PACKAGING AND BEVERAGE ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEATION AND FOAM GENERATION

Abstract

A non-carbonated beverage package has a container (1) having a containment space (42) and a nucleation surface (100) on a product side (34) of the container (1) within the containment space (42). Nitrogen is dissolved in a non-carbonated beverage (200) within the containment space (42). Contact between the non-carbonated beverage (200) and the nucleation surface (100) causes a controlled foam (204) to develop on an upper surface (202) of the non-carbonated beverage (200).

Description

PACKAGING AND BEVERAGE ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEATION AND FOAM GENERATIONDESCRIPTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 152,516 filed on August 9, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N / ATECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to packaging of beverages; more particularly, the invention relates to elements for nucleation and foam generation in beverages stored in containers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is frequently desirable to produce a foamy head on a beverage prior to consumption. Typically, this foamy head is produced when the beverage is poured from a container into a glass. The foamy head is produced by release of gas, such as carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen dissolved under pressure in the beverage. The pouring action causes an initiation of gas release which produces a foaming effect to produce the foamy head.

[0005] It is often required to cause a foamy head to be formed upon an opening of a container, for example, where the contents are to be consumed directly from the container. These containers feature a means to initiate the foaming action as soon as the container is opened and pressure in the container is released. This means typically takes the form of a secondary compartment in the container containing gas under pressure. The gas is released through a nozzle in the secondary compartment, on opening of the main container, to cause “seeding” of gas release from the container contents.

[0006] The beverage may be beer or any other beverage where it is desirable to produce a foamy head. The gas dissolved in the beverage may be nitrogen as well as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, and the gas stored in the secondary compartment may be carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

[0007] More recently, it has been proposed that such foamy heads can be produced by beverage contact with a nucleating surface. This means for producing a foamy head takesadvantage of the so-called Mentos eruption whereby contact of a beverage with a nucleating surface causes dissolved CO2 to rapidly and uncontrollably come out of solution.

[0008] The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior means for producing a foamy head of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a non-carbonated beverage packaging comprising: a container comprising a containment space and a nucleating surface on a product side of the container within the containment space; and a fluid dissolved in a non-carbonated beverage within the containment space, wherein contact between the non-carbonated beverage and the nucleating surface causes a controlled foam to develop on a top surface of the non-carbonated beverage.

[0010] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The nucleating surface may comprise a plurality of nucleation sites. The plurality of nucleation sites may comprise at least one of a plurality of bumps or a plurality of craters. The nucleating surface may be formed by deforming a container wall of the container. The container wall may be deformed by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing. The non-carbonated beverage packaging may further comprise a primary coating deposited on a product side of the containment space, wherein the primary coating comprises the nucleating surface. The primary coating may compnse inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites. The inclusions may compnse a plurality of solid particles. The plurality of solid particles may comprise at least one of a wax, spherical in shape, a raised conic shape, and a conic-shape with a divot. The primary coating nay comprise a polyolefin dispersion. The polyolefin dispersion may form random swirls causing a differential thickness in the primary coating forming the nucleating surface. Each of the plurality of nucleation sites may be formed by a differential thickness in the primary coating. The differential thickness may be caused by a solvent in the primary coating, wherein the solvent transforms from a liquid to a gas during curing of the primary coating to produce the at least one of the plurality of bumps or the plurality of craters. Each of the plurality ofnucleation sites may be formed by at least one of cracks in the primary coating and crazing in the primary coating. The primary' surface may comprise deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites. Each of the plurality of nucleation sites may be created on the primary coating when the primary coating is exposed to an energy from a source of energy. The source of energy' may be selected from the group consisting of visible light, gamma rays, an e-beam, and heat. The non-carbonated beverage packaging may further comprise a secondary coating located on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating opposite a surface of the primary' coating in contact with the container wall, wherein the secondary coating comprises the plurality of nucleation sites. The secondary coating may comprise inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites. The inclusions may comprise a plurality of solid particles. The inclusions may be suspended in a binder. The secondary coating may comprise a decal. The secondary coating may be a reticulating coating. The secondary coating may comprise deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites. The non-carbonated beverage may comprise at least one of a foaming agent and an anti-foaming agent. The non-carbonated beverage packaging may further comprise a lid enclosing the containment space. The lid may have a plurality of apertures through which the non-carbonated beverage is dispensed. The container may be a two-piece beverage container. The two-piece beverage container may comprise a threaded lid. The two-piece beverage container may comprise a lid seamed to a container body. A headspace may be located in the containment space between the top surface of the non-carbonated beverage and the product side of the lid, wherein the headspace has a volume equal to or greater than 9.4% of a total volume of the containment space. The nucleating surface may comprise a plurality of openings in the lid. The non-carbonated beverage packaging may further comprise a primary coating deposited on a product side of the containment space, wherein the primary coating comprises the nucleating surface, or a secondary coating is located on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating opposite a surface of the primary coating in contact with the container wall, wherein the secondary coating comprises the nucleating surface. The headspace may comprise undissolved nitrogen. The container may be a metallic cup. The fluid dissolved in the beverage may be at least one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. The nucleation sites may be arranged in clusters, each cluster comprising a subset of the plurality of nucleation sites. Each cluster may comprise atleast 5 nucleation sites. A density of the clusters may be at least 31 clusters sites per mm2. Each cluster may be separated from an adjacent cluster by an area of the primary coating free of nucleation sites, wherein a total area free of nucleation sites is less than a total area of the clusters.

[0011] A second aspect of the disclosure is directed to a beverage packaging comprising: a container comprising: a container body; a lid attached to the container body; a containment space configured to hold and retain a beverage therein; a nucleating surface within the containment space; and a seal substantially fluidly sealing the containment space formed by a combination of the container body and the lid; the beverage packaging further comprising: a gas dissolved in a beverage within the containment space, wherein contact between the beverage and the nucleating surface causes an initial controlled foam to develop on a top surface of the beverage upon a removal of the seal.

[0012] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The nucleating surface may comprise a plurality of nucleation sites, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites is contactable with the beverage after the seal is formed but not prior to the seal being formed. Each of the plurality of nucleation sites may be exposed to the beverage upon exposure of the container to an energy provided by a source of energy. The plurality of nucleation sites may comprise at least one of a plurality of bumps and a plurality' of craters. The nucleating surface may be formed by deforming a container wall of at least one the container body and the lid. The container wall may be deformed by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing. The beverage packaging may further comprise a primary coating deposited on a product side of the containment space, wherein the primary coating comprises the nucleating surface. The primary coating may comprise inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality' of nucleation sites. The inclusions may comprise a plurality of solid particles. The plurality of solid particles may comprise at least one of a wax, spherical in shape, a raised conic shape, and a conic-shape with a divot. The primary coating may comprise a polyolefin dispersion. The polyolefin dispersion may form random swirls causing a differential thickness in the primary coating forming the nucleating surface. Each of the plurality of nucleation sites may be formed by a differential thickness inthe primary coating. The differential thickness may be caused by a solvent in the primary coating, wherein the solvent transforms from a liquid to a gas during curing of the primary coating to produce the at least one of the plurality of bumps and the plurality of craters. Each of the plurality of nucleation sites may be formed by at least one of cracks in the primary coating and crazing in the primary coating. The primary surface may comprise deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites. The beverage packaging may further comprise a secondary coating located on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating opposite a surface of the primary coating in contact with the container wall, wherein the secondary coating comprises the plurality' of nucleation sites. The secondary' coating may comprise inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites. The inclusions may comprise a plurality of solid particles. The inclusions may be suspended in a binder. The secondary coating may comprise a decal. The secondary coating may be a reticulating coating. The secondary coating may comprise deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites. The lid and the container body may have threads, and the lid may be attached to the container body by the threads. The lid may be seamed to the container body. A headspace may be located in the containment space between the top surface of the non-carbonated beverage and the product side of the lid, wherein the headspace has a volume equal to or greater than 9.4% of a total volume of the containment space. The beverage may be a carbonated beverage. The nucleating surface may comprise a plurality of nucleation sites, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites is contactable with the gas dissolved in the beverage after the seal is formed but not prior to the seal being formed. The gas may not be dissolved in the beverage until after the seal is formed. The nucleation sites may be arranged in clusters, each cluster comprising a subset of the plurality of nucleation sites. A density of the clusters may be at least 31 clusters sites per nun2. Each cluster may be separated from an adjacent cluster by an area of the primary coating free of nucleation sites, wherein a total area free of nucleation sites is less than a total area of the clusters.

