US4228913A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Beverage can having a self contained straw
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-04-19
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Granted: 1980-10-21
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Expires: 1999-04-19
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a tab top can having a self contained drinking straw. The straw includes a resilient bellows structure on its bottom which serves to bias the top end of the straw against the underside of the tab top. A straw guide secured on the interior of the can aligns the top end of the straw with the underside of the tab top. The bellows structure forces the top end of the straw through the drinking slot formed when the tab top is removed from the can.
Inventors
- 👤 Alberto Mack
- 👤 Charing Mack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 10:06
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D77/00; B65D77/22; B65D77/24; B65D77/28; B65D77/283
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
302 words
A tab top beverage can having a self-contained straw assembly, comprising: (a) a beverage can having a top including a tab top opening assembly for forming a drinking slot; (b) a drinking straw contained within said beverage can, said straw having a top end abutting the underside of said tab top opening assembly, and a bottom end having a biasing means including a compressible, integrally formed resilient bellows for biasing said top end against said underside of said tab top opening assembly and pushing said top end of said straw through said drinking slot when said tab top assembly is removed to open said can, and (c) an elongated straw guide means mounted on the inside of said beverage can in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said can for aligning said top end of said straw with said underside of said tab top opening assembly, said straw guide means including: (i) a top retaining portion for slidably receiving and aligning said top end of said straw with said underside of said tab top opening assembly, said top retaining portion having a lower edge for obstructing slidable movement of said bellows of said straw through said top retaining portion, and (ii) a bottom retaining portion for slidably receiving said bellows of said straw and for securing said bellows within said can, wherein the longitudinal distance between said lower edge of said top retaining portion and the upper edge of said bottom retaining portion is less than the longitudinal length of said bellows when said bellows is expanded, whereby said straw guide means retains said straw in orthogonal disposition with said top of said beverage can at each position of said straw along the longitudinal axis of said straw guide means after said tab top assembly is removed to form a drinking slot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
302 words
A tab top beverage can having a self-contained straw assembly, comprising: (a) a beverage can having a top including a tab top opening assembly for forming a drinking slot; (b) a drinking straw contained within said beverage can, said straw having a top end abutting the underside of said tab top opening assembly, and a bottom end having a biasing means including a compressible, integrally formed resilient bellows for biasing said top end against said underside of said tab top opening assembly and pushing said top end of said straw through said drinking slot when said tab top assembly is removed to open said can, and (c) an elongated straw guide means mounted on the inside of said beverage can in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said can for aligning said top end of said straw with said underside of said tab top opening assembly, said straw guide means including: (i) a top retaining portion for slidably receiving and aligning said top end of said straw with said underside of said tab top opening assembly, said top retaining portion having a lower edge for obstructing slidable movement of said bellows of said straw through said top retaining portion, and (ii) a bottom retaining portion for slidably receiving said bellows of said straw and for securing said bellows within said can, wherein the longitudinal distance between said lower edge of said top retaining portion and the upper edge of said bottom retaining portion is less than the longitudinal length of said bellows when said bellows is expanded, whereby said straw guide means retains said straw in orthogonal disposition with said top of said beverage can at each position of said straw along the longitudinal axis of said straw guide means after said tab top assembly is removed to form a drinking slot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The tab top beverage can of claim 1 wherein said straw guide means is integrally formed from a single section of sheet metal and tack welded on the inside wall of said beverage can in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said can.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tab top beverage can of claim 1 wherein said bellows includes at least one flow path at its bottom edge.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-21 | 1984-04-21 | 1984-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-21 | 1988-04-21 | 1988-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-21 | 1992-04-21 | 1992-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |