Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH
SELF-CONTAINED DRINKING STRAW
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Serial .No.
08/856,838, filed May 15, 1997.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beverage containers having a self contained
straw. More particularly, the present invention relates to beverage containers
having a self contained straw which becomes accessible to the user when the
beverage container is opened.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Currently, beverage containers are manufactured, filled, and sealed in a
high-speed automated process. This process includes manufacturing a separate
body for containing the fluid or beverage and a separate lid for sealing the
open
end of the body. During manufacture of the filled beverage container, a
manufacturing operation known as "seaming" places the lid on a filled can body
and seals its perimeter. At present, known seaming operations pass the lids
horizontally across the top of the filled can bodies at a vertical distance of
only a
few millimeters above the top edge of the can body. Once positioned on top of
the
can body, the seaming operation seals the fluid or beverage within the
beverage
container. This seaming operation involves the use of very expensive high-
speed
machinery and tooling or retooling this high-speed machinery to accommodate a
self contained drinking straw is not a practical solution.
Various designs have been proposed in the prior art for placing a straw
within a beverage can that becomes accessible to the user when the tab in the
lid
of the can is deflected into the interior to open the can. The vast majority
of these
designs can be categorized into two groups. The first group comprises designs
wherein the straw is installed within the can so as to be prealigned with the
tab
opening. Thus, when the tab is opened, access to the straw is presented. The
practical disadvantage with this approach is that the bodies and lids of the
cans are
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randomly oriented during the present day seaming operations. Consequently,
any:;;
design that requires prealignmeilt of the straw with the opening in the lid is
not
readily adaptable to the existing high-speed filling equipment.
The second group of designs generally involves the mounting or attachment
in some manner of the straw to the underside of the lid such that when the can
is
opened, the end of the straw is drawn through or otherwise made accessible
through the opening. These designs are also not readily adaptable to the
existing
high-speed filling canning equipment due to the fact, as noted above, the
commercial filling processes pass the lid within a few millimeters of the top
of the
can during the high-speed seaming operation. Consequently, any structure that
is
attached or otherwise appended to the underside of the lid will disrupt the
seaming
process and thus require expensive retooling of the existing high-speed
machinery.
A different approach for this concept is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
5,547,103 which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This
patent
discloses various embodiments of a beverage container having a straw-
dispensing
mechanism that relies upon user manipulation of the container and the forces
of
gravity to bring the straw into alignment with the opening in the lid. The
user
merely tilts the beverage container, preferably prior to opening, to cause the
mechanism within the container to bring the straw into general alignment with
the
tab. Once the container is opened, further minor manipulation or tilting of
the
container may be necessary to complete the alignment of the straw with the
open
orifice in the lid.
Yet another approach for this concept is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
5,244,112; 5,080,247 and 4,930,652 which are also assigned to the assignee of
the
present invention. These patents describe various embodiments of a straw-
dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the body of the container which
operate to rotate the straw into alignment beneath the open orifice of a
beverage
container. In particular, these designs respond to the inward deflection of
the
closure tab into the body of the container to actuate or drive a rotating
mechanism
which aligns the straw with the open orifice. While these designs remain
technologically and commercially viable, the continued development of straw-
dispensing mechanisms is directed to simpler and lower cost mechanisms which
can
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be relied upon to consistently align the drinking straw with the open orifice
in tl
beverage can once the orifice in the beverage can has been opened. Also,
continued development is directed to alternative mechanisms for temporarily
securing straw dispensing mechanisms within the container so as to not
interfere
with the filling and seaming processes.
In this regard, the present invention discloses a beverage container having
a straw-dispensing mechanism which includes a contoured or shaped cam surface
which operates to cause rotation of the drinking straw to align the drinking
straw
with the orifice. A first embodiment of the present invention employs a float
which
supports and positions the drinking straw at a distance radially which is
equal to the
radial position of the orifice in the can lid. A contoured or cam surface
located on
the interior surface of the lid of the can guides the drinking straw into
alignment
with the orifice in the can.
A second embodiment employs a float which supports and positions the
1S drinking straw at a distance radially which is equal to the radial position
of the
orifice in the can lid. A contoured or cam surface located on the upper
surface of
the float reacts with the inward deflected tab upon opening of the beverage
can to
rotate the drinking straw to a position in alignment with the now open
orifice.
A third embodiment includes a buoyant member integrally formed with the
straw. The buoyant member and lower end of the straw are disposed generally
horizontally within the beverage container while the remainder of the straw is
generally vertical. The buoyant member provides a convenient surface for
temporarily securing the straw to the bottom of the container. When this bond
is
broken, the buoyant member rotates to a generally vertical orientation aligned
with
the remainder of the straw to urge the straw into alignment with the orifice
in the
can.
A fourth embodiment includes a floating member having an underside
treated for facilitating the nucleation of COZ bubbles. The underside is
coated with
a soluble material so as to not disrupt the filling and seaming processes.
After the
coating dissolves and the container is opened, COZ bubbles released from the
fluid
within the container adhere to the underside of the floating member to further
urge
the floating member against the lid of the container.
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A fifth embodiment includes a floating member having a circumferent; il
skirt formed thereabout. After the filling and seaming processes the container
is
inverted and then returned to its upright orientation. Thereafter, the
headspace air
gap normally residing adjacent the container lid is trapped under the floating
member by the skirt. The trapped headspace further urges the floating member
into
contact with the lid of the container.
In a sixth embodiment the floating member is held to a fixed location within
the container during the filling and seaming processes by a pair of leg
assemblies.
When the pressure within the container exceeds a given threshold, an outwardly
domed lower surface of the floating member collapses 'inwardly to change the
angle
of the leg assemblies such that they disengage from the container wall.
Thereafter,
the floating member is free to migrate towards the lid of the container under
it own
buoyancy.
In a seventh embodiment an arm is coupled to the floating member by way
of a living hinge. The arm is held in a closed mode against the bias of the
living
hinge by a latch. In the closed mode, the living hinge and latch engage the
container wall to hold the floating member in a fixed location during the
filling and
seaming processes. Thereafter, a sudden blow to the container causes the latch
to
release the arm. The arm rotates under the bias of the living hinge pushing
against
the bottom of the container and urging the floating member towards the lid.
