U.S. patent application number 13/219052 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for beverage container end with multiple openings.
Invention is credited to Harry LaCoste Ellerbe, III, Bryan Dwight Finch.
Application Number | 20120048870 13/219052 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45695767 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120048870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellerbe, III; Harry LaCoste ;
et al. |
March 1, 2012 |
BEVERAGE CONTAINER END WITH MULTIPLE OPENINGS
Abstract
A beverage container has a tab member rotatably and pivotally
mounted thereon. The tab member can be used to form two separate
openings in the can top, and each opening can be used either
independently or together. One opening is the main drink opening,
and the other opening is designed to receive a straw. While the
primary use for the second opening is to receive a straw, the
second opening may also serve as a built in vent when the main
drink opening is used.
Inventors: |
Ellerbe, III; Harry LaCoste;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Finch; Bryan Dwight; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Family ID: |
45695767 |
Appl. No.: |
13/219052 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61402215 |
Aug 26, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/712 ;
220/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2205/02 20130101;
B65D 2517/0049 20130101; B65D 2231/022 20130101; B65D 2517/0014
20130101; B65D 17/4012 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/712 ;
220/269 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 17/32 20060101 B65D017/32 |
Claims
1. A beverage container having a top with a non-detachable fulcrum
type lifting tab, having a pushing end and a lifting end, attached
thereto, said lifting tab being adapted to form an opening in the
container top for pouring-out access of the container contents; the
container top comprising means for forming two separated openings
therein, with formation of a first opening, providing for access to
the container contents, and formation of a second opening,
providing for insertion of a straw to consume contents of
container. The second opening also provides air access to the
interior of the container to facilitate pouring out of the
container contents if needed; and wherein each of said openings is
formed by a lifting of the lifting end of said tab; wherein said
container top comprises a centrally located, integrally formed
rivet member, said lifting tab being affixed to the container top
by said rivet with the lifting end positioned on one side of the
rivet and the pushing end positioned on the other side of the rivet
and the lifting tab being swivelable about the rivet; the means for
forming the two separated openings comprising two separate scored
sections of the container top adjacent to and spaced from the rivet
and extending therefrom, the swivelable tab held by the rivet is
able to separately engage each of said scored sections with the
pushing end thereof, so that lifting of the lifting end of the tab
causes the pushing end of the tab to apply pressure to one of said
two scored sections, causing said section to separate from the
remainder of the container top, thereby forming the respective
openings.
2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the container top
comprises an elongated inwardly dished section which passes through
the center of the container top, with the rivet being located
within said dished section and, wherein a portion of the dished
section on one side of the rivet is scored in a direction away from
the rivet to form a first of said scored section and wherein a
second portion of the dished section, on the opposite side of the
rivet, is scored in a direction away from the rivet, wherein a
split, winged shaped, trap door style tear panel is located to
accept a straw and is created by two curved score lines and one
straight score line with enhanced leverage created by raised
embossing to form the other of said scored sections. Once severed
at score lines the wings of split tear panel remain hingedly
attached to end wall at embossing lines.
3. The beverage container of claim 2, wherein each of the scored
sections respectively circumscribes a substantial portion of the
dished section on the respective sides of the rivet whereby the
respective openings comprise a substantial portion of the dished
section.
4. The beverage container of claim 3, wherein an area between the
respective scored sections is of sufficient width to provides a
support for the rivet and a support for the lift tab to effect
formation of the straw access and air access opening after
formation of the first opening for access to the container
contents.
5. The beverage container of claim 4, wherein the connection
between the tab and the rivet is of sufficient strength to enable
the lift tab to effect formation of the a straw insertion access
opening after formation of the first opening for access to the
container contents.
6. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the connection
between the tab and the rivet is of sufficient strength to enable
the lift tab to effect formation of the a straw insertion access
opening independent of the formation of the first opening, which
remains unopened, for access to the container contents.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/402,215 filed Aug. 26, 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to end members of
beverage containers, and, more particularly, to an easy-open, stay
on tab (SOT) can end with an easy-open, secondary opening to
receive a straw, that can be opened and used independent of the
main drink opening, and that also serves as a built in vent when
used with the main drink opening, in which an attached tab is
lifted to partially sever and displace a scored tear panel, thereby
creating a pouring or drinking opening, with the tab and tear panel
remaining attached to the end. The attached tab is then rotated 180
degrees, again lifted partially to sever and displace a second
scored tear panel, thereby creating a straw opening, that also
serves as a built in vent, with the tab and tear panel remaining
attached to the end.
