Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
1
Container
The present invention relates to an improved method of opening a
hermetically sealed container end and a means of temporarily resealing said
end if required by the consumer.
Food container and beverage container are often formed from a cup shaped
metal or plastic body and a separate end of metal (also referred to as a lid).
Alternatively such containers comprise of an open ended cylinder and two
ends. During contents packing the body and end(s) are permanently joined
together to form a hermetically sealed container. The consumer accesses the
contents by opening the end of the container.
It is common to open food and beverage container via the actuation of a pull-
ring where the pull-ring is attached to the container end and located close
to,
or inside, a pre-scored aperture. The act of raising the pull-ring directs
force
onto a portion of the pre-scored aperture and creates a breach in the
container end. Continued lifting of the pull ring either forces the pre-scored
aperture cover into the container interior or allows for complete removal of
part of the end as defined by the pre-scored aperture.
A perceived problem with the above methods of gaining access to the
contents is that the container user is exposed to the risk of cutting
themselves
on the newly created opening, or in the case of food containers, the removed
section of container end. Such injury can occur either during the act of
opening the or afterwards. This may include, specifically in
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
2
beverage containers, the risk of consumer cutting a lip during the
consumption of the beverage especially in the case of young children.
Another injury risk is when consumers unwisely attempt to open a pull ring
container after the pull ring has prematurely disconnected from the end, using
any opportune sharp object.
It is also suggested that in food containers especially, the consumer can
experience an anticipated risk of injury during the act of opening, especially
during the final stages of detaching part of the end. Such anticipation of
injury
can cause unnecessary anxiety for the consumer. Anxiety is often manifested
by the incomplete opening of the food container when the consumer decides
that the act of opening is sufficiently complete to access the contents, while
complete removal might result in injury or spillage. Incomplete opening has
perceived advantages when accessing container contents, but results in a
container with a sharp raised piece of container end which can represent a
protracted risk if the consumer chooses or is obliged to recycle container
separately and in a clean condition.
In addition, pull-rings are difficult to operate with long nails so that the
act of
instigating the opening of a pull-ring container can also cause unnecessary
anxiety and cosmetic injury to those consumers who choose to keep their
finger nails long or apply synthetic nail extensions.
Another perceived problem with containers and beverage containers
ois that it is hard tc ~_ . In early versions of the beverage
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
3
container the pull-ring and aperture plate detached from the container end
leaving an obstruction free, uniform aperture into which a bung, stopper or
cork-like seal could be pressed. More recent versions of the pull-ring see the
scored aperture plate and ring remaining attached to the container end, this
precludes the insertion of a bung, stopper or cork into the open aperture.
The open port of a beverage container created during the act of opening the
beverage container, presents the consumer with a container having
unguarded opening to the atmosphere incapable of restricting the ingress or
insertion of foreign bodies such as insects, drugs etc into the drinks
container,
which can have adverse consequences if consumed.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate one or more
of
the problems associated with the prior art.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container body, a container end and an opening device, where the container
end is sealed to the container body and provided with a pre-scored portal,
wherein the opening device rotates relative to the container end and rotation
of opening device transmits force to the container end to open the pre-scored
portal.
Optionally, there is provided a container body, a container end with one or
more protuberances and a pre-scored portal, and an opening device; the
opening device beirg .~,~~ ~o rotate to the container body rnember
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
4
between a first position and a second position, the opening device having a
recess on its underside adapted to receive the protuberances in the first
position so that the rotation of the opening device relative to the container
body into the second position is restricted by the protuberances, and wherein:
rotational force applied to the opening device is transmitted to the container
end to open the pre-scored portal.
The one or more protuberances may be any suitable shape, for example,
semi-spherical, pyramidal, cuboid, etc. Preferably, the protuberance is semi-
spherical.
The one or more protuberances can be disposed at any suitable position on
the surface of the container end. It will be apparent to the skilled person to
determine the ideal location for the one or more protuberances to enable the
opening device to transmit sufficient force to the container end to open the
pre-scored portal.
Optionally there is provided in the opening device a third rotation position
achievable through the rotation of the opening device relative to the
container
end, wherein a seal is created and maintained between the opening device
and the container end for the purpose of temporarily isolating the container
contents from the atmosphere.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
Optionally, there can be provided in the opening device a preformed port that
can be rotated into position above the portal in the container end to aid in
the
dispensing of the contents.
