Actuating Self-Cooling Can

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/170,029, entitled Actuating Self-Cooling Can, which was filed on Feb. 16, 2023, and which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/311,126, entitled Method of Actuation for Self-Cooling Beverage Can, which was filed on Feb. 17, 2022. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

This application relates to self-cooling cans and, more particularly, relates to systems and methods for actuating self-cooling cans.

Self-cooling cans exist. One example is the I.C. Can™ self-cooling beverage can from Tempra Technology, Inc., the applicant of the current application. The I.C. Can self-cooling beverage can is a beverage can that contains a beverage and has a built-in, self-contained, cooler that is safe, completely functional, environmentally friendly and that operates on the principal of evaporative cooling. When activated, the beverage contained therein is cooled rapidly (e.g., by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit or more in about three minutes or less). This eliminates the need for ice or refrigeration of the beverage and allows consumers to enjoy a cold beverage whenever and wherever they desire. Moreover, the system continues to cool without dilution as the beverage is consumed ensuring that the last drop is as cold or colder than the first.

Improvements are desired, particularly in relation to activating the self-cooling functionalities of a self-cooling cans.

In one aspect, a self-cooling container for cooling a liquid includes a first portion that includes: a) an internal compartment containing the liquid to be cooled, b) an internal evaporator unit containing a refrigerant, and c) a first frangible seal that extends across and seals off the evaporator unit, and a second portion that includes: a) an internal desiccant chamber containing a desiccant, and b) a second frangible seal that extends across and seals off the desiccant chamber. The first portion is configured to rotate about an axis of the self-cooling container relative to the second portion. An actuator assembly is between the first portion and the second portion of the self-cooling container. The actuator assembly includes a cutter assembly coupled to the first portion of the self-cooling container and a drive gear assembly coupled to the second portion of the self-cooling container. The cutter assembly includes a cutter support, a rotatable axle coupled to the cutter support, a cutter coupled to the rotatable axle, and a pinion gear coupled to the rotatable axle. The drive gear assembly includes a housing and a ring gear supported by the housing. The pinion gear on the cutter assembly is mated to the ring gear of the drive gear assembly.

In another aspect, a self-cooling container for cooling a liquid includes a first portion with a first frangible seal that extends across and seals an evaporator unit containing a refrigerant and a second portion with a second frangible seal that extends across and seals a desiccant chamber containing a desiccant. The first portion rotates axially relative to the second portion. An actuator assembly is between the first portion and the second portion and includes: a cutter assembly, which is coupled to the first portion of the self-cooling container and includes a cutter coupled to a rotatable axle and a pinion gear coupled to the rotatable axle, and a drive gear assembly coupled to the second portion of the self-cooling container and including a ring gear supported by a housing. The pinion gear on the cutter assembly is mated to the ring gear of the drive gear assembly.

In still another aspect, a method of manufacturing a self-cooling container for cooling a liquid is disclosed. The method includes providing a first portion of the self-cooling container. The first portion includes an internal compartment containing the liquid to be cooled, an internal evaporator unit containing a refrigerant, and a first frangible seal that extends across and seals off the evaporator unit. The method further includes providing a second portion of the self-cooling container. The second portion includes an internal desiccant chamber containing a desiccant and a second frangible seal that extends across and seals off the desiccant chamber. The method further includes providing a cutter assembly for the self-cooling container. The cutter assembly includes a cutter support and a rotatable assembly coupled to the cutter support. The rotatable assembly includes a rotatable axle, a cutter coupled to the rotatable axle, and a pinion gear coupled to the rotatable axle. The method further includes providing a drive gear assembly for the self-cooling container. The drive gear assembly includes a housing and a ring gear supported by the housing. The method further includes attaching the cutter support of the cutter assembly to the first portion of the self-cooling container (e.g., with friction and/or an adhesive), attaching the housing of the drive gear assembly to the second portion of the self-cooling container (e.g., with friction and/or an adhesive). The method further includes placing the first portion of the self-cooling container with the attached cutter support in a vacuum chamber, placing the second portion of the self-cooling container with the attached drive gear assembly in the vacuum chamber, establishing a vacuum environment within the vacuum chamber; and pressing the first portion of the self-cooling container with the attached cutter support against the second portion of the self-cooling container with the attached drive gear assembly, with an O-ring therebetween, within the vacuum environment so that the pinion gear of the cutter assembly engages the ring gear of the drive gear assembly. The method further includes removing the first portion of the self-cooling container with the attached cutter support and the second portion of the self-cooling container with the attached drive gear assembly, with the O-ring therebetween, from the vacuum environment. In a typical implementation, the first portion of the self-cooling container with the attached cutter support remains connected to the second portion of the self-cooling container with the attached drive gear assembly after being removed from the vacuum environment by virtue of a low pressure environment persisting in an internal space between the first portion of the self-cooling container and the second portion of the self-cooling container after removal from the vacuum environment.

