BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to beverage containers, more particularly to beverage containers that are portable, disposable, and can be put to mouth to drink from.
There are enjoyable mixtures of drinks that can be concocted by mixing two different beverages. There are numerous beverages sold in the marketplace that are contained within various shapes and sizes of aluminum beverage cans.
There are many patents that teach how to construct devices that can dispense a mixed beverage, however, many of these devices are designed to mix one or more additives along with another beverage to provide a mixture prior to dispensing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,372A discloses constructing a first container that attaches to a second container and then through puncturing of the bottom wall of the first container, such that a mixer additive drops into the beverage contained within the second container. U.S. Pat. No. 2,824,010 discloses a similar concept to add a flavor additive to milk contained within a bottle of milk. There have been many devices that mix two or more additives to a beverage, and then after the mixing occurs, one dispenses the mixture.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,501,233 discloses a single container containing two or more beverages which provides mixing after dispensing. The container of US '233 has multiple sealed chambers within a single container body and requires filling of those multiple chambers by one or more beverage manufacturers, and then assembly and sealing of the chambers to provide a single container that simultaneously dispenses a specific mixed drink into a glass. The single container of US‘233’ contains all the beverages needed to make a specific mixed drink. US '233 discloses pouring the mixed drink into another drinking vessel for consumer consumption. The single container with the multiple beverages and openings is limited to providing specific drink mixtures, and is not designed to be put to the mouth of a user who is going to be consuming the mixed drink. Further still, the container of US '233 is complex and therefore would be costly to manufacture, fill and seal the multiple chambers with multiple beverages and assemble into a single container.
Additionally, conventional drink additive can be purchased and used to add a desired mixer of choice to a desired beverage of choice. However, the conventional drink additive containers have to be attached to a second and specific type of container, and then actuated to add the mixer to the beverage contained within the second container below. The conventional drink additive containers are reusable and must be refilled with the mixer additive by the end user, reattached to the specified type of second container that has also been refilled by the end user with a beverage, such that the conventional drink additive container can then be re-actuated to dispense the mixer additive into the attached second container, to then create a mixed drink within the second container ready for consumption by the end user.
SUMMARY
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pre-filled, one-time use, portable and disposable container, attachable to any prefilled canned beverage of choice, ready to dispense the two beverages simultaneously into an end user's mouth or other container, such that the pre-filled mixer in the container and the beverage in the prefilled can are mixed as the beverages are dispensed. The container of the present invention has separate beverage dispensing ports. The dispensing ports allow for the beverage contained within the attached aluminum canned beverage, and the beverage mixer contained within the container of the present invention, to simultaneously pour either into one's mouth or into another drinking vessel, conveniently creating a mixed drink for enjoyment.
The present invention is designed to be compact, portable, and disposable. It is intended to be filled with a beverage (also to be referred to as a “mixer” and/or “mixer additive”), sealed, and then sold to consumers, businesses, etc.
Canned beverages can include aluminum cans and are manufactured in various shapes, sizes, and capacities, however, to save on manufacturing cost, the industry has standardized on one diameter of can end (the top rim diameter). This standardization makes embodiments of the present invention compatible and useful with the many different sizes and shapes of the hundreds of canned drinks. Canned drinks, including fruit drinks, seltzers, sodas, beers, or others, and can simply be attached to the container of the present invention to conveniently provide a mixed drink.
It is noted that in an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing of two different beverages only occurs as dispensing commences.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a single container is preferably filled by a single beverage manufacturer and is configurable to be put to mouth for drinking. Additionally, one can buy a desired mixer of choice, attach it to a purchased canned beverage of choice, and then enjoy a mixed drink of choice.
In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one dispensing port in the container is present to dispense the mixer additive stored within the container, and allows for simultaneous dispensing of the canned beverage along with the mixer additive from the container. The container of the present invention is attached to an opened canned beverage, the seal on the container is removed, and then the user can pour the dispensed mixture from the container and canned beverage simultaneously.
It is noted that the container of the present invention is convenient to transport, versus having to transport one or more bottles of mixers along with the beverages, plus utensils and glasses, etc. Furthermore, by having the container be disposable, there is no need for cleanup and washing of the supplies. After use, the container can be removed from the canned beverage and disposed of.
