Shotgun accessible beer can

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/922,945, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to beverage containers and in particular to a shotgun accessible beer can. Throughout North America, the game of “shotgunning” a beer has become popular at parties. The user improvises a small hole on the side of a beer can near the bottom edge by using a tool or a key, immediately plugs the opening with his mouth, and then opens the top tab of the can. The resulting pressure differential causes the contained beverage to be ejected rapidly through the lower opening, into the user's mouth. The challenge of the game is to drink the beverage as quickly as it flows out of the improvised opening. The problem is that improvising the opening is often inconvenient, and frequently causes injuries to the user's mouth due to contact with the jagged, torn edge of the aluminum can. A shotgun accessible beer can will solve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a shotgun accessible beer can. A pressurized beverage container, such as an aluminum can, features a second scored opening on the side, near the bottom. This pre-fabricated, non-improvised opening may be opened easily with any tool or a finger. Once open, the second scored opening presents a reduced risk of injury to the mouth of the user due to jagged aluminum edges. A first opening is provided at the standard position at the top of the container. The second scored opening is provided at the base of the container. In a first mode of operation, the user may open the top tab to consume the beverage in the conventional way. In a second mode of operation, the user opens the second scored opening with a finger or other available instrument, immediately plugs the opening with his mouth, and then opens the top tab to drink the beverage.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing is included to provide a further understanding of the invention and is incorporated into and constitutes a part of the specification. It illustrates one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the container 10, the second scored opening 11, and the non-perforated edge of the second scored opening 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a shotgun accessible beer can. A pressurized beverage container 10, such as an aluminum can, features a second scored opening 11 on the side, near the bottom. This pre-fabricated, non-improvised opening may be opened easily with any tool or a finger. Once open, the second scored opening 11 presents a reduced risk of injury to the mouth of the user due to jagged aluminum edges. A first opening is provided at the standard position at the top of the container 10. The second scored opening 11 is provided at the base of the container 10.

In a first mode of operation, the user may open the top pull tab to consume the beverage in the conventional way. In a second mode of operation, the user opens the second scored opening 11 with a finger or other available instrument, immediately plugs the opening with his mouth, and then opens the top pull tab to drink the beverage.

Although the invention is intended for use as part of a beer can, it is to be understood that this is not intended as a limitation. The invention may be used as part of any type of pressurized beverage container which will accommodate it, and with any pressurized beverage sold in such containers.

The first exemplary embodiment features a pressurized beverage container 10 with a first opening at the top of the container 10. In general the first opening may be any type of opening that may be manufactured in a closed configuration and opened at the time of use, but may or may not be capable of reclosure as with a screw cap. If the container 10 is an aluminum can, the first opening is generally a scored elliptical area near the rim of the lid of the can, which may be opening by lifting a top pull tab which is secured to the lid with a rivet, both according to standard beverage can designs. A second scored opening 11 is provided on the side of the container 10, near the bottom. The second scored 11 opening may be fully scored or perforated or may be partially scored or perforated having a non-perforated edge 12 as shown.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user opens the second scored opening 11 with a finger or other available instrument, immediately plugs the opening with his mouth, and then opens the top pull tab to drink the beverage.

The container 10 is preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material which is corrosion resistant, such as an aluminum alloy or steel. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.