BACKGROUND
[0004] While a variety of beverage can end structures have been
utilized as appropriate for particular drink applications, an
inherent problem is difficulty achieving a "smooth" outlet flow
from beverage cans, resulting in excessive foaming when pouring a
beverage from such a can into a glass, or drinking a beverage from
such a can directly, where use of a straw, or built in vent would
be beneficial. In general, the most commonly encountered opening in
beverage cans, an oval opening provided when the tear panel is
popped inward using the attached tab, does not provide for a smooth
flow of liquid from the can, and heavy carbonation in the beverage
makes inserting a straw into the main drink opening unsteady and
difficult. Typically, such openings result in restricted outward
flow, as outbound carbon dioxide competes with inbound air in the
available opening space. Thus, decreasing carbon dioxide release by
decreasing turbulent flow assists in the flow of liquid from the
beverage can and smoothes the liquid flow, and insertion and use of
a straw is made easier. And, even though "wide mouth" cans have
enhanced drinkability to a limited degree by providing more room
for outbound carbon dioxide, such cans are less than satisfactory
in providing smooth, continuous delivery of a beverage to the mouth
of a user, and make insertion and use of a straw more difficult. A
can designed specifically to receive a straw and with a built in
vent would also provide an additional opening for gas to exit the
can, thus reducing turbulent liquid flow, and assisting the smooth
flow of liquid from the beverage can when poured into a glass or
when a user drinks the beverage directly from the can, and when
user drinks the beverage from the can using a straw.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a beverage can end design which
provides a secondary opening to receive a straw and which can also
serve as a built in vent, that will minimize turbulence of exiting
liquid during the process of drinking the beverage and promote
improved drinkability and pourability.
[0006] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a
beverage can in which a straw can be easily used, independent of
the main drink opening, and where the straw opening also serves as
a built in vent that improves the drinkability and pourabilty of
liquids when used in conjunction with the main drink opening.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a straw
opening that can be opened independent of the drink opening, and in
which a straw can be placed to drink from and which will prevent
insects and debris from entering a beverage can, and provide a more
sanitary means for consuming the beverage from the can.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilation
opening to beverage can ends, which enhances removal of liquids
from a beverage can during normal use.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a structure
and design in a beverage can end in which the can may be
economically and conventionally packaged, stored, shipped and
distributed, in that the can will have the same dimensions with the
a straw opening and built in vent opening added.
[0010] Finally, an important object of the invention is to provide
a liquid removal promoting straw and built in vent opening in a
beverage can which can be conveniently and easily formed during
normal can manufacturing processes, so that manufacturing costs are
minimized, and so that the end member design can be easily used in
modern can making machinery with minimal retrofitting
requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Aluminum or steel cans, typically filled with beer, soft
drinks, tea, juice, water, concentrate, or the like, are provided
with an easy-open, stay-on-tab can end wherein a non-closed score
line is formed in the end and the tab is secured to the end at a
location immediately outside a portion of the score line by a
fastener such as a rivet. In this type of end, the tab is connected
to the rivet. In operation, a force is supplied by the tab and
through the hinge association with the rivet to the scored tear
panel portion of the can end to initially rupture the score line.
The continued application of force pushes the tear panel down into
the container. The non closed portion of the score line retains the
scored tear panel with the end and the tab remains attached by the
rivet to remain with the end.
[0012] Embodiments of the invention include an improved beverage
can end with a straw and vent opening is provided. The liquid flow
enhancing straw and vent opening is generally located 180 degrees
opposite of the drink opening on the can end, with a non-closed
score line formed in the end to define the straw and vent opening,
defining the severable tear panel portion of the straw and vent
opening, except at the hinge portion thereof, so that the straw and
vent tear panel, is opened and remains on the end just as the drink
opening panel remains on the end when opened. The severable tear
panel portion of the straw and vent opening is connected to the can
end member. In operation, once the drink opening panel is opened,
or with the drink opening closed, the tab is rotated 180 degrees
and just as with the drink opening, a force is supplied by the tab
and through the hinge association with the rivet to the scored tear
panel portion of the can end straw and vent opening to initially
rupture the score line. The continued application of force pushes
the tear panel down into the container. The non closed portion of
the straw and vent opening score line retains the scored tear panel
with the end, and the tab remains attached by the rivet to remain
with the end.
