Devices for containing liquid, in particular beverages, and seal for a beverage can

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, comprising: a bottom element, at least one side wall connecting onto the bottom element, a top element connecting onto the side wall at a distance from the bottom element, which top element is provided with at least one first passage opening for liquid, and a closing element positioned on a side of the top element remote from the bottom element and connected to the top element, such that the relative orientation between the top element and the closing element can be changed, whereby passage of drink through the first passage opening can take place or be blocked. The invention also relates to a closer for a drinks can.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, comprising: a bottom element, at least one side wall connecting onto the bottom element, a top element connecting onto the side wall at a distance from the bottom element, which top element is provided with at least one first passage opening for liquid, and a closing element positioned on a side of the top element remote from the bottom element and connected to the top element, such that the relative orientation between the top element and the closing element can be changed, whereby passage of drink through the first passage opening can take place or be blocked. The invention also relates to another device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, comprising: a bottom element, at least one side wall connecting onto the bottom element, a top element connecting onto the side wall at a distance from the bottom element, which top element is provided with at least one first passage opening for liquid, and a closing element positioned on a side of the top element remote from the bottom element and rotatably connected to the top element. The invention further relates to a closure for a drinks can.

[0002] The liquid container stated in the preamble has already been known for a long time. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,538 thus describes a reclosable can for drinks or other foodstuffs. The known can is also constructed from a bottom element, a cylindrical wall connected to the bottom element and a top element connected to the wall. The top element is provided with a passage opening for drink. The can is further provided with a rotatable closing element connected to the top element. The closing element is preferably constructed from a non-permeable lip which, if desired, can cover the passage opening or leave it clear, whereby the passage of drink can thus be prevented or made possible. The advantage of the known can is that the can is reclosable, whereby the content of the can does not have to be consumed in one go but can if desired be consumed in portions at different times. Closing the passage opening of the can by means of the lip does slightly enhance the conservation of the content of the can, but mainly prevents the content of the can leaving or being able to leave the can in simple manner. In addition to the above stated advantage, the known can also has drawbacks. One of the drawbacks of the known can is that the relative orientation of the closing element and the top element can be changed under the influence of small external load, whereby the lip will usually displace easily from a position covering the passage opening to a position leaving the passage opening (partly) uncovered. The previously stated intended advantage of preventing the content leaving the can will then no longer apply.

[0003] The invention has for its object, while retaining the advantage of the prior art, to provide an improved reclosable device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, without the above stated drawback.

[0004] The invention provides for this purpose a device of the type stated in the preamble, with the feature that the closing element can be fixed relative to the top element in at least one preferred position, in which the closing element at least substantially closes the first passage opening. The device can thus be closed in locked manner, whereby undesired and unexpected changes of the relative orientation of the closing element and the top element from a position covering the first passage opening to a position not covering the passage opening can be prevented. The first passage opening can thus not be opened in uncontrolled manner by for instance a (slight) external load, but only by one or more controlled operations which are performed—in an optionally specific sequence—by a user. If the user fixes the relative orientation of the top element and the closing element, further removal of the liquid from the device will thus only be possible after release of the closing element fixed relative to the top element.

[0005] The closing element is preferably provided with at least one second passage opening for liquid which is at least partly enclosed by the closing element. The dimensioning and design of the second passage opening is thus defined relatively precisely, whereby aligning of the second passage opening with the first passage opening to allow passage of liquid must take place in relatively precise manner. The critical relative positioning of the second passage opening relative to the first passage opening has the advantage that undesired opening of the device, and thus loss of liquid, can be further prevented or at least be countered. The above stated advantage is particularly important if the user has omitted to position the closing element in a preferred position relative to the top element, whereby mutual locking of the closing element and the top element has not therefore occurred, or not entirely so.

[0006] The closing element is preferably rotatable relative to the top element. By connecting the closing element in rotatable manner, preferably in a centre position, to the top element the closing element is not displaceable but can only have its orientation changed relative to the top element. The exterior design and dimensioning will then in any case be at least substantially the same, irrespective of the relative orientation of the closing element and the top element.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment the mutual distance between the top element and the closing element can be changed. By embodying the mutual distance between the top element and the closing element in changeable manner, the preferred position of the closing element relative to the top element can be situated in a position which—as seen from a normal orientation of the device—lies under or above the position of the closing element leaving the first passage opening uncovered. Two dimensions of the device, i.e. the length and the width in normal orientation of the device, can thus be kept constant, wherein only the height of the device is therefore slightly variable.

[0008] The coupling between the closing element and the top element takes place in a preferred embodiment by mutual co-action of at least one groove with at least one protruding element. Changing the relative orientation of the closing element in relation to the top element will thus only be able to take place in accordance with a predefined path. The preferred position is generally determined here by the specific design of the groove. The closing element is preferably provided with at least two grooves adapted for co-action with at least two protruding elements forming part of the top element. The presence of two grooves positioned at a distance from each other and protruding elements co-acting therewith generally increases the stability and flexibility of the closing element relative to the top element, particularly during changing of the relative orientation of the two elements. The protruding element is herein preferably formed at least partly by a pin. In addition to a pin, it is also possible to apply other protruding elements, such as for instance a protruding element of elongate cross-section. The groove preferably has a non-linear progression. It is thus possible to manouevre the closing element into the preferred position relative to the top element. The non-linear groove can for instance be provided here with a smoothly curved part. The groove preferably connects onto at least one fixation opening, wherein the groove and the fixation opening enclose a mutual angle. The advantage of the angle is that the closing element can be placed in a (discrete) preferred position, wherein it is generally impossible for the closing element to pass through this angle of its own accord and open the first passage opening, for instance as a result of an external load on or momentary rapid displacement of the device. In a particular preferred embodiment the groove is provided with at least one angular or curved outer end.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment sealing means are positioned between the top element and the closing element. The preferably medium-tight sealing means have the primary advantage of preventing or at least countering liquid leaking from the device in a closed position. In addition, the sealing means have a liquid-conserving function. If the liquid is for instance formed by a carbonated soft drink, it is then important in a closed position of the device to hold the carbon dioxide in the device as well as the liquid, and thus prevent or at least counter loss of quality of the soft drink. In a particular preferred embodiment the sealing means are formed at least partly by a resilient, medium-tight layer of material. Due to the resilience of the medium-tight layer of material, a permanent engagement of the material layer on both the closing element and the top element can be realized, whereby an optimal sealing of the device can generally take place at all times and uncontrolled liquid loss can be prevented. The sealing means preferably engage under bias on both the top element and the closing element. The bias can usefully serve, among other things, to further stabilize the preferred position. The device can thus be constructed for instance such that, before the closing element can be moved from the preferred position, the bias imposed by the sealing means must first be overcome before any change in orientation is possible.

[0010] In yet another preferred embodiment the closing element is provided on an outer periphery with a protruding profiled edge extending along the side wall. The profiled edge functions in particular as grip for the user. The user can thus alter the relative orientation of the closing element and the top element in controlled and simple manner, in order to allow or block the passage of drink through the first (and, if applicable, the second) passage opening.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the top element and the closing element are mutually connected by a central pin provided with two thickened outer ends, wherein a compression spring is arranged round a part of the pin between a thickened end and the top element. The preferably biased compression spring attempts to displace the pin in a direction toward the bottom element, whereby the closing element is urged in the direction of the top element. The load directed toward the top element and engaging on the closing element can also be usefully employed to make leaving the preferred position more difficult. Using the compression spring a reverse effect is thus obtained compared to the effect obtained with the sealing means engaging under bias on the closing element and the top element. It will be apparent that, in addition to the above stated preferred embodiments, other embodiment variants are also possible for a skilled person within the scope of the claims.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment the relative orientation of the top element and the closing element is fixed in sealed manner before the first use of the device. When the device is purchased the user can thus see whether the device has not already been opened earlier, whereby the seal also functions as a quality guarantee symbol. The seal can be formed by a separate tear-off strip mutually connecting the closing element and the top element, but can also be formed for instance by one or more breakable connections present between the closing element and the top element.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment the device is also provided with a dispensing element which is rotatable relative to the top element and received with clamp fitting in the first passage opening and provided with at least one third passage opening for drink, which dispensing element is coupled to the closing element, wherein consumption of liquid from the device can take place or can be blocked by rotating the closing element relative to the top element. A particular advantage of the above stated preferred embodiment is that the device can now be closed in medium-tight manner even at relatively high pressures. This is particularly important when carbonated drinks are applied in the device according to the invention. The pressure of a gas fraction present in the device rises relatively rapidly to 2 to 3 bar and with warm ambient temperatures this internal pressure can even rise to about 6 bar. Test results have shown that the known (conventional) device according to the prior art cannot withstand such relatively high pressures, whereby it will generally not be possible to realize a medium-tight closure of the known device. Above a determined pressure, gas will leak from the device known from the prior art, which is undesirable. The present preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention solves the aforementioned problem, since a medium-tight closure of the device can be realized even at relatively high internal pressure.

