Beverage can marketing device with removable center cover

Abstract

A device that secures to a beverage can top includes a rim section that includes an inner edge that resides adjacent to the central panel of the can top. A central cover is secured to the can top at the inner edge of the rim section. The central cover extends over the top of a central panel of the can top and covers a tab and openable section of the can top. The central cover is removable from the rim section at a releasable boundary defined at the inner edge of the rim section. The underside of the central cover supports under-the-cover promotions that are not visible until removal of the central cover when the can is opened. When scannable codes are used, a computerized device can provide the GPS location of where the scan occurred to track GPS location of beverage can consumption by consumers and social media engagement.

Description

CLAIM TO BENEFIT OF EARLIER FILED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of earlier filed, co-pending, U.S. Provisional Application for Patent having Ser. No. 61 / 881,033, filed Sep. 23, 2013, entitled “Beverage Can Marketing Device With Removable Portion”, naming the same inventor as the present application. The entire disclosure, figures, photos, teachings and contents of the above-identified Patent Applications and or Issued Patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.Incorporation by Reference Filed Co-Pending Applications[0002]This application is related to the following earlier filed U.S. Applications for patent and / or issued patents, and shares common inventorship therewith:[0003]1) Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 254,274 filed in the U.S. Patent Office on Oct. 23, 2009 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS PROVIDING A CLEAN BEVERAGE CAN”, naming the same inventor as the present application.[0004]2) Provisional Application...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new technology for reducing debris on beverage cans and can tops. The technology aims to improve the design of conventional beverage cans, can tops, and methods of manufacture and use. The patent describes methods and apparatus for reducing the ability of the can top, rim, and upper can housing area to collect debris, thus providing a "clean can" technology. The patent also describes how the central cover can include visible branding content and how the central cover can secure to the can top using a tab connecting mechanism or by snapping onto the rim section of the can top. The technology also allows for the central cover to be thermoformed or injection molded directly onto the can top. Overall, the patent describes how to create beverage cans with improved design features that reduce the risk of health risks, cleanliness, and sanitary issues.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional beverage can and beverage can top configurations such as those described above suffer from a variety of deficiencies.

In particular, conventional beverage cans and beverage can tops such as the can 100 and can top 120 as shown in FIG. 1 are subject to contamination issues on their outer surfaces.

Exterior surfaces of conventional cans and can tops often become “dirty” or unsanitary from exposure to various environmental contaminants shortly after the canning process is complete.

Additionally, liquid consumed either directly or indirectly from conventional beverage cans may become contaminated from debris or bacteria on the can tops due to the design of conventional beverage cans and can top or lids.

In particular, after the can top and body manufacturing and / or canning process is complete, a conventional can and can top are often exposed to a variety of unsanitary environments.

Such unsanitary environments may exist during the conventional processes of can and / or can top manufacturing, filling (canning or bottling) / seaming, packaging and shipping, and while awaiting purchase by the consuming public (e.g., while sitting on supermarket shelves and / or in refrigerators or vending machines), and after purchase but before opening of a conventional can.

Images