EP1993927A1

EP1993927A1 - Multiple-container bundle

Info

Publication number: EP1993927A1
Application number: EP07711623A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Günter HÄMMERLE; Hannes HÄMMERLE
Original assignee: Conelly Cocktail Gmbh&cokg; CONELLY COCKTAIL GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: DRINKDIRECT HANDELS- und VERTRIEBS GmbH
Priority date: 2006-03-13
Filing date: 2007-02-21
Publication date: 2008-11-26
Also published as: US8584882B2; CH698543B1; US20100200582A1; WO2007104409A1

Abstract

A multiple-container bundle (10) has at least two can-like individual containers (11, 12) which are connected by way of their end-side pouring openings, in a manner which faces one another, releasably to one another via a coupling element (15) to form a structural unit. At least one of the can-like individual containers (11, 12) is equipped with a lid which can be ripped open completely. The multiple-container bundle (10) already contains all the individual components which are required for a defined mixed beverage and are present in metered form in the individual containers (11, 12). Here, alcoholic and non-alcoholic components and components which are incompatible with one another are accommodated in separate individual containers (11, 12).

Description

More container package

The invention relates to a multi-container container with two or more individual containers, which are detachably connected to one another via one or more coupling elements (e), according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

From the prior art it is known to couple together several individual containers for sale. For example, cans or bottles are packaged in cartons or boxes (harasses). The container size is often twelve or twenty individual containers with the same content. There are also smaller container sizes known, for example, contain four or six individual containers. In the case of the so-called "six-packs", in which six cans or bottles are combined to form a multi-container container, the cans are usually held by a coupling element made of plastic, which can be provided with a carrying strap or the like For example, DE 10 2004 008 884 A1 discloses a multi-container package in which two cans are releasably connected to one another via a coupling element The advantage for the purchaser is that multiple container packages allow him to purchase and transport a larger quantity of the desired product with a single handle.For the manufacturer, the larger container size or the overpack offer the advantage of more information on the product on a larger area He, for example, an overpack to attach. The known Mehrbehältergebinde serve to offer larger quantities of the same products that are filled in identical containers.

Various containers, in particular bottles with closures, are already known from the prior art, which make it possible to separate components of a mixed beverage separately and to store them and, if necessary, to connect them to one another. In US-A-5,863,126 a bottle for mixing a powdered substance with a liquid is described. The bottle has a multi-part construction. The liquid accommodated in the bottommost bottle part is separated by an axially einstoßbaren plunger with sealing surface of the accommodated in the bottle part arranged above powdery substance. After removing a protective cap, the plunger is pushed over an elastically deformable Abdeckbalg in the lower bottle part, so that the powdery substance pours into the liquid. After mixing the two components, a pouring opening is released by removing the cover bellows, through which the mixed beverage can be poured out.

In US-A-5,884,759 a similar system is described in which a powdery substance is arranged in a kind of lid part above a container partly filled with a liquid. A barrier foil prevents unwanted mixing of the liquid and solid components. By pressing a lid provided on the large-scale push button, the barrier film between the two chambers is broken, so that mix the two components. It is also mentioned that several substances can be arranged in the cover part, which are each separated by severable barrier films from the liquid arranged in the container.

From JP-A-09254 990 a container is known in which two different liquids are accommodated in separate, superimposed chambers. When sucked by a pumping device, the two liquids are mixed together.

In DE-A-19621 771 a cylindrical cartridge is described, which is placed on a partially filled with a solvent container. The cartridge has an annular inner space which extends concentrically to an axial tube passing through the cartridge and is filled with an active substance. By depressing the tube, the bottom of the cartridge is separated from the wall of the cartridge. dissolved and the active substance can enter the solvent contained in the container. The application of the mixture takes place, for example, through the axial tube.

From US-6,609,612 B2, a closure member for a bottle is known, which is provided with a number of individually operable tappets. The plungers are hollow and serve to accommodate different flavors or colors. Each ram is closed with a foil to prevent inadvertent discharge of the contents of the ram. When a plunger is pressed down, its sealing foil is pierced, and the contents of the hollow plunger fall into the liquid contained within the bottle, for example water, and can be mixed with it. A central drinking opening in the closure allows drinking the prepared mixed drink. After adding fresh water to the bottle, another ram may be emptied, for example, to achieve a different flavor. It is also mentioned that the plungers can contain substances which, after addition, can react with one another within the liquid arranged in the bottle.