[0014] The dispensing element preferably takes a tubular form. A tubular element can generally be positioned in simple manner with clamp fitting in the first passage opening. Liquid passage through the tubular dispensing element can for instance take place in axial direction. It is however also possible to envisage providing a side wall of the dispensing element with a third passage opening for liquid. In a particular preferred embodiment the dispensing element is provided with a plurality of third passage openings for drink. The mutual distances between the third passage openings are herein preferably at least substantially identical.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing element and the closing element are adapted for mutual co-action by means of an external toothing forming part of the dispensing element and an internal toothing co-acting with the external toothing and forming part of the closing element. A rotation of the dispensing element can thus be brought about by rotating the closing element, whereby liquid passage through the third passage opening can take place or be blocked. At least one toothing of the external toothing and the internal toothing is preferably provided with an irregular portion, this irregular portion being arranged such that the closing element can be fixed in a closed position of the first passage opening. It will therefore be possible to more or less fix the device in a closed position, wherein reopening of the device is only possible after overcoming a tension which deforms the toothing.

[0016] The dispensing element is preferably at least partly enclosed by a jacket, wherein the relative orientation between the dispensing element and the jacket can be changed such that the jacket can leave clear or block the third passage opening. In this manner a further improved seal can be obtained which can withstand relatively high internal pressures, which can be particularly important in the case of carbonated drinks. In a particular preferred embodiment the dispensing element is rotatable relative to the jacket, wherein the dispensing element and the jacket are mutually coupled by means of a screw connection. The jacket and the dispensing element are thus displaceable axially relative to each other. The screw connection can be designed in very diverse ways. It can for instance be formed by two mutually co-acting screw threads, but can also be formed by a protruding pin and a groove co-acting with the pin. In another particular preferred embodiment the jacket is connected to a locking element, preferably formed by a leaf spring, which locking element locks the jacket such that the jacket is only displaceable in at least substantially axial direction. The locking element generally engages here on the top element or the side wall.

[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment a part of the jacket is situated in the tubular dispensing element. It is thus possible to regulate, and even to block, the liquid volume in the dispensing element by rotating the jacket. In a particular preferred embodiment the part of the jacket situated in the dispensing element is provided with a convex surface directed away from the bottom part. The particular advantage of a convex surface of the jacket is that, during normal positioning of the device, liquid present in the dispensing element will flow back to the bulk liquid in the device in simple manner via the third passage opening. It is thus possible to prevent, or at least counter, liquid remaining in the dispensing element after closing of the device.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment the jacket is connected in fixed manner to the top element or the wall part. Such a fixed connection of the jacket to the top element or the wall part generally results in a mechanically relatively simple construction. The jacket is preferably provided with an inward directed side which is provided with a number of protruding elements corresponding with the number of third passage openings, these protruding elements being adapted to block the third passage opening. The third passage openings can be unblocked by rotating the dispensing element, whereby consumption of liquid from the device is made possible.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment the closing element is connected to the dispensing element, wherein the closing element is adapted to at least substantially completely cover the dispensing element, wherein the closing element is provided with at least one weakening line such that the relative orientation between at least one pivotable part of the closing element and the dispensing element can be changed. The closing element thus forms a flap for closing the dispensing element, wherein a part of the flap is pivotally connected to the dispensing element. The pivotable part of the closing element (flap) is preferably dimensioned such that it can function as a grip for a user for the purpose of rotating the closing element, and thus the dispensing element. In a particular preferred embodiment the pivotable part of the closing element is provided on the side directed toward the dispensing element with a stop edge for releasable coupling of the pivotable part to the dispensing element. It is thus possible to fix the device in a closed position.

[0020] The invention also has for its object to provide an improved device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, which device can be reclosed in relatively pressure-resistant manner.

[0021] The invention also relates to another device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, of the type stated in the preamble, with the characteristic that the device is also provided with a dispensing element which is rotatable relative to the top element and received with clamp fitting in the first passage opening and provided with at least one third passage opening for drink, which dispensing element is coupled to the closing element, wherein consumption of liquid from the device can take place or be blocked by rotating the closing element relative to the top element. The advantages and preferred embodiments relating to this device according to the invention have already been specified above.

[0022] The invention also relates to a closure for a drinks can, comprising: an at least substantially medium-tight seal, which seal is provided with a fourth passage opening for drink, wherein the seal is also provided with a thickened edge provided with a receiving space for a part of the drinks can and a closing element connected to the seal, which closing element is provided with a fifth passage opening for drink, wherein the relative orientation of the seal and the closing element can be changed, and wherein the closing element can be fixed in at least one preferred position relative to the seal in which the closing element at least substantially covers the fourth passage opening. The advantage of the closure according to the invention is that, after the drinks can has been completely emptied, the closure can be removed from the drinks can and can further be reused on another drinks can. Other advantages and preferred embodiments of the (durable) closure have already been described extensively in the foregoing. The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

