WO1999067144A2 - Hygiene cover for beverage containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Article in transparent plastic film for food, in various sizes, consisting of two pre-produced parts (films) (A, B) to be applied by the producers of canned drinks in a simple process following canning which does not modify the present production process of the cans themselves. The two aforesaid parts thermoformed and overlapped have a finished thickness of approximately 0.1 mm each and, taken together, form a device that guarantees the hygiene of the various kinds of can in use, thereby permitting mouth-to-can contact and enabling users to drink the contents directly from the can without needing to find a glass or clean the can itself.

Description

HYGIENIC COVER FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINERS

TECHNICAL FIELD AND DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The article in transparent plastic film for food consists of two parts thermoformed and overlapped forming a device that guarantees the hygiene of the various kinds of can in use, thereby permitting mouth-to-can contact and enabling users to drink the contents directly from the can. The latter, as it is sold at present, is neither clean nor hygienic because of having been stored, sometimes for long periods of tine, in dusty warehouses wich are often dirty, or even in the open, not to mention the effects of constant manipulation by warehouses staff and consumers themselves. Users will soon realise that by using this device they will be able to let their children drink freely from the can and will save money on the purchase of plastic or paper cups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In order to prevent careless people from dropping it on the ground, the upper part, "B", which is opened by pulling the tabs upwards, will remain attached by a short 4mm extension opposite the tabs itself, to the lower part, "A", which is fixed to the can. As will be evident from drawings of the present description, the aforesaid upper part adheres to the lower part "A", which, having been previously attached to the can with a ring of clear adhesive tape (applied, for example, during the canning of the drink) will totally guarantee the hygiene of the upper part ofthe can itself (the part that comes into contact with the lips when the contents are consumed). When the tab is pulled upwards, the "B" part, overcoming the slight resistance of the upper part of adhesive tape, which in turn holds the fixed part below, "A", to the can, is raised completely, hinging on the joint opposite, and enables the metal ring-pull tab on the can to be opened. The film, "B" will guarantee the preservation ofthe cleanliness ofthe aluminium tab that comes into direct contact with the drink after the can is open and, furthermore, once closed, will protect any remaining liquid from contamination or from dust.

BEST MODE FOR C ARRYNG OUT THE INVENTION The phases in the production ofthe article itself are as follows: Thermoforming and dinking of the plastic film in two pieces, "A" and "B" in a sterile environment.

Alternate stacking of "A" and "B" pieces and subsequent packing in plastic bags. The tapering of approximately 2 mm on the lower circumference, given to both parts, which are already staggered in height by about 4 mm, will allow easy stacking.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The phases of processing the article during the canning process are as follows: Recall, once canning is complete, of an article comprising part "A" and part

"B" and application ofthe same (from above) to the can. The curved edge of approximately 1 mm on the lower circumference of part "B" will avoid all risk of recalling more than one element;

Application of a complete ring of adhesive tape (about 10 mm wide) to the can, of which about 4 mm on the can, about 4 mm on the fixed part "A" and about 2 mm on the "B" part that opens.

Claims

Tutorship is claimed for the following innovative results that the article proposes to achieve.

-1) GUARANTEE of the conditions of maximum possible hygiene for the user of canned drinks, of any type or form, through the application to the upper part of the aforesaid cans, as specified in the description and in the technical drawing enclosed.

-2) ENJOYMENT on the part of the user of canned drinks of a higher standard of hygiene, without having to resort to particular, complicated procedures, but by simply pulling a tab to eliminate the upper part of the device and then consuming the drink in the normal way.

-3) PRESERVATION, through the use of the device, of the hygiene of the upper part ofthe can, right from the production phase.

-4) After production, the MAINTENANCE of the initial, unaltered, standards of hygiene throughout the operations of deposit and storage in warehouses, the subsequent phases of commercialization of the product

(display on shelves and in fridge units, etc.) up to the moment in which the drink is consumed.

-5) ENHANCEMENT of the aesthetic aspect of the can by colouring the plastic food film of which the article is made and/or printing a pattern on it or, in any case, even leaving the material transparent.

Regarding the characteristics of the article, tutorship is claimed for the overall protection of the hygiene of drink-cans, both when the drink is consumed directly from the container and when the drink is poured into glasses or other receptacles, and, in any case, when the can is opened and the ring-pull tab is pushed inside the can and comes into contact with the liquid.