[0001] The present invention refers to an innovative process for applying a protective device
to beverage recipients, notably metal cans used for bottling beer, sparkling drinks,
energy drinks, juices, etc.
[0002] The present invention also refers to a beverage recipient, exactly like a metal can,
having at least a protective device applied by the above process.
Description of the state of the art
[0003] Nowadays, consumers have at their disposal an unlimited number of beverages available
for consumption in aluminum and tin cans, which are practical means of packaging,
easy to open and, more importantly, effective and viable for recycling.
[0004] Recently, there has been a big increase in the variety of products available in cans.
In times past, the offer was limited to soft drinks and beers, yet today it is possible
to find energy drinks, assorted juices, teas, vodkas, wines, water, sports drink,
etc. This increase in the quantity of products available in cans makes this kind of
market altogether attractive, as it involves enormous sums of money.
[0005] Unfortunately, there is a notorious possibility of contamination of the upper portion
of the cans, where the opening for consumption is located, due to the precarious hygiene
in packaging and storage once the can has left the factory.
[0006] Owing to the geometric format of the upper portion, which is manufactured by stamping
as a result inevitably generates ribs that act as channels, there is a large accumulation
of dirt particles (which at times is difficult to remove), meaning the can must at
least be washed under running water before the drink is opened for consumption.
[0007] Besides the particles of dirt
per se, said format of the upper portion of the cans facilitates the accumulation of moisture
and consequently the proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms.
[0008] In extreme cases, these contaminating agents may be harmful to the health of the
consumer who drank the liquid from the contaminated can, especially considering that
the vast majority of consumers overlooks this risk and simply does not clean the can
at all prior to consuming the drink.
[0009] As a solution to this drawback, a series of protective seals has been proposed, such
as those disclosed in Brazilian patents
BRMU 8301816-6,
BRMU 8303346-7 and
BRMU 8501669-1, in German patent
DE 43 13 3752, in patent
WO 01/15990, in Japanese patent
JP 3-148492 and in North American patents
US 6,073,797,
US 5,452,818,
US 5,139,163,
US 6,443,323 and
US 5,346,088.
[0010] The very applicant proposed an innovative and efficient seal which, besides having
a protective effect, also bears a revolutionary thermochromic property, enabling the
identification of the ideal temperature of the can for consuming the beverage. This
innovative seal is the object of international patent
PCT/BR2008/000102, the description of which is incorporated herein for prompt reference.
[0011] The main characteristic of the seal that is the object of patent application
PCT/BR2008/000102 is that it is manufactured separately (or in isolation), in a prior stage to that
of its installation on the can. It is obtained preferably by injection and has its
own structure.
[0012] Various currently known seals are formed differently, because they begin life as
plastic films, positioned over the can and heated, thereafter forced to mold over
its upper portion. That is to say, these seals are shaped as they are applied to the
cans.
[0013] Seals having their own structure have the advantage of bearing more elaborate formats,
allowing, for example, characters to be printed carrying the name of the drink whose
can it will protect, etc., and may have a different appearance and a controlled surface
finishing, among other properties, while the seals shaped as they are applied to the
can are esthetically less elaborate and are designed merely to act as protection,
with no additional function.
[0014] However, despite the greater or lesser efficiency of each of the seals proposed above,
it is a fact that its inclusion in the drink cans means further cost to be sustained
by the beverage manufacturer and/or end consumer. This extra cost is a highly sensitive
issue for the manufacturers, because on a worldwide basis the annual consumption of
beverages bottled in metal cans reaches hundreds of millions of units, and even the
slightest of hikes in the value of the product at the end of the year has a huge impact
on corporate finances.
[0015] Moreover, due to the high competitiveness on the beverages market, consumers are
very demanding in terms of price and will often opt not to pay extra simply because
the can has a protective element, notably in more popular market sectors (cheaper
drinks), precisely where sales indices are greatest. Hence, passing on a cost increase
to the consumer resulting from the placement of a protective seal must be carefully
analyzed, otherwise the product may lose market share.
[0016] Even though the use of protective seals is beneficial from a consumer's perspective,
the market reality in many cases is that the purchaser is not willing to pay extra
for it.
[0017] Therefore, it is crucial for drink manufacturers to reduce costs as far as possible
relating to production and the placement of protective seals so as to ensure the feasibility
of industrial scale manufacturing. This cost reduction is sought on the one hand by
the conception of the seals themselves (by studying the geometry of the part, material
used, etc.) and on the other hand by maximum streamlining of the productive process
of applying these seals on the beverage cans.
[0018] As a rule, it is an industry consensus that, given the enormous quantities of beverages
manufactured every day, no delay in the application of seals will be tolerated in
the bottling process of canned drinks because this would slacken productivity. It
is therefore necessary to develop processes of applying the seals designed for the
tremendous speed of the production lines, something which has not been successfully
achieved to-date.
[0019] The first process for applying a protective seal in beverage cans is disclosed in
North American patent
US 6,336,309. In essence, the process comprises the initial positioning of a thermoformable film
over a plurality of lined cans, positioned on a specific item of equipment. After
the thermoformable film is positioned over the cans and heated, at the same time in
which it is compressed to contact the upper portion of the can, being shaped, sealing
the can and preventing contact with ambient air.
[0020] Hence, although this process is technically functional, it cannot be used to apply
already structured seals such as those developed by the applicant and the object of
the aforementioned international patent application
PCT/BR2008/000102 (which is produced separately and applied to cans already in their definitive arrangement)
since the seal, let it be repeated, is formed by heating a thermoformable film that
molds over the upper portion of the cans only on the point of application.
[0021] Document
JP 2152607 refers to a process of applying seals on beverage cans in which seals are formed
by heating a thermoformable film into molds and, after shaping them, expulsed from
the molds by applying jets of pressurized air, at the same time in which they are
positioned over the upper portion of the cans. Next, the cans are positioned on a
moving device (such as a belt) to a circular station where the seals are compressed
on the cans to effect correct interlocking.
[0022] The process disclosed in document
JP 2152607 differs from the process that is the object of the present invention in that the
seal continues to be formed instants before its installation, though not over the
cans, and is not applicable for positioning over the packaging of already structured
seals.
[0023] Finally, document
JP2045331 also discloses a process of applying a thermoformable seal for drink cans, wherein
the seal is shaped when it is applied to the can.
[0024] Accordingly, thus far, there has not been developed a process for applying a protective
device, notably a device having its own structure such as that disclosed in patent
application
PCT/BR2008/000102, individually, on each of the cans produced on a large assembly line of a drinks
manufacturer, with total efficiency and reliability and without causing delays or
production jams that lead to a reduction in corporate profits.
Objectives of the invention
[0025] The objective of the present invention is a process for applying a protective device
to beverage recipients which enables the position of devices having their own structure
on each bottled recipient, with speed and ultra high efficiency, without causing any
delay to the production line of beverages, that is, without causing any decline in
productivity of the line due to the application thereof.
[0026] The objective of the present invention is also a process for applying a protective
device to beverage recipients that enables the positioning of devices on a bottled
recipient, practically without increase in cost, allowing the drink to be competitively
placed on the consumer market.
[0027] Finally, an objective of the present invention is also a recipient, particularly
a beverage recipient in the form of a metal can, having at least a protective element
applied by the process described above.
Brief description of the invention
[0028] The objectives of the present invention are achieved by a process for applying a
protective device to beverage recipients that comprises the following steps:
step (i): conveyance of at least a protective device from a protective device feeder
to a protective device applicator;
step (ii): positioning of the protective device on an upper portion of a beverage
recipient; and
step (iii): fastening the protective device on the beverage recipient by applying
pressure on the protective device in contact with the beverage recipient.
[0029] Additionally, the objectives of the present invention are achieved by a recipient,
particularly a beverage recipient, which comprises a seal applied according to the
process defined in the prior paragraph.
Brief description of the drawings
[0030] The present invention will now be described in greater detail based on an example
of execution represented in the drawings. The drawings show:
Figure 1 - is a side view of a production line of bottled drinks in with the beverage
recipient,
the step (iii) being preceded by a step of synchronizing which enables the positioning
of each protective device in relation to the beverage recipient), by means of an accelerating
device capable of positioning the protective devices (1) adjacently together before
they enter a first star (116) which houses and conducts the recipients.
[0031] Additionally, the objectives of the present invention are achieved by a recipient,
particularly a beverage recipient, which comprises a seal applied according to the
process defined in the prior paragraph.
Brief description of the drawings
[0032] The present invention will now be described in greater detail based on an example
of execution represented in the drawings. The drawings show:
Figure 1 - is a side view of a production line of bottled drinks in recipients (cans),
in which the protective device is associated to each beverage recipient by means of
a process, object of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is an overhead view of the production line illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 3 - is a side view of a protective device feeder used by the process that is
the object of the present invention;
Figure 4 - is an overhead view of the protective device feeder illustrated in figure
3;
Figure 5 - is a perspective view of a protective device applicator used by the process
that is the object of the present invention;
Figure 6 - is an overhead view of the illustrated in figure 5, showing a set of stars
and a screw shaft;
Figure 7 - is a side view of the protective device applicator illustrated in figure
5, showing how the protective device is fastened onto the beverage recipient;
Figure 8 - is a perspective view of a fastening mechanism comprised by the protective
device applicator illustrated in figure 5;
Figure 9 - is a perspective view of two units of beverage recipient having the protective
device applied in accordance with the process of the present invention;
[0033] Preliminarily, it is important to note that, preferably, the protective device 1
is idealized for application to beverage recipients 7 in the form of beverage cans
having diverse formats and drinks, such as cans of beers, soft drinks, energy drinks,
sports drinks, juices, teas, vodkas and assorted spirits, among others, but obviously
it can be applied to another other kind of recipient, if necessary or desirable.
[0034] As can be seen in figures 10, 11 and 12, the protective device 1 developed for use
in a beverage recipient 7 comprises a first portion substantially circular 2 from
which there projects a second portion being substantially ring-shaped 3. The first
portion defines a first inner surface 2a, facing the upper portion of the beverage
recipient 7 (where the frangible opening for consuming the drink is located) and a
second opposite surface 2b, facing the outside, which can optionally carry advertising
messages, information on the drink, drawings, pictures, etc.
[0035] Optionally, the first portion 2 comprises a circular channel 2c which allows the
stacking of a portion of beverage recipients 7 protected by the protective device
1.
[0036] The second ring-shaped portion 3, in turn, defines a third inner surface 3a facing
the side wall of the beverage recipient 7 and a fourth opposite surface 3b, facing
the outside, which may optionally comprise gripping grooves and at least a tab 60
for removing the seal. To cooperate correctly with the beverage recipient 7, the projection
3 may be substantially cylindrical, tronconical or any other kind, provided it is
functional.
[0037] The space defined by the first inner surface 2a of the first circular portion 2 and
by the third inner surface 3a of the second ring-shaped portion 3 corresponds to a
cavity.
[0038] Since the protective device 1 is preferably shaped by injected plastic, in fact the
circular and cylindrical portions 2, 3 are parts of a single whole.
[0039] Preferably, there is provided at least an interlocking means to contact the protective
device 1 onto the upper part of the beverage recipient 7. Preferably, said means is
a ring-shaped projection that cooperates with a ring-shaped projection existing in
the beverage recipient 7 (resulting from the re-embedding of the upper portion of
the can on its side wall), correctly contacting the protective device 1 in place.
[0040] When the protective device 1 is correctly positioned, which is provided by the process
of the present invention, the aforementioned cavity perfectly accommodates the upper
portion of the beverage recipient 7, particularly because the second ring-shaped portion
3 acts as a sleeve, protecting the side of the can, adjacently to its upper portion
(which is where the consumer places his mouth to drink), against the entrance of dirt
and contaminants. Consequently, the chance of the consumer coming into contact with
any contaminating agent is negligible.
[0041] In order to further guarantee the safety of the can and of the consumer, the protective
device 1 additionally has a seal 6, comprised by at least a frangible line, which
makes clear and visible any violation of the protective device 1 and, if applicable,
opening of the can, situations in which the protection against dirt can no longer
be guaranteed. In other words, breaking the seal 6 is an indication that the region
of the cavity may have been exposed to dirt and contaminants and that the sealing
against this kind of substance can no longer be guaranteed.
[0042] Although the possible protective device 1 has been described, it is important to
note that the scope of protection of the invention is not focused on its characteristics,
but rather on the essentially innovative aspects of the process for applying this
device to a recipient, such as the aforementioned metal beverage can.
[0043] In other words, any protective device may be applied to a can (such as, for example,
the object of the patent application
PCT/BR2008/000102 filed by the applicant itself, or any other) without the resulting invention straying
from the scope of protection of the appended claims.
[0044] Nevertheless, preferably the protective device has its own structure, that is, it
is manufactured separately (or in isolation), in a stage prior to its installation
in the recipient. Even more preferably, the protective device 1 is manufactured by
injection.
[0045] The process for applying a protective device 1 on the beverage recipients 7, object
of the present invention, has as its first essential characteristic is to cause minimum
impact on the conventional beverage production line, which in itself reduces the implantation
cost.
[0046] For the process to be operational, a protective device feeder 100 should be used,
illustrated in figures 1 to 4, capable of feeding the protective devices 1 on the
production line, so that subsequently they can be fastened over the beverage recipient
7, which, in turn, travels normally along the recipient conveyor belt 101, after bottling
the beverage and re-embedding of its upper portion (or "lid").
[0047] In essence, the process for applying a protective device 1 to beverage recipients
7 comprises the following steps:
step (i): conveyance of at least a protective device from a protective device feeder
to a protective device applicator;
step (ii): positioning of the protective device 1 over an upper portion of a beverage
recipient 7; and
step (iii): fastening the protective device 1 on the beverage recipient 7 by applying
pressure to the protective device 1 to contact the recipient.
[0048] Before positioning the protective devices 1 over the beverage recipients 7, they
preferably receive a sterilizing or sanitizing treatment, with a view to annihilating
any pathogenic agents. Preferably, the protective devices 1 are submitted to the application
of air at high temperatures, which is a highly efficient means and currently used
by the food products industry for sterilization. Optionally, the protective devices
1 may receive the application of gamma (y) rays and/or EtO (ethylene oxide) gases.
However, obviously other means can be used for sterilizing the protective devices
1, without the resulting invention straying from the scope of protection of the claims.
[0049] The upper portion of the beverage recipient 7 is preferably kept free of moisture,
so as to avoid the proliferation of fungus, bacteria and mites after fastening the
protective device 1 on the beverage recipient 7. The present invention provides a
solution for completely drying the upper portion of the beverage recipient 7 by applying
a certain amount of heat sufficient to provide the evaporation of all moisture which
may be present in said upper portion of the beverage recipient 7. Preferably, the
heat is provided by means of a hothouse 102 positioned on the recipient conveyor belt
101 itself, as can be seen in figures 1 and 2. This hothouse 102 can also be used
in the sterilization and sanitization step of the beverage recipient 7 described above.
Alternatively, there can also be provided an air flow by way of a ventilator to dry
the upper portion of the beverage recipient 7.
[0050] As can be seen in the drawings, a recipient conveyor belt 101 is associated to at
least a screw shaft 103, such that each beverage recipient 7 is accommodated between
two consecutive threaded screws to be conveyed by the rotational movement of the screw
shaft 103.
[0051] The screw shaft 103 is associated to a protective device applicator 104, so as to
enable the conveyance of the beverage recipient 7 from the recipient conveyor belt
101 to said protective device applicator 104.
[0052] Concomitantly to the conveyance of the beverage recipient 7 by the recipient conveyor
belt 101 and by the screw shaft 103, there is also the conveyance of at least a protective
device 1 from the protective device feeder 100 to the protective device applicator
104 by means of a protective device conveyor 105 which, preferably, consists of a
mechanism of drives and/or belt. Naturally, other devices, mechanisms and suitable
means of conveyance could be used.
[0053] It must be noted that to guarantee that the fastening of the protective device 1
on the beverage recipient 7 is performed correctly, the protective device 1 should
be positioned with its second portion being substantially ring-shaped 3 facing the
upper portion of the beverage recipient 7. The present invention is capable of guaranteeing
said correct positioning automatically by way of a correction drum 112 which is preferably
comprised by the protective device feeder 100, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4.
[0054] Further according to figures 3 and 4, the protective device feeder 100 is provided
with an upwards conveyor belt 107 capable of conveying the protective devices 1 to
the correction drum 112, which, in turn, is associated to the protective device conveyor
105. This upwards conveyor belt 107 has a substantially open and inverted "C" format
(mirrored) and is provided with a base portion 108, an upwards portion 109 and a delivery
portion 110 jointly associated. The conveyance of the protective devices 1 on the
upwards conveyor belt 107 is as follows: firstly, the base portion 108 receives the
protective devices 1 and conducts them to the upwards portion 109, which in turn,
conducts the protective devices 1 vertically towards the delivery portion 110, where
the protective devices 1 are transferred to the correction drum 112 by gravity force.
[0055] The correction drum 112, capable of angularly moving in a rotational fashion around
its geometric axis, comprises a plurality of flaps (not illustrated), disposed at
angles in relation to the inner wall of the drum, arranged to receive the protective
devices 1 coming from the upwards conveyor belt 107. If the protective device 1 is
already positioned correctly in the flaps of the correction drum 112 (there is cooperation
between the protective device 1 and the flaps), it is conveyed to an upper position
in the correction drum 112 (see figures 3 and 4) so that it can be transferred to
the protective device conveyor 105. On the other hand, if the protective device 1
is not accommodated in the flaps of the correction drum 112 correctly (there is no
cooperation between the protective device 1 and the flaps), it is not transferred
to the protective device conveyor 105, and remains in the correction drum 112 until
its position is corrected by the rotational angular movement of the correction drum
112. More specifically, when the protective device 1 reaches a highest maximum point
in the correction drum 112 it falls into other flaps of the correction drum 112 (lowest
minimum point) by gravity force, disposed diametrically opposite the flaps in which
the protective device 1 was previously accommodated, as there is no cooperation between
the protective device 1 and the flaps. In this last step, the positioning of the protective
device 1 is corrected.
[0056] In any case, whatever the particular constitution of the protective device feeder
100, it is arranged so as to correct the position of the protective device 1 automatically.
[0057] As can be seen in figures 5 to 7, the protective device applicator 104 comprises
a mechanism of three stars 115, namely, a first star 116, a second star 117 and a
third star 118, capable of angularly moving in rotational fashion around its respective
central geometric axes. Each star is provided with at least an accommodation capable
of receiving at least a beverage recipient 7. Preferably, each star 116, 117, 118
has a plurality of accommodations to allow the simultaneous housing of a plurality
of beverage recipients 7, providing great speed and rapidity to the process (process
streamlining). Naturally, the protective device feeder 100 and the protective device
conveyor 105 are arranged to provide a discharge of protective devices 1 compatible
with the configuration and rotational speed of the three stars 116, 117, 118. The
three stars 116, 117, 118 are both disposed adjacently and tangentially two by two
(in pairs), so that the transfer of the protective devices 1 between the adjacent
stars occurs precisely at their tangent points. It is important to note that the stars
disposed adjacently together rotate in opposite directions.
[0058] As can be seen in the drawings, the first star 116 is associated to at least a screw
shaft mechanism 103, already mentioned. In the first star 116, there occurs the indexation
and synchronization of the protective devices 1 coming from the protective device
feeder 100 in relation to the quantity of beverage recipients 7 coming from the recipient
conveyor belt 101. Said synchronization, which occurs while the first star 116 moves
angularly, is provided by means of an accelerating device capable of positioning the
protective devices 1 adjacently together before they enter the first star 116. Accordingly,
the first star 116 is capable of guaranteeing the perfect indexation or synchronicity,
between the supply of protective devices 1 and the discharge of beverage recipients
7 which are conducted to the second star 117.
[0059] The second star 117 receives the protective device 1 of the first star 116 by means
of a vacuum force or any other suitable means, to guarantee that it is correctly positioned
over an upper portion of a beverage recipient 7. This positioning is only possible
by the synchronicity provided by the first star 116. In other words, the first star
116 enables highly precise positioning of the protective device 1 over the surface
portion of each beverage recipient 7 in the second star 117.
[0060] After the positioning of the protective device 1 on the beverage recipient 7, a fastening
item of equipment 113, associated over a second star 117, exerts a pre-set pressure
for it to be correctly fastened. As mentioned previously, preferably, fastening the
protective device 1 over the beverage recipient 7 is by the cooperation of the already
mentioned ring-shaped projection provided in the protective device 1 with a ring-shaped
projection existing on the upper portion of the beverage recipient 7 (and resulting
from the re-embedding of the upper portion of the can on its side wall). Said cooperation
completely engages the seal on the can, such that the protective device 1 cannot be
withdrawn from the can without violation (breaking of the seal 6).
[0061] As can be seen in figure 8, preferably, the fastening equipment 113 is provided with
at least a plurality of re-embedding heads 114 capable of exerting a pressure of,
for example, 1 atmosphere (atm) on the protective device 1 to contact the beverage
recipient 7. Said pressure, which may naturally vary according to the type of protective
device 1, can (beverage recipient 7) and equipment involved, fastens the protective
device 1 definitively. More specifically, the fastening equipment 113 comprises upper
inner rails, along which the re-embedding heads 114 move according to the angular
rotational movement of the second star 117. Re-embedding occurs when the re-embedding
head 114 passes through a cam, associated to the rail, capable of permitting an axial
movement of the re-embedding head 114 downwards, so to exert a pressure on the protective
device 1 and the beverage recipient 7.
[0062] By the angular rotational movement of the third star 118, associated to the second
star, the beverage recipient already bearing the protective device 1 is conducted
to a photoelectric cell, fiber optics or the like, for checking, and forwarded to
the so-called shipment packing lung, for packing into cardboard boxes and/or application
of plastic film.
[0063] Lastly, it is important to note that it is possible to have more than one protective
device feeder 100 and more than one protective device applicator 104 for a single
production line, as can be seen in figure 2.
[0064] A further invention that is new and inventive, included in the scope of protection
of the appended claims, is a beverage recipient 7, which comprises the protective
device 1 now described.
[0065] Having described examples of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, and is only
limited by the content of the claims appended hereto, other potential equivalents
being included therein.
1. Verfahren zum Anbringen von Schutzeinrichtungen (1) an Getränkebehältern (7), wobei
das Verfahren folgende Schritte aufweist:
Schritt (i): Zuführen der jeweiligen Schutzreinrichtung (1) von einer Schutzeinrichtungs-Zuführungsvorrichtung
(100) zu einem Schutzeinrichtungs-Applikator (104);
Schritt (ii): Positionieren der jeweiligen Schutzeinrichtung (1) über einem oberen
Bereich von einem entsprechenden Getränkebehälter (7); und
Schritt (iii): Befestigen der jeweiligen Schutzeinrichtung (1) an dem entsprechenden
Getränkebehälter (7) durch Aufbringen von Druck auf die Schutzeinrichtung (1), damit
diese mit dem Getränkebehälter (7) in Kontakt kommt,
wobei dem Schritt (iii) ein Synchronisierungsschritt vorausgeht, der die Positionierung
der jeweiligen Schutzeinrichtung (1) in Relation zu dem entsprechenden Getränkebehälter
(7) ermöglicht, und zwar mittels einer Beschleunigungseinrichtung, die in der Lage
ist, die Schutzeinrichtungen (1) in anliegender Weise zusammen zu positionieren, bevor
sie in einen ersten Stern (116) eintreten, der die Behälter aufnimmt und führt.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass dem Schritt (i) ein Schritt vorausgeht, in welchem eine bestimmte Wärmemenge aufgebracht
wird, die in der Lage ist, die Feuchtigkeit zu verdampfen, die in dem oberen Bereich
des Getränkebehälters (7) vorhanden ist.
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass dem Schritt (i) ein Sterilisierungs- oder Reinigungsbehandlungsschritt der Schutzeinrichtung
(1) vorausgeht.
4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass der Sterilisierungsvorgang das Aufbringen von Luft bei hohen Temperaturen auf die
Schutzeinrichtung (1) umfasst.
5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass gleichzeitig mit dem Schritt (i) ein Förderschritt von mindestens einem Getränkebehälter
(7) zu dem Schutzeinrichtungs-Applikator (104) stattfindet.
6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass dem Schritt (i) ein Schritt vorausgeht, bei dem die Position der Schutzeinrichtung
(1) automatisch korrigiert wird, wenn die Schutzeinrichtung (1) nicht korrekt positioniert
ist.
7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass nach dem Schritt (iii) ein Prüfschritt durchgeführt wird, in welchem der Behälter,
der die Schutzeinrichtung (1) aufweist, an einer photoelektrischen Zelle, einer Faseroptik
oder dergleichen vorbeiläuft.
8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass der Getränkebehälter eine Metalldose ist.