Contoured Neck for a Beverage Container

Abstract

An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a contoured neck feature configured for increased strength and alignment with a user's lips. The contoured neck may further comprise features increasing container buckling strength and reducing user spillage.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/430,744, filed Aug. 29, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to beverage container necks. More specifically, the present invention relates to beverage container necks with contoured neck features configured for increased buckling strength and alignment with a user's lips.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Containers, and more specifically metallic beverage containers, are typically manufactured by interconnecting a beverage container body with a beverage container end closure. It is generally known to provide beverage container necks which interconnect to beverage container end closures. The beverage container neck typically reduces and then expands the beverage container body diameter before engaging with the end closure. Conventional container necks include a shoulder portion, which reduces the body diameter to a waist diameter, and an upper portion that expands the neck portion to engage the end closure through a peripheral curl and chuck wall. Conventional beverage container necks disclose geometries of moderate contours, that is, moderate reductions in waist diameter and moderate expansions to an end closure. Conventional designs do not feature substantially parallel neck and chuck wall portions. As such, these designs traditionally retain beverage product within a geometric gap between the chuck wall and the neck. Also, these designs are of limited strength, for example limited in buckling strength when stacked upon one another. Furthermore, conventional cans provide a less satisfying drinking experience, as demonstrated by, for example, increased spillage caused by inadequate contact between a user's lips and the can's neck area.

[0004] Some efforts to improve the drinking experience of beverage containers, such as minimizing spillage, include U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,805 to Sheafe and U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0131255 to Blondeel. Sheafe discloses a beverage container with a removable panel portion formed by a peripheral score line. The end panel has a concave portion extending into a score line and on both sides of a removable panel portion to enable an upper lip of a person drinking from the container to extend into the concave portion. The concave portion of the end panel is said to facilitate drinking from the container. Blondeel discloses a detachable element to engage a can's opening area. Each of Sheafe and Blondeel, however, fail to teach several novel features of the present invention, including an inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly to a contoured neck portion, the contoured neck portion extending upwardly and outwardly to the upper end of the can. Sheafe and Blondeel are each incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0005] Some patents attempt to improve beverage container drinkability and minimize spillage by creating one or more openings. These patents include U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,383 to Hwang and U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,251 to Maliszewski, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Hwang discloses an opening device for a can, with distinct first and second opening portions so that the fluid may flow more consistently from the can. Maliszewski discloses a container end closure with a first score line defining a first displaceable panel portion and second score line defining a second displaceable panel portion. Neither of Hwang nor Maliszewski, however, disclose several novel features of the present invention, including an inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly to a contoured neck portion, the contoured neck portion extending upwardly and outwardly to the upper end of the can.

[0006] Some efforts have been made to adjust or offset the countersink portion of beverage containers for increased functionality, cost, and/or manufacturability. These efforts include U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0125935 to Nguyen ("Nguyen I") and U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,789 to Nguyen ("Nguyen II"). Nguyen I features a metallic container end closure with an outwardly-oriented countersink which enables the container to withstand significant internal pressures yet save material costs. Nguyen II discloses a beverage container end closure that utilizes less material and has a chuck wall with improved buckle strength attributed to an inwardly oriented concave arch. However, each of Nguyen I and Nguyen II fail to teach several novel features of the present invention, including an inclined shoulder wail extending inwardly and upwardly to a contoured neck portion positioned at a radius at least 0.07 inches reduced from the can diameter, the contoured neck portion extending upwardly and outwardly to the upper end of the can. Nguyen I and Nguyen II are each incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. Container end closures that employ other unique geometries are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,506,779; 5,685,189; 6,126,034; 6,460,723; 6,968,724 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/015807 and 2005/0029269, which are each incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] For purposes of further disclosure, the following references generally related to container end panels are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0031056 to Chastem; Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2002145263 to Yoshihiko; and Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2000159229 to Yoshihiko

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel system, device, and methods for providing a food and beverage container neck with contoured neck features configured to reduce retained product, increase container strength, and provide an enhanced drinking experience. More specifically, the contoured neck feature reduces retained product by minimizing the gap between the container neck and the chuck wall of an end closure, increases strength such as stacking, compressive strength or buckling strength, and enables a user to engage the contoured neck feature with minimal spill-over by presenting an improved alignment with a user's lips.

[0009] Although the end closures described herein generally apply to beverage containers for beverages, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various aspects of the invention may be used for any type of container.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a metallic container with a contoured neck is provided, the container comprising a body having an upper end, a lower end, a generally cylindrical cross-sectional shape with a first diameter and an axial centerline; a dome portion positioned on the lower end and providing a support surface for the metallic container; a shoulder portion positioned proximate to the upper end of the body and comprising a first radius; an inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly and comprising a lower end interconnected to the first radius; a second radius interconnected to the upper end of the inclined shoulder wall and positioned inwardly at least about 0.07 inches from an outermost portion of the first radius to define a second diameter; and a neck portion interconnected to the second radius and extending upwardly and outwardly to a third diameter, the third diameter having a dimension less than the first diameter and greater than the second diameter.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a metallic container with a contoured shoulder and inclined neck portion interconnected to an end closure is provided, comprising: a body having an upper end, a lower end, and a generally cylindrical cross-sectional shape with a first diameter and an axial centerline; a dome portion positioned on the lower end and providing a support surface for the metallic container; a shoulder portion positioned proximate to the upper end of the body and comprising a first radius; an inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly and comprising a lower end interconnected to the first radius; a second radius interconnected to an upper end of the inclined shoulder wall and positioned inwardly at least about 0.07 inches from an outermost portion of the first radius to define a second diameter; a neck portion interconnected to the second radius and extending upwardly and outwardly to a third diameter, the third diameter having a dimension less than the first diameter and greater than the second diameter; the neck portion interconnected to a peripheral curl of an end closure, the end closure further comprising: a substantially linear chuck wall extending therefrom to a countersink; and a central panel interconnected to an inner panel wall of the countersink, the substantially linear chuck wall oriented substantially parallel to the neck portion from an upper end to the countersink.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the invention, a metallic container is provided which has a non-concentric neck portion, and wherein the inclined shoulder wall at one portion is distinct from the inclined shoulder wall at another portion. More specifically, in one embodiment a metallic container with a non-concentric contoured neck is provided, comprising: a body having an upper end, a lower end, a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape and an axial center-line oriented in a first plane; a dome portion positioned on said lower end of said body providing a support surface for said metallic container; a shoulder portion positioned on an upper portion of said container body and comprising a first radius; a first inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly at a first angle to a second radius, and extending concentrically around said axial centerline between about 180-330 degrees; a second inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly at a second angle to a third radius, and extending concentrically around said axial centerline between about 30-180 degrees, and wherein said first angle and said second radius are distinct from said second angle and said third radius; and a neck portion extending upwardly from said second radius and said third radius to form a concentric opening, said concentric opening having a diameter less than a diameter of said body of said container.

[0013] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and the detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures.

[0017] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0018] FIG. 1A is top plan view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour;

[0019] FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour;

[0020] FIG. 2A is a front elevation sectional view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour;

[0021] FIG. 2B is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area A of FIG. 2a of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour;

[0022] FIG. 3A is top plan view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour with large shoulder radius;

[0023] FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour with large shoulder radius;

[0024] FIG. 4A is top plan view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a non-concentric partial contour;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a non-concentric partial contour;

[0026] FIG. 4C is a partial front elevation sectional view of cross-section A-A of FIG. 4a of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a non-concentric partial contour;

[0027] FIG. 4D is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area B of FIG. 4c of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a non-concentric partial contour, the detail presenting the standard neck portion;

[0028] FIG. 4E is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area A of FIG. 4c of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a non-concentric partial contour, the detail presenting the contoured neck portion;

[0029] FIG. 5A is top plan view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour, the view depicting the container end closure and container body;

[0030] FIG. 5B is a front elevation sectional view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour;

[0031] FIG. 5C is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area A of FIG. 5b of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour with an upper portion having a geometric profile similar to the end closure chuck wall; and

