SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY ADDING ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS THROUGH A SECONDARY COMPARTMENT TO A LIQUID BEVERAGE

Abstract

An apparatus and method for selectively adding additional ingredients, e.g., liquids or powders such as caffeine, vitamins, flavorings, supplements, to a liquid beverage in a container, the container includes at least one side portion, a bottom portion attached thereto, and a top portion attached to the at least one side portion, an opening mechanism for selective opening of a lid over an aperture, a first compartment located within the container and in fluid connection with the aperture, and at least one secondary compartment each having a top portion and a bottom portion located on the top portion of the container, wherein the at least one secondary compartment is external and adjacent to the first compartment; wherein pressure on the top portion of the at least one secondary compartment releases an ingredient from the at least one secondary compartment in the first compartment within the container.

Claims

1. An apparatus for selectively adding additional ingredients to a liquid beverage in a container, comprising: a container comprising a cylindrical sidewall, a first end and an opposing second end, said sidewall extending longitudinally between said first end and said second end, and said sidewall, first end, and second end defining an enclosed volume forming a first compartment configured to contain a fluid, said first end comprising a selectively openable aperture sealed by a closure member and configured to permit fluid egress from said first compartment when opened, said fluid compartment being pressurized; at least one secondary compartment disposed on said first end wall, said at least one secondary compartment defining a second enclosed volume and having a top portion exterior to said first compartment and an opposing bottom portion adjacent said first compartment, said bottom portion configured to rupture upon the application of a predetermined amount of force to said top portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said secondary compartment encloses an ingredient.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: water, caffeine, taurine, sugar, glucose, fructose, ginkgo biloba, carnitine, green tea extract, root extracts, plant extracts, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, silica, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, a preservative, ester gum, natural and artificial flavors, a natural or synthesized vitamin, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, chromium, pantothenic acid, cyanocobalamin, inositol, natural and artificial colors, a juice or juice concentrate, magnesium, glycerol, cannabis, cannabinoids (including CBD, THC, Delta 9), ginseng, guarana, botanicals, a supplement, L-Theanine, an amino or amino acid (in liquid or solid form), collagen, a vegetable, a fruit, an antioxidant, a carbohydrate, a protein, a metal ion, a yeast, a dairy product, fiber, a mushroom or mushroom extract (including mushrooms), psilocybin, microorganisms, bacteria, a probiotic, a prebiotic, and alcohol.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said closure member comprises a frangible panel, and a liftable tab is pivotably disposed adjacent said frangible panel, said liftable tab being operable to rupture said frangible panel when lifted, and said liftable tab, when pivoted, also being operable to rupture said bottom portion by applying said predetermined amount of force to said top portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a piercing element disposed within said at least one secondary compartment and positioned such that when said predetermined amount of force is applied to said top portion, said bottom portion is ruptured by said piercing element puncturing said bottom portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said piercing element is disposed on an interior wall of said top portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said piercing element is formed by a deformation of said top portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top portion comprises an anti-slip element.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said anti-slip element is selected from the group consisting of: a non-slip coating, at least one divot, a textured surface, a modified tab, a wall, a groove, a lip guard, and a curved surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion comprises a sanitary seal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said sanitary seal is comprised of at least one food-grade material.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said sanitary seal comprises a frangible wafer.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said sanitary seal is affixed to said first end via a sanitary seal seam.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said sanitary seal seam comprises at least one localized weak point.

15. The apparatus of claim of 14, where in a cross-sectional shape of said secondary compartment at a plane where said secondary compartment intersects with a top surface is generally in the configuration of a shape selected from the group consisting of: a crescent, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a triangle, a rhomboid, a kite, a square, a rectangle, a stadium, a circular segment, a concave polygon, an irregular polygon, a complex quadrilateral, and a trapezoid.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cross-sectional shape is combination of a plurality of shapes selected from said group.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said secondary compartment comprises at least one stress concentrator operable by pressure on said top portion to rupture said bottom portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said at least one stress concentrator is selected from the group consisting of: embossing; etching; notches; grooves; divots; segmented sections; asymmetric construction; coining; annealing; material thinning; scoring; creasing; variable thickness; flexure zones; sloped edges; surface texturing; hollows; voids; and pinching.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said sanitary seal comprises at least one raised portion sized, shaped, and disposed on said first end.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said secondary compartment generates an audible sound when deformed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like compartments throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale. Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a side view and a bottom view of a prior art container.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a prior art container.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a container having an illustrative but nonlimiting, secondary compartment having a semicircular shape that does not protrude over the upper ridge of the container.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a container, can, shown in FIG. 3 having an illustrative but nonlimiting, secondary compartment having a semicircular shape that does not protrude over the upper ridge of the container.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along Line 3-3 of FIG. 3 are shown along the bottom portion of the secondary compartment, which provides access to the first compartment of the container.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a top view a container showing the top portion of a secondary compartment partially extending the bottom portion of the secondary compartment of the container.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container, having a pressure point on a tab for applying pressure to the top portion of a secondary compartment and written instructions for the consumer.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the secondary compartment, which has a semicircular shape curved upward and a piercing element located therein for releasing ingredients into the first compartment of the container.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of the secondary compartment having a substantially level surface in relation to a top portion of the container having a piercing element located therein for releasing ingredients into the first compartment of the container.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a side view of five-secondary compartments with a top portion that includes a dimpled version, a divoted version, a curved surface version, and a version having a sound generator upon depression of the top portion of the container by the consumer.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage can with an oval shape that has a divot in the middle of it. It is also shown that this shape does not protrude over the upper ridge of the container.

[0045] FIG. 12 shows a view of a rectangular shape on a container lid having a custom aperture geometry to accommodate a secondary compartment.

[0046] FIG. 13 shows an aerial view of a crescent shape on a container lid.

[0047] FIG. 14 shows an aerial view of a crescent shape with a tiered stadium, defined as a rectangle with two opposite rounded edges, on top of it.

[0048] FIG. 15 shows a side view of a cylinder with a domed top that has coining at its base.

[0049] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a cylinder with a domed top that has had its walls redrawn and thinned and thickened in defined areas.

[0050] FIG. 17 shows a top and side view of a dome with a devoted irregularity on its surface.

[0051] FIG. 18 shows a top and side view of a dome that is ridged and has flex cutouts in the form of six circular channels.

[0052] FIG. 19 shows a top and side view of a dome with alternating circular arcs to create ridges.

[0053] FIG. 20 shows a top and side view of a rectangle with two opposing sides having a smooth slope and the other two opposing sides having a steeper slope.

[0054] FIG. 21 shows a top and side view of a cone with a flat top.

[0055] FIG. 22 shows a top and side view of a rectangle that has equal slopes on all sides.

[0056] FIG. 23 shows a top and side view of a thickened crescent shape that has equal slopes on all sides and a circumferential channel on its outer perimeter.

[0057] FIG. 24 shows a top view of an ellipse with a pinch short axis, elongated long axis, and divot in the middle.

[0058] FIG. 25 shows the underside view of an embodiment in which two secondary compartments have differing configurations, one of which is an ellipse with a pinch short axis, elongated long axis, and divot in the middle.

[0059] FIG. 26 shows the underside of a container lid that has a foil and patterned foil underside.

[0060] FIG. 27 shows the underside of a container lid that has a solid to semi-solid wafer underneath it.

[0061] FIG. 28 shows a lid having a non-uniform sanitary seal seam.

[0062] FIG. 29 shows a sanitary seal having three-dimensional geometries.

[0063] FIG. 30 shows a simplified aluminum lid manufacturing process.

[0064] FIG. 31 shows an embodiment of a secondary compartment geometry which, when deformed, produces a piercing element within the secondary compartment.

[0065] FIG. 32 shows various sanitary seal configurations and geometries.

[0066] An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within the isolated figure(s), the near-infinite distinct combinations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. No features shown or described are essential to permit the basic operation of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated. In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right, and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation. Additionally, dimensions that appear on the figures are for demonstrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Conventional components of the invention are elements that are well-known in the prior art and will not be discussed in detail for this disclosure.

[0068] At a high level of generality, the present disclosure describes various configurations and geometries of one or more enclosed compartments, which may be sanitarily sealed, formed on a can containing a liquid product, generally a carbonated beverage. There are a multitude of typical canned beverages, including, but not limited to, tea, water, fruit juice, soft drinks, energy drinks, and a full range of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The additional ingredients that may be desired in liquid, solid, powder or pill form may include, but are not limited to, water, caffeine, taurine, sugar, glucose, fructose, ginkgo biloba, carnitine, green tea extract, root extracts, plant extracts, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, silica, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, a preservative, ester gum, natural and artificial flavors, a natural or synthesized vitamin, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, chromium, pantothenic acid, cyanocobalamin, inositol, natural and artificial colors, a juice or juice concentrate, magnesium, glycerol, cannabis, cannabinoids (including CBD, THC, Delta 9), ginseng, guarana, botanicals, a supplement, L-Theanine, an amino or amino acid (in liquid or solid form), collagen, a vegetable, a fruit, an antioxidant, a carbohydrate, a protein, a metal ion, a yeast, a dairy product, fiber, a mushroom or mushroom extract (including mushrooms), psilocybin, microorganisms, bacteria, a probiotic, a prebiotic, alcohol, a fragrance. Mushrooms include, but are not limited to, functional mushroom compounds, psilocybin, and mushroom derived extracts. Additional ingredients can be in their natural form or synthetic equivalents. The contents may be included for their own inherent properties, but in an embodiment, may be included to produce a functional effect. Such functional effects may include, without limitation, flavor enhancement, ingredient masking or neutralization, infusion of ingredients, changes in pH, temperature modulation, carbonation adjustment, color change, foam generation or modification (such as reactions involving lecithin or saponin), protection of potency, luminescence, and hydrogen infusion.

