Antibacterial protector for drink cans and drink can provided with an antibacterial protector

Abstract

The invention relates to an antibacterial protector for drink cans that comprises an upper part (1) partially covering the upper part of the can (5) and fitted to the edge thereof, wherein an outer vertical perimeter skirt (2) extends from the edge of the upper part in contact with the upper edge of the can (5), and an inner skirt (3) extends from the edge of the upper part (1) in the space inside the can, the inner skirt preventing access to the space defined below the upper part (1), at least one end of the vertical perimeter skirt (2) comprising a tab or flap (4) to facilitate the removal of the protector. In addition to the inside face of the protector, at least the outer vertical perimeter skirt (2) comprises a hypoallergenic adhesive. The invention prevents the drink can from becoming contaminated or infected with bacteria, especially in the area that comes into direct contact with the mouth.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . An antibacterial protector for drink cans comprising: an upper part ( 1 ) partially covering the top of a drink can ( 5 ) wherein the upper part is fitted to the edge of the top of said drink can; an outer vertical perimeter skirt ( 2 ) that extends from the edge of the upper part in contact with the drink can; an inner skirt ( 3 ) that extends from the edge of the upper part within the space inside top of the drink can, wherein the inner skirt is adapted to prevent access to the space defined below the upper part, wherein at least one end of the outer vertical perimeter skirt comprises a tab or flap ( 4 ) adapted to facilitate the removal of the antibacterial protector, wherein at least the outer vertical perimeter skirt ( 2 ) comprises a hypoallergenic adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The antibacterial protector of claim  1 , wherein the upper part has a crescent shape. 
     
     
         7 . The antibacterial protector of claim  1 , wherein the upper part has a circular section shape. 
     
     
         8 . The antibacterial protector of claim  1 , wherein the drink can is made of biodegradable material. 
     
     
         9 . The antibacterial protector of claim  1  adapted to be reattachable to the drink can to protect the can while not in use. 
     
     
         10 . The antibacterial protector of claim  1  adapted to be used as a support for labelling and engraved advertising. 
     
     
         11 . A method for preventing the top of a drink can from being contaminated by bacteria, the method comprising:
 (a) providing a drink can, and   (b) securing to the top of said drink can a an antibacterial protector for drink cans comprising: an upper part ( 1 ) partially covering the top of a drink can ( 5 ) wherein the upper part is fitted to the edge of the top of said drink can; an outer vertical perimeter skirt ( 2 ) that extends from the edge of the upper part in contact with the drink can; an inner skirt ( 3 ) that extends from the edge of the upper part within the space inside top of the drink can, wherein the inner skirt is adapted to prevent access to the space defined below the upper part, wherein at least one end of the outer vertical perimeter skirt comprises a tab or flap ( 4 ) adapted to facilitate the removal of the antibacterial protector, wherein at least the outer vertical perimeter skirt ( 2 ) comprises a hypoallergenic adhesive. Wherein the upper part has a crescent or circular shape.