It is also noted that the container of the present invention is a time saver for bartenders and the like by providing a convenient way to serve some typically messy concoctions such as boilermakers, or root beer shooters, or other two-part drink concoctions where a shot glass is filled with a mixer beverage and dropped into a glass of beer. The container of the present invention provides a cleaner and simpler way to prepare these mixed concoctions without the need for shot glasses and drink glasses and the mess associated when making and consuming these drinks.
It is also noted that the container of the present invention is a time and waste saver when serving large crowds such as at weddings or club events. Time and product waste are saved by eliminating the need for servers to mix drinks using bottles and dispensers. The container of the present invention contains a specific volume of pre-filled mixer which can simply be attached to the canned beverage of choice, opened and poured conveniently into a cup or glass.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a container of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of a container of FIG. 1a with side surface and labels removed.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a container of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a container of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a transparent view of the container of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5a shows perspective view of the container of FIG. 3 with the side surface removed.
FIG. 5b shows an alternate positioning of the conduit within the container of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of FIG. 3 with an optional label and seal.
FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of FIG. 6 with a filled container of an embodiment of the present invention including a mixer additive and attached to an aluminum beverage can filled with a beverage.
FIG. 8 shows an alternate view of FIG. 7 with the mixer additive in the container being dispensed simultaneously with the canned beverage.
FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the attachment between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 10a shows an embodiment of a guide and retainer for connection between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 10b shows a bottom view of the guide and retainer for connection between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 11a shows an alternate embodiment of a guide and retainer for connection between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 11b shows a bottom view of the guide and retainer for connection between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of another possible retainer.
FIG. 13a shows a sectional view of another possible embodiment of a container of the present invention with another alternative retainer embodiment and optional bottom label.
FIG. 13b shows a sectional view of the container in FIG. 13a in a stacked configuration.
FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of another possible embodiment of a container of the present invention along with another alternative retainer with an optional gasket.
FIG. 15a shows an alternate embodiment of a retainer and a gasket for connection between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 15b shows a bottom view of the retainer and gasket.
FIG. 16 shows another retainer between the container and the rim of the canned beverage.
FIG. 17 shows an alternate retainer having an extended side surface and optional bottom label.
FIG. 18a shows a conduit aligner between the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 18b shows a bottom view of the conduit aligner, the container and the canned beverage.
FIG. 19a shows another possible embodiment of a container of the present invention with an alternative retainer and conduit aligner.
FIG. 19b shows a bottom view of the retainer and conduit aligner.
FIG. 20a shows an alternate conduit aligner.
FIG. 20b shows a bottom view of the alternate conduit aligner.
FIG. 21a shows an alternate retainer.
FIG. 21b shows a bottom view of the alternate retainer.
FIG. 22 shows another alternate retainer.
FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an optional fill port and cover plate.
FIG. 24 shows a sectional view of an alternative fill port and cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a container 1a of an embodiment of the present invention. The container 1a has an upper surface 3 and a bottom surface 2 separated by a side surface 4 surrounding the outer circumferences 3a, 2a of the upper surface 3 and the bottom surface 2, respectfully. FIG. 1b illustrates that between the upper surface 3 and the lower surface 2 is a storage cavity 7 for storing a specified volume of mixer. A portion of the upper surface 3 includes a dispensing surface 100 which defines multiple dispensing ports 5, a conduit 6, and optional vent ports 8 which provide efficient dispensing of a specified volume of mixer. The container 1a can be attached to a canned beverage or used separately to mix specific premeasured amounts of a contained mixer beverage 42 (see FIG. 7, 8) with another beverage that has been poured into a cup or glass. This can be advantageous when serving mixed drinks to large crowds and busy serving environments.
In this embodiment, the dispensing surface 100 is connected to and slopes at a downward angle relative to the upper surface 3, such that a first surface 100a of the dispensing surface 100 is in-line with upper surface 3 and a second surface 100b of the dispensing surface 100 is formed within the side surface 4. The upper surface 3 and the dispensing surface 100 can be formed integrally.
The multiple dispensing ports 5 are preferably placed on the dispensing surface 100 adjacent the side surface 4 and the optional vent ports 8 are preferably placed adjacent the upper surface 3. The container dispensing ports 5 are in fluid communication with the storage cavity 7 of the container 1a defined between the upper surface 3, the lower surface 2 and the conduit 6. Vent ports 8 are also in communication with the storage cavity 7. Conduit 6 has an upper dispensing opening 34 within the dispensing surface 100 and in close proximity to dispensing ports 5. The lower conduit inlet opening 22 is positioned within the lower surface 2 of the container 1a.
A removable seal 35 may be applied to the dispensing surface 100, covering the dispensing ports 5 and vent ports 8 and sealing the contained mixer within the container 1a until the mixer is to be dispensed. When the mixer within the container 1a is to be dispensed, the removable seal 35 is removed. An optional label 36 can also be applied to the upper surface 3 to display marketing and product information.
The vent ports 8 could be used by the mixer manufacturer as fill ports. Either or both of the dispensing ports 5 and vent ports 8 could also be used for filling the storage cavity of the container 1a. Other options for filling the storage cavity of the container 1a include filling the container 1a and then attachment of the upper surface 3 after filling, or to provide one or more separate dedicated fill ports. Examples of possible dedicated fill ports are shown in other figures within the application.
FIG. 2 shows a container 1b of another embodiment of the present invention container more preferably configured to be put to mouth by an end user who then initiates simultaneous dispensing of an attached canned beverage and the mixer additive from the container 1b. The container 1b has an upper surface 3 and a lower surface 2 separated by a side surface 4 surrounding the outer circumference 3a, 2a of the upper surface 3 and the lower surface 2, respectively, a conduit 6 extending from the upper surface 3 to the lower surface 2, and a storage cavity 7 defined between the upper surface 3, the lower surface 2, and the conduit 6. The upper surface 3 has a dispensing port 5 in fluid communication with the storage cavity 7, a vent port 8 in communication with the storage cavity 7, and an upper conduit dispensing opening 34. A lower conduit inlet opening 22 is positioned on the lower surface 2 of the container 1b.
In an embodiment in which the container 1b is to be put to a mouth of the end user, the upper conduit dispensing opening 34 is in close proximity to dispensing port 5, which aids in initiating simultaneous dispensing of the liquid 41 from canned beverage and the mixer additive 42 (see FIG. 8), initiating simultaneous dispensing quicker than if the distance between the upper conduit dispensing opening 34 and the dispensing port 5 is increased, as well as enhancing the mixing as one pours the mix into the mouth of the end user. Positioning of the dispensing port 5 in close proximity to the outer circumferential edge 3a of the container 1a of the upper surface 3 ensures nearly all mixer additive is dispensed from the storage cavity and enhances ease of drinking. While only one dispensing port 5 is shown in this embodiment, the number, shape, and size can vary. Varying the size or number can achieve different dispensing ratios between the mixer additive and the canned beverage. Varying the size of the dispensing port 5 may require changing the number and/or shape of the dispensing port to maintain an ease of drinking when drinking directly from the container 1b.
Depending on the size and shape of the dispensing port 5, as well as the number of dispensing ports 5, a vent port 8 may or may not be needed to achieve adequate flow when dispensing from the container 1b. If a separate vent port 8 is desired however, and used on a container 1b configured to be put to mouth, the preferred location is to position the vent port 8 diametrically opposed to the dispensing port 5, and close in proximity to the outer circumferential edge 3a of the upper surface 3 of the container 1a. This preferred location helps reduce the chance of unwanted dispensing of the mixer from the vent port 8 when the container 1b is attached to the beverage can and then tipped up for drinking.
FIGS. 3-8 show a container 1c of another embodiment of the present invention, again more preferably configured to be put to the mouth of an end user.
The illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 3, 4, 5a, and 5b depicts another possible container embodiment 1c having an upper surface 3, a lower surface 2 separated by a conduit 6 having an upper dispensing opening 34 on the upper surface 3 and a lower conduit inlet opening 22 on the lower surface 2. Surrounding a circumferential edge 3a of the upper surface 3, the circumferential edge 2a of the lower surface 2, and the conduit 6, is a side surface 4, which further defines a storage cavity 7 for storing a specified volume of mixer. In this embodiment, either side surface 4, or an outer portion of upper surface 3, can have an extended surface 11, extending axially upward from the upper surface 3 to form a raised rim. A dispensing port 5a is also shown extended axially from upper surface 3 and is in fluid communication with storage space 7. It is noted that the extension of the dispensing port 5a above upper surface 3 delays an initial dispensing of the mixer additive from the container 1c to aid in synchronizing dispensing of the canned beverage with the mixer when tipping the can to pour and dispense liquid.
Conduit 6 is sealed off from storage cavity 7 and is used to deliver canned beverage liquid 41 (see FIG. 7, 8) from a cavity 30a of the beverage can 30, such that canned beverage liquid 41 is independently delivered and stored from the mixer liquid 42 stored in storage cavity 7 of the container. As one pours the mixture into one's mouth or into another drinking vessel, the canned beverage liquid 41 is delivered through container 1c to mix with mixer liquid 42. Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6, depending on the desired size of container 1c, conduit 6 is oriented in such a way that lower conduit inlet opening 22 is at a greater distance d1 measured between the lower conduit opening 22 and the side surface 4 than a distance d2 measured between the side surface 4 and upper conduit dispensing opening 34. This variation in distance can be employed to better position the lower conduit inlet opening 22 in closer proximity to beverage can opening 19 of a top surface 45 of the aluminum beverage can 30 to enhance flow. The size of the conduit 6 can also be varied to either maintain a dispensing rate equivalent to pouring liquid 41 directly from beverage can 30, or reduce the dispensing rate to help reduce the volume taken up within container storage cavity 7 while providing a lesser, but still adequate dispensing rate of canned liquid 41. Again, depending on the desired size of a container d2 may also be set equal to d1 as illustrated in FIG. 5b.
Reducing the conduit size can not only help increase the mixer storage volume for a given size container to help reduce the container overall size for a given mixer volume, but can also be used to lower the filled level of the mixer within the container to delay initial dispensing and again help synchronize. If the overall size of a container is changed, a revised orientation of conduit 6 may be needed to retain equivalent positioning of the conduit openings 22, 34 in the upper surface 3 and lower surface 2.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container 1c showing the storage cavity 7, the extended dispensing port 5a, the conduit 6, the upper surface 3, the extended vent port 8a, the extended surface 11, and the lower surface 2. Also illustrated is a retainer 10 of an embodiment attached to embodiment container 1c. The retainer 10 is formed separately from the container 1c and then attached to the lower surface 2 to attach and retain the container 1c to an aluminum beverage can 30. The retainer 10 illustrated in this figure is of a type that employs a resilient material, in that the retainer 10 flexes over and then back to its original shape to grip the rim 43 of the can 30 for retention. The illustration also depicts retainer 10 having a body with an L-shaped flange 10a connected to an angled portion 10b. The long portion of the L-shaped flange 10a is adjacent the lower surface 2 of the container 1c. The L-shaped flange 10a and the angled portion 10b form cavity 10c to receive rim 43 of the beverage container 30. The angled portion 10b guides the end user in aligning the container 1c for attachment to a beverage can 30. It must be noted that a retainer of choice might be formed separately and then attached, or formed as part of another component, or even formed as part of a container as a whole.
It is also important to note that a retainer 10 should be sufficient to retain the container 1c to the can 30 during use yet not require excessive force by the end user to attach or remove the container 1c from the can 30.
Additionally depicted in FIG. 6 is a removable seal 9 for sealing the mixer additive 42 within the container cavity 7 until use. This could be done by adhering the removable seal 9 to the top surface of the extended dispensing port 5a and the extended vent port 8a. In this embodiment, the extended dispensing port 5a and the extended vent port 8a are at a height equal to the illustrated extended upper surface 11 to form a rim around the perimeter of container 1c. This added rim could provide use of a possible combination seal and label option that spans across the entire top of container 1c. The additional area might be considered useful by the mixer manufacturer for displaying their marketing or product information. Finally, with use of extended surfaces 5a, 8a, the contact area for adhesion of a seal, such as seal 9, can be dimensioned to define the force required for seal removal.
It should be noted that the retainer 10 also sufficiently retains the container 1c during removal of a seal after attachment to an aluminum beverage can 30.
FIG. 7 depicts the embodiment of the present invention 1c, depicted filled with a mixer additive 42 and attached and retained to a depicted aluminum beverage can 30 including liquid 41 of the canned beverage. It should be noted that the position of the lower conduit inlet opening 22 through the lower surface 2 of container 1c has been illustrated to be aligned near the depicted beverage can opening 19. Orientation of the conduit 6 itself within the present invention, and any alignment done by the end user to position the conduit inlet opening 22 near can opening 19, will help enhance flow to better synchronize initial dispensing. Depending on the retainer employed, a simple method of alignment by the end user can be to simply look down conduit 6 and then rotate the container 1c until the can opening 19 is observed. If the retainer is of a design that hinders rotation or if the container builder chooses, an optional conduit aligner can be added which is discussed in further detail below.
FIG. 8 illustrates a depicted mixer additive 42 contained in container 1c, and a depicted canned beverage liquid 41 contained in depicted beverage can 30, independently and simultaneously dispensing as if one was drinking from the container 1c. Also depicted is the mixing of the canned beverage liquid 41 and the mixer additive 42 as they are dispensing.
FIG. 9 depicts a retainer 13 on container embodiment 1g which was formed as part of lower surface 2. It is noted that the many retainers (as well as the other elements of the present invention) can be formed together as one, or formed separately and then fixedly attached to one another through mechanical, chemical, heat, or another form of attachment. The desired method of construction of the present invention is left up to the builder. The retainer 13 additionally has an angled lower portion 13a. The angled lower portion 13a assists the end user in guiding the container 1b onto the can 30 during attachment. Not illustrated, but can be implied, is that retainer 13 is formed as a ring that extends 360 degrees. While container 1b is shown, other containers in embodiments of the present invention illustrated and discussed throughout the present application can employ use of the retainer 13 to attach to a container to a beverage can 30.
FIGS. 10a-10b depict a guide 14 for use in assisting the end user in guiding the container 1h onto a beverage can 30 for attachment. This particular illustration depicts a guide 14 with equally spaced angled guide segments 14a which are fixedly attached to a flexible retainer ring 14b. The number of angled guide segments 14a can vary in number.
Guides can be of a design that comprises multiple segments as in FIGS. 10a-10b or formed as a single continuous 360 degree circular ring as in FIG. 9. It should again be noted that the guide segments 14a illustrated in FIGS. 10a-10b, might be formed as a separate attachable component and attached to the side 4 or lower surface 2 of the container, or attached to the retainer, or formed as a part of the retainer as illustrated.
FIGS. 11a-11b illustrates container 1c employing another embodiment of retainer 15 with guide 16. In this illustration, the retainer 15 employs a flexible disc shaped element 15a that flexes upward when pushed down over the beverage can rim 43, and then after being pushed below the bottom 43a of the rim 43, flexes back upward to seat on the bottom surface 43a of the rim 43 to retain the container 1c onto the can 30. The flexibility and dimensions are dictated by the material used.
The illustrated guide 16 shows for example employing three angled guide segments 16a that can be either fixedly attached to retainer 15, or formed as part of the retainer 15. Alternatively, a single angled guide segment extending around the entire circumference of the retainer 15 can be used. The single angled guide segment can also be formed as part of retainer 15, or as part of the lower surface 2 of the container, as well as being formed independently and then located and attached apart from retainer 15 to the container.
FIG. 12 depicts a retainer 17 of another embodiment with an elastomer-type retaining element 31 with an L-shaped body 17a. Retainer 17 engages the inner surface 43b of the can rim 43. The short portion 17b of the L-shaped body 17a is present between the top of the rim 43 of the beverage can 30 and the lower surface 2 of the container. The longer portion 17c of the L-shaped body 17a is adjacent the inner surface 43b of the can rim 43 and includes a hook portion 17d. The hook portion 17d, the short portion 17b and the longer portion 17c of the L-shaped body form a cavity which can receive an elastomer-type retaining element 31. The elastomer-type element 31 flexes upward towards the container while being pushed down inside, such that the elastomer-type retaining element 31 engages with the inner surface 43b of the can rim 43, to provide upward resistance as retention. This retainer can also act as a gasket to prevent any unwanted leakage from occurring during dispensing. Depending upon the material and its frictional characteristics however, this retainer may hinder rotation of the container after attachment, not allowing the end user to align the lower conduit opening 22 near the beverage can opening 19. If alignment is desired and the container cannot be rotated after attachment, other guides could be utilized to assist in achieving alignment during the attachment process.
