U.S. patent application number 10/121107 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-16 for lance through straw opening end.
Invention is credited to Chasteen, Howard C., Lee, Gene.
Application Number | 20030192889 10/121107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28790245 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030192889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chasteen, Howard C. ; et
al. |
October 16, 2003 |
Lance through straw opening end
Abstract
The present invention relates to a metallic beverage can end and
more specifically to a substantially spillproof end which is
adapted for penetration and opening by a drinking straw.
Inventors: |
Chasteen, Howard C.;
(Golden, CO) ; Lee, Gene; (Golden, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
|
Family ID: |
28790245 |
Appl. No.: |
10/121107 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/268; 220/363; 220/705; 220/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/0065 20130101;
B65D 2517/0011 20130101; B65D 2231/02 20130101; B65D 17/401
20180101; B65D 2517/0071 20130101; B65D 2517/0062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/268; 220/363; 220/705; 220/906 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22; B65D
017/32 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A metallic beverage can end adapted for receiving a drinking
straw, comprising: a substantially circular end wall adapted for
interconnection to a beverage can body; a central panel integrally
interconnected to said circular end wall and comprising an outer
surface and an inner surface; a selectively weakened fracturable
zone positioned within said central panel which is defined by a
score line and penetrable by the drinking straw; and a sealant
material selectively applied to at least a portion of said central
panel and said selectively weakened fracturable zone, wherein said
central panel and said selectively weakened fracturable zone are
sealingly engaged until a downward force is applied to said
selectively weakened fracturable zone by the drinking straw.
2. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said sealant
material comprises at least one of a plastic, a polymer, a rubber
and an organic resin coating.
3. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said sealant
material is selectively applied to an inner surface of said central
panel and said selectively weakened fracturable zone.
4. The metallic beverage can end of claim 2, wherein said sealant
is a PVC plastisol.
5. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
selectively weakened fracturable zone has a semi-circular
shape.
6. The metallic beverage can end of claim 4, wherein said
selectively weakened fracturable zone further comprises a vent area
positioned proximate to a hinge point after penetration by the
drinking straw.
7. The metallic beverage can end of claim 4, wherein said
selectively weakened fracturable zone has a diameter no greater
than about 0.375 inches.
8. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said
selectively weakened fracturable zone is positioned substantially
within a mid-section of said central panel.
9. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said central
panel is comprised of a metallic material having a thickness no
greater than about 0.016 inches.
10. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, further comprising a
reinforcing bead which substantially surrounds said selectively
weakened fracturable zone.
11. The metallic beverage can end of claim 1, further comprising a
countersink positioned between said substantially circular end wall
and said central panel.
12. The beverage can end of claim 11, further comprising a chuck
wall positioned between said countersink and said circular end
wall.
13. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein at least a leading
edge of said selectively weakened fracturable zone is positioned
below a portion of said central panel, wherein said selectively
weakened fracturable zone is resistant to traveling upwardly based
on an interval pressure in said beverage can body.
14. A metallic beverage can end adapted for receiving a drinking
straw, comprising: a circular end wall adapted for interconnection
to a metallic can body and which is capable of withstanding an
internal pressure of at least about 90 psi; a chuck wall
interconnected to said circular end wall and extending downwardly
therefrom; a central panel interconnected to said chuck wall; a
score line positioned in said central panel which defines a hinged
gate for receiving the drinking straw; and a sealant material
applied to at least a portion of said central panel and said hinged
gate, wherein when a force of at least about 0.5 pounds is applied
to said hinged gate, the drinking straw penetrates through said
central panel.
15. The metallic beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said score
line is non-sealing prior to the application of said sealant
material.
16. The metallic beverage can end of claim 14, wherein an aperture
cleated in said central panel upon penetration of the straw has
curled edges, wherein there are substantially no sharpened edges
positioned substantially adjacent to said aperture.
17. The metallic beverage can end of claim 14, wherein a leading
edge of said hinged gate is positioned below said central panel
proximate to said score line.
18. The metallic beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said sealant
material is at least one of a plastic, a rubber, an organic
material and is positioned on an interior surface of said central
panel and said hinged gate.
