JP2002508286A - Beverage container with self-contained straw - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary The beverage container 110 has a straw dispensing mechanism 124 disposed within the container such that the straw 130 can be aligned with the orifice 120 at the top 116 of the container 110. When the orifice 120 opens, the straw 130 rises through the orifice 120, making it accessible to the user. A straw 130 engages a floating member 126 biased against the container lid.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Cross-reference of related applications]

This application is related to US patent application Ser. No. 08/856, filed May 15, 1997.
No. 838 is a continuation-in-part application.

[0002]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a beverage container having a self-contained straw. More specifically,
The present invention relates to a beverage container having a self-contained straw that becomes accessible to a user when the beverage container is opened.

[0003]

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Currently, beverage containers are manufactured in a high speed automated process, filled and sealed. This step involves making a separate body to hold the fluid or beverage and a separate lid to seal the open end of the body. During the manufacture of the filled beverage container, a manufacturing process known as "seaming" places the lid-filled can body and seals its outer periphery. Currently, a known seaming process involves passing the lid horizontally across the top of the filled can body at a vertical distance of only a few millimeters from the top edge of the can body. Once positioned at the top of the can body, the seaming process seals the fluid or beverage within the beverage container. This seaming process involves the use of extremely expensive high speed machines, and it is not a practical solution to retrofit or modify this high speed machine to accept a self-contained drinking straw. .

Various designs have been proposed in the prior art to place a straw in a beverage can and to allow the user to access the straw when opening the can by bending the tab on the lid of the can into the container. Have been. Most of these designs can be divided into two groups. The first group includes designs where straws are placed in the can so that they can be pre-aligned with the openings in the tub. Thus, when the tab is opened, access to the straw becomes possible. A practical disadvantage of this approach is that the body and lid of the can are randomly oriented during the modern seaming process. As a result, all designs that require pre-alignment of the straw with the can opening cannot be easily adapted to existing high speed filling machines.

[0005] A second group of designs, as a whole, provide for the straw to be closed in some way so that when the can is opened, the end of the straw is pulled out or otherwise accessible through the opening. Including attaching or attaching to the back side. These designs also, as described above, allow the commercial filling process to pass the lid within a few millimeters from the top of the can during the high speed seam forming process. Therefore, it cannot be easily adapted to existing high-speed filling can production equipment. As a result, any structure attached or otherwise attached to the back of the lid would ruin the seam forming process,
Significant and costly modifications of existing high speed machines are required.

Another approach to this idea is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,5,5, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
No. 47,103. This patent discloses various forms of beverage containers that have a straw dispensing mechanism that utilizes the operation of the container and gravity to align the straw with the opening in the lid. The user simply, preferably,
Prior to opening, the beverage container is tilted so that a mechanism within the container substantially aligns the straw with the tub. Once the can has been opened, further manipulation or tilting of the container is required to complete the alignment of the straw with the open orifice of the lid.

[0007] Yet another approach to this idea is that US Pat. Nos. 5,244,112, 5,080,247 and 4,930,6, also assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
No. 52. These patents describe various embodiments of a straw dispensing mechanism that is located within the body of the container and that acts to rotate the straw and align it below the open orifice of the beverage container. I have. In particular, these designs actuate and drive the rotation mechanism in response to the closure tab flexing inward into the body of the container. This rotation mechanism aligns the straw with the open orifice. Although these designs are technically and commercially valuable, once the orifice of the beverage can is opened, the simpler available can be used to always align the open orifice of the beverage can with the beverage straw. Aiming for a low-cost mechanism
There is a constant development of straw dispensing mechanisms. There is also ongoing development aimed at alternative mechanisms for temporarily securing the straw dispensing mechanism within the container so as not to interfere with the filling and seaming process.

In this regard, the present invention discloses a beverage container having a straw dispensing mechanism that includes a cam surface of the required contour or shape that acts to rotate the drinking straw to align the drinking straw with the orifice. The first embodiment of the present invention employs a float that supports and places a drinking straw at a radial distance equal to the radial position of the orifice in the can lid. The required contoured or cammed surface located on the inner surface of the can lid guides the drinking straw into alignment with the can orifice.

The second embodiment employs a float that supports and positions the drinking straw at a radial distance equal to the radial position of the orifice in the can lid. The required contoured or cammed surface located on the top surface of the float reacts with the inwardly bent tab when the beverage can is opened, causing the drinking straw to rotate into alignment with the open orifice.

The third embodiment includes a levitable member in which a straw is integrally formed. The floatable member and the lower end of the straw are positioned generally horizontally within the beverage container, while the other portions of the straw are generally vertical. The levitable members are
It provides a convenient surface to temporarily secure the straw to the bottom of the container. When this bond is broken, the levitable member rotates generally vertically aligned with the rest of the straw and biases the straw into alignment with the orifice of the can.

[0011] A fourth embodiment includes a floating member having a back side that is treated to facilitate nucleation of CO ₂ bubbles. This back side is coated with a soluble material so as not to interfere with the filling and seaming process. When the coating is opened melted and the container, attached to the back side of the CO ₂ bubbles floating member that is released from the fluid in the container, further biases the floating member with respect to the container lid.

The fifth embodiment includes a floating member around which a peripheral skirt portion is formed. After the filling and seaming steps are completed, the container is turned upside down and then returned to its upright position. Thereafter, the gap in the top space, which is usually located adjacent to the lid of the container, is taken under the floating member by the skirt. This captured top space is
The floating member is further urged into contact with the container lid.

In a sixth embodiment, the floating member is held in place in the container by a pair of leg assemblies during the filling and seaming process. When the pressure in the container exceeds a predetermined threshold, the outer dome-shaped lower surface of the floating member collapses inward, changing the angle of the leg assembly and disengaging the leg assembly from the container wall. State. afterwards,
The floating member is movable toward the lid of the container under its own buoyancy.

[0014] In a seventh embodiment, the arm is connected to the floating member via an operable hinge. The arm is held in a closed mode against the bias of a hinge operable by a latch. In the closed mode, the operable hinges and latches engage the container wall to hold the float in a fixed position during the filling and seaming process. Thereafter, when a sharp impact is applied to the container, the latch releases the arm. The arm rotates under the bias of the operable hinge and is pressed against the bottom of the container and biases the floating member toward the lid. At the same time, the latch is folded inward under its own biasing force and disengages itself and the operable hinge from the container wall.
Thereafter, the floating member can be floated toward the lid of the container.

An eighth embodiment includes a floating member having a threaded opening. The threaded aperture removably engages a threaded member that projects upwardly from a base member adjacent the bottom of the container. This threaded engagement can secure the floating member in place during the filling and seaming process. Thereafter, as the container rotates, the fluid retained therein will interfere with the float member in a desired manner so that the float member can be driven around the threaded member. When fully rotated, the threaded aperture separates from the threaded member, the floating member disengages from the base and is free to move toward the container lid.