[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of filling a containment space of any non-carbonated beverage packaging described above comprising: filling the containment space with the non-carbonated beverage;after filling the containment space with the non-carbonated beverage, depositing a dose of liquid nitrogen on the non-carbonated beverage; after depositing the dose of liquid nitrogen on the non-carbonated beverage, substantially fluidly sealing the non-carbonated beverage in the containment space.

[0014] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of filling a containment space of any beverage packaging described above comprising: filling the containment space with the beverage; after filling the containment space with the beverage, depositing a dose of liquid nitrogen on the beverage; after depositing the dose of liquid nitrogen on beverage, substantially fluidly sealing the beverage in the containment space.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a two-piece beverage container;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a top of a two-piece beverage container;

[0019] FIG. 3 is partial cross-sectional view of a two-piece beverage container;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a two-piece beverage container with a seal removed to cause a controlled foamy head to form on a top surface of a beverage;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of a two-piece beverage container having a threaded lid;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a two-piece beverage container having a threaded lid;

[0023] FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of a two-piece beverage container with a seal removed to cause a controlled foamy head to form on a top surface of a beverage;

[0024] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a cup, preferably produce from aluminum or an aluminum alloy;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cup of FIG. 5 with a controlled foamy head on a top surface of a beverage;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a nucleating surface;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating and a secondary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating and a secondary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0032] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating and a secondary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0033] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a segment of a container containment space having a product side with a primary coating and a secondary coating having a nucleating surface;

[0034] FIG. 18 is a top view of a lid having a pour opening defined by a plurality of turbulence inducing small apertures and a nucleating surface region;

[0035] FIG. 19 is a side view of a conic-shaped nucleation site having a rounded bump;

[0036] FIG. 20 is a side view of a conic-shaped nucleation site having a crater;

[0037] FIG. 21 is a micrograph of a product side of a container body sidewall with a coating deposited thereon at 100X;

[0038] FIG. 22 is a micrograph of a product side of an upper portion of a container body sidewall with a coating deposited thereon at 300X;

[0039] FIG. 23 is a micrograph of a product side of a mid-portion of a container body sidewall with a coating deposited thereon at 300X; and

[0040] FIG. 24 is a micrograph of a product side of a lower portion of a container body sidewall with a coating deposited thereon at 300X.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of theinvention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0042] The present disclosure is aimed at providing or developing a foam or foamy head on a beverage, similar to the commonly provided secondary compartment or widget technology but without the use of plastic or complicated assembly methods. It is further desirable to adapt such foaming to other containers, such as bottles and cups where widget technology is not feasible. It is still further desirable to extend such foam experience to draft coffee that is currently poured into cups. Nucleation sites extend the duration that foam is generated during the drinking experience.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "foam" and “foamy head” refer to a light mass of bubbles of a liquid formed in or on a surface of a beverage. A preferred foam or foamy head is a micro-foam. A micro-foam or micro-bubbles is / are a term known in the art of beverage making to indicate a foam comprising bubbles that are small enough that they cannot be individually seen by a consumer at arm’s length, preferably microscopic. The bubbles forming the micro-foam appear as a uniform, homogenous structure. In contrast, carbonation bubbles in soda are on the opposite end of the scale. They are individually identifiable at arm’s length, and due to the size of the bubble spheres, the surface of the foam would be lumpy. In the middle are low carbonation or mixed gas bubbles. They are individually identifiable, but are small enough that their spheres do not interrupt the general flatness of the top of the foam. As used herein, the terms “micro-foam” and “micro-bubbles” are species of a foam or foamy head genus.

[0044] The present disclosure includes a nucleating surface within a beverage-filled container. The nucleating surfaces described herein have a plurality of non-smooth nucleation sites, typically bumps (protrusions) or craters (recesses). These nucleation sites increase a total surface area of a containment space wall. The nucleation sites basically act as a surfactant, meaning the nucleation sites reduce the surface tension of the beverage. When the beverage contacts the nucleation sites, gas in solution in the beverage is released such that a controlled foam develops on a top surface of the beverage.

[0045] The present disclosure includes treating the beverage-filled container with liquid nitrogen immediately prior to sealing the beverage-filled container.

[0046] The beverage may be a non-carbonated beverage. Liquid nitrogen is often added to non-carbonated beverage-filled containers immediately prior to a sealing of the noncarbonated beverage-filled container. As the liquid nitrogen changes to gas, the containerbecomes pressurized to have the necessary rigidity to resist damage in shipping / handling. For example, liquid nitrogen can be administered or added to the beverage after filling and immediately before seaming the lid. Because the nitrogen is not immediately dissolved in the product during filling, the non-carbonated beverage in the beverage-filled container does not have dissolved gas to react to nucleation sites. However, once the beverage-filled container is sealed with a lid, end, cap, or other sealing member, and some nitrogen dissolves into solution, the non-carbonated beverage product is capable of nucleating and creating foam. This is a condition that a consumer would experience when the beverage-filled container is unsealed.

[0047] Principles disclosed herein can be applied to beverage containers, such as filled and sealed beverage containers, for example, two-piece metallic beverage cans and metal, glass, and plastic bottles, as well as open-ended cups produced from glass, plastic, or metal. These containers can be manufactured to have a product side that promotes nucleation, such as a nucleating surface comprising a plurality of nucleation sites. Such surfaces commonly cause carbonated beverages, for example beer and soft drinks, to have excessive foaming during and / or after filling and before container sealing in the case of sealed beverage container.

[0048] Still, non-carbonated, and minimally carbonated beverages would not foam excessively after filling due to the lack of gas that is dissolved in solution (the beverage). The beverage subsequently receives a dose of liquid nitrogen after filling but before sealing. Most such beverages receive some dose of liquid nitrogen to increase package pressure to prepare for distribution. Because the drop of liquid nitrogen floats on a beverage surface, the beverage does not foam excessively prior to sealing or closing the beverage-filled container. After sealing, some gas migrates into solution according to Henry's Law. Upon opening, the dissolved nitrogen will nucleate against a special product side and create a high quality foam, preferably a micro-foam as defined above, to enhance the consumer experience.

