INTEGRATED BEVERAGE CAN END INFUSION PORT AND METHOD OF USE
There is provided an infusion port for a beverage can and more specifically, an infusion port that is integrated within a beverage can end and a method of infusion.
1 . A beverage container can end having an integrated infusion port, comprising:
a standard tab assembly for non-resealable opening of said beverage container can end;
an infusion port opening located near a periphery of an edge of said can end;
an integrated infusion port having an upper collar, a location port, a gate member and a base member; and
said infusion port centered over said infusion port opening.
2 . The infusion port of claim 1 wherein said gate member links said upper collar and said base member through said infusion port opening.
3 . The infusion port of claim 1 wherein said infusion port is resealable.
4 . The infusion port of claim 1 wherein said infusion port is made up of a resilient elastomer.
5 . The infusion port of claim 1 wherein said base member includes a tab member.
6 . The infusion port of claim 1 wherein said location port is of lesser thickness than said upper collar.
7 . A beverage container sealing end having an integrated infusion port, comprising:
a standard sealing end of said beverage container can end;
an infusion septum within said sealing end, said septum having an integrated port passing through said sealing end;
said integrated port sealed within said sealing end with an interference fit;
said integrated port having a port opening with an upper collar, an infusion port and a lower base member; and
said infusion port centered over said port opening.
8 . A method of infusing a pre-filled beverage container using an integrated infusion port, the steps comprising:
providing a modified beverage can end with an integrated self-sealing infusion port;
securing said modified can end to said pre-filled beverage container;
inserting a piercing member into said self-sealing infusion port, said piercing member in fluid communication with a dispensing member containing an infusant;
passing said piercing member through said infusion port into an interior of said beverage container;
injecting said infusant from said dispending member into said container;
intermixing said infusant with said beverage contained within said beverage container;
withdrawing said piercing member for self-sealing of said infusion port; and
sealing said infusion port with an adhesive member.