FIG. 13a depicts another possible container embodiment 1d. Illustrated is extended dispensing port 5a, extended vent port 8a, extended surface 11 extending both below bottom surface 2 and also above upper surface 3 but at a height of less than the extended dispensing port 5a and the extended vent port 8a. Also depicted is a retainer 18 that has been shown as separately formed and located for attachment utilizing inner surface 44 of the lower extended surface 11. The retainer 18 has an L-shaped body 18a with a longer portion 18b adjacent to the lower surface 2 of the container 1d and the shorter portion 18c extending axially and parallel to the extended surface 11. The end of the shorter portion 18c includes an angled portion 18d for assistance in beverage can attachment. The shorter portion 18c and the angled portion 18d also form a step 18e to retain the rim of a beverage can 30 during attachment. The retainer 18 can be formed separately from the container 1d as illustrated, or alternatively, formed as part of the container 1d. Extending the extended surface 11 below the lower surface 2 provides for ease of locating retainer 18 as well as providing protection for the retainer 18 (for example when setting a container down on a table). Additionally, an extended surface 11 extending below the lower surface 2 can provide a surface for adhesion of an optional bottom label 20. The bottom label 20 provides more needed space for product and marketing information but must also be removable.
FIG. 13b illustrates how stacking of container 1d could be accomplished when a bottom label is not utilized. Sizing, shaping and the location of extended surfaces as illustrated in FIG. 13a can allow for stacking of containers as illustrated in FIG. 13b allowing for efficient packaging and storage of multiple containers. It must also be noted that any extended surface can be formed separately and then attached, or formed and part of another component such as for example the upper surface 3 or the lower surface 2, or formed as an extension of the side surface 4 as illustrated, or even formed integrally with another component or in entirety as one complete container assembly.
FIG. 14 is a depiction of another possible container embodiment 1e including an extended surface 11 extending below the cavity 7 and above upper surface 3 for protection of alternate retainer 21 at a height equal to extended dispensing port 5a and extended vent port 8a. Container 1e shows the use of a gasket 12 in conjunction with retainer 21. Leakage may occur due to a loose fitting or a segmented retainer when the canned beverage flows from the can 30 into conduit 6. If a retainer does not sufficiently limit leakage, a gasket can be used. Gasket 12 is applied to the inner surface 21a of the retainer 21 and is made of a flexible material. Gasket 12 reduces leakage between the container 1e and the aluminum beverage can 30 as the canned beverage is being dispensed. The retainer 21 has a top surface 50 parallel to a top surface 45 of the aluminum beverage can 30, with the top surface 50 connected to an angled surface 51 by a connecting portion 52. The connecting portion 50 is perpendicular to the angled surface 51 and the top surface 50. The connecting portion 50 is parallel to rim 43 of the beverage can 30. The connecting portion 52 is preferably of length equal to the rim 43 of the beverage can 30 and where the gasket 12 is applied to the inner surface 21a.
FIG. 15 depicts a segmented retainer 23 with a plurality of segments 23a which can be used with a gasket 32 to prevent unwanted leakage due to the gaps between the segments 23a. Each segment 23a is connected to a ring 23b and extends coaxially therefrom. Each segment 23a has a connecting portion 23c and an angled portion 23d. The connecting portion 23c is connected to and perpendicular to the ring 23b. The connecting portion 23c, the angled portion 23d and the gasket 32 forms a cavity 23e for receiving the rim 43 of the aluminum beverage can 30. The compressible gasket 32 is located between inner surface of connecting portion 23c of the retainer 23 and the ring 23b to in turn position the gasket 32 between the ring 23b of retainer 23 and the rim 43 of the aluminum beverage can 30.
FIG. 16 depicts yet another possible retainer 24 that could be formed as a separate element and then fixedly attached to either the lower surface 2 or side surface 4 of a container 1c, or both. The retainer 24 has a body 24a with a flange 24b, a connecting portion 24c, an L-shaped flange 24d and an angled portion 24e. The flange 24b is connected to the connecting portion 24c and is adjacent the side surface 4 of the container 1c. The connection portion 24c is connected to the L-shaped flange 24d and both the shorter portion of L-shaped flange 24d and the connecting portion 24c are adjacent to the lower surface 2 of the container 1c. The longer portion of the L-shaped flange 24d is connected to an angled portion 24e. The L-shaped portion 24d forms a cavity 24f for receiving a rim 43 of a beverage can 30.