[0013] In various embodiments, the generally triangular or oval
shaped straw and vent opening will be significantly smaller in size
to the drink opening oval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a container end of the
invention in which the opening tab is positioned to open the first
opening.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a top plan view of a container end of the
invention in which the opening tab is rotated to open the second
opening.
[0016] FIG. 1C is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the second opening is
opened.
[0017] FIG. 1D is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which a straw has been inserted
into the second opening.
[0018] FIG. 1E is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the second opening is
opened and the opening tab is rotated to open the first
opening.
[0019] FIG. 1F is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the first and second
openings are opened.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the opening tab is
positioned to open the first opening.
[0021] FIG. 2B is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the first opening is opened
and the opening tab is rotated to open the second opening.
[0022] FIG. 2C is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the opening tab is rotated
to open the second opening and the second opening is opened.
[0023] FIG. 2D is a top plan view of a container end according to
an embodiment of the invention in which the first and second
openings are opened and the opening tab is position for drinking
through the first opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the drawings, showing preferred embodiments of the
invention. However, this invention can be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth.
[0025] Various embodiments of the invention provide for an improved
container end that may be used on a drinking container, such as a
can. It should be understood that a container end in accordance
with embodiments of the invention is generally useful in, but not
limited to, any application in which it is desirable to drink
liquids from a container with a straw or to pour liquids from a
container in a smoother, less turbulent manner.
[0026] A container end according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention is shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, and identified by the numeral
10. The container end includes an end wall 12 that may be placed on
the end of a container (not shown), such as an aluminum can, during
the manufacture process.
[0027] The end wall 12 includes a first severable tear panel 20
created by score line 24. It should be understood that only a
portion of line 24 is scored sufficiently to allow first severable
tear panel 20 to be severed from end wall 12. A remaining portion
of score line 24 is not sufficiently scored and therefore a portion
of tear panel 20 remains attached to end wall 12. Such an opening
results in the opening tab 14 (drawn transparent) and the tear
panel 20 remaining attached to the container, thereby limiting the
likelihood of litter or injury resulting from the pieces of the
container end 10.
[0028] The end wall 12 includes a second severable tear panel 22.
The split winged shaped tear panel 22 is created by two curved
score lines 38 and one straight score line 26 with enhanced
leverage created by raised embossings 34. Once severed at score
lines 26 and 38 the wings of split tear panel 22 remain hingedly
attached to end wall 12 at embossing lines 36 to accept insertion
of a straw.
[0029] Disposed between the first tear panel 20 and the second tear
panel 22 is an opening tab 14. The end wall 12 includes means for
attaching opening tab 14 (drawn transparent) substantially flatly
against the end wall 12. An example of a suitable attachment means
is a rivet. The attachment means allows the opening tab 14 (drawn
transparent) to rotate and move freely, but prevents it from easily
being removed from end wall 12.
[0030] The rear portion 28 of opening tab 14 (drawn transparent)
has an upwardly inclined terminal portion to facilitate grasping or
lifting thereof. When the rear portion 28 is lifted, the forward
portion 30 of opening tab 14 (drawn transparent) moves down so as
to engage the first tear panel 20 or second tear panel 22. The
opening tab 14 (drawn transparent) may be rotated as needed so that
the forward portion 30 engages the desired tear panel.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1A-F, the second opening 18 of the
container end 10 of the embodiments of the invention may be used
for a straw to promote sanitary consumption of container contents
and to minimize debris or insects from entering the container.
Alternatively, both first opening 16 and second opening 18 may be
opened to facilitate smooth pouring or drinking from the
container.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2A-D, in embodiments of the invention, the
size of first opening 16 and second opening 18 may be varied to
suit the particular needs of the liquid or other material being
poured from the container.
[0033] The foregoing is provided for disclosure of various
embodiments, aspects and structures relating to the invention.
Various modifications, additions and deletions may be made to these
embodiments and/or structures without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *