CN1306489A - Beverage container with self-contained drinking straw - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage container (110) has a straw dispensing mechanism (124) that is disposed within the container to bring the straw (130) into alignment with the orifice (120) in the top (116) of the container (110). When the orifice (120) is opened, the straw (130) elevates through the orifice (120) to become accessible to the user. The straw (130) engages a floating member (126) which is urged against the lid of the container.

Description

Beverage cans with their own straws

The present invention relates to beverage cans with self-contained straws. More particularly, the present invention relates to beverage cans with self-contained straws which are accessible to the user when the beverage can is opened.

Today, beverage cans are manufactured, filled and sealed in high-speed automated processes. This process involves making a separate can body to contain the liquid or beverage and a separate lid to seal the open end of the can. In the manufacture of filled beverage cans, a process called "seaming" is used to place the lid onto the filled can and seal its perimeter. In the now known seaming process, the lid spans horizontally over the top of the filled can body, a vertical distance of only a few millimeters above the top edge of the can body. Once at the top of the body, the seaming process seals the liquid or beverage inside the beverage can. The seaming process involves the use of very expensive high-speed machinery, and tooling such machinery, or modifying this high-speed machinery to accommodate self-contained straws, is not a practical solution.

Various designs have been proposed in the prior art for placing a straw in a beverage can which is accessible to the user when the sealing tab on the lid of the can is bent inwardly to open the can. The vast majority of these designs can be divided into two groups. The first set of designs is to install the straw in the can so that it is pre-aligned with the opening of the sheet. In this way, a channel for the straw is formed when the flap is opened. A practical disadvantage of this solution is the random orientation of the body and end during the existing seaming process. It can be seen that any design that requires pre-alignment of the suction tube with the opening in the lid is not suitable for existing high-speed filling equipment.

The second group of designs usually involves mounting or attaching the straw to the underside of the lid in some way such that the end of the straw is pulled or otherwise utilized through the opening when the jar is opened. These designs are also difficult to apply to existing high-speed tank filling equipment for the above-mentioned reasons. The commercial filling process passes the lid a few millimeters from the top of the tank in a high speed seaming process, so any structure attached to or attached to the underside of the lid would disrupt the seaming process, requiring expensive modifications to existing high speed machinery. A different solution is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,547,103 (assigned to the assignee of the present invention), which discloses various embodiments of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism, depending on the user's handling of the beverage can and Gravity aligns the straw with the opening in the lid. It is better for the user to tilt the beverage can slightly before opening the can, so as to cause the mechanism in the can to drive the straw to roughly align with the tab. Once the can is opened, only a few operations or tilting of the can can be performed to achieve alignment between the straw and the opening hole of the lid. allow.

Another approach is disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,244,112; 5,080,247 and 4,930,652, both of which are also assigned to the assignee of the present invention. These two patents describe various embodiments of a straw dispensing mechanism disposed within the can body which operates to rotate the straw to align with the beverage can below the open aperture. In particular, these designs correspond to bending the closure tab inwardly into the can body to actuate (or drive) the turning mechanism to align the straw with the open hole. While these designs remain technologically and commercially viable, the continued development of the straw dispensing mechanism is aimed at simpler and less expensive mechanisms that allow the straw to align harmoniously with the opening of the beverage can once the can is opened. allow. Furthermore, the goal of continuing development is to obtain alternative mechanisms for temporarily fixing the straw dispensing mechanism inside the beverage can so as not to interfere with the filling and seaming process.

In this regard, the present invention discloses a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism having a profiled or cammed surface that causes the straw to rotate into alignment with the open aperture. A first embodiment of the invention uses a float to support and position the straw at a radial distance equal to the hole in the can lid. A formed or cammed surface on the inside surface of the can lid guides the straw into alignment with the open hole of the can.

A second embodiment uses a float to support and position the straw at a radial distance equal to the hole in the can lid. The profiled or cammed surface on the upper surface of the float acts with the tabs that bend inwardly when the beverage can is opened to rotate the straw into alignment with the now open aperture.

A third embodiment has a float element integrally formed with the straw. The float element and the lower end of the straw are usually arranged horizontally within the beverage can, while the remainder of the straw is usually arranged vertically. The float element provides a convenient surface for temporarily securing the straw to the bottom of the tank. When this engagement is broken, the float member rotates to a substantially vertical orientation, aligning the remainder of the straw to urge the straw into alignment with the open hole of the tank.

A fourth embodiment has a buoyant element with bottom surface treatment to facilitate _CO2 bubble generation. The underside is coated with a soluble material so the filling and jointing process is not compromised. After the coating dissolves and the tank is opened, _CO2 bubbles are released from the tank liquid and attach to the bottom surface of the float element to further push the float element against the tank lid.

A fifth embodiment has a buoyant element with a peripheral skirt. After the filling and seaming process the beverage can is inverted and then returned to an upward orientation. After this, the head air space that normally resides near the tank lid is collected by the perimeter skirt below the buoyant element. The aspirated head pushes the float element further into contact with the tank lid.

In a sixth embodiment, the float element is held in a fixed position within the tank by a pair of foot post assemblies during filling and seaming. When the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined threshold, the outwardly domed lower surface of the buoyant element is recessed inwardly to change the angle of the leg assembly to disengage it from the tank wall. After this, the buoyant element is free to move towards the tank lid under its own buoyancy.

In a seventh embodiment, a living hinge is used to connect the arm to the buoyant member. The arm is held in the closed mode by the pawl against the bias of the living hinge. Living hinges and pawls are attached to the tank arms in closed mode to hold the float element during filling and seaming. After this, a sudden intake of the tank causes the pawl to release the arm. The arm pivots under the bias of the living hinge, bearing against the bottom of the tank and pushing the float member towards the lid. At the same time, the pawl folds inwardly under its bias and disengages itself and the living hinge from the tank wall. After this, the float element floats freely towards the tank lid.

The eighth embodiment has a float element with a threaded hole. The threaded holes releasably engage raised threaded elements on a base member proximate the bottom of the tank. This threaded engagement holds the float element in a fixed position during filling and seaming. After this, the rotation of the tank causes the liquid in the tank to act in the desired manner on the float member causing it to rotate along the threaded member. The threaded hole is withdrawn by the threaded member with sufficient rotation, thereby allowing the float member to disengage from the base member and move freely towards the tank lid.

The ninth embodiment has a straw positioning element which is annular in shape to hold the straw in a fixed position so that it does not interfere with the filling and seaming process. The straw positioning element has an inertia latch that changes the straw positioning element from a closed mode to an open mode. In the closed mode, the straw positioning member has a diameter smaller than that of the beverage can. In the open mode, the straw positioning member is deflected radially outwards to engage the can wall.

It can thus be seen that it is an object of the present invention to provide beverage cans with self-contained straw dispensing mechanisms which can be manufactured compatible with existing filling equipment.