[0023] FIG. 1a shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a device for containing drinks according to the invention,

[0024] FIG. 1b shows a side view of a closing element of the device according to FIG. 1a,

[0025] FIG. 2a shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a device for containing drinks according to the invention,

[0026] FIG. 2b shows a side view of a closing element of the device according to FIG. 2a,

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of an assembly, dismantled into components, of a drinks can and a closure according to the invention which can be coupled to the drinks can,

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a top view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0029] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a drinks can according to the invention in a closed position,

[0030] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the drinks can according to FIG. 5a in a transitional situation,

[0031] FIG. 5c is a perspective view of the drinks can according to FIGS. 5a and 5b in an opened position,

[0032] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a drinks can according to the invention in a closed position,

[0033] FIG. 6b shows a perspective view of the drinks can according to FIG. 6a in an opened position,

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an underside of a closing mechanism for the drinks can according to FIGS. 6a and 6b,

[0035] FIG. 8a shows a schematic cross-section of another closing mechanism for a device according to the invention, and

[0036] FIG. 8b shows a schematic cross-section of yet another closing mechanism for a device according to the invention.

[0037] FIG. 1a shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a device 1 for containing drinks 2 according to the invention. Device 1 comprises a bottom element 3 and a cylindrical side wall 4 connecting onto bottom element 3, which side wall 4 is provided on an outer end remote from bottom element 3 with a tapering part 5. Tapering part 5 is connected in rigid manner to a top element 6 provided with a first passage opening 7 for drink 2. Top element 6 is formed substantially by a disc which is provided on an outer periphery with a standing edge for fixing top element 6 to side wall 4. Top element 6 is connected on a side remote from bottom element 3 to a disc-shaped plastic seal 8 provided with a second passage opening 9 for drink 2. Seal 8 is manufactured from a resilient, medium-tight plastic. The standing edge of top element 6 is provided with two pins, 10, 11 adapted for co-acting with grooves 13,14 forming part of a closing element 12. Closing element 12 is thus connected rotatably to top element 6. The closing element is provided with a fourth passage opening 15 for drink 2. Because closing element 12 can be rotated relative to top element 6 (and seal 8), it is possible to position the fourth passage opening 15 in line with the first and second passage opening 7, 9, whereby exit of drink 2 from device 1 is possible. Closing element 12 can further be rotated relative to top element 6 such that the fourth passage opening 15 comes to lie at a distance from the first and the second passage opening 7, 9, whereby exit of drink 6 from device 1 is prevented. Owing to the resilience of seal 8 it is possible to have the seal engage under bias on top element 6 on the one hand and closing element 10 on the other, whereby a continuous optimal sealing action can be obtained. This sealing action of seal 8 is further improved in that the seal 8 is medium-tight, whereby, in addition to liquid, gas (carbon dioxide) optionally present in the liquid is prevented from leaving device 1 in the closed position of closing element 12. An important aspect of device 1 is that closing element 12 can be fixed relative to top element 6 in a position closing the device 1 in that the grooves 13, 14 are designed such that closing element 12 can be positioned in a preferred position. Only by performing a plurality of successive operations in controlled manner, viz. applying a load to closing element 12 in the direction of bottom element 3 and further rotating the closing element 12, can device 1 be brought into an opened position again (as now shown in FIG. 1a). The resilient seal 8, engaging under bias on closing element 12, also contributes to the stability of the closing element 12 situated in the preferred position. In order to facilitate rotation of closing element 12 relative to top element 6, the closing element 12 is provided with an overhanging profiled edge 16.

[0038] FIG. 1b shows a side view of closing element 12 of device 1 according to FIG. 1a. One of the grooves 10, 11 is now shown clearly. Groove 11 is designed in non-linear manner and can be divided into three segments A, B, C. Segment A is formed by an angular element 17 and thus forms the actual discrete preferred position. Segment B is formed by a curved part 18 extending from angular element 17. Segment B forms a transitional position, wherein uncontrolled rotation of closing element 12 is prevented. Segment C is formed by a linear part 19 and functions in particular to allow simple and sufficient rotation of closing element 12 relative to top element 6.

[0039] FIG. 2a shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a device 20 for containing drinks 21 according to the invention. Device 20 bears great resemblance to the device 1 shown in FIG. 1a. However, other than the resilient seal 8 exerting bias as applied in FIG. 1a, device 20 is now provided with a central pin 22 mutually connecting a top element 23 and a closing element 24. As in FIG. 1a, the closing element 24 is rotatable relative to top element 23 through mutual co-action of pins 25, 26 forming part of top element 23 and of grooves 27, 28, forming part of closing element 24. The central pin 22 is partially enclosed by a compression spring 29 engaging under bias on top element 23. Via central pin 22 the compression spring 29 exerts a pressure on closing element 24 which is directed toward top element 23, this being used to (further) stabilize a preferred position of closing element 24 relative to top element 23. The device shown in FIG. 2a has not yet been opened, which can be presumed from a seal 30 present between closing element 24 and top element 23.

