Beverage can with integral flavour releaser

Abstract

The present invention discloses a beverage can with an integral flavour releaser, which comprises an encasing to hold a beverage drink, one or more first grooves at an interior surface of a base of the beverage can and one or more holder members. Each holder member comprises at least one second groove and one or more spike members. The holder member is disposed over each first groove such that the second groove of the holder member aligns with the first groove to form an enclosed space. The spike members extend from the interior surface of the second groove towards the enclosed space. The enclosed space comprises at least one capsule comprising a flavour substance. Further, the first groove made of press-punched aluminum is configured to push and press the capsule against the-spike members to perforate the capsule and release the flavour substance through the plurality of apertures.

Description

BEVERAGE CAN WITH INTEGRAL FLAVOUR RELEASERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to beverage can, and more particularly, to a beverage can with integral flavour releaser.BACKGROUND

[0002] Nowadays, many different drinks are available in the marketplace to satisfy consumers in different ways. A few examples include liquid replenishment drinks, alcoholic drinks, and medical drinks. Most of the drinks are widely packaged and sold in beverage cans. Beverage cans have existed for a decade; however, there were no significant improvements to make the beverage can convenient for the user. Most of the drinks provided in the beverage can only have a base liquid (e.g., water, soda, alcohol, etc.), which can’t be mixed with a flavouring component such as lime, salt, and pepper immediately prior to consumption. The flavouring components are available in a flavour sachet separately. People need to buy the sachets separately and need to buy a separate drink, for example, plain soda, for mixing the flavour substance into the drink.

[0003] Oftentimes, it is cumbersome for people to search and buy the flavour sachet. At times, when the consumer cannot find the flavour sachet, they have to consume the drink without adding the flavour component. Sometimes, consumers will intentionally forego the search for the flavour substance as searching for the flavour sachet takes considerable time and effort.

[0004] Another type of drink that is available in the market is a flavoured drink. This type of drink comes with a base liquid, which is pre-mixed with the flavour substance. However, this type of drink deprives the consumer of the decision of whether to combine the additive or flavour with the drink. Further, some consumers may not like the type of flavour mixed with the drink and may have to discard the complete drink. Further, the consumer has to buy all types of flavoured drinks to find the ones that suit their taste.

[0005] Further, the existing beverage can design generally has a small opening at the top portion of the can and a pull tab to provide access to the opening. The opening is configured to enable the consumer to consume the drink directly through the opening. Such an opening is unsuitable for pouring the flavour substance into the drink stored in the beverage can. Further,the process of pouring or mixing the flavour substance requires the consumer to touch the substance, which could create an unhealthy situation if the consumer does not have properly washed hands.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that integrates the flavour-releasing mechanism with the beverage can and provides an option to mix the flavour with drinks to the consumer.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention discloses a beverage can with an integral flavour releaser. The beverage can comprises a can body having a base, a top wall having an opening, a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the base to the periphery of the top wall to define an encasing to hold a beverage drink. The can body further comprises a lid to provide access to the opening. The base comprises one or more first grooves at the interior surface of the base of the beverage can.

[0008] The beverage can further comprises one or more holder members. Each holder member comprises at least one second groove and one or more spike members. In one embodiment, at least one holder member is disposed over each first groove such that the second groove of the holder member aligns with the first groove to form an enclosed space. The spike members extend from the interior surface of the second groove towards the enclosed space. The enclosed space comprises at least one capsule comprising a flavour substance.

[0009] The first groove is made of press-punched aluminum. The first groove is configured to push the capsule against the spike members to perforate the capsule and release the flavour substance. The second groove comprises a plurality of apertures to enable passage of flavour substance therethrough.

[0010] In one embodiment, each enclosed space comprises the same flavour substances. In another embodiment, each enclosed space comprises different flavour substances. In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove have semi-circular configuration.

[0011] Further, each holder member comprises one or more leg members extending from the second grooves. The leg member comprises a hole. Further, the base comprises two or more integral rivets proximal to each first groove.

[0012] An arrangement of rivets of the first groove is complementary to an arrangement of the leg members of the second groove to enable passage of the respective rivet through the respective hole of the leg member. Thereby, positioning the holder member over the base and aligning the second groove and the first groove. Further, a shank of the rivet is riveted by a rivet tool, which fastens the holder member to the base of the beverage can.