Furthermore, it is another object of the present invention to provide beverage cans with self-contained straw dispensing mechanisms which are simple in design, use very little material, are inexpensive to manufacture and require less expensive equipment to assemble and insert into the beverage can.

For those skilled in the art, other advantages and purposes of this patent can be made clearer through the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, in the accompanying drawings:

1 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the beverage can shown in Figure 1, showing the straw protruding through the can lid aperture;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the beverage can shown in Figures 1 and 2, showing the straw in an extended position;

Figure 3A is a top view of a buoyant element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage can shown in Figure 4, showing the straw protruding through the can lid aperture;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the beverage can shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the buoyant disc shown in Figures 4-6;

Fig. 8 is a top view of the buoyant disc shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the buoyant disc shown in Figs. 7 and 8;

10 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10A is a schematic illustration of the pullable flexible coil portion of the straw shown in Figure 10;

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage can shown in Figure 10, showing the operation of the float element;

Figure 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment float member used in conjunction with the straw dispensing mechanism shown in Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage tube shown in Figures 10 and 11, showing the insertion mechanism according to the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the buoyant disc of Figs. 10, 11 and 13 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

15 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is the bottom view of Fig. 15 float disc;

17 is a perspective view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 is a vertical sectional view of the straw dispensing mechanism shown in Figure 17, showing disengagement of the attached foot post assembly;

Figure 19 is a bottom view of the buoyant disc shown in Figures 17 and 18;

20 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the buoyant disc shown in Figure 20 in a closed mode;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the buoyant disc shown in Figures 20 and 21 in an open mode;

23 is a perspective view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 24 is a vertical sectional view of the buoyant disc and the bottom shown in Fig. 23;

25 is a perspective view of a beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 is a top view of the straw positioning element shown in Figure 25 in the closed mode; and

Figure 27 is a top view of the straw positioning member shown in Figures 25 and 26 in the open mode.

The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts in the various figures. A beverage can with a straw dispensing mechanism according to the present invention is generally designated 10 in FIGS. 1-3. The beverage can 10 is made of steel, aluminum or plastic and has a cylindrical body 12 with a closed bottom 14 and an upper lid 16 . Lid 16 is joined to can body 12 using a seaming process known in the art. The cover 16 has an actuating member or lever ring 18 pivotally secured to the cover 16 . The lever ring 18 is suitable for use when the closure tab 22 is bent into the interior of the beverage can 10 to open the hole 20 in the lid 16 . The closure tab 22 is formed on the lid 16 with a score line which allows a controlled portion of the closure tab 22 to break away from the lid when the user activates the lever ring 18 against the tab 22 . When the user pulls up one end of the lever ring to the greatest extent, its opposite end pushes against the closure piece 22 . Alternatively, the tab can be designed such that it breaks free when the user presses the closure tab with a finger or a portable implement. When using this type of closure, the lever ring 18 can be omitted. Closure tab 22 is typically designed to bend down along the score line and to one side of aperture 20 so as to sufficiently open aperture 20 and facilitate the free flow of liquid from beverage can 10 through aperture 20 .

The beverage can 10 also has a straw dispensing mechanism 24 having a shaped or cammed surface 26 on the inside of the lid 16 , a float member or float 28 and a drinking straw 30 . A shaped or cammed surface 26 is machined on the lid 16 and angled toward the hole 20 to guide the straw 30 into alignment with the hole 20 . The surface 26 can be machined as a shaped surface on the top surface of the lid 16 or the shaped surface 26 can be a separate insert within the beverage can 10, if desired.

The buoyancy element 28 is made of a material that is buoyant in the liquid that the beverage can 10 contains. Sufficient buoyancy is thus provided (when the beverage can 10 contains liquid) to cause the straw 30 to eventually protrude through the hole 20 of the lid 16 when it bears against the shaped surface 26 and the straw 30 is aligned with the hole 20 .

The buoyant member 28 is a circular member having an outer ring 32 , a plurality of ribs 34 and a straw hole 36 . The outer ring 32 is a circular member having an outer surface dimension slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 12 . Thus, the outer ring 32 is free to move axially within the tank 10 . The height of the outer ring 32 is dimensioned to cooperate with the straw 30 to limit tilting of the outer ring so as to maintain the straw 30 in a substantially vertical position as shown. A plurality of ribs 34 extend inwardly from the outer ring 32 to meet at a center defined by the outer ring 32 . The ribs 34 provide rigidity to the outer ring 32 . Although Figures 1-3 show three ribs 34, any suitable number of ribs may be used. When the beverage can 10 is filled, the plurality of ribs 34 allows the volume located below the buoyant element 28 of the beverage can 10 to be filled. One of the ribs 34 is provided with a straw hole 36 . The radial positioning of the straw hole 36 along the rib 34 is such that the straw hole 36 aligns directly with the lid hole 20 when circumferentially aligned therewith.

The drinking straw 30 has a lower tube portion 40 , a pullable flexible coil portion 42 and an upper tube portion 44 . The downtube portion 40 of the straw 30 protrudes through the aperture 36 of the buoyancy element 28 . Aperture 36 frictionally receives straw 30 so that vertical movement of buoyancy member 28 within beverage can 10 results in vertical movement of straw 30 . Alternatively, a buoyant element 50 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2 ) may be attached to the straw 30 or the straw 30 may be made of a buoyant material to provide the required buoyancy for the straw 30 .

Figure 1 shows the beverage can 10 and straw dispensing mechanism 24 directly after the filling and seaming process has been performed. A drinking straw 30 extends from the bottom 14 of the can body 12 vertically upwards through the aperture 36 of the buoyancy element 28 to the lid 16 . The peripheral positioning of the straw 30 relative to the lid aperture 20 occurs arbitrarily due to the filling and seaming process of the beverage can 10, in order to prevent the buoyancy element 28 from lifting the straw 30 during the filling and seaming process of the can and thus potentially interfering with these processes. . The straw 30 can be temporarily bonded to the body 12 or bottom 14 of the can with a small amount of soluble adhesive 46 such as dextrose or thixotropic gel. The adhesive 46 gradually dissolves after the filling and seaming process and allows the buoyancy member 28 and straw 30 to float upwardly freely until the straw 30 contacts the contoured surface 26 of the underside of the lid 16 . During subsequent operation of the beverage can 10, the straw 30 interacts with the shaping surface 26 to rotate the buoyant member 28 and the straw 30 until aligned with the aperture 20, as shown in phantom in FIG. The interaction between the straw 30 and the forming surface 26 is due to the buoyancy of the straw 30 by the buoyancy element 28 . The tendency of the straw 30 to align with the aperture 20 is due to the oblique orientation of the contoured surface 26 towards the aperture 20, regardless of the direction of rotation of the buoyancy element 28.