19. The metallic beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said hinged
gate has an external shape greater than an opening defined by said
score line, wherein said hinged gate is prevented from passing
through said opening or said drinking straw if it becomes
disengaged from said central panel.
20. A method for opening a metallic beverage can end with a
drinking straw, comprising the steps of: providing a metallic
beverage can end adapted for interconnection to a beverage can
body, comprising: a) a substantially circular end wall; b) a
central panel integrally interconnected to said substantially
circular end wall and comprising an outer surface and an inner
surface; d) a hinged gate positioned within said central panel
which is defined by a score line; e) a sealant material applied to
at least a portion of said central panel and said hinged gate to
provide a sealing engagement; and applying a force to an upper
surface of said hinged gate, wherein the drinking straw penetrates
said central panel for communication with a liquid contained in the
beverage can body.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said sealant material comprises
at least one of a plastisol, a plastic, a rubber and an organic
resin coating.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said applying a force step
requires at least about 0.5 lbs.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein subsequent to said applying a
force step a vent area is defined proximate to a hinge area of said
hinged gate, wherein the liquid contained in the beverage can body
may be more readily withdrawn.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein said hinged gate has a
cross-sectional area no greater than about 0.375 inches.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein said metallic beverage can end
is capable of withstanding an internal pressure upon
interconnection with the beverage can body of at least about 90
psi.
26. The method of claim 20, wherein said metallic beverage can end
is comprised of an aluminum material having a thickness no greater
than about 0.016 inches.
27. The method of claim 20, wherein said applying a force step
comprises pushing a first end of the drinking straw against an
upper surface of said hinged gate.
28. The method of claim 20, further comprising a countersink
operably positioned between said substantially circular end wall
and said central panel.
29. The method of claim 20, wherein a leading edge of said hinged
gate is positioned at least partially below said central panel.
30. The method of claim 20, wherein an aperture defined by said
score line in said central panel has a curled edge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to beverage containers, and
more specifically a metallic beverage can end which may be
penetrated by a conventional drinking straw.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, beverage containers which are designed to
receive a drinking straw have become increasingly popular. The
straw is especially beneficial for small children to prevent
spilling, and for the physically handicapped or disabled which have
difficulty drinking from a standard cup, or larger opening beverage
can end. One such product described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,779 to
Lee combines a compressible straw disposed within the can body.
Upon opening, the straw projects itself through a v-shaped panel
for a user's benefit. Unfortunately, these types of products are
undesirable since the flavor of the beverage may become compromised
from scalping as the straw is suspended for indefinite periods of
time in the beverage. Additionally, it is possible for the straw to
become obstructed and thus difficult to retrieve. Further, the
opening disclosed in the '779 is too large to make the container
substantially spill-proof when the container is knocked over, thus
substantially defeating its purpose.
[0003] Another type of beverage can opening is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,126,244 to Elser, which describes a push tab with an
easy opening wall section. However, this type of container still
requires substantial finger pressure to open and is not feasible
for penetration by a straw or use by small children or the
physically disabled.
[0004] Two of the more common types of beverage containers which
are adapted to receive a straw include cardboard juice cartons and
metallic cans having a foil pull tab. With respect to the cardboard
juice cartons, a foil tab or other impermeable material is
positioned over a hole and pierced with a sharpened end of the
straw to provide entry into the beverage container. With regard to
the metal cans, a foil pull tab is typically used which is
removably interconnected to an upper surface of the metal juice can
and positioned over an opening in the beverage can end.
[0005] Both of the aforementioned foil opening mechanisms have
inherent problems. With regard to the cardboard juice cartons, the
nature of the squeezable cardboard makes the beverage container
conducive to spilling and prone to damage during shipping and bulk
storage. Additionally, when the foil is punctured with the
sharpened straw, they often spill as a result of a small child or
adult inadvertently squeezing the juice carton. Thus, the goal of
preventing spilling is oftentimes exasperated by the collapsible
nature of the cardboard storage carton. Additionally, the foil is
often difficult to pierce with a plastic drinking straw, especially
for the physically disabled. Thus, the goal of making a user
friendly, spill-proof drink container is not realized. Further, the
durability of the foil and associated cardboard container is
significantly less than a typical metallic beverage can end, and is
thus not suitable for high pressure applications, hot-fillable
pasteurized liquids, and other applications which require a high
degree of durability. Finally, flavor scalping may be an inherent
problem as the enclosed beverages are in contact with the foil,
which has a tendency to alter the taste of the beverage contained
therein.
