Attachment for canned beverage

Abstract

The present invention provides an attachment which makes it possible to quickly and reliably pour, into a beverage can, a beverage component that is inside a container.　Provided is an attachment (10) comprising: a connector part (50) that is attached to an upper end of a beverage can; and a container part (30) that threadedly engages with the connector part (50) and that includes an accommodation chamber (37) which accommodates a mixture liquid. The connector part (50) has a protruding part (52) which is substantially cylindrical and in the outer circumferential surface of which a male thread (53) is formed, and a flange (54) which extends radially outward from the protruding part. The container part (30) has a substantially cylindrical outer wall (32), a lower base part (34) which defines the accommodation chamber (37), a female thread (42) which is disposed below the lower base part (34) and which is complementary to the male thread (53), and a pull-top type upper base part, at least part of which opens. The lower base part (34) has a substantially circular fragile part (36) that can be broken by pressing. When the container part (30) is rotated a first prescribed angle with respect to connector part (50), the tip end (55) of the protruding part (52) of the connector part (50) presses against the lower base part (34) of the container part (30) and breaks the fragile part (36).

Description

Attachment for canned beverages

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment for canned beverages that is attached to the upper surface of a beverage can containing a beverage and houses a liquid to be mixed with the beverage therein. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for quickly and easily mixing an additive liquid such as alcohol, energy drink, or flavor syrup with a beverage.

[0002] An attachment for canned beverages is known that is attached to the upper surface of a beverage can containing a beverage and houses a liquid to be mixed with the beverage therein. Such an attachment is often used to provide a specific beverage experience.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage ingredient cartridge for storing and dispensing beverage ingredients. The cartridge includes a container for storing a first beverage ingredient and a cap fixed within an open upper end of the container. When the cartridge is inserted into the upper opening of a beverage tank that stores a liquid such as water or carbonated water, a film within the cartridge is torn by a cartridge opener positioned within the beverage tank, and the beverage ingredient flows from the cartridge into the beverage tank.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an attachment for canned beverages that houses an additive material and is attached to the upper surface of a canned beverage. According to this, when the attachment for canned beverages is fitted to the can container with the can opening tab of the can container standing upright, a hole is opened in the film at the bottom of the attachment by the opening tab, and the beverage within the can container and the additive material within the attachment are mixed.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a container with a cap that includes a cap having a lid body and a bottom lid detachably fixed to the lid body, and a bottomed cylindrical container body to which the cap is attached at an opening. According to this, by an operation of opening the cap, the bottom lid contacts a protrusion of the container body and detaches from the lid body, whereby the substance housed within the cap is released into the container.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022 - 543170, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005 - 82186, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020 - 033046

[0007] In configurations such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, where the film of the container holding the beverage components is punctured, the beverage components in the cartridge tend to remain on the inside of the film, resulting in problems such as incomplete mixing or a relatively long time required to pour the beverage components into the can container. Furthermore, in configurations such as those described in Patent Document 3, where a detachable bottom lid is present, the mixed components may not be completely released, and the lid may detach into the container along with the substance. In addition, these configurations are complex to operate and are difficult for users to use.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an attachment that can quickly and reliably pour beverage components from a container into a beverage can.

[0009] To solve the above problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an attachment is provided comprising a connector portion attached to the upper end of a beverage can, and a container portion screwed to the connector portion and including a storage chamber for storing a mixed liquid, wherein the connector portion is substantially cylindrical and has a convex portion with male threads formed on its outer circumference and a flange extending radially outward from the convex portion, and the container portion has a substantially cylindrical outer wall, a lower bottom portion defining a storage chamber, a female thread complementary to the male threads located below the lower bottom portion, and a pull-tab type upper bottom portion that is at least partially open, wherein the lower bottom portion has a substantially circular weak portion that can be broken by pressing, and the attachment is configured such that when the container portion is rotated by a first predetermined angle relative to the connector portion, the upper end of the convex portion of the connector portion presses against the lower bottom portion of the container portion and breaks the weak portion.

[0010] According to this design, the weak point of the container section that holds the mixed liquid opens up widely when it ruptures, making it possible to pour the mixed liquid into the beverage can more quickly and reliably than with conventional designs that pierce a film.