FIG. 17 depicts another retainer 25 that can be formed as a separate element and then fixedly attached to the lower surface 2 or side surface 4 of a container 1c. The retainer 25 includes a first flange 25b that protects the portion of the retainer that engages with the rim 43 of the beverage can 30. The first flange 25b has a first end 25g which provides a surface for adhesion of an optional removable bottom label 20. The retainer 25 has a body 25a with a first flange 25b, a connecting portion 25c perpendicular to the first flange 25b and connected to an L-shaped flange 25d. The L-shaped flange 25d is connected to an angled portion 25e. The first flange 25b, the connecting portion 25c, and a short portion of the L-shaped flange 25d form a seat which receives a side portion 4 and a lower surface 2 of the container 1c. The first flange 25b has a length that is longer than the length of the L-shaped flange 25d and the angled portion 25e to provide protection for 25e. The L-shaped flange 25d and the angled portion 25e form a cavity 25f to receive a rim 43 of the beverage container 30.
FIGS. 18a-18b are illustrations depicting a conduit aligner 26. Note that FIG. 18a is a view including can 30 and FIG. 18b is a bottom view of the container without can 30 in view. FIGS. 18a-18b therefore depict conduit aligner 26 being a post or tube with a first end 26a connected to the conduit 6 and a second end 26b illustrated being angled to orient second end 26b in a position that allows for potential stacking of containers and extending sufficiently below the lower surface 2 of a container 1i such that the second end 26b of the conduit aligner 26 can be received by the opening 19 of the beverage can 30 prior to attachment to the beverage can 30 to assist the end user in aligning the lower conduit inlet opening 22 with the beverage can opening 19. The container 1i in this embodiment has retainer 27 that is fixedly attached to the lower surface 2. The retainer 27 can be integrally formed with the container 1i. The retainer 27 is preferably ring shaped and has a body 27a that includes a flange 27b that has an end with a hook 27c for engaging with a rim 43 of the beverage can 30. Alignment of conduit opening 22 with the beverage can opening 19 enhances flow and synchronization during initial dispensing of the mixer 42 with the contents 41 of the beverage can 30. Again it is noted that aligner 26 is shown formed at an angle between ends 26a and 26b for the option of stacking multiple containers upon themselves. The angled conduit aligner 26 allows aligner 26 to protrude into conduit 6 upper conduit dispensing opening 34 if stacked upon one another. A shaped and sized extended surface 11 would also be needed on container 1i if stacking is desired.
FIGS. 19a-19b are illustrations depicting another alternate container 1f having a lower extended surface 11. Container 1f is depicted utilizing the conduit aligner 26 of FIG. 18a-18b along with an alternate retainer 33, of an adhesion type. Note that FIG. 19a is a view including can 30 and FIG. 19b is a bottom view without can 30 in view. The adhesion type retainer 33 employs a 360 degree ring of adhesive material 33d located inside a 360 degree guide ring 33a where the adhesive material 33d is of a diameter and width sized to adhere to the top surface 45 of can rim 43. Guide ring 33a has an axially extending L-shaped flange 33b located to fit outside the outer surface 46 of can rim 43 and includes an angled guide end 33c where angled guide end 33c is used to assist the end user in guiding attachment of container 1f onto can 30. It is noted that use of a 360 degree ring of adhesive material 33d prevents unwanted leakage between the container and the beverage during dispensing of the beverage can 30. It should also be noted that an adhesion type retainer can inhibit rotation of a container after attachment to a beverage can, therefore making use of a conduit aligner.
FIGS. 20a-20b are a depiction of an alternate conduit aligner 28 utilized on the container embodiment 1i of FIG. 18a, whereby the conduit aligner 28 includes a bar fixedly positioned and attached to, or formed as part of, the lower surface 2 of the container 1i to bridge lower conduit inlet opening 22 and a post or tube 28a extending sufficiently below the lower surface 2 of a container 1i such that the post or tube 28a of the conduit aligner 28 can be received by the opening 19 of the beverage can 30 prior to attachment to the beverage can 30 to assist the end user in aligning the lower conduit inlet opening 22 with the beverage can opening 19.