Simultaneously, the latch folds inwardly under its own bias and disengages
itself
and the living hinge from the container wall. Thereafter, the floating member
is
free to float towards the lid of the container.
An eighth embodiment includes a floating member having a threaded
aperture formed therein. The threaded aperture removably engages a threaded
member upwardly projecting from a base member adjacent the bottom of the
container. The threaded engagement secures the floating member to a fixed
location during the filling and seaming processes. Thereafter, rotation of the
container causes the fluid contained therein to interfere with the floating
member
in a desired manner to drive it about the threaded member. Upon sufficient
rotation, the threaded aperntre backs off the threaded member such that the
floating
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member disengages from the base and is free to migrate towards the lid of
t.'_je
container.
A ninth embodiment includes a straw positioning member having a ring-like
configuration for holding the straw in a fixed location so as to not interfere
with the
filling and seaming processes. The straw positioning member includes an
inertia
latch operable for changing the straw positioning member from a closed mode to
an open mode. In a closed mode, the straw positioning member has diameter less
than that of the container. In an open mode, the straw positioning member is
biased radially outwardly so as to engage the container wall.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container
with a self contained straw-dispensing mechanism that is compatible for
manufacture with existing filling equipment.
In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a
beverage container with a self contained straw-dispensing mechanism that is
simple
in design, utilizes a minimum of material, is inexpensive to manufacture, and
requires relatively inexpensive equipment to assemble and insert into the
beverage
containers.
Other advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the subsequent detailed description, appended
claims, and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for
carrying out the present invention:
Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can containing a straw-
dispensing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage can shown in Figure
1 illustrating the straw ascending through the orifice in the lid of the can;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the beverage can shown in Figures
1 and 2 illustrating the straw in the extended position;
Figure 3A is a plan view of a buoyant member in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can containing a stray v
dispensing mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage can as shown in Figure
4 illustrating the straw ascending through the orifice in the lid of the can;
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the beverage can shown in Figures
4 and 5;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the floating disk shown in Figures 4 - 6;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the floating disk shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view of the floating disk shown in Figures
7and8;
Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can containing a straw-
dispensing mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure l0a is a schematic view of the pull-out flexible convoluted section
of the straw shown in Figure 10;
Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage can shown in Figure
10 illustrating the operation of a buoyant member;
Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view of an alternate embodiment buoyant
member for use in conjunction with the straw-dispensing mechanism shown in
Figures 10 and 11;
Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage can shown in Figures
10 and 11 illustrating an insertion mechanism according to the present
invention;
Figure 14 is a bottom view of the floating disk of Figures 10, 11 and 13
illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can containing a straw-
dispensing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a bottom view of the floating disk of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a beverage can containing a straw-
dispensing mechanism according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 18 is a vertical sectional view of the straw-dispensing mechanism
shown in Figure 17 illustrating the disengagement of associated leg
assemblies;
Figure 19 is a bottom view of the floating disk shown in Figures 17 and 18;
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Figure 20 is a vertical sectional view of a beverage can containing a stray,;
dispensing mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the floating disk shown in Figure 20 in
a closed mode;
Figure 22 is a perspective view of the floating disk shown in Figures 20 and
21 in an open mode;
Figure 23 is a perspective view of a beverage can containing a straw
dispensing mechanism according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 24 is a vertical sectional view of the floating disk and base shown
in Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a perspective view of a beverage can containing a straw
dispensing mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 26 is a plan view of the straw positioning member shown in Figure
25 in a closed mode; and
Figure 27 is a plan view of the straw positioning member shown in Figures
and 26 in an open mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in
Figures
20 1 - 3 a beverage can having a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with
the
present invention which is designated generally by reference numeral 10.
Beverage
can 10 comprises an aluminum, steel or plastic container having a cylindrical
body
12 with a closed bottom 14 and an upper lid 16. Lid 16 is joined to body 12
using
a seaming operation as is well known in the art. Lid 16 includes an actuating
25 member or lever ring 18 pivotally secured to lid 16. Lever ring 18 is
adapted
when actuated to open an orifice 20 in lid 16 by deflecting a closure tab 22
into the
interior of beverage can 10. Closure tab 22 is formed by score lines in lid 16
which enable a controlled portion of closure tab 22 to break free from lid 16
when
lever ring 18 is actuated against tab 22 by an individual. As the user lifts
one end
of ring 18 to its maximum extent, the opposite end pushes against closure tab
22.
Alternatively, the tab could be designed to brake free when depressed by the
user's
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forger or by the use of a portable tool. In these types of closure tabs, lever
ring',3
may be omitted. Closure tab 22 is typically designed via the score lines to
deflect
downwardly and toward one side of orifice 20 to fully open orifice 20 and
facilitate
the free flow of liquid from beverage can 10 through orifice 20.
Beverage can 10 further comprises a straw dispensing mechanism 24 which
is- comprised of a contoured or cam surface 26 located on the inside of lid
16, a
buoyant member or float 28 and a drinking straw 30. Contoured or cam surface
26 is formed by lid 16 and is angled towards orifice 20 in order to guide
straw 30
into alignment with orifice 20. Surface 26 may be formed into lid 16 with the
reverse of the contoured surface being located on the top surface of lid 16 if
desired
or contoured surface 26 may be formed by a separate insert placed within
beverage
can 10.
Buoyant member 28 is manufactured from a material which will float within
the liquid contained inside beverage can 10 and thus provide sufficient
buoyant
force (when liquid is present in beverage can 10) to cause straw 30 to be
urged
against contoured surface 26 and eventually to ascend through orifice 20 in
can lid
16 when straw 30 is in alignment with orifice 20.
Buoyant member 28 is a circular member which includes an outer ring 32,
a plurality of ribs 34 and a straw aperture 36. Outer ring 32 is an annular
member
which has an outer surface which is sized slightly smaller than the internal
diameter
of can body 12. Thus, outer ring 32 is free to move axially within beverage
can
10. The height of outer ring 32 is sized to work in conjunction with straw 30
to
limit the tilting of outer ring 32 in order to maintain straw 30 in a
generally vertical
position as shown in the drawings. The plurality of ribs 34 extend inwardly
from
outer ring 32 to meet at the center defined by outer ring 32. Ribs 34 provide
rigidity to outer ring 32 and while three ribs 34 are shown in Figures 1 - 3,
any
suitable number of ribs may be utilized. During filling of beverage can 10,
the
plurality of ribs 34 permit filling of the volume of beverage can 10 located
below
buoyant member 28. One of the plurality of ribs 34 forms straw aperture 36.
The
radial positioning of aperture 36 along rib 34 positions aperture 36 in direct
alignment with orifice 20 when aperture 36 is circumferentially aligned with
orifice
20.
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Drinking straw 30 includes a lower tubular portion 40, a pull-out flexibh
convoluted section 42 and an upper tubular portion 44. Lower tubular portion
40
of drinking straw 30 extends through aperture 36 in buoyant member 28.
Aperture
36 frictionally receives straw 30 such that vertical movement of buoyant
member
28 within beverage can 10 causes vertical movement of straw 30. Alternatively,
a buoyant member 50 (shown in phantom in Figure 2) may be attached to straw 30
or straw 30 can be manufactured from a buoyant material to provide the
necessary
buoyancy to straw 30.
Figure 1 illustrates beverage can 10 and straw dispensing mechanism 24
immediately after the filling and seaming operation have been performed.
Drinking
straw 30 extends from bottom 14 of can body 12 vertically upward through
aperture 36 of buoyant member 28 towards lid 16. The circumferential
positioning
of straw 30 in relation to orifice 20 occurs randomly due to the filling and
seaming
processes for beverage can 10. To prevent buoyant member 28 from elevating
straw 30 during the can filling and seaming processes, and thus possibly
interfering
with these processes, a small amount of soluble adhesive 46 such as glucose or
thixotropic gel, is preferably applied to temporarily bond straw 30 to can
body I2
or closed bottom 14. Accordingly, after the filling and seaming processes are
complete, adhesive 46 will gradually dissolve and thereby enable buoyant
member
28 and straw 30 to float freely upward until straw 30 contacts contoured
surface 26
on the underside of lid 16. During the subsequent handling of beverage can 10,
straw 30 will react with contoured surface 26 to rotate buoyant member 28 and
straw 30 until it is aligned with orifice 20 as shown in phantom in Figure 1.
The
reaction between straw 30 and contoured surface 26 occurs due to the buoyant
force
exerted on straw 30 by buoyant member 28. Straw 30 will have a tendency to
align with orifice 20 due to the tamping of contoured surface 26 towards
orifice 20
regardless of the direction of rotation of buoyant member 28.
Figure 2 illustrates beverage can 10 and straw dispensing mechanism 24
after lever ring 18 has pushed closure tab 22 into the interior of beverage
can 10
to open orifice 20. Depending on the circumferential position of straw 30, in
relation to orifice 20, the opening of orifice 20 may or may not result in
contact
between closure tab 22 and straw 30. Any contact between closure tab 22 and
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straw 30 will cause rotation of buoyant member 28 and straw 30 to slight::
misalign straw 30 with orifice 20. This misalignment will be corrected once
closure tab 22 is completely deflected to fully open orifice 20 by the
interaction
between straw 30 and contoured surface 26 as detailed above. Once straw 30 is
aligned with orifice 20, the buoyant force on buoyant member 28 will push
straw
30 upward through orifice 20 to provide accessibility to straw 30 for the user
of
beverage can 10.
At this point, the user may elect to commence drinking through straw 30 or
withdraw straw 30 further through orifice 20 in lid 16. Buoyant member 28 is
formed with sufficient rigidity and the frictional interface between straw 30
and
aperture 36 of buoyant member 28 is sufficiently low to permit straw 30 to be
pulled upward through buoyant member 28 as buoyant member 28 is held against
the underside of lid 16. Convoluted section 42 can be extended regardless of
whether or not straw 30 extends through aperture 36, to allow the user to
extend
the length of straw 30 so that the other end of straw 30 reached fully to the
bottom
14 of beverage can 10 while upper portion 44 remains accessible through
orifice
20.
Figure 3A illustrates a buoyant member 28' in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention. Buoyant member 28' comprises an outer
ring
32', a radially inwardly disposed embossment 34' and a straw aperture 36'.
Buoyant member 28' is a direct replacement for buoyant member 28.
Referring now to Figures 4 through 6 there is shown a beverage can having
a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention which is designated generally by reference numeral 1I0.
Beverage can 110 comprises an aluminum, steel or plastic container having a
cylindrical body 112 with a closed bottom 114 and an upper lid 116. Lid 116 is
joined to body 112 using a seaming process as is well known in the art. Lid
116
includes an actuating member or lever ring 118 pivotally secured to lid 116.
Lever
ring 118 is adapted when actuated to open an orifice 120 in lid 116 by
deflecting
a closure tab 122 into the interior of beverage can 110. Closure tab 122 is
formed
by score lines in lid 116 which enable a controlled portion of closure tab 122
to
break free from lid 116 when lever ring 118 is actuated against tab 122 by a
user.
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As the user lifts one end of ring 118, the opposite end pushes against closure
t~; j
122. Alternatively, the tab could be designed to break free when depressed by
the
user's finger or by the use of a portable tool. In these types of closure
tabs, lever
ring 18 may be omitted. Closure tab 122 is typically designed via the score
lines
to deflect downwardly and towards one side of orifice 120 to fully open
orifice 120
and facilitate the free flow of liquid from beverage can 110 through orifice
120.
Beverage can 110 further comprises a straw dispensing mechanism 124
which is comprised of a floating member 126, a buoyant member 128 and a
drinking straw 130. Floating member 126 defines an outer cylindrical surface
132,
a contoured or cam surface 134 and a straw aperture 136.
Floating member 126 is manufactured from a material which will float
within the liquid contained inside beverage can 110 and thus will position
itself
adjacent to lid 116 in a filled beverage can 110. Outer cylindrical surface
132 of
floating member 126 is sized slightly smaller than the internal diameter of
can body
112. Thus, floating member 126 is free to move axially within beverage can I10
and will be urged against lid 116 due to the buoyant force acting on floating
member 126. The height of surface 132 is chosen to work in conjunction with
straw 130 to limit the tilting of floating member 126 in order to maintain
straw 130
in a generally vertical position as shown in the drawings. Aperture 136
extends
vertically through floating member 126. The radial positioning of aperture 136
positions aperture 136 in direct vertical alignment with orifice 120 when
aperture
136 is circumferentially aligned with orifice 120. A centrally located
aperture 138
allows for the filling of the volume of beverage can 110 located below
floating
member 126. Alternatively, additional passages through floating member 126 or
the clearance between floating member 126 and the interior of can body 112 may
be used to facilitate the filling of beverage can 110.
