DEVICE FOR COUPLING WITH A BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

An assembly of a beverage container, preferably a bottle or beverage can, and a device couplable therewith, wherein the device comprises at least one circumferential edge and engaging elements, wherein the engaging elements at least partly correspond with a circumference of the beverage container near an upper part of the beverage container, such that, in a first condition, the device extends near said upper part approximately along the beverage container.

Description

The invention relates to a beverage assembly.

It is common that beverage containers, such as for instance cans and/or bottles, become dirty in the period before consumption, in particular possibly in places where the user's mouth comes into contact with the beverage container.

Further, in certain situations, after opening and at least partly emptying, beverage containers such as for instance cans and/or bottles are used as an ashtray. However, these beverage containers are not adapted for this, so that a lot of ash and/or smoking materials may make the environment of the beverage container dirty.

It is an object of the invention to obviate at least one of above-mentioned drawbacks.

This object and/or other objects are achieved by an assembly of a beverage container, preferably a bottle or beverage can, and a device couplable therewith, while the device comprises at least one circumferential edge and engaging elements, while the engaging elements at least partly correspond with a circumference of the beverage container near an upper part of the beverage container, such that, in a first condition, the device extends, near this upper part, approximately along the beverage container.

In a first position, the assembly according to the invention will not take up much space, in that the device couplable with the beverage container encloses the beverage container in an advantageous manner. In other positions, the device is, for instance, placeable ‘upright’ on the beverage container or usable as a separate unit uncoupled from the beverage container. In these other positions, a user can relatively simply deposit ash and/or smoking materials in the device so that the environment becomes dirty less quickly. Further, the circumferential edges can enclose a space for filling beverage or act as a guide for drinking the beverage from the beverage container so that the user's mouth need not reach a dirty part of the beverage container, if any. Thus, by the use of the assembly according to the invention, the hygiene can be increased.

In one embodiment, the device is provided with a bottom, which bottom can, in a first position, in a favorable manner, also serve as a sort of dust cap to prevent an upper part of the beverage container from becoming dirty. To this end, the device is placed upside down on the beverage container before consumption.

For engaging with the beverage container, favorable embodiments of the device are provided with engaging elements, for instance designed as edges engageable with a beverage container and/or resilient engaging elements. The engaging elements may also be part of the circumferential edges.

Above objects can at least partly be achieved with an assembly of a beverage container, preferably a bottle or beverage can, and a device couplable therewith, while the device is provided with at least one circumferential edge and at least one engaging element, while the inner circumference of the at least one engaging element at least partly corresponds with the circumference of the beverage container for coupling of the device with the beverage container, while recesses and/or breaking edges are provided in the circumferential edge, which at least partly approximately correspond with the circumference of particular smoking materials.

With this device, in a coupled operative condition, it is for instance possible to put out smoking materials in a favorable manner on the upper part of the beverage container, preferably the metal of the top side of a beverage can. The ash and/or put-out smoking materials can be deposited between the circumferential edges and/or in an opening of the beverage container, with the beverage container serving as a sort of trash can. The smoking materials can then rest in a recess in the circumferential edge.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device is strip-shaped and preferably provided with indentations. The strip is foldable in order to form a circumferential edge. After folding, the circumferential edge can extend from a top side of the beverage container away from the beverage container, for instance to serve as an ashtray or drinking aid. With such a strip, for instance, the production and/or the transport can be realized relatively simply and/or inexpensively.

By way of explanation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of an article, method and use according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, in which:

FIGS. 1A-F show different devices according to the invention;

FIGS. 2A-B show beverage containers according to the invention;

FIGS. 3A-E show assemblies according to the invention;

FIGS. 4A-B show cross sections of parts of assemblies according to the invention;

FIGS. 5-C show different devices according to the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a beverage container and an assembly, respectively, according to the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross sections of parts of assemblies according to the invention;

FIGS. 8A-B show cross sections of a part of an assembly and a device, respectively, according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of a part of an assembly according to the invention;

FIGS. 10A-C show assemblies according to the invention;

FIG. 11 shows an assembly, beverage containers and devices according to the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a part of a cross section of an assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a cross section of an assembly according to the invention in top plan view;

FIG. 14A shows a cross section of an assembly according to the invention in front view;

FIG. 14B shows a device according to the invention in perspective;

FIGS. 14C and 14D show cross sections of assemblies according to the invention in front view;

FIG. 15 shows a device according to the invention in perspective;

FIG. 16A shows a device according to the invention in perspective;

FIG. 16B shows two nested devices according to the invention in front view.

In this description, same or corresponding parts have same or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawing, embodiments are only shown by way of example. The elements used therein of the device are only mentioned by way of example and should not be taken as being limitative in any way. Different parts of the device may also be used within the framework of the present invention. The proportions of the embodiments shown in the Figures are often shown schematically and/or exaggeratedly and should not be taken as being limitative in any way.