Commonly known from the prior art containers for the production of mixed drinks from different components is that one or more liquid or pulverulent components are always added to a main component present in excess in a bottle or similar container. Most of this main component, such as water, must first be filled into the bottle before the cover part or another bottle part or another type of attachment is placed or screwed. Thereafter, the components housed in the attachment can be mixed in selectively. The components in the attachment are each designed for relatively large volumes. Usually, the containers are one-liter bottles filled with mineral water or the like. By adding an often powdered flavor component, the consumer can make a fresh lemonade from it, which is intended for early consumption. Often, however, not all the mixed beverage contained in the bottle is consumed. Storage of the remaining mixed beverage may cause segregation. Therefore, the rest is usually weggeleert. Often there is a desire to measure a particular alcoholic or non-alcoholic mixed drink. For the preparation, however, it usually lacks the necessary ingredients or the necessary skill and patience to prepare the mixed drink. Also in the catering trade and in hotel bars the offer of mixed drinks is often relatively limited, and it lacks usually also for the preparation of mixed drinks trained personnel. The above-described, known containers are designed for the bottle-wise production of sodas or the like. However, these containers are not suitable for the production of alcoholic mixed drinks or cocktails or non-alcoholic cucumber-like mixed drinks in smaller quantities. From the other relevant prior art, no containers are known with which a simple, portionwise preparation of alcoholic or non-alcoholic mixed drinks would be possible.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create the conditions for the provision of small amounts of an alcoholic or anti-alcoholic mixed drink. The consumer or the user in the hotel and catering industry should be offered the opportunity to obtain all the individual components required for a particular mixed drink in the required metered quantity as a unit and to process them into the desired mixed drink. The solution should be cost-effective, simple and self-explanatory in the application.

The solution of these objects consists in a multi-container package with two or more individual containers, the one or more coupling element (s) releasably connected to each other to form a unit having the features mentioned in the characterizing portion of claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The multi-container package has at least two can-like individual container, which are connected with their front-side pouring openings facing each other via a coupling element releasably connected together to form a structural unit. At least One of the can-like single containers is equipped with a full-zip lid. The multi-container package already contains all the individual components required for a particular mixed beverage, which are present in metered form in the individual containers. In this case, incompatible or alcoholic and non-alcoholic components are accommodated in separate individual containers.

By already filled all the components for a particular mixed beverage in the required dosage in the individual containers of Mehrweilgebindes, the consumer is created the opportunity very easy to care for mixed drink and mix together. It is now also very easy for the hotel and catering trade to prepare the desired mixed drink for the guest. The various mixed drinks, which are still unmixed in multi-container packages, can be purchased and stored as a whole in large quantities or in detail. On request, the appropriate multi-container container is used and prepared from the components contained therein ordered the mixed drink. Optionally, ice is added. It can no longer happen that individual components are missing for a mixed drink. Broken-off packages that still contain residues of individual components for the mixed beverage that could spoil are avoided. The preparation of the mixed drinks is very simple and requires no specially trained bar staff. The relatively large outer surface of the Mehrbehältergebindes can be used for information and / or promotional purposes. In particular, there can be specified in writing and / or image, which mixed beverage is contained in multiple container and which individual components contain the individual containers. The can-like individual containers are held in the coupling element with their end faces provided with tearable openings. The opening end of the individual container usually has a flanged edge, which allows a simple locking of the individual containers in the correspondingly formed recordings of the coupling element. Thus, for connecting the two individual containers together to form a structural unit, a correspondingly simple formed coupling element verwewet werdem. This simplifies and reduces the cost of producing the multi-component package. By having at least one of the individual containers a Vollaufreissdeckel, the emptying is in the Einbebe- facilitated components. With a correspondingly large design of the container provided with the vollaufreissdeckel the content of the second single container can be added to the contents of this container. Yes the container with Aufrissdeckel can even be used as a drinking cup.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that two designed as beverage cans individual containers are provided. Beverage cans are proven many times and easy to store and stack. Because of their light and gas tightness, they offer good conditions for storage stability. Also, their shape makes them very suitable for use in a multi-container container.

A very useful embodiment of a Mehrbehältergebindes with beverage cans provides that two beverage cans are aligned axially to each other. The axial arrangement of the beverage cans saves space and facilitates the storage of the multi-container package. The coupling element is, for example, a relatively thin-walled, circular in cross-section or annular plastic part, on whose upper and lower sides surrounding webs are provided, of which Klemmnokken protrude radially inwardly. The clamping cams are used for latching in undercuts of a fold on the front side of a beverage can. The clamping cam provide adequate security against unintentional loosening of a beverage can from the multi-container container. On the other hand, the beverage cans can be removed if necessary with relatively little effort from the coupling element.