Drinking straw 130 includes a lower tubular portion 140, a pull-out flexible
convoluted section 142 and an upper tubular portion 144. Lower tubular portion
140 of drinking straw 130 extends through aperture 136 in floating member 126:
Aperture 136 is slightly larger than lower tubular portion 140 and thus
slidingly
receives lower tubular portion 140. Thus, floating member 126 is free to move
vertically within beverage can 110 with respect to straw 130. Buoyant member
128
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is attached to the lower end of lower tubular portion 140 to urge straw 130 in
:: i
upward direction. The diameter of buoyant member 128 is chosen such that when
the outer edge of buoyant member 128 is in contact with the inside wall of can
body 112, straw 130 is positioned generally vertically within beverage can
110.
Thus, buoyant member 128 will act as a torque arm to reduce the amount of
tilting
of floating member 126 during the opening of beverage can 110 as will be
described later herein.
Figure 4 illustrates beverage can 110 and straw dispensing mechanism 124
irnmediately after the filling and seaming operation have been performed.
Drinking
straw 130 extends from bottom 114 of can body 112 vertically upward through
aperture 136 of floating member 126 towards lid 116. The circumferential
positioning of straw 130 in relation to orifice 120 (Figure 5) occurs randomly
due
to the filling and seaming processes for beverage can 110. To prevent floating
member 126, buoyant member 128 and straw 30 from elevating during the can
filling and seaming processes, and thus possibly interfering with these
processes,
a small amount of soluble adhesive 146, such as glucose or thixotropic gel, is
preferably applied to temporarily bond floating member 126 and buoyant member
128 to can body 112. Another option would be to locate floating member 126
toward the bottom 114 of can body 112. Floating member 126 would then retain
both buoyant member 128 and straw 130 within beverage container 110. In
addition, the location of floating member 126 toward the bottom of can body
112
would minimize the volume of beverage can 110 located below floating member
126 to simplify the filling operation. Accordingly, after the filling and
seaming
processes are complete, adhesive 146 will gradually dissolve and thereby
enable
floating member 126 to float upwardly to be urged against lid 116 and enable
buoyant member 128 and straw 130 to float freely upward until straw 130
contacts
lid 116 as shown in Figure 4. The circumferential positioning of straw 130 in
relation to orifice 120 occurs randomly due to both the filling and seaming
processes and any rotation which may occur as floating member 126 moves upward
from its retained position during filling to its position shown in Figure 4.
Figure 5 illustrates beverage can 110 and straw dispensing mechanism 124
after lever ring 118 has pushed closure tab 122 into the interior of beverage
can
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110 to open orifice 120. The deflection of closure tab 122 from its clos~:.1
(generally horizontal) position as shown in Figure 4 to its open (generally
vertical)
position as shown in Figure 5 results in engagement between closure tab 122
and
floating member I26 which imparts rotational movement to floating member 126,
buoyant member 128 and straw 130. Floating member 126 will rotate until straw
130 is aligned with open orifice 120. When straw 130 is aligned with orifice
120,
buoyant member 128 will push straw 130 upward through orifice 120 to provide
accessibility to straw 130 by the user of beverage can 110.
At this point, the user may elect to commence drinking through straw 130
or withdraw straw 130 further from its orifice 120 in lid 116. Buoyant member
128 is formed with sufficient flexibility and the interface between straw 130
and
buoyant member 128 will release is sufficiently strong to retain buoyant
member
128 on straw 130 when straw 130 is pulled upward causing straw 130 and buoyant
member 128 to pass through floating member 126. Alternatively, the buoyant
member can be designed to separate from straw 130. This would require the size
of he float to be such that it would not pass through orifice 120 or aperture
138.
Convoluted section 142 can be extended regardless of whether or not straw 130
extends through aperture 136, to allow the user to reach fully to bottom 114
of
beverage can 110.
Referring now to Figures 7-9, floating member 126 is illustrated. Floating
member 126 includes outer cylindrical surface 132, contoured or cam surface
134,
straw aperture 136 and central aperture 138 as detailed above. Cam surface 134
defines a first contoured surface 150 and a second contoured surface 152.
Contoured surfaces 150 and 152 form a bi-directional cam surface which will
rotate
floating member 126 clockwise or counterclockwise depending on whether
contoured surface 150 or contoured surface 1S2 is engaged by closure tab 122
{Figure 5). The incorporation of contoured surface 150 and contoured surface
152
limits the maximum amount of rotation of floating member 126 to 180° in
order
to align straw 130 with orifice 120 (Figure 5). A ridge 154 separates
contoured
surface 150 from contoured surface 152 at one end while the opposite ends of
surfaces 150 and 152 blend together as shown in the drawings.
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During the opening of beverage can 110 closure tab 122 engages eith~_r
contoured surface 150 or 152 to impart rotational movement to floating member
126, buoyant member 128 and straw 130. In order to ensure rotational movement
of floating member 126 and to avoid excessive tipping of floating member 126,
straw 130 and buoyant member 128 may act as a torque arm to stabilize floating
member 126 and limit the amount of its tipping. As detailed above, the
diameter
of buoyant member 128 is chosen such that when the outer circumferential edge
of
buoyant member 128 is in contact with the inside wall of can body 112, straw
130
is positioned generally vertically within beverage can 110. Any tilting of
floating
member 126 will be resisted by straw 130 and buoyant member 128 acting between
the sidewall of can body 112 and the interior surface of aperture 136 of
floating
member 126. The use of straw 130 and buoyant member 128 as a torque arm
allows for the shortening of the overall height of cylindrical surface 132 of
floating
member 126.
Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a beverage can having
a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a third embodiment of the
present
invention which is designated generally by reference numeral 210. Beverage can
210 comprises an aluminum, steel or plastic container having a cylindrical
body
212 with a closed bottom 214 and an upper lid 216. The closed bottom 214 of
beverage can 210 is arched upwardly to a greater degree than conventional
beverage cans to form a nub 256. Lid 216 is joined to body 212 using a seaming
process as is well known in the art. Lid 216 includes an actuating member or
lever
ring 218 pivotally secured to lid 216. Lever ring 218 is adapted when actuated
to
open an orifice 220 in iid 216 by deflecting a closure tab 222 into the
interior of
beverage can 210. Closure tab 222 is formed by score lines in lid 216 which
enable a controlled portion of closure tab 222 to break free from lid 216 when
lever
ring 218 is actuated against tab 222 by a user. As a user lifts one end of
ring 218,
the opposite end pushes against closure tab 222. Alternatively, the tab 222
could
be designed to break free when depressed by the user's finger or by the use of
a
portable tool. In these types of closure tabs, lever ring 218 may be omitted.
Closure tab 222 is typically designed via the score lines to deflect
downwardly and
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towards one side of orifice 220 to fully open orifice 220 and facilitate the
free flo-:
of liquid from beverage can 210 through orifice 220. .
Beverage can 210 further comprises a straw dispensing mechanism 224
which is comprised of a floating member 226, a buoyant member 228 and a
drinking straw 230. Floating member 226 defines an outer cylindrical surface
232,
a contoured or cam surface 234 and a straw aperture 236. Straw aperture 236
includes a radiused or flared entrance end 258 for facilitating entry of
drinking
straw 230 therethrough.
Floating member 226 is manufactured from a material which will float
within the liquid contained inside beverage can 210 and thus will position
itself
adjacent to lid 216 in a filled beverage can 210. Outer cylindrical surface
232 of
floating member 226 is sized slightly smaller than the internal diameter of
can body
212. Thus, floating member 226 is free to move axially within beverage can 210
and will be urged against lid 216 due to the buoyant force acting on floating
member 226. The height of surface 232 is chosen to work in conjunction with
straw 230 to limit the tilting of floating member 226 in order to maintain
straw 230
in a generally vertical position as shown in the drawings. Aperture 236
extends
vertically through floating member 226. The radial positioning of aperture 236
positions aperture 236 in direct vertical alignment with orifice 220 when
aperture
236 is circumferentially aligned with orifice 220. Centrally located aperture
238
allows for filling the volume of beverage can 210 located below floating
member
226. Alternatively, additional passages through floating member 226 or the
clearance between floating member 226 and the interior of can body 212 may be
used to facilitate the filling of beverage can 210.
Drinking straw 230 includes a lower tubular portion 240, a buoyant member
228, a bendable flexible convoluted section 260, a pull-out flexible
convoluted
section 242 and an upper tubular portion 244. Upper tubular portion 244 of
drinking straw 230 extends through aperture 236 in floating member 226.
Aperture
236 is slightly larger than upper tubular portion 244 and thus slidingly
receives
upper tubular portion 244. As illustrated in FIG. 10a, pleats 262 constituting
pull-
out flexible convoluted section 242 are internally fluted so as to maintain a
constant
maximum diameter of drinking straw 230. Pleats 262 are also angled downwardly
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to facilitate the rise of floating member 226 over the pull-out flexible
convolute
section 242. Thus, floating member 226 is free to move vertically within
beverage
can 210 with respect to straw 230.
Buoyant member 228 is formed integrally with the lower end of lower
tubular portion 240 to urge straw 230 in an upward. direction. The
configuration
of buoyant member 228 is chosen such that a knuckle 264 is provided for
cooperating with the nub 256 of the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210. The
bendable flexible convoluted section 260 enables the lower tubular portion 240
of
the drinking straw 230 to be positioned orthogonal to the upper tubular
portion 244
and adjacent to bottom 214.
Figure 10 illustrates beverage can 210 and straw dispensing mechanism 224
immediately after the filling and seaming operation have been performed.
Drinking
straw 230 extends from bottom 214 of can body 212 vertically upward through
aperture 236 of floating member 226 towards lid 216. The circumferential
positioning of straw 230 in relation to orifice 220 occurs randomly due to the
filling
and seaming processes for beverage can 210. To prevent floating member 226,
and
straw 230 from elevating during the can filling and seaming processes, and
thus
possibly interfering with these processes, a small amount of soluble adhesive
246,
such as glucose or thixotropic gel is preferably applied to temporarily bond
buoyant
member 228 to can bottom 214. Accordingly, after the filling and seaming
processes are complete, adhesive 246 will gradually dissolve and thereby
enable
floating member 226 to float upwardly to be urged against lid 2I6 and enable
buoyant member 228 and straw 230 to float freely upward until straw 230
contacts
lid 216. Bendable flexible convoluted section 260 straightens out under its
own
residual internal stresses once the floating member 226 floats upwardly.
Additionally, the water soluble adhesive 246 may also be placed in aperture
236 in
floating member 226 to fix the straw 230 and floating member 226 relative to
one
another. This position is selected such that the center of the buoyant member
228
comprising knuckle 264 aligns with the center of floating member 226.
Alternatively, the buoyant member 228 may be secured to bottom 214 by
mechanical means such as frictional engagement of knuckle 264 with nub 256.
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Optionally, the buoyant member 228 may be temporarily adhered to tl~:
floating member 226 through ~ use of a small amount of soluble adhesive 246.
Locating contours may be molded into the bottom surface of the floating member
226 to properly seat the buoyant member 228 thereon. If desired, two soluble
adhesive 246 compositions may be used to sequentially time release the straw
230
from the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210 and/or the straw 230 from the
floating member 226.
Figure 11 illustrates beverage can 210 and straw dispensing mechanism 224
after lever ring 218 has pushed closure tab 222 into the interior of beverage
can
210 to open orifice 220. The deflection of closure tab 222 from its closed
(generally horizontal) position as shown in Figure 10 to its open (generally
vertical)
position as shown in Figure 11 results in engagement between closure tab 222
and
floating member 226 which imparts rotational movement to floating member 226,
and straw 230. Floating member 226 will rotate until straw 230 is aligned with
open orifice 220. When straw 230 is aligned with orifice 220, buoyant member
228 will push straw 230 upward through orifice 220 to provide accessibility to
straw 230 by the user of beverage can 210.
At this point, the user may elect commence drinking through straw 230 or
withdraw straw 230 from its orifice 220 in lid 216. Buoyant member 228 is
formed with sufficient flexibility such that when straw 230 is pulled upward,
straw
230 and buoyant member 228 may pass through floating member 226. Convoluted
section 242 can be extended regardless of whether or not straw 230 extends
through
aperture 236, to allow the user to reach fully to bottom 214 of beverage can
210.