Optionally, the opening device port may contain a perforated screen to
restrict
the ingress of foreign objects into the container interior and allow the
dispensing of fluid from the container.
Optionally, the opening device may be constructed in such a way that it
obscures or reveals selected areas of the container end surface during
rotation of the opening device relative to the container end, wherein: the
container end contains messages, instructions or images that can be viewed
dependant on the relative position of the opening device on the container end.
Optionally, the container end may contain an electronic device designed and
constructed to produce an audible message or sound effect upon the act of
rotating the opening device relative to the container end.
Optionally, the opening device may contain an electronic device designed and
constructed to produce an audible message or sound effect upon the act of
rotating the opening device relative to the container end.
Optionally, the pre-scored portal in the container end does not fully define
the
portal so that upon opening of the portal a portion of the container end
within
the porLai remains partially attached to the co ' ~ - -id.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
6
Optionally, the pre-scored portal in the container end fully defines the
portal
so that upon opening of the portal the portion of the container end within the
portal separates from the container end.
Optionally, the opening device is attached to the container end and able to
rotate relative to the container end.
Optionally, the opening device is permanently attached to the container end at
the centre of the container end and able to rotate relative to the container
end.
Optionally, the opening device is temporarily attached to the container end at
the centre of the container end and able to rotate relative to the container
end.
Optionally, the opening device is permanently attached to the container at the
container rim and able to rotate relative to the container end.
Optionally, the opening device is temporarily attached to the container at the
container rim and able to rotate relative to the container end.
Optionally, the opening device can be placed over the container end and
rotated into a temporarily attached state via engagement under the container
rim and able to rotate relative to the container end, where the container rim
can be crimped, bent, crenulated or have attached protuberances that provide
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
7
a surface for the opening device to engage with on the inner or outer external
faces of the container rim.
Optionally, the opening device is not attached to the container end and able
to
rotate relative to the container end when held in place by the user.
Optionally, with respect to a container end provided with a pre-scored portal
that allows for the complete separation of a substantial area of the container
end, the opening device shall be provided with a temporary attachment to the
container end to allow the removal of the detached container end section after
the act of opening, wherein: the attachment consists of a suction cap, magnet,
clip or other temporary attachment.
Optionally, with respect to a container end provided with a pre-scored portal
that allows for the complete separation of a substantial area of the container
end, the opening device shall be provided with a temporary attachment to the
container end to allow the removal of the detached container end section after
the act of opening, wherein: the attachment consists of a suction cap, magnet,
clip or other temporary attachment and the opening device is provided with a
means of disengaging the temporary attachment and releasing the detached
end section.
Optionally, the opening device is constructed to completely cover the
container end and is provided with a seal on its underside that bears against
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
8
the container end rim to create a temporary seal between the opening device
and the container end rim.
Optionally, the opening device is constructed to completely cover the
container end except for a small area containing perforations, and is provided
with a seal on its underside that bears against the container end rim to
create
a temporary seal between the opening device and the container end rim,
wherein: the opening device when in position allows for the dispensing of the
liquid contents of a container but retention of the solid contents within the
container.
Optionally, the container end is provided with protuberances on the upper
surface to allow the transmission of force to the container end by the opening
device when the opening device is rotated relative to the container end. The
protuberances may extend away from the can interior or in where the opening
device is designed accordingly; towards the can interior.
Optionally, the opening device contains a cam or cams that transmit force to
the container end when the opening device is rotated relative to the container
end, these cams may transfer force evenly over a select surface of the
container end to deflect the container end and cause the failure of a pre-
scored line or concentrate the force on a narrow contact point on the
container end to fail a pre-scored line or transmit force to the container end
so
that it fails at the contact point.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
9
Optionally, the opening device, or elements of the opening device, descend
towards the container end during the act of rotation of the opening device
relative to the container end to transmit force to the container end. Descent
can be controlled and established in the entire opening device by provision of
angled guides (screw thread style). Elements of the opening device can be
made to descend towards the container end by utilising a two piece opener
where the act of turning the outer portion forces the downward descent of
elements of the interior portion.
Optionally, the pre-scored line defining the future port in the container end
can
be either on the inner or outer faces of the container end.
Optionally, the container end may be formed from for example metal such as
steel or aluminium.
Optionally, the opening device may be formed from for example, metal, plastic
or a rigid biodegradable material or a combination of materials.