FIG. 2 shows beverage can 10 and straw dispensing mechanism 24 after lever ring 18 has pushed closure tab 22 into beverage can 10 to open aperture 20 . Depending on the peripheral position of the straw 30 relative to the hole 20 , the opening of the hole 20 may or may not cause the closure flap 22 to come into contact with the straw 30 . Any contact of closure tab 22 with straw 30 will cause buoyancy member 28 and straw 30 to rotate such that straw 30 is slightly misaligned with aperture 20 . Once the closure flap 22 is fully bent to fully open the aperture 20, the misfit is corrected due to the interaction of the straw 30 with the shaped surface 26, as described above. Once the straw 30 is aligned with the hole 20, the buoyancy of the buoyancy element 28 pushes the straw 30 up through the hole 20, allowing the straw 30 to be utilized by the user of the beverage can 10.

At this point, the user can choose to start drinking through the straw 30 or to further pull the straw 30 out of the hole 20 of the lid 16 . The buoyancy element 28 has sufficient rigidity and the frictional interference between the suction tube 30 and the hole 36 of the buoyancy element 28 is relatively low. The coiled portion 42 can be stretched regardless of whether the straw 30 extends through the hole 36, allowing the user to increase the length of the straw 30 so that the other end of the straw 30 fully reaches the bottom 14 of the beverage can 10 while the upper portion 44 remains accessible. Through hole 20.

Figure 3A shows a buoyancy element 28' according to another embodiment of the present invention. The buoyancy element 28' has an outer ring 32', a radially inwardly disposed tab 34' and a straw hole 36'. The buoyancy element 28' may directly replace the buoyancy element 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, a beverage can 110 with a straw dispensing mechanism is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 110 is composed of aluminum, steel or plastic and has a cylindrical body 112 with a closed bottom 114 and an upper lid 116 . Lid 116 is joined to can body 112 using seaming processes known in the art. The cover 116 has an activation member or lever ring 118 pivotally secured to the cover 116 . The lever ring 118 is suitably used when the closure tab 122 is bent into the interior of the beverage can 110 to open the aperture 120 of the lid 116 . The closure tab 122 is scored on the lid 116 to allow the control portion of the closure tab 122 to be disengaged from the lid 116 when the user activates the lever ring against the tab 122 . When the user pulls up on one end of loop 118 , the opposite end thereof bears against closure tab 122 . Alternatively the tab could be designed to disengage when the user presses the tab with a finger or a portable tool. When using this type of closure, the lever ring 118 can be omitted. Closure tab 122 is typically designed to bend down along the score line and to one side of aperture 120 so as to sufficiently open aperture 120 and facilitate the free flow of liquid from beverage can 110 through aperture 120 .

The beverage can 110 also has a straw dispensing mechanism 124 having a float member 126 , a buoyancy member 128 and a drinking straw 130 . The float element 126 defines an outer circular surface 132 , a contoured or cammed surface 134 and a straw bore 136 .

The buoyant element 126 is fabricated from a buoyant material that can float within the liquid contained by the beverage can 110 and thus position adjacent the lid 116 within the filled beverage can 110 . The outer circumferential surface 132 of the buoy member 126 is sized slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the beverage can body 112 . Accordingly, the buoyant member 126 is free to move axially within the beverage can 110 and is urged against the lid 116 by the buoyant force acting on the buoyant member 126 . The height of surface 132 is selected to cooperate with straw 130 to limit tilting of buoyant member 126 so as to maintain straw 130 in a substantially vertical position as shown. The bore 136 extends vertically through the buoyant element 126 . The radial positioning of the holes 136 is such that they are directly aligned with the holes 120 when the holes 136 are circumferentially aligned with the holes 120 . The centrally located hole 138 allows filling of the volume of the beverage can 110 below the float element 126 . Instead, filling of the beverage can 110 is performed using a supplementary passage through the buoyant element 126 or the space between the buoyant element 126 and the can body 112 .

The drinking straw 130 has a lower tube portion 140 , a pullable flexible coil portion 142 and an upper tube portion 144 . The lower tube portion 140 of the drinking straw 130 extends through the aperture 136 of the float member 126 . Aperture 136 is slightly larger than down tube portion 140 and thus slidably receives down tube portion 140 . In this way, the buoyant member 126 is free to move vertically within the beverage can 110 relative to the straw 130 . The buoyancy element 128 is connected to the lower end of the down tube portion 140 to urge the suction tube 130 to move in an upward direction. The diameter of the buoyant element 128 is selected such that the straw 130 is positioned substantially vertically within the beverage can 110 when the outer edge of the buoyant element 128 contacts the inner wall of the can body 112 . Accordingly, the buoyancy member 128 acts as a twist arm to reduce the amount of tilting of the buoyant member 126 when the beverage can 110 is opened, as described below.

Figure 4 shows the beverage can 110 and straw dispensing mechanism 124 directly after the filling and seaming process is complete. The drinking straw 130 extends from the bottom of the can body 112 vertically up through the aperture 136 of the float member 126 to the lid 116 . The peripheral positioning of the straw 130 relative to the aperture 120 ( FIG. 5 ) is arbitrarily created due to the filling and seaming process of the beverage can 110 . In order to prevent the float element 126, buoyancy element 128, and straw 30 from lifting during tank filling and seaming and thereby interfering with these processes, it is preferable to temporarily seal the float element 146 with a small amount of soluble adhesive 146, such as dextrose or thixotropic gel. 126. The buoyancy element 128 is bonded to the tank body 112. Another option is to place the buoyant element 126 close to the bottom 114 of the tank body 112 . The buoyant element 126 should then retain the buoyant element 128 and straw 130 within the beverage can 110 . Additionally, placing the buoyant element 126 near the bottom of the can body 112 reduces the volume of the beverage can 110 below the buoyant element 126 to simplify the filling process. In this way, after the filling and seaming process is complete, the adhesive 146 gradually dissolves and thereby floats the buoyant element 126 up against the lid 116 and the buoyancy element 128 and the straw 130 floats up freely until the straw 130 touches the lid 116, As shown in Figure 4. The peripheral positioning of the straw 130 relative to the aperture 120 due to both filling and seaming operations is arbitrary and any rotation may occur as the float member 126 moves upwardly from its holding position during filling to the position shown in FIG. 4 .

5 shows beverage can 110 and straw dispensing mechanism 124 after lever ring 118 pushes closure tab 122 into beverage can 110 to open aperture 120 . Bending of closure piece 122 from its closed position (normally horizontal) shown in FIG. 4 to its open position (normally vertical) shown in FIG. , the buoyancy element 128 and the suction tube 130 generate rotational motion. The float member 126 is rotated until the suction tube 130 is aligned with the open hole 120 . When straw 130 is aligned with aperture 120 , buoyancy element 128 pushes straw 130 up through aperture 120 for use by a user of beverage can 110 .