Referring now to Figure 12, an alternate embodiment buoyant member 228'
is illustrated. In this case, buoyant member 228' is formed as a discrete
member
adapted to be supported about the external radial surface of straw 230 by
adhesive
or the like. Although four distinct lobes 268 are illustrated 90° apart
about the
diameter of straw 230, other angular displacements and numbers of lobes are
possible. The spacing between consecutive lobes 268 define the knuckle 264.
Referring to Figure 13, an insertion device 270 is illustrated. Insertion
device 270 includes a vertical member 272 coupled to a horizontal member 274.
The distal end 276 of the vertical member 272 is adapted to engage knuckle 264
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on buoyant member 228. A distal end 278 of horizontal member 274 is adapte:
to releasably engage upper tubular portion 244 of drinking straw 230. In
operation,
the insertion device 270 lowers the drinking straw 230 into the beverage can
210.
After the buoyant member 228 contacts the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210,
a follower (not shown) presses the knuckle 264 of the buoyant member 228 onto
the nub 256. Soluble adhesive 246 may be utilized to fix buoyant member 228 to
nub 256 at this point. Thereafter, the vertical member 272 and horizontal
member
274 release from the drinking straw 230 and the insertion device 270 withdraws
from the beverage can 210. Preferably, the insertion device 270 is cam driven
and
pneumatically operated to effect high speed insertion.
After insertion of the straw 230, the beverage can 210 is closed with lid 216
by a conventional seaming process: As the soluble adhesive 246 between buoyant
member 228 and floating member 226 dissolves, the floating member 226 will
rise
along the straw 230 by its own buoyancy. At some point prior to reaching the
lid
216, sufficient torque is applied to the knuckle 264 such that the buoyant
member
228 is removed from the nub 256. Thereafter, the bendable flexible convoluted
section 260 straightens under its own internal stresses. From this point, the
straw
230 acts in the above-described manner, activated by the cam surface 234 as
described with reference to Figures 7 - 9.
Alternatively, the length of the straw 230 may be controlled such that it is
long enough to reach the full extent of the beverage can 210. As such, the
straw
230 holds the floating member 226 when it rises vertically. When the closure
tab
222 imparts rotational movement to floating member 226, straw 230 moves about
the nub 256 and loosens its attachment thereto. The combined forces permits
the
straw 230 to rise off the bottom 214 of the beverage can 210 and assume its
fully
extended posture.
Referring now also to Figure 14, floating member 226 is illustrated to
expose its bottom surface 280. Floating member 226 includes outer cylindrical
surface 232, straw aperture 236 and central aperture 238 as detailed above.
The
bottom surface 280 of the floating member 226 has been treated with corona,
flame, or by other conventional means to change the surface morphology and/or
the
surface energy thereof to facilitate the nucleation of COZ bubbles and to
adhere
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WO 99/30979 PCTNS98/26745
these bubbles to the surface 280 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of
thrv
present invention. The treated-surface 280 is covered by a soluble adhesive
246,
such as glucose or thixotropic gel, to temporarily isolate or seal off surface
280
from the fluid in beverage can 210. Preferably, the soluble adhesive 246
comprises
the syrup of the product to be housed by the beverage can 210. As such, the
covered surface 280 does not accelerate nucleation of COZ during the filling
process. After filling and seaming, the acid nature of the product housed by
beverage can 210 will dissolve the soluble adhesive coating 246 revealing the
nucleation surface.
After the closure tab 222 (FIG. 11) is opened, and the internal pressure
within beverage can 210 is released, the nucleating surface 280 on the
underside
of the floating member 226 accumulates nucleated bubbles. This enhances the
buoyancy of the floating member 226 and holds the floating member 226 more
firmly against the lid 216 during the rotation of the floating member 226 and
raising of straw 230. The vertical pressure of the floating member 226 against
the
lid 216 enhances the accuracy and precision of the alignment of straw 230. The
vertical pressure also minimizes the tilting of floating member 226 when
engaged
by tab 222.
Referring now to Figures 15 - 16, there is shown a beverage can 310 having
a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the
present
invention. Straw dispensing mechanism 324 comprises a floating member 326, a
buoyant member 328 and a drinking straw 330. Floating member 326 defines an
outer cylindrical surface 332, a contoured or cam surface 334 and a straw
aperture
336. Floating member 326 is manufactured from a material which will float
within
2S the liquid contained inside beverage can 310 and will thus position itself
adjacent
to lid 316 in a filled beverage can 310. Preferably, a high speed injection
molding
process is utilized to form a thin walled floating member 326. Outer
cylindrical
surface 332 of floating member 326 is sized slightly smaller than the internal
diameter of can body 312. Thus, floating member 326 is free to move axially
within beverage can 310 and will be urged against lid 316 due to the buoyant
force
acting on floating member 326. In order to further urge floating member 326
against lid 316, a specialized topography is utilized on the underside 380 of
the
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floating member 326. The underside includes a plurality of radially
projectir.,;
spiral flutes 382. The underside 380 also includes a downwardly projecting
skirt
384 about its outer cylindrical surface 332. Optionally, the underside 380
includes
a projection 386 at the center which can be located onto pivot nub 356 on the
bottom 314 of the beverage can 310 and held in place with a soluble adhesive
346.
Alternatively, the underside 380 may be molded such that the surface is
roughened
or deliberately pocked to both nucleate and trap gas bubbles under floating
member
326.
During filling of the beverage can 310 in a conventional filling process, the
turbulence of the fluid will wash the underside 380 of the floating member
326.
The spiral flutes 382 enhance this action. The turbulence sweeps out any
residual
air space under the floating member 326 to minimize the loss of fill volume in
the
beverage can 310 due to the presence of the floating member 326. However, some
residual gas will remain entrapped under floating member 326. The buoyancy of
the floating member 326 and any residual gas is opposed by the adherence of
the
soluble material 346.
After the beverage can 310 is filled, it is closed with lid 316 by a
conventional seaming process. Thereafter, the filled beverage can 310 is
inverted
by means of track work (not shown). As such, the unfilled headspace 386 in the
beverage can 310 resides adjacent the bottom 314. This head space 386
displaces
any fluid that may have remained proximate the underside of the floating
member
326 during inversion. The beverage can 310 continues in an inverted
orientation
along the track work for a distance and/or time to ensure that all of the
fluid is
adjacent bottom 314 replaced with air. As the beverage can 310 continues along
the track work, it is inverted again to place it in its original upright
orientation.
The head space 386 is then trapped along the underside 380 of the floating
member
326 and forms a head space bubble 388 thereunder. The size of the head space
386
and the allocation of gas between the head space 386 adjacent lid 316 and the
head
space bubble 388 adjacent the underside 380 of the floating member 326 is
preferably balanced in accordance with the needs of the beverage can 310.
Subsequent to the head space bubble 388 being trapped under the floating
member 326, the floating member 326 is released from the bottom 314 of the
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beverage can 310 and the floating member 326 rises towards the lid 316 fc;
presenting the drinking straw 330. The trapped head space bubble 388 on the
underside 380 of the floating member 326 enhances the buoyancy of the floating
member 326. Further, the head space bubble 388 holds the floating member 326
more tightly against the rid 316 during rotation of the floating member 326 by
the
closure tab 322. This vertical pressure of the floating member 326 against the
underside of the lid 316 enhances the accuracy and precision of the placement
of
straw 330. Referring now to Figures 17 - 19, there is shown a beverage can
having a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a sixth embodiment of
the
present invention designated generally by reference numeral 410. The beverage
can
410 includes a straw dispensing mechanism 424 which is comprised of a floating
member 426, a buoyant member 428 and a drinking straw 430. Floating member
426 defines an outer cylindrical surface 432, a contoured or cam surface 434
and
a straw aperture 436. Floating member 426 is manufactured from a material
which
will float within the liquid contained inside beverage can 410 and thus will
position
itself adjacent to lid 416 in a filled beverage can 410. Outer cylindrical
surface 432
of floating member 426 is sized slightly smaller than the internal diameter of
can
body 412. Thus, floating member 426 is free to move axially within beverage
can
410 and will be urged against lid 416 due to the buoyant force acting on
floating
member 426. Aperture 436 extends vertically through floating member 426. The .
radial positioning of aperture 436 positions aperture 436 in direct vertical
alignment
with orifice 420 when aperture 436 is circumferentially aligned with orifice
420.
A centrally located aperture (not shown) may be provided for filling of the
volume
of beverage can 410 located below floating member 426. However, it is
presently
preferred to utilize the passages 438 along outer cylindrical surface 432 of
floating
member 426 and clearance between the floating member 426 and the interior of
can
body 412 to facilitate the filling of beverage can 410.
Floating member 426 is manufactured such that an internal volume thereof
includes a fixed volume airspace 490. Because the floating member 426 is
hermetically sealed, the pressure in the interior volume 490 is constant.
Floating
member 426 also includes at least two downwardly projecting leg assemblies 492
including foot portions 494 extending laterally therefrom. The bottom surface
480
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of the floating member 426 is preferably outwardly dome shaped such that the
fog r
portions 494 are radially extended to engage the interior of can body 412. As
such,
the floating member 426 is frictionally held adjacent the bottom 414 of the
beverage
can 410. Further, the bottom surface 480 of the floating member 426 engages
the
upper side of the buoyant member 428. In this mode, the floating member 426
maintains the straw 430 in a pre-selected position such that the upper tubular
portion 444 thereof does not extend beyond the top of can body 412 so that it
will
not interfere with the placement of the lid 416 on the body 412 during the
seaming
process.
After the filling and seaming processes are complete the fluid contained
within the beverage can releases COZ increasing the pressure within beverage
can
410. However, since the pressure within the air space 490 is fixed, a pressure
difference between the internal volume 490 of the floating member 426 and the
interior volume of the beverage can 410 is realized. When this pressure
difference
exceeds a predetermined threshold, the bottom surface 480 of the floating
member
426 collapses inwardly to invert its dome-like shape. Accordingly, the leg
assemblies 492 are drawn inwardly away from the interior of can body 412.
Thus,
foot portions 494 disengage from can body 412 and floating member 426 is
released and may float towards lid 416 along straw 430.
The circumferential positioning of straw 430 in relation to orifice 420 occurs
randomly within beverage can 410. The deflection of closure tab 422 from its
closed (generally horizontal) position to its open (generally vertical)
position results
in engagement between closure tab 422 and floating member 426 which imparts
rotational movement to floating member 426, buoyant member 428 and straw 430.
Floating member 426 will rotate until straw 430 is aligned with open orifice
420.
When straw 430 is aligned with orifice 420, buoyant member 428 will push straw
430 upward through orifice 420 to provide accessibility to straw 430 by the
user
of beverage can 410.
Referring now to Figures 20 - 22, there is shown a beverage can having a
straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the
present invention which is designated generally by reference number 510.
Beverage can 510 includes straw dispensing mechanism 524 which is comprised of
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a floating member 526, a buoyant member 528 and a drinking straw 530.
Floatiribs
member 526 defines an outer cylindrical surface 532, a contoured or cam
surface
534 and a straw aperture 536.
An upwardly projecting U-shaped latch 596 is coupled to or may be
integrally formed with outer cylindrical surface 532. Latch 596 includes a
radially
projecting finger 598 extending therefrom. The latch 596 is biassed such that
the
forger 598 is normally drawn towards the center of floating member 526. An arm
501 is coupled to or integrally formed with outer cylindrical surface 532 of
floating
member 526 opposite latch 596 by a living hinge 503. In Figures 20 and 21, the
arm 501 is folded against the bias of hinge 503 to rest adjacent the underside
580
of floating member 526. Arm 501 is held in this position by the frictional
engagement with latch 596 opposite finger 598. Arm 501 includes a tab 505
outwardly projecting therefrom which, in cooperation with living hinge 503,
encourages arm 501 away from the underside 580 of floating member 526. The
diameter between the outer radial surface of living hinge 503 and the
outermost
edge of forger 598 is such that, when the arm 501 is folded under floating
member
526 and engages living hinge 503, finger 598 and living hinge 503 frictionally
engage the interior of can body 512. As such, floating member 526 may be
temporarily held in place within the interior of beverage can 510 during the
filling
and seaming processes.
After the filling and seaming processes are complete a sudden force to
beverage can 510 frees arm 501 from latch 596. At this point, arm 501 rotates
under the bias of living hinge 503 and with the assistance of tab 505 away
from
floating member 526. Preferably, the tab 505 will strike the bottom 514 of can
510
to provide an initial thrust towards lid 516. After arm 501 disengages, the
bias of
latch 596 functions to draw finger 598 radially inwardly from the interior of
can
body 512 and reduces the dimension between the outer radial surface of the
living
hinge 503 and the outermost edge of forger 598. As such, floating member 526
disengages from the interior of can body 512 and is free to migrate towards
lid
516.
Floating member 526 is manufactured from a material which will float
within the liquid contained inside beverage can 510 and thus will position
itself
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adjacent to lid 516 in a filled beverage can 510. Floating member 526 is
urgt,~
against lid 516 due to the buoyant force acting on floating member 526.
Aperture
536 is slightly larger than lower tubular portion 540 of straw 530 and thus,
floating
member 526 is free to move vertically within beverage can 510 with respect to
straw 530. Buoyant member 528 is attached to the lower end of lower tubular
portion 540 to urge straw 530 in an upward direction.
Referring now to Figures 23 and 24, there is shown a beverage can having
a straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the
present invention which is designated generally by reference number 610.
Beverage can 610 includes a straw dispensing mechanism 624 which is comprised
of a base member 607, a floating member 626, a buoyant member 628 and a
drinking straw 630. Floating member 626 defines an outer cylindrical surface
632,
a contoured or cam surface 634 and a straw aperture (not shown). A plurality
of
dams 609 radially project about a perinneter of outer cylindrical surface 632.
Base 607 is coupled to the bottom 614 of beverage can 610 by adhesive or
other conventional means and includes a threaded member 611 vertically
projecting
therefrom. Preferably, threaded member 611 is aligned with a center of the
bottom
614 of beverage can 610. The underside 680 of floating member 626 includes a
threaded aperture 613 formed therein complimentary of threaded member 611. The
height of threaded member 611 is selected such that a sufficient clearance is
defined
between the underside 680 of floating member 626 and upper surface of base 607
to accommodate the lower tubular portion 640 of drinking straw 630 and buoyant
member 628. It should be noted that although base 607 is illustrated as
including
a plurality of outwardly projecting supports 615, some of which engage the
bottom
614 of can 610 and others of which engage the interior of can body 612, this
configuration is merely exemplary of the number of configurations suitable for
this
purpose. However, the supports 615 are presently preferred since they minimize
the amount of fluid displaced by base 607 within beverage can 610.
Prior to the filling and seaming processes, floating member 626 is
removably secured to base 607 by threading engagement of threaded member 611
with threaded aperture 613. After the filling process and seaming processes
the
beverage can 610 typically undergoes rotation as it moves along conventional
track
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work. During this time, the fluid contained inside beverage can 610 impinges
upon
and frictionally engages dams 609 causing floating member 626 to rotate
relative
to base 607. This rotation backs the threaded aperture 613 off of the threaded
member 611. After a number of rotations are complete, floating member 626 is
released from base 607 by the disengagement of threaded aperture 613 from
threaded member 611. Thus, floating member 626 is free to move axially within
beverage can 610 and will be urged against lid 616 due to the buoyant force
acting
on floating member 626. The straw aperture in floating member 626 is slightly
larger than lower tubular portion 640 of straw 630 and thus floating member
626
is free to move vertically within beverage can 610 with respect to straw 630.
Buoyant member 628 attached to the lower end of lower tubular portion 640
urges
straw 630 in an upward direction.
Referring now to Figures 25 - 27, there is shown a beverage can having a
straw dispensing mechanism in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the
present
invention which is designated generally by reference numeral 710. Beverage can
710 further comprises a straw dispensing mechanism 724 which is comprised of a
straw position fixing member 726, a buoyant member 728 and a drinking straw
730. Position fixing member 726 defines an outer cylindrical surface 732, an
alignment member 734 and a straw aperture 736. Outer cylindrical surface 732
includes a plurality of apertures formed therein to reduce the volume of fluid
displaced by positioning member 726.
Alignment member 734 is bifurcated along an interface defining an inertia
latch through straw aperture 736. Inertia latch includes a boss 721 adapted to
frictionally engage a slot 723. When the inertia latch is closed, the outer
cylindrical surface 732 of positioning member 726 is sized slightly smaller
than the
internal diameter of can body 712. Thus, positioning member 726 is free to
move
axially within beverage can 710. Also, aperture 736 is slightly smaller than
lower
tubular portion 740 of drinking straw 730 when inertia latch is closed. Thus,
positioning member 726 prevents straw 730 from moving vertically within
beverage
can 710 when in this mode.
Prior to the filling and seaming processes, positioning member 726 is
inserted within can body 712 and rests adjacent bottom 714 on legs 725. After
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filling and seaming processes are complete, the beverage can 710 is turned on
it;_
side through track work or other conventional means and has its orifice 720
aligned
and held at a predetermined orientation. Thereafter, alignment member 734
works
by gravity to position straw 730 circumferentially adjacent to orifice 720. At
this
S point, the inertia latch 719 is activated such that boss 72I is freed from
slot 723.
Preferably, this is accomplished by sharply striking beverage can 710. The
activation of inertia latch 719 causes alignment member 734 to adopt an open
mode
configuration which fixes the location of the straw 730 relative to can 710.
In this configuration, outer cylindrical surface 732 of positioning member
726 expands radially outwardly under its inherent bias and fictionally engages
the
interior of can body 712. Also, the inertia latch 719 frees drinking straw 730
from
aperture 736 which is now slightly larger than lower tubular portion 740.
Thereafter, drinking can 710 can be reoriented to an upright position enabling
buoyant member 728 and straw 730 to float freely upward until straw 730
contacts
1S lid 716. Due to the fixed position of position fixing member 726 and the
circumferential engagement between drinking straw 730 and aperture 736,
drinking
straw 730 is now properly aligned with orifice 720 such that upon opening,
straw
730 is pushed upward by buoyant member 728 through orifice 720 to provide
accessibility to straw 730 by the user of beverage can 710.
While the above detailed description describes the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is
susceptible to modification, variation and alteration without deviating from
the
scope and fair meaning of the subjoined claims.
z6