A first variant of the multi-container package with two beverage cans arranged axially one above another provides that the two beverage cans have the same maximum filling volume. Preferably, the beverage cans are similar. Considering that mixed drinks are usually prepared for drinking glasses with a volume of 200 ml, standardized beverage cans with a maximum filling volume of 150 ml can be used for the multi-container container. The use of standardized can sizes leads to a reduction in the Mehrbehältergebrndes. Ideally, the maximum fill volume is the Single doses are not significantly greater than the volume of the components contained, so that it can come in an unintentional heating during transport or storage of the multibarrel container in the single doses to any undesirable pressure build-up.

The beverage cans coupled to form a multi-container package can be arranged in a further variant of the invention in an overpack comprising two cup-like containers. As an added benefit, the two cup-like Gef ässe the overpack can be detachably connected to a shaker. The multi-container container with overpack provides the consumer with all the ingredients required to make the mixed drink. All individual components of the mixed beverage are already included in the coupled beverage cans. The overpack forms the shaker. To produce the mixed drink, only the contents of the two opened beverage cans must be poured into the receiving cup of the shaker. Thereafter, the second cup-like vessel is placed as a lid. The cup-like vessels may e.g. be unilaterally open beverage cans with a larger volume. For example, a similar coupling element may be provided for the connection of the two cup-like vessels as for the beverage cans of Mehrbehältergebindes. After shaking the contents contained in the shaker, the finished mixed drink can be poured into a drinking glass. Optionally, the mixed drink can also be drunk from the receptacle of the shaker. If necessary, ice cream can also be added.

An alternative variant of the multi-container package with two beverage cans arranged axially one above the other provides that the two beverage cans have different maximum filling volumes. For this purpose, the two beverage cans are advantageously designed differently sized. The larger beverage can has a maximum filling volume of at least 250 ml, while the smaller beverage can has a maximum filling volume of 150 ml. Beverage cans with the stated maximum filling volumes have been tested and standardized. This facilitates and reduces the cost of producing the coupling element and the multi-container package. It is understood that the beverage cans are never completely filled. Usually complements the Content of the two beverage cans to a mixed drink with a total volume of about 200 ml.

It proves to be an advantage if the larger beverage can is equipped with the full tear-off lid. After completely removing the full-open lid, the contents of the smaller beverage can be added to the contents of the larger beverage can. If the larger beverage can is closed again, it can be used as a shaker. An advantageous embodiment of the multi-container package provides that the coupling element is formed lid-like and can be placed after removal of the Vollaufreissdeckels as a closure on the larger beverage can. After the mixed drink has been prepared by shaking, the coupling element is removed again. The finished mixed drink can be drunk directly from the larger beverage can. Optionally, ice is added.

In a further embodiment variant of the multi-container package, both beverage cans with differently sized maximum filling volumes are detachably connected to one another by an annular coupling element. Both beverage cans have full-open lids. In this variant, the two beverage cans can be connected to each other again via the annular coupling element after removing the two Vollaufreissdeckel and filling the contents of the smaller beverage can in the larger beverage can. The coupled beverage cans then form the shaker, in which the mixed drink is completely mixed. The ready mixed mixer drink can then be drunk directly from the larger beverage can or poured into a separate drinking glass.

In a further variant of the multi-container package, a modified coupling element has an openable chamber for liquid and / or solid individual components of a mixed beverage. This embodiment extends the possibilities of variation of mixed drinks which can be offered in a multi-container package according to the invention. The use of beverage cans, which are combined with a coupling element to a multi-container container, for the filling and storage of all individual components of mixed drinks creates an easy way for the consumer and the hotel and catering industry, mixed drinks, especially cocktails to produce, measured and offer. Through the use of standardized beverage cans and sizes, the multi-container package is very inexpensive to produce.

Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings. It shows in not to scale representation:

1 shows a first embodiment of a multi-container package in exploded view;

FIG. 2 shows the multi-container package from FIG. 1 in assembled representation; FIG.

3 shows the emptying of individual containers of the multi-container package into a receiving cup of a shaker;

4 shows the closed shaker;

5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the multi-container package in a detail-drawn view;

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 5 in the assembled state; FIG.

FIG. 7 shows the emptying of a second individual container into a first individual container; FIG.

8 shows a closed first individual container as a receiving cup. and 9 shows a multi-container container assembled as a shaker.