At this point, the user may choose to begin drinking through the straw 130 or to further pull the straw 130 out of the aperture 120 of the lid 116 . The buoyant element is made to be sufficiently flexible and the interface between the straw 130 and the buoyant element 128 to be released is strong enough to still push the buoyant element when the straw 130 is pulled up to guide the straw 130 and buoyant element 128 through the buoyant element 126. 128 remains on straw 130 . Alternatively, the buoyancy element can be designed separately from the straw 130 . This requires that the float be sized so that it cannot pass through either hole 120 or hole 138 . The coiled portion 142 can be extended regardless of whether the straw 130 extends through the aperture 136 to allow the user to fully reach the bottom 114 of the beverage can 110 .

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the buoyant member 126 is shown. As mentioned above, the float element 126 has an outer circular surface 132 , a profiled or cammed surface 134 , a straw bore 136 and a central bore 138 . The cam surface 134 defines a first contoured surface 150 and a second contoured surface 152 . Contoured surfaces 150 and 152 form bi-directional camming surfaces that rotate float member 126 clockwise or counterclockwise depending on whether contoured surface 150 or contoured surface 152 engages closure plate 122 (FIG. 5). The combination of contoured surface 150 and contoured surface 152 limits the maximum amount of rotation of float member 126 to 180° to align straw 130 with bore 120 (FIG. 5). Ridge line 154 separates profiled surface 150 and profiled surface 152 at one end, while profiled surfaces 150 and 152 blend at the opposite end, as shown.

When beverage can 110 is opened, closure tab 122 engages contoured surface 150 or 152, causing float member 126, buoyancy member 128 and straw 130 to rotate. To ensure rotation of the buoyant element 126 and avoid excessive tilting of the buoyant element 126, the suction tube 130 and buoyancy element 128 may act as a torsion arm to balance the buoyant element 126 and limit the amount of tilting. As noted above, the diameter of the buoyant element 128 is selected such that the straw 130 is positioned substantially vertically within the beverage can 110 when the outer periphery of the buoyant element 128 contacts the inner wall of the can body 112 . Any tilting of the buoyant element 126 is resisted by the suction tube 130 and the buoyant element 128 acting between the side walls of the tank body 112 and the inner surface of the bore 136 of the buoyant element 126 . Using the suction tube 130 and the buoyancy element 128 as a torsion arm reduces the overall height of the cylindrical surface 132 of the buoyancy element 126 .

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a beverage can 210 with a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 210 is composed of aluminum, steel or plastic and has a cylindrical can body 212 with a closed bottom surface 214 and an upper lid 216 . The closed bottom surface 214 of the beverage can 210 arches upwardly to form the protrusion 256 at a greater angle than conventional beverage cans. Lid 216 is joined to can body 212 using seaming processes known in the art. The cover 216 has an actuating member or lever ring 218 pivotally secured to the cover 216 . The lever ring 218 is used when the closure tab 222 is folded into the interior of the beverage can 210 to open the aperture 220 of the lid 216 . The closure tab 222 is formed by scoring lines on the lid 216, and when the user activates the lever ring against the tab 222, the control portion of the tab 222 is disengaged from the lid 216. When the user pulls on one end of loop 218 , the opposite end pushes against closure tab 222 . Instead, the tab 222 disengages when the user presses it with a finger or a portable implement. When using this type of closure, the lever ring 218 can be omitted. Closure tab 222 is typically designed to bend down along the score line and to one side of aperture 220 so as to sufficiently open aperture 220 and facilitate the free flow of liquid from beverage can 210 through aperture 220 .

The beverage can 210 also has a straw dispensing mechanism 224 having a float member 226 , a buoyancy member 228 and a straw 230 . The float element 226 defines an outer circular surface 232 , a contoured or cammed surface 234 and a straw bore 236 . Straw hole 236 has a radially cut or flared lead-in end 258 to facilitate insertion of drinking straw 230 therethrough.

The buoyant member 226 is made of a buoyant material that floats within the liquid contained in the beverage can 210 such that it is positioned adjacent the lid 216 within the filled beverage can 210 . The outer circumferential surface 232 of the buoy member 226 is sized slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the beverage can body 212 . Accordingly, the buoyant member 226 is free to move axially within the beverage can 210 and push against the lid 216 due to the buoyant force acting thereon. The height of the surface 232 is chosen to work in conjunction with the suction tube 230 to limit tilting of the buoyant member 226, maintaining the suction tube 230 in the generally vertical position shown. Hole 236 extends vertically through float element 226 . The radial positioning of the holes 236 is such that they are directly vertically aligned with the holes 220 when the holes 236 are circumferentially aligned with the holes 220 . The central hole 238 allows filling of the beverage can 210 to a volume below the float member 226 . Alternatively, filling of the beverage can 210 may be performed using a supplementary passage through the buoyant element 226 or the space between the buoyant element 226 and the inner wall of the can body 212 .

The drinking straw 230 has a lower tube portion 240 , a buoyancy element 228 and a bendable flexible coil portion 260 , a pullable flexible coil portion 242 and an upper tube portion 244 . The upper tube portion 244 of the drinking straw extends through the aperture 236 of the float element 226 . Aperture 236 is slightly larger than upper tube portion 244 so as to slidably receive upper tube portion 244 . As shown in Fig. 10a, the pullable flexible coiled portion 242 is formed by small pleats 262 which are internally grooved to maintain a constant maximum diameter of the drinking tube 230. The small pleats 262 slope downward so that the buoyant element 226 rises over the pullable flexible coil portion 242 . In this way, the buoyant member 226 is free to move vertically within the beverage can 210 relative to the straw 230 .

The buoyancy element 228 is integrally formed with the lower end of the lower tube portion 240 for urging the straw 230 to move upward. The shape of the buoyancy element 228 is selected such that it has a knuckle 264 that cooperates with the projection 256 on the bottom surface 214 of the beverage can 210 . The bendable flexible coiled portion 260 allows the lower tube portion 240 of the drinking straw 230 to be positioned at right angles to the upper tube portion 244 and abuts the bottom surface 214 .

Figure 10 shows the beverage can 210 and straw dispensing mechanism 224 directly after the filling and seaming process is complete. The drinking straw 230 extends from the bottom surface 214 of the can body 212 vertically upward through the aperture 236 of the float member 226 to the lid 216 . The peripheral positioning of the straw 230 relative to the aperture 220 is arbitrarily created due to the filling and seaming process of the beverage can 210 . In order to prevent the buoyant element 226 and the straw 230 from lifting during the filling and seaming process and thereby interfering with these processes, the buoyant element 228 is preferably temporarily bonded to the tank using a small amount of soluble adhesive 246, such as dextrose or thixotropic gel. Bottom surface 214 . In this way, the adhesive 246 gradually dissolves after the filling and seaming process is complete, allowing the buoyant element 226 to float upward to push the lid 216 off and the buoyant element 228 and straw 230 to float upward freely until the straw 230 touches the lid 216 . Once the buoyant member 226 floats upward, the bendable flexible coil portion 260 straightens under its own residual internal stress. In addition, dissolvable adhesive 246 can also be placed in the hole 236 of the buoyant member 226 to fix the suction tube 230 and the buoyant member 226 relative to each other. The center of element 226. Alternatively, buoyancy element 228 may be secured to tank floor 214 by mechanical means such as frictionally engaged knuckles 264 and lugs 256 .