The ninth embodiment includes a straw positioning member having a ring shape so as to hold the straw at a fixed position so as not to disturb the filling and seam forming process. The straw locating member includes an operable inertial latch that changes the straw locating member from a closed mode to an open mode. In the closed mode, the straw positioning member has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the container. In the open mode, the straw positioning members are biased radially outward to engage the container wall.

Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container with a self-contained straw dispensing mechanism that can be manufactured to be compatible with existing filling equipment. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained straw that is simple in design, uses minimal materials, can be manufactured economically, and requires relatively inexpensive equipment to assemble and insert into a beverage container. It is to provide such a beverage container with a dispensing mechanism.

[0018] Other advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, claims, and drawings. The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

[0019]

[Detailed description of preferred embodiments]

Similar or corresponding parts are labeled with similar reference numerals throughout the several figures. Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show a beverage can, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10, having a straw dispensing mechanism according to the present invention. The beverage can 10 comprises an aluminum, steel or plastic container with a cylindrical body 12 having a closed bottom 14 and a top lid 16. Lid 16 is joined to body 12 using a seaming process as is well known in the art. Lid 16
Has an operating member or lever ring 18 rotatably secured to the lid 16. The lever ring 18 is such that when activated, the orifice 20 of the lid 16 can be opened by deflecting the closure tab 22 into the interior of the beverage can 10. The closure tab 22 is formed by a perforated line on the lid 16 that allows the controlled portion of the closed tab 22 to break from the lid 16 when the lever ring 18 is actuated relative to the tab 22. enable. When the user lifts one end of the ring 18 to its maximum extent, the other end is pressed against the closure tab 22. Alternatively, the tab may be designed to break freely when pressed by a user's finger or by using a hand-held tool. In these types of closure tabs, the lever ring 18 can be omitted. The closure tab 22 typically comprises
The design is such that the orifice 20 is deflected downwardly through the perforation line toward the location side of the orifice 20 so that the orifice 20 is completely opened and the liquid can easily flow from the beverage can 10 through the orifice 20. Have been.

The beverage can 10 further comprises a straw distribution mechanism 24 comprising a required contour or cam surface 26 disposed inside the lid 16, a floatable member or float 28, and a drinking straw 30. The required contour or cam surface 26 is formed by the lid 16 and is angled toward the orifice 20 to guide the straw 30 into alignment with the orifice 20. The camming surface 26 can be formed in the lid 16 with the required contoured surface on the top side of the lid 16 or, if desired, the contoured surface 26 can be located in the beverage can 10. Can be formed by separate inserts.

The floatable member 28 is made of a material that floats in the liquid held in the beverage can 10 and thus provides sufficient buoyancy (when liquid is present in the beverage can 10). , The straw 30 is biased against the required contoured surface 26 so that when the straw 30 is aligned with the orifice 20, it will eventually rise through the orifice 20 of the can lid 16.

The levitable member 28 is a circular member having an outer ring 32, a plurality of ribs 34, and a straw opening 36. The outer ring 32 is an annular member having an outer surface slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 12. Thus, the outer ring 32 is axially movable within the beverage can 10. The height of the outer ring 32 is dimensioned to work in cooperation with the straw 30 to limit the inclination of the outer ring 32 and to keep the straw 30 in a generally vertical position as shown in the drawing. I have. The plurality of ribs 34 extend inward from the outer ring 32 and meet at a center defined by the outer ring 32. Ribs 34 provide stiffness to outer ring 32 and
Although three ribs 34 are shown in FIGS. 1-3, any suitable number of ribs may be utilized. During filling of the beverage can 10, the plurality of ribs 34 allow filling of the volume of the beverage can 10 located below the floatable member 28. One of the plurality of ribs 34 forms a straw opening 36. Positioning the aperture 36 radially along the rib 34 will place the aperture 36 in a position that directly aligns with the orifice 20 when the aperture 36 is circumferentially aligned with the aperture 20. .

The drinking straw 30 includes a lower tubular portion 40 and a flexible pulling spiral portion 42.
And an upper tubular portion 44. The lower tubular portion 40 of the drinking straw 30 extends through an aperture 36 in the levitable member 28. The aperture 36 frictionally receives the straw 30 and causes the straw 30 to move vertically by the vertical movement of the levitable member 28 within the beverage can 10. Alternatively, the levitable member 50 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) can be attached to the straw 30 or the straw 30 can be made of a levitable member to provide the necessary buoyancy for the straw 30. You may make it.

FIG. 1 illustrates the beverage can 10 and the straw dispensing mechanism 24 immediately after the filling and seam forming steps have been completed. The drinking straw 30 extends vertically from the bottom portion 14 of the can body 12 through the opening 36 of the floatable member 28 upward toward the lid 16. Due to the filling and seam forming process for the beverage can 10, the circumferential positioning of the straw 30 with respect to the orifice 20 is performed irregularly. A small amount of a soluble adhesive, such as glucose or a thixotropic gel, is used to prevent the floatable member 28 from raising the straw 30 during the can filling and seaming process, thereby interfering with these processes. Preferably, 46 is applied to temporarily adhere the straw 30 to the can body 12 or the closed bottom 14. Thus, after the filling and seaming process is completed, the adhesive 46 gradually melts, thereby allowing the levitating member 28 and the straw 30 to move until the straw 30 contacts the required contoured surface 26 on the top of the lid 16. Can freely float upward. During the subsequent handling of the drinking can 10, the straw 30
Acts with the required contour surface 26 to rotate the levitable member 28 and straw 30 until it is aligned with the orifice 20, as shown in phantom in FIG. The reaction between the straw 30 and the required contour surface 26 is caused by the buoyancy exerted on the straw 30 by the levitable member 28. Since the required contour surface 26 is inclined toward the orifice 20, the straw 30 tends to align with the orifice 20, regardless of the direction of rotation of the levitable member 28.

FIG. 2 shows the beverage can 10 and the straw dispensing mechanism 24 after the lever ring 18 has pushed the closing tab 22 into the interior of the beverage can 10 and opened the orifice 20. When the orifice 20 is opened corresponding to the circumferential position of the straw 30 with respect to the orifice 20, the closing tab 22 may come into contact with the straw 30,
Also, they may not come into contact. The contact between the closure tab 22 and the straw 30 causes the levitable member 28 and straw 30 to rotate, causing the straw 30 to be slightly out of alignment with the orifice 20. This misalignment is corrected when the closure tab 22 is fully flexed and the orifice 20 is completely opened due to the interaction between the straw 30 and the required contoured surface 26, as described in detail above. Once the straw 30 is aligned with the orifice 20, buoyancy acting on the levitable member 28 pulls the straw 30 upward through the orifice 20 so that the user of the beverage can 10 can access the straw 30. .