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a first embodiment of the multi-container package according to the invention, which is provided overall with the reference numeral 10. The multi-container package 10 comprises two individual containers, which are designed in particular as beverage cans 11, 12. In the multi-container package 10, the two beverage cans 11, 12 are axially aligned with each other and arranged such that their end faces 13, 14, on each of which a rupturable pouring opening is provided, are opposite each other. The two beverage cans 11, 12 are connected by a coupling element 15 releasably connected together to form a unit. The coupling element 15 is, for example, a relatively thin-walled, circular in cross-section or annular plastic, are provided on the top and bottom of circumferential webs, of which clamping cams protrude radially inwardly. The clamping cams are used for locking in undercuts of folds on the mutually facing end faces 13, 14 of the two beverage cans 11, 12th

The cross-section of the coupling element 15 does not necessarily have to be circular or annular. Depending on the cross sections of the beverage cans to be joined together, the coupling element may also have an oval or a polygonal cross section.

The beverage cans 11, 12 of the first embodiment of the multi-container package 10 are of similar design and have a maximum filling volume of about 150 ml. This filling volume is sufficient to produce from the contents of the two beverage cans 11, 12 a mixed beverage, which usually has a volume of 200 ml. In the two equally large beverage cans 11, 12 incompatible or alcoholic and non-alcoholic components of the mixed drink to be created are stored separately. In this way, undesirable reactions of the individual components with one another or separation which is difficult to reverse and can no longer be reversed can be avoided. In the lower beverage can 11, for example 135 ml of an alcohol-free fruit juice mixture are included. In Fig. 3 it is indicated that the separate from the coupling element, open at their end faces 13, 14 beverage cans 11, 12 are emptied into a receiving cup 1 of a shaker. Finally, FIG. 4 shows a shaker 3, in which the receiving cup 1 is closed with a cup-like cover part 2. To produce the desired mixed beverage, the component mixture is shaken within the shaker 3, which is indicated by the double arrow P. The shaker is then opened, and the finished mixed drink can be poured into a drinking vessel and drunk. Optionally, ice is added before the shaker 3 is closed. The ice can improve the mixing of the individual components cast into the shaker during shaking. If necessary, ice can also be added to the drinking vessel before the finished mixed drink is consumed.

The shaker 3 may be a conventional shaker, as is well known in the art. The shaker 3, for example, consist of two beverage cans, which have a larger volume than the beverage cans of Mehrbehältergebindes. Then there is the possibility of offering the multi-container package within the shaker. The two larger beverage cans can be detachably connected to each other with a coupling element analogously to the coupling element of the multi-container binding.

A second embodiment of a multi-container package illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 bears the reference numeral 20 as a whole. The multi-container package 20 comprises two beverage cans 21, 22 which have different sizes. In the multi-container container 10, the two beverage cans 21, 22 are in turn aligned axially with one another and arranged such that their end faces 23, 24, on which the tear-open pouring opening is provided, lie opposite one another. The two beverage cans 21, 22 are connected by a coupling element 25 releasably connected together to form a unit. The coupling element 25 may in turn be a relatively thin-walled, circular in cross-section or annular plastic, are provided on the top and bottom circumferential webs, of which clamping cams protrude radially inwardly. The clamping cams are used for locking in undercuts of Folding on the mutually facing end faces 23, 24 of the two beverage cans 21, 22nd

The two beverage cans 21, 22 have different sizes and have different maximum filling volumes from each other. For example, a first lower beverage can 21 has a maximum filling volume of 250 ml. The second, in the multi-container container 20 upper beverage can 22 has a maximum filling volume of 150 ml. Mutually incompatible or alcoholic and non-alcoholic components of the mixed drink to be produced are stored separately in the two differently sized beverage cans 21, 22. In this way, unwanted reactions of the individual components with each other or difficult to make irreversible separations are avoided. In the lower, larger beverage can 21, for example, 65 ml of a spirits mixture are included. The upper smaller beverage can 22 is filled, for example, with 135 ml of a fruit juice mixture.

Fig. 7 shows the emptying of the contents of the upper smaller beverage can 22 in the lower larger beverage can 21. The lower larger beverage can 21 is equipped with a full-open lid, which is previously removed. Cans with full ripened ends are well known. However, the use of full-open lids in beverage cans represents a novel application.

FIG. 7 shows the larger lower beverage can 21 filled with the individual components of the mixed beverage. The open end side of the beverage can 21, from which the full tear-open lid has been removed, is closed by a cover part 26. The cover part 26 may be formed by the coupling element of the multi-container package. For this purpose, the coupling element, for example, a circular closure plate, protrude from the top and bottom of the circumferential ridges with the clamping cam. The cover part 26 may also be a modified coupling element, which has a slightly higher construction and has an openable chamber for further solid and / or liquid components of the mixed drink to be created. The lower beverage can 21 closed with the cover part 26 forms a shaker, in which the filled individual components are mixed by shaking to form the desired mixed drink. you can. The shaking is again indicated by a double arrow P. Optionally, ice may also be added before closing the lower beverage can 21. After shaking the lid part 26 is removed. The prepared mixed drink can be drunk directly from the lower beverage can 21. If necessary, ice cream can also be added beforehand. It goes without saying that the mixed drink can also be poured into a drinking glass before being enjoyed.

