Container

Abstract

A substantially cylindrical beverage container where the container end (2) is hermetically sealed to the container (1) and provided with a pre-scored line (4) in the container end (2) surface defining a portal (5), and a protuberance (6). Also provided is an opening device (3) which can be fitted daring manufacture or by the consumer.

Description

The present invention relates to an improved method of opening a hermetically sealed container end and a means of temporarily resealing said end if required by the consumer.

Food container and beverage container are often formed from a cup shaped metal or plastic body and a separate end of metal (also referred to as a lid). Alternatively such containers comprise of an open ended cylinder and two ends. During contents packing the body and end(s) are permanently joined together to form a hermetically sealed container. The consumer accesses the contents by opening the end of the container.

It is common to open food and beverage container via the actuation of a pull-ring where the pull-ring is attached to the container end and located dose to, or inside, a pre-scored aperture. The act of raising the pull-ring directs force onto a portion of the pre-scored aperture and creates a breach in the container end. Continued lifting of the pull ring either forces the pre-scored aperture cover into the container interior or allows for complete removal of part of the end as defined by the pre-scored aperture.

A perceived problem with the above methods of gaining access to the contents is that the container user is exposed to the risk of cutting themselves on the newly created opening, or in the case of food containers, the removed section of container end. Such injury can occur either during the act of opening the container or afterwards. This may include, specifically in beverage containers, the risk of consumer cutting a lip during the consumption of the beverage especially in the case of young children. Another injury risk is when consumers unwisely attempt to open a pull ring container after the pull ring has prematurely disconnected from the end, using any opportune sharp object.

It is also suggested that in food containers especially, the consumer can experience an anticipated risk of injury during the act of opening, especially during the final stages of detaching part of the end. Such anticipation of injury can cause unnecessary anxiety for the consumer. Anxiety is often manifested by the incomplete opening of the food container when the consumer decides that the act of opening is sufficiently complete to access the contents, while complete removal might result in injury or spillage. Incomplete opening has perceived advantages when accessing container contents, but results in a container with a sharp raised piece of container end which can represent a protracted risk if the consumer chooses or is obliged to recycle container separately and in a clean condition.

In addition, pull-rings are difficult to operate with long nails so that the act of instigating the opening of a pull-ring container can also cause unnecessary anxiety and cosmetic injury to those consumers who choose to keep their finger nails long or apply synthetic nail extensions.

Another perceived problem with containers and beverage containers especially, is that it is hard to reseal them. In early versions of the beverage container the pull-ring and aperture plate detached from the container end leaving an obstruction free, uniform aperture into which a bung, stopper or cork-like seal could be pressed. More recent versions of the pull-ring see the scored aperture plate and ring remaining attached to the container end, this precludes the insertion of a bung, stopper or cork into the open aperture.

The open port of a beverage container created during the act of opening the beverage container, presents the consumer with a container having unguarded opening to the atmosphere incapable of restricting the ingress or insertion of foreign bodies such as insects, drugs etc into the drinks container, which can have adverse consequences if consumed.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container body, a container end and an opening device, where the container end is sealed to the container body and provided with a pre-scored portal, wherein the opening device rotates relative to the container end and rotation of opening device transmits force to the container end to open the pre-scored portal.

Optionally, there is provided a container body, a container end with one or more protuberances and a pre-scored portal, and an opening device; the opening device being able to rotate relative to the container body member between a first position and a second position, the opening device having a recess on its underside adapted to receive the protuberances in the first position so that the rotation of the opening device relative to the container body into the second position is restricted by the protuberances, and wherein: rotational force applied to the opening device is transmitted to the Container end to open the pre-scored portal.

The one or more protuberances may be any suitable shape, for example, semi-spherical, pyramidal, cuboid, etc. Preferably, the protuberance is semi-spherical.

The one or more protuberances can be disposed at any suitable position on the surface of the container end. It will be apparent to the skilled person to determine the ideal location for the one or more protuberances to enable the opening device to transmit sufficient force to the container end to open the pre-scored portal.

Optionally there is provided in the opening device a third rotation position achievable through the rotation of the opening device relative to the container end, wherein a seal is created and maintained between the opening device and the container end for the purpose of temporarily isolating the container contents from the atmosphere.

Optionally, there can be provided in the opening device a preformed port that can be rotated into position above the portal in the container end to aid in the dispensing of the contents.

Optionally, the opening device port may contain a perforated screen to restrict the ingress of foreign objects into the container interior and allow the dispensing of fluid from the container.

Optionally, the opening device may be constructed in such a way that it obscures or reveals selected areas of the container end surface during rotation of the opening device relative to the container end, wherein: the container end contains messages, instructions or images that can be viewed dependant on the relative position of the opening device on the container end.

Optionally, the container end may contain an electronic device designed and constructed to produce an audible message or sound effect upon the act of rotating the opening device relative to the container end.

Optionally, the opening device may contain an electronic device designed and constructed to produce an audible message or sound effect upon the act of rotating the opening device relative to the container end.

Optionally, the pre-scored portal in the container end does not fully define the portal so that upon opening of the portal a portion of the container end within the portal remains partially attached to the container end.

Optionally, the pre-scored portal in the container end fully defines the portal so that upon opening of the portal the portion of the container end within the portal separates from the container end.

Optionally, the opening device is attached to the container end and able to rotate relative to the container end.

Optionally, the opening device is permanently attached to the container end at the centre of the container end and able to rotate relative to the container end.

Optionally, the opening device is temporarily attached to the container end at the centre of the container end and able to rotate relative to the container end.

Optionally, the opening device is permanently attached to the container at the container rim and able to rotate relative to the container end.

Optionally, the opening device is temporarily attached to the container at the container rim and able to rotate relative to the container end.

Optionally, the opening device can be placed over the container end and rotated into a temporarily attached state via engagement under the container rim and able to rotate relative to the container end, where the container rim can be crimped, bent, crenulated or have attached protuberances that provide a surface for the opening device to engage with on the inner or outer external faces of the container rim.

Optionally, the opening device is not attached to the container end and able to rotate relative to the container end when held in place by the user.

Optionally, with respect to a container end provided with a pre-scored portal that allows for the complete separation of a substantial area of the container end, the opening device shall be provided with a temporary attachment to the container end to allow the removal of the detached container end section after the act of opening, wherein: the attachment consists of a suction cap, magnet, dip or other temporary attachment

Optionally, with respect to a container end provided with a pre-scored portal that allows for the complete separation of a substantial area of the container end, the opening device shall be provided with a temporary attachment to the container end to allow the removal of the detached container end section after the act of opening, wherein: the attachment consists of a suction cap, magnet, dip or other temporary attachment and the opening device is provided with a means of disengaging the temporary attachment and releasing the detached end section.

Optionally, the opening device is constructed to completely cover the container end and is provided with a seal on its underside that bears against the container end rim to create a temporary seal between the opening device and the container end rim.

Optionally, the opening device is constructed to completely cover the container end except for a small area containing perforations, and is provided with a seal on its underside that bears against the container end rim to create a temporary seal between the opening device and the container end rim, wherein: the opening device when in position allows for the dispensing of the liquid contents of a container but retention of the solid contents within the container.

Optionally, the container end is provided with protuberances on the upper surface to allow the transmission of force to the container end by the opening device when the opening device is rotated relative to the container end. The protuberances may extend away from the can interior or in where the opening device is designed accordingly; towards the can interior.

Optionally, the opening device contains a cam or cams that transmit force to the container end when the opening device is rotated relative to the container end, these cams may transfer force evenly over a select surface of the container end to deflect the container end and cause the failure of a pre-scored line or concentrate the force on a narrow contact point on the container end to fail a pre-scored line or transmit force to the container end so that it fails at the contact point

Optionally, the opening device, or elements of the opening device, descend towards the container end during the act of rotation of the opening device relative to the container end to transmit force to the container end. Descent can be controlled and established in the entire opening device by provision of angled guides (screw thread style). Elements of the opening device can be made to descend towards the container end by utilising a two piece opener where the act of turning the outer portion forces the downward descent of elements of the interior portion.

Optionally, the pre-scored line defining the future port in the container end can be either on the inner or outer faces of the container end.

Optionally, the container end may be formed from for example metal such as steel or aluminium.

Optionally, the opening device may be formed from for example, metal, plastic or a rigid biodegradable material or a combination of materials.

Optionally, the join between the container end and the pre-scored port, if present, can be profiled to encourage a downward deflection of the pre-scored port upon breaking of the pre-scored line.

Optionally, the pre-scored line in the container end may consist of two or more pre-scored lines to allow for relative movement between different parts of the pre-scored portal during the act of opening, these lines may be interconnected or independent, when a plurality of pre-scored lines are provided the opening device may be constructed so that the failure of the pre-scored lines occurs in a specific order, initially to equalise the interior of the cans pressure with atmospheric pressure via a small breach and ultimately to separate the pre-scored aperture from the container end.

Optionally, the pre-scored line in the container end may consist of two or more pre-scored lines to allow for relative movement between different parts of the pre-scored portal during the act of opening so that areas of the pre-scored portal overlap each other after separation from the container end to decrease the diameter of the pre-scored portal section in one or more directions.

Optionally, locators are provided on the container end and the opening device that assist in locating the opening device at specific positions relative to the container end during revolution of the opening device with around the container end.

Optionally, locators are provided on the container end and the opening device that assist in locating the opening device at specific positions relative to the container end during revolution of the opening device with around the container end, and provide pressure change feedback to the user to establish when a specific position has been achieved.

Optionally, locators are provided on the container end and the opening device that assist in locating the opening device at specific positions relative to the container end during revolution of the opening device with around the container end, and provide an audible feedback to the user to establish when a specific position has been achieved.

Optionally, the container and container end are sealed during the act of packaging of the container and the container is distributed in its sealed state to consumers without a compatible opening device.

Optionally, the opening device is a reusable device and distributed separate from compatible containers.

Optionally, the opening device is a reusable device constructed to fit container ends with several different diameters.

Optionally, the protuberances can be placed on the outer surface of the container wall below a continuous pre-scored fine that encircle the container body, and an annular opening device is provided capable of interacting with the protuberances during the act of opening to open the pre-scored line and allow the removal of the opening device, container rim and container end.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a container comprising a container body having a releasably sealed portal at one end and means for opening said releasably sealed portal, said means rotatably mountable on said container body whereby rotation of the opening means opens the portal.

The opening means preferably comprises an opening device.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a releasably sealed container and an opening device as described hereinabove.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for use in beverage containers.

FIG. 1b is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 1a where the container is in an unopened state.

FIG. 1c is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 1a after rotation of the opening device relative to the container end.

FIG. 2 is a repeat of FIG. 1a showing the orientation and location of cross sections of the container end detailed in FIGS. 3a-e.

FIG. 3a relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in

FIG. 2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in the unopened state as shown in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 3b relates to a close-up of a cross section along the line detailed in FIG. 2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in a partially opened state and the opening device is undergoing rotation from the position shown in FIG. 3a towards that shown in FIG. 3d.

FIG. 3c relates to a dose-up of a cross section along the line detailed in FIG. 2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in a partially opened state and the opening device is undergoing rotation from the position shown in FIG. 3b towards that shown in FIG. 3d.

FIG. 3d relates to a dose-up of a cross section along the line detailed in FIG. 2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in the opened state as shown in FIG. 1b and the contents of the container are dispensable.

FIG. 3e relates to a dose-up of a cross section along the line detailed in FIG. 2 centred on the pre-scored portal; where the container is in the temporarily re-sealed state and the contents of the container are sealed from the atmosphere.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section detail, as defined by FIG. 2, through the end of the container end, container end rim and opening device and details the relationship between the tangs on the opening device and the rim.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening device.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the underside of another embodiment of the opening device.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the upper-side of an embodiment of the opening device with a tamper seal in place.

FIG. 9a is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for use in food containers, where a substantial portion of the container end contains a pre-scored portal.

FIG. 9b is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 9a where the container is in an unopened state.

FIG. 9c is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 9b after rotation of the opening device relative to the container end to open the pre-scored portal .

FIG. 9d is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 9c revealing the detached pre-scored portal, the newly create port in the container end and the opening device.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening device, detailing the line of cross section shown in FIG. 11

FIG. 11 is a cross section through FIG. 10 and a complimentary cross section through the container end if the opening device as shown in FIG. 10 was in place on an unopened container.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening device, detailing the fine of cross section shown in FIG. 13

FIG. 13 is a cross section through FIG. 12 and a complimentary cross section through the container end if the opening device as shown in FIG. 12 was in place on an unopened container.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the opening device, detailing the line of cross section shown in FIG. 15

FIG. 15 is a cross section through FIG. 14 and a complimentary cross section through the container end if the opening device as shown in FIG. 14 was in place on an unopened container.

FIG. 16 is a view of FIG. 15 after opening and shows the opening device and detached section of container end raised away from the container to reveal the new port.

FIG. 17 is a cross section through an embodiment of the invention and shows the opening device attached to the container end in an unopened state.

FIG. 18 is a view of FIG. 17 after opening and shows the opening device and detached section of container end being raised away from the container to reveal the new port.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the top of an embodiment of the invention showing the opening device fixed to an unopened container end, also detailed is the line of the cross section shown in FIG. 20

FIG. 20 is a cross section through FIG. 19

FIG. 21 is a view of FIG. 20 after opening and shows the opening device and detached section of container end raised away from the container to reveal the new port.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for use in food containers, where a substantial portion of the container end contains a pre-scored portal and the opening device fits over the container end and rotates to lock in position

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for use in food containers, where a portion of the opening device contains perforations to allow the disposal of the fluid contents of a container and retention of the solid contents.

FIG. 24a is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the opening device fixed to an unopened container end, also detailed is the line of the cross section shown in FIG. 24b

FIG. 24b is a cross section through FIG. 24a

FIG. 24c is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the opening device fixed to an opened container end, also detailed is the line of the cross section shown in FIG. 24d

FIG. 24d is a cross section through FIG. 24c

FIG. 25 is a partial cross section through the opening device and container end in an embodiment of the invention where the rotation of the opening device is transferred to the container end via a cam

FIG. 26a is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for use in beverage containers.

FIG. 26b is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 26a where the container is in an unopened state.

FIG. 26c is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 26a after rotation of the opening device relative to the container end.

FIGS. 27-29 are an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for use in food stuff containers.

FIGS. 30a-c are partial cross sections through the opening device coupled to a container end in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31a is a plan view of an opening device according to the invention.

FIG. 31b is a cross-section of the opening device of FIG. 31a through the line X-X.

FIGS. 32a-c are views of a container according to the invention.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrates a substantially cylindrical beverage container where the container end 2 is hermetically sealed to the container 1 and provided with a pre-scored line 4 in the container end 2 surface defining a portal 5, and a protuberance 6. Also provided is an opening device 3 which can be fitted during manufacture or by the consumer. In this example the opening device 3 is retained in place on the container end 2 by tangs 7 in the opening device 3 which clip over the raised rim 8 of the container end 2. The opening device 3 can revolve in the plane of the container end 2 by rotation around the longitudinal axis of the beverage container 1, and movement is guided by the rim 8. The opening device 3 contains a port 9 and a recess 10 on its underside to accommodate the protuberance 6. FIG. 3a shows that the opening device 3 is constructed so that when initially fitted as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b the opening device 3 is not directly applying force onto the protuberance 6 on the container end 2. The protuberance 6 in this instance is accommodated by the corresponding recess 10 on the underside of the opening device 3 as shown in FIG. 3a-c and FIG. 5. Recess 10 can take the form of a closed indent in the opening device 3 or alternatively a hole completely through the plane of the opening device 3. FIG. 3b shows that upon gradual rotation of the opening device 3 by the consumer the opening device 3 comes into contact with the protuberance 6 and force is applied to the protuberance 6 by the opening device 3. In this embodiment the applied forte causes the breaking of the pre-scored Fine 4 and typically the downward deflection of that portion of the container end 2 previously defined as a portal 5, to create the port 11. FIG. 3c shows that continued rotation of the opening device 3 forces the protuberance 6 to descend further into the interior of the container 1 to leave no protuberance 6 above the upper plane of the container end 2. FIG. 3d shows that further rotation of the opening device 3 will bring a preformed port 9 in the opening device 3 into position over the port 11. The direction of rotation of opening device 3 is dependent on the position of the port 11 in the container end 2 in respect to the port 9 in the opening device 3. A tight seal 12 is maintained between the top of the container end 2 and the underside of the opening device 3 by the use of a suitable compressible material, such as for example rubber. In FIG. 3d the seal 12 is shown as a cross-section through a continuous ring as displayed in FIG. 5, however the seal 12 may optionally take the form of a sheet provided with an aperture corresponding to port 9. In FIG. 5 seal 12 is shown attached to opening device 3, however, seal 12 may optionally be attached to the container end 2. FIG. 3e shows that further rotation of the opening device 3 will bring a solid area 14 of the opening device 3 bounded by a seat 13 into position over the port 11 to separate the container contents from the atmosphere. The direction of rotation of the opening device 3 is dependent on the position of the port 11 in the container end 2 in respect to the solid area 14 in the opening device 3. A tight seal 13 is maintained between the top of the container end 2 and the underside of the opening device 3 by the use of a suitable compressible material, such as for example rubber, in FIG. 3e the seal is shown as a cross-section through a continuous ring as displayed in FIG. 5, however this may equally be a sheet. In FIG. 5 seal 13 is shown attached to opening device 3, however if the seal 12 detailed in FIG. 3d is attached to the container end 2 rather than the opening device 3, then seal 13 can be optionally omitted as seal 12 would serve the purpose of separating the container contents from the atmosphere if solid area 14 of the opening device is rotated over port 11.

The port 9 in the opening device 3, can if required, be shaped to favour comfortable drinking, create a spout or receive a coupling to engage with a new object such as for example a straw module, a tap or an elongated spout. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6 the port 9 can typically consist of a plurality of holes 15 to restrict the ingress or insertion of foreign bodies such as for example insects, or tablets, into the container 1 during the open state, but allow dispensing of the contents of container 1 through port 11 and port 9. Screening of port 9 as detailed in FIG. 6 can also be provided to restrict the dispensing and ingestion of separated portal 5, if portal 5 detaches completely from container end 2 during the creation of port 11.

Optionally, precise location of the port 9 above port 11 can be aided by a locator 16 on the can rim 8 or the container end and a corresponding locator 17 on the opening device 3. Locators 16 and 17 can take the form of indents or protuberances. FIG. 7 shows a cross-section through a container end 2 and an opening device 3, in this example the locator 17 is provided with a means of moving vertically via an elongated slot around a protuberance to create a simple spring. Locator 17 could equally take the form of spring loaded balls or blocks, pressed into contact with the container end 2 or rim 8, or the locators could take any form that allows for rotation of the opening device 3 yet assists the user to locate the opening device in the correct position above the container end 2 to provide the required container state. For the example detailed in FIG. 7 a tamper seal 18 as shown in FIG. 8 can optionally be provided on the upper surface of the opening device 3 that will deform or tear as the opening device 3 is rotated relative to the container end 2 due to the rising of the locator 17 relative to the plane of the opening device, as the locator 17 protuberance travels out of the locator 16 recess to travel over the container end 2 upper surface during the act of rotating the opening device 3. Tamper seal 18 can therefore reveal if the opening device 3 has been rotated relative to the container end 2. The tamper seal 18 can be adhered to the opening device 3 and formed from any material that will reveal a disturbance by tearing, changing colour etc, or, optionally, tamper seal 18 can be integral to the opening device 3 and formed of the same material as the opening device 3 but engineered to shear when the locator 17 moves vertically relative to the rest of opening device 3.

FIG. 9-11 show a specific embodiment of the invention in use in, for example, food containers, where the container end 2 is provided with a pre-scored line 4 defining a future portal 5 and several raised protuberances 6 fully encircled by the pre-scored he 4. Also shown is an opening device 3 which can be fitted by the consumer over the top of the container end 2 and the rim 8. The opening device 3 can move within the plane of the container end 2 by rotation around the long axis of the container 1, movement is guided by the rim 8. FIG. 10 shows the underside of the opening device 3, the opening device 3 has on its under surface recesses 10 which, when the opening device 3 is in place, as shown in FIG. 11, accommodate the protuberances 6 without transferring force onto the container end 2. FIG. 9c shows rotation of the opening device 3 by the consumer while holding the opening device 3 in close contact with rim 9, during which the opening device 3 comes into contact with the protuberance 6 and force is applied to the protuberances 6 by the opening device 3. In this embodiment the applied force causes the breaking of the pre-scored line 4 and the downward deflection of that portion of the container end 2 previously defined as portal 5, to create the port 11. FIG. 9d illustrates the relative separation of the components after opening and the created port 11 through which the container 1 contents can be accessed. FIGS. 10-11 show optional seal 19 on the underside of opening device 3 designed to press against the upper face of rim 8 and manufactured from a suitable material, such as for example rubber, this feature if provided allows for the re-covering of the container end 2 for temporary storage of the contents of container 1 provided the opening device 3 entirely encompasses container end 2 as shown in the example in FIG. 10. FIGS. 10 and 11 additionally display an optional embodiment of the invention where the recesses 10 in the opening device 3 are of different dimensions and offsets, this feature allows force to be applied to different protuberances 6 at different stages in the rotation of opening device 3 relative to container end 2, pre-scored line 4 may include additional pre-scored lines than those illustrated in FIG. 10 to accommodate relative vertical movements in the pre-scored portal 5 as force is applied to different areas of the container end 2 at different stages of the rotation of opening device 3 in relation to container end 2.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a variation on the embodiment displayed in FIGS. 9-11 where the opening device 3, has on its under surface a protuberance 20 which upon the rotation of the opening device applies force to the container end 2 through the protuberances 6 to create port 11 as described for FIGS. 9-11