[0011] Preferably, the roughly circular weakened portion has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the upper end of the convex portion, and a portion of its circumference is not weakened.

[0012] According to this design, even after the weak point ruptures, it will not detach from the container, making it hygienic and eliminating the need for separate disposal after use.

[0013] The connector portion preferably has multiple flexible clips extending from the outer circumference of the flange in the opposite direction to the protrusions, and the clips preferably have inward-facing projections that fit onto the rim of the beverage can.

[0014] According to this design, making the clip flexible allows the attachment to be fitted to beverage cans of different capacities, for example. Furthermore, the clip can generate a sound when attached to inform the user that the attachment is complete. Additionally, the inward-facing protrusions on the clip securely engage the beverage can and attachment, preventing the attachment from detaching when the user tilts the can to drink.

[0015] Preferably, the connector portion has an annular inner wall located inside the clip on the lower surface of the flange, and a seal is provided at the tip of the inner wall to seal the top surface of the beverage can when the connector portion is attached to the beverage can.

[0016] According to this, by using a seal to create a liquid-tight seal on the top surface of the beverage can, it is possible to prevent liquid from leaking from the fitting between the beverage can and the attachment when the user tilts the beverage can to drink.

[0017] Preferably, the connector portion has a first projection extending in the direction of the convex portion on the upper surface of the flange, and the container portion has a flexible rib protruding in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the container portion on the inner circumferential surface, and after the container portion is rotated relative to the connector portion by a second predetermined angle smaller than a first predetermined angle, the rib comes into contact with the first projection to prevent rotation in the opposite direction.

[0018] According to this, it is possible to prevent the connector part and the container part from unintentionally rotating relative to each other when the attachment is sold in stores or when it is being carried around.

[0019] Preferably, a second projection is provided on the upper surface of the flange of the connector portion, having a shorter extension length than the first projection, and the rib is configured to move over the second projection when the container portion is rotated by a predetermined first angle relative to the connector portion.

[0020] According to this, a sound can be generated when the rib overcomes the second protrusion. Normally, when the attachment is installed, the user cannot see the bottom of the container section, so the sound can inform the user that the vulnerable part has begun to break, i.e., that the mixed liquid has started to flow out.

[0021] The attachment of this invention allows for the rapid and reliable pouring of mixed liquids into beverage cans. This enables users to easily change the flavor and ingredients of beverages, allowing them to obtain specific beverage experiences. Furthermore, hygienic use is ensured, and the completion of the operation can be confirmed not only visually but also audibly through the sound of attachment, improving usability. In addition, the sealing mechanism prevents liquid leakage, ensuring clean and safe use.

[0022] This is a perspective view of an attachment for canned beverages according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the connector and container parts separated. This is a perspective view of the connector and container parts separated, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 2. (a) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the outer wall and plug, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of (a). This is a perspective view of the attachment. This is a diagram illustrating how to use the attachment. This is a diagram illustrating how to use the attachment. This is a diagram illustrating how to use the attachment. This is a diagram illustrating how to use the attachment. This is a diagram illustrating how to use the attachment. (a) is a front view of an attachment for canned beverages according to another embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a cross-sectional view thereof. This is a perspective view showing the connector and container parts separated. (a) is a front view of the connector part, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the connector part, and (c) is a partially enlarged view of part G in (b). (a) is a front view of the container part, and (b) is a cross-sectional view thereof. This is a partially enlarged view of part C in Figure 10(b). This is a bottom view of the container part.

[0023] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of the elements may differ from reality. Even between drawings, there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an attachment 10 for canned beverages according to one embodiment of the present invention. The attachment 10 is used by being attached to the top end of a commercially available or dedicated beverage can. The attachment 10 contains a liquid for mixing with the beverage contained in the beverage can. Any combination of beverage in the beverage can and mixed liquid in the attachment is possible. For example, the beverage in the beverage can is a carbonated beverage, and the mixed liquid in the attachment is, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as vodka, an energy drink, or a flavored syrup.

[0025] The attachment 10 consists of a connector portion 50 that is attached to the upper end of a beverage can (not shown), and a container portion 30 that is screwed into the connector portion 50 and contains the liquid to be mixed with the beverage. The connector portion 50 and the container portion 30 are usually provided to the user already assembled by screwing them together.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the connector portion 50 and the container portion 30 separated, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the same from a different direction. The connector portion 50 is substantially cylindrical and has a protrusion 52 on which male threads 53 are formed on its outer circumference, and a flange 54 extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical protrusion 52 opposite to the container portion.