At this point, the user can either start drinking through straw 30 or
0 can be drawn further through the orifice 20 of the lid 16. The levitable member 28 is formed with sufficient hardness, the friction at the connection between the straw 30 and the opening 36 of the levitable member 28 is sufficiently small, and the
When the is held against the underside of the lid 16, it allows the straw 30 to be pulled upward through the levitable member 28. The swirl portion 42 extends regardless of whether the straw 30 extends through the aperture 36 and allows the user to increase the length of the straw 30 so that the other end of the straw 30 extends completely to the bottom 14 of the beverage can 10. Meanwhile, the upper portion 44 remains accessible through the orifice 20.

FIG. 3A illustrates a levitable member 28 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention. The levitable member 28 'includes an outer ring 32', an embossed portion 34 'disposed radially inward, and a straw aperture 36'. The levitable member 28 'directly replaces the levitable member 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. Beverage can 110
Comprises an aluminum, steel or plastic container having a closed bottom 114 and a cylindrical body 112 provided with an upper lid 116. Lid 116 is connected to body 112 using a seam forming process that is well known in the art. Lid 116
Includes an operating member or lever ring 118 rotatably secured to the lid 116. Lever ring 118, when actuated, closes closure tab 122 on beverage can 110
The orifice 120 of the lid 116 can be opened by bending the inside of the cover 116. The closure tab 122 is formed by a perforated line on the lid 116 that causes a controlled portion of the closed tab 122 to break from the lid 116 when the user operates the lever ring 118 relative to the tab 122. Enables freedom. When the user lifts one end of ring 118, the other end is pressed against closure tab 122. Alternatively, the tab can be pressed with the user's finger,
Alternatively, it may be designed so that it can be broken when pressed using a hand-held tool. In these types of closure tabs, the lever ring 118 may be omitted. The closure tab 122 is typically flexed downwardly by the perforation line and toward one side of the orifice 120 to completely open the orifice 120 and facilitate liquid flow from the beverage can 110 through the orifice 120. It is designed to be.

The beverage can 110 further includes a straw distributing mechanism 124 including a floating member 126, a floatable member 128, and a drinking straw 130. The floating member 126 further defines a cylindrical outer surface 132, a required contour or cam surface 134, and a straw aperture 136.

The floating member 126 is made of a material that floats in the liquid held in the beverage can 110 and thus positions itself adjacent the lid 116 of the filled beverage can 110. The cylindrical outer surface 126 of the floating member 126 has a size slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 112. Therefore, the floating member 126 can freely move in the axial direction within the beverage can 110, and is urged against the lid 116 by buoyancy acting on the floating member 126. The height of the surface 132 cooperates with the straw 130 to limit the tilt of the floating member 126 so as to keep the straw 130 in the generally vertical position shown in the drawing. The aperture 136 extends vertically through the floating member 126. Radially positioning the aperture 136 will position the aperture 136 in a position that is directly vertically aligned with the orifice 120 when the aperture 136 is circumferentially aligned with the orifice 120. Centrally located aperture 13
8 allows filling the volume of the beverage can 110 located below the floating member 126. Alternatively, additional passages through the floating member 126 or gaps between the floating member 126 and the interior of the can body 112 may be used to facilitate filling of the beverage can 110.

The drinking straw 130 includes a lower tubular portion 140, a flexible pulling spiral portion 142, and an upper tubular portion 144. The lower tubular portion 140 of the drinking straw 130 extends through an aperture 136 in the floating member 126. Aperture 13
6 is slightly larger than the lower tubular portion 140, so that the lower tubular portion 140
Is slidably received. In this manner, the floating member 126 is vertically movable within the beverage can 110 with respect to the straw 130. A levitable member 128 is attached to the lower end of the lower tubular portion 140 so that the straw 130 can be biased upward. The diameter of the levitable member 128 is selected such that the straw 130 is generally positioned vertically within the beverage can 110 when the outer edge of the levitable member 128 contacts the inner wall of the can body 112. Thus, the levitation member 12
8 functions as a torque arm that reduces the inclination of the floating member 126 while the beverage can 110 is opened, as described below.

FIG. 4 shows the beverage can 110 and the straw dispensing mechanism 124 immediately after the filling and seam forming process is completed. The drinking straw 130 extends vertically from the bottom 114 of the can body 112 through the opening 136 of the floating member 126 toward the lid 116. For the filling and seam forming process for the beverage can 110, the straw 13
Positioning the 0 in the circumferential direction with respect to the orifice 120 (FIG. 5) is performed irregularly. To prevent the floating member 126, the levitable member 128 and the straw 30 from rising during the filling and seaming process of the can, and thus hindering these processes, the floating member 126 and the levitable member 128 are Preferably, a small amount of a soluble adhesive 146, such as glucose or a thixotropic gel, is applied to temporarily adhere to the body 112. Another option is to attach the floating member 126 to the can body 112.
Is disposed toward the bottom portion 114. The floating member 126 will then hold both the floatable member 128 and the straw 130 within the beverage container 110. Further, placing the floating member 126 toward the bottom of the can body 112 minimizes the volume of the beverage can 110 located below the floating member 126 and simplifies the filling process. Therefore, after the filling and seam forming steps are completed, the adhesive 146
Gradually melts, thereby allowing the floating member 126 to float upwardly and be urged against the lid 116, and also to allow the floating member 128 and the straw 1 to float.
A 30 allows the straw 130 to be able to float upward until it contacts the lid 116, as shown in FIG. Positioning the straw 130 in the circumferential direction with respect to the orifice 120 is accomplished by the filling and seaming process and during the filling process.
Any rotation that occurs when the floating member 126 moves upward from its held position to that position illustrated in FIG. 4 will occur irregularly.

In FIG. 5, the beverage can 110 and the straw dispensing mechanism 1 after the lever ring 118 pushes the closing tab 122 into the interior of the beverage can 110 and opens the orifice 120
24 is shown. As a result of the closure tab 122 flexing from its closed (generally horizontal) position shown in FIG. 4 to its open (general vertical) position shown in FIG.
The blocking tab 122 and the floating member 126 engage, which imparts a rotational movement to the floating member 126, the levitable member 128 and the straw 130.
The float 126 rotates until the straw 130 is aligned with the open orifice 120. When the straw 130 is aligned with the orifice 120, the floatable member 128 pushes the straw 130 upward through the orifice 120 so that the user of the beverage can 110 can access the straw 130.