In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages are present.

For example, the systems and techniques disclosed herein may improve the actuation of self-cooling cans. Some of these improvements may come in the form of increased reliability and effectiveness. Also, the systems and techniques disclosed herein may lead improved to manufacturability of self-cooling cans, and/or actuating systems for self-cooling cans. This may lead to reduced cost, higher efficiencies, improved commercial viability, and scalability of self-cooling cans.

Moreover, some implementations of the systems and techniques disclosed herein protect frangible seals (e.g., foils) in the self-cooling can from undesired damage during assembly, storage, and handling (e.g., prior to activation of the self-cooling can).

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Like reference characters refer to like elements.

is an external perspective view of an implementation of a self-cooling beverage can.

The illustrated self-cooling beverage canhas an upper portionand a lower portiondemarcated from one another by a circumferential groove. The upper portionhas an internal beverage compartment with a beverage (e.g., beer, soda, etc.) and an internal evaporator unit with a refrigerant (e.g., water gel) that evaporates to cool the beverage when the beverage can's self-cooling functionality is activated. The lower portionhas an internal desiccant chamber to absorb moisture from the evaporated refrigerant and an internal heat sink to absorb heat from the desiccant. The self-cooling functionality of the beverage cancan be activated by a user twisting the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage canand the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage canin opposite directions (e.g., as reflected by the curved arrows in the figure).

When a user twists the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage canand the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage canin opposite directions, an activator assembly (not visible in, but seein) disposed between the upper portionand lower portionof the self-cooling beverage canresponds to twisting and actuates the self-cooling functionality of the can.

is a schematic, exploded, side view of an implementation of the self-cooling beverage canwith certain portions thereof shown in cross-section.

The illustrated self-cooling beverage canhas an upper portion, a lower portionand an actuator assembly. When assembled, the actuator assemblysits between the upper portionand the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage can.

The upper portionof the self-cooling beverage canhas an outer containerand an evaporator unitwith a beverage compartmenttherebetween. A first frangible seal extends across an opening at the bottom of the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage canto seal off the evaporator unit.

The outer containerof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage canhas a can bodyand a can lid. The can bodymay be constructed from a single piece of aluminum or steel, for example, machined into the shape represented in the illustrated implementation, which includes a cylindrical side, a neck at the top of the cylindrical side and a base at the bottom of the cylindrical side. The can lidmay be manufactured from an aluminum alloy and attached to the can bodywith a flange connection. The can lidtypically has an opening mechanism (e.g., a pop-tab, stay-on-tab, etc.) that permits a user to open the outer containerand gain access to the beverage inside the beverage compartment. The beverage inside the beverage compartmentcan be virtually any kind of drinkable liquid including, for example, a carbonated soft drink, an alcoholic drink, a fruit juice, a tea, an energy drink, etc.

The evaporator unitin the illustrated implementation includes an evaporator housingthat defines an evaporator compartmentwith internal surfaces (e.g.,). More specifically, the evaporator compartmentin the illustrated implementation has a bottom sectionand an annular section. The bottom sectionof the evaporator compartmentforms a hollow, short, cylindrical chamber at the bottom of the beverage compartment. The annular sectionof the evaporator compartmentforms a hollow, annular chamber that extends up from an outer edge of the cylindrical bottom sectionof the evaporator compartmentaround an entire periphery of the cylindrical bottom section. The annular sectionextends in the upward direction a substantial length (e.g., at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 80%) of the overall height of the inside of the outer container. As shown, the beverage in the beverage compartmentis in direct physical contact with (and, therefore, direct thermal contact with) external surfaces of the evaporator unit. Accordingly, when the cooling effect is initiated in the self-cooling beverage container, heat is drawn out of the beverage in the beverage compartmentand into refrigerant contained in the evaporator unit, thus cooling the beverage. As shown, the inside of the annular sectionof the evaporator chamberis open to (and, therefore, in free fluid communication with) the inside of the cylindrical bottom sectionof the evaporator compartment.

The evaporator compartmentcontains refrigerant. The refrigerant may be in the form of a water gel, for example, and typically is applied to the inner surfacesof the evaporator container. Water gel is a generally safe, non-toxic, gelatinous (or semi-solid) substance that has a large amount (e.g., more than 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%) of water. The water gel may be in spherical form and may include a water-absorbing superabsorbent polymer (SAP, also known as slush powder in dry form, e.g., a polyacrylamide). In a typical implementation, the inner surfacesof the evaporator compartmentare coated with water gel throughout the evaporator housing. More specifically, in a typical implementation, prior to activation, the water gel is covering a large portion (e.g., more than 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%) of the inner surfacesof the evaporator compartment.

The baseof the outer containeris contoured to define an annular downward-facing projectionat or near a circumferential outer edge of the base. The basealso is contoured to define an openingthat extends through the baseand into the evaporator compartment. The openingmay be circular and typically is centrally disposed in the baseof the outer container. The size of the openingcan vary. However, in various implementations, the size of the opening may be anywhere from at least 30% (or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%) of the area defined by the circular bottom tips of the annular, downward-facing projection.

The openingin the baseof the upper portionin the illustrated implementation is covered by a first frangible sealthat extends across, covers, and thereby blocks fluid flow through, the opening. When intact, the first frangible sealprevents fluid from flowing through the openingeither into or out of the evaporator compartment. In some implementations, the first frangible sealis a foil (e.g., a thin piece of material, such as metal, etc.) and is attached to the inner or outer surface of the baseof the outer container. In various implementations, the foil may be attached to the surface of the base using an adhesive material or by any other type of attachment method. The foil is configured to break (e.g., tear, rip, become detached, etc.) in response to the application of a pressing force and/or tearing forces against or to the foil. Once the foil has been broken, fluid is free to flow through the openingbetween the evaporator compartmentand spaces external to the evaporator compartment.

The bottom sectionof the evaporator compartmentin the illustrated implementation extends all the way to the first frangible sealso that, when intact, the first frangible sealessentially closes off and seals shut the evaporator compartment, but, when compromised, fluid is free to flow into or out of the evaporator compartmentthrough the opening, as relative pressures dictate.

The lower portionof the self-cooling beverage canserves as a condenser unitfor the self-cooling beverage can. The illustrated condenser unithas an outer housingand an inner housing. The outer housinghas surfaces that define a cylindrical side, a contoured top, and a substantially flat bottom. The outer diameter of the cylindrical side of the outer housingmatches the outer diameter of the outer containerof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can. The inner housing(or “absorber”) defines an internal desiccant chamberthat includes an upper chamber portionand a plurality of finger chambers, each of which extends in a downward direction from the upper chamber. In a typical implementation, each finger chamberhas a length that is equal to a substantial portion (e.g., at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80%) of the overall height of the interior of the inner housing.

The internal desiccant chambercontains a desiccant. In a typical implementation, a desiccant is a substance that is able to absorb water (e.g., evaporated water gel) from its environment. In some implementations, the desiccant is in a solid form. One example of a desiccant is silica gel, which is an otherwise inert, nontoxic, water-insoluble white solid substance.

The inner housingis largely contained within the outer housingwith only a small tubular extensionportion of the inner housingextending to an upper surface of the outer housing. The inner housing, together with the outer housing, collectively define a heat sink chambertherebetween. The heat sink chambercontains a heat sink material that may, in some instances, undergo a phase change (e.g., by melting) when it is exposed to a source of heat and draws heat away from that source of heat. For example, the heat sink material may melt when it is exposed to heat in the desiccant chamber and draws that heat away from the desiccant chamber. Acetate is one example of a heat sink material. As shown, the heat sink material is in direct physical contact with (and, therefore, direct thermal contact with) external surfaces of the desiccant chamber. Accordingly, when desiccant in the desiccant chamberheats up, that heat can readily escape the desiccant through the wall of the heat sink chamberand into the heat sink material contained therein.

There is an openingat the top of the tubular extensionportion of the inner housing. The openingmay be circular in shape and is centered on the circular top of the tubular extension. The openingin the illustrated implementation opens into the desiccant chamber. In a typical implementation, the openingmay be the same size or approximately the same size as the opening in the baseof the upper portion. Moreover, when assembled (e.g., when the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage canis coupled to the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can), the openingat the top of the tubular extensionaligns with the openingin the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can.

A second frangible sealextends across the openingat the top of the tubular extensionto seal off the desiccant chamber. Thus, when intact, the second frangible sealprevents fluid from flowing through the openingeither into or out of the desiccant chamber. In a typical implementation, the second frangible sealis structurally similar to the first frangible seal. For example, in some implementations, the second frangible seal is a foil (e.g., a thin piece of material, such as metal, etc.). Moreover, it typically is attached to the inner or outer surface of the top of the tubular extension. In various implementations, the foil may be attached to the surface of the tubular extensionusing an adhesive material or by any other type of attachment method. The foil is configured to break (e.g., tear, rip, become detached, etc.) in response to the application of a pressing force and/or tearing forces against or to the foil. Once the foil has been broken, fluid is free to flow through the openingbetween the desiccant chamberand spaces external to the desiccant chamber.

The top of the upper chamberof the condenser unitin the illustrated implementation extends all the way to the second frangible sealso that, when intact, the second frangible sealessentially closes off and seals shut the desiccant chamber, but, when compromised, fluid is free to flow into or out of the desiccant chamberthrough the opening, as relative pressures dictate.

The upper outer surface of the lower portion of theof the self-cooling beverage canis contoured to define an annular groove that can receive and mate with a corresponding annular extension formed in the piece that sits immediately above it.

The actuator assemblysits between the upper portionand the lower portionof illustrated self-cooling can. The illustrated actuator assemblyincludes a cutter assembly, a drive gear assemblyand an O-ring, all represented with side views (not cross-sectional views) inand is operable to actuate the cooling functionality in the self-cooling beverage can.

is a partial, perspective, exploded, side view showing an implementation of an actuator assembly, positioned between an upper portionand a lower portionof a self-cooling beverage can. As in, the illustrated actuator assemblyincludes a cutter assembly, a drive gear assembly, and an O-ringand is operable to actuate the cooling functionality in the self-cooling beverage can

The cutter assemblyhas a cutter support (which, in the illustrated implementation, is a rigid annular bodywith a pair of axle support surfacesattached to or integral to the rigid annular body). The axle support surfaces, which may be axle sockets and/or bearings, are at diametrically opposite sides of the circular central opening defined by the rigid annular body. The axle, which is supported by the axle support surfaces, extends diametrically across the central opening of the rigid annular bodyessentially bisecting the central opening. A pinion gearis mounted onto the axleand is configured to rotate with the axleabout a longitudinal axis of the axle. A cutteralso is mounted onto the axleand also is configured to rotate with the axleabout the longitudinal axis of the axle.

The cutterincludes rigid bodymounted to (or integrally formed with) the axle. The rigid bodyof the cutterhas two mirror image segments,that extend in from the axlein opposite directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axle. Each segment,has a semicircular outer edge portion and a pair of straight portions that connect the ends of the semicircular outer edge portion to the axle. The space bounded by each respective segmentorand the axleis empty. The segments,are aligned with one another and extend along a common plane (i.e., they are coplanar). In the illustrated implementation, each segment,has a pair of serrated edges, each serrated edgeextending away from the common plane. Typically, for each segment, one of the serrated edges (e.g.,, which is visible in) faces one direction and the other one of the serrated edges (not visible inbut see) faces another direction (e.g., opposite the first). In various implementations, the serrated edges may extend around an entirety of each semicircular outer edge portion and pair of straight portions, or the serrated edges may extend around only part of each semicircular outer edge portion and pair of straight portions. For example, in some implementations, the serrated edges are only on the semicircular outer edge portions of the segments,

In a typical implementation, the cutter assemblyfits and seals against the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can. An adhesive material may be applied between portions of the cutter assemblyand the baseto attach the cutter assemblyto the base. In some implementations, portions of the rigid annular bodyof the cutter assemblymay be contoured to follow corresponding contours on the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can. More specifically, in certain implementations, the cutter assemblyis sized to fit up into the space surrounded by the annular downward facing projectingon the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage container. Moreover, in some such implementations, an outer side surfaceof the annular bodyof the cutter assemblyfollows the same contours as a facing surface of the annular downward facing projectionon the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage container. This sort of arrangement helps ensure a lot of surface area contact between the annular bodyof the cutter assemblyand the annular downward facing projectionof the base. Adhesive applied at the contact areas (and/or a friction fit and/or an external force pressing the two components together) aids in holding the two components (cutter assemblyand upper portion) together.

The cutteris centered in the circular space defined and surrounded by the annual bodyof the cutter assembly. The sealed openingin the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can, which is sealed by the first frangible seal, is centered within a circle defined by the annular downward-facing projection. Thus, when the cutter assemblyis attached to the base, the cutterin the illustrated implementation automatically aligns with the openingin the baseand with the first frangible sealthat covers the opening. Thus, when the cutter assemblyis attached to the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can, and the axleis rotated about its longitudinal axis, the cutterand one of its serrated edges moves into and tears or otherwise compromises the first frangible seal, essentially unsealing the evaporator chamber. Depending on the direction that the axleis rotated, the serrated edge on segmentor segmentthat is facing the first frangible sealwill move into and compromise the first frangible seal.

A pinion gear (not visible inbut seein other drawings) would be on the axlebetween the cutting elementand one of the axle support surfaces(i.e., the one with the V-groove in). In a typical implementation, the pinion gearis closer to that axle support surfacethan it is to the cutting element. This places the pinion gearnear (e.g., within about 1 or 2 centimeters of) an inner edge of the closest support surface. The pinion gearmay be a circular gear with gear teeth on its outer, circumferential surface.

The drive gear assemblyin the illustrated implementation has a rigid annular body. The rigid annular bodyin the illustrated implementation has outer surfaces, an inner surface, upper surfaces, and a lower surface.

The outer surfacesof the drive gear assemblydefine a first cylindrical sectionand a second cylindrical sectionthat is below the first cylindrical section. In a typical implementation, the first cylindrical sectionhas a diameter that is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical body portion of outer container, and the same as the diameter of the cylindrical outer housing. The diameter of the second cylindrical sectionis slightly smaller (e.g., less the 1% or 2%) than the diameter of the first cylindrical section. In an exemplary implementation, the smaller diameter of the second cylindrical section, relative to the first cylindrical section, provides clearance for a rolled bead on the self-cooling beverage can

The inner surfaceof the drive gear assemblyin the illustrated implementation is cylindrical and opposite and coaxial with the outer surfacesof the drive gear assembly. The inner surfacehas a shorter height than the collective height of the outer surfaces, which includes the first cylindrical sectionand the second cylindrical section

The lower surfaceof the drive gear assemblyextends between a lower edge of the inner surfaceand a lower edge of the outer surfaces. The lower surfacesin the illustrated implementation is flat, annular, and lies in a plane that is perpendicular to axes of the cylindrical outer surfacesand/or the cylindrical inner surface.

The upper surfacesof the drive gear assemblyextend between an upper edge of the inner surfaceand an upper edge of the outer surfaces. Since the lower surfaceof the drive gear assemblyis flat and lies in a horizontal plane when the self-cooling beverage canis assembled and since the inner surfaceof the drive gear assemblyis shorter than the outer surfacesof the drive gear assembly, the inner edge of the upper surfacesis lower than the outer edge of the upper surfaces.

The upper surfacescollectively define (from the inner edge, moving outward) an annular drive gear, a flat annular surface, a cylindrical surface, an annular cradlefor cradling an outer circumferential portion of base, and an annular O-ring grooveformed in the annular cradle.

The annular drive gearforms a continuous ring of gear teeth that face upward and are positioned and configured to engage and mesh with corresponding gear teeth on the pinion gearof the cutter assembly. The flat annular surfaceis immediately outside, surrounds, and is coaxially disposed relative to the annular drive gear. The cylindrical surfaceextends in an upward direction from an outer edge of the flat annular surfaceperpendicular to the flat annular surface. The cylindrical surfacealso is coaxially disposed relative to the annular drive gear. The annular cradleextends from an upper edge of the cylindrical surfaceto the upper edge of the outer surfacesof the drive gear assembly. The annular cradlehas an inner section and an outer section. The outer section of the annular cradlesurrounds the inner section of the annular cradle. The inner section of the annular cradlefollows the contours of an outer edge of the annular downward-facing projectionof the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can. The outer section of the annular cradlefollows the contours of a portion of the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage canthat falls radially outside of the annular downward-facing projection. The annular O-ring grooveis formed in the outer portion of the annular cradleabout midway between the inner edge of the outer portion of the annular cradleand the outer edge of the outer portion of the annular cradle.

The O-ringis sized and configured to fit within the annular O-ring groovein such a manner that a portion of the O-ringextends up and out of the annular O-ring grooveto contact and seal against a mating surface on the baseof the upper portionof the self-cooling beverage can. The O-ring, in a typical implementation, is a mechanical gasket in the shape of a torus (e.g., a loop of elastomer with a round cross-section, designed to be seated in a groove (e.g., annular O-ring groove) and compressed during assembly between two parts (e.g., drive gear assemblyand base) forming a seal at the interface.

The flat, annular lower surfaceof the drive gear assemblygets adhered to (with an adhesive) an upper annular surfaceon the top of the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage can. The upper annular surfaceon the top of the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage canis surrounded, at its periphery, by a raised lip. When the flat, annular lower surfaceof the drive gear assemblygets adhered to the upper annular surfaceon the top of the lower portionof the self-cooling beverage can, the raised lipextends up and around the second cylindrical sectionof the drive gear assembly

is a partial, cross-sectional, side view of an implementation of the self-cooling beverage can, assembled.

The components of the self-cooling beverage canrepresented in the illustrated partial cross-sectional view include the upper portion, the lower portion, the drive gear assembly, and the O-ring. The self-cooling functionality of the self-cooling beverage canhas not been initiated in the illustrated configuration. Therefore, the first and second frangible seals,are shown in an intact state (i.e., not ruptured or otherwise compromised) on the upper and lower portions,, respectively. In a typical implementation, one or more of the frangible seals may be bowed or curved based on a pressure differential across the frangible seal. The cutter assembly (e.g.,in) is not shown in the illustrated figure. However, in a fully assembled self-cooling beverage can, the cutter assemblywould be positioned in the empty space between the upper portion, the lower portion, and drive gear assembly. (See, e.g., the partial, side, cross-sectional view inand).

If the cutter assembly (e.g.,in) were positioned in the empty space between the upper portion, the lower portion, and the drive gear assembly, the cutterof the cutter assemblywould be located (approximately centered) in that empty space as well with its axlespanning across the empty space and the cutterdisposed approximately midway along the length of the axle. The axlealso would be located approximately midway between the two frangible seals, with the two segments of the cutterbeing approximately mirror images of one another and large enough to reach the frangible seals when the axleis rotated. Moreover, if the cutter assemblywere so positioned, the pinion gearon the cutter assembly axlewould be mated to the ring gearon the drive gear assembly. Thus, the annular drive gearis located on the drive gear assemblysuch that, when the self-cooling beverage containeris in an assembled state (such as in, for example), the gear teeth on the annular drive gearengage the gear teeth on the pinion gearon the cutter assembly. Moreover, of course, the gear teeth on the two gears—the annular drive gearand the pinion gear—are sized and shaped to mate/mesh with one another in a driving-driven relationship.