U.S. patent application number 14/598886 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for full aperture beverage end.
The applicant listed for this patent is CROWN Packaging Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Garry Richard Chant, Brian Fields, Eleanor Rachel Ann Hyde, Andrew Robert Lockley, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Martin John Watson.
Application Number | 20170190462 14/598886 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41382107 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170190462 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Ramsey; Christopher Paul ;
et al. |
July 6, 2017 |
FULL APERTURE BEVERAGE END
Abstract
A full aperture beverage end has a center panel, a countersink
surrounding the centre panel, a main score arranged in proximity to
the countersink to define a removable aperture panel and a vent
score. The beverage end is adapted for use with products that are
pressurized to over 30 psi (200 kPa) when opened, and during
opening the vent score is adapted to sever first, controlling the
pressure differential between the external surface and internal
surface of the centre panel, thereby allowing the main score to
tear in a controlled and reliable manner.
Inventors: |
Ramsey; Christopher Paul;
(Wantage, GB) ; Chant; Garry Richard; (Wantage,
GB) ; Lockley; Andrew Robert; (Wantage, GB) ;
Fields; Brian; (Lemont, IL) ; Watson; Martin
John; (Wantage, GB) ; Hyde; Eleanor Rachel Ann;
(Wantage, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CROWN Packaging Technology, Inc. |
Alsip |
IL |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160207661 A1 |
July 21, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
41382107 |
Appl. No.: |
14/598886 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12797171 |
Jun 9, 2010 |
8939308 |
|
|
14598886 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 17/4012 20180101;
B65D 17/4011 20180101; B65D 2517/0013 20130101; B65D 1/12 20130101;
B65D 17/404 20180101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/00 20060101
B65D017/00; B65D 1/12 20060101 B65D001/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2009 |
EP |
EP09169559.3 |
Claims
1. A full aperture beverage end comprising a center panel, a
countersink surrounding the centre panel, a main score arranged in
proximity to the countersink to define a removable aperture panel,
and a vent score, whereby the end is adapted for use with products
that are pressurized to over 30 psi (200 kPa) and such that during
opening the vent score is adapted to sever first, controlling the
pressure differential between the external surface and internal
surface of the centre panel, thereby allowing the main score to
tear in a controlled and reliable manner.
2. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 1 adapted for
use with products held under pressure of between 30 and 90 psi (200
and 600 kPa).
3. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 1, wherein the
beverage end further includes a tab having a nose and a handle,
which is lifted by a user to initiate sequential rupture of the
vent score and then the main score.
4. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 3, wherein the
tab is solid and has no hinge.
5. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 3, wherein the
tab is positioned so that the tab nose is within the main score or
proximate to the main score upon initial actuation of the tab.
6. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 1, wherein the
main score has an asymmetric score profile.
7. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 6, wherein the
asymmetric score profile is designed to ensure that the score land
portion remains with the aperture panel after the aperture panel is
detached.
8. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 1, wherein the
center panel further includes a second, anti-fracture score
positioned radially inside the main score.
9. A full aperture beverage end according to claim 1, wherein the
height from the base of the countersink to the end panel is greater
than 1.5 mm.
10. A full aperture beverage end of claim 1 wherein main score is
positioned to within 0.020 inches (0.5 mm) radially of the panel
fillet so as to maximise cut edge safety.
11. A full aperture beverage can having rated for internal pressure
of over 30 psi (200 kPa), the beverage can comprising: a can body;
an end, seamed onto the can body, including a center panel, a
countersink surrounding the center panel, a tab attached to the
center panel by a rivet; a main score that defines a removable
aperture panel, a vent score formed in the aperture panel, the main
score having an outer wall proximate a lip of the end, an inner
wall proximate the aperture panel, and a land at the base of the
main score, the land having a thickness that is smaller proximate
the main score outer wall than the land thickness proximate the
main score inner wall, whereby the land remains affixed to the
aperture panel after detachment of the aperture panel.
12. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the can is
rated for internal pressure of at least 70 psi.
13. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the can is
rated for internal pressure of at least 85 psi.
14. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the can is
rated for internal pressure of at least 90 psi.
15. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the
centerline of the main score is located between 0.000 inches and
0.020 inches from a center of a transition radius between the
countersink and the center panel.
16. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the
centerline of the main score is located between 0.000 inches and
0.010 inches from a center of a transition radius between the
countersink and the center panel.
17. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the
centerline of the main score is located between 0.000 inches and
0.006 inches from a center of a transition radius between the
countersink and the center panel.
18. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the
centerline of the main score is located between 0.000 inches and
0.004 inches from a center of a transition radius between the
countersink and the center panel.
19. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein the
centerline of the main score is located between 0.000 inches and
0.002 inches from a center of a transition radius between the
countersink and the center panel.
20. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein a nose of
the tab in its rest state is radially inwardly spaced apart from an
inner edge of the main score by between approximately 0.000 inches
and 0.008 inches, measured horizontally.
21. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein a nose of
the tab in its rest state is radially inwardly spaced apart from an
inner edge of the main score by between approximately 0.000 inches
and 0.005 inches, measured horizontally.
22. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein a nose of
the tab in a partially actuated state, in which the tab nose
contacts the center panel, is approximately between the centerline
of the main score and 0.005 inches radially inboard from an inner
edge of the main score.
23. The full aperture beverage can of claim 11 wherein a nose of
the tab in a partially actuated state, in which the tab nose
contacts the center panel, is within 0.002 inches of an inner edge
of the main score.
24. A method of opening a full aperture beverage can having rated
for internal pressure of over 30 psi (200 kPa), the method
comprising the steps of: providing a can having a can body and an
end, seamed onto the can body, including a center panel, a
countersink surrounding the center panel, a tab attached to the
center panel by a rivet; a main score that defines a removable
aperture panel, a vent score formed in the aperture panel, the main
score having an outer wall proximate a lip of the end, an inner
wall proximate the aperture panel, and a land at the base of the
main score, the land having a thickness that is smaller proximate
the main score outer wall than the land thickness proximate the
main score inner wall, whereby the land remains affixed to the
aperture panel after detachment of the aperture panel; raising a
heel of a tab to pivot the tab relative to the rivet to rupture the
vent score; after the raising step, continuing to raise the heel of
the tab to rupture the main score and propagate the score rupture
around the center panel to completely detach the aperture panel,
thereby providing a full aperture from which a user a drink.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 12/797,171 filed Jun. 9, 2010, which claims
priority to European Patent Application EP09169559.3, filed Sep. 4,
2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to beverage cans and
particularly to the size of the drinking aperture created in a
beverage can end.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional full aperture can ends include a score that
extends about the major area of the end's center panel and defines
a removable panel. A tab is attached to the removable panel by a
rivet. The tab heel is lifted initially to rupture the score, and
then the tab is pulled to propagate the score until the removable
panel is fully detached from the remainder of the end. Typically,
full aperture opening ends are seamed onto food can bodies by
conventional means.
[0004] Full aperture food can ends are also typically designed to
allow full product release of the foodstuff contained within the
food can. Often, this foodstuff is packed under slight negative
pressure. In applications in which the food can is under positive
internal pressure, the internal pressures are relatively low and
because the pressure's primary purpose is to maintain the
structural rigidity of the food can, which is often relatively
"thin-walled".
[0005] The internal pressure in conventional beverage cans, such as
for carbonated soft drinks or beer, typically is much higher than
the internal pressures in food cans, resulting in concerns related
to "blow-off" of the ends upon opening or when subjected to adverse
handling. For these reasons, commercial beverage cans have ends
defining a restricted aperture, which can be safely opened by a
consumer.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,448, assigned to Reynolds Metals
Company, describes a conventional "large opening end" (that is, and
end having a large opening). The patent describes "standard size
opening" of 0.5 square inches and a "larger opening" of 0.5 to 0.75
square inches, each of which represents a relatively small fraction
of the center panel.
[0007] Full aperture beverage can ends have been sold in the past
but had safety problems and have been withdrawn from the market.
`Spiral scored` ends were produced for Sapporo beer, where the can
end was vented in its centre and then the score propagated to the
edge of the can end panel and the around the periphery thereof.
Venting was critical because the end was relatively large, 66 mm
diameter with a 52 mm centre panel size. If the end was opened
without being vented, the panel could explode and missile towards
the consumer. Thus a vent was used to provide safe venting and
release the internal pressure in the can before opening. However
the resulting spiral geometry of the opened end panel was dangerous
having several long exposed cut edges and for this reason, this can
end configuration was withdrawn.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention relates to a full aperture beverage
can end that has a center panel and a countersink that surrounds
the center panel. The can end further comprises a main score
arranged in proximity to the countersink to define a removable
aperture panel as well as a vent score. The can end is adapted for
use with products that are pressurized to over 30 psi (200 kPa).
During opening, the vent score is configured to sever before the
main score. In this way, the pressure differential between the
external surface and internal surface of the center panel reaches
equilibrium gradually. This allows the main score to tear in a
controlled and reliable manner.
[0009] The present invention may further comprise a tab attached to
the center panel by a rivet. The tab functions to assist the user
in opening the can end. Additionally the main score may have an
outer wall proximate a lip of the end, an inner wall proximate the
aperture panel, and a land at the base of the main score. The land
has a thickness that is smaller proximate the main score outer wall
than the land thickness proximate the main score inner wall. This
configuration allows the land to remain affixed to the aperture
panel after detachment of the aperture panel.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a full
aperture beverage can having rated for internal pressure of over 30
psi (200 kPa) includes a can body and a can end. The can end
includes a center panel, a countersink surrounding the center
panel, a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, a main score
that defines a removable aperture panel, and a vent score formed in
the aperture panel. The main score has an outer wall proximate a
lip of the end, an inner wall proximate the aperture panel, and a
land at the base of the main score. The land has a thickness that
is smaller proximate the main score outer wall than the land
thickness proximate the main score inner wall. Accordingly, the
land remains affixed to the aperture panel after detachment of the
aperture panel.
[0011] The can may also be rated for internal pressures of at least
70 psi, 85 psi, or 90 psi. Preferably, the centerline of the main
score is located between 0.000 and 0.020 inches, more preferably
between 0.000 inches and 0.010 inches, more preferably between
0.000 inches and 0.006 inches, more preferably between 0.000 inches
and 0.004, and most preferably between 0.000 inches and 0.002
inches, from a center of a transition radius between the
countersink and the center panel.
[0012] A nose of the tab in its rest state is radially inwardly
spaced apart from an inner edge of the main score by between
approximately 0.000 inches and 0.008 inches, more preferably
between approximately 0.000 inches and 0.005 inches, measured
horizontally. In its partially actuated state, in which the tab
nose contacts the center panel, the nose of the tab is
approximately between the centerline of the main score and 0.005
inches radially inboard from an inner edge of the main score--more
preferably within 0.002 inches of an inner edge of the main
score.
[0013] Among the benefits for consumers are that because the
beverage can becomes more like a drinking glass, consumers can
drink from the can from any orientation and the can contents can be
sipped rather than poured into the mouth. Furthermore, the content
of the can is visible after opening, showing the colour, level of
carbonation, and head (with widgeted beers).
[0014] One of the benefits for fillers is that the cans may be sold
at festivals and events, as they can no longer be used as missiles.
The larger, full aperture ensures that once opened, the majority of
the beverage does not remain in the can is thrown. Furthermore,
sealed beverage cans are preferable to glasses as they can be
freshly opened immediately upon serving and thus many drinks can be
freshly served in the interval periods during events.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of can having a beverage end (tab
not shown) according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a 3-dimensional view of a container
incorporating the beverage end according to the invention,
including a tab in a vented position (after the vent score has been
severed);
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a 3-dimensional view of the container and
beverage end shown in FIG. 2, from a rear angle;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a 3-dimensional view of the container and
beverage end shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (from the same angle as shown
in FIG. 2) after the vent score has been broken and as the main
score starts to sever;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a 3-dimensional view of the container and
beverage end shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (from the same angle as shown
in FIG. 3) after the vent score has been broken and as the main
score starts to sever;
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a 3-dimensional view of the container and
beverage end after the main score has completely severed allowing
the aperture to be exposed and the aperture panel to be
removed;
[0022] FIG. 7A (Prior Art) is a cross sectional sketch showing a
standard (symmetrical) score profile used on conventional beverage
ends;
[0023] FIG. 7B is a cross sectional sketch showing the (asymmetric)
score profile used for the main score on ends according to the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a portion of the can end
according to the invention fixed to a can body;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view of the can shown in FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 10A is a cross section view of a can illustrating a can
end with the removable aperture panel removed according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 10B is a cross section view of a can illustrating a can
end with the removable aperture panel removed according to a third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 10C is a cross section view of a can illustrating a can
end with the removable aperture panel removed according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10D is a cross section view of a can illustrating a can
end with the removable aperture panel removed according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention
[0030] FIG. 11 is a top view of the can of FIG. 2, with the tab
shown as transparent to illustrate the vent score;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a top view of a punch for forming the vent score
shown in FIG. 1; and
[0032] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the punch of
FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0033] A can assembly 10 includes a one-piece can body 12 and a can
end 14 that are joined together at a seam 16. Preferably, can body
12 and seam 16 are conventional according to commercial carbonated
beverage standards.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment end 14 with the tab
omitted for clarity. End 14 includes an wall portion 20, a
countersink 22, and a center panel 30. The shell configuration
(that is, the end without the tab, having the structure as it
leaves the shell press) has a configuration, including wall 20,
countersink 22, and center panel 30, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, that preferably is a conventional SuperEnd.RTM. end as
supplied by Crown Cork & Seal in a commercially popular size,
such as 202, 204, or 206.
