Attachment for improving mouthfeel of beverage cans

Abstract

To provide a beverage can mouthpiece improvement attachment that can reliably attach to cans while accommodating individual differences, is easy to attach and detach, and provides a pleasant mouthfeel similar to that of a beer mug without compromising the flavor of carbonated beverages, etc. [Solution] The device features a roughly C-shaped engaging portion made of an elastically deformable material. When attached, it elastically expands in diameter to overcome the rim, and its self-restoring force keeps the rim constantly biased. The legs extending downward from the engaging portion are spaced apart from the outer wall of the can, and the upper drinking portion can be configured with any thickness and shape depending on the application. By utilizing the elastic force of the C-shape, it can provide a perfect fit with a "tightening force" for specific can sizes. Furthermore, since it can be attached directly to the can for drinking, there is no need to transfer the beverage to another container. In the case of carbonated beverages such as beer, it suppresses the release of carbon dioxide gas that occurs during transfer, allowing you to enjoy a drinking experience similar to that of a beer mug while maintaining the freshness of the beverage. In addition, by freely changing the shape of the drinking portion, a wide range of products such as beer mug-style and thin-rimmed glass-style products can be developed based on a single attachment structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment used by being attached to the rim portion of a beverage can, and more particularly to an attachment that combines a reliable holding structure utilizing elastic deformation and provides various drinking sensations.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional canned beverages have a problem that since the metal rim directly touches the lips, the mouthfeel is inferior compared to drinking with a cup or the like. Also, when transferring a carbonated beverage such as beer to another container such as a cup and drinking it, there is a problem that the carbon dioxide gas easily escapes due to the impact during the transfer and the surface properties of the container, and the original flavor of the beverage is impaired. Furthermore, many of the conventional drinking mouth members are in the form of a continuous ring-shaped one-piece type, and it may be difficult to attach due to minute individual differences in cans, or rattling may occur.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a good mouthfeel like a cup or a glass while absorbing individual differences in cans and achieving perfect adhesion by adopting an elastic diameter expansion and restoration structure with a discontinuous C-shaped configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The present invention has an engaging portion formed of a continuous curved surface that wraps around the rim portion, which spreads like a spring when crossing the rim, and then realizes reliable holding by the "constriction" turning under the rim. Also, by intentionally separating (releasing) the leg portion from the can body, versatility that is not affected by the shape of the body portion of the can is realized.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] According to this invention, by utilizing the elastic force of the C-shape, it is possible to provide a perfect fit with a "tightening force" to specific can sizes. Furthermore, since it can be attached directly to the can for drinking, there is no need to transfer the beverage to another container. In the case of carbonated beverages such as beer, it suppresses the release of carbon dioxide gas that occurs when transferring, allowing you to enjoy a drinking experience similar to that of a beer mug while maintaining the freshness of the beverage. Moreover, by freely changing the shape of the drinking part, a wide range of products such as beer mug style and thin-rimmed glass style can be developed based on a single attachment structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view from diagonally above showing the attachment of the present invention attached to a beverage can. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top-down plan view showing the attachment of the present invention mounted on a beverage can. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a front view (left) and a cross-sectional view along line AA (right) of the attachment of the present invention attached to a beverage can. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view from a different angle than Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section P in Figure 3. Note that the form shown in the drawing is an example of a "mug-like" product made using Tritan (registered trademark) as the material, and does not limit the scope of the rights of this invention.

[0007] The beverage can attachment of this invention is installed by pressing it against the rim of the beverage can from above. At this time, the relief structure (tapered surface) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the engaging portion comes into contact with the upper end of the rim, and the downward force guides the engaging portion outward (expands in diameter) without force. Once the substantially C-shaped engaging portion elastically expands in diameter and overcomes the rim, it rotates under the rim due to its own restoring force and snaps into place.

[0008] The materials used in this invention are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of the elastic deformation described above. For example, various synthetic resin materials (Tritan®, polycarbonate, polypropylene, etc.) as well as thin, elastic metal materials (stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.) can be used. The attachment of this invention can be made of colored or uncolored, transparent or opaque materials, and can be constructed in any color and texture depending on the application.

Claims

[Claim 1] An attachment for improving the mouthfeel of a beverage can, comprising: an attachment that is detachably attached to the rim, which is the periphery of the opening of a beverage can, formed of an elastically deformable material, formed in a substantially C-shape with a discontinuous portion in a plan view, having a constricted engaging portion that elastically expands in diameter with the discontinuous portion as a fulcrum when crossing over the rim, and holds the rim by its own restoring force after attachment; a drinking portion formed continuously above the engaging portion and in contact with the user's lips; and a leg portion that extends downward from the engaging portion and is spaced outward from the outer wall surface of the can below the rim when attached, wherein the minimum inner diameter of the engaging portion is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the rim of the beverage can to be attached in its natural state, and the elastic deformation state is maintained even after attachment, thereby locking it in a state where a constant biasing force is applied to the rim, and the drinking portion is characterized in that the thickness or outer shape can be arbitrarily configured according to the desired drinking feel.

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