[0049] Key features of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, nucleating surface coatings and nucleating surfaces and manufacturing methods, methods of filling where foaming does not occur after filling and before seaming, but foam is generated at time of beverage opening, foaming that continues while the beverage is slowly being consumed, providing pour openings comprising a plurality of small apertures and / or closures comprising a plurality of small apertures to promote turbulence with relatively low nitrogenated product pressures and heat sealable film / foil closures, where secondary' compartments, i.e., widgets,are only relevant for sealed containers, the principles of the present disclosure can be applied to cans, bottles, and cups.

[0050] It is imperative that too much foam does not form at the filler when a beverage is introduced into an empty container. If too much foam is generated at the filler, then it is also likely too much foam will foam when the consumer opens the container. Beer inherently has CO2 as a biproduct of brewing. And at natural levels, it would likely be too much gas and excessive foaming would occur at filling / at consuming.

[0051] In some cases, to enhance foaming, CO2 can be added to a beverage formulation in addition to nitrogen added to the headspace. In which case, 1.0 gas volume of CO2 can be added in the beverage (in solution prior to filling), and then the container can be pressurized with nitrogen.

[0052] For reference, soda is typically carbonated to 3 to 4 gas volumes of CO2. preferably 3 to 3.2 gas volumes. Beer is often 1.8 to 2.4 gas volumes of CO2. 1.0 gas volume of CO2 produces a minimal, if any, bubbling effect. Nitrogen is not very soluble, so added CO2, which is very soluble, can enhance the foaming experience.

[0053] One aspect of this disclosure centers around a nucleating surface on a container filled with a beverage that may have some dissolved gas (but not so much that it would foam extremely after filling) and then adding additional gas via super cooled liquified gas. In this way, the foaming is greater at the consumer, and less at filling / before seaming.

[0054] According to an aspect of the disclosure, although a beverage is immediately in contact with a nucleating surface prior to sealing the beverage container package, the beverage is not sufficiently gasified for significant nucleation to occur until after the package is sealed. In this way, the dissolved gas in the beverage does not exist until after the package is sealed. This is accomplished by adding liquified gas to the beverage prior to sealing. For a given beverage (with varying abilities to generate bubbles or foam), if that is not enough gas to achieve the desired consumer nucleation effect, a low level of dissolved gas, for example, CO2, can be added to the beverage prior to filling. The dissolved gas in the product prior to filling into a can / bottle will preferably be low enough to avoid gushing / product loss before the seamer / capper. Otherwise, to control gushing or uncontrolled foaming prior to sealing the beverage in the container.

[0055] Other principles of the present disclosure include forming the nucleating surface after sealing and removing a protective cover on the nucleating surface, which protective cover prevents beverage contact with the nucleating surface, after the beverage is sealed within the container.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1-9, well-known beverage containers are illustrated. As used herein, the terms “container” and “beverage container’ are used interchangeably and are simply intended to broadly refer to any vessel configured or intended to hold a liquid beverage. The concepts of the present disclosure can be applied to any of the particular contained shown and described, as well as other containers that hold liquid beverages.

[0057] Referring to FIGS, 1-4, a two-piece beverage container 1 is illustrated. This type of container 1 is typically produced from a metallic material, generally aluminum and alloys thereof. Two-piece beverage containers comprise a can end or lid 10 attached to a container or can body 40.

[0058] The lid 10 has a center panel 12 separated from a seaming curl 14 by a circumferential wall 15 extending downwardly from the seaming curl 14 to a strengthening segment 16 which is joined to the center panel 12.

[0059] The lid 10 can be joined to a container body 40 by the seaming curl 14 which is joined to a mating curl of the container body 40. The seaming curl 14 of the lid 10 is integral with the center panel 12 by the circumferential wall 15 and the strengthening segment 16, typically either a generally U-shaped countersink or a fold, which is joined to a peripheral edge of the center panel 12, which defines an outer perimeter of the center panel 12, often through an additional strengthening feature such as a circumferential step or other circumferential wall.

[0060] The circumferential seaming curl 14 defines an outer perimeter of the beverage lid 10. It is generally centered about a longitudinal or vertical axis 50, sometimes located at a center of a rivet.

[0061] The circumferential wall 15 extends downwardly from a radially inner portion of the seaming curl 14.

[0062] The circumferential strengthening segment 16 is joined to a lower segment of the circumferential wall 15 and extends circumferentially about the center panel 12.

[0063] The center panel 12 has a means for opening the end 10. The means for opening the lid 10 may include a displaceable foil closure member or as shown in FIG. 1, a tear panel 22 defined by a curvilinear frangible score 24 and a non-frangible hinge segment 26 which extends between terminal ends of the frangible score 24. Accordingly, the hinge segment 26 is defined by a generally straight line between a first end and a second end of the frangible score 24.

[0064] The tear panel 22 of the center panel 12 may be opened, that is the frangible score 24 may be severed and the tear panel 22 displaced at an angular orientation relative to theremaining portion of the center panel 12, while the tear panel 22 remains hingedly connected to the center panel 12 through the hinge segment 26. In this opening operation, the tear panel 22 is displaced at an angular deflection, as it is opened by being displaced away from the plane of the panel 12. This deflection of the tear panel 22 creates a pour opening 27 through which the contents (solid, liquid, or gas) the container can exit a containment space 42 of the container 1. This opening sequence will often plastically deform the material of the lid 10.

[0065] The lid 10 has a tab 28 secured to the center panel 12 adjacent the tear panel 22 by a rivet 38 which passes through an aperture in a tongue area of the tab 28. The rivet 38 is formed in the typical or customary manner well know n in the art of lid manufacture.

[0066] The container body 40 is formed from a unibody wall comprising a lower portion and an upper portion. When seamed to a lid 10, a product side 34 of the upper and lower portions of the container body 40 together with a product side 34 of the lid 10 create a containment space 42 for holding a liquid beverage. A headspace 59 is formed between a top surface 202 of the beverage 200 in the containment space 42 and the lid. The lower portion includes an enclosed bottom 56 and a cylindrical sidewall 60 extending upwardly from the enclosed bottom 56 portion.

[0067] The bottom 56 has a dome-shaped center panel surround by a generally a circumferential annular support. An outer wall extends radially outwardly and upwardly relative to the annular support and joins the bottom 56 with the lowermost portion of the cylindrical sidewall 60.

[0068] The cylindrical sidewall 60 is centered about the longitudinal axis 50. The sidewall 60 is smooth and flat. However, one of ordinary skill in the art w ould appreciate that any one of a number of forming techniques could be employed to impart a shape and / or texture to the sidewall 60 as will be described below.

[0069] The upper portion includes a circumferential shoulder 64 portion. The shoulder 64 has a convexly curved appearance when viewed from the public side 32 of the container 1. The shoulder 64 has a lowermost point integral with an uppermost portion of the cylindrical sidewall 60. The transition point between the sidewall 60 and shoulder 64 is at a point where the container body 40 begins to curve radially inwardly. Stated another way, the diameter of the container body 40 begins to decrease at the point where the shoulder 64 begins and the sidewall 60 ends.