Optionally, the join between the container end and the pre-scored port, if
present, can be profiled to encourage a downward deflection of the pre-
scored port upon breaking of the pre-scored line.
Optionally, the pre-scored line in the container end may consist of two or
more
pre-scored lines to allow for relative movement between different parts of the
pre-scorec~: ~nring the act of opening, these lines may be interconnected
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
or independent, when a plurality of pre-scored lines are provided the opening
device may be constructed so that the failure of the pre-scored lines occurs
in
a specific order, initially to equalise the interior of the cans pressure with
atmospheric pressure via a small breach and ultimately to separate the pre-
scored aperture from the container end.
Optionally, the pre-scored line in the container end may consist of two or
more
pre-scored lines to allow for relative movement between different parts of the
pre-scored portal during the act of opening so that areas of the pre-scored
portal overlap each other after separation from the container end to decrease
the diameter of the pre-scored portal section in one or more directions.
Optionally, locators are provided on the container end and the opening device
that assist in locating the opening device at specific positions relative to
the
container end during revolution of the opening device with around the
container end.
Optionally, locators are provided on the container end and the opening device
that assist in locating the opening device at specific positions relative to
the
container end during revolution of the opening device with around the
container end, and provide pressure change feedback to the user to establish
when a specific position has been achieved.
Optionally, locators are provided on the container end and the opening device
that assist in locating the apz_r ;c; Gievice at specific relative to the
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
11
container end during revolution of the opening device with around the
container end, and provide an audible feedback to the user to establish when
a specific position has been achieved.
Optionally, the container and container end are sealed during the act of
packaging of the container and the container is distributed in its sealed
state
to consumers without a compatible opening device.
Optionally, the opening device is a reusable device and distributed separate
from compatible containers.
Optionally, the opening device is a reusable device constructed to fit
container
ends with several different diameters.
Optionally, the protuberances can be placed on the outer surface of the
container wall below a continuous pre-scored line that encircle the container
body , and an annular opening device is provided capable of interacting with
the protuberances during the act of opening to open the pre-scored line and
allow the removal of the opening device, container rim and container end.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is
provided, a container eomprising a container body having a releasably sealed
portal at one end and means for opening said releasably sealed portal, said
means rotatably mountable on said container body whereby rotation of the
opening means opens the portai.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
12
The opening means preferably comprises an opening device.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a
kit of parts comprising a releasably sealed container and an opening device
as described hereinabove.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1a is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for
use in beverage containers.
FIG. 1 b is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 1 a where the container is
in
an unopened state.
FIG. 1 c is an assembled perspective view of FIG. la after rotation of the
opening device relative to the container end.
FIG. 2 is a repeat of FIG. la showing the orientation and location of cross
sections of the container end detailed in FIGS. 3a-e.
FIG. 3a relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
13
FIG. 2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in the
unopened state as shown in FIG. lb.
FIG. 3b relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in
FIG.
2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in a partially
opened state and the opening device is undergoing rotation from the position
shown in FIG. 3a towards that shown in FIG. 3d.
FIG. 3c relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in
FIG.
2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in a partially
opened state and the opening device is undergoing rotation from the position
shown in FIG. 3b towards that shown in FIG. 3d.
FIG. 3d relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in
FIG.
2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in the opened state
as shown in FIG. 1 b and the contents of the container are dispensable.
FIG. 3e relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in
FIG.
2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in the temporarily
re-sealed state and the contents of the container are sealed from the
atmosphere.
FIG. 4 shows a cross section detail, as defined by FIG. 2, through the end of
the container end, container end rim and opening device and details the
relationship between the tangs on the opening device and the rim.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
14
FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening
device.
FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the underside of another embodiment of the
opening device.
FIG. 7 shows a cross section of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the upper-side of an embodiment of the opening
device with a tamper seal in place.
FIG. 9a is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for
use in food containers, where a substantial portion of the container end
contains a pre-scored portal.
FIG. 9b is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 9a where the container is in
an unopened state.
FIG. 9c is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 9b after rotation of the
opening device relative to the container end to open the pre-scored porta! .