Optionally, a small amount of dissolvable adhesive 246 is used to temporarily secure the buoyancy element 228 to the buoyancy element 226 . Orientation contours may be molded into the underside of buoyancy element 226 to properly receive buoyancy element 228 . If desired, a two-component dissolvable adhesive 246 may be used to sequentially release the straw 230 from the bottom surface 214 of the beverage can 210 and/or release the straw 230 from the float member 226 .

FIG. 11 shows beverage can 210 and straw dispensing mechanism 224 after lever ring 218 pushes closure tab into interior of beverage can 210 to open aperture 220 . Deflection of the closure flap 222 from the closed position (generally horizontal) shown in FIG. 10 to the open position (generally vertical) shown in FIG. turn. The float member 226 is rotated until the suction tube 230 is aligned with the open hole 220 . When the straw 230 is aligned with the aperture 220 , the buoyancy element 228 pushes the straw 230 up through the aperture 220 to provide access to the user of the beverage can 210 .

At this point, the user may choose to start drinking through the straw 230 or pull the straw 230 out of the hole 220 of the jar lid 216 . The buoyancy element 228 is sufficiently flexible that the suction tube 230 and buoyancy element 228 can pass through the buoyancy element 226 when the suction tube 230 is pulled upwardly. The coiled portion 242 can extend regardless of whether the straw 230 extends through the aperture 236 , which allows the user to fully reach the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210 .

Referring now to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment of the buoyancy element 228' is shown. In this case, the buoyancy element 228' becomes a separate element which can be supported on the outer radial surface of the straw 230 using an adhesive. While four vanes are shown, spaced 90° apart around the diameter of the straw 230, other angular spacings and numbers of vanes are possible. The spacing between adjacent blades 268 defines the joint 264 .

Referring to Figure 13, the insertion assembly 270 is shown. The insert assembly 270 has a vertical element 272 connected to a horizontal element 274 . The distal end 276 of the vertical element 272 is adapted to engage the joint 264 of the buoyancy element 228 . The distal end 278 of the horizontal member 274 is adapted to releasably engage the upper tube portion 244 of the straw 230 . In operation, insertion assembly 270 lowers straw 230 into beverage can 210 . After the buoyant element 228 contacts the bottom surface 214 of the beverage can 210 , a follower (not shown) presses the knuckle 264 of the buoyant element 228 onto the projection 256 . The buoyancy element 228 may be secured to the bump 256 with a soluble adhesive 246 . Thereafter, the vertical element 272 and the horizontal element 274 are released by the straw 230 and the insertion assembly 270 is pulled out by the beverage can 210 . Preferably, insertion assembly 270 is cam driven and hydraulically operated to facilitate high speed insertion.

After the straw 230 has been inserted, the beverage can 210 is closed with the lid 216 according to the normal seaming process. When the soluble adhesive 246 between the buoyancy element 228 and the buoyancy element 226 is dissolved, the buoyancy element 226 is lifted along the suction tube 230 by its own buoyancy. Sometime before reaching lid 216 , sufficient torque is applied to knuckle 264 to dislodge buoyant element 228 from lug 256 . After that, the bendable flexible coiled portion 260 straightens under its internal stress. From this point, the action of the straw is as described above, activated by the cam surface 234, described with reference to Figures 7-9.

Alternatively, the length of the straw 230 can be controlled to be sufficient to reach the full extent of the beverage can 210 . In this way, the suction tube 230 holds the buoyant element 226 as the buoyant element is raised vertically. As closure plate 222 rotates float member 226 , straw 230 moves along projection 256 and releases. The combined forces lift the straw 230 from the bottom surface 214 of the beverage can 210 to a fully extended position.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , bottom surface 280 is shown. The float element 226 has an outer cylindrical surface 232, a straw hole 236, and a central hole 238, as detailed above. The bottom surface 280 of the buoyant element 226 is treated, such as corona treatment, flame treatment or other process to change the surface morphology and/or surface energy to facilitate CO ₂ bubble generation and adsorption on the bottom surface 280 . According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the treated surface 280 is coated with a soluble adhesive 246, such as dextrose or thixotropic gel, to temporarily isolate or seal the surface 280 from contact with the liquid in the beverage can 210. Preferably, the soluble adhesive comprises a syrup of the product contained in the beverage can 210 . In this way, the coated surface 280 does not accelerate the generation of CO ₂ bubbles during filling. After filling and seaming, the acid dissolves the soluble coating 246 of the product contained in the beverage can 210, exposing the bubble generating surfaces.

After the closure flap 222 (FIG. 11) is opened, the internal pressure in the beverage can 210 is released and the bubble generating surface 280 on the bottom surface of the buoy member 226 collects the generated bubbles. This increases the buoyancy of the float member 226 and keeps the float member 226 more stable against the lid 216 as the float member 226 rotates and the straw 230 rises. The vertical pressure of the float element 226 against the lid 216 increases the accuracy of the alignment of the suction tube 230 . This vertical pressure also reduces tilting of buoyant element 226 when engaged with sheet 222 .

Referring now to Figures 15-16, there is shown a beverage can 310 with a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The straw dispensing mechanism 324 has a float element 326 , a buoyancy element 328 and a drinking straw 330 . The float member 326 defines an outer cylindrical surface 332 , a contoured or cammed surface 334 and a straw bore 336 . The buoyant element 326 is made of a buoyant material that floats within the liquid contained within the beverage can 310 and thus is positioned adjacent the lid 316 within the filled beverage can 310 . Preferably, the thin walled buoyant element 326 is manufactured using high speed injection molding. The outer cylindrical surface 332 of the float member 326 is sized slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tank body 312 . Accordingly, the buoyant member 326 is free to move axially within the beverage can 310 and push against the lid 316 due to the buoyancy of the buoyant member 326 . In order to further push the buoyant element against the cover 316, special contours are used on the bottom surface 380 of the buoyant element 326. The bottom surface has radially protruding thread grooves 382 . The bottom surface 380 also has a downwardly raised skirt 384 extending along the outer cylindrical surface 332 . Optionally, bottom surface 380 may have a boss 386 at its center that may be positioned over pivot projection 356 on bottom surface 314 of beverage can 310 and held in position with dissolvable adhesive 346. Alternatively, the bottom surface 380 may be molded as a rough surface or a specially clad surface to both generate and collect air bubbles beneath the buoyant member 326 .