[0069] When the secondary compartment is sufficiently deformed, it opens to release its contents into the interior of the container. These geometries may utilize unique combinations of shapes and stress concentrations in order to reduce the amount of forces to sufficiently deform the secondary compartment to induce the delivery of additional ingredients as described herein. As used herein, a compartment is a synonym for housing, capsule, container, or package. For sake of simplicity and clarity, this disclosure will generally refer to a and the secondary compartment, it being understood that this is a shorthand for at least one, or one or more, such secondary compartments. One or more such compartments may be disposed on the can, including on the can lid, using varying geometries, shapes, and configurations. These and other aspects are shown in the FIGS. and described in further detail herein.

[0070] This is only illustrative, but nonlimiting, since a wide variety of geometric shapes and structures will suffice as a compartment. The secondary compartment shape may be in the general shape or configuration of any one or more, or a combination of, a crescent, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a triangle, a rhomboid, a kite, a square, a rectangle, a stadium, a circular segment, a concave polygon, an irregular polygon, a complex quadrilateral, and a trapezoid.

[0071] In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, a container 100 is shown. The depicted container is a typical beverage can 100 having a cylindrical sidewall, a first end, and an opposing second end extending longitudinally between them, which define a hollow, generally cylindrical interior 101. In the depicted embodiment, the interior 101 is for storing a beverage but, as discussed elsewhere herein, this is not limiting and this disclosure is suitable for use with other types of containers. The interior 101 may be referred to herein as the first compartment101. The depicted embodiment may also comprise at least one illustrative, but nonlimiting, secondary compartment 102 mounted on the top portion 16. The container 100 can include sidewalls 14, and a bottom portion 12. However, this is by no means limiting and any of a wide variety of container shapes and materials can suffice. The depicted sidewalls 14, the bottom portion 12, and the top portion 16 are all circular, but this is again not limiting and other shapes may be used in alternative embodiments. The depicted can 100, is made of material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, plastic, or pulp.

[0072] The depicted top portion 16 includes a central rivet 22 that can secure an opening means, such as the depicted pull tab 20. Pull tab 20 can include attached and breakaway models. Upon activating the pull tab 20, an aperture or opening 18 is produced in the top portion 16. Prior to activating, the aperture 18 is sealed or closed by a closing member, such as (but not limited to) a frangible panel. Through this aperture or opening 18, the interior first compartment 101 of the can 100 a first compartment 101 in fluid connection with the aperture or opening 18. Typically, if the can 100 has been filled with the desired liquid, an amount of unused headspace remains in the first compartment 101. Particularly for carbonated beverages, this headspace may be pressurized to ensure that the carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other gas dissolved in the liquid remains dissolved. As discussed elsewhere herein, this pressurization helps to prevent premature, unintended opening of the secondary compartment 102. It is anticipated that many of these beverages, when thus contained, will be under a pressure exceeding one Atmosphere (1 atm). When the opening means 20 is activated, the resulting opening 18 places the first compartment 101 in fluid communication with the atmosphere, quickly releasing and equalizing the pressure within the first compartment 101. This in turn makes it easier for the consumer to open the secondary compartment 102 and release its contents into the stored fluid within the first compartment 101.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, in the depicted embodiment, the secondary compartment 102 has a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 111. The depicted secondary compartment 102 is disposed on the outer surface of the top portion 16 of the can 100, where the secondary compartment 102 is external and adjacent to the first compartment 101. When sufficient pressure is applied to the top portion 103 of the secondary compartment 102, the contents 99 located within the secondary compartment 102 are released through the bottom portion 111 into the first compartment 101. This is further shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, and further described elsewhere herein.

[0074] There is a wide variety of contents 99 that may be retained by the secondary compartment 102, in various states and configurations, including, but not necessarily limited to, liquids, solids, pills, powders, and/or combinations of one of more of these. Generally, the contents 99 are ingredients for mixing or dissolving with the beverage, but this is by no means limitation. Such contents 99 may include, but is not limited to, water, caffeine, taurine, sugar, glucose, fructose, ginkgo biloba, carnitine, green tea extract, root extracts, plant extracts, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, silica, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, a preservative, ester gum, natural and artificial flavors, a natural or synthesized vitamin, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, chromium, pantothenic acid, cyanocobalamin, inositol, natural and artificial colors, a juice or juice concentrate, magnesium, glycerol, cannabis, cannabinoids (including CBD, THC, Delta 9), ginseng, guarana, botanicals, a supplement, L-Theanine, an amino or amino acid (in liquid or solid form), collagen, a vegetable, a fruit, an antioxidant, a carbohydrate, a protein, a metal ion, a yeast, a dairy product, fiber, a mushroom or mushroom extract (including mushrooms), psilocybin, microorganisms, bacteria, a probiotic, a prebiotic, alcohol, a fragrance. The contents may be in any state of matter or form (e.g., solid, liquid, gas) and/or form factor (solid, powder, pill, capsule, etc.), Any ingredient capable of being stored and released from the secondary compartment may be used, but will generally be readily mixable with the beverage in question, and may have other characteristics for further processing and stability in storage and shipping, such a sufficient shelf life commensurate with that of the beverage, and temperature tolerances suitable for commercial distribution and retail environments.

[0075] To account for potential variation in ingredient volume, in an embodiment, the secondary compartment 102 may be intentionally or unintentionally overfilled or underfilled. Such deviations may arise from manufacturing tolerances, formulation adjustments, or design choices intended to influence the rate, timing, or completeness of ingredient release into the beverage. The system may accommodate these variations without compromising functionality.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8, the depicted top portion 103 protects and secures the contents 99. The depicted top portion 103 may also be referred to informally as blister. A wide variety of materials can form this top portion 103, including but not limited to, aluminum, aluminum foil, PVC, BPA, BPANI, Epoxy, resin, PE, PP, Vinyl, or Nylon.

[0077] In the depicted embodiments, when the can 100 is closed and sealed (i.e., prior to opening by the consumer), its contents are generally pressurized. This increased pressure within the can 100 is helpful to maintain the contents 99 within the secondary compartment 102 rather than being released into the first compartment 101 accidentally or unintentionally. When the tab 20 is pulled (and/or another opening means is operated), the resulting aperture or opening 18 provides a fluid pathway to the atmosphere which quickly equalizes the pressure. In the depicted embodiment, a securing portion 23 in the top portion 16 of the can 100 for the central rivet 22 is shown.

[0078] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, the bottom portion 111 comprises a material that secures the contents 99 within the secondary compartment 102. Upon application of sufficient pressure to the top portion 103 of the secondary compartment 102, the bottom portion 111 breaks or ruptures, causing the interior of the secondary compartment 102 to be in fluid communication with the first compartment 101. Assuming the can 100 is held at a typical orientation, gravity and/or the force of the pressure applied to the top portion 103 will cause the contents 99 (or other content) of the secondary compartment 102 to be released into, or exposed to, the first compartment 101, where it can interact with the contents of the first compartment 101. As noted elsewhere herein, this release is inhibited while the can 100 is sealed, due to the pressurized interior, but the upward pressure against the bottom portion 111 applied by a pressurized interior is released when the aperture or opening 18 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. In an embodiment including a sanitary seal 119, this pressure may be applied to the sanitary seal 119 and may further assist with adhesion.

[0079] The depicted bottom portion 111 may have a wide variety of shapes and configurations that facilitate the bottom portion 111 to be broken and release the contents 99 into the first compartment 101. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, four such secondary compartments 102 are shown. This is illustrative only, and nonlimiting. Three of the depicted secondary compartments 102 have circular openings 110 and one is rectangular 112. The rupture of the secondary compartment 102 may be effected by various means, including but not limited to one or more of: a frangible material, a plurality of intersecting perforations or predefined weakened regions 114, adjacent portions of the compartment configured for direct mechanical interaction, and/or incorporation of a valve-type mechanism 118 to facilitate controlled release. Generally, the bottom portion 111 is configured to rupture under certain predetermined conditions. For example, it may be designed such that, when the can 100 interior is not pressurized, the bottom portion 111 will rupture upon application of a predetermined minimum amount of force applied to the top portion 103. This amount of force will preferably be an ergonomically determined amount based on how much force a typical consumer can comfortably apply and may be determined experimentally. Also, and preferably, when the interior of the can 100 is pressurized, the bottom portion 111 will resist rupture for amounts of force below a second, higher threshold, this second threshold being selected to exceed the ordinary and incidental forces the product is likely to experience during typical packing, distribution, retail, transportation, and storage. By way of example and not limitation, where the bottom portion 111 is from a frangible material, the material and its thickness, composition, and structural characteristics may be selected to achieve one or both of these force-dependent rupture behaviors. A wide variety of materials can be utilized for the bottom portion 111 of the secondary compartment 102. Nonlimiting examples include BPA, plastic, or aluminum.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the can 200 comprises at least one secondary compartment 202 mounted substantially level, or below, the plane of the top of the container 200, as shown in the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 9. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the depicted embodiment shares various other characteristics of the first embodiment, including those described elsewhere herein.

[0081] With both the first embodiment 100 and the second embodiment 200, the top portion 103 of the secondary compartment 102 or 202, as shown in FIG. 10 for the first embodiment 100, may comprise an anti-slip surface, which may include a non-slip coating, divot(s) 210, dimpled 212, or curved surface 216 or written instructions for the consumer 104, as shown in FIG. 7, among other features to facilitate consumer use and safety.

[0082] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 8, a sanitary seal 119 is shown, and can be used to protect from germs and contamination of the contents 99 prior to release into the first compartment 101. As used herein, the term sanitary seal 119 refers to the material or combination of materials that separate the contents of the first compartment 101 from the contents of the secondary compartment 102. The sanitary seal seam refers to the area of contact or bonding between the sanitary seal 119 and the can lid 16. The sanitary seal 119 may be composed of one or more materials and will generally be made from a food-grade material. However, in some embodiments, a food-grade material may not be necessary, and other, non-food-grade alternatives may be used. Examples of suitable materials include, without limitation, aluminum, aluminum composites, PVC, BPA, BPANI, epoxy, resin, PE, PE foil, PET, PP, vinyl, nylon, or other food-grade or non-food-grade alternatives. The sanitary seal 119 may also exhibit isotropic, anisotropic, orthotropic, or transversely isotropic material properties. These properties are selected to ensure the seal 119 can resist upward forces from internal pressure while still rupturing or deforming in response to the lower localized force generated when the secondary compartment 102 is compressed. It will be understood that where an embodiment includes a sanitary seal 119, the sanitary seal may be an additional component that covers the bottom potion 111. However, in certain embodiments, the sanitary seal 119 may comprise the bottom portion 111. For such embodiments, references to the bottom portion 111 will be understood as also referring to the sanitary seal 119, and references to the sanitary 119 will be understood as also referring to the bottom portion 111, throughout this disclosure.

[0083] Generally, the secondary compartments 102 will be disposed on the lid 16, generally between the outer circumference and the pull-tab (or other opening means) 22 and main aperture 18 through which the consumer consumers the liquid stored within. Most existing can designs have a sufficient surface area of unused space between these structures to accommodate at least one, and often multiple, secondary compartments 102. The secondary compartment(s) 102 may use all or only some of that space, on one or multiple sides.

[0084] Alternatively, redesigning aperture designs, layouts, and aperture placement along with scoring lines could accommodate larger geometries that may not comfortably fit existing can configurations, allowing higher internal volumes or more gradual slopes, which could reduce required deformation force and increase sanitary seal seam areas and expansion zones. Additionally drink aperture venting channels and support indentations may be adjusted to provide for optimal placement of an at least one secondary compartment. Tab placement may also be adjusted to accommodate a secondary compartment. The compartments described herein may also be utilized as elements for existing functional elements of cans, including, but not necessarily limited to, recycling incisions, Braille, chuck walls, countersink gaps, and scoring lines. In some embodiments, the compartments may not contain a payload at all, but rather may be empty or solid, providing an aesthetic, audible, or tactile experience for the consumers.

[0085] It is generally desirable to select configuration(s) of the secondary compartment(s) 102 to achieve a shape that deforms under low pressures and has a large internal volume. Varying types of shapes have their own unique properties that not only give them their visible appearance but also impart structural characteristics that can be utilized and combined to create geometries that fit desired deformation and crumpling parameters. More specifically, these shapes can be manipulated to deform when relatively low forces are applied, despite the use of a strong material (e.g., aluminum). Thus, a person is able to deform them with relatively low force applied by the finger or thumb. Geometries can be combined with one or more structural weakening methods. Embossing or etching can create stress concentrators on the interior or exterior of a shape that causes localized weak points. Notches and grooves may also aid in a concentration of stresses onto weak points that aid in deformation. A divot partially or across at least one axis can further create weakened stress properties. Various other grooves, such as vertical grooves, cross-hatched grooves, wavy grooves, or combinations of such features, can accomplish a similar goal of weakening the structure. Moreover, shapes with combinations of segmented sections that divide the shape into vertical or horizontal tiered regions with thin walls, and elliptical variations of shapes stretched along one axis. Shapes may also be pinched along at least one axis. Asymmetric shifting of vertexes so as to slant one side, also provides unique stress properties. Other construction techniques include material thinning, scoring, creasing, variable thickness, flexure zones, annealing (to alter material hardness and facilitate deformation), surface texturing, and the use of internal hollows or voids. In some embodiments, the shape may be configured to fully collapse or snap through, thereby expelling its contents through a sanitary seal 119. In other embodiments, the shape may deform partially, generating sufficient pressure or displacement to rupture or breach the sanitary seal 119 that separates the compartment's contents from the main beverage. Deformation may also transfer force to surrounding structures, causing failure at the sanitary seal seam. These and other techniques may be used, alone in combination, in an embodiment.

[0086] It is desirable that the secondary compartment 102 ruptures under certain conditions in particular when the can 100 is not pressurized, the secondary compartment 102 should rupture upon application of a certain minimum amount of user applied force to the exterior. As used herein, the term rupture means that at least some of the bottom portion of the secondary compartment opens, breaks, tears, dislodges, separates, or otherwise undergoes an alteration in physical structure or configuration that causes the interior of the secondary compartment to be in fluid communication with the first compartment within the can interior. This force may be applied directly by the user (e.g., using a finger or thumb) or with the additional leverage of other features described elsewhere herein. The amount of required force may vary across embodiments but is typically selected based on ergonomic consideration, that is, how much force a typical consumer can comfortably apply under normal conditions and whether additional leverage will be available. Conversely, when the first compartment 101 is pressurized, it is desirable for the secondary compartment 102 to resist rupture unless a higher threshold of force is applied. This second threshold is preferably selected to exceed the ordinary and incidental forces the sealed can 100 may experience during its product life cycle, including further processing, packing, shipping, distribution, retail display, transportation, and storage. The internal pressurization of the can 100 provides counteracting forces that help inhibit rupture, and those forces are relieved once the can 100 is opened and the internal pressure equalizes with atmospheric pressure.

[0087] There are various challenges in the chain of events required to initiate a break in the sanitary seal 119 or sanitary seal seam include the secondary compartment not containing enough contents to transfer the deforming pressure from the lid body onto the seal, as well as the lid not experiencing enough user pressure to deform completely and the lid 16 body is unable to make contact with sanitary seal 119, or transfer enough force to rupture the sanitary seal 119 or sanitary seal seam. It will be understood that quality control measures may be used, including photo inspections and verifying the weight of secondary compartments 102 at various stages, such as when empty, after filling, and after sealing. These checks can help ensure consistent ingredient dosing, detect filling errors, and confirm proper sealing during manufacturing.

[0088] In an embodiment, the sanitary seal 119 may be a sculpted element. Sculpting, referring to shaping or contouring the sanitary seal 119 to include features such as recesses, ridges, curves, or variable thicknesses in multiple dimensions, may be used to accommodate unusual or difficult geometries associated with the secondary compartment 102, and may enhance fit or sealing performance, facilitate controlled rupture or disintegration, or facilitate the integration of functional elements such as weak points or other stress and/or force concentrators.

[0089] In an embodiment, the breakthrough or rupture behavior of the bottom portion 111 is achieved, in whole or in part, by use of a piercing element 208. An illustrative, nonlimiting example is shown in FIG. 8. Any of the wide variety of needles, pins, and so forth can be utilized to facilitate breakthroughs. The depicted piercing element 208, preferably, but not necessarily, can be fixedly attached to the top portion 103 of the secondary compartment 102. This is especially helpful in embodiments in which the bottom portion 111 comprises a sanitary seal 119 Fixed piercing elements 208 may be attached to the underside of the top portion 103 (i.e., product-facing side) of the secondary compartment 102. This surface may be prepared, an adhesive applied, and the point attached, and time or a curing process to affix the two. The secondary compartment 102 may have an area dedicated or stamped onto it or have a geometry that accommodates a flat surface for point bonding. Fixed piercing elements 208 may also be attached to the sanitary seal 119.

[0090] Optimizing a geometry that requires minimal force to deform and contains enough internal volume to hold contents poses a challenge in sealing the container 100. As mentioned, these uniquely designed shapes may not completely snap through, rather the shapes may deform by bending on an end or middle, deform the surrounding can lid 16, or, during deforming, may apply pressure to the contents inside the secondary container 102 and thus onto the sanitary seal 119 resulting in a rupture. By deforming, pressure will be applied onto the sanitary seal 119 and sanitary seal seam, which will result in the sanitary seal 119 or sanitary seal seam breaking and the contents of the secondary compartment 102 being able to come into contact, potentially with a beverage, in the main compartment 101.

[0091] The secondary compartment's 102 shape could feature a divot or geometry that when force was applied to the exterior surface of the top portion 103 (i.e., public-facing side) of the secondary compartment 102, the secondary compartment 102 pinches in the middle, creating a point that forms and makes contact with the sanitary seal 119 or sanitary seal seam 119. An element of the secondary compartment 102 could be during deformation; the shape creates a point 208 on the product facing side. Piercing elements 208 of this nature may be movements of the lid 16 or attached components such as a plastic piercing element. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 31.

[0092] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 11, the depicted top portion 103 may comprise a divot or cutout 305 for finger placement to allow for optimal force application and prevent fingers from sliding on a potentially moist surface. Divots or cutouts may be sunken shapes on top of other geometries, such that a crescent has a sunken stadium in the middle. Moreover, referring again to FIG. 10, the depicted top portion 103 can generate a sound 218, may have a sound-producing mechanism 219, or may provide a tactile sensation 214. The first embodiment 100 is shown as an illustrative but nonlimiting embodiment only, with these features applicable also to the second embodiment 200.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is depicted a tab 20 that includes a pressure point 206 that can pivot on the central rivet 22 and position over the top portion 103, providing additional assistance to push the contents 99 through the bottom portion of the second component 102 or 202 to dispense inside the first component 101 of the can 100 or 200. In an embodiment, the tab can be pivoted to apply pressure to the top portion 103 of the secondary compartment 102. In another embodiment, the tab and/or secondary compartment 102 may comprise at least one feature from the group consisting of: an anti-slip coating, a directional arrow, a groove to promote finger placement, an alignment arrow, a strengthened rivet, a strengthened tab body securing the tab to the rivet, a strengthened can lid base around the rivet, a groove to promote at least one secondary compartment contact, and a method of acting as a lever to apply force to an at least one secondary compartment 102. In an embodiment, the tab may comprise a protective shield. This protective shield may cover the aperture hole and sharp areas on an opened can 100 to protect the user from being accidentally cut, while the user is deforming the secondary compartment 102.

[0094] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 11, the secondary compartment 103 shaped on the can lid body 312 does not protrude over the top circular rim of a seamed can and lid body 301. A slanted surface 303 is depicted disposed below the circular rim and the lid body 301. These shapes are configured to enclose ingredients that can be selectively released into a liquid beverage upon the application of sufficient force.

[0095] Various shapes, geometries, and configurations of the secondary compartment 103 are suitable for achieving the rupturing function. Such configurations include, without limitation, the use of a single, or combination of a wide variety of unique, stress concentrators, curvatures, surface adjustments and structural adjustments to aid in and trigger deforming. One possible geometry for the secondary compartment 103 is an elongated ellipse with a pinched short axis 302 and cross-sectional removed divot 304 at about a mid-point 305. This divot 304 also provides an area where users can conveniently place a digit to apply pressure and reduce the likelihood of slippage. The depicted central divot 304 has stress-concentrating ends, which provide an effective crumple zone for the entire shape to deform and be displaced with a removed cross-section that provides a band and digit placement groove 305. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 24, the hourglass tapering of the short axis 333 for the secondary compartment 103 further concentrates stress and aids in shape deformation. The elongated long axes 302 and 333 facilitate extending the shape so it will be weaker in the middle. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 12, conventional shapes, such as rectangles 306, provide the added advantage of having a large internal volume and sufficient space on their exterior surfaces for a user to have more room to receive a digit to push on the secondary compartment 103. As can be seen in this embodiment, the configuration of the other elements on the lid may vary to accommodate the secondary compartment geometry, such as by altering the dimensions or placement of other can elements or providing for an asymmetric configuration.

[0096] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 13, the secondary compartment 103 is shown as having a generally crescent shape 307. Thie depicted crescent shape 307 increases available surface area on a large aperture opening can lid and may comprise pointed 308 opposing ends to further facilitate the concentration of stresses. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 20, slopes for the secondary compartment 103 are shown. The secondary compartment 103 can be manipulated to have a gradual sloped edge 326 or a steeper sloped edge 327. Combinations of these two types of slopes may reduce the force required to deform the secondary compartment 103. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 14, a recess generally in the configuration of an arena 309 is placed on top of a crescent shape with ridges 310. Combining shapes may facilitate strengthening the secondary compartment 103 to inhibit accidentally discharge of the contents, increase internal volume, and facilitate intentional discharge. The arena shape 309 provides the user with a visually and tactilely identifiable target area to apply pressure to rupture the blister.

[0097] These and other geometries may be achieved via one or several die-stamping steps.

[0098] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 15, the secondary compartment 103 comprises a cylindrical sidewall 313 supporting a domed apex 314. The depicted embodiment comprises a thin, tapering thickness 318 on the cylindrical sidewall 313. The depicted secondary compartment 103 is disposed on top of a coined base of the cylinder 311 on the can lid body 312. Coining the area at the base penetrates into the material and scores the surface, which promotes crumpling. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 16, the secondary compartment 103 comprises a combination of tiered layers, listed in order of top-down: a thickened tier 315, a thinned tier 316, and a thickened (at a different or similar thickness to thickened tier 315) tier 317. Combinations of thinner and thicker tiers may promote the yielding of sidewalls 313 during deforming. Construction of such a shape could be done by initially stamping the out the desired dome and then stamping it a second, third, or fourth time to redraw the sides, which would thin them out.

[0099] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 17, a dome 319 of the secondary compartment 103 is shown having a single irregularity 320 which may introduce non-localized support that aids in deforming. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19, a ridged dome 322 is shown with circulating arcs 323 combined with vertical cutout channels 321, a combination of stress concentrators that weaken a nominal dome. The depicted ridge peaks 324 and ridge troughs 325 create an interplay of stronger and weaker areas to aid in crumpling. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 21, a conical shape 329 is shown which, when depressed, may have beneficial sidewall-yielding properties. Since a nominal cone has a step and pointed apex, a flat surface can be utilized at the apex 328 to provide a target area for the user to apply rupture pressure.

[0100] In another embodiment, such as that depicted in FIG. 22, the secondary compartment 103 includes equally sloped sides 330. In a further embodiment, such as that depicted in FIG. 23, the ends of the crescent shape comprise a bulging slope 331, which increases internal volume. The depicted embodiment further comprises a channel or divot 332 disposed around some or all of the perimeter to provide a buckling area, or to strengthen a specific portion of the can while weakening another. In another embodiment, such as that depicted in FIG. 25, the geometry may comprise a combination of small 337 and large cavities 336. In the depicted embodiment, the lid comprises two secondary compartments that have differing configurations, one of which is an ellipse with a pinch short axis, elongated long axis, and divot in the middle, and the other of which is a single, smaller compartment 337. This facilitates the selective disposal of differing amounts of an ingredient or content, and/or different ingredients that may be preferably provided in different dosages or quantities. On the underside, the geometries may have jut-outs in the material, which creates smaller cavities. The geometries can also be created and utilized to increase the contact surface for a sanitary seal to improve retention. A sanitary seal may make use of the lid wall 338 for added surface area contact. Geometries may also be slanted and shaped in a way that promotes slipping away from the aperture, which may be sharp when opened. Slipping away from the aperture may comprise, but is not necessarily limited to, heading in the direction of the countersink wall and can tab. In an embodiment, the can may comprise a protective device, similar to a lip guard, to inhibit unintended finger contact with sharp areas, such as through slippage. The protective guard may serve other purposes as well, including improved finger alignment, aesthetic, or force multiplying, stress-and/or force-concentrating, or transferring effects.

[0101] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 26, a sanitary seal, e.g., foil, for the secondary compartment 103 may be disposed on the underside of the lid and adhered to the bottom of the blister. This seal may comprise perforations 339 or other meshing or patterns to aid in rupturing. The adhered seal may cover the entire bottom profile of the blister 341 and may adhere to the can lid 340 around the perimeter of the blister. In the depicted embodiment, the sanitary seal seam is seen to generally adhere to the contour and outline of the bottom portion of the secondary compartment, but this is by no means limiting. For example, if the depicted seals are applied to the embodiment of FIG. 25, the sanitary seal seam may have a connection geometry that differs from the outline of the bottom portion.

[0102] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 27, a sanitary seal 119 may be derived from a frangible material wafer 342. The wafer may have low elasticity and fracture upon the application of concentrated stress, force, or pressure. This frangible material may be adhered around the edges 343 to the can lid for the secondary compartment 103.

[0103] In an embodiment, a can lid may comprise a different layout of an aperture opening 348 that may require creating different size end panels 347 and/or disposition of a rivet 350 and pull tab 344. The depicted embodiment further comprises a main scoring line 345, an anti-fracturing scoring line 346, and a countersink 349. Also, in an embodiment, a can lid comprises a countersink groove 355 that creates a countersink wall 356, which has a different angle depending on the can design and an outer countersink wall 354. A curled radius 351 may be filled with a rubber-like substance 357 to promote a hermetic seal during seaming.

[0104] The structures and geometries described herein to form secondary compartments on a can lid may be formed during the stamping process. Referring to FIG. 30, an embodiment of a method for producing a can is shown, including stamping second compartment(s) 103. This step may be performed during the existing stamping process 359 or may be added as one or more additional extra steps 358.

[0105] When these shapes are stamped, it may occur in one or more multiple phases, depending on the particular geometry. By way of example and not limitation, a secondary compartment 102 could be stamped when the initial aluminum sheet is stamped, creating a circular disk, countersink groove 355, and a curled edge 351. Secondly, stamping additional geometries may follow stamping of the countersink groove of the curled edge and occur with its own die. Third, stamping an additional geometry could occur during the stamping of a rivet 350, scoring line 345, anti-fracture line 346, and aperture 348. Finally, geometries could be added after the stay-on pull tab 22 or ring pull tab 22 has been riveted on. Each of these separate events may involve changing existing tooling and potentially adding more machines to production lines, each with its own costs and benefits. The number and order of such stamping processes will inherently vary from embodiment to embodiment depending on the specific geometry and techniques necessary to form the geometry in question on the can lid 16. The knowledge and skill to plan and carry out such stamping processes is within the skill of, and known to, a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0106] Stamping a secondary compartment's 102 geometry may occur in two categories: during an existing stamping operation 359 or adding a new stamping operation 358. Conducting stamping later in the existing line stamping process may reduce the tooling and machinery additions or changes necessary to produce the lids. Changing an existing stamping operation 359 may require new die heads and other tooling, while adding a new step 358 between existing steps may require changing manufacturing line ordering and required machinery. In an embodiment, cans without secondary compartments 102 may also be re-stamped to create lids with secondary compartments 102.

[0107] Can lids that have a secondary compartment 102 differ from conventional beverage can lids because they have top profiles that create new plural spaces and new contact points. Such shapes may impact how lids 16 are seamed onto beverage can 100 bodies. Modified seaming chucks, which include voids or longer sidewalls to allow the seaming chuck to reach the designated grove on the lid 22, called a countersink 355, while leaving enough space to leave clearance for the apex of the secondary compartment 102 may be required. Additionally, custom tooling may be required to stamp can lids beyond the three most common can sidewall profiles known in the industry as B64, CDL, and Super End. Moreover, special considerations, such as transporting lids on their edges, may have to be taken when conveying can lids which have filled at least one secondary compartments. Can lids with secondary compartments 102 may have altered centers of gravity that can cause them to be more susceptible to tipping, flipping over, and/or jamming or disrupting the normal operation of production and seaming equipment. In an embodiment, the secondary compartment 102 is counterbalanced, such as with another shape or an added mass.

[0108] Another aspect of the method of producing the cans 108 is sealing the secondary compartments from the internal contents held within the rest of the can 108. Potential methods for such sealing may include hot foiling and cold foiling. A process of hot foiling may involve dispensing a sanitary seal 119 over the surface, followed by a custom die that stamps the sanitary seal 119 with a combination of heat and pressure to adhere the now die-cut sanitary seal 119 to the desired surface. Meanwhile, cold foiling involves dispensing a sanitary seal 119 that has a UV adhesive on the side that makes contact with the desired surface, and a pressure roller seals the foil onto the surface before UV or LED lights cure the adhesive and lock in the contents of the compartment. Hot foiling may also melt the sanitary seal 119 itself forming a bond. The sanitary seals 119 in this process can come off a uniform sheet, from pre-shaped seals which are daisy-chained together, and from individual die cut shapes.

[0109] If the sanitary seal 119 is to be made from aluminum, there are two main categories of aluminum foils that may be used. Hard aluminum foil has a small stretching force, which provides the advantage that it can break with lower forces compared to the alternative soft aluminum foil. More force is required to break soft aluminum foil because it has a higher stretching force since it may be comprised of aluminum backed with paper, PET, or similar material.

[0110] Both hard and soft aluminum foils and other sanitary seals 119 may take advantage of a heat seal lacquer to be applied to the foil and eventually make contact with the aluminum can lid 16. Additionally in both applications, utilizing a double coating of a heat seal primer and a heat seal lacquer or combination thereon can assure secure adhesion of the heat-sealing lacquer to the foil and the container thereafter. Components applied additionally to the sanitary seal 119 itself can have various color pigments for decorative, functional food preservative, stock keeping unit identification, or similar required purposes.

[0111] Moreover, in order to expand the types of contents that can be contained by the sanitary seal 119 with one side facing the small secondary compartment 102 and the other facing the primary compartment 101 (product side), the foil may need to be coated with a specific liner on one or both sides such as PVC, BPA, BPANI, Epoxy, resin, PE, PE Foil, PP, Vinyl, Nylon, or similar food or nonfood grade substitute to be able to withstand physical properties such as pH, carbonation, or other reactivity of contents on both the top and underside of the sanitary seal 119. These may be applied as a spray or pre-coated onto the sanitary seal 119 material during construction or after. Changes in these processes may require added time for baking or curing.

[0112] Existing beverage cans 108 and lids 16 may currently use such coatings to prevent corrosion, discoloration, contamination, and flavoring of beverages as a result of their reaction with aluminum, steel, and types of plastic that form the beverage compartment 101. Can coatings are applied via spray following the cupping and drawing process. The coating is then baked on or given adequate time to cure, and the can bodies continue onto trimming and necking. Coatings may also be applied to the aluminum coils before manufacturing the can body or can lid begins.

[0113] Specialized coatings on the product side of a secondary compartment 102 may provide important protection against food degradation. The secondary compartment 102 allows for greater control of cannabinoids in beverages. Cannabinoid potency loss occurs in aluminum cans. This may result from hydrophobic liners being used to coat aluminum cans and the hydrophobic properties of cannabinoids. Under pressure, the coatings and the oils may attract and may be absorbed into the coatings on the can wall. Or the cannabinoids may crystallize naturally or as a result of the canned environment, pressures, or refrigeration. The impact is a loss in potency over time, which may lead to inconsistent labeling, dissatisfied customers, and the potential need for product recalls. This may also cause cannabinoid beverages to be given higher doses of cannabinoids to combat potency loss. The secondary compartment 102 may help solve this issue by having less surface area for reactions between traditional aluminum can coatings and cannabinoids. Also, the secondary compartment 102 can be applied with specialized coatings that are designed for cannabinoids and similar substances where reactivity is an issue. The secondary compartment 102 can also have different internal pressures as compared to the main beverage compartment 101. Also, being able to have lids 16 with dedicated cannabinoid coatings would reduce the need for manufacturers and bottlers to have to carry specific cans with special coatings that may be more expensive compared to traditional cans. Unlike cans, can lids require less surface area to coat and can also be easily switched out as they are often loaded manually into seaming machines instead of automated can de-palletizers. Additionally, the secondary compartment 102 may also hold a cannabinoid or cannabinoid emulsification in a liquid, powder, or solid form that is physically separated from the rest of the beverage.

[0114] Another solution involves pressing the ingredient contents under high forces so as to solidify them into a pill in the shape of the secondary compartment 102. This would facilitate the consistent transfer of the pressure is consistently transferred when deforming the lid 22 shape and, thus, onto the sanitary seal 119, resulting in a break. Furthermore, these pill shapes can take advantage of freeze-dried tableting technology. One such method of freeze-dried tableting consists of dissolving or dispersing mixtures, solids, or particles of a component into water or other suitable solvent and then placing the solution into a mold. The mold is then freeze-dried to remove the water, and the result is a very porous, fast, dissolving, orally disintegrating tablet in the shape of the mold. A similar process can be used to cause tablets located in the secondary compartment 102 to dissolve rapidly when they may contact a beverage so as to avoid potential choking concerns as well as to ensure product freshness since liquids are removed. Freeze-dried and compressed tablets may also tightly fit within the secondary compartment's 102 geometry, which would take up a majority of the volume, displace air, create less movement, more efficient force transfer onto the sanitary seal 119, and control for moisture. Simply freezing liquid ingredients into the shape of the secondary compartment 102 may also provide handling and sealing benefits. These frozen liquid ingredients could melt into shape. Anti-caking and desiccant agents such as silica may be added to powdered or pill forms of ingredients that are contained in the secondary compartment to improve texture, remove water, extend shelf life, and inhibit clumping.

[0115] Moreover, if using solidified edible components as an embodiment of a functional piercing element is not desirable, placing compressed layers of components on top of one another may aid in force transfer and rapid disintegration upon liquid contact. If a single compressed or freeze-dried tablet is not optimal for a particular application, a combination of a harder-dissolving solid component and a powder or liquid can be used instead. These components may be arranged side by side or stacked, allowing the solid, the liquid, or both together to rupture the sanitary seal 119 and begin dissolving upon contact with the beverage. If using a solid edible component as a piercing element is not desirable, layering compressed components on top of one another can aid in force transfer and promote rapid disintegration upon contact with liquid.

[0116] A multi-layer sanitary seal may contain layers or materials which may be described as hard and soft relative to other functional or aesthetic layers. Creation of a multi-layer sanitary seal may involve extrusion and co-extrusion. In order to be suited for the internal can environment, where carbonation pressures, fluid contact, and cold or hot environments may be present, a sanitary seal material may have multiple attributes. A multi-layer sanitary seal may combine several different materials for functional or aesthetic purposes. One non-limiting example is where one material adds strength, another blocks moisture, and another protects against abrasion. Combinations of materials may be selected from, but are not limited to, the group consisting of resins, ionomers, biaxially oriented polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, aluminum foil, polyethylene terephthalate, axially oriented sanitary seal materials, and other similar food-grade or non-food-grade materials or substitutes. Non-food-grade materials may be encapsulated by layers of food-grade materials. A multi-layer sanitary seal may contain layers or materials that are hard and soft relative to one another. The creation of a multi-layer sanitary seal may involve extrusion, co-extrusion, or orientation processes, including axial orientation, to enhance mechanical or barrier properties. Axial orientation may be used to increase tensile strength, control tear direction, or improve seal performance along a specific axis of the component.

[0117] An additional challenge in sealing onto aluminum can lids is that achieving deformation under the relatively low force a person can apply with a fingertypically less than about 10 pounds of force (lbf)may require a nontraditional geometry. Furthermore, the shape of the can lid itself having a raised outer perimeter may pose a difficult challenge for being able to apply an aluminum, aluminum composite, or other material from a roll because of challenges posed by having a die stamp roller efficiently contact between two higher points. These points being both sides of the internal beverage facing the can rim if the lid is faced down with the tab (public side) towards the ground. Potential ways to circumvent this issue may include using a more vertical die stamping process so the sanitary seal and die outline make immediate circumferential contact with the can lid. Another solution may also include having precut foils or other types of sanitary seals to have an adhesive applied before they are applied onto the can lid as if they were a sticker. Another solution may include foils and other types of sanitary seals being precut and already having a heat seal lacquer, UV curable, or LED curable agent applied uniformly or non-uniformly or in a specific pattern before being placed onto the can lid and heated or activated.

[0118] Yet another challenge of this type of application is both sealing aluminum to aluminum in addition to generally bonding to aluminum. Aluminum is a reactive metal that forms a layer of aluminum oxide that impacts the strength of bonds. As a result, this oxide layer may need to be removed before a bonding process can begin. Surface preparation, in addition to priming, may include creating an abrasive surface by scoring or etching a pattern onto the can lid 16 in strategic areas to increase adhesive surface area. Also, precutting or indenting channels during the can lid 16 die stamping process may increase surface area and create an adhesive containment area for adhering the foil or other sanitary seal material type to the aluminum can lids 16. Lids may need to be vibrated, rotated, blotted, brushed or washed with compressed air or water to remove potential surface containments. Furthermore, sustained mechanical pressure may be required for a yet-to-be-determined period of time in order to promote successful bonding of the sanitary seal and the can lid. To further aid in adhesion, the foil or other sanitary seal type and lid either together or separately may be preheated to a designated optimal temperature to promote better bonding.

[0119] Addressing the surface bonding issue can be solved potentially by coating the aluminum can lid with a composite that sanitary seal materials and adhesives or lacquers form a stronger bond than with traditional aluminum alone. Most can lids in the market today have their product facing sides coated with a varnish or protective layer to prevent drink degradation. However, these coatings may not have to be present in order for proper adhesion between a sanitary seal 119 and the aluminum can lid 16. After bonding, the sanitary seal 119 and aluminum can lid 16 could then be applied with such coatings. In addition to following a similar application process as the previously mentioned foils and sanitary seals 119, these materials can potentially be sprayed onto the contents of the secondary compartment 102 as a coating or varnish. However, a sprayed solution may create cross-contamination and seal integrity issues as second compartment's 102 contents may absorb the coating.

[0120] Alternatively, coated, uncoated, backed, and unbacked aluminum foils have their own handling and bonding downsides that can be addressed by other sanitary seal materials such as but not limited to PVC, BPA, BPANI, Epoxy, resin, PE, PP, Vinyl, or Nylon. While there are many benefits to the described hard aluminum foils, mainly the low stretch forces, aluminum foils and materials with higher stretch forces have benefits as well. For instance, hard aluminum foils and other sanitary seal materials may require a small amount of displacement or low amount of stretching before they rip, open, or deform. A sanitary seal 119 with these characteristics may be optimal when to goal is to rip or deform a sanitary seal 119. However, another method of dispensing contents from a secondary compartment 102 into the main compartment 101 is to use stronger, potentially, non-ripping, non-burstable sanitary seal materials, including but not limited to aluminum foils, to focus forces onto the sanitary seal seam. Using a stronger sanitary seal material has several advantages. First, a stronger sanitary seal 119 may be more resilient to internal pressures inside of a canned beverage. Second, while in a pressurized can, forces will be pushing upwards on the sanitary seal 119. Internal can pressures may be in the 90 psi range potentially. These forces may be too great for a hard aluminum foil type or weaker sanitary seal material to resist. Finally, stronger sanitary seal materials may not be frangible. A sanitary seal material that is not frangible may lower potential choking hazard risks associated with other sanitary seals. To further reduce the risk of choking hazards, a sanitary seal may float, sink, or be configured in a geometry that inhibits it from passing through the aperture opening. A sanitary seal 119 is not necessarily limited to a flat shape and may have raised portions 291 to facilitate secondary compartment 102 alignment or to reduce rubbing when stacked or nested with lids that have sealed secondary compartments 102. Such sanitary seals 119 may also take up plural space within the secondary compartment. These raised portions 291 may help promote contact with the lid body. When only the sanitary seal seam breaks in an area, there is less risk the sanitary seal itself contaminating a beverage. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 29. Additionally, geometries may be included to prevent or inhibit unwanted egress of a separated sanitary seal 111 from the can interior, which could present a choking hazard. For example, raised portions 291 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the three-dimensional structure of the sanitary seal 111, should it separate from the lid and fall into the interior, cannot pass through the aperture of the lid.

[0121] A sanitary seal seam is the area around the secondary compartment 102 that serves as the bonding or contact area between a sanitary seal 119 and the can lid 16. The sanitary seal seam is not limited to being in the shape of an outline of the secondary compartment 102. The sanitary seal 119 in combination with the sanitary seal seam may promote the creation of channels, flaps, or pathways for the secondary compartment 102 contents to be directed to. A sanitary seal seam may have various thicknesses dependent on the sealing method, sanitary seal material, and the environment of the first compartment. The sanitary seal 119 and sanitary seal seam may incorporate surface areas not otherwise used for the secondary compartments 102 for larger attachment surface area. A sanitary seal seam may include one or more intentional non-uniformities, such as a tapering width, divot, groove, embedded feature, channel, or another feature designed to concentrate stress and/or force, whether now known in the art or developed in the future. An exemplary embodiment of a sanitary seal 111 with a non-uniformity 281 is shown in FIG. 28. These attributes may extend partially or entirely through the thickness of the seal seam. These aforementioned attributes can be located completely or partially through the thickness of the sanitary seal seam. Furthermore, the non-uniformity may communicate with either the main compartment 101, a secondary compartment 102, or be isolated from both the main 101 and secondary compartment 102. A non-uniformity in the sanitary seal seam may result in a single or a plurality of locations having different bonding strengths compared to areas with a uniform sanitary seal seam thickness. An area with a non-uniformity may burst or deform before a uniform area. Alternatively, an area with a non-uniformity may burst or deform after a uniform area. A non-uniformity in the sanitary seal seam may also result in stress or forces from pressure being applied to the exterior of the secondary compartment 102 to be concentrated.

[0122] A sanitary seal seam with a weakened area or non-uniform seal in conjunction with a stronger sanitary seal material or combination of sanitary seal materials have several beneficial attributes uniquely suited for the canned beverage environment. The stronger sanitary seal material may be able to withstand the carbonation forces and beverage contact from the main compartment 101. These carbonation forces may push upward on the sanitary seal 119 material. This upward force and beverage contact may act against the sanitary seal 119 when the internal main compartment 101 is sealed and pressures are greater than 1 atmosphere. When the main compartment 101 is depressurized, the pressure is no longer acting against the sanitary seal 119 with an equal force. The sanitary seal 119 is no longer being pressed up into the can lid 16. When the main compartment 101 is pressurized the entire sanitary seal 119 is pressed up into the can lid 16. This force may result in the non-uniformity or channel in the sanitary seal seam being closed in a way that may not let contents from the secondary compartment 102 enter. When the main compartment 101 is depressurized, this potential closing force may no longer exist. A stronger sanitary seal material with a greater deformation force that the sanitary seal seam may cause the sanitary seal seam to deform before the sanitary seal 119. A sanitary seal seam can be engineered to be weaker by manipulating sealing temperature, heating pressure, direct heat seal time, sealing material viscosity, and the softening and melting points of seaming material. A non-uniformity or channel in the sanitary seal seam may lessen the required force to initiate sanitary seal seam failure. A sanitary seal seam may have a single large channel or non-uniformity, or single smaller non-uniformity, or a plurality. At least one area of a thicker or uniform sanitary seal seam may be used to permanently secure the sanitary seal 119 to the can lid 16, while non-uniform areas, or areas with a thinner sanitary seal seam, are meant to open, rupture, or deform to evacuate contents of the secondary compartment into the main compartment 101. The non-uniformity or channel may also focus forces applied to the exterior of the at least one secondary compartment 102. Varying thicknesses of sanitary seal seam may also serve a functional purpose such that when a potentially thinner seam area ruptures, the sanitary seal 119 remains attached to the can lid 16 through the thicker sanitary seal seam contact points.

[0123] In an application where the secondary compartment 102 is filled with a liquid, or combination of liquids and solids, pressure on the exterior of the secondary compartment 102 may result in force advantages being applied to the sanitary seal 119, sanitary seal seam, and non-uniformity in the sanitary seal seam as a result of them being a hydraulic system. Interactions between the secondary compartment 102 wall and its contents with the sanitary seal 119 and sanitary seal seam may take into account Bernoulli's Equation, Newton's laws in a venturi, Pascal's Theory, and a hydraulic system.

[0124] A sanitary seal 119 may further be designed to be a specific shape that allows it to get caught in or not pass through an opened aperture hole 18 in the can lid. Such a design may include a geometry that is wider than the aperture hole 18, a geometry that is also secured to the can body 14, and a geometry with fins, guides, and channels to promote its ability to stay in the can 108.

[0125] A sanitary seal 119 that has elastic characteristics may also be desirable. For instance, when a break in an elastic material occurs as a result from deforming the secondary compartment 102 located on the lid or contents from the secondary compartment 102 applying a force, the sanitary sealing material bursts and is returned to its outer perimeter sides. This exposes a potential disadvantage of aluminum foil and similar materials in the potential absence of a snap-through geometry. When these materials break, they tend to be relatively inelastic and not all of the contents inside the shape may evacuate as the sanitary seal 119 may just have a little rip and not allow contents to fall into the beverage easily. A painted, brushed, applied, sprayed, or placed elastic sanitary sealing material may solve this problem.

[0126] Similarly, utilizing a hardened wafer-type material that is secured to all outer edges of the underside of a unique geometry may also be beneficial. A benefit of hardened material is that when pressure is applied to it to deform the shape above it, the material will fracture, ingredients will fall into the drink, and then the wafer and ingredients may disintegrate. However, this solution may deposit non-disintegrating or slower-disintegrating material into a liquid beverage. Alternatively, a non-bursting, hardened wafer-type material may be used as a sanitary seal 119 in combination with a non-uniform sanitary seal seam. A combination in this regard would limit the risk of sanitary seal parts entering the beverage. A hardened wafer-type material or combination of suitable materials may also be used in conjunction with a break line, perforations, embossing, or etching to have at least one weak point to facilitate delivery of the secondary compartment 102 contents into the beverage. Hardened wafer-type materials may be constructed from food grade materials and also be coated on one or both sides with coatings to minimize reaction potential. Additionally, these materials may also take advantage of adhesives, heat seal lacquers, UV adhesives, and other mentioned securing methods and considerations.

[0127] While the above solutions focus on bonding aluminum to aluminum or another sanitary seal material type to a plastic, aluminum, steel, or other composite can lid, welding solutions may hold promise. Radio-frequency welding is a plastic welding technique that uses high-frequency electric fields to move and agitate molecules, which in turn create heat and fuses plastics together. This form of welding uses electromagnetic energy and pressure to create welds. Whereas another form of plastic welding, known as ultrasonic welding, uses a sound source to generate, focus, and deliver ultrasonic vibrations to heat materials and create a bond. Both forms of welding may have potential applications, creating bonds between a sanitary seal and an aluminum can lid's bare surface, or coating on the surface of an aluminum, steel, or other composite can lid. Both of these types of welding could be used to melt an adhesive or lacquer on the sanitary seal or melt the sanitary seal itself.

[0128] In an embodiment, plasma or flame surface treatments may be used, such as to enhance adhesion between components of the secondary compartment 102 and the can lid 16, or of the sanitary seal 119 and/or sanity seal seam. Such treatments can remove surface contaminants (cleaning), create micro-etching to increase surface area (etching), and/or introduce polar functional groups to improve bonding characteristics (functionalization). These, and other techniques known in the art, may be particularly useful when attaching films, wafers, or other seals to metal or polymer surfaces to achieve secure attachment under storage conditions and controlled release upon activation.

[0129] Because of the perishability of materials that may be contained in the secondary compartment 102, heat may be applied specifically to the areas where the lid 16 makes contact with a sanitary seal 119. This could be accomplished by having heating or welding elements cut specifically to the shape of the region where the bond between a sanitary seal 119 and lid 16 is to occur. Additionally, ingredients can also be filled in a cold state to prevent degradation from heating during bonding. Lids 16 may also be chilled before bonding. After bonding, lids 16, which are now sealed, can also be chilled to cool the lid 16 and its added ingredients.

[0130] Applied pressure when attaching a sanitary seal 119 and bonding it to the lid 16 may take into account possible deformation of the public side of the secondary compartment 102. Lids 16 that are being filled and have pressure applied to them during the bonding process may not have their secondary compartment 102 make any surface deformation on their public-facing sides or may be placed into or on support molds.

[0131] Applicable to all sanitary seal materials and varying methods as to how they will adhere to the can lid surface is having enough of a border area around the geometry where the seal material can make sufficient contact. In addition to ensuring these distances as defined by a specific manufacturer and sealing method, the underside can lid wall formed by the countersink groove may be utilized for extra surface area.

[0132] Liquids within the secondary compartment 102 may expand during environmental changes and prematurely rupture the seal. A potential remedy for this is to provide extra material in the sanitary seal 119 to allow for flexing changes. However, this may have added material costs and create an increased risk that the sanitary seal will not break during deformation. Dosing contents into the secondary compartment 102 with expansion in mind may provide relief. Also, sanitary seals 119 and sanitary seal seams with elastic properties may further combat this. Further addressing concerns regarding sanitary seal 119 strength, can be accomplished with the addition of perforations, precut patterns, break lines, and meshing, which can all be used to create localized areas where a foil or other described sanitary sealing material will, specifically, rupture.

[0133] Sanitary seal materials may also contain added specific structural and strengthening characteristics through the addition of but not limited to patterns, meshing, overlays of fibers, overlays of specific materials, interlocking layers, and varying thicknesses. One such combination of these characteristics may result in an anisotropic sanitary seal which is stronger in one direction than the other.

[0134] During the process of filling can lids, powdered, liquid, or pill contents may make their way onto the can lid body that is outside of the cavity created by the secondary compartment 102. This may require post-filling cleaning before adhesive, lacquer, or another sanitary seal mechanism can be used. Special channels and guides during the filling process may also be required as well. The filling of can lids may also need to take place within specific environmental ranges to ensure freshness and comply with food safety regulations. Can lids 16 may have to be filled in a vacuum or low oxygen environment. Can lids may also need to have air expelled from the secondary compartment during filling. Can lids 16 may also be dosed with a gas like nitrogen before filling. Application of a sanitary seal 119 onto the can lid and over a secondary compartment 102 may also be done in such a way to avoid trapped air. Application of a sanitary seal 119 in this manner may also take into account avoid contact with potential contents located in a secondary compartment 102. Such consideration factors also include temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture content. These factors may also need to be controlled for adequate sanitary seal bonding. Additionally, filled lids may need to undergo a form of pasteurization, autoclaving, or other sterilization separately before they are sealed onto a can or after they are seamed onto a can. Moreover, filled and sealed can lids may be used in both hot and cold filling applications. In an embodiment, the design and development of a sanitary seal may account for this.

[0135] Can lids with second compartments 102 may also need to be given identification codes, stock unit keeping codes, quick response codes, or other suitable methods of tracking either before they are filled or afterwards. Such codes may be located on a sanitary seal itself, on the public side of the lid, on the product side of the lid, on a rim, or on a pull tab. These codes and methods of identification may be used by parties along the supply chain for inventory purposes as well as, in the case of identifiers on the public side of a lid and pull tab, by consumers to learn about contents, advertising, history, and how to depress the secondary compartment 102.

[0136] The process of filling would take place after the secondary compartment was created on the can lid. The compartment would be filled and dosed with a designated amount of ingredients. Lids also may need to be vibrated during filling to ensure the distribution of contents is even. For solid filling including but not limited to pills and powders, tamping the contents and potentially filling and repeating the process may be preferred. For liquid filling applications a method of mechanically or chemically breaking surface tension may be suitable. Then, the contents of the secondary compartment may be photo-tested or X-ray tested to ensure they do not protrude above the profile of the countersink groove or above the can lid surface line. However, if it is intended in the design where protrusion occurs, this may be acceptable.

[0137] After sealing, lids may be inspected both visually for any defects in the sanitary seal 119, by weight to ensure accurate amounts, undergo industry burst testing protocols, and tested for any leaks by being placed under a liquid or vacuum. Before testing lids 16 can be rotated upside down several times to ensure accurate results. Photographic eyes and X-ray technology may also be used to detect defects. Photographic eyes and X-ray technology may also be used to verify sanitary seal and sanitary seal seam integrity.

[0138] Lids 16 with a secondary compartment can be packaged for transporting in various formats, including: empty, or filled and sealed. Empty lids may be packaged in existing formats of tubes and paper wrapping without added considerations, and the unique geometries stack within one another if there are secondary compartments on opposing end panels so as to avoid misalignment of multiple lids stacking on one side creating a tilt. When stacking filled lids that have sanitary seals on the bottom, rubbing may occur during transport and handling. This rubbing may degrade sanitary seal integrity.

[0139] Maintaining sanitary seals 119 that remain intact, lids 16 with secondary compartments 102 can be shipped empty and filled and sealed on-site at a bottling plant. Alternatively, lids 16 can be shipped with sheets of parchment or wax paper between to separate one lid from the other; however, over potentially millions of lids, this is neither environmentally nor economically sustainable. Sanitary seals 119 made from high strength, resilient materials may be resistant to rubbing and degradation during shipping and handling and be transported to and within facilities normally or with fewer precautions.

[0140] Lid geometries may also be designed with reducing rubbing and abrasion in mind by implementing rounded corners 309, tapering and gradual slopes 326, and specific heights to prevent contact with another geometry or sanitary seal 119.

[0141] The internal cavity created by a sanitary seal 119 and a secondary compartment 102 may be pressurized to a pressure greater than 1 atmosphere. The presence of a gas in this compartment may help with content preservation, content evacuation, and rigidity of the sanitary seal 119 and the secondary compartment 102. In the case of ingredient evacuation, gas pressure may help expel contents into the main beverage compartment.

[0142] The sanitary seal 119 may have a valve or port in its construction. Such a valve may allow carbonation gases to enter into the secondary compartment 102 for the purpose of equalizing the pressure between the main compartment 101 and the secondary compartment 102.

[0143] Another aspect of the present disclosure is the ability for the second compartment 102 and sanitary seal 119 may be flushed with the beverage when the user handles an opened can. Such handling may cause the beverage to slosh around and make contact with the sanitary seal 119 and/or secondary compartment 102. A sanitary seal 119 and sanitary seal seam can be optimized to catch the moving beverage fluids to promote ingredient evacuation. Optimizations may include channels, specified placements of an at least one sanitary seal nonuniformity, fins, and guides. The material which formed the can lid aperture 18 when closed and in the open position makes its way into the main can cavity may also serve a mixing function by pooling a beverage near the secondary compartment 102 and creating currents.

[0144] It is still another feature of the present disclosure that the sanitary seal 119 and sanitary seal seam may deform or rupture from the expansion of contents in the secondary compartment 102. Contents may expand as a result of coming into contact with a fluid or other agent. Trigging the expansion of contents could occur when a small deformity or rupture in the sanitary seal 119 or sanitary seal seam allows beverage fluid to come into contact with contents of the secondary compartment 102. Trigging may also occur if there is a reactive agent in the secondary compartment 102 that is mixed or activated when the secondary compartment 102 is deformed.

[0145] In an embodiment, sanitary seals 119, beverage containers 10, and can lids may be manufactured from plant-based materials. These materials may be selected for environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, or compatibility with beverage contents and sealing processes. Plant-based options may be used alone or in combination with conventional materials, and may affect performance characteristics such as biodegradability, recyclability, or barrier properties.

[0146] In an embodiment, the design and material composition of sanitary seals 119 may vary depending on the number and type of secondary compartments as well as the nature of the ingredients they contain. For example, a lid with two or more secondary compartments may incorporate different seals optimized for each compartment, such as one designed for powder dispensing and another for liquid. Sanitary seals 119 may also be tailored to maintain separation between reactive or sensitive ingredients and may accordingly differ in other characteristics, such as, but not necessarily limited to, thickness, stiffness, or surface characteristics.

[0147] In an embodiment, the sanitary seal 119 may incorporate specific functional properties to support product integrity and user handling. Depending on the application, seals may be transparent, non-transparent, or translucent, and may include features that provide barriers to ultraviolet light, oxygen, or moisture, and other environmental factors to preserve ingredient stability. A protective liner or coating may be applied over the sealed surface to prevent unwanted interactions with the contents or other can lids or to provide a tactile, non-slip finish that improves grip during handling and reduces abrasion during shipping or nesting with other lids. Non-slip features may be structural, such as surface texturing, or material-based, such as coatings. Coatings to induce slipping properties may alternatively be applied to sanitary seals to avoid rubbing and sanitary seal degradation.

[0148] In an embodiment, manufacturing and sealing methods may include the use of heated air to form a sanitary seal seam, providing a secure and hygienic bond over the secondary compartment. After sealing, the lid 16 may be sterilized, disinfected, or exposed to radiation to ensure safety and shelf stability. These treatments may be applied whether the lid 16 is empty or filled, depending on production workflow and product requirements.

[0149] FIG. 32 depicts various embodiments of sanitary seal and sanitary seal seam configurations and geometries.

[0150] In an embodiment, the shelf life of the contents in the secondary compartment 102 may be coordinated with that of the primary beverage to ensure overall product consistency and safety. Synchronization of expiration dates may be important when ingredients have limited stability or when functional claims rely on the combined effect of both compartments. Product labeling may reflect this coordination through conventional date markings such as best if used by, sell by, enjoy by, or expires on, providing consumers with clear information regarding freshness and use.

[0151] In an embodiment, the secondary compartment could be used as a functional button to activate a widget like device within the can body. Also, in an embodiment, the secondary compartment could be activated while the can is still pressurized. For example, an embodiment that activates while the aperture is still sealed could be used where it is desirable to mix ingredients within a sealed container.

[0152] The present disclosure is drawn to containers containing fluids such as carbonated or carbonized soda, energy, beer, seltzer, or water drinks and/or noncarbonated drinks. However, the systems and methods described herein may be suitable for use with containers for fermented beverages such as beer or ale, and other alcoholic and/or nonalcoholic beverages, as well as with other types or liquids or fluids, including non-consumable liquids or fluids, in particular those stored in a pressurized container. A container within the present disclosure may also be used to hold solids. Also, a container having the structure of the present disclosure, can be packaged in six-packs using conventional plastic six-pack retainer rings. The improved beverage can lid is preferably manufactured with dimensions similar to that of conventional cylindrical cans. Another benefit of a low profile, in-line design for a lid with a plurality of compartments is that there may be limited to no need for significant changes in tooling, or handling procedures.

[0153] This disclosure generally contemplates aluminum beverage can lids 16 used on conventional aluminum beverage containers, such as those for soda, beer, and other carbonated beverages sealed into pressurized cans. However, this is exemplary and not limiting. The systems and methods described herein may also be applied to lids 16 or sanitary seals 119 made from other materials, including pulp-based sanitary seals, as well as to a variety of container types, such as pulp-based beverage containers and glass beverage containers. Additionally, these systems may be used for purposes beyond carbonated beverages or consumable liquids. They may also be implemented in connection with conventional packaging and handling technologies, including packaging rings, boxes, cartons, seamers, chucks, lid feeders, standard can body sizes, and other common equipment.

[0154] The systems and methods described herein may benefit from advanced recycling techniques such as pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves the thermal decomposition of materials in the absence of oxygen, breaking down complex polymers into simpler compounds that can be reused as raw materials. This method is particularly suited to multi-material structures, such as those that may include plastics, adhesives, and barrier layers, which can be challenging to separate in traditional mechanical recycling. By enabling recovery of usable outputs from otherwise difficult-to-recycle components, pyrolysis may support more sustainable end-of-life processing.

[0155] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

[0156] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

[0157] The terms a, an, and the include both singular and plural referents.

[0158] The term or is synonymous with and/or and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0159] As used herein, the term exemplary refers to an example, an instance, or an illustration, and does not indicate a most preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

[0160] The term about as used herein refers to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. An inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

[0161] The term substantially refers to a great or significant extent. Substantially can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variables, given proper context.

[0162] The term generally encompasses both about and substantially.

[0163] The term configured describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term configured can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

[0164] Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0165] It is briefly noted that upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize various means for carrying out these intended features of the invention. As such, it is to be understood that other methods, applications, and systems adapted to the task may be configured to carry out these features and are, therefore, considered to be within the scope and intent of the present invention and are anticipated. With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein-disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, which will be evident to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0166] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects and embodiments, comprising means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the word comprising. Thus, the use of the term comprising indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. By consisting of is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase consisting of. Thus, the phrase consisting of indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present.

[0167] It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, which are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes, and substitutions are intended in the preceding disclosure. It will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.