[0027] The container section 30 has a substantially cylindrical outer wall 32 and a lower bottom section 34 provided in the middle of the outer wall 32. The outer wall 32 and the lower bottom section 34 define a storage chamber 37 in which the liquid to be mixed into the beverage is contained. This storage chamber 37 is covered by an upper bottom section 38 (not shown) formed at the upper end of the outer wall 32. This upper bottom section 38 is a pull-tab that opens at least a portion of it by user operation, like a commercially available beverage can, and as will be described later, by opening this pull-tab, the user can drink the mixed beverage. The pull-tab may be a pull-tab type, a stay-on tab type, or a fully open-end type.

[0028] The container section 30 has a plug 20 (see Figure 4(a)) on the inside of the outer wall 32. The outer wall 32 and the plug 20 may be integrally molded, or they may be formed by inserting the plug 20 into the outer wall 32. The upper surface of the plug 20 constitutes the lower bottom section 34. Below the lower bottom section 34 of the plug 20, there is an inner wall 40 concentric with the outer wall 32, and on the inside of the inner wall 40, there is a female thread 42 that is complementary to the male thread 53 formed on the protrusion 52 of the connector section 50. In the initial state, the male thread 53 and the female thread 42 are screwed together partway along the length of the thread, so that the connector section 50 and the container section 30 are combined as shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the outer wall 32 and the plug 20, and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 4(a). A substantially circular weak portion 36 is formed in the lower base 34, concentric with the outer wall 32 and the inner wall 40. The weak portion 36 is formed by partially thinning the thickness of the lower base 34, as shown in Figure 4(b). The weak portion 36 has an inner diameter that is substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the tip 55 of the convex portion 52. A raised portion 39 may be formed in the lower base 34 to abut against the tip 55 of the convex portion 52. Furthermore, it is preferable that a portion of the circular weak portion is not weakened, i.e., its thickness is not thinned. The weak portion may be, for example, in the range of a central angle of about 300° to about 350° of the circumference. By providing a portion that is not weakened in this way, the weak portion is prevented from detaching from the container portion. Note that the weak portion does not have to be circular as long as it opens up widely when it breaks.

[0030] With the connector portion 50 fitted to the upper end of the beverage can, when the container portion 30 is rotated clockwise relative to the connector portion 50, the tip 55 of the protrusion 52 of the connector portion 50 approaches the lower bottom portion 34 of the container portion 30 due to the screw action of the female screw 42 and the male screw 53. When the container portion 30 is rotated by a first predetermined angle relative to the connector portion 50, the tip 55 of the protrusion 52 of the connector portion 50 presses against the lower bottom portion 34 (or raised portion 39) of the container portion 30. As a result, the fragile portion 36 breaks, the storage chamber 37 is opened, and the stored liquid flows out. The first predetermined angle can be determined according to the distance from the tip 55 of the protrusion 52 to the lower surface of the lower bottom portion 34 in the initial state of the attachment 10 and the screw pitch. To prevent user error, this first predetermined angle is preferably 180° or more, but is not limited to this.

[0031] Returning to Figure 3, the connector portion 50 has a plurality (three in this case) of clips 56 extending in the opposite direction to the protrusion 52 on the outer circumference of the flange 54. These clips 56 are flexibly formed to expand slightly radially outward, and a clip gap 58 is formed between adjacent clips 56. Each clip 56 has an inward-facing projection 57. After placing the connector portion 50 on the upper end of a beverage can (not shown), when the user presses the attachment 10 toward the beverage can, the clips 56 expand slightly in diameter and are configured to engage with the rim of the beverage can. This allows the user to grasp the attachment 10 and the beverage can as a single unit. In addition, the clips generate a sound when attached, which informs the user that the attachment has been properly fitted to the beverage can.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable that the number of clips 56, the flexibility of the clips 56, the position and size of the protrusions 57, etc., be appropriately designed according to the shape of the rim of the beverage can. Therefore, a dedicated attachment 10 is prepared for each type of beverage can. However, by making the clips 56 flexible, it may be possible to attach them to beverage cans with the same rim shape but different capacities, i.e., different outer diameters of the top of the can.