At this point, the user starts drinking through straw 130 or drinking straw 1
30 can be further withdrawn from its orifice 120 in lid 116. The levitable member 128 is formed with sufficient flexibility so that the connection between the straw 130 and the levitable member 128 can be achieved by pulling the straw 130 upwards,
When the 30 and the levitating member 128 are brought into contact with the floating member 126, they are strong enough to hold the levitating member 128 on the straw 130. Alternatively, the floatable member may be designed to be separable from the straw 130. This means that the size of the float can be reduced by the orifice 120 or the opening 1
38 would need to be passed. The swirl portion 142 may extend regardless of whether the straw 130 extends through the aperture 136 to allow the user to reach the bottom 114 of the beverage can 110 completely.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the floating member 126 is illustrated. The floating member 126 includes, as described above, the cylindrical outer surface 132 and the required contour surface or cam surface 13.
4, a straw opening 136, and a central opening 138. The cam surface 134 defines a first required contour surface 150 and a second required contour surface 152. The required contour surfaces 150 and 152 are formed by attaching the closing tab 122 to the required contour surface 150 or the required contour surface 152.
A bidirectional cam surface is formed to rotate the floating member 126 clockwise or counterclockwise in accordance with whether or not engages (FIG. 5). The inclusion of the required contour surfaces 150 and 152 limits the maximum rotation of the floating member 126 to about 180 ° so that one of the straws 130 can engage the orifice 120 (FIG. 5).
). The ridge 154 separates the required contour surface 150 from the required contour surface 152 at one end, while the ends of the surfaces 150, 152 intersect as shown in the drawing.

During opening of the beverage can 110, the closure tab 122 engages either the required contoured surface 150 or 152, imparting a rotating motion to the floating member 126, the levitable member 128, and the straw 130. In order to secure the rotation of the floating member 126 and prevent the floating member 126 from being excessively tilted, the straw 130 and the levitable member 128 function as a torque arm that stabilizes the floating member 126 and limits the degree of tilt. be able to. As described above, the diameter of the levitable member 128 is such that the straw 130 is generally positioned vertically within the beverage can 110 when the outer peripheral edge of the levitable member 128 contacts the inner wall of the can body 112. Is selected. The inclination of the floating member 126 is all resisted by the straw 130 and the levitable member 128 acting between the side wall of the can body 112 and the inner surface of the opening 136 of the floating member 126. The use of the straw 130 and the levitating member 128 as a torque arm allows the overall height of the cylindrical surface 132 of the floating member 126 to be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is illustrated a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 210. The beverage can 210 has a cylindrical body 212 provided with a closed bottom 214 and an upper lid 216.
An aluminum, steel or plastic container having Beverage can 210
The closed bottom 214 is arched upward at a greater angle than conventional beverage cans to form a nub 256. Lid 216 is connected to body 212 using a seaming method, as is well known in the art. The lid 216 includes an operating member or lever ring 218 that is rotatably fixed to the lid 216. Lever ring 2
When activated, the orifice 220 of the lid 216 can be opened by flexing the closure tab 222 into the interior of the beverage can 210 when activated. The closure tab 222 is formed by a perforation line on the lid 216 that allows the controlled portion of the closure tab 222 to break free from the lid 216 when the user activates the lever ring 218 relative to the tab 222. To be able to When the user raises one end of ring 218, the other end is pressed against closure tab 222. Alternatively, the tab 222 may be designed to break when pressed by a user's finger or using a hand-held tool. In these types of closure tabs, the lever ring 218 may be omitted. Occlusion tab 222 typically flexes downwardly through the perforation line and toward one side of orifice 220 to fully open orifice 220 and allow liquid to flow freely from beverage can 210 through orifice 220. It is designed to make it easier.

The beverage can 210 further includes a straw distributing mechanism 224 including a floating member 226, one floatable member 228, and a drinking straw 230. Floating member 2
26 is a cylindrical outer surface 232, a required contour surface or cam surface 234, a straw opening 2
36. Straw aperture 236 has a curved or flared inlet end 258 to facilitate entry of drinking straw 230 therethrough.

The floating member 226 is made of a material that floats in the liquid held in the beverage can 210 and thus is positioned adjacent to the lid 216 within the beverage can 210 that is filled with itself. The cylindrical outer surface 232 of the floating member 226 has a size slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 212. For this reason, the floating member 226 is connected to the beverage can 210.
The cover 216 is movable in the axial direction in the inside thereof, and the lift
Be urged against. The height of the surface 232 is selected to work with the straw 230 to limit the tilt of the floating member 226 and to keep the straw 230 in the generally vertical position shown in the drawing. The aperture 236 extends vertically through the floating member 226. Radially positioning the aperture 236 places the aperture 236 in a position that is directly vertically aligned with the orifice 220 when the aperture 236 is circumferentially aligned with the orifice 220. The centrally located aperture 238 allows the volume of the beverage can 210 located below the floating member 226 to be filled. Alternatively, additional passages through the floating member 226 or the floating member 226
The gap between the can and the inside of the can body 212 may be used to facilitate filling of the beverage can 210.

The drinking straw 230 includes a lower tubular portion 240, a levitable member 228, a flexible bendable spiral portion 260, a flexible pulling spiral portion 242,
And an upper tubular portion 244. Upper tubular portion 244 of drinking straw 230
Extends through an opening 236 in the floating member 226. The aperture 236 is slightly larger than the upper tubular portion 244, and thus slidably receives the upper tubular portion 244. As shown in FIG. 10 a, the pleats 262 that make up the flexible tension swirl portion 242 are internally grooved to maintain a constant maximum diameter of the drinking straw 230. In addition, the pleats 262 are formed by the flexible pull-out swirl portions 24.
2 is angled downward to facilitate lifting of the floating member 226 above the two. As described above, the floating member 226 is movable in the beverage can 210 in the vertical direction with respect to the straw 230.

The levitable member 228 is integrally formed with the lower tubular portion 240 and urges the straw 230 upward. The configuration of the levitable member 228 is selected such that the knuckle 264 is provided to cooperate with the nub 256 on the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210. The bendable flexible swirl portion 260 allows the lower tubular portion 240 of the drinking straw 230 to be positioned at right angles to the upper tubular portion 244 and adjacent the bottom 214.

FIG. 10 shows the beverage can 210 and the straw dispensing mechanism 224 immediately after the filling and seam forming process is completed. The drinking straw 230 extends vertically upward from the bottom 214 of the can body 212 through the opening 236 of the floating member 226 toward the lid 216. The circumferential positioning of the straw 230 relative to the orifice 220 is irregular due to the filling and seaming process of the beverage can 210. The floating member 226 and the straw 230 rise during the can filling and seam forming process,
This allows a small amount of a soluble adhesive 246, such as glucose or a thixotropic gel, to be applied to prevent the levitating member 22 from interfering with these steps.
8 is preferably temporarily bonded to the can bottom 214. Thus, after the filling and seaming process is completed, the adhesive 246 gradually melts, thereby allowing the floating member 226 to float upward and be biased against the lid 216 and lift. A possible member 228 and straw 230 allow the straw 230 to float up until it contacts the lid 216. Bendable flexible swirl 26
A 0 is straight under the residual internal stress of itself once the floating member 226 has floated upward. Further, a water-soluble adhesive 246 may be disposed in the opening 236 of the floating member 226 to fix the straw 230 and the floating member 226 to each other. This position is selected such that the center of the levitable member 228 having the knuckle 264 is aligned with the center of the floating member 226. Alternatively, the levitable member 228 may be secured to the bottom 214 by mechanical means such as when the knuckle 264 frictionally engages the nub 256.