9 shows a variant of the multi-container package according to FIGS. 5 and 6, in which the lower, larger beverage can 21 and the upper beverage can 22 are assembled together by means of a coupling element 25 to form a shaker 3. These are both beverage cans 21, 22 equipped with Vollaufreissdeckeln. The coupling element 25 is annular and allows unimpeded communication of the volumes of the two combined to a shaker 3 beverage cans 21, 22. After removing the Vollaufreissdeckel of two beverage cans 21, 22, the contents of the upper beverage can 22 is poured into the larger lower beverage can 21 , Thereafter, the two beverage cans 21, 22 are assembled together with the coupling element again to a structural unit. Optionally, ice is added beforehand. The assembled structural unit 21, 22, 25 forms the shaker 3. The individual components contained in the shaker are mixed by shaking to the desired mixing drink. This is again indicated in FIG. 9 by a double arrow 1. After mixing, the shaker 3 is opened and the coupling element 25 is removed. Thereafter, the finished mixed drink, optionally with the addition of further ice directly from the larger lower beverage can 21 are enjoyed. It goes without saying that the mixed drink can also be poured out into a drinking glass before being enjoyed.

The use of beverage cans, which are combined with a coupling element to form a multi-container package for the filling and storage of all individual components of mixed drinks creates an easy way for the consumer and for hotels and hospitality industry to produce, enjoy and offer mixed drinks, especially cocktails. Through the use of standardized beverage cans and sizes, the multi-container package is cost-effective. stig produced. The multi-container container can be used many times and can even be used as a shaker and drinking vessel.

Claims

claims

1. Multi-container containers with at least two can-like individual containers (11, 12, 21, 22), which are connected with their front-side pouring openings facing each other via a coupling element (15, 25) releasably connected together to form a structural unit (10, 20), characterized in that at least one of the can-like individual containers is equipped with a full-open lid and all the individual components required for a particular mixed beverage are metered into the individual containers (11, 12, 21, 22) and incompatible or alcoholic and non-alcoholic components in separate individual containers (11 , 12, 21, 22) are housed.

2. Multi container container according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual containers are designed as beverage cans (11, 12, 21, 22).

3. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 2, characterized in that two beverage cans (11, 12, 21, 22) axially aligned with each other in the coupling element (15; 25) are held.

4. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 3, characterized in that the two beverage cans (11, 12) have the same maximum filling volume.

5. Multi container container according to claim 4, characterized in that the beverage cans (11, 12) are of similar design and have standardized sizes, preferably with a maximum filling volume of 150 ml.

6. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 4, characterized in that the beverage cans are arranged in an overpack, which comprises two cup-like formed containers which are detachably connected to a shaker (3).

7. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 3, characterized in that the two beverage cans (21, 22) have different maximum filling volumes.

8. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 7, characterized in that the two beverage cans (21, 22) are of different sizes.

9. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 8, characterized in that both beverage cans (21, 22) have standardized sizes.

10. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 9, characterized in that it has a smaller (22) beverage can with a maximum filling volume of 150 ml and a larger beverage can (21) with a maximum filling volume of 250 ml.

11. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 10, characterized in that the larger beverage can (21) has the Vollaufreissdeckel.

12. Mehrbehältergebinde according to claim 11, characterized in that the coupling element (26) is formed lid-like and after removing the

Full-open lid as a closure on the larger beverage can (21) can be placed.

13. multiple container package according to one of claims 8 - 11, marked thereby, that both beverage cans (21, 22) are equipped with Vollauf tear lids and the coupling element (25) is annular.

14. Multi-container package according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (26) has an openable chamber for liquid and / or solid individual components of a mixed beverage.

15. Use of the larger beverage can (21) of a multi-container package (20) according to claim 12 as a shaker and / or drinking cups for one of the in the individual containers (21, 22) accommodated components produced mixed drink.

16. Use of a multi-container package (20) according to claim 13 as a shaker for a one of the in the individual containers (21, 22) accommodated components produced mixed drink.

17. Use of a multi-container package (10, 20) according to one of the claims 1 to 14 for filling and storage of all individual components of a mixed beverage.