[0033] Furthermore, the connector portion 50 has an annular inner wall 60 located inside the clip 56 on the lower surface of the flange 54. The tip of the inner wall 60 is provided with a seal 62 that, when the connector portion 50 is attached to the beverage can, is pressed against the top surface of the beverage can to create a liquid-tight seal on the top surface of the beverage can. This prevents liquid from leaking out from the gap between the inner wall 60 of the connector portion 50 and the top surface of the beverage can when the mixed liquid is poured from the attachment into the beverage can and when the user drinks the mixed beverage.

[0034] The seal 62 may be a pre-made O-ring that fits into a groove (not shown) formed at the tip of the inner wall 60, or a seal may be formed at the tip of the inner wall 60 using a two-shot injection molding process with a different plastic material than the connector portion 50.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the connector and the container are only screwed together, so during transportation, display in stores, or when a user is carrying the attachment, rotation may occur unintentionally or carelessly, causing the connector and the container to separate or the liquid contained inside to leak out.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, a first projection 70 is provided on the upper surface of the flange 54 of the connector portion 50, extending in the same direction as the convex portion 52. This first projection 70 has a sloped surface 70a that widens in the outer diameter direction and a vertical surface 70b in the rotation direction of the container portion when liquid is discharged. Furthermore, an elastic rib 80 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the container portion 30, projecting inward in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the container portion. When the container portion 30 is rotated relative to the connector portion 50 by a second predetermined angle smaller than the first predetermined angle described above (indicated by arrow 82 in Figure 5), the tip of this rib 80 comes into contact with the first projection 70, is pushed outward by the sloped surface 70a and deformed, then overcomes the sloped surface 70a and returns to its original inward direction at the end of the vertical surface 70b. Subsequently, even if an attempt is made to rotate the container section 30 in the reverse direction, the tip of the rib 80 catches on the vertical surface 70b of the protruding section 70, thereby preventing rotation in the reverse direction. Therefore, if transportation, display, etc., are carried out in this state, separation of the connector section 50 and the container section 30 can be prevented.

[0037] Furthermore, a second projection 72 may be provided on the upper surface of the flange 54 of the connector portion 50. Similar to the first projection 70, this second projection 72 has a slope 72a that widens in the outward direction in the rotation direction of the container portion 30 when liquid is discharged. In addition, the extension length of the second projection 72 is shorter than that of the first projection 70, and this length is set to a height such that the elastic rib 80 overcomes the slope 72a of the second projection 72 when the container portion 30 is rotated by the first predetermined angle described above relative to the connector portion 50.

[0038] In this way, when the user rotates the container portion 30 relative to the connector portion 50 and the rib 80 passes over the slope 72a of the second protrusion 72, the user feels resistance, and when it overcomes the slope 72a, it can generate a sound. Since the user cannot see the bottom 34 of the container portion 30 while the attachment 10 is attached to the beverage can, the sound can inform the user that a weak point has begun to break, that is, that the mixed liquid has started to flow out. In other words, in this case, the elastic rib 80 has two functions: an anti-reverse rotation function and a sound-generating function.

[0039] Furthermore, a seal or sticker may be affixed across the container and connector sections so that it tears when the container section is twisted. This visually informs the user that the attachment has been used.

[0040] Next, the method of using the attachment according to this embodiment will be described. First, open the beverage can in the usual way. In the case of a stay-on tab type can, return the upright tab to its original position. Next, the attachment is pressed against the top of the beverage can to engage the beverage can and the connector (Figure 6A). At this time, ensure that all the clips of the connector catch on the rim of the beverage can. Subsequently, the user holds the connector with one hand, pressing the multiple clips against the beverage can, and rotates the container part relative to the connector with the other hand (Figure 6B). As described above, by rotating by the first predetermined angle, the fragile part breaks, and the liquid contained in the storage chamber flows out from the bottom (Figure 6C). The flowed-out liquid flows into the beverage can through the opening of the beverage can. Shake the beverage can and attachment together to mix the beverage and the liquid (Figure 6D). Finally, open the pull tab at the top bottom of the container (Figure 6E). With the attachment and beverage can fitted together, the user can drink the beverage mixed inside the can through the opening. This allows the user to easily change the flavor and ingredients of the beverage, enabling them to obtain a specific beverage experience.