FIG. 9d is an exploded persp ~c:i _ri~w of FIG. 9c revealing the detached
pre-scored portal, the newly create port in the container end and the opening
device.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening
device, detailing the line of cross section shown in FIG. 11
FIG. 11 is a cross section through FIG. 10 and a complimentary cross section
through the container end if the opening device as shown in FIG. 10 was in
place on an unopened container.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening
device, detailing the line of cross section shown in FIG. 13
FIG. 13 is a cross section through FIG. 12 and a complimentary cross section
through the container end if the opening device as shown in FIG. 12 was in
place on an unopened container.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening
device, detailing the line of cross section shown in FIG. 15
FIG. 15 is a cross section through FIG. 14 and a complimentary cross section
through the container end if the opening device as shown in FIG. 14 was in
place on an unopened container.
FIG. 16 is a view of FIG. 15 after opening and shows the opening device and
detached section of container end raised away from the container to reveal
the new port.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
16
FIG. 17 is a cross section through an embodiment of the invention and shows
the opening device attached to the container end in an unopened state.
FIG. 18 is a view of FIG. 17 after opening and shows the opening device and
detached section of container end being raised away from the container to
reveal the new port.
FIG. 19 is a plan view of the top of an embodiment of the invention showing
the opening device fixed to an unopened container end, also detailed is the
line of the cross section shown in FIG. 20
FIG. 20 is a cross section through FIG. 19
FIG. 21 is a view of FIG. 20 after opening and shows the opening device and
detached section of container end raised away from the container to reveal
the new port.
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for
use in food containers, where a substantial portion of the container end
contains a pre-scored portal and the opening device fits over the container
end and rotates to lock in position
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for
use in food containers, where a portion of the opening device contains
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
17
perforations to allow the disposal of the fluid contents of a container and
retention of the solid contents.
FIG. 24a is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the
opening device fixed to an unopened container end, also detailed is the line
of
the cross section shown in FIG. 24b
FIG. 24b is a cross section through FIG. 24a
FIG. 24c is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the
opening device fixed to an opened container end, also detailed is the line of
the cross section shown in FIG. 24d
FIG. 24d is a cross section through FIG. 24c
FIG. 25 is a partial cross section through the opening device and container
end in an embodiment of the invention where the rotation of the opening
device is transferred to the container end via a cam
FIG. 26a is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention
for use in beverage containers.
FIG. 26b is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 26a where the container is
in an unopened state.
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
18
FIG. 26c is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 26a after rotation of the
opening device relative to the container end.
Figs. 27 - 29 are an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention for use in food stuff containers.
Figs. 30 a - c are partial cross sections through the opening device coupled
to
a container end in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 31a is a plan view of an opening device according to the invention.
Fig. 31b is a cross-section of the opening device of Fig. 31a through the line
X---X.
Figs. 32s-c are views of a container according to the invention.
FIGS. 1- 5 illustrates a substantially cylindrical beverage container where
the
container end 2 is hermetically sealed to the container 1 and provided with a
pre-scored line 4 in the container end 2 surface defining a portal 5, and a
protuberance 6. Also provided is an opening device 3 which can be fitted
during manufacture or by the consumer. In this example the opening device 3
is retained in place on the container end 2 by tangs 7 in the opening device 3
which clip over the raised rim 8 of the container end 2. The opening device 3
can revolve in the plane of the container end 2 by rotation around the
longitudinal axis of the beverage container 1, and movement is guided by the
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
19 rim 8. The opening device 3 contains a port 9 and a recess 10 on its
underside to accommodate the protuberance 6. FIG. 3a shows that the
opening device 3 is constructed so that when initially fitted as shown in
FIGS.
1 a and lb the opening device 3 is not directly applying force onto the
protuberance 6 on the container end 2. The protuberance 6 in this instance is
accommodated by the corresponding recess 10 on the underside of the
opening device 3 as shown in FIG. 3a-c and FIG. 5. Recess 10 can take the
form of a closed indent in the opening device 3 or alternatively a hole
completely through the plane of the opening device 3. FIG. 3b shows that
upon gradual rotation of the opening device 3 by the consumer the opening
device 3 comes into contact with the protuberance 6 and force is applied to
the protuberance 6 by the opening device 3. In this embodiment the applied
force causes the breaking of the pre-scored line 4 and typically the downward
deflection of that portion of the container end 2 previously defined as a
portal
5, to create the port 11. Fig 3c shows that continued rotation of the opening
device 3 forces the protuberance 6 to descend further into the interior of the
container 1 to leave no protuberance 6 above the upper plane of the container
end 2. Fig 3d shows that further rotation of the opening device 3 will bring a
preformed port 9 in the opening device 3 into position over the port 11. The
direction of rotation of opening device 3 is dependent on the position of the
port 11 in the container end 2 in respect to the port 9 in the opening device
3.
A tight seal 12 is maintained between the top of the container end 2 and the
underside of the opening device 3 by the use of a suitable compressible
material, such as for example rubber. In FIGS. 3d the seal 12 is shown as a
cross-section through a continuous ring as displayed in FIG. 5, however the
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
seal 12 may optionally take the form of a sheet provided with an aperture
corresponding to port 9. In FIG. 5 seal 12 is shown attached to opening
device 3, however, seal 12 may optionally be attached to the container end 2.
FIG. 3e shows that further rotation of the opening device 3 will bring a solid
area 14 of the opening device 3 bounded by a seal 13 into position over the
port 11 to separate the container contents from the atmosphere. The direction
of rotation of the opening device 3 is dependent on
the position of the port 11 in the container end 2 in respect to the solid
area 14
in the opening device 3. A tight seal 13 is maintained between the top of the
container end 2 and the underside of the opening device 3 by the use of a
suitable compressible material, such as for example rubber, in FIGS. 3e the
seal is shown as a cross-section through a continuous ring as displayed in
FIG. 5, however this may equally be a sheet. In FIG. 5 seal 13 is shown
attached to opening device 3, however if the seal 12 detailed in FIG. 3d is
attached to the container end 2 rather than the opening device 3, then seal 13
can be optionally omitted as seal 12 would serve the purpose of separating
the container contents from the atmosphere if solid area 14 of the opening
device is rotated over port 11.
The port 9 in the opening device 3, can if required, be shaped to favour
comfortable drinking, create a spout or receive a coupling to engage with a
new object such as for example a straw module, a tap or an elongated spout.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6 the port 9 can typically consist of a plurality
of
holes 15 to restrict the ingress or insertion of foreign bodies such as for
example insects, or tablets, into the container I during the open state, but
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
21
allow dispensing of the contents of container I through port 11 and port 9.
Screening of port 9 as detailed in FIG. 6 can also be provided to restrict the
dispensing and ingestion of separated portal 5, if portal 5 detaches
completely
from container end 2 during the creation of port 11.
Optionally, precise location of the port 9 above port 11 can be aided by a
locator 16 on the can rim 8 or the container end 2 and a corresponding locator
17 on the opening device 3. Locators 16 and 17 can take the form of indents
or protuberances. FIG. 7 shows a cross-section through a container end 2
and an opening device 3, in this example the locator 17 is provided with a
means of moving vertically via an elongated slot around a protuberance to
create a simple spring. Locator 17 could equally take the form of spring
loaded balls or blocks, pressed into contact with the container end 2 or rim
8,
or the locators could take any form that allows for rotation of the opening
device 3 yet assists the user to locate the opening device in the correct
position above the container end 2 to provide the required container state.
For
the example detailed in FIG. 7 a tamper seal 18 as shown in FIG. 8 can
optionally be provided on the upper surface of the opening device 3 that will
deform or tear as the opening device 3 is rotated relative to the container
end
2 due to the rising of the locator 17 relative to the plane of the opening
device,
as the locator 17 protuberance travels out of the locator 16 recess to travel
over the container end 2 upper surface during the act of rotating the opening
device 3. Tamper seal 18 can therefore reveal if the opening device 3 has
been rotated relative to the container end 2. The tamper seal 18 can be
adhered to the opening device ~ G~~~ 'ormed from any material that will reveal
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
22
a disturbance by tearing, changing colour etc, or, optionally, tamper seal 18
can be integral to the opening device 3 and formed of the same material as
the opening device 3 but engineered to shear when the locator 17 moves
vertically relative to the rest of opening device 3.