[0040] FIG. 2b shows a side view of closing element 24 of device 20 according to FIG. 2a. Groove 27 of closing element 24 has a non-linear progression and is provided on an outer end with a curved part 31. Curved part 31 extends in a direction away from top element 23 owing to the direction of the forces exerted by central pin 22 on closing element 24.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of an assembly 32, dismantled into components, of a drinks can 33 and a separate closure 34 according to the invention which can be coupled to drinks can 33. Closure 34 can be embodied in durable manner and can be fastened to the conventional drinks can 33. Closure 34 comprises a support element 35, preferably manufactured from plastic, for a closing element 36. The support element is provided with pins 37, 38 adapted for co-acting with grooves 39, 40 forming part of closing element 36. The operation of the above stated construction has already been discussed extensively above. Support element 35 is provided with a standing edge 41. Standing edge 41 comprises a thickened outer end 42 provided with a receiving space 43 which is adapted for co-action with a standing edge 44 of drinks can 33. Closure 34 can thus be fastened in stable manner to drinks can 33 with clamp fitting. Closure 34 has the advantage that it can be applied a number of times and can thus take a durable form.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a top view of another embodiment of a device 45 according to the invention. In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, device 45 is provided with a closing element 46 which is displaceably connected to an underlying top element 47. Closing element 46 can thus be shifted parallel to top element 47 in order to open or close the device. The mutual freedom of displacement of closing element 46 and top element 47 is determined by the mutual co-action of pins 48, 49 forming part of top element 47 on the one hand and of grooves 50, 51 forming part of closing element 46 on the other. Grooves 50, 51 are herein provided with an angular part 52, 53 in order once again to be able to provide a preferred position of closing element 46 relative to top element 47.

[0043] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a drinks can 54 according to the invention in a closed position. Drinks can 54 comprises a bottom part 55, an at least substantially cylindrical side wall 56 connected to bottom part 55, and a top element 57 connected to side wall 56. Top element 57 is provided with an eccentrically located passage opening (not shown) for drink, which passage opening is covered in the shown situation with a closing flap 58. Flap 58 is connected to a rotatable dispensing element, not shown here, arranged in the passage opening. Flap 58 is provided with a weakening line 59, which weakening line 59 divides the flap 58 into a flap part 60 which is fixedly connected to the dispensing element and a flap part 61 which is pivotable relative to fixed flap part 60. Fixed flap part 61 is provided on a peripheral side with a recess 62 so as to facilitate lifting of the pivotable flap part 61 by a user. Flap 58 is dimensioned such that in the position shown here opening of the device is only possible after pivoting of the pivotable flap part 61 in a direction away from top element 57, only after which a completely free rotation of flap 58 can take place. In the closed position shown here, drinks can 56 will (generally) not be able to open of its own accord, for instance as a result of rolling or falling.

[0044] FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of drinks can 54 according to FIG. 5a in a transitional situation. The pivotable flap part 61 of flap 58 has been pivoted (relative to FIG. 5a) on the weakening line 59 in a direction away from top element 57, whereby a part of dispensing element 63 is no longer covered by flap 58. In the present situation the pivotable flap part 61 functions particularly as grip for a user to enable simple rotation of flap 58 and the dispensing element 63 connected to flap 58 such that the uncovered part of dispensing element 63 comes to lie as closely as possible to an edge 64 forming part of top element 57. In this way a user will be able to consume drink from drinks can 54 in the most simple and efficient manner. It will in any case be apparent that dispensing element 63—as well as the passage opening for drink arranged in top element 57—is also arranged eccentrically in top element 57. Dispensing element 63 is arranged rotatably with clamp fitting in the passage opening of top element 57, wherein a part 65 of the dispensing element 63 is situated in a space enclosed by side wall 56. The part 65 of dispensing element 63 situated in the space enclosed by side wall 56 is provided with a plurality of passage openings 66 for drink.