[0041] According to this embodiment, since the weakened portion formed at the bottom of the container part is substantially circular and is pushed open by the tip of the convex part to open widely, it is possible to pour the mixed liquid into the beverage can more quickly and surely than the configuration of piercing the film provided below the storage chamber as in the prior art. Further, after attaching the attachment to the beverage can, the mixed liquid can be made to flow out only by rotating the container part with respect to the connector part, so the usage method is easy for the user to understand.

[0042] Further, even after the weakened portion is broken, the bottom portion does not separate from the container part, so the bottom portion does not fall into the beverage can, which is hygienic and does not need to be separately discarded after use.

[0043] The container part and the connector part are made of plastic and are preferably created by injection molding. However, one or both of the container part and the connector part may be made of aluminum or steel like the beverage can. Only a part of the container part, for example, only the outer wall, may be made of metal.

[0044] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

[0045] FIG. 7(a) is a front view of an attachment 110 for canned beverages according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view thereof. The attachment 110 is used by being attached to the upper end of a commercially available or dedicated beverage can. Inside the attachment 110, a liquid for mixing with the beverage contained in the beverage can is contained. The beverage in the beverage can and the mixed liquid in the attachment can be combined arbitrarily. As an example, the beverage in the beverage can is a carbonated beverage, and the mixed liquid in the attachment is, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as vodka, an energy drink, a flavor syrup, or the like.

[0046] The attachment 110 is composed of a connector portion 150 that is attached to the upper end of a beverage can (not shown) and a container portion 130 that is screwed together with the connector portion 150 and houses a liquid to be mixed into the beverage. The connector portion 150 and the container portion 130 are usually provided to the user in a state combined by screwing.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the separated state of the connector portion 150 and the container portion 130. The connector portion 150 has a convex portion 152 that is substantially cylindrical and has a male thread 153 formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a flange 154 that extends radially outward from one end of the cylindrical convex portion 152 on the side opposite to the container portion.

[0048] The container portion 130 has a substantially cylindrical outer wall 132 and a bottom portion 134 (see FIG. 10(b)) provided in the middle portion of the outer wall 132. The outer wall 132 and the bottom portion 134 define an accommodation chamber 137 in which the liquid to be mixed into the beverage is accommodated. This accommodation chamber 137 is covered by an upper bottom portion (not shown) formed at the upper end of the outer wall 132. This upper bottom portion is a pull top that at least partially opens by a user's operation, like a commercially available beverage can. As will be described later, by opening this pull top, the user can drink the mixed beverage. The pull top may be any of a pull tab type, a stay-on tab type, and a full-open end type.

[0049] Figure 9(a) is a front view of the connector portion 150, Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view of the connector portion 150, and Figure 9(c) is an enlarged view of portion G in Figure 9(b). The connector portion 150 has a plurality (three in this case) of clips 156 extending in the opposite direction to the protrusion 152 on the outer circumference of the flange 154. These clips 156 are flexibly formed to slightly expand in diameter radially outward, and a clip gap 158 is formed between adjacent clips 156. Each clip 156 has an inward-facing projection 157, as shown in Figure 9(c). The projection 157 has a slope that expands in diameter downward, as shown. After the connector portion 150 is placed on the upper end of a beverage can (not shown), when the user presses the attachment 110 toward the beverage can, the edge of the beverage can slides along the slope, slightly expanding the diameter of the clips 156. Subsequently, the rim of the beverage can fits above the projection 157, causing the connector portion 150 and the rim of the beverage can to engage. This allows the user to grasp the attachment 110 and the beverage can together. Furthermore, the clip generates an audible sound when attached, informing the user that the attachment has been properly fitted to the beverage can.

[0050] Furthermore, the connector portion 150 has an annular inner wall 160 located inside the clip 156 on the lower surface of the flange 154. On the outer circumference side of the inner wall 160, that is, the side facing the inner circumference of the clip 156, a seal 162 is provided to liquid-tightly seal the top surface of the beverage can when the connector portion 150 is attached to the beverage can. By clamping the rim of the beverage can with the clip 156 and the seal 162, it is possible to prevent liquid from leaking out from the gap between the inner wall 160 of the connector portion 150 and the rim of the beverage can when the mixed liquid is poured from the attachment into the beverage can and when the user drinks the mixed beverage.