[0070] The upper portion further includes a neck 68. The neck 68 has a lowermost portion integral with an uppermost portion of the shoulder 64. The neck 68 is preferentially substantially flat, i.e., primarily free of an arc-shape design, although it may have somediscontinuity formed during production. A diameter of the container body 40 in the neck 68 is relatively constant.

[0071] The upper portion also includes a radially outwardly extending flange located above the neck 68. This flange is integral with an uppermost portion of the neck 68. The flange has a convex appearance when viewed from a vantage point above the container body 40, i.e., looking down at the open end of the container body 40. The flange cooperates with the curl 14 of the lid 10 during a seaming operation to enclose the containment space 42 with a substantially fluid-tight seal. Here, the term “substantially” is intended to encompass a seal which prevent a gas from completely escaping the containment space 42 for at least one month.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the container 1 is in the form of a bottle. The bottle can be produced from a metallic material, glass, or plastic. Here, the container 1 has a threaded open end 140. The structure of the container body 40 is similar to the container body previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, the container 1 is in the form of a cup. The cup can be produced from a metallic material, glass, or plastic. Here, the container 1 is a one-piece (unibody) drinking cup. The drinking cup contemplated by the present disclosure may be produced from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0074] Each of the containers 1 described above has a containment space 42. According to FIGS. 1-7, the containment spaces 42 are sealed then opened to consume the beverage. According to FIGS. 8 and 9, the containment space 42 is open. Each of these containers 1 comprises a nucleating surface 100 located within their respective containment spaces 42. The nucleating surfaces 100 have a plurality of nucleation sites 104 which serve as locations to generate bubbles from which a foamy head 204 develops on the beverage within the containment space 42, preferably a micro-foam.

[0075] As shown, for example, in FIG. 21, the nucleation sites 104 can be arranged in clusters or galaxies 144 distributed on the product side 34 of a wall of the containment space 42. Each cluster or galaxy 144 comprises a subset of the plurality of nucleation sites 104, preferably at least 5 nucleation sites 104. A density of the clusters or galaxies 144 is at least 31 clusters 144 per mm2. Each cluster or galaxy 144 is separated from an adjacent cluster or galaxy 144 by an area of the product side 34 of the wall of the containment space 42 free of nucleation sites 104, wherein a total area of the product side 34 of the wall of the containment space 42 free of nucleation sites 104 is less than a total area of the cluster or galaxies 144 onthe product side 34 of the wall of the containment space 42. The wall can be the product side 34 of the lid 10, container body sidewall 60, and / or the bottom 56 of the container 1.

[0076] FIGS. 10-17 each show a magnified view of the product side 34 of the containment space 42 having a nucleating surface 100 comprising a plurality of nucleation sites 104 thereon.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, the containment space 42 of the container 1 may have a nucleating surface 100 formed from a wall from which the containment space 42 is formed. Here, the nucleating surface 100 has nucleation sites 104. These nucleation sites 104 can be created by a deformation treatment applied to material of the container 1. Here, the nucleation sites 104 can be applied by one or more of laser etching, chemical reaction, mechanical embossing, and mechanical debossing on one or more of the public side 32 and the product side 34 of the containment space 42.

[0078] According to FIGS. 11-13, the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1 has a pnmary coating 108 deposited thereon. Application of the primary coating 108 on beverage containers 1 is well-known in the art of beverage packaging and is used to protect against direct contact of the beverage 200 within the containment space 42 with the bare material surface of the material used to produce the container 1. Here, the nucleating surface 100 can be formed by the primary coating 108 and / or through additives to the primary coating 108.

[0079] For example, the nucleation sites 104 can be formed by thickness differentials on the primary coating 108. The thickness differential can be caused by a plurality of inclusions 112. (See FIG. 11). The inclusions 112 are solid particles held in place by the primary coating 108. These inclusions may be embedded in the primary coating 108 or mixed within the primary coating 108.

[0080] In one embodiment, a product side 34 of a containment space 42 of a container 1 has a coating 108 applied thereto. The coating 108 is cured to at least a semi-solid state. The coating 108 forms a nucleating surface 100 comprising inclusions 112. The inclusions 112 are solid particles causing raised coating features. For example, the inclusions 112 can comprise or be formed by a wax material, wherein the inclusions 112 cause thickness differential features that are on the order of 0.001 inches from a base thickness of the coating 108. These inclusions 112 are generally round in shape and may include raised conics 118 (see FIG. 19) or conics with center divots or craters 116 (see FIG. 20).

[0081] In one embodiment, the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1 has the primary coating 108 applied thereto. The coating 108 is cured to at least asemi-solid state. The coating 108 is preferably a polyolefin dispersion having random swirls 114, wherein the swirls 114 have or cause thickness differentials variations in the coating 108. (See FIG. 12). This non-uniform coating surface thickness provides nucleation sites 104.

[0082] In one embodiment, the primary' coating 108 located on the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1 can be etched, preferably by a laser, to form nucleation sites 104 on the primary coating 108. Etching methods may include chemical etching, mechanical etching, for example, using brushes, or lasers. Alternatively, a base material used to form the container 1 can be etched prior to application of the primary 108 coating. In the case of a laser, only portions of a coating thickness are removed so that metal is not exposed after coating to alleviate corrosion concerns.

[0083] In one embodiment, nucleation sites 104 are created on the primary coating 108 when exposed to an energy from a source of energy. The source of energy may be different electromagnetic wavelengths ranging from visible light to gamma rays to e-beam or heat (as in a temperature increase). The energy can be applied to a filled and sealed container.

[0084] According to FIG. 13, thickness differentials which form nucleation sites 104 are created by craters 116 in the primary coating 108.

[0085] In one embodiment, the craters 116 can be caused by a solvent in the primary coating 108. Thus, the nucleating surface 104 comprises craters . The craters 116 are formed by solvent blisters. The craters 116 are formed by a coating 108 on the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1. The coating 108 is cured in a hot oven environment. Heat penetrates and cures the coating 108 moving, perhaps traveling radially outwardly, from an extenor or exposed surface of the coating 108 towards material of the container 1. The heat causes a skin on the exposed surface of the coating 108 to quickly or flash cure such that a skin is formed over uncured coating 108. Additional heat or additional curing duration of the internal coating radially outwardly from the exposed surface skin nearer to the material of the container 1 limits the ability of solvent in the coating 108 to evaporate such that the solvent is trapped under the skin. As the liquid solvent turns to gas, it inflates the “skin” causing a bubble or blister. Many of the bubbles or blisters break leaving a crater 116 geometry surface within the containment space 42 to form the nucleating surface 100 having nucleation sites 104. Some bubbles or blisters are left behind as bumps 142. It is contemplated that the coating 108 of this embodiment comprises individual material particles having a higher boiling point than a base material of the coating to promote skin formation prior to a phase transformation from liquid to gas and blister formation.

[0086] In one embodiment, crazing is utilized to produce nucleation sites 104. Here, mechanical alteration of a material used to produce the container 1, for example, aluminum, is performed after the primary coating 108 is cured on product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1. This mechanical work on the material can be transferred to the primary coating 108 causing stress in the primary coating 108. The stress causes thickness differential in the coating 108 in the form of cracks or crazing in the primary coating 108. The cracks or crazing form nucleation sites. A bottom dome of a container body 40 is an example of a location susceptible to coating cracking or crazing in the primary coating 108 during a bottom reform operation when mechanical work is applied to the container material.

[0087] According to this embodiment, to prevent metal exposure, a secondary coating 120 may be applied to an exposed surface of the primary coating 108 on the product side 34 of the containment space 42, opposite a surface of the primary' coating in contact with the container wall, especially in an area where the mechanical work is applied . A layer next to the aluminum has superior flexibility and does not crack during the mechanical alteration and prevents corrosion. The second layer is more brittle and experiences crazing and cracking.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 14-17, the product side 34 of the containment space 42 may comprise a primary coating 108 and a secondary coating 120 on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating 108 within the containment space 42, where the secondary coating 120 comprises the nucleating surface 100 and nucleation sites 104. Chemically, the secondary coating 120 may be identical or different than the primary coating 108.

[0089] It follows that the nucleating surface 100 formed by or on the secondary coating 120 can be provided in clusters or galaxies 144 of nucleation sites 104 as described above.

[0090] In one embodiment, a nucleating surface 100 is formed by the secondary coating 120 which is applied to an existing primary coating 108 on the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1. Here, the secondary coating 120 is added to an exposed surface of the non-nucleating surface primary coating 108 of the container 1. The secondary coating 120 is added material and can be another a coating comprising the features and elements described above to create thickness differentials in the secondary coating (i.e., inclusions, etching, crater, etc.).

[0091] In one embodiment, nucleation sites 104 are created on at least one of the primary coating 108 or the secondary coating 120 when exposed to an energy from a source of energy'. The source of energy may be different electromagnetic wavelengths ranging from visible light to gamma rays to e-beam or heat (as in a temperature increase). The energy can be applied to a filled and sealed container 1.

[0092] In one embodiment, the secondary coating 120 is etched, preferably by a laser, to form nucleation sites 104 on the secondary coating 120. Etching methods may include chemical etching, mechanical etching, for example, using brushes, or lasers.

[0093] In one embodiment, a nucleating surface 100 is formed by the secondary coating 120 which is applied to an existing primary coating 108 on the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1. Here, the secondary coating 120 is added to an exposed surface of a non-nucleating surface of the primary coating 108 of the container 1. The secondary coating 120 comprises a nucleating material such as inclusions 112 of a wax, silica, or other particles. The inclusions 112 may be suspended in a thin layer of a binder material such that the inclusions 112 are attached to the containment space 42. Thus, it is contemplated that the secondary coating 120 may comprise inclusions suspended in a binder. Alternatively, the binder layer may have a greater thickness and appear as an encrusted glue strip in the containment space 42. It is further contemplated that the secondary coating 120 may consist of inclusions 112 which are embedded in the primary coating 108.

[0094] In one embodiment, the secondary coating 120 is formed by inclusions 112 in the form of discrete individual solid particles distributed within the primary coating 108 and exposed to an energy from a source of energy. A chemical reaction within the solid particles causes the solid particles to transform from a solid to a gas resulting in either a bubble protrusion or a burst bubble void depending on the surrounding material surface tension and strength, thus creating a raised bubble or a recessed crater in the secondary coating 120.

[0095] According to the embodiments comprising a secondary coating 120, the secondary coating 120 may be applied during container manufacture or immediately before filling at the filling location. The secondary coating 120 could be a preformed decal or sticker 124 that is applied to a surface within the containment space 42. The secondary coating 120 may be on a preformed disk that is deposited into the containment space. The secondary coating 120 may be part of an existing gas-carrying secondary compartment to compliment that technology.

[0096] Further according to these embodiments, the secondary coating 120 may be applied to anon-nucleating surface of the containment space 42 of the container 1 when the primary coating 108 is applied to the product side 34 of the containment space 42 and still liquid, semi-liquid, and / or uncured or under-cured. An apparatus for applying the primary coating 108 comprising a spray gun may be operated to further supply the secondary coating 120. This may be accomplished by providing an additional spray gun to an existing apparatus. It is further contemplated that the secondary coating 120 may comprise dryparticles that use the primary coating 108 as an adhesive. The particles may not be top coated with a binder and are, therefore, in direct contact with the beverage product during filling.

[0097] In one embodiment, the nucleating surface 100 is provided by a reticulating coating 124. Reticulating coatings are used on a container’s public side over-vamish coating to achieve different tactile effects ranging from satin and matte micro-finishes to deeper undulating surfaces. The tactile effect is often caused by chemical reactions between specialty decoration ink and specialty over-vamish on the public side 32 of the container 1. To achieve a reticulated coating 124 within a containment space 42 of a container, a secondary coating 120 is applied over a primary coating 108 while the primary and secondary coatings 108,120 are in a liquid state and a chemical reaction can occur. The chemical reaction causes a nucleating surface 100 to form when the primary and secondary coatings 108,120 cure. The curing of the primary and secondary coating 108,120 causes thickness differentials which are configured, as in sized and shaped, to function as nucleation sites 104.

[0098] In one embodiment, one or more of the primary or secondary coatings 108,120 located within the containment space 42 of a container 1 is etched, preferably by a laser, to form nucleation sites 104 on the primary or secondary coatings 108,120. Etching methods may include chemical etching, mechanical etching, for example, using brushes, or lasers.Alternatively, a base material used to form the container can be etched prior to application of the primary coating 108. In the case of a laser, only portions of a coating thickness are removed so that metal is not exposed after coating to alleviate corrosion concerns.

[0099] In one embodiment, the nucleating surface 100 is added to the containment space 42 after the containment space 42 has been filled with a beverage and the container 1 has been sealed with a lid 10 or other substantially fluid-fight closure.

[0100] In one embodiment, the container 1 includes a turbulent package orifice 130. Typically, metallic beverage container openings are optimized to reduce turbulence and promote smooth / fast pouring. According to this embodiment, a container 1 having a containment space 42 filled with a still (non-carbonated) beverage, which has limited or no nucleation ability, can be treated with liquid nitrogen, and a turbulence of the beverage upon opening the sealed container 1 is caused so that the beverage produces a foamy head 204 in the consumer’s mouth. For example, a plastic over-cap feature to create turbulence.

[0101] Further according to this embodiment, Applicant has previously produced a container opening that comprises a matrix of small apertures instead of a standard opening comprising a single large pour aperture. This opening comprising a plurality of small apertures promotes turbulence and nucleation. Additionally, such an opening can be sealedwith a heat seal foil 138, produced from aluminum or other suitable material, rather than a score line opening as described above. The heat seal foil 138 typically comprises a coating, such as a plastic coating, which softens or melts to create adhesion with the public side 32 of the lid 10.

[0102] Additionally, the nucleating surface 100 of this embodiment may include a coating around the small apertures. The coating can be either or both of the primary coating 108 and a secondary coating 120.

[0103] It is difficult to seal pressurized containers having an opening of a single large pour aperture with a heat seal foil because heat seal foils fail due to the pressure acting on a large surface area of the foil. The adhesion force at the rim of the pour aperture may be insufficient, and the internal pressure force acting on the foil will overcome the adhesion force. Additionally, the foil material will often strain and burst.

[0104] Covering a matrix of a plurality of small apertures allows for a foil seal to adhere between all of the apertures. The same internal can pressure results in a much smaller force for each individual aperture, and surface adhesion to the adjacent surfaces of a center panel of a can end or lid is adequate / dominant. With an adequate headspace 59, a pressure increase in nitrogenated (ideal gas) beverage (as compared to carbonation) is not extreme at typical pasteurization temperatures. Optimizing heat sealable peal strength vs. burst / leak resistance is easier for a nitrogen pasteurization temperatures. In the case of nitro foamed cocktail drinks, the small apertures resemble a familiar bartender shaker geometry.

[0105] In one embodiment, a beverage is modified to promote dissolved nitrogen to nucleate. Anti-foaming agents are used commercially to reduce foaming in aggressively foaming products. These anti-foaming agents generally cause a higher rate of gas loss per time and cause the resultant bubbles to collapse. One or more anti-foam agents may be added after filling and before seaming, along with the liquid nitrogen dosing.

[0106] In one embodiment, low levels of carbonation (approximately 1 gas volume of carbon dioxide) in combination with nitrogen are provided to achieve a stable and beneficial condition foamy head 204. Certain proteins are known to “bind” to bubbles and prevent foam from breaking up. The foam would continue to build. Alternate gases and gas concentrations can be provided to change a nucleation rate and a foam quality. The gases may be chosen from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, argon, and combinations thereof. Other gases can be tested as well. Gas solubility within a given beverage ingredient changes the beverage experience. Nitrous oxide solubility in fat is critical to whipped cream.

[0107] In one embodiment, a foaming agent is introduced into a containment space 42 of the container 1 during an application of a primary coating 108. Here, small gas bubbles, preferably microbubbles, for example, of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, are injected into the primary coating 108 prior to being sprayed on the product side 34 of the containment space 42 of the container 1. Once on the product side 34, the gas bubbles can be heated causing the bubbles to enlarge. Depending on a volume of gas and a surface tension / strength of the surrounding primary coating material, each bubble cures as a bump or bursts to create a void. The location of each bump or each void serves as a nucleation site 104.

[0108] In one embodiment, a food grade foaming agent is introduced into the container 1.

[0109] One embodiment is directed to a method of filling a containment space of a container with a beverage, where the container 1 features one or more of the previously described features that promote nucleation of a foamy head 204, including formation of nucleation sites 104 within the containment space 42. A liquid beverage product is pumped to a filling head. Nitrogen is not purposely dissolved in the beverage produce; however, there is typically a cover gas in a holding tank that prevents oxidation and provides a pumping force to the filler head. A small amount of nitrogen will be in solution due to this nitrogen pressure. Alternatively, a small concentration of carbon dioxide may be desired as is common with some beverages (ty pically less than roughly 1 gas volume of carbon dioxide). In which case the cover gas will be carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen.

[0110] A fill height of the container 1 is less than the nominal container fill volume to allow for foam production without overflow, for example fill to 11.5 ounces in a nominal 12 ounce container. The volume is dependent upon beverage specifications, for example, volume of desired foam, risk tolerance for overflow compared to maximum foam production, and is not critical to functionality of the present container 1. For reference, a container 1 containing a secondary compartment, for example a foaming widget, may be filled to 9.6 ounces in a 12 ounce container; however, that is partially due to the volume consumed by the secondary compartment the method of “charging” the secondary compartment with gas. [OHl] Once the container 1 is filled, the filling head commonly releases pressure slowly so that any foaming from dissolved gas is minimized prior to a seaming operation which attaches the can end or lid to the container body 40. The nucleation sites will not produce any bubbles at this time due to a lack of any or minimal dissolved gas.

[0112] Immediately before seaming, a liquid nitrogen doser dispenses a volume of liquid nitrogen to the containment space 42, preferably to the beverage product within the containment space 42, more preferably to a top surface 202 of the beverage product 200. Aliquid nitrogen dose 300 for an industry standard still beverage, for example, still water, wine, cocktail, coffee products, etc., will be enough to pressurize the filled container to 5-10 psi at 35°F to increase package rigidity, and prevent shipping / handling damage. According to this embodiment, a volume of the liquid nitrogen dose 300 can be increased to increase the sealed container pressure to achieve nucleation and foam goals. Here, also, a headspace 59 above the top surface 202 of the beverage 200 is >5%, more preferably >9% of a total volume of the containment space 42, preferably >9.4%.

[0113] Nitrogen behaves like an ideal gas. A relationship between a product temperature / density similar to water, 53psig at 35°F (beverage consumption temperature) will yield about 60 psig at room temperature (70°F). This represents an absolute maximum that a commercial customer would likely be able to pressurize a container without beginning to incur major package overpressure risks. Process variation (fill level and gas concentration) or high summertime distribution temperatures (up to 140°F) could cause package damaging pressure spikes. According to the present disclosure 30-40psig (at 35°F) is the preferred pressure range.

[0114] Immediately after the liquid nitrogen is introduced into the containment space 42 of the filled container 1, preferably dropped onto the top surface 202 of beverage 200, the can end or lid 10 is placed onto the filled container body 40 and attached thereto, for example, by a seaming operation, which seaming operations are well known in the beverage filling art.

[0115] As the liquid nitrogen evaporates within the filled, dosed, and now-sealed container 1, it creates pressure within the container. The process of dissolving nitrogen into the beverage product takes time and initially all nitrogen is in gas form in the headspace 59. As the nitrogen dissolves into solution, eventually the headspace 59 and liquid will be in equilibrium. Dissolving nitrogen reduces nitrogen in the headspace 59, and so the overall internal container pressure will drop. This initial container pressures vs. aged / equilibrated container pressure must be calibrated to arrive at a desirable product and level of foaming. For example, with a larger volume headspace 59, there is less pressure differential between the pre and post dissolved nitrogen container pressure. For that reason, a larger headspace 59 (>9.4% of the total containment space volume) is also preferred to prevent the container 1 from over pressuring at the time of filling. In hot fill, a common headspace is approximately 9.5%. This reduces the pressure spike associated with a minimal nitrogen dose 300 at 185°F. A similar target is likely good for reducing our overdosed nitrogen can pressure spike.

[0116] With the beverage and headspace 59 nitrogen in equilibrium, nucleation sites 104 are “primed”. Upon opening the container, the dissolved nitrogen will begin to form bubblesat nucleation sites 104 within the containment space 42. As bubbles are formed, the total amount of nitrogen in solution decreases. The bubbles will continue to form at some decreasing rate as the beverage is consumed and the dissolved nitrogen depletes. Bubbles combine at the beverage surface to produce high quality foam, preferably a micro-foam.

[0117] In one embodiment, a container body containment space, which is configured to hold and retain a beverage therein, is filled with a beverage. A lid is attached to the container body. A nucleating surface is located within the containment space. A seal substantially fluidly sealing the containment space formed by a combination of the container body and the lid. A gas is dissolved in the beverage within the containment space, wherein contact between the beverage and the nucleating surface causes an initial controlled foam to develop on a top surface of the beverage upon a removal of the seal.

[0118] In another embodiment, a solvent-bearing internal coating 108 prepared according to the present disclosure was applied to the product side 34 of container bodies 40. Three sections, approximately 1 inch 1 inch, per sample were cut out of each sample of the container bodies 40. The samples were taken from an upper portion of the sidewall 60, a middle portion of the sidewall 60, and a lower portion of the sidewall 60. The samples were cleaned with isopropanol, dried with compressed air and then gold coated. The samples were then imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The general SEM settings were: SE detector, lOkV, 90 current, -15 tilt, ~30mm working distance and used the 4th aperture. (See FIGS. 21-24).

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 21-24, micrographs of the samples from the container bodies 40 are shown. The nucleation sites 104, comprising both craters 116 and bumps 142, are arranged in clusters or galaxies 144 comprising, on average, no fewer than about 5 nucleation sites 104 per cluster or galaxy 144. The density of clusters or galaxies is about 31 clusters or galaxies 144 per mm2, preferably greater than 31 clusters or galaxies 144 per mm2.

[0120] The container bodies 40 having nucleation sites 104 distributed as clusters or galaxies 144 produced according to this embodiment were tested for foaming and compared against container bodies having more uniformly distributed nucleation sites 104. The nucleation sites 104 were exposed to a lager. The results are summarized in Table 1.Table 1

[0121] Based on Table 1, the container bodies 40 having nucleation sites 104 distributed as clusters or galaxies 144 had a larger % of foam spilled out of the lid 10 due to the nucleating effect. Faming was 61% more effective than the samples having more uniformly distributed nucleation sites 104.

[0122] Based on this embodiment, the difference in uniform distributed nucleation sited 104 and nucleation sites 104 distributed as clusters or galaxies 144 leads to a difference in outcome of the product effect. It is believed the cluster or galaxy distribution of nucleation sites 104 is a contributing factor in larger foam generation.

[0123] It should be understood that nucleating coating is a known failure mode for traditional beverage containers by causing unacceptable gushing and loss of carbonated beverages between time of filling and seaming. Using this same anomaly to create a benefit to particular beverage categories is new and inventive. Recognizing that this technology is useful for nitrogenated products that the industry generally believes are incapable of selffoaming is also new and inventive. The industry only knows widgets (plastic) or shake method (user error). The present disclosure improves on both technologies.

[0124] The present disclosure delivers a consistent product.

[0125] Advantages of the invention over prior practice include reduced use of plastic and expensive assembly methods, as well as improved recyclability. Some beverage suppliers rely on consumers pouring a beverage hard dow n the center of a glass to agitate the product and cause nucleation. This method works well; however, it is not realistic for on-the-goconsumption where product is consumed directly from an unsealed container 1. The techniques for the most part can be utilized in bottles, cups, and cans.

[0126] Additionally, the industry is working to limit environmental impact associated with plastics. The current plastic widget offerings do not pose a threat to the aluminum recycling stream quality at current production levels. However, eliminating plastic while still providing the nitro beverage experience is a positive step in sustainability.

[0127] The present disclosure also results in manufacturing cost savings. Assembling a secondary compartment, like a widget, is machine and capital expense intensive. A coating based solution likely has lower manufacturing constraints. In global regions where widgets do not exist, a coating based solution would provide a lower barrier to entry than widget assembling machines.

[0128] Further, small pour openings on bottles do not permit widgets that are commonly used by aluminum can manufacturers, however resealable bottles are an ideal candidate for this technology. Between sips of beverage, the container 1 can be reclosed which prevents 1) the nitrogen from leaving the beverage before the product is fully consumed (going flat) and 2) allows beverage manufacturers to be more aggressive in volume of foam they can generate without risk of overflowing over several minutes.

[0129] Sill further, principles of the present disclosure can be used on cups. Nitrogenated coffee is a well-known product that is dispensed at coffee shops. The pouring technology and nitrogen content allow for a rich, creamy foam, preferably a micro-foam to form on top of the product. However, after pouring, the lack of nucleation sites in a standard cup does not allow for continual nitrogen foam production while consuming. The foam may be consumed early in the drinking process and the end of the beverage is flat with no foam. An aluminum cup with a nucleation coating would allow the beverage to continually bubble any remaining nitrogen that is in solution so that some foam may still be present at the end of the beverage. A better drinking experience is had.

[0130] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A non-carbonated beverage packaging comprising: a container (1) comprising a containment space (42) and a nucleating surface (100) on a product side (34) of the container (1) within the containment space (42); and a fluid dissolved in a non-carbonated beverage (200) within the containment space (42), wherein contact between the non-carbonated beverage (200) and the nucleating surface (100) causes a controlled foam (204) to develop on atop surface (202) of the non-carbonated beverage (200).

2. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 1, wherein the nucleating surface (100) comprises a plurality of nucleation sites (104).

3. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 2, wherein the plurality of nucleation sites (104) comprise at least one of a plurality of bumps (142) and a plurality of craters (116).

4. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 3, wherein the nucleating surface (100) is formed by deforming a container wall of the container (1).

5. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 4, wherein the container wall is deformed by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing.

6. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 3 further comprising a primary coating (108) deposited on a product side (34) of the containment space (42), wherein the primary coating (108) comprises the nucleating surface (100).

7. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6, wherein the nucleation sites (104) are arranged in clusters (144), each cluster (144) comprising a subset of the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

8. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 7, wherein each subset comprises at least 5 nucleation sites (104).

9. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 8, wherein a density of the clusters (144) is at least 31 clusters (144) per mm2.

10. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 9, wherein each cluster (144) is separated from an adjacent cluster (144) by an area of the primary coating (108) free of nucleation sites (104), wherein a total area free of nucleation sites (104) is less than a total area of the cluster (144).

11. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 3, wherein the primary coating (108) comprises inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

12. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 11, wherein the inclusions comprise a plurality of solid particles.

13. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 12, wherein the plurality of solid particles comprises at least one of a wax, spherical in shape, a raised conic shape, and a conic-shape with a divot.

14. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6, wherein the primary coating (108) comprises a polyolefin dispersion.

15. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 14, wherein the polyolefin dispersion forms random swirls causing a differential thickness in the primary coating (108) forming the nucleating surface (100).

16. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is formed by a differential thickness in the primary coating (108).

17. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 16, wherein the differential thickness is caused by a solvent in the primary coating (108), wherein the solvent transforms from a liquid to a gas during curing of the primary coating (108) to produce the at least one of the plurality of bumps (142) or the plurality of craters (116).

18. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is formed by at least one of cracks in the primary coating (108) and crazing in the primary coating (108).

19. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6, wherein the primary coating (108) comprises deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

20. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6 wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is created on the primary coating (108) when the primary coating (108) is exposed to an energy from a source of energy.

21. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 20 wherein the source of energy is selected from the group consisting of visible light, gamma rays, an e-beam, and heat.

22. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 6 further comprising a secondary coating (120) located on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating (108) opposite a surface of the primary coating (108) in contact with the container wall, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

23. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 22, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

24. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 23, wherein the inclusions comprise a plurality of solid particles.

25. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 24, wherein the inclusions are suspended in a binder.

26. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 22, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises a decal.

27. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 22, wherein the secondary coating (120) is a reticulating coating.

28. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 22, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

29. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the noncarbonated beverage (200) comprises at least one of a foaming agent an anti-foaming agent.

30. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any preceding claim further comprising a lid (10) enclosing the containment space (42).

31. The non-carbonated bev erage packaging of any preceding claim wherein the lid ( 10) has a plurality of apertures through which the non-carbonated beverage (200) is dispensed.

32. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the container (1) is a two-piece beverage container.

33. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 32, wherein the two-piece beverage container comprises a threaded lid (10).

34. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 32, wherein the two-piece beverage container comprises a lid (10) seamed to a container body (40).

35. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any of Claims 30-34, wherein a headspace is located in the containment space (42) between the top surface (202) of the non-carbonated beverage (200) and the product side (34) of the lid (10), wherein the headspace has a volume is equal to or greater than 9.4% of a total volume of the containment space (42).

36. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any of Claims 26-31 , wherein the nucleating surface (100) comprises a plurality of openings in the lid (10).

37. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any of Claims 1, further comprising a primary coating (108) deposited on a product side (34) of the containment space (42), wherein the primary coating (108) comprises the nucleating surface (100), or a secondary coating (120) is located on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating (108) opposite a surface of the primary coating (108) in contact with the container wall, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises nucleating surface (100).

38. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claim 35 wherein the headspace comprises undissolved nitrogen.

39. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any of Claims 1-29 wherein the container (1) is a metallic cup.

40. The non-carbonated beverage packaging of any of Claims 1-39 wherein the fluid dissolved in the beverage is at least one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide.

41. A beverage packaging comprising: a container (1) comprising: a container body (40); a lid (10) attached to the container body (40); a containment space (42) configured to hold and retain a beverage (200) therein; a nucleating surface (100) within the containment space (42); and a seal substantially fluidly sealing the containment space (42) formed by a combination of the container body (40) and the lid (10); the beverage packaging further comprising: a gas dissolved in a beverage (200) within the containment space (42), wherein contact between the beverage (200) and the nucleating surface (100) causes an initial controlled foam (204) to develop on a top surface (202) of the beverage (200) upon a removal of the seal.

42. The beverage packaging of Claim 41, wherein the nucleating surface (100) comprises a plurality of nucleation sites (104), wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is contactable with the beverage (200) after the seal is formed but not prior to the seal being formed.

43. The beverage packaging of Claim 42 wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is exposed to the beverage (200) upon exposure of the container (1) to an energy provided by a source of energy.

44. The beverage packaging of Claim 43, wherein the plurality of nucleation sites (104) comprise at least one of a plurality of bumps (142) or a plurality of craters (116).

45. The beverage packaging of Claim 44, wherein the nucleating surface (100) is formed by deforming a container wall of at least one the container body (40) and the lid (10).

46. The beverage packaging of Claim 45, wherein the container wall is deformed by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing.

47. The beverage packaging of Claim 41 further comprising a primary coating (108) deposited on a product side (34) of the containment space (42), wherein the primary coating (108) comprises the nucleating surface (100).

48. The beverage packaging of Claim 47, wherein the primary coating (108) comprises inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

49. The beverage packaging of Claim 48, wherein the inclusions comprise a plurality of solid particles.

50. The beverage packaging of Claim 49, wherein the plurality of solid particles comprises at least one of a wax, spherical in shape, a raised conic shape, and a conic-shape with a divot.

51. The beverage packaging of Claim 47, wherein the primary coating (108) comprises a polyolefin dispersion.

52. The beverage packaging of Claim 51 , wherein the polyolefin dispersion forms random swirls causing a differential thickness in the primary coating (108) forming the nucleating surface (100).

53. The beverage packaging of Claim 47, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is formed by a differential thickness in the primary coating (108).

54. The beverage packaging of Claim 53, wherein the differential thickness is caused by a solvent in the primary coating (108), wherein the solvent transforms from a liquid to a gas during curing of the primary coating (108) to produce a plurality of bumps (142) and a plurality of craters (116).

55. The beverage packaging of Claim 54, wherein the nucleation sites (104) are arranged in clusters (144), each cluster (144) comprising a subset of the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

56. The beverage packaging of Claim 55, wherein a density of the clusters (144) is at least clusters (144) per mm2.

57. The beverage packaging of Claim 56, wherein each cluster (144) is separated from an adjacent cluster (144) by an area of the primary coating (108) free of nucleation sites (104), wherein a total area free of nucleation sites (104) is less than a total area of the cluster (144).

58. The beverage packaging of Claim 57, wherein the primary coating (108) comprises inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

59. The beverage packaging of Claim 47, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is formed by at least one of cracks in the primary coating (108) and crazing in the primary coating (108).

60. The beverage packaging of Claim 47, wherein the primary surface comprises deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanical embossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

61. The beverage packaging of Claim 47 further comprising a secondary coating (120) located on an otherwise exposed surface of the primary coating (108) opposite a surface of the primary coating (108) in contact with the container wall, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

62. The beverage packaging of Claim 61, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises inclusions, wherein the inclusions create the plurality' of nucleation sites (104).

63. The beverage packaging of Claim 62, wherein the inclusions comprise a plurality of solid particles.

64. The beverage packaging of Claim 63, wherein the inclusions are suspended in a binder.

65. The beverage packaging of Claim 61, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises a decal.

66. The beverage packaging of Claim 61, wherein the secondary coating (120) is a reticulating coating.

67. The beverage packaging of Claim 61, wherein the secondary coating (120) comprises deformations caused by one or more of a laser etching, a chemical reaction, a mechanicalembossing, and a mechanical debossing, wherein the deformations form each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104).

68. The beverage packaging of any of Claim 41-65, wherein the lid (10) and the container body (40) have threads and the lid (10) is attached to the container body (40) by the threads.

69. The beverage packaging of any of Claims 41-65, wherein the lid (10) is seamed to the container body (40).

70. The beverage packaging of any of Claims 41-69, wherein a headspace is located in the containment space (42) between the top surface (202) of the beverage (200) and the product side (34) of the lid (10), wherein the headspace has a volume is equal to or greater than 9.4% of a total volume of the containment space (42).

71. The beverage packaging of any of Claims 41-70, wherein the beverage (200) is a carbonated beverage.

72. The beverage packaging of Claim 41, wherein the nucleating surface (100) comprises a plurality of nucleation sites (104), wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites (104) is contactable with the gas dissolved in the beverage (200) after the seal is formed but not prior to the seal being formed.

73. The beverage packaging of Claim 72, wherein the gas is not dissolved in the beverage (200) until after the seal is formed.

74. A method of filling a containment space (42) of any of non-carbonated beverage packaging of Claims 1-40 comprising: filling the containment space (42) with the non-carbonated beverage (200); after filling the containment space (42) with the non-carbonated beverage (200), depositing a dose (300) of liquid nitrogen on the non-carbonated beverage (200); after depositing the dose (300) of liquid nitrogen on the non-carbonated beverage (200), substantially fluidly sealing the non-carbonated beverage (200) in the containment space (42).

75. A method of filling a containment space (42) of any of beverage packaging of Claims 41-67 comprising:filling the containment space (42) with the beverage (200); after filling the containment space (42) with the beverage (200), depositing a dose (300) of liquid nitrogen on the beverage (200); after depositing the dose (300) of liquid nitrogen on the beverage (200), substantially fluidly sealing the beverage (200) in the containment space (42).

76. Any beverage packaging of Claims 1-40, wherein the foam (204) is a micro-foam.

77. Any beverage packaging of Claims 41-67, wherein the foam (204) is a micro-foam.