Embodiments of a device 2 according to the invention are inter alia shown in FIGS. 1A-F. The device 2 can be coupled to beverage containers 3, for instance as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, so that an assembly 1 of a device 2 and a beverage container 3 is formed, as can be seen in FIGS. 3A-3D. Here, the device 2 has the shape of a collar on the beverage container 3. For engagement with a beverage container 3, the device 2 is provided with circumferential edges 4 with at least one circumference 5 which approximately, at least partly, corresponds with the circumference 6 of the beverage container 3, at least near an upper part thereof. It is thus possible to couple the device 2 to a beverage container 3, for instance by having the device 2 ‘click’ on the beverage container 3 and/or by having the device 2 fittingly enclose the beverage container 3.

By way of illustration, in FIGS. 4A-B, parts of cross sections of embodiments according to the invention are shown where the device 2 is provided with an engaging edge 8. With this engaging edge 8, the device 2 can be pushed over the upper edge 7 of a beverage container 3, for instance a beverage can, such that the engaging edge 8 engages behind the upper edge 7 of the beverage container 3 and the device 2 clamps on the beverage container 3. This engaging edge 8 may, for instance, be formed as a resilient element, such that the engaging edge ‘clicks’ behind the upper edge 7. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively, it can be seen how a user can position the device 2 above an upper edge 7 and can then push the device 2 over the upper edge 7 so that the engaging edge 8 clamps the device 2 to the bottle. Here, the engaging edge 8 then clamps on the bottle in at least two positions 8A and 8B, which positions can encircle the device 2.

Of course, an engaging edge 8 is not required for engagement of the device 2 with the beverage container 3; due to somewhat corresponding circumferences 5, 6 of the device 2 and the beverage container 3, respectively, the device 2 can already be coupled with the beverage container 3. This is, for instance, possible with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3D,E. Here, the device 2 has the shape of a cup which fittingly encloses a beverage container 3. Further, it is for instance possible to have a part of the device 2, preferably near the engaging side 4, project into the drinking opening 9 of the beverage container, for instance a beverage can 3 or bottle 3, as is inter alia shown in FIG. 6B. Several coupling principles are conceivable within the framework of the invention.

Such devices 2 and/or assemblies 1 of devices 2 and beverage containers 3 are, in particular embodiments, for instance suitable as an ashtray and/or as an drinking aid for guiding the beverage to the mouth. In the case of the ashtray, in a favorable manner, the beverage container 3 can serve as a storage space/trash can for used smoking materials 10 (FIG. 2B) and/or ash. The inside 11 of the device 2 and/or the metal of the top side 12 of a beverage can may, for instance, serve as a put-out facility for the smoking materials. After use and/or putting out, the smoking materials 10 can be deposited in the beverage container 3 via the opening 9. In one embodiment, the device 2 is excellently suitable as a disposable product; it may, for instance, be disposed of as waste together with the beverage container 3, for instance already after a short period of use.

Suitable assemblies 1 according to the invention comprise, for instance, beverage containers 3 such as beverage cans and/or bottles, for instance of 25 cl, 33 cl and/or 0.5 l. To this end, it is favorable if the circumference 5 near a part of the device 2 approximately connects to an upper part 7 of above-mentioned beverage cans and/or bottles. At the moment of writing, common circumferences 6 of upper edges 7 of suitable beverage cans were about 162 mm, for instance such as with Red Bull, for the relatively wide cans, and 168 mm for the relatively elongate cans, for instance such as with Coca Cola. Of course, deviations from these dimensions are possible and these dimensions cannot be taken as being limitative. For engagement with the beverage container 3, the circumference 5 near the engaging side 4 of the device 2 may, for instance, be smaller and/or larger than above-mentioned circumference 6 of the beverage container 3. Suitable bottles may, for instance, have the following dimensions of circumferences 6 of upper parts 7: about 71 mm, for instance such as with Coca Cola bottles, about 87 mm, for instance such as with Spa bottles, or about 114 mm, such as for instance with certain sports and fruit drinks. In particular embodiments according to the invention, one device 2 is suitable to cooperate with different upper parts 7 and/or circumferences 6 of different beverage containers 3. This will be discussed in more detail hereafter in the text. Upper parts 7 of bottles can, for instance, be characterized by the pouring part around which the cap closes.

In FIGS. 5A and 5C and 6A-C, embodiments according to the invention are shown where the beverage containers 3 comprise bottles. Here, the circumferential edge 4 of the device 2 has a tub shape 4A and an engaging part 4B, for instance so that the device 2 also serves as a sort of funnel to more easily deposit ash therein. Near the engaging part 4B, the circumferential edge 4 corresponds with the inside of the upper part 7 of the bottle such that the bottle fittingly encloses the engaging part 4B.

In an advantageous embodiment, the circumferential edge 4 is provided with recesses 13 which approximately, at least partly, correspond with the circumference of particular smoking materials 10, so that they can serve as an aid for supporting and/or even fixing the smoking materials 10. Such recesses are inter alia shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D and 1E. Certain recesses 13 may also be suitable as a drinking aid, as can, for instance, be seen in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B shows an embodiment with different types of recesses 13, with which the device 2 is, in principle, made suitable for serving different purposes. In FIG. 1E, an embodiment is shown with breaking edges 14 with which parts of the device 2 can be broken off, creating recesses 13. The device 2 may, for instance, first serve as a drinking aid and, after breaking off these parts, as an ashtray. Breaking edges 14 may, for instance, be formed by locally removing material or by perforations.

In FIG. 1C, an embodiment is shown where the device 2 comprises a strip 15 with which collar-shaped circumferential edges 4 can be formed, as can be seen in FIG. 1F. Such a strip 15 can be transported and produced relatively simply and in mass production. Injection molding is, for instance, a particularly suitable production method for this. For intercoupling two parts of the device 2, in FIGS. 1F,G, two indentations 16 are provided, which indentations 16, as can be seen in FIG. 1F, can engage each other for forming a collar shape. In particular embodiments, multiple indentations 16 are provided, indicated in FIGS. 1F and G by a dotted line, so that the device 2 can be made suitable for cooperation with different circumferences 6 of different upper parts 7. Also, to this end, for instance at the location of the dotted lines 16, parts of the strip 15 can be broken off.

Within the framework of the invention, also, several manners of forming and/or folding are conceivable with which a device 2 can be formed and/or folded to a collar shape. The collar-shaped device 2 may, for instance, be rolled or folded to be coupled on the beverage container 3. Other embodiments are already prefabricated with circumferential edges 4 and do not need to be formed and/or folded by the user for use.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3B-D, 7A,B and 8A,B, in particular embodiments, the device 2 is also suitable for being placed with the top side 18 of the device 2 in the direction of the bottom side of the beverage container 3, directed to the beverage container 3. With an embodiment of a assembly 1 of a device 2 and a beverage container 3 according to the invention, the collar-shaped device 2 is placed on the beverage container 3 such that the assembly 1 with device 2 substantially does not take up more space than the beverage container 3 without device 2, for instance as shown in FIG. 2C. Here, it is shown that the height and width of the respective coupled beverage container 3 and device 2 are together approximately equal to the height and width of only the respective beverage container 3. Such devices 2 may, for instance, be coupled with the beverage containers 3 in a favorable manner during the (soft) drink production process of the beverage containers 3. Thus, with relatively little additional effort, the user is offered, for instance, a drinking glass. This gives the user efficiency, for instance in the form of saving of space and actions. In these embodiments, it may further be favorable to also provide, in addition to circumferential edge 4, at least one upstanding engaging edge 8 as can be seen in FIGS. 7A,B and 8A, B, where the device 2 is placed above and on the beverage container 3, respectively, by correspondence of the engaging edge 8 with an upper part 7 of the beverage container 3. Thus, also if the device 2 is placed ‘upside down’ on the beverage container 3, a relatively simple and stable manner of clamping is offered and this also yields, inter alia, saving of space.

In other embodiments, the device 2 is provided with a bottom 17. In this manner, the beverage container 3 is provided with a cap with which, for instance, certain undesired components, such as dust, dirt, insects and/or moisture (deposit) on the top side 12 of the beverage container 3 are at least partly prevented and with which a more hygienic beverage container 3 can be realized. Here, the device 2 is, for instance, independently suitable as an ashtray or drinking aid, not coupled to a beverage container 3, and may, for instance, be supplied with the beverage container 3, as is, for instance, shown in FIGS. 1D and/or 3E. In this manner, for instance, smoking materials 10 can be consumed at the same time as the beverage, while an ashtray is present. Further, for instance, particular graphic information 25 which may be related to the respective beverage (device) may be presented on the device 2. The graphic information 25 may also contain non-beverage container-relating information and may be provided anywhere on the device 2, for instance near the bottom side of the bottom 17 of the device 2, see for instance FIG. 10A. In one embodiment, the graphic information 25 comprises a commercial, which may be provided by means of a printing and/or embossing, and is noticed from the outside of the device 2. For instance, the graphic information 25 is provided in the device 2 by means of in-mold labeling, which is production-technically favorable. This technique is, for instance, known from WO 01/17744. In one embodiment, the top side 12 of a can on which the device 2 can be placed is also printed. The printing is then clearly visible before or after removing the device 2 and beverage from the can may then be poured into the device 2 and one may drink therefrom without the mouth touching the printing.