[0051] The seal 162 may be an O-ring that fits into a hook or groove formed at the tip of the inner wall 160, or the seal may be formed on the inner wall 160 using a different plastic material than the connector portion 150 by a two-shot injection molding process.

[0052] It is preferable that the number of clips 156, the flexibility of the clips 156, the position and size of the protrusions 157, the position and size of the seal 162, etc., be appropriately designed according to the shape of the rim of the beverage can. Therefore, a dedicated attachment 110 is prepared for each type of beverage can. However, by making the clips 156 flexible, it may be possible to attach them to beverage cans with the same rim shape but different capacities, i.e., different outer diameters of the top of the can.

[0053] Figure 10(a) is a front view of the container section 130, and Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view thereof. The container section 130 has a plug 120 inside the outer wall 132. The outer wall 132 and the plug 120 may be integrally molded as shown in the figure, or they may be formed by inserting the plug 120 into the outer wall 132. The upper surface of this plug 120 constitutes the lower bottom 134. Below the lower bottom 134 of the plug 120, there is an inner wall 140 concentric with the outer wall 132, and on the inside of the inner wall 140, there is a female thread 142 that is complementary to the male thread 153 formed on the protrusion 152 of the connector section 150. In the initial state (for example, when displayed in a store), the male thread 153 and the female thread 142 are screwed together partway along the length of the thread, so that the connector section 150 and the container section 130 are combined as shown in Figure 7.

[0054] Figure 11 is a magnified view of section C in Figure 10(b). A roughly circular weak portion 136 is formed on the lower base 134, concentric with the outer wall 132 and the inner wall 140. The weak portion 136 is formed by partially thinning the thickness of the lower base 134, as shown in Figure 11. The weak portion 136 has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the tip 155 of the protrusion 152 of the connector portion 150. A raised portion 139 is formed on the protrusion 152 to abut against the weak portion 136 (see Figures 8 and 9). Furthermore, it is preferable that a portion of the circular weak portion is not weakened, i.e., its thickness is not thinned. The weak portion may be, for example, in the range of approximately 300° to approximately 350° in terms of the central angle of its circumference. By providing a portion that is not weakened in this way, the weak portion can be prevented from detaching from the container portion even after it has broken. Note that the weak portion does not have to be circular as long as it opens up widely when it breaks.

[0055] With the connector portion 150 fitted to the upper end of the beverage can, when the container portion 130 is rotated clockwise relative to the connector portion 150, the tip 155 of the protrusion 152 of the connector portion 150 approaches the lower bottom portion 134 of the container portion 130 due to the screw action of the female screw 142 and the male screw 153. When the container portion 130 is rotated by a first predetermined angle relative to the connector portion 150, the raised portion 139 located at the tip 155 of the protrusion 152 presses against the lower bottom portion 134 of the container portion 130, applying localized pressure. As a result, the fragile portion 136 breaks, the storage chamber 137 is opened, and the stored liquid flows out downwards. The first predetermined angle described above can be determined according to the distance from the tip 155 of the protrusion 152 to the lower surface of the lower bottom portion 134 in the initial state of the attachment 110 and the screw pitch. To prevent user error, this first predetermined angle is preferably, for example, 180° or more, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the arrangement of the raised portion 139 on the tip 155 of the convex portion 152 is determined such that the position where the raised portion 139 first contacts the lower base portion 134 is a portion that has not been weakened.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the connector and the container are only screwed together, so during transportation, display in stores, or when a user is carrying the attachment, rotation may occur unintentionally or carelessly, causing the connector and the container to separate or the liquid contained inside to leak out.

