregular crushing that could lead to breakage. The grooves can be uniform or not. Similarly, they can be equidistant or clustered in various areas of the can's tubular body, with varying proportions in both the size of the grooves and their distribution across the can. 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. The grooves are preferably curved, with a wavy shape, to avoid edges that define areas of stress concentration, especially when several heights of cans are stacked and subjected to variable and irregular stresses. Thus, once the can is emptied, the pressure applied to the bases using the crushing device of the invention will cause the can to deform in a controlled and predictable manner, following the indentations, resulting in a significantly smaller volume. It can reach 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. The can will preferably be manufactured by a deep drawing and stretching process from a sheet of light alloy, with a rolling or elastic deep drawing process, in which the tubular body of the can is formed between rollers or on a mandrel equipped with a wavy pattern that imprints the shape of the indentations, generally wavy, without generating defined fold lines or stress concentrations. The mandrel or roller preferably has a non-slip finish, so that the sheet or plate that forms the tubular body, usually made of steel or aluminum, does not slip during the deep drawing process. In other words, the sheet does not shorten vertically, remaining at the same effective height as when it enters the mold. This also means that the most deformed areas end up with less thickness, concentrating the deformation when the can is flattened. This solution maintains the can's height without requiring additional material, ensuring that the process does not compromise the can's height and maintains the standards of an original, smooth-bodied can. The rest of the manufacturing process is standard: creating the upper bases, usually by stamping, cutting a sheet or plate that is then rolled or drawn elastically. Joining the ends of the sheet, and securing the bases by creating edgings in the sheet that grip the edge of the upper base. The grooves, generally waves, thus formed have a dimension and continuity that allow the correct reading and printing of texts, barcodes and QR codes, guaranteeing the legibility and traceability of the product during the packaging, distribution and marketing phases. The wave forming process is compatible with existing production lines and adapts to the usual manufacturing speed of the original deep drawing and stretching process, without requiring substantial modifications to cycle times, maintaining the productive efficiency of the conventional industrial system. The corrugated design provides the can body with greater structural rigidity during use when filled with liquid. At the same time, it facilitates controlled axial collapse once emptied, allowing for gradual compression of the container without abrupt deformation and contributing to a reduction in waste volume for handling and recycling. 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 first implementation example. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a second implementation example. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the first example of the crushed realization. Figure 4 shows an example of a crushing device in the position of use. Figure 5 shows the faces of the crushing device with the cavity. Figure 6 shows two intermediate stages of crushing: (A) at the beginning, (B) at an intermediate point. Figure 7 shows an example of a mandrel applicable in the can manufacturing process. Figure 8 shows the manufacturing process using mandrels. Figure 9 shows the manufacturing process using mandrels where the clamp is visible. 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) has a series of slits (4) or annular channels, substantially parallel to the bases (1, 2). They can be straight or wavy. The grooves (4) are preferably curved, causing the tubular body (3) to be wavy across the entire surface of the tubular body (3), avoiding fold lines that concentrate stresses and produce possible uncontrolled breakages. These indentations (4) form valleys (inward deformations of the can) and ridges. Preferably, the valleys have a larger radius of curvature than the ridges, so that the can deforms inwards. The raised edges, in turn, should preferably not protrude from the body of the can but rather be aligned with any undeformed section, such as a smooth section. This ensures that the cans can be handled by the same equipment as the others. Similarly, it is desirable that the deformed areas, with grooves (4), be thinner than the unaffected areas. In particular, the valleys should be thinner than the peaks. This characteristic can be achieved automatically if the mandrel (12) or deformation roller has a non-slip finish, such as rubber dots (13) across its entire surface. Furthermore, this solution ensures that the height of the sheet metal forming the tubular body (3) remains constant as it passes through the mandrel. The tubular body (3) preferably comprises a smooth section (5), without indentations (4), which helps to highlight the desired product information. This smooth section (5) can be located in the center, at the bottom, or at the top. However, the slits are of a size that makes texts, barcodes, and QR codes easily legible. It is also possible to place the information on a plastic or paper strip around all or part of the tubular body (3). The smooth section (5) 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. 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 notches, which can be made by deep drawing in the body itself; the relief can be on the inside or outside of 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. The technique used does not involve an appreciable increase in the amount of aluminum used, and if it were to occur, such an increase would be minimal and would not affect the efficiency of the process or the speed of production of the cans. 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 parts (7, 8) can serve as coasters or as a lid for the container, protecting the contents from accidental contamination and spillage. For this purpose, the cavity (9) of the upper part (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 attachment. 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 collapsible 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. Using the crusher without the collapsible can (without the adaptations to the shapes provided for guided deformation) would be virtually impossible. This design makes it accessible to any type of user. In one mode of carrying out the manufacturing process, next to the mandrel (12) a clamp is applied to the neck of the tubular body (3) formed by two concentric rings that also prevent longitudinal shortening when applying the pressure of the mandrels, in such a way that the inner concentric ring is attached to a stem, formed by the inner mandrel, which stops inside the base and forms the segment that maintains the longitudinal measurement of the tubular body (3). 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 collapsible 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 tubular body (3) has a series of annular grooves (4) parallel to the bases, and 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 collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular body (3) comprises a smooth section (5).

3. A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the grooves (4) are curved.

4. Collapsible beverage can assembly and crushing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a paper or plastic band around the tubular body (3). 5.A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the smooth section (5) is located in the center of the tubular body (3).

6. A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the valley of the slits (4) has a greater radius of curvature than the ridge.

7. A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the valley of the slits (4) is thinner than the ridge.

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

9. A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises detachable joining means (11) between the two parts (7, 8). 10.

11. A collapsible beverage can and crushing device assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the contour of the parts (7, 8) is non-slip.

12. 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 non-slip material.

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

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

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