[0045] FIG. 5c shows a perspective view of drinks can 54 according to FIGS. 5a and 5b in an opened situation. This figure clearly shows that the uncovered part of dispensing element 63 lies close to the edge 64 of top element 57. Drinks can 54 is thus brought into a ready-to-use situation, wherein consumption of drink can take place via passage openings 66. The pivotable part 61 of flap 58 is provided with a protruding edge 67, which protruding edge 67 has at least substantially the same form as a flange 68 forming part of the dispensing element. In a closed situation of drinks can 54 according to FIG. 5a, the protruding edge 67 of pivotable flap part 61 and the flange 68 of dispensing element 63 will mutually co-act, whereby the pivotable flap part 61 can be connected to dispensing element 63 in firm yet releasable manner. It will thus be possible to further prevent, or at least further counter, undesirable flow of drink out of the drinks can 54 in a closed situation. In the ready-to-use situation of drinks can 54 shown in the present figure, the pivotable flap part 61 is preferably pivoted in the direction of top element 57, in order to facilitate drinking or pouring of drink from the drinks can 54. In order to prevent undesired pivoting of the pivotable flap part 61 back in a direction away from top element 57, a certain material bias can be applied in the weakening line 59 and/or the pivotable flap part 61, which bias can be overcome by a user, whereby the pivotable flap part 61 can be positioned in (practically) stable manner against or at least close to the flap part 60 which is fixed relative to dispensing element 63.

[0046] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a drinks can 69 according to the invention in a closed situation. As according to FIGS. 5a-5c, drinks can 69 also comprises a bottom part 70, a side wall 71 connected to bottom part 70 and a top element 72 connected to side wall 71. Top element 72 is provided with an opening in which a hollow cylinder 73 is arranged rotatably and with clamp fitting. Cylinder 73 is partially closely enclosed by a jacket 74, which jacket 74 is displaceable in axial manner relative to cylinder 73, wherein the mutual coupling between cylinder 73 and jacket 74 is formed by a screw connection not presently shown. Cylinder 73 is provided with a plurality of passage openings (not shown) for drink arranged in cylinder 73, which passage openings are covered by jacket 74 in the shown closed situation of drinks can 69. Cylinder 73 is provided with an external toothing 75, which external toothing 75 is adapted for co-action with an internal toothing 77 forming part of a ring 76 enclosing the top element 72. Ring 76 is connected rotatably and in locked manner to top element 72, wherein a peripheral side of top element 72 is provided with a profiled surface 78. By rotating the ring 76 relative to top element 72 a user can cause the cylinder 73 to rotate in the same rotational direction, whereby jacket 74 will displace in a direction away from top element 72. It is thus possible to leave clear the passage openings arranged in cylinder 73, whereby consumption of drink from the drinks can is made possible. External toothing 75 and internal toothing 77, at least a co-acting part thereof, are at least substantially covered by a flange part 79 connected to ring 76 in order to prevent or at least counter injury to a user during use of the drinks can.

[0047] FIG. 6b shows a perspective view of drinks can 69 according to FIG. 6a in an opened situation. By rotating the ring 76 the cylinder 73 co-acting with ring 76 is rotated in the same direction, whereby the jacket 74 enclosing cylinder 73 is displaced in axial direction relative to cylinder 73, whereby passage openings 80 for drink arranged in cylinder 73 are no longer covered by jacket 74. Consumption of drink from the can thus take place via the passage openings 80 arranged in cylinder 73.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an underside of a closing mechanism 81 for the drinks can 69 as according to FIGS. 6a and 6b. It can be clearly seen that jacket 74 encloses a part of cylinder 73 at least substantially on two sides. In order to prevent jacket 74 co-rotating with cylinder 73 during rotation of the ring 76 connected to top element 72, jacket 74 is connected to a leaf spring 82. Leaf spring 82 engages under bias on a side of the top element 74 remote from ring 76. During rotation of the ring 76, and thus of cylinder 73, jacket 74 will thus not co-rotate but will only be displaced in axial direction relative to cylinder 73. In this manner the passage openings 80 arranged in cylinder 73 can be opened respectively closed. In order to prevent leakages of drink in a closed situation of the closing mechanism, cylinder 73 is enclosed by a sealing ring 83 connected to top element 72. Sealing ring 83 is preferably manufactured from silicon material or from rubber.

[0049] FIG. 8a shows a schematic cross-section of another closing mechanism 84 for a device according to the invention. Closing mechanism 84 comprises a top element 85 and a ring 86 enclosing top element 85, which ring 86 is rotatable relative to top element 85. Top element 85 is provided with an interruption in which a hollow cylinder 87 is rotatably received. Cylinder 87 is provided on an upper side with an external toothing 88, which external toothing 88 is adapted for co-action with an internal toothing 89 forming part of ring 86. On an underside the cylinder 87 is provided with a plurality of passage openings 90 for drink. A piston 91 is received in the underside of cylinder 87, which piston 91 is axially displaceable relative to cylinder 87 via a screw connection 92. In order to prevent rotation of piston 91, piston 91 is connected in guiding manner to two spindles 93 rigidly connected to top element 85, thereby enabling only axial displacement of piston 91. Ring 86 is provided with a flange part 94 covering toothing 88, 89 in order to prevent injury to a user. Piston 91 is provided with a convex end surface, whereby drink remaining in cylinder 87 will flow back in the direction of the bulk liquid via passage openings 90. Thus can be prevented, or at least countered, that liquid residues remain in cylinder 87 after use of closing mechanism 84.