[0057] Therefore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9(a), a projection 170 is provided on the upper surface of the flange 154 of the connector portion 150, extending in the same direction as the convex portion 152. This projection 170 has a sloped surface 170a that widens in the outer diameter direction and a vertical surface 170b in the rotation direction of the container portion when liquid is discharged. In addition, an elastic rib 180 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the container portion 130, projecting inward in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the container portion (see Figure 12). When the container portion 130 is rotated relative to the connector portion 150 by a second predetermined angle smaller than the first predetermined angle described above, the tip of this rib 180 comes into contact with the projection 170, is pushed outward by the sloped surface 170a and deforms, then overcomes the sloped surface 170a and returns to its original inward direction at the end of the vertical surface 170b. Subsequently, even if an attempt is made to rotate the container section 130 in the reverse direction, the tip of the rib 180 will catch on the vertical surface 170b of the protruding section 170, thereby preventing rotation in the reverse direction. Therefore, if transportation, display, etc., are carried out in this state, separation of the connector section 150 and the container section 130 can be prevented.

[0058] Furthermore, a seal or sticker may be affixed across the container and connector sections so that it tears when the container section is twisted. This visually informs the user that the attachment has been used.

[0059] The method of using the attachment according to this embodiment is the same as the procedure already shown in Figures 6A to 6E.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the weak point formed at the bottom of the container is approximately circular and can be pushed open by the tip of the protrusion to create a large opening. This allows for faster and more reliable pouring of the mixed liquid into the beverage can compared to conventional designs that involve piercing a film located on the underside of the storage chamber. Furthermore, since the mixed liquid can be dispensed simply by rotating the container relative to the connector after attaching the attachment to the beverage can, the user will find the method of use easy to understand.

[0061] Furthermore, even after the weak point ruptures, the bottom portion does not detach from the container, so it does not fall into the beverage can, making it hygienic, and there is no need to separate it for disposal after use.

[0062] The container and connector parts are made of plastic, preferably by injection molding. However, one or both of the container and connector parts may be made of aluminum or steel, similar to beverage cans. A portion of the container, such as the outer wall, may also be made of metal.

[0063] 10, 110 Attachment 30, 130 Container section 32, 132 Outer wall 34, 134 Lower bottom section 36, 136 Weak section 37, 137 Storage chamber 38, 138 Upper bottom section 40, 140 Inner wall 42, 142 Female thread 50, 150 Connector section 52, 152 Protrusion 53, 153 Male thread 54, 154 Flange 55, 155 Tip of protrusion 56, 156 Clip 57, 157 Projection 58, 158 Clip gap 60, 160 Inner wall 62, 162 Seal 70, 170 Protruding section

Claims

1. An attachment comprising: a connector portion attached to the upper end of a beverage can; and a container portion screwed to the connector portion and including a storage chamber for storing a mixed liquid, wherein the connector portion is substantially cylindrical and has a protrusion on its outer circumference with male threads formed thereon, and a flange extending radially outward from the protrusion; the container portion has a substantially cylindrical outer wall, a lower bottom portion defining the storage chamber, a female thread complementary to the male threads located below the lower bottom portion, and a pull-tab type upper bottom portion that is at least partially open, wherein the lower bottom portion has a substantially circular weak portion that can be broken by pressure, and the attachment is configured such that when the container portion is rotated by a first predetermined angle relative to the connector portion, the upper end of the protrusion of the connector portion presses against the lower bottom portion of the container portion, causing the weak portion to break.

2. The attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that the substantially circular weakened portion has an inner diameter that is substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the upper end of the convex portion, and a portion of its circumference is not weakened.

3. The attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector portion has a plurality of flexible clips extending on the outer circumference of the flange in the opposite direction to the protrusion, and the clips have inward-facing projections that fit onto the rim of the beverage can.

4. The attachment according to claim 3, characterized in that the connector portion has an annular inner wall located inside the clip on the lower surface of the flange, and a seal is provided at the tip of the inner wall for sealing the upper surface of the beverage can when the connector portion is attached to the beverage can.

5. The attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that a first projection extending in the direction of the convex portion is provided on the upper surface of the flange of the connector portion, a flexible rib protruding in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the container portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the container portion, and after the container portion is rotated relative to the connector portion by a second predetermined angle smaller than the first predetermined angle, the rib comes into contact with the first projection to prevent rotation in the opposite direction.

6. The attachment according to claim 5, characterized in that a second projection is provided on the upper surface of the flange of the connector portion, the projection having a shorter extension length than the first projection, and the rib is configured to move over the second projection when the container portion is rotated by a predetermined first angle relative to the connector portion.

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