Devices 2 which are suitable as a drinking cup and/or ashtray may, for instance, be manufactured in a relatively inexpensive manner by means of a thermal molding process, although, further, other plastic manufacturing processes are also suitable.

In particular embodiments where the device 2 can, for instance, serve as a drinking cup, the engaging edge 8 fluid-tightly engages a beverage container 3, as shown in FIGS. 10A-C. Here, the device 2 may, for instance, be provided with a sealing ring 24, as can be seen in FIG. 10A, where, in the embodiment shown, the drinking cup 2 engages the can 3 along the inside of the can 3. This is, for instance, favorable for the transport of the cans 3. Further, the engaging edge 8 may engage the beverage container 3 for instance along the side walls (FIG. 10B) of the beverage container 3 or along the outside (FIG. 10C) of the upper part 7. Further, the engaging edge 8 may be provided on both the inside and outside of the device 2 and both approximately near the bottom 17 and near the drinking edge of the drinking cup 2, or for instance therebetween. In an embodiment where the engaging edge 8 is provided near the bottom 17 of the cup, see for instance FIG. 10B, the device 2 may be arranged such that the drinking edge 27 thereof does not engage the can. The engaging edge 8 is provided on the inside of the device 2 and engages the upstanding upper edge 7 of the can near the upper part 7. Here, the engaging edge 8 is arranged such that it clamps on the upstanding upper edge 7 of the can and additional engagement of the drinking edge 27 is, in principle, not necessary. The engaging edge 8 may, for instance, comprise a sloping and/or resilient edge near the bottom 17 on the inside of the cup 2, while the engaging edge is not or poorly visible from the outside of the cup 2 and holding the cup 2 is not hindered. In one embodiment, the cup 2 has an extra provision near the bottom 17 to seal the drinking opening of the beverage container 3, for instance a can. This provision may, for instance, comprise a projecting part and/or elastomeric part partly projecting in the drinking opening of the beverage container 3. Such a provision may, for instance, be separately provided between the device 2 and the beverage container 3 or form an integral part of the device 2. Thus, upon sealing the beverage container 3 with the cup 2, beverage can be prevented from still flowing between a top side of the beverage container 3 and the cup 2.

The engaging edge 8 may, for instance, be designed as screw thread for fluid-tightly coupling the device 2 with the beverage container 3, while the beverage container 3 comprises, for instance, a can or bottle. With designs where the beverage container 3 and the device 2 are fluid-tightly connected, for instance, after a can 3 has partly been emptied, the device 2 can be placed back on the can 3, for sealing. Then dirt stays out of the can 3 while, for instance, gases in the fluid can be stored longer and the can 3 may, for instance, be stored longer or for later use. Of course, in principle, all embodiments of devices 2 can be coupled fluid-tightly with the beverage container 3.

In another embodiment, the device 2 serves as a cap on a can. When removing this device 2, the can is open, i.e. beverage can flow out of it. In another embodiment, after removing such a device 2, first a tab needs to be removed to be able to pour the beverage. The device 2 may, for instance, be connected with the can at the location of the upper edge 7. The device 2 can contribute to a hygienic sealing of the can. For instance, it offers the certainty that, after sealing, the can has not been touched by third parties near the top side 12 and/or the can has been kept free of dust and/or fat and/or free of vermin. In one embodiment, the device 2 is provided with a breaking seal or the like, for instance on the inside near the bottom 17, near the engaging edge 8 or near the drinking edge 27, but other locations may also be suitable. If the device 2 has been removed from the beverage container 3 after production of the assembly 1, then one can tell this from the broken seal.

A breaking seal may also be designed as a band 34 extending over the drinking edge 27 along the device 2 and the beverage container 3. This band 34 is, for instance, manufactured from film or paper or the like and prevents contact of dirt, insects, fingers, etc. near the drinking edge 27. The breaking seal may also be provided over the whole device 2, over the drinking edge 27 and at least partly along the beverage container 3. In one embodiment, the band 34 provides clamping between the device 2 and the beverage container 3. The band 34 may, for instance, be transparent or colored and offer a surface for a printing and/or embossing.

In an alternative embodiment, the device 2 has an additional function, for instance as a packaging element. Between the device 2 and a beverage container 3, the assembly 1 may comprise an article 26, such as for instance a mascot, coin, leaflet, little doll, candy, collecting items, folder material, an additional fluid or powder to be dissolved, etc. (see for instance FIG. 10A).

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned sealing ring 24 is designed as a sort of seal, which seals an opening, if any, between the device 2 and a beverage container 3, for instance against dirt and/or moisture from inside. The sealing ring 24 may form an integral or separate part of the device 2. The sealing ring 24 may, for instance, be provided at the height of the drinking edge 27 of the device 2, but also near the bottom 17. Accordingly, when the device 2 seals a can in an assembly 1, the sealing ring 24 can be provided at the height of a largest diameter of the can, but also, for instance, on the inside or outside of the upper edge 7.

In still another embodiment, the bottom 17 is provided with a breaking edge 19, as shown in FIG. 3C. The breaking edge 19 may, for instance, be formed by local removal of material and/or perforations. With such a breaking edge 19, the bottom 17 can still be broken from the device 2 so that the device 2 can be coupled with the beverage container 3 in the afore-explained manner, for instance as a drinking aid or as an ashtray.

Suitable materials for devices 2 according to the invention are, for instance, plastics which are resistant to high temperatures, or with fire-retardant properties, for instance such that devices 2 according to the invention will not deform and/or burn quickly upon putting out smoking materials 10. It is also favorable if the plastic is also resistant to relatively lower temperatures, for instance in the refrigerator. A suitable material is, for instance, melamine, which has favorable properties for both ashtrays and plastic (disposable) products. Further, other plastics may be used, such as PS, PP and PE, with fire-retardant additives being added.

In addition to plastic, other materials are suitable such as particular metals and/or paper. For instance, a particular coating may be used on the paper to prevent too much damage and/or burning.

Another production method for a device 2 according to the invention is, for instance, extrusion, where a tubular shape is extruded after which it may, for instance, be cut to multiple embodiments according to the invention.

Engaging edges 8 may assume different shapes. As shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, the edges 8 may be solid. In FIG. 9, an embodiment is shown where the engaging edges 8 comprise two upstanding engaging edges 8C, 8D, which can be brought about with a relatively simple production mold. Further, stronger engaging edges 8 may thus be realized. The engaging edge 8 may, for instance, enclose a cap 23 of, for instance, a bottle in a favorable manner, so that the device can be put on a bottle relatively simply. As already explained hereinabove, the device 2 can also engage a beverage container 3 without engaging edges 8 in that circumferential edges 4 already form a sort of engaging elements.

In one embodiment, the device 2 can be coupled with the beverage container 3 with the same engaging edges 8, compare FIGS. 4 and 7 for this. Thus, for instance, a drinking aid and/or ashtray can also serve as a dust cap and the device 2 takes up only little extra space.

In another embodiment, the beverage container 3 comprises a bottle and the device 2 comprises a cup, with the device 2 being slid over an upper part 7 of the beverage container 3. An example is illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. Here, it is advantageous if the device 2 is placed on the beverage container 3 in a somewhat clamping and/or sealing manner. The device 2 may be in somewhat clamping connection with the beverage container 3 in different manners. In one variant, the device 2 engages a cap 28 of the beverage container 3. In another variant, the device 2, for instance near the drinking edge 27 thereof, engages a relatively wide part 29 of the beverage container 3. In particular embodiments of the assembly 1, there is little or no space between the drinking edge 27 of the device 2 and the beverage container 3, while the connection of the drinking edge 27 to the beverage container 3 can be virtually fluid-tight. It is, for instance, also possible to screw the device 2 on the screw thread 31 of a bottle mouth as a cap, while the engaging element 8 of the device 2 is, for instance, arranged with a screw thread corresponding with the beverage container 3. Here, the screw thread-comprising element 8 is, for instance, arranged near the bottom 17 on the inside of the device 2. Of course, these and/or other engaging facilities 8 can be combined in all kinds of manners. In fact, the assemblies 1 can be stored, transported and presented in the same manner as conventional beverage containers 3. Assemblies 1, at least devices 2, can be arranged such that an imaginary rectangular contour C of the assembly 1 is virtually equal to an imaginary rectangular contour C of the beverage container 3. The device 2 can be provided on the beverage container 3 in a simple manner, so that the assembly 1 can simply be integrated in a production process for beverage containers 3 and/or devices 2.

In a further embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the device 2 preferably engages the beverage container 3 in a clamping manner via a bottle collar 30 of the beverage container 3. PET bottles are typically provided with such a bottle collar 30. During the blow molding process of the bottle, the bottle collar 30 is used to clamp a preform of a PET polyethylene terephtalate) bottle in a blow mold. In practice, the bottle collars 30 of different beverage containers 3 have standardized dimensions, in other words, virtually equal diameters, so that uniformly constructed devices 2 can be used for different beverage containers 3. The device 2 is, for instance, provided with engaging elements 8 which can engage the collar 30 as a clicking or clamping mechanism.

For connecting with above-mentioned beverage container 3, above-mentioned device 2 is provided with engaging elements 8 formed towards the inside. Upon placing the device 2 on the beverage container 3, the engaging elements 8 are slid over the bottle collar 30, so that the engaging elements 8 are, for instance, forced outwards along a slope or incline 32 by the bottle collar 30. The engaging elements 8 then push against the bottle collar 30, so that a clamping connection is created between beverage container 3 and device 2. For the clamping connection, the circumference 5 of an imaginary circle which touches the outer ends on the inside of the engaging elements 8 is, for instance, smaller than yet approximately equal to the circumference 6 of the bottle collar 30. In a clamping condition, the circumferences 5, 6 are virtually equal, see for instance FIG. 13. In principle, the clamping connection will already be brought about with one engaging element.

One embodiment of the device 2 has engaging elements 8 rounded inwards, for instance as shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. With this embodiment, the circumferential edges 4 show an inward deformation at the location of the engaging elements 8, while, for instance, a virtually uniform wall thickness of the device 2 is maintained. Preferably, sharp corners or edges, at least on the inside of the device 2, are prevented by designing the engaging elements 8 so as to be sloping/rounded. This prevents undesired gas formation which would arise in gaseous beverages due to sharp corners or edges in the device 2.

One embodiment of a device 2, for instance as shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, has a draft angle α of 0.8 degrees or smaller at the location of the engaging elements 8. This is an angle between an imaginary plane perpendicular to the bottom 17 and the engaging elements 8.

In still another embodiment, the engaging elements 8 comprise a cam 35, see FIGS. 14A and 14B, so that a sort of clicking mechanism can be brought about. When the engaging elements 8 are slid over the bottle collar 30, the cams 35 are forced outwards and then click back after passing the collar 30 so that they engage under or obliquely under the collar 30. The engaging elements 8 then push, for instance, against the bottle collar 30, and the cams 35 clamp under the collar 30, or contribute to the device 2 not being able to slid too easily from the beverage container 3, in a direction B, away from the beverage container 3. As can be seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the cams 35 can comprise small projections in a favorable manner, while only a small adjustment in a mold is sufficient to be able to form them integrally in the device 2. The cams 35 may also comprise a form adjustment in an engaging element 8, for instance a sort of dent, ridge, bump or relief, with which engagement can take place under the collar 30, as can be seen in FIG. 14C. Also, the engaging element 8 can, in itself, form a sort of cam 35 which can engage under the collar 30. The cam 35 ensures that the device 2 can be placed on the beverage container 3 in a favorable manner without falling off too easily, while a securing effect is provided. Due to the cam 35, also, a sort of feedback is provided to the user upon placing the device 2 on the beverage container 3, for instance in the form of a sound and/or vibration in the material produced when the cam 35 clicks under the collar 30. Upon noticing the sound or the vibration, the user knows that the device 2 has been placed sufficiently fixedly on the beverage container 3.

Other embodiments of the device 2 are provided with an engaging edge 8E for engagement against and/or under an inwardly running part 36 of the beverage container 3, preferably near the drinking edge 27 of the device 2. The engaging edge 8E is, for instance, provided instead of the engaging element 8 and/or the cam 35 (FIG. 14D), but may also be included as an additional measure (FIGS. 1d, 14C). The inwardly running part 36 of the beverage container 3 comprises, for instance, a bulge above a relatively straight center part of a (PET) bottle, for instance for affixing a label. In provided condition, the engaging edge 8E catches under the inwardly running part 36 of the beverage container 3 in a favorable manner, so that the device 2 will not too easily slid from the beverage container 3 in a direction B. The engaging edge 8E can assume several forms; it may, for instance, be continuous in circumference and/or comprise at least one separate cam.

In one embodiment, a (shrink) film and/or seal is provided, for instance in the form of a band 34, for instance for additional securing of the device 2 provided on the beverage container 3. However, the engaging edge 8E and/or the cam 35 can contribute to the band 34 being, in principle, no longer necessary.

According to approximately a same principle, an engaging element 8 of a device 2 can engage near and/or under an upper edge 7 of a beverage container 3, while the beverage container 3 comprises a beverage can, see for instance FIGS. 10A-10C. For instance, a cam 35 engages under a curled upper edge 7 of a beverage can.

In one embodiment, the same device 2 is suitable for several beverage containers 3, for instance for both bottles and cans. Here, for instance, a same engaging element 8 and/or engaging edge 8E and/or cam 35 of the respective device 2 engages, for instance, a collar 30, an inwardly running part 36 or an upper edge of a bottle or a beverage. Here, in a favorable manner, it can be chosen whether the device 2 is placed on a can or on a bottle and/or fewer production lines need to be manufactured for several beverage containers.

In particular embodiments, the assembly 1 can stand on the bottom 17 of the device 2, while the device 2 has been slid over the beverage container 3. The device 2 then, for instance, serves as an alternative bottom for the beverage container 3, for instance a bottle. In a sufficiently stable manner, the device 2 then stands upright and it supports the beverage container 3. For instance, the assembly 1 may be disposed on a shelf, already standing on the bottom 17 of the device 2, while it can be communicated relatively clearly to the user that an additional device 2 is present, which would possibly not be immediately clear in a conventional upright position of the beverage container 3.

In one embodiment, the device 2 has been placed over the beverage container 3 such that it rests by the bottom 17 against, or at least virtually against, the top side of the beverage container 3, for instance a cap 28. Shifting of the device 2 is then prevented in that the cap 28 and the collar 30 or the inwardly running part 36 keep the device 2 in place. The same holds for placement of the device 2 on a can where, for instance, the bottom 17 rests against the upper edge 7 of the can and the engaging elements or edge 8 of the device 2 engage(s) under the upper edge 7. There it will also be possible to fix the device 2 in a sufficiently stable manner (see for instance FIGS. 10B and 10C).

In an advantageous manner, the devices 2 are arranged so as to be relatively nestable. Due to the relatively small draft angle α of the circumferential edge 4 and/or engaging elements 8 of particular embodiments of the device 2, the nestability of the devices 2 can, in principle, be adversely affected. Therefore it is advantageous if extra measures are provided such as for instance grooves 38 and/or indentations in the circumferential edge 4 of the device 2, see for instance FIG. 15, in which an embodiment of a device 2 is shown of which the circumferential edge 4 can engage a beverage can. With such measures, the devices 2 can be slid one over the other relatively more simply than without such measures. In addition, in an assembly process, compressed air can be supplied via the grooves 38 so that the devices 2 can be nested or withdrawn relatively easily. Here, it is also possible to arrange cams near the bottom 17 of, for instance, a first device 2, on which a second device 2 nested in de first device 2 rests by the bottom 17. In FIG. 15, these cams are, for instance, formed by an engaging edge 8 already present, but, for instance, separate cams may also be arranged for this.

In addition to or instead of grooves 38, the device 2 may also be provided with a different form of relief in the circumferential edge 4, for the purpose of the mutual nesting and/or withdrawing the devices 2, for instance with cams, ribs or the like.

In one embodiment, the device 2 is provided with stacking elements, for instance stacking cams 39, for the purpose of a favorable nesting position of the devices 2 relative to one another. These stacking cams 39 may, for instance, be provided in the form of slopes and/or ribs or the like, on the outside of the circumferential edge 4, see for instance FIGS. 16A and 16B. As can be seen in FIG. 16B, the cam 39 of a first device 2 engages the drinking edge 27 of a second device 2. With such stacking cams 39, the devices 2 may, for instance, be prevented from sliding too far over one another and thus clamping too much in one another. For instance, the length n of a stacking cam 39 is about 35 or 40 mm. Also, at a distance n of for instance about 35 or 40 mm from the drinking edge 27, a projecting element may be provided. However, this length n may also be different and may, for instance, be chosen on the basis of the draft angle β of the circumferential edge 4 of the device 2. Being able to nest the devices 2 in a favorable manner inter alia entails advantages for the transport and/or storage of the assemblies 1 and/or devices 2.

In one advantageous embodiment, the device 2, the beverage container 3 and/or the band 34 is manufactured from special biologically degradable material, for instance polymers extracted from biomass such as for instance starch and/or cellulose, so that any damage to the environment can be limited in an advantageous manner.

In one embodiment, the device 2 is manufactured from a thermochromic plastic, or at least provided with a material which changes color or tone when the temperature changes, for instance so that the temperature of the liquid can be estimated. Such a plastic may, for instance, be formed in the mold by means of injection molding and/or thermal molding. Also, for instance, via an in-mold labeling technique, a thermochromic material and/or ink may be provided in the device 2. Since conventional beverage containers 3 are normally not manufactured from thermochromic material, and the devices 2 can be coupled with these beverage containers 3, with this embodiment, the temperature of fluid in conventional beverage containers 3 can be estimated. For instance, it can be verified if the temperature of the beverage is already sufficiently low after it has been in the refrigerator for a while. In still another embodiment, the beverage container 3 comprises thermochromic material.

It is also possible to convert the beverage container 3 itself into an ashtray, for instance as shown in FIG. 2B. For instance, deformations may be added in the can so that a cigarette can relatively easily be placed on the can and/or the ash can be flicked therein. Thus, the can is, in principle, in itself suitable as an ashtray. In FIG. 2B, recesses 22 in the upper edge 7 of the can are shown and also a deformation 21 in the clip 20. The recesses 22 and the deformation 21 are preferably suitable for putting respective smoking materials 10 therein.

Possible favorable situations for an assembly 1 according to the invention include cars, bars, parties, private, planes, hotel and catering, events, shopping centers, etc.

It is further noted that, with words such as “upper part”, “upside down”, etc., in this specification, a ‘normal’ upright position of the respective product is assumed. These words should not be taken as being limitative, and of course several orientations of the respective products are possible without deviating from the spirit of the invention.

The variations described and many similar variations, as well as combinations thereof, are understood to fall within the framework of the invention set forth in the claims. Also, one or more combinations of embodiments of the device 2 can be considered an invention in itself/themselves. Of course, different aspects of different embodiments and/or combinations thereof may be combined and exchanged with one another within the framework of the invention. Thus, there should be no limitation to only the above-mentioned embodiments.

Claims

1. An assembly of a beverage container, preferably a bottle or beverage can, and a device couplable therewith, wherein the device comprises at least one circumferential edge and engaging elements, wherein the engaging elements at least partly correspond with a circumference of the beverage container near an upper part of the beverage container, such that, in a first condition, the device extends near said upper part approximately along the beverage container.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in a second condition, the circumferential edge extends away from an upper part of the beverage container.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the engaging elements are couplable with the beverage container in both the first and second condition.

4. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with a bottom, which bottom forms a cap over a top side of the beverage container in said coupled condition.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein, approximately at the transition from the bottom and the circumferential edge, a breaking edge is provided.

6. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device has at least one recess in the at least one circumferential edge, which recess at least partly approximately corresponds with the circumference of particular smoking materials, preferably cigarettes.

7. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device has at least one breaking edge in the at least one circumferential edge, which breaking edge at least partly approximately corresponds with the circumference of particular smoking materials, preferably cigarettes.

8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with at least one engaging element for engagement with a top side of a beverage container.

9. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging element is provided on the inside near the bottom of the device.

10. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging element is arranged for engaging the upper edge of a can.

11. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device is arranged as a drinking cup and the beverage container is a bottle, wherein, in the first condition, the device is placed over the top side of a bottle.

12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the bottle comprises a bottle collar and the at least one engaging element is arranged for engaging the bottle collar in the first condition.

13. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the at least one engaging element comprises a slope.

14. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the at least one engaging element comprises a resilient element.

15. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the beverage container comprises a bottle and the at least one engaging element is arranged for engaging under, at least obliquely under, the collar of the bottle or an inwardly running part above a relatively straight center part of the bottle.

16. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein, in engaged condition of the device on the beverage container, the bottom of the device rests on the top side of the beverage container, or at least virtually abuts it, so that the device is prevented from shifting.

17. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the device is provided with a relief in the circumferential edge for improving the nestability of the device.

18. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the circumference of the circumferential edge and/or the engaging element at least partly approximately corresponds with the circumference of the top side of a beverage can and is approximately between 150 and 180 mm, in particular approximately 162 mm and/or 168 mm.

19. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the circumference of the circumferential edge and/or the engaging element at least partly approximately corresponds with the circumference of the top side of a bottle and is approximately between 60 and 125 mm, in particular approximately 71, 87 and/or 114 mm.

20. An assembly according to claim 1, which is substantially manufactured from plastic, preferably by means of an injection molding process.

21. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the couplable device is arranged for being able to be fluid-tightly coupled with the beverage container, for instance with the aid of a sealing ring and/or screw thread.

22. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is provided with a breaking seal which is connected with the device and the beverage container.

23. An assembly according to claim 22, wherein the breaking seal comprises a band over the drinking edge of the device on the outside of the device and the beverage container.

24. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the couplable device is arranged for engaging along the inside of the upper part of the beverage container.

25. An assembly of a beverage container, preferably a bottle or beverage can, and a device couplable therewith, wherein the device is provided with at least one circumferential edge and at least one engaging element, wherein the inner circumference of the at least one engaging element at least partly corresponds with the circumference of the beverage container for coupling of the device with the beverage container, wherein recesses and/or breaking edges are provided in the circumferential edge, which at least partly approximately correspond with the circumference of particular smoking materials.

26. An ashtray, formed by an assembly according to claim 1.

27. A device for forming an assembly according to claim 1.

28. A device according to claim 27, wherein the device is a cup, preferably with a volume of at least approximately ⅓, in particular approximately ½ to ⅔ of the volume of the beverage container.

29. A device according to claim 28, wherein, in a third condition, the device comprises a strip, which strip comprises at least two connecting elements with which the strip is converted into a device with at least one circumferential edge.

30. A device according to claim 29, wherein the connecting elements comprise indentations which can engage one another.

31. An ashtray, formed by an assembly according to claim 25.

32. A device for forming an assembly according to claim 25.