[0050] FIG. 8b shows a schematic cross-section of yet another closing mechanism 95 for a device according to the invention. The closing mechanism comprises a top element 96 provided with an opening, and a cylinder 97 received rotatably in the opening of top element 96. Cylinder 97 is closed on an underside 98. Cylinder 97 is provided close to the underside 98 with a plurality of passage openings 99 for drink. A part of cylinder 97 is enclosed by a ring 100 rigidly connected to top element 96. Ring 100 comprises an internal surface provided with a plurality of protruding elements 101, which protruding elements 101 are designed such that they are adapted to close the passage opening 99 in at least substantially medium-tight manner. The protruding elements 101 are preferably manufactured from a rubber-like material. By rotating the cylinder 97 relative to top element 96 in a direction which is here indicated schematically with arrow A, the protruding elements 101 of ring 100 that are received in passage openings 97 can be removed from passage openings 97, whereby consumption of drink (indicated with arrows B) from the closing mechanism 95 can take place.

[0051] A significant advantage of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5a-8b is that the shown constructions are generally very pressure-resistant, whereby the shown constructions can be very readily applied in liquid containers in which a carbonated drink is contained. It will however be apparent that many other variants are possible for a skilled person.

Claims

1. Device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, comprising:

a bottom element,

at least one side wall connecting onto the bottom element,

a top element connecting onto the side wall at a distance from the bottom element, which top element is provided with at least one first passage opening for liquid, and

a closing element positioned on a side of the top element remote from the bottom element and connected to the top element, such that the relative orientation between the top element and the closing element can be changed, whereby passage of drink through the first passage opening can take place or be blocked,

characterized in that

the closing element can be fixed relative to the top element in at least one preferred position, in which the closing element at least substantially closes the first passage opening.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the closing element is provided with at least one second passage opening for liquid which is at least partly enclosed by the closing element.

3. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the closing element is rotatable relative to the top element.

4. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the mutual distance between the top element and the closing element can be changed.

5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the coupling between the closing element and the top element takes place through mutual co-action of at least one groove with at least one protruding element.

6. Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the closing element is provided with at least two grooves adapted for co-action with at least two protruding elements forming part of the top element.

7. Device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the protruding element is formed at least partly by a pin.

8. Device as claimed in any of the claims 5-7, characterized in that the groove has a non-linear progression.

9. Device as claimed in any of the claims 5-8, characterized in that the groove connects onto at least one fixation opening, wherein the groove and the fixation opening enclose a mutual angle.

10. Device as claimed in any of the claims 5-9, characterized in that the groove is provided with at least one angular or curved outer end.

11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that sealing means are positioned between the top element and the closing element.

12. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the sealing means are formed at least partly by a resilient, medium-tight layer of material.

13. Device as claimed in any of the claims 11-12, characterized in that the sealing means engage under bias on both the top element and the closing element.

14. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the closing element is provided on an outer periphery with a protruding profiled edge extending along the side wall.

15. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the top element and the closing element are mutually connected by a central pin provided with two thickened outer ends, wherein a compression spring is arranged round a part of the pin between a thickened end and the top element.

16. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the relative orientation of the top element and the closing element is fixed in sealed manner before the first use of the device.

17. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims and claim 3, characterized in that the device is also provided with a dispensing element which is rotatable relative to the top element and received with clamp fitting in the first passage opening and provided with at least one third passage opening for drink, which dispensing element is coupled to the closing element, wherein consumption of liquid from the device can take place or can be blocked by rotating the closing element relative to the top element.

18. Device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the dispensing element takes a tubular form.

19. Device as claimed in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the dispensing element is provided with a plurality of third passage openings for drink.

20. Device as claimed in any of the claims 17-19, characterized in that the dispensing element and the closing element are adapted for mutual co-action by means of an external toothing forming part of the dispensing element and an internal toothing co-acting with the external toothing and forming part of the closing element.

21. Device as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that at least one toothing of the external toothing and the internal toothing is provided with an irregular portion, this irregular portion being arranged such that the closing element can be fixed in a closed position of the first passage opening.

22. Device as claimed in any of the claims 17-21, characterized in that the dispensing element is at least partly enclosed by a jacket, wherein the relative orientation between the dispensing element and the jacket can be changed such that the jacket can leave clear or block the third passage opening.

23. Device as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the dispensing element is rotatable relative to the jacket, wherein the dispensing element and the jacket are mutually coupled by means of a screw connection.

24. Device as claimed in claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the jacket is connected to a locking element, preferably formed by a leaf spring, which locking element locks the jacket such that the jacket is only displaceable in at least substantially axial direction.

25. Device as claimed in claim 18 and any of the claims 22-24, characterized in that a part of the jacket is situated in the tubular dispensing element.

26. Device as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that the part of the jacket situated in the dispensing element is provided with a convex surface directed away from the bottom part.

27. Device as claimed in claim 18 and any of the claims 17 and 19-26, characterized in that the jacket is connected in fixed manner to the top element or the wall part.

28. Device as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that the jacket is provided with an inward directed side which is provided with a number of protruding elements corresponding with the number of third passage openings, these protruding elements being adapted to block the third passage opening.

29. Device as claimed in any of the claims 17-28, characterized in that the closing element is connected to the dispensing element, wherein the closing element is adapted to at least substantially completely cover the dispensing element, wherein the closing element is provided with at least one weakening line such that the relative orientation between at least one pivotable part of the closing element and the dispensing element can be changed.

30. Device as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that the pivotable part of the closing element is provided on the side directed toward the dispensing element with a stop edge for releasable coupling of the pivotable part to the dispensing element.

31. Device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, comprising:

a bottom element,

at least one side wall connecting onto the bottom element,

a top element connecting onto the side wall at a distance from the bottom element, which top element is provided with at least one first passage opening for liquid, and

a closing element positioned on a side of the top element remote from the bottom element and connected rotatably to the top element,

characterized in that

the device is also provided with a dispensing element which is rotatable relative to the top element and received with clamp fitting in the first passage opening and provided with at least one third passage opening for drink, which dispensing element is coupled to the closing element, wherein consumption of liquid from the device can take place or can be blocked by rotating the closing element relative to the top element.

32. Device as claimed in claim 31, characterized in that the dispensing element takes a tubular form.

33. Device as claimed in either of the claims 31 or 32, characterized in that the dispensing element is provided with a plurality of third passage openings for drink.

34. Device as claimed in any of the claims 31-33, characterized in that the dispensing element and the closing element are adapted for mutual co-action by means of an external toothing forming part of the dispensing element and an internal toothing co-acting with the external toothing and forming part of the closing element.

35. Device as claimed in claim 34, characterized in that at least one toothing of the external toothing and the internal toothing is provided with an irregular portion, this irregular portion being arranged such that the closing element can be fixed in a closed position of the first passage opening.

36. Device as claimed in any of the claims 31-35, characterized in that the dispensing element is at least partly enclosed by a jacket, wherein the relative orientation between the dispensing element and the jacket can be changed such that the jacket can leave clear or block the third passage opening.

37. Device as claimed in claim 36, characterized in that the dispensing element is rotatable relative to the jacket, wherein the dispensing element and the jacket are mutually coupled by means of a screw connection.

38. Device as claimed in claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the jacket is connected to a locking element, preferably formed by a leaf spring, which locking element locks the jacket such that the jacket is only displaceable in at least substantially axial direction.

39. Device as claimed in claim 32 and any of the claims 36-38, characterized in that a part of the jacket is situated in the tubular dispensing element.

40. Device as claimed in claim 39, characterized in that the part of the jacket situated in the dispensing element is provided with a convex surface directed away from the bottom part.

41. Device as claimed in claim 36 and any of the claims 31-35 and 37-40, characterized in that the jacket is connected in fixed manner to the top element or the wall part.

42. Device as claimed in claim 41, characterized in that the jacket is provided with an inward directed side which is provided with a number of protruding elements corresponding with the number of third passage openings, these protruding elements being adapted to block the third passage opening.

43. Device as claimed in any of the claims 31-42, characterized in that the closing element is connected to the dispensing element, wherein the closing element is adapted to at least substantially completely cover the dispensing element, wherein the closing element is provided with at least one weakening line such that the relative orientation between at least one pivotable part of the closing element and the dispensing element can be changed.

44. Device as claimed in claim 43, characterized in that the pivotable part of the closing element is provided on the side directed toward the dispensing element with a stop edge for releasable coupling of the pivotable part to the dispensing element.

45. Closure for a drinks can, comprising:

an at least substantially medium-tight seal, which seal is provided with a fourth passage opening for drink, wherein the seal is also provided with a thickened edge provided with a receiving space for a part of the drinks can, and

a closing element connected to the seal, which closing element is provided with a fifth passage opening for drink, wherein the relative orientation of the seal and the closing element can be changed,

and wherein the closing element can be fixed in at least one preferred position relative to the seal in which the closing element at least substantially covers the fourth passage opening.