Figure 9-11 show a specific embodiment of the invention in use in, for
example, food containers, where the container end 2 is provided with a pre-
scored line 4 defining a future portal 5 and several raised protuberances 6
fully encircled by the pre-scored line 4. Also shown is an opening device 3
which can be fitted by the consumer over the top of the container end 2 and
the rim 8. The opening device 3 can move within the plane of the container
end 2 by rotation around the long axis of the container 1, movement is guided
by the rim 8. FIG. 10 shows the underside of the opening device 3, the
opening device 3 has on its under surface recesses 10 which, when the
opening device 3 is in place, as shown in FIG.11, accommodate the
protuberances 6 without transferring force onto the container end 2. FIG. 9c
shows rotation of the opening device 3 by the consumer while holding the
opening device 3 in close contact with rim 9, during which the opening device
3 comes into contact with the protuberance 6 and force is applied to the
protuberances 6 by the opening device 3. In this embodiment the applied
force causes the breaking of the pre-scored line 4 and the downward
deflection of that portion of the container end 2 previously defined as portal
5,
to create the port 11. FIG. 9d illustrates the relative separation of the
components after opening and the created port 11 through which the
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
23
container 1 contents can be accessed. FIGS. 10-11 show optional seal 19 on
the underside of opening device 3 designed to press against the upper face of
rim 8 and manufactured from a suitable material, such as for example rubber,
this feature if provided allows for the re-covering of the container end 2 for
temporary storage of the contents of container 1 provided the opening device
3 entirely encompasses container end 2 as shown in the example in FIG. 10.
FIGS. 10 and 11 additionally display an optional embodiment of the invention
where the recesses 10 in the opening device 3 are of different dimensions
and offsets, this feature allows force to be applied to different
protuberances 6
at different stages in the rotation of opening device 3 relative to container
end
2, pre-scored line 4 may include additional pre-scored lines than those
illustrated in FIG. 10 to accommodate relative vertical movements in the pre-
scored portal 5 as force is applied to different areas of the container end 2
at
different stages of the rotation of opening device 3 in relation to container
end
2.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a variation on the embodiment displayed in FIGS.
9-11 where the opening device 3, has on its under surface a protuberance 20
which upon the rotation of the opening device applies force to the container
end 2 through the protuberances 6 to create port 11 as described for FIGS. 9-
11
FIG. 14-16 shows a preferred feature of embodiments of the invention for use
in, for example, food containers, and can be combined with other features
previously illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 or described later in this disclosure.
With
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
24
the separation of portal 5 from the container end 2 by the opening device 3 to
create port 11, it is advantageous to provide a means of removing the
separated portal 5 from the container 1. One way of achieving this is by the
use of a connection between portal 5 and the opening device 3 established
prior to the opening of container 1. In this example, for steel container
ends, a
magnet 21 is used to establish a temporary connection. Magnet 21 holds onto
portal 5 during to opening process where opening device 3 is revolved around
container end 2 and upon the removal of the opening device 3 is removed
from the container 1. Many other methods of establishing a temporary
connection can be envisaged and additionally methods of breaking this
connection after the removal of the opening device 3 and portal 5 to allow for
the disposal of portal 5 and the re-use of opening device 3, these may include
but are not restricted to mechanical linkages, magnetism or suction.
If the opening device 3 is not required to be reusable, the removal of the
portal 5 from the container 1 can be ensured by permanently joining the
opening device to the portal 5 using a mechanical linkage such as for a
example spot welded a pin 22 onto the centre of the upper face of the
container end 2 and corresponding clip 23 in the centre of the opening device
3. This is illustrated in FIG. 17-18, where the separation of portal 5 as
previously described enables the removal of both portal 5 and the opening
device 3. The method of permanent connection and the form of the opening
device 3 can be any that achieves the desired result. FIGS 19-21 show
another version of a permanently attached opening device 3 that detaches
from the vontainer 1with portal 5, this version is attached to container end 2
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
via rivet 24 and revolves around container end 2 to apply force to
protuberance 6, where the applied force opens portal 5 and creates port 11.
FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the invention where opening device 3 fits
over container end 2 and rim 8. Opening device 3 has a series of tangs
around its circumference and rim 8 has a series of rim indents 26 and rim
protuberances 27 so that tangs 7 on opening device 3 correspond with the
indents of rim 8 allowing the opening device 3 to be fitted over the container
end 2. Slight revolving of opening device 3 engages the tangs 7 underneath
rim protuberances 27 so that opening device 3 is held tightly against the top
of
rim 8. The opening device 3 can be removed by further revolution of the
opening device 3, which in a preferential embodiment would also open the
container end 2, or by reversal of the fitting procedure.
FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the invention where the opening device 3 is
manufactured with an area of fluid permeable apertures 28 to allow the
draining of container 1 contents after opening of the portal 5 but prior to
dispensing of any solid contents.
FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the invention where the opening device 3
revolves relative to the container end 2 and also descends towards container
end 2 during revolution to apply force onto portal 5 via protuberance 20,
gradual decent can be guided by the rim 8. The example shown is for a
beverage style container but is also applicable for other container styles.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25 only portions of the opening device 3 may
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
26
descend towards the portal 5 this can be achieved by providing a cam 29 in
opening device 3 fixed in position by stud 30, where revolution of opening
device 3 revolves cam 29 which due to its eccentric shape attempts to
increase to gap between opening device 3 and container end 2, if the gap
between opening device 3 and container end 2 is maintained the force from
the revolution of cam 29 is transferred to portal 5 to cause the rupture of
pre-
scored line 4 and creation of port 11. Revolution of cam 29 during the
revolving of opening device 3 relative to container end 2 may be made more
efficient by the inclusion of protuberance 6 on the container end 2 to halt
the
sliding of the cam 29 over the container end 2 surface or by increasing the
friction between the cam 29 surface and the container end 2 by providing a
coating to either or both surfaces, or manufacturing the cam 29 out of a
material with good friction or tack properties or by texturing either or both
the
cam 29 and container end 2 surfaces.
FIGS.26a-c show an embodiment of the invention that provides the consumer
with messages or images on the container end 2 that are either concealed or
revealed during the revolving of opening device 3 relative to container end 2.
In the illustrated embodiment the opening device 3 is provided with a viewing
window 31 and the container end 2 is provided with a message 32. In FIG.
26b the container 1 is in an unopened state and viewing window 31 shows, in
this case, an unadorned area of the container end 2, upon revolving of the
opening device 3 to facilitate the opening of the container 1 message 32
comes into view as shown in FIG. 26c. This example is an "instant win" style
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568
PCT/EP2006/068360
27
promotion; however the messages or images can provide any function that
the manufacturer wishes to incorporate into the container.
Figs. 27-29 show an alternative embodiment to the container shown in Figs.
9a-d where in addition to a circumferential pre-scored line 4, the container
has
a further pre-scoring line 50, 52, 54 respectively. Fig. 27 has a pre-scored
line 50 extending inwardly from pre-scored line 4 which extends around
protuberance 6, itself disposed halfway between the radius and centre of
container end 2. Fig. 28 again has a protuberance 6 disposed halfway
between the radius and centre of container end 2 and additionally has pre-
scored line 52 extending substantially around protuberance 6. Fig. 29 has a
plurality of pre-scored lines 54 extending radially inwardly from pre-scored
iine
4.
Fig. 30a-c shows an alternative embodiment where the protuberances 6 are
disposed on the outer side wall 60 of container 1 adjacent to the container
end 2. Pre-scored line 4 extending around the circumference of side walls 60.
In its sealed configuration (Fig. 30a) the protuberances 6 are received in
recesses 62 disposed around the inner rim 64 of opening device 3. Opening
device 3 is coupled to the container end 2 such that rotational displacement
about the container's longitudinal axis overcomes the resisting force between
the recesses 62 and protuberances 6 sufficient to tear the container end 2
along pre-scored line 4, and thus the container can be opened (Fig. 30c).
CA 02629079 2008-05-08
WO 2007/054568 PCT/EP2006/068360
28
Figs. 31 a and b show an alternative embodiment where opening device 3 is
rotatably mounted on container end 2 about pivot 38 in a plane perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of the container 1. Opening device 3 has a lip 40
that
overlies rim 8 of the container 1. Opening device 3 is coupled to the
container
end 2 via rivet 24 and rotates about pivot 38 to apply force to protuberance
6,
where sufficient force opens portal 5 defined by pre-scored line 4. Disposed
on the underside of opening device 3 is a rubber seal 50 which can be used to
selectively re-seal the portal 5.
Figs. 32a-c show an alternative embodiment where the opening device 3 is
made from plastics and the protuberance 6 is semi-circular extending around
a portion of the circumference of container end 2 (in an alternative
embodiment the protuberance can extend around the circumference of the
container end 2). Pre-scored line 4 bi-sects the container end 2 to provide a
large portal to enable, for example, semi-solid foodstuffs to be dispensed.
Opening device 3 has a semi-circular pre-formed port 9. Opening device 3 is
mountable on container 1 but is a separate entity. Port 9 is rotatable into
position over port 11 formed by deforming container end 2, which itself has an
anti-tamper seal 18.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that many
variations
may be made to the embodiments disciosed herein that are still within the
scope of the present invention.
