GB2291852A - Divided containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A container such as a can has individual compartments, which are pressurised or at atmospheric pressure, each of which contains a food or drink product. The compartments may be joined or bound together to provide an overall composite set or series of compartments, which may be separated at will for convenience. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION: ETHERCAN The modern day can is constructed from tin, aluminium, plastic or a combination of these or other materials and alloys. The "Ethercan" is the can to contain two or more products split internally. This can be achieved by pressure moulding separate sections and joining them together i.e. two crescent shaped cans joined to form a single can. Alternatively by inserting a dividing piece into a container, see Fig. 1 An example of the many uses of the "Ethercan" is to contain two different foodstuffs or liquids examples of such are listed below. Mixer drinks can also be accommodated for use on airlines and other retail outlets.

Cinzano/Lemcnade Rum/Coke Gin/Tonic Lemonade/Lemonad2 Lemonade/Orangeade Cola/Cherrycola etc. etc. .........

Also it may be desirable to drink only one portion of the "Ethercan" to keep the other side fresh for later consumption i.e. on a car journey or family outing. It will therefore be necessary to have two or more ring pulls to the top of the can.

It is also possible to use the "Ethercan" for food products and consumer durables i.e. to contain vegetables separately or sponge puddings and custard for example. The can could be divided into two, three or more sections for these purposes. The product could be used for microwave cooking, with lid arrangements to suit the product and ease of extracting the foodstuff.

See Fig. 2 for detals.

It is also possible to produce a can which can be separated with a fitting or connection in between i.e. male/female connection, bayonnet connection or taped. This would allow the separate parts of the can to be used independently. It is initially envisaged to produce the "Ethercan" in plastic with metal lid although other combinations of products can be used.

See Fig 3.

In addition to the above details the Ethercan could be made to include the following; square shaped, straws, foil push through opening instead cf ring pull, screw top, ease of separation of individual parts of the can

Claims (6)

1. CLAIMS 1. A can or container, in the shape of a cylinder, comprising two or more compartments, achieved by the use of one or more dividing pieces within the body of the container, to create separate compartments for the purpose of holding consumable liquids at atmospheric or forced pressure.
2. 2. A container such as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each part of the container whicb holds the drink is made as a single unit and joined or bound together to form a composite compartmented container.
3. 3. A container such as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 such that the individual compartments remain permanently joined.
4. 4. A container such as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 such that its individual compartments may be separated trom each other by removing the joining or binding material such as shrink wrapping, labels, ties or interlocking lugs.
5. 5. A container such as claimed in Claim 4 such that its individual compartments may be separated and re-joined.
6. 6. A container substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

   6. A container such as claimed in Claim 5 whereby the separate parts when joined form a non-cylindical shape.

   7. A container such as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 5 whereby one or more of the individual parts contain a food product.

   8. A container such as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 7 which is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven.

   i. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the individual contents of each compartment may be accessed by the use of ring pulls, push through foil, screw tops, straws or can openers.

   lu. A container substantially as described herein with reference to Figures i-o and Photographs 1-4 of the accompanying drawings and photographs.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Two independent semi-circular shaped containers (Figure 1: Parts A & B) are brought together on their longitudinal axis into contact with each other on their flat faces (Figure 2: Part C).

   Each individual semi-circular container may be released and separated from the other by the removal or breaking of the binding material such as shrink wrapping or labels.

   Each individual semi-circular container has its own opening and ring-pull which is fixed in position on the upper exposed surface as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The ring-pulls are fixed and do not revolve or rotate in any way.

   In their combined condition, each individual semi-circular container can be opened at the same time and different contents from each container poured out into a single vessel, for example, to provide mixed drinks.

   An empty individual semi-circular container can be released from the adjacent container to be disposed of, and the remaining container kept for later use.

   Each individual semi-circular container when separated from the other container may be kept comfortably in a pocket or handbag because its flat side shall make storage more convenient than a standard fully circular and cylindrical can.

   2. A container comprising two individual containers as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each individual container may be connected or reconnected by the use of interconnecting lugs.

   3. A container as claimed in Claim 1, or 2, wherein there are 3 or more individual containers.

   4. A container as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the individual containers contain a food product.

   5. A container as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the means of opening and accessing the contents is hy push-foil, opening lid or straws.