FIG. 14-16 shows a preferred feature of embodiments of the invention for use in, for example, food containers, and can be combined with other features previously illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 or described later in this disclosure. With the separation of portal 5 from the container end 2 by the opening device 3 to create port 11, it is advantageous to provide a means of removing the separated portal 5 from the container 1. One way of achieving this is by the use of a connection between portal 5 and the opening device 3 established prior to the opening of container 1. In this example, for steel container ends, a magnet 21 is used to establish a temporary connection. Magnet 21 holds onto portal 5 during to opening process where opening device 3 is revolved around container end 2 and upon the removal of the opening device 3 is removed from the container 1. Many other methods of establishing a temporary connection can be envisaged and additionally methods of breaking this connection after the removal of the opening device 3 and portal 5 to allow for the disposal of portal 5 and the re-use of opening device 3, these may include but are not restricted to mechanical linkages, magnetism or suction.

If the opening device 3 is not required to be reusable, the removal of the portal 5 from the container 1 can be ensured by permanently joining the opening device to the portal 5 using a mechanical linkage such as for a example spot welded a pin 22 onto the centre of the upper face of the container end 2 and corresponding dip 23 in the centre of the opening device 3. This is illustrated in FIG. 17-18, where the separation of portal 5 as previously described enables the removal of both portal 5 and the opening device 3. The method of permanent connection and the form of the opening device 3 can be any that achieves the desired result FIGS. 19-21 show another version of a permanently attached opening device 3 that detaches from the container 1 with portal 5, this version is attached to container end 2 via rivet 24 and revolves around container end 2 to apply force to protuberance 6, where the applied force opens portal 5 and creates port 11.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the invention where opening device 3 fits over container end 2 and rim 8. Opening device 3 has a series of tangs around its circumference and rim 8 has a series of rim indents 26 and rim protuberances 27 so that tangs 7 on opening device 3 correspond with the indents of rim 8 allowing the opening device 3 to be fitted over the container end 2. Slight revolving of opening device 3 engages the tangs 7 underneath rim protuberances 27 so that opening device 3 is held tightly against the top of rim 8. The opening device 3 can be removed by further revolution of the opening device 3, which in a preferential embodiment would also open the container end 2, or by reversal of the fitting procedure.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the invention where the opening device 3 is manufactured with an area of fluid permeable apertures 28 to allow the draining of container 1 contents after opening of the portal 5 but prior to dispensing of any solid contents.

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the invention where the opening device 3 revolves relative to the container end 2 and also descends towards container end 2 during revolution to apply force onto portal 5 via protuberance 20, gradual decent can be guided by the rim 8. The example shown is for a beverage style container but is also applicable for other container styles. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25 only portions of the opening device 3 may descend towards the portal 5 this can be achieved by providing a cam 29 in opening device 3 fixed in position by stud 30, where revolution of opening device 3 revolves cam 29 which due to its eccentric shape attempts to increase to gap between opening device 3 and container end 2, if the gap between opening device 3 and container end 2 is maintained the force from the revolution of cam 29 is transferred to portal 5 to cause the rupture of pre-scored line 4 and creation of port 11. Revolution of cam 29 during the revolving of opening device 3 relative to container end 2 may be made More efficient by the inclusion of protuberance 6 on the container end 2 to halt the sliding of the cam 29 over the container end 2 surface or by increasing the friction between the cam 29 surface and the container end 2 by providing a coating to either or both surfaces, or manufacturing the cam 29 out of a material with good friction or tack properties or by texturing either or both the cam 29 and container end 2 surfaces.