[0006] With regard to metallic beverage cans which utilize a liquid
impervious foil pull-tab, numerous additional problems exist. For
example, small children and the physically disabled cannot remove
the pull tab from the upper surface of the beverage can end due to
the adhesive materials required to hold the foil on the upper
surface of the can end. Thus it may be impossible for these
individuals to remove the pull tab, let alone insert the straw into
the small hole. Additionally, these types of foil pull tabs require
an adhesive bonding agent to interconnect the foil pull tab to the
upper surface of the beverage can end which is both expensive and
further likely to contaminate the taste of the beverage through
scalping. Further, the leading edge of the small opening which is
adapted to receive the straw and the associated pull tab is
typically very sharp, and presents the risk of injury by the
user.
[0007] Finally, with the foil pull tab and the puncture type foil
mechanisms used for drinking straws, there is an inherent venting
problem since there is no significant size differential between the
size of the straw and the opening to receive the straw. Thus, the
beverage becomes difficult to withdraw from the beverage can. Thus,
there is a significant need for a safe, durable metallic beverage
can end which may be penetrated with a traditional drinking straw,
is user friendly for the physically disabled, elderly and small
children, and which is substantially spill proof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is thus one object of the present invention to provide an
easy opening beverage can which is adapted to receive a drinking
straw and which can be used by small children, the physically
disabled, and the elderly to dispense a liquid from a beverage can.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a can
opening mechanism which is familiar to a user and which does not
contaminate or alter the taste of the beverage.
[0009] It is a further aspect of the present invention to locate
the small opening in the beverage can end in a position which makes
the beverage can end substantially spill proof. Thus, in one
embodiment of the present invention the small opening is positioned
substantially in the middle of the central panel of the beverage
can end, thus inhibiting spillage when a drinking straw is inserted
therein and the beverage container is tipped over.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to create a
durable beverage can end which can be used under pressure (75-100
psi) for storing certain types of carbonated liquids such as beer
or soft drinks. Further, a metallic beverage can end is provided
which is capable of holding hot-fill liquids such as pasteurized
milk at the time the beverage is introduced into the can and which
is durable enough to withstand shipping and mishandling during
transportation and bulk storage.
[0011] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
metallic beverage can end which can be manufactured with the use of
existing production equipment in a beverage can end manufacturing
facility. Thus, significant time and money are saved since the
conventional production lines in a beverage plant do not need to be
significantly modified to create a small opening beverage can end
which a selectively weakened fracturable zone for selective
penetration by a straw.
[0012] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
beverage can end which is adapted for receiving a straw and which
does not have a pull tab with any significant sharp edges to
substantially decrease the likelihood of any type of finger injury
to the user pulling the pull tabs. Thus, in one aspect of the
present invention a score line is provided to define the
selectively weakened fracturable zone and which may incorporate a
raised reinforcing bead which substantially encircles the small
opening and shrouds the opening to prevent inadvertent contact with
a user's fingers.
[0013] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a metallic
beverage can end adapted for receiving a drinking straw is
provided, and which comprises:
[0014] a substantially circular end wall adapted for
interconnection to a beverage can body;
[0015] a central panel integrally interconnected to said circular
end wall and comprising an outer surface and an inner surface;
[0016] a selectively weakened fracturable zone positioned within
said central panel which is defined by a score line and penetrable
by the drinking straw; and
[0017] a sealant material selectively applied to at least a portion
of said central panel and said selectively weakened fracturable
zone, wherein said central panel and said selectively weakened
fracturable zone are sealingly engaged until a downward force is
applied to said selectively weakened fracturable zone by the
drinking straw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present
invention in identifying a score line position in a central panel
which is adapted for penetration by a drinking straw;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 and further identifying a sealant material positioned proximate
to the score line;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 and further depicting a drinking straw prior to penetration
of the beverage can end;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the beverage can end shown
after the hinge gate is rotated downwardly;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the drawing shown in
FIG. 4 and further identifying a drinking straw penetrating the
beverage can end;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the closed
hinge gate and surrounding reinforcing bead;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6
in an open position;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and providing additional detail
regarding the overlap between the central panel and the hinged
gate;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and providing additional detail of a
folded edge in the central panel and associated overlap with the
hinged gate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-13 depict numerous
embodiments of the present invention which is generally used in
conjunction with a metallic beverage can end 2. The beverage can
end 2 is generally comprised of a circular end wall 4 which is
interconnected to a central panel 8 and is adapted for
interconnection to a beverage can by means of double seaming or
other methods commonly known in the art.
[0032] The central panel 8 of the present invention generally
includes a central panel upper surface 10 and a central panel lower
surface 12, and further includes a selectively weakened fracturable
zone which is otherwise referred to herein as a hinged gate 14. The
hinged gate 14 is generally defined by a score line 16 and a hinge
point 20 to allow downward rotation of the hinged gate 14. In some
embodiments a vent area 22 is provided which permits sufficient
venting to allow the withdrawal of a beverage from the beverage can
body through a typical drinking straw without creating a vacuum.
The hinged gate 14 further comprises a hinged gate leading edge 28
as described below, while the central panel 8 may include a folded
edge 30 positioned along the aperture created in the central panel
to eliminate a sharpened edge and possible injury to a user.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a top and a bottom plan view
are respectively provided of one embodiment of the present
invention. More specifically, the circular end wall 4 is shown
interconnected to a central panel 8 which has a hinged gate 14
defined by a score line 16 positioned in a central portion of the
central panel 8. In one embodiment of the present invention the
score line may be substantially circular, substantially oval, or
any other type of geometric configuration which may be preferred by
the beverage can end maker or filler. For example, the outline of
an apple, orange, or other fruit maybe depicted to identify the
beverage product contained in the beverage container. Further, the
hinged gate 14 is preferably sized to have a diameter which is
greater than the diameter of the opening drinking straw 24 to
assure that the hinged gate 14 cannot be ingested if it
inadvertently breaks free from the hinge point 20 and becomes
suspended in the beverage in the beverage can body 34.
[0034] The hinged gate 14 is further defined by a hinge point 20
which defines a point of rotation when pressure is applied to an
upper surface with a finger or a drinking straw. As further
identified in FIG. 2, in a bottom plan view of the present
invention a sealant material 18 is provided which interconnects the
central panel lower surface 12 to the score line 16, and thus
prevents the score line 16 from being sheared due to internal
pressure in the beverage container, and/or external forces applied
to the beverage can end 2. As appreciated by one skilled in the
art, the sealant material 18 may additionally be applied to the
central panel upper surface 10, or both.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealant
material 18 comprises at least one of a plastic, a polymer, a
rubber, or an organic resin and may further include a material
known as a "PVC plastisol", which is manufactured by D. S. Chemie
of Bremen, Germany and Alltrista Corporation of Muncie, Ind.
Preferably, when the sealant material 18 is applied to the central
panel lower surface 12, the material is "non-scalping" and hence
does not alter the taste or color of the beverage contained in the
beverage can body.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, a front elevation view of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided herein and shows the
positioning of a typical drinking straw 24 prior to insertion
through the central panel. Although in the embodiment shown in FIG.
3 the hinged gate 14 is centrally located in the central panel 8,
the hinged gate 14 may be positioned in close proximity to the
circular end wall 4 or any location in the central panel 8. The
central positioning of the hinged gate 14 is generally preferred
since after insertion of the drinking straw 24, very little
spillage occurs if the beverage container is inadvertently tipped
over by a small child or other user, and is thus substantially
spillproof.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, a top plan view of the present
invention is shown herein after the hinged gate 14 rotated downward
to an open position. FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and further depicting a drinking straw
24. FIG. 4 also identifies a vent area 22 which may be created when
the hinged gate 14 is rotated downward and which is generally
positioned adjacent the hinge point 20. As shown, once the drinking
straw 24 penetrates through the hinged gate 14, the hinged gate 14
is oriented downwardly and folded along a hinge point 20. To allow
penetration of the drinking straw through the hinged gate, a force
of preferably at least about 0.5 pounds must be applied by the
drinking straw to the hinged gate 14. Further, the beverage can end
2 of the present invention must be capable of retaining a
pressurized beverage at pressures up to 100 psi, yet can be opened
with a typical drinking straw 24 by children or the physically
disabled.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a top plan view and a
cross-sectional front elevation view of another embodiment of the
present invention is provided herein, and which shows additional
detail of the hinged gate 14 and an associated reinforcing bead 26.
The reinforcing bead 26 is used to provide structural support
proximate to the score line 16 and which helps orient the drinking
straw 24 to the upper surface of the hinged gate 14 for
penetration. As shown in the closed position, the sealant material
18 generally overlaps between the hinged gate 14 and the central
panel lower surface 12. When pressure is applied to an upper
surface of the hinged gate 14, the sealant material 18 is sheared
along the score line, thus allowing rotation of the hinged gate 14
around the hinge point 20.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 are shown in an open position. More specifically,
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the invention shown in FIG. 6, while
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 8. As shown in these drawings, a vent area 22 may be
positioned adjacent the hinge point 20, and which allows for
withdraw of the beverage from the beverage can body without
creating a vacuum. Furthermore, the shearing of the sealant
material 18 is shown in FIG. 9, and the positioning of the
reinforcing bead 26 with respect to the hinged gate 14.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternative embodiment
of the present invention is provided herein. More specifically,
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a beverage can end 2 of the present
invention which identifies the hinged gate 14 in a closed position.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, and which further identifies the positioning of
the hinged gate 14 prior to and immediately after opening (dotted
lines). In this particular embodiment, a hinged gate leading edge
28 is oriented below the central panel 8 to provide additional
resistance to internal pressure. An expanded view of this hinged
gate overlap is shown in the circular area provided therein. Thus,
the hinged gate 14 is substantially prevented from opening
upwardly, while external downward pressure from the drinking straw
is sufficient to fracture the sealant material 18 and to allow
rotation of the hinged gate 14.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a further embodiment of
the present invention is provided herein, and which shows an
aperture folded edge 30 which is designed to substantially
eliminate sharp edges and the possibility of an injury to a user's
fingers during opening. More specifically, FIG. 12 is a top plan
view, while FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 12. Although the hinged gate 14 in this particular
embodiment is substantially round, as appreciated by one skilled in
the art the geometric shape may be arcuate as shown in FIG. 10 or
any other possible geometric configuration. As further shown in
FIG. 13, in this particular embodiment the aperture has folded
edges 30 and additionally has the hinged gate leading edge 28
positioned below the aperture folded edge 30 to prevent upward
rotation of the hinged gate 14. Thus the hinged gate 14 may be
pushed downward for rotation and opening, but is designed to
withstand significant pressures approaching 100 psi from carbonated
beverages stored in the beverage can body.
[0042] To assist in the understanding of the present invention, the
following component list is provided herein which identifies the
numbering and components associated with the present invention:
1 # Component 2 Beverage can end 4 Circular end wall 6 Countersink
8 Central panel 10 Central panel upper surface 12 Central panel
lower surface 14 Hinged gate 16 Score line 18 Sealant material 20
Hinge point 22 Vent area 24 Drinking straw 26 Reinforcing bead 28
Hinged gate leading edge 30 Aperture folded edges 32 Hinged gate
overlap 34 Beverage can body
[0043] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commenced here with the above teachings and the skill
or knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope in the
present invention. The embodiments described herein above are
further extended to explain best modes known for practicing the
invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention in such, or other, embodiments or various modifications
required by the particular applications or uses of present
invention. It is intended that the dependent claims be construed to
include all possible embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
* * * * *