Optionally, the floatable member 228 can be temporarily bonded to the floating member 226 using a small amount of a soluble adhesive 246. A positioning profile can be formed on the bottom surface of the floating member 226 so that the levitable member 228 can be properly seated. If desired, a composition of two soluble adhesives 246 can be used to release the straw 230 from the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210 and / or the straw 230 from the floating member 226 in a sequential manner.

FIG. 11 shows the beverage can 210 and the straw dispensing mechanism 224 after the lever ring 218 pushes the closing tab 222 into the interior of the beverage can 210 to open the orifice 220.
Is illustrated. As a result of the closure tab 222 flexing from its closed (generally horizontal) position shown in FIG. 10 to its open (general vertical) position shown in FIG.
Enclosure tab 222 and floating member 226 engage, which imparts a rotational movement to floating member 226 and straw 230. The floating member 226 is connected to the straw 230.
Rotate until it aligns with the open orifice 220. When the straw 230 is aligned with the orifice 220, the levitable member 228 pushes the straw 230 upward through the orifice 220, allowing the beverage can 210 user to access the straw 230.

At this point, the user can either start drinking through the straw 230 or pull the straw 230 further out of its orifice 220 in the lid 216. The levitable member 228 is formed with sufficient flexibility so that the straw 230 and the levitable member 228 can advance through the floating member 226 when the straw 230 is pulled upward. The swirl part 242 includes the straw 2
Whether or not 30 extends through aperture 236, it extends to allow the user to reach bottom 214 of beverage can 210 completely.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the levitation member 22 of one alternative embodiment
8 'is shown. In this case, the levitable member 228 'is formed as a separate member adapted to be supported around the radially outer surface of the straw 230 by an adhesive or the like. Although four separate lobes 268 are shown separated by 90 ° around the diameter of the straw 230, the lobes can have other displacement angles and numbers. The spacing between successive lobes 268 defines a knuckle 264.

Referring to FIG. 13, an insertion device 270 is illustrated. The insertion device 270
It has a vertical member 272 connected to a horizontal member 274. The distal end 276 of the vertical member 272 is adapted to engage a knuckle 264 in the levitable member 228. The distal end 278 of the horizontal member 274 is adapted to releasably engage the upper tubular portion 244 of the drinking straw 230. In operation, the insertion device 270 lowers the drinking straw 230 into the beverage can 210. After the levitable member 228 contacts the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210, a follower (not shown) presses the knuckle 264 of the levitable member 228 against the nub 256. At this point, a soluble adhesive 246 can be utilized to secure the levitable member 228 to the nub 256. Thereafter, the vertical member 272 and the horizontal member 274 are released from the drinking straw 230 and the insertion device 270 is withdrawn from the beverage can 210. Preferably, the insertion device 270 is cam driven and pneumatically operated to allow for high speed insertion.

After inserting the straw 230, the beverage can 210 is removed from the lid 2 by a conventional seam forming process.
Close at 16. When the soluble adhesive 246 melts between the levitable member 228 and the floating member 226, the floating member 226 is caused to lift by its own buoyancy.
Rise along. Shortly before reaching the lid 216, the levitable member 228
Is applied to the knuckle 264 sufficient to remove the knuckle 256 from the knuckle 256. Thereafter, the flexible bendable spiral portion 260 straightens due to its own internal stress. From this point, the straw 230 is actuated by the cam surface 234 and operates as described above, as described with respect to FIGS.

Alternatively, the length of the straw 230 is controlled to be long enough to reach the entire length of the beverage can 210. Thus, the straw 230 holds the floating member 226 as the floating member rises vertically. As the closure tab 222 imparts a vertical rotational movement to the floating member 226, the straw 230 moves around the nub 256 and loosens its attachment. The combined power is that the straw 230 is
0, allowing it to rise from its bottom 214 to its fully extended position.

Next, referring to FIG. 14, the floating member 226 is shown with its bottom portion 280 exposed. The floating member 226 has a cylindrical outer surface 232, a straw opening 236, and a central opening 238, as described in detail above. According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface 280 of the floating member 226 has been treated by corona, flame, or other conventional means to change the surface morphology and / or the energy of that surface. To facilitate nucleation of CO ₂ bubbles and adhere these bubbles to surface 280. The treated surface 280 can be covered by a soluble adhesive 246, such as glucose or a thixotropic gel, to temporarily isolate and seal the surface 280 from the fluid in the beverage can 210. Preferably, the soluble adhesive 2
46 constitutes the syrup of the product to be stored in the beverage can 210. Thus, the covered surface 280 does not accelerate CO ₂ nucleation during the filling process. After the filling and seaming steps, if the product contained by the beverage can 210 is of an acidic nature, the soluble adhesive coating 246 will melt and expose the nucleation surface.

After the closure tab 222 (FIG. 11) opens and releases internal pressure within the beverage can 210, the nucleation surface 280 on the underside of the floating member 226 collects nucleated foam. This increases the buoyancy of the floating member 226 and also holds the floating member 226 more firmly against the lid 216 while the floating member 226 rotates and the straw 230 rises. The vertical pressure of the floating member 226 against the lid 216 is
Improve the matching accuracy of 0. This vertical pressure also minimizes the tilt of the floating member 226 when the tab 222 is engaged.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a beverage can 310 having a straw dispensing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Straw distribution mechanism 324
Has a floating member 326, a floatable member 328, and a drinking straw 330. The floating member 326 includes a cylindrical outer surface 332 and a required contour surface or cam surface 334.
And a straw opening 336. The floating member 326 is made of a material that floats in the liquid held in the beverage can 310, and thus the filled beverage can 31
Position itself adjacent to lid 316 within zero. Preferably, a high speed injection molding method is used to form the thin floating member 326. Floating member 3
The 26 cylindrical outer surface 332 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 312. Therefore, the floating member 326 is movable in the axial direction within the beverage can 310 and is urged against the lid 316 due to buoyancy acting on the floating member 326. To further bias the floating member 326 against the lid 316, the back side 38 of the floating member 326 is
For 0, a special form is used. This back side has a plurality of spiral grooves 382 projecting in the radial direction. The back side 380 also has a skirt 384 projecting downward around its cylindrical outer surface 332. Optionally, the back side 380 has a central projection 386 which can be located on a rotating nub 356 at the bottom of the beverage can 31 and held in place by a soluble adhesive 346. You may do so. Alternatively, the back side 380 may be shaped to roughen the surface or effectively create a void so as to nucleate the air bubbles and capture the air bubbles below the floating member 326. Is also good.

While filling the beverage can 310 with the conventional filling method, the swirling flow of the fluid causes the floating member 32
6 would be cleaned. A spiral groove 382 enhances this operation. This swirl wipes the residual air space below the floating member 326 and minimizes the loss of filling volume in the beverage can 310 due to the pressure of the floating member 326. However, some residual gas remains trapped below the floating member 326. The buoyancy of the floating member 326 and the residual gas is affected by the adhesive force of the soluble adhesive 346.

After the beverage can 310 is filled, the beverage can can be covered with the lid 3 by a conventional seam forming method.
Close at 16. Thereafter, the filled beverage can 310 is turned upside down by a track mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, the unfilled head space 386 in the beverage can 310 is located adjacent to the bottom 314. This head space 386 rejects any fluid that would remain close to the underside of the floating member 326 during upside down. The beverage can 310 remains upside down along the track for a distance and / or for a time to ensure that all fluid adjacent the bottom 314 is replaced with air. As the beverage can 310 travels along the track mechanism, the beverage can is again inverted to its initial upright position. Next, the head space 386 is located on the back side 3 of the floating member 326.
It is entrained along 80 and forms a head space bubble 388 below it. The dimensions of the head space 386, the head space 386 adjacent to the lid 316 and the floating member 326
Entrapping gas between the head space bubbles 388 adjacent to the back side 380 of
It is preferable to balance the needs of the beverage can 310.

After the bubbles 388 in the head space are taken in below the floating member 326, the floating member 3
Releasing 26 from the bottom 314 of the beverage can 310, the floating member 326 rises toward the lid 316 to provide a drinking straw 330. The bubbles 388 in the head space taken in on the back side 380 of the floating member 326 improve the buoyancy of the floating member 326. In addition, the foam 388 in the head space causes the closing tab 32 to move while the floating member 326 rotates.
2 holds the floating member 326 more firmly against the lid 316. This vertical pressure of the floating member 326 against the back side of the lid 316 improves the positioning accuracy of the straw 330. 17 to 19, there is illustrated a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism, indicated generally by the reference numeral 410, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 410 includes a floating member 426 and a floatable member 428.
And a drinking straw 430. The floating member 426 defines a cylindrical outer surface 432, a required contour or cam surface 434, and a straw aperture 436. The floating member 426 is made of a material that floats in the liquid held in the beverage can 410, and thus the lid 416 in the filled beverage can 410.
Position itself adjacent to The cylindrical outer surface 432 of the floating member 426 has a size slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 412. As described above, the floating member 426 is movable in the axial direction in the beverage can 410, and is urged against the lid 416 by the buoyancy acting on the floating member 426. The aperture 436 extends vertically through the floating member 426. By positioning the opening 436 in the radial direction, the opening 43
When aperture 6 is circumferentially aligned with orifice 420, aperture 436 is inserted into orifice 42.
It will be positioned at a position that is directly vertically aligned with zero. A centrally located aperture (not shown) can be formed to fill the volume of the beverage can 410 located below the floating member 426. However, currently, the passage 438 is utilized along the cylindrical outer surface 432 of the floating member 426, and the floating member 426 and the can body 41
It is preferable to use the gap between the inside of the container 2 and the inside of the container to facilitate filling of the beverage can 410.

The floating member 426 is manufactured such that its internal volume includes a constant volume air space 490. Since the floating member 426 is hermetically sealed, the pressure in the internal volume 490 is constant. The floating member 426 has at least two downwardly projecting leg assemblies 492 including a laterally extending foot portion 494. Floating member 42
The bottom surface 480 of the six is preferably in the shape of an outer dome that extends radially so that the foot portion 494 engages the interior of the can body 412. Therefore, the floating member 42
6 is frictionally held adjacent the bottom 414 of the beverage can 410. Furthermore,
The bottom surface 480 of the floating member 426 engages above the levitable member 428. In this mode, the floating member 426 holds the straw 430 at a preselected position,
The upper tubular portion 444 does not extend beyond the top of the can body 412 and during the seam forming process,
The placement of the lid 416 on the body 412 is not obstructed.

After the filling and seaming steps are completed, the fluid retained in the beverage can releases CO ₂ and increases the pressure in the beverage can 410. However, since the pressure in the air space 490 is constant, a pressure difference occurs between the internal volume 490 of the floating member 426 and the internal volume of the beverage can 410. When the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the floating member 4
The bottom surface 480 of 26 is squashed inward, turning its dome shape upside down. Accordingly, the leg assembly 492 is drawn inward from inside the can body 412. In this manner, the foot portion 494 is disengaged from the can body 412, and the floating member 426 is released and can float along the straw 430 toward the lid 416.

The positioning of the straw 430 in the circumferential direction with respect to the orifice 420
Done irregularly within. As a result of the closure tab 422 flexing from its closed (generally horizontal) position to its open (generally vertical) position, the closure tab 422 and the float 4
26, which imparts rotational movement to the floating member 426, the levitable member 428, and the straw 430. The floating member 426 is connected to the straw 43.
Rotate until 0 is aligned with open orifice 420. When the straw 430 is aligned with the orifice 420, the levitable member 428 pushes the straw 430 upward through the orifice 420 so that the user of the beverage can 410 can access the straw 430.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-22, reference numeral 510 generally designates
FIG. 14 illustrates a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 510 includes a straw distributing mechanism 524 including a floating member 526, a floatable member 528, and a drinking straw 530. The floating member 526 defines a cylindrical outer surface 523, a required contour or cam surface 534, and a straw aperture 536.

An upwardly projecting U-shaped latch 596 may connect to or be integrally formed with the outer cylindrical surface 532. The latch 596 has a finger 598 that projects radially. Latch 596 is biased such that fingers 598 are typically pulled toward the center of floating member 526. A hinge 50 in which an arm 501 can act on a cylindrical outer surface 532 of a floating member 526 opposite the latch 596.
3 or formed integrally with the cylindrical outer surface 523. 20 and 21, the arm 501 is folded against the biasing force of the hinge 503 so as to rest adjacent to the back side 580 of the floating member 526. The arm 501 is
It is held in this position by frictional engagement of finger 598 with latch 596 on the opposite side. The arm 501 has an outwardly projecting tab 505 that cooperates with the operable hinge 503 to move the arm 501 to the underside 580 of the floating member 526.
Force away from Radial outer surface of actuable hinge 503 and finger 5
The diameter between the outermost edge of 98 and the outermost edge of 98 is as follows: when the arm 501 is folded below the floating member 526 and engages the operable hinge 503,
Finger 598 and operable hinge 503 are adapted to frictionally engage the interior of can body 512. Accordingly, the floating member 526 can be temporarily held at a predetermined position inside the beverage can 510 during the filling and seam forming process.

After the filling and seaming steps are completed, the arm 501 separates from the latch 594 when a sharp force is applied to the beverage can 510. At this point, the arm 501 rotates under the bias of the actionable hinge 503 and separates from the floating member 526 with the aid of the tab 505. Preferably, the tab 505 strikes the bottom 514 of the can 510 so as to provide initial propulsion toward the lid 516. After the arm 501 is disengaged, the biasing force of the latch 596 pulls the finger 598 radially inward from the interior of the can body 512, and the radially outer surface of the operable hinge 503 and the finger 598. To reduce the dimension between the outermost edge of the. Accordingly, the floating member 526 is disengaged from the inside of the can main body 512 and is movable toward the lid 516.

The floating member 526 is made of a material that floats in the liquid held in the beverage can 510, and thus positions itself in the filled beverage can 510 adjacent to the lid 516. The floating member 526 is urged against the lid 516 by buoyancy acting on the floating member 526. Openings 536 are formed in lower tubular portion 540 of straw 530.
Slightly larger, so that the floating member 526 is free to move vertically within the beverage can 510 relative to the straw 530. The levitable member 528 includes the lower tubular portion 5
Attached to the lower end of 40, it urges straw 530 upward.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, reference numeral 610 generally designates
FIG. 14 shows a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 610 includes a base member 607, a floating member 626, and a floatable member 6
28 and a drinking straw 630.
The floating member 626 defines a cylindrical outer surface 632, a required contour or cam surface 634, and a straw aperture (not shown). A plurality of weir portions 609 project radially around the outer periphery of cylindrical outer surface 632.

The base 607 may be attached to the bottom 61 of the beverage can 610 by adhesive or other conventional means.
4, the base having a vertically projecting threaded member 611. Preferably, the threaded member 611 is aligned with the center of the bottom 614 of the beverage can 610. The back side 680 of the floating member 626 has a threaded aperture 613 formed in a complementary portion of the threaded member 611. The height of the threaded member 611 defines a sufficient gap between the back side 680 of the floating member 624 and the top surface of the base 607 to receive the lower tubular portion 640 of the drinking straw 630 and the levitable member 628. To choose. The base 607 is illustrated as having a plurality of outwardly projecting supports 615, some of which engage the bottom 614 of the can 610 and others engage the interior of the can body 612. It should be recognized that this form is merely an example of the many that are suitable for this purpose. However, these supports 615 are presently preferred in that they minimize the amount of fluid displaced by the base 607 in the beverage can 610.

Prior to the filling and seam forming steps, the floating member 626 is removably secured to the base 607 by threadingly engaging the threaded member 611 with the threaded aperture 613. After the filling and seaming steps, the beverage can 610 typically rotates as it moves along a conventional track mechanism. During this time, fluid retained within beverage can 610 impacts and frictionally engages weir portion 609, causing floating member 626 to rotate relative to base 607. This rotation moves the threaded aperture 613 backwards from the threaded member 611. After a number of rotations have been completed, threaded holes 6
By disengaging 13 from threaded member 611, floating member 626 is released from base 607. As described above, the floating member 626 is movable in the axial direction in the beverage can 610, and is urged against the lid 616 by the buoyancy acting on the floating member 626. The straw opening of the floating member 626 is slightly larger than the lower tubular portion 640 of the straw 630 so that the floating member 626 is vertically movable within the beverage can 610 relative to the straw 630. A levitable member 628 attached to the lower end of the lower tubular portion 640 urges the straw 630 upward.

Next, referring to FIG. 25 to FIG. 27, reference numeral 710 generally designates
FIG. 14 shows a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 710 includes a straw position fixing member 726 and a floatable member 72.
8 and a drinking straw 730. Position locking member 726 defines a cylindrical outer surface 732, an alignment member 734, and a straw aperture 736. The cylindrical outer surface 732 has a plurality of apertures formed to reduce the amount of fluid displaced by the positioning member 726.

The alignment member 734 branches along the connection and defines an inertial force latch through the straw aperture 736. The inertial latch has a boss 721 adapted to frictionally engage slot 723. When the inertial force latch is closed, the cylindrical outer surface 732 of the positioning member 726 is dimensioned slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 712. Thus, positioning member 726 is axially movable within beverage can 710. Also, aperture 736 is slightly smaller than lower tubular portion 740 of drinking straw 730 when the inertial force latch is closed. Thus, the positioning member 726 prevents the straw 730 from moving vertically in the beverage can 710 when in this mode.

Prior to the filling and seaming process, the positioning member 726 is inserted into the can body 712 and rests on the legs 725 adjacent the bottom 714. After the filling and seaming process is completed, the beverage can 710 is rotated on its side through a track mechanism or other conventional means, and the orifice 720 is aligned and held in a predetermined direction. Thereafter, the alignment member 734 acts by gravity to position the straw 730 at a position circumferentially adjacent to the orifice 720. At this point, the inertial force latch 719 is activated so that the boss 721 is free from the slot 723. Preferably, this is done by hitting the beverage can 710 hard. Activating the inertia latch 719 causes the alignment member 734 to be in the open mode configuration, which locks the position of the straw 730 relative to the can 710.

In this configuration, the cylindrical outer surface 732 of the positioning member 726 expands radially outwardly under its original biasing force and frictionally engages the interior of the can body 712. Also, the inertial latch 719 has a slightly larger aperture 7 than the lower tubular portion 740.
Free the drinking straw 730 from 36. Thereafter, the beverage can 710 is redirected to an upright position and the floating member 7 is rotated until the straw 730 contacts the lid 716.
28 and the straw 730 can be floatable upward. The position of the position fixing member 726 is constant, and the drinking straw 730 and the opening 73 are provided.
6, the drinking straw 730 is properly aligned with the orifice 720, and when opened, the straw 730 is pushed upward through the orifice 720 by the levitable member 728 to allow the user of the beverage can 710 to Make the straw 730 accessible.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that the invention can be modified, modified and changed without departing from the scope of the claims and the proper meaning. It is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a beverage can incorporating a straw dispensing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the beverage can shown in FIG. 1, showing a straw rising through an orifice in the can lid.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the beverage can shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the straw in the extended position. FIG. 3A is a plan view of a levitable member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a beverage can holding a straw distribution mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the beverage can shown in FIG. 4 showing the straw rising through the orifice of the can lid.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the beverage can shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the floating disk shown in FIGS. 4 to 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the floating disk shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the floating disk shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a beverage can holding a straw distribution mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10a is a schematic view of the flexible pulling spiral portion of the straw shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the beverage can shown in FIG. 10 showing the operation of the floatable member.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one alternative embodiment of a levitable member used with the straw distribution mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the beverage can shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, showing an insertion mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the floating disk of FIGS. 10, 11 and 13 showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a beverage can holding a straw distribution mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a bottom view of the floating disk of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a beverage can holding a straw distribution mechanism according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the straw dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 17, showing the disengaged state of the associated leg assembly.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the floating disk shown in FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of a beverage can holding a straw dispensing mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a perspective view of the floating disk shown in FIG. 20 in a closed mode.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the floating disk shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 in an open mode.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a beverage can holding a straw dispensing mechanism according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the floating disk and the base shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a beverage can holding a straw distribution mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the straw positioning member shown in FIG. 25 in a closed mode.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the straw positioning member shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 in the open mode.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP , KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Taylor, John 60613, Illinois, United States of America, Chicago, West Calom Avenue 1442 (72) Inventor Brown, David Sea 60656, Illinois, USA, West Bellin, Chicago 7706 (72) Inventor Brewer, Dag 60613, Illinois, United States of America, Chicago, North Bosworth 3757 CA01 CB01 CB02 CB04 CC01 CC02 CC03 FA09 FD08 GA08 GB08 GB17 KB01 LA03 LA06 LA17 LB02 LB07 LC03 LC04 LD30

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. A beverage container, comprising: a body having a closed bottom end and a top end; a lid closing the top end of the body to define an orifice; and a closure tab disposed within the orifice; A floating member disposed in the main body and urged against the lid when liquid is dispensed into the container; a unit for temporarily holding the floating member in the container; and the floating member. Means for deflecting the closure tab into the container to open the orifice, wherein the closure tab engages the floating member to move the floating member, thereby displacing the straw. Means for aligning with the orifice. 2. The beverage container according to claim 1, further comprising a floatable member formed integrally with the straw and biasing the straw to engage the lid. 3. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein the floatable member raises the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice. 4. The beverage container according to claim 2, further comprising means for temporarily securing said straw to said body. 5. The beverage container according to claim 4, wherein the floatable member is arranged at right angles to the straw when the straw is temporarily fixed to the body. 6. The beverage container according to claim 5, wherein the floatable member moves from the right angle position to a generally vertical position with respect to the straw when the means for temporarily securing the straw releases the straw. Do, beverage container. 7. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein the floatable member comprises:
A beverage container further comprising a required profile configured to cooperate with the closed bottom end of the body so that the straw can be temporarily secured to the body. 8. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein said floating member has an opening for engaging said straw. 9. A beverage container according to claim 8, wherein said aperture has an inlet end curved to slidably receive said straw. 10. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein the straw has a flexible portion. 11. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein the flexible swirl has a plurality of inwardly oriented pleats. 12. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein the flexible swirl provides a bend to the straw to position the floatable member at right angles to the rest of the straw. , Beverage containers. 13. The beverage container according to claim 2, further comprising means for temporarily securing said floating member to said floatable member. 14. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein said closed bottom end of said body cooperates with said floatable member to define a profile for temporarily securing said straw to said body. A beverage container formed to be capable of being processed. 15. The beverage container according to claim 2, further comprising means for temporarily securing said straw to said floating member. 16. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein the floating member has a contour for receiving the straw. 17. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the floating member has a backside with a surface configuration that facilitates nucleation of gas bubbles. 18. A beverage container according to claim 17, wherein said surface morphology is formed by one of the group comprising a corona and a flame. 19. The beverage container according to claim 17, wherein the surface morphology is formed by the roughness of the mold surface. 20. The beverage container according to claim 17, wherein the surface morphology is formed by appropriately shaping a void in the surface. 21. The beverage container according to claim 17, wherein the back side of the floating member is overcoated with a soluble material. 22. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the floating member has a downwardly extending circumferential skirt so as to be able to take in gas underneath. 23. The beverage container according to claim 22, wherein the back side of the floating member further comprises a spiral groove to facilitate removal of the gas from below.
Beverage container. 24. The beverage container according to claim 22, wherein said means for temporarily holding said floating member within said container includes means for mounting said floating member on said body so as to temporarily secure said floating member to said body. A beverage container comprising a projection protruding from the back side. 25. The beverage container according to claim 22, wherein when the liquid is disposed in the body, the skirt entraps foam in a head space to urge the floating member against the lid. Beverage container. 26. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein said means for temporarily retaining said float member within said container comprises a plurality of leg assemblies engaging said body, and said leg assembly being connected to said body. And a pressure-reactive mechanism for releasing from engagement with the beverage container. 27. The beverage container according to claim 26, wherein the pressure reactive mechanism further comprises a surface of the floating member that collapses in a controlled manner when an external pressure greater than a predetermined value is applied. Beverage container. 28. The beverage container according to claim 27, wherein the surface further comprises an outwardly arcuate dome surface connected to the leg assembly. 29. The beverage container according to claim 26, wherein the leg assembly further comprises a plurality of downwardly projecting leg members. 30. The beverage container according to claim 29, wherein the leg assembly further comprises a foot member laterally connected to each of the leg members and removably engaging the body. 31. The beverage container according to claim 26, wherein the floating member comprises a plurality of recesses formed in a circumferentially outer surface to provide a passageway for a fluid during a filling process. 32. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the means for temporarily retaining the float member in the container is the floating member including a latch mechanism for changing an outer diameter of the floating member. A beverage container, wherein the floating member engages the body in one mode, and prevents the floating member from engaging the body in a second mode. 33. A beverage container according to claim 32, wherein said latch mechanism comprises:
A beverage container further comprising a latch member that removably engages an arm folded below the floating member against a known biasing force. 34. The beverage container according to claim 33, wherein the arm is connected to the floating member through an operable hinge, the operable hinge providing the biasing force. 35. The beverage container according to claim 32, wherein said latch mechanism further comprises a latch connected to a circumferential outer surface of said floating member, said latch extending laterally to engage said body. And an arm connected through a hinge operable on the circumferentially outer surface of the floating member opposite the latch, wherein the arm is in a folded position when the arm is in a folded position. Engaging the latch on the opposite side of the body, wherein the finger and the operable hinge are operable to engage the body and be disengaged from the latch; A beverage container, wherein the operable hinge is disengaged from the body. 36. The beverage container according to claim 35, further comprising a weighted tab connected to the arm proximal to the latch when the arm is in the folded position. 37. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the means for temporarily retaining the float member within the container comprises: a base disposed within the body adjacent the closed bottom end; A threaded member extending from the base toward the lid, wherein the floating member has a threaded aperture removably engaged with the threaded member. There is a beverage container. 38. The beverage container according to claim 37, wherein a plurality of weir portions project radially from a circumferential outer surface of the floating member and cooperate with a fluid in the body to remove the floating member from the base. A beverage container further provided.