As the beverage can 310 is filled during the normal filling process, the turbulent flow of liquid washes the bottom surface 380 of the float member 326 . Thread groove 382 enhances this effect. This turbulence sweeps away any remaining air gap below the buoyant element 326 to reduce the loss of fill volume of the beverage can 310 due to the presence of the buoyant element 326 . However, some residual air still remains trapped under the buoyant element 326 . The buoyancy of the buoyant element 326 and any residual air is opposed to the bonding of the soluble material 346 .

After the beverage can 310 is filled, it is closed with a lid 316 according to the normal seaming process. After this, the filled beverage can 310 is inverted by a track set (not shown). As such, the unfilled head void 386 within the beverage can 310 resides adjacent the bottom surface 314 . This head void 386 displaces any liquid that may remain near the bottom surface of the buoy member 326 when inverted. Beverage can 310 continues in an inverted position along the railcar for a distance and/or time to ensure that all liquid adjacent bottom surface 314 is replaced by air. As beverage can 310 continues to advance along the railcar it flips over again to its original upright position. The head void 386 then collects along the bottom surface 380 of the buoyant element 326 and forms a head void bubble 388 therebelow. The size of the head void bubble and the distribution between the head void bubble 386 adjacent to the lid 316 and the head void bubble 388 adjacent to the bottom surface 380 of the buoy member 326 is preferably balanced according to the needs of the beverage can 310 .

With the collection of head void air bubbles 388 beneath the float element 326 , the bottom surface 314 of the beverage can 310 of the float element 326 is released and the float element 326 is lifted up to the lid 316 to guide the straw 330 . Head void air bubbles 388 collected on the bottom surface 380 of the buoyant element 326 increase the buoyancy of the buoyant element 326 . Additionally, the head void air bubble 388 holds the float element 326 more firmly against the lid 316 as the float element 326 is rotated by the closure tab 322 . The vertical pressure of the float element 326 against the lid 316 increases the accuracy with which the straw 330 is placed.

Referring now to Figures 17-19, there is shown a beverage can 410 with a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 410 has a straw dispensing mechanism 424 having a float element 426 , a buoyancy element 428 and a straw 430 . The float element 426 defines an outer cylindrical surface 432 , a contoured or cammed surface 434 and a straw bore 436 . The buoyant element 426 is made of a buoyant material that floats within the liquid contained within the beverage can 410 and thus is positioned adjacent the lid 416 within the filled beverage can 410 . The outer cylindrical surface 432 of the float member 426 is sized slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tank body 412 . Accordingly, the buoyant member 426 is free to move axially within the beverage can 410 and push against the lid 416 due to the buoyant force acting on the buoyant member 426 . Hole 436 extends vertically through float element 426 . The radial positioning of the holes 436 aligns directly with the holes 420 when the holes 436 are circumferentially aligned with the holes 420 . A centrally located hole (not shown) may be used to fill the volume in the beverage can 410 below the float member 426 . However, the best solution is to utilize the channel 438 along the outer cylindrical surface 432 of the float member 426 and the gap between the float member 426 and the can body 412 to facilitate filling the beverage can 410 .

The buoyant element 426 is fabricated to contain a fixed volume air void 490 inside. Since the buoyant element 426 is hermetically sealed, its internal air gap 490 is constant. The float member 426 also has at least two downwardly projecting leg assemblies 492 having laterally extending feet 494 . The bottom surface 480 of the buoy member 426 is preferably arched outwardly such that the feet 494 project radially outwardly to engage the inner wall of the tank body 412 . In this manner, the buoyant element 426 is frictionally held in abutment against the bottom surface 414 of the beverage can 410 . Additionally, the bottom surface 480 of the buoyancy element 426 engages the upper surface of the buoyancy element 428 . In this mode, the float member 426 holds the straw 430 in a preselected position such that the upper tube portion 444 does not protrude beyond the top surface of the can body 412 and thus does not interfere with the placement of the lid 416 during seaming.

After the filling and seaming process is complete, the liquid contained in the beverage can releases CO2 gas to increase the pressure inside the beverage can. However, since the pressure within the air void 490 is fixed, a pressure differential occurs between the interior air void 490 of the buoyant element 426 and the interior volume of the beverage can 410 . When the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the bottom surface 480 of the float element 426 shrinks inwards to make its arch reverse, and thereupon, the foot post assembly 492 is pulled inward by the inner wall of the tank body 412, so that the feet 494 and the tank body 412 is disengaged and the buoyant element 426 is released and floats up the straw 430 to the lid 416 .

The peripheral positioning of the straw 430 relative to the aperture 420 within the beverage can 410 is arbitrarily created. Bending of closure flap 422 from a closed position (typically horizontal) to an open position (typically vertical) results in engagement of closure flap 422 with buoyant element 426 causing buoyant element 426, buoyant element 428 and straw 430 to rotate. The float member 426 is rotated until the suction tube 430 is aligned with the open hole 420 . When the straw 430 is aligned with the hole 420, the buoyancy element 428 pushes the straw 430 up through the hole 420 to provide user access to the beverage can.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-22, there is shown a beverage can 510 with a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 510 has a straw dispensing mechanism 524 having a float member 526 , a buoyancy member 528 and a drinking straw 530 . The float element 526 defines an outer cylindrical surface 532 , a contoured or cammed surface 534 and a suction tube 536 .

The outer cylindrical surface 532 is joined to, or integrally formed with, upwardly projecting U-shaped detents 596 . The pawl 596 has radially protruding fingers 598 . Detent 596 is biased such that finger 598 extends generally to the center of float member 526 . Arm 501 is attached or integrally formed to outer cylindrical surface 532 of float member 526 and is held opposite pawl 596 by living hinge 503 . In FIGS. 20 and 21 , the arm 501 is folded against the offset of the hinge 503 so as to rest against the abutment of the bottom surface 580 of the float member 526 . Arm 501 is held in position opposite finger 598 by the frictional engagement of pawl 596 . The arm 501 has an outwardly projecting tab 505 which cooperates with the living hinge 503 to urge the arm 501 away from the bottom surface 580 of the float member 526 . The diameter between the outer radial surface of living hinge 503 and the outermost edge of finger 598 is such that when arm 501 folds and engages living hinge 503 below float element 526, finger 598 and living hinge 503 are aligned with The inside walls of the can body 512 are in frictional engagement. In this manner, the buoyant element 526 may temporarily remain in place within the beverage can 510 during the filling and seaming process.

After the filling and seaming process is complete, a sudden force on the beverage can 510 disengages the arm 501 from the pawl 596. At this point, the arm 501 is rotated with the help of the bias of the living hinge 503 and the flap 505 away from the float element 526 . Preferably, the tab 505 strikes the bottom surface 514 of the beverage can 510 to provide an initial thrust toward the lid 516 . After the support arm 501 is disengaged, the function of the bias of the pawl 596 is to pull the fingers 598 radially inwardly away from the inner wall of the can body 512 and to reduce the dimension between the outer diameter surface of the living hinge 503 and the outermost edge of the fingers 598, such that Once there, the float element 526 disengages from the inner wall of the can body 512 and rises freely to the lid 516 .