FIGS. 26a-c show an embodiment of the invention that provides the consumer with messages or images on the container end 2 that are either concealed or revealed during the revolving of opening device 3 relative to container end 2. In the illustrated embodiment the opening device 3 is provided with a viewing window 31 and the container end 2 is provided with a message 32. In FIG. 26b the container 1 is in an unopened state and viewing window 31 shows, in this case, an unadorned area of the container end 2, upon revolving of the opening device 3 to facilitate the opening of the container 1 message 32 comes into view as shown in FIG. 26c. This example is an “instant win” style promotion; however the messages or images can provide any function that the manufacturer wishes to incorporate into the container.

FIGS. 27-29 show an alternative embodiment to the container shown in FIGS. 9a-d where in addition to a circumferential pre-scored line 4, the container has a further pre-scoring line 50, 52, 54 respectively. FIG. 27 has a pre-scored line 50 extending inwardly from pre-scored line 4 which extends around protuberance 6, itself disposed halfway between the radius and centre of container end 2. FIG. 28 again has a protuberance 6 disposed halfway between the radius and centre of container end 2 and additionally has pre-scored line 52 extending substantially around protuberance 6. FIG. 29 has a plurality of pre-scored lines 54 extending radially inwardly from pre-scored fine 4.

FIG. 30a-c shows an alternative embodiment where the protuberances 6 are disposed on the outer side wall 60 of container 1 adjacent to the container end 2. Pre-scored line 4 extending around the circumference of side walls 60. In its sealed configuration (FIG. 30a) the protuberances 6 are received in recesses 62 disposed around the inner rim 64 of opening device 3. Opening device 3 is coupled to the container end 2 such that rotational displacement about the container's longitudinal axis overcomes the resisting force between the recesses 62 and protuberances 6 sufficient to tear the container end 2 along pre-scored line 4, and thus the container can be opened (FIG. 30c).

FIGS. 31a and b show an alternative embodiment where opening device 3 is rotatably mounted on container end 2 about pivot 38 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container 1. Opening device 3 has a lip 40 that overlies rim 8 of the container 1. Opening device 3 is coupled to the container end 2 via rivet 24 and rotates about pivot 38 to apply force to protuberance 6, where sufficient force opens portal 5 defined by pre-scored line 4. Disposed on the underside of opening device 3 is a rubber seal 50 which can be used to selectively re-seal the portal 5.

FIGS. 32a-c show an alternative embodiment where the opening device 3 is made from plastics and the protuberance 6 is semi-circular extending around a portion of the circumference of container end 2 (in an alternative embodiment the protuberance can extend around the circumference of the container end 2). Pre-scored line 4 bisects the container end 2 to provide a large portal to enable, for example, semi-solid foodstuffs to be dispensed. Opening device 3 has a semi-circular pre-formed port 9. Opening device 3 is mountable on container 1 but is a separate entity. Port 9 is rotatable into position over port 11 formed by deforming container end 2, which itself has an anti-tamper seal 18.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein that are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container comprising a container body, a container end and an opening device, said container end being sealed to the container body and provided with a pre-scored portal, wherein the opening device is rotatable relative to the container end and rotation of the opening device transmits force to the container end to open the pre-scored portal.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container end comprises at least one protuberances and the opening device is rotatable relative to the container body member between a first position and a second position, the opening device having a recess on its underside adapted to receive at least one protuberances in the first position so that the rotation of the opening device relative to the container body into the second position is restricted by at least one protuberances, and wherein rotational force applied to the opening device is transmitted to the container end to open the pre-scored portal.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the container has a third position, whereby the opening device is rotated relative to the container body and a seal is created and maintained between the opening device and the container end for the purpose of temporarily isolating the-container contents from the atmosphere.

4. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening device has a preformed port that can be rotated into position above the portal in the container end to aid in the dispensing of contents in said container.

5. A container as claimed in claim 4 wherein the opening device port includes a perforated screen to restrict the ingress of foreign objects into the container interior and allow the dispensing of fluid from the container.

6. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening device defines at least one apertures such that the opening device can be rotated to obscure or reveal selected areas of the container end surface.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container end has means mounted thereon for emitting an audible message or sound effect when the opening device is rotated.

10. (canceled)

11. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pre-scored portal in the container end fully defines the portal so that upon opening of the portal the portion of the container end within the portal separates from the container end.

12. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening device is coupled to the container end and is able to rotate relative to the container end.

13. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the opening device is permanently mounted on the container end and able to rotate relative thereto.

14. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the opening device is temporarily mounted on the container end in said first position and able to rotate relative thereto, said opening device being separated from said container body in the second position.

15. (canceled)

16. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container has a rim around the container end and the opening device can be placed over the container end and rotated into a temporarily mounted state via engagement under the container rim and able to rotate relative to the container end.

17. A container as claimed in claim 16 wherein the container rim is crimped, bent, crenulated and/or formed with protuberances that provide a surface for the opening device to engage with the container rim.

18. A container comprising a container body, a container end and an opening device, said container end being sealed to the container body and provided with a pre-scored portal, said opening device being rotatable relative to the container end so that rotation of the opening device transmits force to the container end to open the pre-scored portal, wherein the opening device is couplable to the container end and able to rotate relative to the container end.

19. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the pre-scored portal allows for the complete separation of a substantial area of the container end, said opening device being couplable via coupling means to the container end to allow the removal of the detached container end section after the act of opening, said coupling means being taken from a group consisting of a suction cap, magnet, and clip.

20. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the opening device includes coupling means in the form of a temporary attachment and means for disengaging the temporary attachment and releasing the detached container end section.

21. (canceled)

22. A container as claimed in claim 16 wherein said opening device is constructed to completely cover the container end and is provided with a seal on its underside that bears against the container end rim to create a temporary seal between the opening device and the container end rim.

23. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening device is constructed to completely cover the container end except for a small area containing perforations, and is provided with a seal on its underside that bears against the container end rim to create a temporary seal between the opening device and the container end rim, wherein the opening device when in position is capable of dispensing liquid contents of the container but retention solid contents within the container.

24. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the container end is provided with protuberances on its upper surface to allow the transmission of force to the container end by the opening device when the opening device is rotated relative to the container end.

25. (canceled)

26. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the opening device includes at least one cam that transmits force to the container end when the opening device is rotated relative thereto causing the failure of the pre-scored portal opening the container.

27. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the opening device descends towards the container end during the act of rotation of the opening device.

28. A container's claimed in claim 18 wherein the container body comprises angled guides for guiding the descent of the opening device or element thereof.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein a joint formed between the container end and the pre-scored portal is profiled to encourage a downward deflection of the pre-scored portal upon breaking thereof.

33. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the pre-scored portal comprises a plurality of pre-scored lines to allow for relative movement between different parts of the pre-scored portal during the act of opening.

34. A container as claimed in claim 33 wherein the score lines are interconnected.

35. A container as claimed in claim 33 wherein the plurality of pre-scored lines are orientated on the container end such that failure of the pre-scored lines occurs sequentially as the opening device is rotated.

36. A container as claimed in any one of claim 33 wherein the pre-scored lines are orientated such that during the act of opening, areas of the pre-scored portal overlap one another after separation from the container end to decrease the diameter of the pre-scored portal.

37. A container as claimed in claim 18 further comprising locators disposed on the container end and the opening device for locating the opening device at specific positions relative to the container end during rotation of the opening device around the container end.

38. A container as claimed in claim 37 wherein the locators provide pressure change feedback to the user to establish when a specific position has been achieved.

39. A container as claimed in claim 38 wherein the feedback comprises an audible sound.

40. (canceled)

41. A container as claimed in claim 18 comprising protuberances formed on an outer surface of the container body below a continuous pre-scored line that encircles the container body.

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. A container as claimed in claim 41 wherein said protuberances have a shape taken from a group consisting of semi-spherical, pyramidal or cuboid.

46. (canceled)

47. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the container comprises sealing means for re-sealing the pre-scored portal once opened.

48. A container as claimed in claim 47 wherein the sealing means is disposed on the container end.

49. A container as claimed claim 47 wherein the sealing means comprises a compressible material.

50. (canceled)

51. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein said pre-scored portal defines a plurality of holes dimensioned to restrict the ingress of foreign matter.

52. (canceled)

53. A container as claimed in claim 18 wherein the opening device includes a tamper seal.

54. A container as claimed in claim 53 wherein the tamper seal is integrally formed in the opening device.

55. A container as claimed in claim 53 wherein the tamper seal comprises first and second elements wherein said first element is disposed on the container end and the second element is disposed on the opening device.

56. A container comprising a container body having a releasably sealed portal at one end and means for opening said releasably sealed portal, said means rotatably mountable on said container body whereby rotation of the opening means opens the portal.

57. (canceled)

58. A kit of parts comprising a releasably sealed container provided with a pre-scored portal and an opening device which is mountable to said releasably sealed container.