[0032] FIG. 6 is a partial front elevation view of a beverage container with contoured neck according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a non-concentric partial contour.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that the specification and claims be accorded a breadth in scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed, despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed herein. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the art and which can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0034] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0035] To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a beverage container end closure and methods and devices for forming the same according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from these drawings. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0037] FIGS. 1A-B depict a beverage container 2 with contoured neck 4 wherein the contoured neck is a full contour. FIG. 1A is a top plan view and FIG. 1B is a front elevation view. An end closure 10 of the container 2 comprises a tab 12 for selectively opening an opening area which is defined by a score line 30, a central panel 14, and peripheral curl 16. The container 2 further comprises a shoulder 6 and neck 4, the neck 4 generally rounded or contoured in various embodiments. The shoulder 6 transitions to an inclined shoulder wall 34 which extends upwards and inwards, and transitions to a contoured neck inclined shoulder radius R.sub.6. The contoured neck 4 provides, among other things, improved container strength such as improved resistance to buckling and reduced spill-over.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the contoured neck 4 is defined by combinations of container 2 radii diameters and angles. Specifically, shoulder radius R.sub.1, container body diameter D.sub.1, waist diameter D.sub.2, neck or plug diameter D.sub.3, contoured neck angle A.sub.1 and expansion neck angle A.sub.2. In various embodiments, shoulder radius R.sub.1 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.05 and 0.75 inches. More preferably, R.sub.1 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.10 and 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.1 comprises a radius of about 0.18 inches. A container body diameter D.sub.1 comprises a diameter of between approximately 2.00 and 3.50 inches. More preferably, D.sub.1 comprises a diameter of between approximately 2.06 and 3.20 inches. In a preferred embodiment, D.sub.1 comprises a diameter of about 2.60 inches. A waist diameter D.sub.2 comprises a diameter of between approximately 1.80 and 3.40 inches. More preferably, D.sub.2 comprises a diameter of between approximately 1.80 and 3.00 inches. In a preferred embodiment, D.sub.2 comprises a diameter of about 2.16 inches. A neck diameter D.sub.3 comprises a diameter of between approximately 2.00 and 3.50 inches. More preferably, D.sub.3 comprises a diameter of between approximately 2.00 and 3.00 inches. In a preferred embodiment, D.sub.3 comprises a diameter of about 2.26 inches.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.6 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.050 and 1.00 inches. More preferably, R.sub.6 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.10 and 0.30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.6 is positioned to interconnect to the upper end of inclined shoulder wall 34 and positioned inwardly between approximately 0.15 and 0.45 inches from an outermost portion of shoulder radius R.sub.1. More preferably, R.sub.6 is positioned to interconnect to the upper end of inclined shoulder wall 34 and positioned inwardly at least about 0.07 inches from an outermost portion of shoulder radius R.sub.1. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.6 is positioned to interconnect to the upper end of inclined shoulder wall 34 and positioned inwardly at approximately 0.22 inches from an outermost portion of shoulder radius R.sub.1.

[0040] In preferred embodiment, the ratio of waist diameter D.sub.2 to body diameter D.sub.1 is between about 0.51 and 0.97. More preferably, the ratio of waist diameter D.sub.2 to body diameter D.sub.1 is between about 0.56 and 0.93. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of waist diameter D.sub.2 to body diameter D.sub.1 is about 0.83.

[0041] A contoured neck angle A.sub.1 comprises an angle of between approximately 5.00 and 50.00 degrees. More preferably, A.sub.1 comprises an angle of between approximately 20.00 degrees and 40.00 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, A.sub.1 comprises an angle of 28 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, A.sub.1 comprises an angle of 48 degrees. Contoured neck angle A.sub.1 defines inclined shoulder wall 34. An expansion neck angle A.sub.2 comprises an angle of between approximately 0.00 and 50.0 degrees. More preferably, A.sub.2 comprises an angle of between approximately 10.00 and 18.00 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, A.sub.2 comprises an angle of 14 degrees.

[0042] FIGS. 2A-B depict a beverage container 2 with contoured neck wherein the contoured neck is a full contour. FIG. 2A is a front elevation sectional view and FIG. 2B is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area A of FIG. 2A. A beverage container 2 comprises an end closure 10 and dome 8. As shown in FIG. 2B, the end closure 10 comprises a central panel 14, a peripheral curl 16, countersink 18, and inner panel wall 20. The end closure 10 further comprises chuck wall 24, chuck wall lower end 26 and chuck wall upper end 28. The central panel 14 terminates in countersink 18, which is further connected to the peripheral curl 16 by the chuck wall 24. Also depicted in FIG. 2B are contoured neck angle A.sub.1, expansion neck angle A.sub.2, countersink diameter D.sub.4, and end closure height H.sub.1. Inclined shoulder wall 34 extends upwards and inwards, and transitions to an inclined shoulder radius R.sub.6. Countersink diameter D.sub.4 comprises a diameter of between 1.75 and 3.50 inches. More preferably, D.sub.4 comprises a diameter of between approximately 1.80 and 2.90 inches.

[0043] In one embodiment, neck 4 extends above countersink 18 so as to remain substantially parallel with chuck wall 24 during the portion defined by or spanning end closure height H.sub.1. In another embodiment, a gap exists between neck 4 and countersink 18 during the portion spanning end closure height H.sub.1, the gap of dimension preferably no more than 0.10 inches.

[0044] FIGS. 3A-B depict a beverage container 2 with contoured neck 4 according to one embodiment wherein the contoured neck is a full contour extending around a 360.degree. circle with a large shoulder radius. FIG. 3A is a top plan view and FIG. 3B is a front elevation view. An end closure 10 of the container 2 comprises a tab 12 for selectively opening an opening area which is defined by a score line 30, a central panel 14, and peripheral curl 16. The container 2 further comprises a shoulder 6.

[0045] FIGS. 4A-E depict a beverage container 2 with contoured neck 4 wherein the contoured neck is a partial contour, i.e., non-concentric. FIG. 4A is top plan view, FIG. 4B is a front elevation view, and FIG. 4C is a partial front elevation view of cross-section A-A of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area B of FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4E is a front elevation sectional view detail of Area A of FIG. 4C. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-E, a portion of the neck 4 of the container 2 is a contoured neck, while the remaining portion of the neck 4 is not contoured, i.e. is a standard neck, thus forming a non-concentric neck which does not have a consistent and uniform neck angle around the entire circumference of the neck of the container. The contoured neck has contoured neck profile radius R.sub.2 while the standard neck portion has standard neck profile radius R.sub.5.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4A-B, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided which has a non-concentric shoulder and neck portion, wherein one portion of the inclined shoulder wall is oriented at a different angle than the inclined shoulder wall at another portion of the container neck. More specifically, a first neck portion has an inclined shoulder wall with radius R.sub.1 and extending inwardly and upwardly at a first neck angle A.sub.3 to shoulder wall radius R.sub.7. On an opposing side, the contoured neck has an inclined shoulder wall with shoulder radius R.sub.1 and extending inwardly and upwardly at contoured neck angle A.sub.1 which is distinct from the first neck angle A3. The inclined shoulder wall extends upwardly to shoulder wall radius R.sub.6. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, a contoured neck profile radius R.sub.2 comprises a radius around the center axis of the container of between approximately 30 and 180 degrees, and has a distinct geometric profile when compared to a contoured neck profile on another portion of the container. More preferably, R.sub.2 comprises a radius of between approximately 30 and 120 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.2 comprises a radius of 90 degrees. In various embodiments, standard neck profile radius R.sub.5 comprises a radius of between approximately 180 and 330 degrees. More preferably, R.sub.5 comprises a radius of between approximately 240 and 330 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.5 comprises a radius of 270 degrees.

[0047] In the embodiment of FIG. 4E, contoured neck angle A.sub.1 comprises an angle of 38 degrees and expansion neck angle A.sub.2 comprises an angle of 14 degrees. The contoured neck with end closure 10 portion is generally positioned opposite the primary opening area 32 and score 30.

[0048] The standard neck of container 2 is shown as FIG. 4D generally comprising peripheral curl 16, countersink 18, inner panel wall 20, standard neck angle A.sub.3 and chuck wall 24 with chuck wall upper end 28 and chuck wall lower end 26. Note that in the portion of the container 2 configured with a standard neck as depicted in detail in FIG. 4D, the portion of the container neck 4 that is opposite the chuck wall 24 is not parallel, and distinct from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4E.

[0049] More specifically, a novel contoured neck of container 2 is shown as FIG. 4E, generally comprising a peripheral curl 16, a countersink 18, an inner panel wall 20, a contoured neck angle A.sub.1 and chuck wall 24 with chuck wall upper end 28 and chuck wall lower end 26. Inclined shoulder wall 34 extends upward and inwardly, and transitions to an inclined shoulder radius R.sub.6. Note that in the embodiment depicted in detail in FIG. 4E, the portion of the container neck 4 that is opposite the chuck wall 24 is substantially parallel from the uppermost portion of the chuck wall to substantially a lowermost portion of the countersink. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, variations of the distance between the chuck wall and container neck opposite the chuck wall may be common based on design parameters. FIGS. 5A-C depict a beverage container 2 with contoured neck 4 wherein the contoured neck is a full contour and contoured to the end closure shape. FIG. 5A is a top plan view of container 2 and depicts end closure 10 which generally comprises a tab 12, central panel 14 and peripheral curl 16. FIG. 5B is a front elevation view of container 2 with identified detail area A. FIG. 5C is a detail area A of FIG. 5B and generally depicting a unique and novel cross-sectional upper neck region which is substantially a mirror image of the profile of the end closure extending from the peripheral curl to the countersink. In various embodiments, contoured neck lower radius R.sub.3 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.04 and 0.30 inches. More preferably, R.sub.3 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.04 and 0.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.3 comprises a radius of 0.052 inches. In various embodiments, contoured neck lower radius R.sub.4 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.04 and 0.30 inches. More preferably, R.sub.4 comprises a radius of between approximately 0.04 and 0.10 inches. In a preferred embodiment, R.sub.4 comprises a radius of 0.043 inches. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-C, the portion of the container neck 4 that is opposite the chuck wall 24 is substantially parallel and substantially in contact with the chuck wall 24.

[0050] FIG. 6 depicts a partial front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a beverage container 2 comprising end closure 10 and a non-concentric shoulder and neck portion, wherein one portion of the inclined shoulder wall is oriented at a different angle than the inclined shoulder wall at another portion of the container. More specifically, a first neck portion 4 has an inclined shoulder wall with radius R.sub.1 and extending inwardly and upwardly at a first neck angle A.sub.3 to standard neck inclined shoulder wall radius R.sub.7. The shoulder 6 transitions to an inclined shoulder wall 34 which extends upwards and inwards, and transitions to the standard neck inclined shoulder wall radius R.sub.7. On an opposing side, the contoured neck has an inclined shoulder wall with shoulder radius R.sub.1 and extending inwardly and upwardly at contoured neck angle A.sub.1 which is distinct from the first neck angle A3. The inclined shoulder wall extends upwardly to contoured neck inclined shoulder wall radius R.sub.6. The shoulder 6 transitions to an inclined shoulder wall 34 which extends upwards and inwards, and transitions to the contoured neck inclined shoulder wall radius R.sub.6.

[0051] To provide further clarity to the Detailed Description provided herein in the associated drawings, the following list of components and associated numbering are provided as follows:

REFERENCE NO. COMPONENT

[0052] 2 Container [0053] 4 Neck [0054] 6 Shoulder [0055] 8 Dome [0056] 10 End Closure [0057] 12 Tab [0058] 14 Central Panel [0059] 16 Peripheral Curl [0060] 18 Countersink [0061] 20 Inner Panel Wall [0062] 24 Chuck Wall [0063] 26 Chuck Wall Lower End [0064] 28 Chuck Wall Upper End [0065] 30 Score [0066] 32 Primary Opening Area [0067] 34 Inclined Shoulder Wall [0068] A.sub.1 Contoured Neck Angle [0069] A.sub.2 Expansion Neck Angle [0070] A.sub.3 Standard Neck Angle [0071] D.sub.1 Container Body Diameter [0072] D.sub.2 Container Waist Diameter [0073] D.sub.3 Container Neck Diameter [0074] D.sub.4 Countersink Diameter [0075] H.sub.1 End Closure Height [0076] R.sub.1 Shoulder Radius [0077] R.sub.2 Contoured Neck Profile Radius [0078] R.sub.3 Contoured Neck Lower Radius [0079] R.sub.4 Contoured Neck Upper Radius [0080] R.sub.5 Standard Neck Profile Radius [0081] R.sub.6 Contoured Neck Inclined Shoulder Wall Radius [0082] R.sub.7 Standard Neck Inclined Shoulder Wall Radius

[0083] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.

Claims

1. A metallic container with a contoured neck, comprising: a body having an upper end, a lower end, a generally cylindrical cross-sectional shape with a first diameter and an axial centerline; a dome portion positioned on the lower end and providing a support surface for said metallic container; a shoulder portion positioned proximate to the upper end of the body and comprising a first radius; an inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly and comprising a lower end interconnected to said first radius; a second radius interconnected to an upper end of said inclined shoulder wall and positioned inwardly at least about 0.07 inches from an outermost portion of said first radius to define a second diameter; and a neck portion interconnected to said second radius and extending upwardly and outwardly to a third diameter, the third diameter having a dimension less than said first diameter and greater than said second diameter.

2. The metallic container of claim 1, wherein said first radius is between about 0.10 and 0.50 inches.

3. The metallic container of claim 1, wherein said first radius is about 0.18 inches.

4. The metallic container of claim 1, wherein said second radius is positioned inwardly about 0.22 inches from said outermost portion of said first radius.

5. The metallic container of claim 1, wherein said inclined shoulder wall is oriented at an angle of between about 5 and 50 degrees from said plane defined by an axial centerline.

6. The metallic container of claim 1, wherein said neck portion is oriented at an angle of between about 10 and 18 degrees from said axial centerline.

7. The metallic container of claim 2, wherein said second diameter is between about 1.8 and 3.0 inches.

8. The metallic container of claim 3, wherein said second diameter is about 2.16 inches.

9. The metallic container of claim 2, wherein a ratio of said second diameter to said first diameter is between about 0.70 and 0.90.

10. A metallic container with a contoured shoulder and inclined neck portion interconnected to an end closure, comprising: a body having an upper end, a lower end, and a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape with a first diameter and an axial centerline; a dome portion positioned on the lower end and providing a support surface for said metallic container; a shoulder portion positioned proximate to the upper end of the body and comprising a first radius; an inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly and comprising a lower end interconnected to said first radius; a second radius interconnected to an upper end of said inclined shoulder wall and positioned inwardly at least about 0.07 inches from an outermost portion of said first radius to define a second diameter; a neck portion interconnected to said second radius and extending upwardly and outwardly to a third diameter, the third diameter having a dimension less than said first diameter and greater than said second diameter; said neck portion interconnected to a peripheral curl of an end closure, said end closure further comprising: a substantially linear chuck wall extending therefrom to a countersink; and a central panel interconnected to an inner panel wall of said countersink, said substantially linear chuck wall oriented substantially parallel to said neck portion from an upper end to said countersink.

11. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said neck portion is oriented substantially parallel to said chuck wall from an upper portion of said chuck wall to a lowermost portion of said countersink.

12. The metallic container of claim 11, wherein a gap positioned between said neck portion extending above said countersink and said chuck wall is no more than 0.25 inches.

13. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said first radius is between about 0.10 and 0.50 inches.

14. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said first radius is about 0.18 inches.

15. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said second radius is positioned inwardly between about 0.07 and 0.40 inches from said outmost portion of said first radius.

16. The metallic container of claim 14, wherein a ratio of said second diameter to said first diameter is between about 0.70 and 0.90.

17. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said inclined shoulder wall is oriented at an angle of between about 5 and 50 degrees from a plane defined by said axial centerline.

18. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said neck portion is oriented at an angle of between about 10 and 18 degrees from said axial centerline.

19. The metallic container of claim 10, wherein said second diameter is about 2.16 inches.

20. A metallic container with a non-concentric contoured neck, comprising: a body having an upper end, a lower end, a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape and an axial center-line oriented in a first plane; a dome portion positioned on said lower end of said body providing a support surface for said metallic container; a shoulder portion positioned on an upper portion of said container body and comprising a first radius; a first inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly at a first angle to a second radius, and extending concentrically around said axial centerline between about 180-330 degrees; a second inclined shoulder wall extending inwardly and upwardly at a second angle to a third radius, and extending concentrically around said axial centerline between about 30-180 degrees, and wherein said first angle and said second radius are distinct from said second angle and said third radius; and a neck portion extending upwardly from said second radius and said third radius to form a concentric opening, said concentric opening having a diameter less than a diameter of said body of said container.