FIGS. 21a-21b are depictions of another alternate retainer 29 of a spring biased clamp fixedly attached to bottom surface 2 and used to grip the rim 43 of the beverage can 30 to retain the container for use. After use, the end user would open the clamp 29 to release the container from the beverage can 30.
FIG. 22 is a depiction of a retainer 102 utilizing an elastic band that is fixedly attached to the container and then stretched around the rim 43 of the aluminum beverage can 30 to retain the container. The elastic band 102 is open ended for installation and then stretched and secured to itself to provide retention. Securing the band to itself can be provided with use of a hook and loop fastener, hook, or securing apparatus.
FIG. 23 is a depiction of an optional fill port 37 that could also be used as a wash port to clean the storage cavity 7 of a container 1a. Optional fill port 37 is in fluid communication with the container storage cavity 7. The fill port 37 can be sealed using a cover plate 38.
FIG. 24 is a depiction of another optional fill port 39 extended above the upper surface 3 which is sealed with either a flat cover plate or a cap 40, where the cap 40 is chemically or heat bonded, or threaded, or snapped onto the fill port flange 39a. The fill port flange 39a of the fill port 39 could also have a height that is lower than an extended side surface 11 so a label can be applied over and above the fill port 39.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
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REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
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1a. container
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1b. alternative container
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1c.. alternative container
|
1d. alternative container
|
1e. alternative container
|
1f. alternative container
|
1g. alternative container
|
1h. alternative container
|
1i. alternative container
|
2. lower surface
|
2a. lower surface outer circumference
|
3. upper surface
|
3a. upper surface outer circumference
|
4. side surface
|
5. dispensing port
|
5a extended dispensing port
|
6. conduit
|
7. storage cavity
|
8. vent port
|
8a. extended vent port
|
9. removable seal or seal with label
|
10. retainer
|
10a L-shaped flange
|
10b angled portion
|
10c cavity
|
11. extended surface
|
12. gasket
|
13. alternative retainer
|
13a. lower angle portion
|
13b. ring
|
14. guide
|
14a. angled guide segments
|
14b. ring
|
15. alternative retainer
|
15a. retainer disc
|
16. alternative guide
|
16a. angled guide segment
|
17. alternative retainer
|
17a. body
|
17b. short portion
|
17c. long portion
|
17d. hook portion
|
18. alternative retainer
|
18a. body
|
18b. longer portion
|
18c. shorter portion
|
18d. angled portion
|
18e. step
|
19. beverage can opening
|
20. removable bottom label
|
21. alternative retainer
|
22. lower conduit inlet opening
|
23. alternative retainer
|
23a. segment
|
23b. ring
|
23c. connecting portion
|
23d. angled portion
|
23e. cavity
|
24. alternative retainer
|
24a. body
|
24b. flange
|
24c. connecting portion
|
24d. L-shaped flange
|
24e. angled portion
|
24f. cavity
|
25. alternative retainer
|
25a. body
|
25b. first flange
|
25c. connecting portion
|
25d. L-shaped flange
|
25e. angled portion
|
25f. cavity
|
26. conduit aligner
|
26a. first end
|
26b. second end
|
27. alternative retainer
|
27a. body
|
27b. flange
|
27c. hook
|
28. alternative conduit aligner
|
28a post/tube
|
29. alternative retainer
|
30. aluminum beverage can
|
30a beverage can cavity
|
31. elastomer type retaining element
|
32. alternative gasket
|
33. alternative retainer
|
33a guide ring
|
33b L-shaped flange
|
33c angled guide end
|
34. upper conduit dispensing opening
|
35. removable seal
|
36. top label
|
37. fill port
|
38. fill port cover plate
|
39. extended fill port
|
39a. fill port flange
|
40. fill port cap
|
41. canned beverage liquid
|
42. mixer liquid
|
43. aluminum beverage can rim
|
43a. bottom surface of aluminum beverage can rim
|
43b. inner surface of the aluminum beverage can rim
|
44. inner surface of extended rim surface
|
45. top surface of aluminum beverage can
|
46. Outer surface of rim
|
50. top surface
|
51. angled surface
|
52. connecting portion
|
100. dispensing surface
|
100a. first surface
|
100b. second surface
|
101 alternative retainer
|
102 alternative retainer
|
|
Patent Application
20250108965