[0013] The first groove is defined to include a base portion, a recess extends around a periphery of the base portion and a sidewall portion extends from the recess in a plane perpendicular to the recess and the base portion. The recess enables to easily depress the first groove and pushes the capsule against the spike members to perforate the capsule and release the flavour substance. The capsule further comprises at least a predefined amount of flavour configured to enhance the characteristics of the beverage drink and provide one or more benefits including refreshing, energizing, relaxing, performance-enhancing effects to a consumer.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective of a beverage can with an integral flavour releaser, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a top view of the beverage can with the integral flavour releaser of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the beverage can with the integral flavour releaser of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the holder member disposed at the base of the beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the holder member and the base of the beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holder member disposed at the base of the beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a top-perspective view of the base of the beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates a bottom perspective view of the base of the beverage can, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a top view of the holder member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a base of the beverage can comprising a plurality of holder members, according to another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Example, embodiments of the disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts discussed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements but not necessarily the same or identical elements throughout.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a beverage can 100 comprises a can body 102 having a base 104, a top wall 106, and a sidewall 108 extends from a periphery of the base 104 to a periphery of the top wall 106 to define an encasing 110 to hold a beverage drink. The top wall 106 comprises an opening and a lid 112 to provide access to the opening. In an example, the lid 112 is a pull tab. Referring to FIG. 1, the beverage can 100 further comprises one or more holder members 114. According to this embodiment, at least one holder member 114 is disposed at an interior side of the base 104. The holder member 114 is configured to hold at least one capsule 116 (shown in FIG. 5) containing a flavour substance. The beverage can 100 further comprises one or more first grooves 118 (shown in FIG. 6) at the interior surface of the base 104.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, each holder member 114 comprises at least one second groove 120. Each holder member 114 is disposed at the base 104 in such a way the secondgroove 120 of the holder member 114 aligns with the first groove 118 at the base 104. The first groove 118 and the second groove 120 together define an enclosed space or a housing 122 to receive and secure the capsule 116 therein. In one embodiment, the first groove 118 and the second groove 120 have semi-circular configuration.

[0027] The beverage can 100 further comprises one or more rivets 124 integrally formed adjacent to each first groove 118. The holder member 114 further comprises one or more leg members 126. Each leg member 126 comprises a hole 128. An arrangement of the rivets 124 of the first groove 118 is complementary to an arrangement of the leg members 126 of the second groove 120. This arrangement enables to insert the rivets 124 into the holes 128 of respective leg members 126 and also aligns the second groove 120 to the first groove 118.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 6, the holder member 114 further comprises one or more spike members 130. The spike members 130 extend from the interior surface of the second groove 120 towards the enclosed space 122. In one embodiment, the spike members 130 are made from aluminium material.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first groove 118 is defined to include a base portion 132, a recess 134 extends from a periphery of the base portion 132 and a sidewall portion 136 extends from the recess 134 in a plane perpendicular to the recess 134 and the base portion 132. In one embodiment, the base portion 132 has an arcuate configuration. In another embodiment, the base portion 132 has a flat configuration. The base portion 132 could have any other type of configuration.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the base portion 132, the recess 134 extending around the base portion 132 and the sidewall portion 136 extending in the plane perpendicular to the recess 134 and the base portion 132 forms the first groove 118. Further, at least two integral rivets 124 are formed proximal to the first groove 118.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 9, the holder member 114 comprises the second groove 120 and one or more apertures 140 formed on the second groove 120. Further, at least two leg members 126 extend from a rim of the second groove 120. Each leg member 126 comprises the hole 128. In an example, the leg member 126 has a circular shape. In one embodiment, the second groove 120 has an arcuate configuration. Further, the plurality of spike members 130 extends from an end portion of the second groove 120 towards the interior side of the second groove 120.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first groove 118 is formed out of aluminum by press-punching. The first groove 118 is a pressable member. The first groove 118 is configured to depress for a predefined height towards the enclosed space 122, which pushes the capsule 116 against the spike members 130 to perforate the capsule 116 and release the flavour substance. Further, the recess 134 enables to easily depress the first groove 118. The aperture 140 on the second groove 120 enables passage of flavour substance from the enclosed space 122 to the encasing 110 having the beverage drink.

[0033] In another embodiment, the base portion 132 is made of press- punched aluminum. The base portion 132 is a pressable member. The base portion 132 is configured to depress for a predefined height towards the enclosed space 122, which presses the capsule 116 against the spike members 130 to perforate the capsule 116. In one embodiment, the holder member 114 is stamped by a press separately and attached to the base 104.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 10, the base 104 of the beverage can 100 comprises a plurality of holder members 114. The beverage can 100 comprise the base 104 having at least three first grooves 118. The beverage can 100 further comprise at least three holder members 114. Each holder member 114 comprises the second groove 120. At least one holder member 114 disposed over each first groove 118 such that the second groove 120 align with the first groove 118 to define three enclosed spaces 122. At least one capsule 116 is disposed within each enclosed space 122. According to this embodiment, at least three enclosed spaces 122 are defined to enclose at least three capsules 116, respectively. In one embodiment, each capsule 116 comprises a different flavour substance. In another embodiment, each capsule 116 comprises the same flavour substance.

[0035] During assembly, the capsule 116 is received at the first groove 118. Further, the holder member 114 is disposed over each first groove 118 in such a way the second groove 120 of the holder member 114 aligns with the first groove 118 and the holes 128 of each leg member 126 aligns over rivets 124 of the corresponding first groove 118. Thereby, the enclosed spaces 122 are defined to enclose the capsules 116. Further, a shank of the rivets 124 is deformed using a rivet tool to fasten the holder member 114 to the base 104 of the beverage can 100.

[0036] In one embodiment, the size of the capsule 116 is proportionate to the size of the beverage can 100. For example, the capsule 116 could release enough flavour into a small can or 0.5 litres of soda. In another embodiment, the capsule 116 could be made in different sizes and could have any flavours. Further, Carbon dioxide can be added to the flavour to increasethe internal pressure of the capsule 116 to make the capsule 116 burst faster. The capsules 116 have a paintball-type configuration or a pill-type configuration. Gelatine could be exchanged with poly ethene, rubber, or another suitable material.

[0037] According to the present invention, that capsule 116 could contain any type of flavour. The capsule 116 can comprises of any natural, semi -natural strong flavors or natural essential oils of the highest organic quality that impart irresistible tastes and aromas to drinks. The capsule 116 is configured to infuse drinks with even a minuscule amounts of essential oils. The natural aroma-based essential oils offer both health benefits and specific effects to the consumer. Further, the natural aroma-based essential oils provide fresh flavours with a unique twist. The present invention assists in capitalizing on the growing demand for natural and healthy products in the beverage industry. The capsule 116 provides a pleasant and dominant flavour, and aroma to the beverage drink. The capsule 116 enables to achieve an effect known in wines by delivering hints of flavours into a beverage.

[0038] Advantageously, the present invention enables cost-effective production of beverage can 100 with integral flavour releaser. The recess 134 around the base portion 132 of the first groove 118 enables to easily press the first groove 118, which pushes the capsule 116 against the spike members 130. The present invention enables to store and dispense different flavours. Further, the pressable member enables to easily dispense the flavour and the consumer does not need to touch the capsule 116, directly.

[0039] Although the features, functions, components, and parts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

[0040] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 22 March 2024 ioAMENDED CLAIMS1. A beverage can, comprising: a can body having a base, a top wall having an opening, a sidewall extends from a periphery of the base to a periphery of the top wall to define an encasing to hold a beverage drink and a lid to provide access to the opening, wherein the base comprises one or more first grooves at an interior surface of the base, and one or more holder members, wherein each holder member comprises at least one second groove and one or more spike members, wherein at least one holder member is disposed over each first groove such that the second groove of the holder member aligns with the first groove to form an enclosed space, wherein the spike members extend from an interior surface of the second groove towards the enclosed space, wherein the enclosed space comprises at least one capsule comprising flavour substance, wherein the first groove is configured to depress and push the capsule against the spike members to perforate the capsule and release the flavour substance.

2. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein each enclosed space comprises the same flavour substance.

3. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein each enclosed space comprises a different flavour substance.

4. The beverage can of claim 1 , where each holder member comprises one or more leg members extending from the second grooves, wherein each leg member comprises a hole.

5. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein each second groove comprises a plurality of apertures to release the flavour substance therethrough.

6. The beverage can of claim 1 , wherein the first groove and the second groove have semi-circular configuration.

7. The beverage can of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises one or more integral rivets proximal to each first groove.

8. (Amended)The beverage can of claim 7, wherein an arrangement of rivets of the first groove is complementary to an arrangement of leg members of the second groove to pass the respective rivet through a respective hole of the leg member for positioning the holder member over thebase and aligning the second groove and the first groove, wherein a shank of the rivet is riveted by a rivet tool.

9. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the first groove is defined to include a base portion, a recess extends around a periphery of the base portion and a sidewall portion extends from the recess in a plane perpendicular to the recess and the base portion.

10. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the capsule further comprises at least a predefined amount of favour configured to enhance characteristics of the beverage drink and provide one or more benefits including refreshing, energizing, relaxing, performance-enhancing, and painreducing effects to a consumer.

11. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the first groove is made of aluminium material.

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