The buoyant element 526 is fabricated from a buoyant material that floats within the liquid contained in the beverage can 510 and is positioned adjacent the lid 516 within the filled beverage can 510 . The buoyant element 526 pushes against the cover 516 due to buoyancy forces acting on it. The aperture 536 is slightly larger than the down tube portion 540 of the straw 530 so that the float member 526 is free to move vertically within the beverage can 510 relative to the straw 530 . A buoyancy element 528 is connected to the lower tube portion 540 to propel the straw 530 upwardly.

Referring now to Figures 23 and 24, there is shown a beverage can 610 with a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The beverage can 610 has a straw dispensing mechanism 624 having a base member 607 , a float member 626 , a buoyancy member 628 and a drinking straw 630 . The float member 626 defines an outer cylindrical surface 632, a contoured or cammed surface 634, and a straw aperture (not shown). A set of ribs 609 protrudes radially along the outer cylindrical surface 632 .

Base plate 607 is adhesively or otherwise conventionally bonded to bottom surface 614 of beverage can 610 and has vertically raised threaded elements 611 . Preferably, the threaded element 611 is aligned with the center of the bottom surface of the beverage can 610 . The bottom surface 680 of the float element 626 has a threaded hole 613 to receive the threaded element 611 . The height of the threaded member 611 is selected such that there is sufficient clearance between the bottom surface 680 of the buoyant member 626 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 607 to accommodate the lower tube portion of the suction tube 630 and the buoyancy member 628 . It should be noted that while the bottom plate 607 is depicted with a set of outwardly projecting prongs 615, some of which engage the bottom surface 614 of the can 610 and others of which engage the inner wall of the can body 612, this shape is only possible for this purpose. Examples of applicable shapes. However, the preferred prongs 615 are used because they reduce the amount of liquid in the beverage can 610 that is displaced by the bottom plate 607.

Prior to the filling and seaming process, the float element 626 is detachably secured to the base plate 607 by means of threaded engagement of the threaded element 611 into the threaded hole 613 . After the filling and seaming process, the beverage can 610 is typically rotated as it moves along a common track set. At this point, the impact and friction of the liquid contained within the beverage can 610 pushes against the ribs 609 causing the float member 626 to rotate relative to the bottom plate 607 . This rotation causes threaded bore 613 to exit threaded element 611 . After a certain number of turns, the float element 626 is released due to the disengagement of the threaded hole 613 by the threaded element 611 . Accordingly, the buoyant member 626 is free to move axially within the beverage can 610 and push the lid 616 against the buoyant force acting on the buoyant member 626 . The straw hole of the float member 626 is slightly larger than the lower tube portion 640 of the straw so that the float member 626 is free to move vertically within the beverage can 610 relative to the straw 630 . The buoyancy element 628 is connected to the lower end of the lower tube portion 640 and pushes the suction tube 630 to float upward.

Referring now to Figures 25-27, a beverage can 710 with a straw dispensing mechanism is shown in a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Beverage can 710 has a straw dispensing mechanism 724 having a straw positioning member 726 , a buoyancy member 728 and a drinking straw 730 . The positioning element 726 defines an outer cylindrical surface 732 , an alignment element 734 and a straw aperture 736 . The outer cylindrical surface has a set of holes to reduce the volume of liquid displaced by positioning element 726 .

The alignment element 734 is a bifurcated piece along the inertial detent interface defined through the straw hole 736 . The inertia pawl has a boss 721 for frictional engagement with a slot 723 . The dimension of the outer cylindrical surface 732 of the positioning member 726 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can body 712 when the inertia latch is closed. Accordingly, the positioning element 726 is free to move axially within the beverage can 710 . Likewise, the aperture 736 is slightly smaller than the down tube portion 740 of the straw 730 when the inertia detent is closed. Accordingly, positioning element 726 prevents vertical movement of straw 730 within beverage can 710 in this mode.

Prior to the filling and seaming process, positioning element 726 is inserted into can body 712 and rests adjacent bottom surface 714 with pedestal 725 . After the filling and seaming process is complete, beverage can 710 is rotated to its side by dolly or other means to align and maintain aperture 720 in a predetermined orientation. Thereafter, the alignment element 734 works under gravity to position the straw 730 adjacent the aperture 720 along the perimeter. At this point, the inertia pawl 719 is activated disengaging the tab 721 from the slot 723 . Preferably, this process is completed when the beverage can 710 is slammed. Activation of the inertia detent 719 causes the alignment element 734 to adopt an open mode shape, which fixes the position of the straw 730 relative to the beverage can 710 .

In this shape, the outer cylindrical surface 732 of the locating member 726 expands radially outwardly and frictionally engages the inner wall of the can body 712 under the inherent deflection. Likewise, the inertia detent 719 releases the straw 730 from the hole 736 which is slightly larger than the lower tube portion 740 at this time. After this, the beverage can 710 is rotated to an upright position, allowing the buoyancy element 728 and the straw 730 to float upwards freely until the straw 730 contacts the lid 716 . Due to the fixed position of the positioning element 726 and the peripheral engagement of the straw 730 and the hole 736, the straw 730 is now properly aligned with the hole 720, so that when the can is opened, the straw 730 is pushed up through the hole 720 by the buoyancy element 728, providing the beverage can 710 with user use.

Although the above detailed description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention can be modified, changed and replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (38)

1. beverage can comprises:

The can body that has osed top bottom and top;

Seal the lid on above-mentioned can body top, above-mentioned lid limits a hole;

The closure plate that in above-mentioned hole, is provided with;

The float part that in above-mentioned can body, is provided with, above-mentioned float part is the above-mentioned lid of ejection when fill liquid in above-mentioned jar;

The device that temporarily in above-mentioned jar, keeps above-mentioned float part;

With above-mentioned float part bonded assembly suction pipe; And

Make above-mentioned closure plate bending enter above-mentioned jar of device, thereby above-mentioned closure plate engage above-mentioned float part to move above-mentioned float part and to make above-mentioned suction pipe aim at above-mentioned hole with open hole.

2. according to the beverage can of claim 1, it is characterized in that also comprising and the integrally formed buoyancy elements of above-mentioned suction pipe that above-mentioned buoyancy elements promotes above-mentioned suction pipe and engages with above-mentioned lid.

3. according to the beverage can of claim 2, it is characterized in that when above-mentioned suction pipe is aimed at above-mentioned hole that above-mentioned buoyancy elements rises above-mentioned suction pipe by above-mentioned hole.

4. according to the beverage can of claim 2, it is characterized in that also comprising the device that temporarily above-mentioned suction pipe is fixed on above-mentioned can body.

5. according to the beverage can of claim 4, it is characterized in that above-mentioned buoyancy elements and above-mentioned suction pipe are in quadrature position when above-mentioned suction pipe is temporarily fixed to above-mentioned can body.

6. according to the beverage can of claim 5, it is characterized in that when the device of above-mentioned temporary transient fixing above-mentioned suction pipe discharges above-mentioned suction pipe that above-mentioned buoyancy elements is floated to respect to the common vertical position of above-mentioned suction pipe by above-mentioned quadrature position.

7. according to the beverage can of claim 2, it is characterized in that above-mentioned buoyancy elements also has the shape of shaping, be used for cooperating, so that temporarily above-mentioned suction pipe is fixed on above-mentioned can body with the above-mentioned osed top bottom of above-mentioned can body.

8. according to the beverage can of claim 2, it is characterized in that above-mentioned float part has the hole that the above-mentioned suction pipe of joint is used.

9. according to the beverage can of claim 8, it is characterized in that above-mentioned hole has radial leading-in end and is used for sliding and receives suction pipe and pass through.

10. according to the beverage can of claim 2, it is characterized in that above-mentioned suction pipe has flexible portion.

11., it is characterized in that the part of coiling of above-mentioned flexibility has one group of inwardly little pleat of orientation according to the beverage can of claim 10.

12., it is characterized in that coiling of above-mentioned flexibility partly can make above-mentioned suction pipe bending so that above-mentioned buoyancy elements is located with respect to the remainder quadrature of above-mentioned suction pipe according to the beverage can of claim 10.

13., it is characterized in that also comprising the device of temporary transient fixing above-mentioned float part to above-mentioned buoyancy elements according to the beverage can of claim 2.

14. according to the beverage can of claim 2, the closed bottom end that it is characterized in that above-mentioned can body is configured as and limits shape and be used for cooperate with above-mentioned float part and arrive above-mentioned can body so that temporarily fix above-mentioned suction pipe.

15. according to the beverage can of claim 2, it also has the device of temporary transient fixing above-mentioned suction pipe to above-mentioned float part.

16., it is characterized in that above-mentioned float part has the shape of holding above-mentioned suction pipe according to the beverage can of claim 2.

17. according to the beverage can of claim 1, it is characterized in that above-mentioned float part has the bottom surface, its surface configuration is fit to produce bubble.

18., it is characterized in that above-mentioned surface configuration is shaped with one of corona-type flame method according to the beverage can of claim 17.

19., it is characterized in that above-mentioned configuration of surface is to be formed by the mould rough surface according to the beverage can of claim 17.

20., it is characterized in that above-mentioned configuration of surface mold pressing pit wittingly forms to the surface according to the beverage can of claim 17.

21., it is characterized in that the above-mentioned bottom surface full coat of above-mentioned float part has soluble material according to the beverage can of claim 17.

22. according to the beverage can of claim 1, it is characterized in that above-mentioned float part has the peripheral skirt of downward extension, be used to collect the gas below it.

23. according to the beverage can of claim 22, it is characterized in that the above-mentioned bottom surface of above-mentioned float part also has thread groove, be used for below it, removing above-mentioned gas.

24. according to the beverage can of claim 22, it is characterized in that the temporary transient said apparatus of above-mentioned float part that keeps has the lug that is stretched out by the above-mentioned bottom surface of above-mentioned float part in above-mentioned jar, fix above-mentioned float part to above-mentioned can body in order to temporary transient.

25. according to the beverage can of claim 22, it is characterized in that above-mentioned peripheral skirt collected head space bubble, promote above-mentioned float part when being used in the above-mentioned can body fill liquid and withstand above-mentioned lid.

26. beverage can according to claim 1, it is characterized in that the above-mentioned device of above-mentioned float part that temporarily keeps has above-mentioned float part in above-mentioned jar, it has one group of socle assembly and is used to engage above-mentioned can body and stress reaction mechanism, is used for discharging above-mentioned socle assembly by above-mentioned can body.

27. according to the beverage can of claim 26, it is characterized in that above-mentioned stress reaction mechanism also has the surface of above-mentioned float part, it shrinks with mode when the external pressure that stands surpasses given threshold value.

28., it is characterized in that above-mentioned surface also has arch face and the above-mentioned socle assembly coupling that outwards arches upward according to the beverage can of claim 27.

29., it is characterized in that above-mentioned socle assembly also has one group of socle element that protrudes downwards according to the beverage can of claim 26.

30. according to the beverage can of claim 29, it is characterized in that above-mentioned socle assembly also has the pin element that laterally engages with each above-mentioned socle element, it detachably engages above-mentioned can body.

31., it is characterized in that above-mentioned float part has one group of groove that is shaped along its neighboring, so that the passage of liquid in the stowing operation to be provided according to the beverage can of claim 26.

32. beverage can according to claim 1, it is characterized in that the temporary transient device of above-mentioned float part that keeps has above-mentioned float part in above-mentioned beverage can, it has pawl mechanism in order to change the external diameter of above-mentioned float part, makes in first pattern above-mentioned float part engage above-mentioned can body and break away from above-mentioned can body in second pattern.

33. according to the beverage can of claim 32, it is characterized in that above-mentioned pawl mechanism also has the pawl element, it removably engages and is folded in the support arm that withstands known bias voltage below the above-mentioned float part.

34. according to the beverage can of claim 33, it is characterized in that above-mentioned support arm engages above-mentioned float part by hinges, above-mentioned hinges provides above-mentioned bias voltage.

35. beverage can according to claim 32, it is characterized in that above-mentioned pawl mechanism also has the pawl that engages above-mentioned float part outer periphery surface, the finger sheet that above-mentioned latch has a horizontal expansion is used to the support arm that engages above-mentioned can body and engage above-mentioned float part outer periphery surface, it is relative with above-mentioned pawl by hinges, the above-mentioned support arm that engages above-mentioned pawl in the folding position is relative with above-mentioned finger sheet, make above-mentioned finger sheet and above-mentioned hinges engage above-mentioned can body like this and can operate from above-mentioned pawl and throw off, above-mentioned finger sheet and above-mentioned hinges are thrown off from above-mentioned can body.

36. according to the beverage can of claim 35, it is characterized in that also comprising the gravity fin, when above-mentioned support arm was in above-mentioned folding position, contiguous above-mentioned pawl place gravity fin engaged above-mentioned support arm.

37., it is characterized in that the temporary transient device of above-mentioned float part that keeps comprises in above-mentioned jar according to the beverage can of claim 1:

Be arranged on the base plate of the above-mentioned closed bottom end of adjacency in the above-mentioned can body; And

By the screwing element that above-mentioned base plate extends to above-mentioned lid, above-mentioned float part has tapped bore and is used for removably engaging above-mentioned screwing element.

38. according to the beverage can of claim 37, it also have one group of arch bar that radially protrudes by above-mentioned float part outer periphery surface be used for above-mentioned can body in the liquid phase mutual effect so that shift out above-mentioned float part from above-mentioned base plate.

Images