[0035] Countersink 22 extends from the lower part of wall 20 and
includes a curved bottom portion 24 and an inner wall 26 that
extends up from bottom 24. Inner wall 26, in the first embodiment
(FIG. 1) has a straight portion that merges into center panel 30
via transition 28 having a radius R. The origin of radius R is
point C, as best shown in FIG. 8. For embodiments having a curved
transition that does not have a single radius and a single origin,
averages may be used.
[0036] Center panel 30 includes a rivet 34, a moustache score 46, a
main score 50, and an anti-fracture score 52. Rivet 34 preferably
is conventional. A tab 36 is attached to center panel 30 by rivet
34. Tab 36 preferably is a solid tab--that is, without an integral
hinge. Center panel 30 preferably is approximately planar in its
unseamed or unpressurized state.
[0037] Moustache score 46 is configured to enable venting of
pressurized can assembly 10. For internal pressures greater than 30
psi, the vent score described in co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/796,972, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference, is preferred. As tab 36 is lifted by its handle or
heel 38, moustache score 46 is designed to break before main score
50 to vent the internal pressure in can 10.
[0038] Main score 50 extends about the periphery of center panel 30
and defines a removable aperture panel 54. As shown in the Figures,
tab 36 is attached to aperture panel 54. As is conventional,
anti-fracture score 52 is also located on aperture panel 54
radially inside of main score 50 to reduce stress and take up slack
metal. Upon removal of aperture panel 54, a lip 32 is left behind.
Lip 32 is the portion of end 14 that extends radially inwardly from
the inside edge of the seam 16. Further, aperture panel 54 may
include debosses and embosses, as explained more fully below.
[0039] The inventors have identified the importance of configuring
end 14 in such a way that main score 50 is in a location on end 14
that is sufficiently stiff to promote initial rupture of score 50
upon initial actuation of tab 36. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a
first embodiment of end 14 and illustrates the relationship between
main score 50 and countersink 22, which stiffens end 14 in the
region of end 14.
[0040] Preferably, the centerline of main score 50 is near
countersink 22 at the location of contact between tab nose 40 and
center panel 30 such that the structural stiffness of countersink
22 prevents excessive panel deflection to promote initial score
fracture. For example, the horizontal distance between transition
curve origin C and the vertical center of main score 50 may be as
low as 0.000 inches (that is, falling on the same vertical axis).
Preferably, the centerline of main score 50 does not extend
radially outside of point C so that the main score does not
interfere with the structural performance of countersink 22. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the centerline of main score 50 preferably is
within approximately 0.020 inches, more preferably is within
approximately 0.010 inches, more preferably approximately 0.0060
inches, more preferably approximately 0.004 inches, and even more
preferably approximately 0.002 inches (measured horizontally) of
point C to get the benefit of countersink stiffening. The upper
limit of distance between the main score centerline and point C may
also be determined by aesthetics or the functional aspects of
drinking. Alternatively, main score 50 may be spaced apart from
countersink 22 and preferably located near a structural stiffener,
such as an emboss, deboss, or like ridge. The configuration and
distance of the main score and countersink may be chosen according
to parameters that will be understood by persons familiar with
beverage can end engineering and design upon considering this
specification.
[0041] FIG. 7A illustrates a symmetrical score profile 130
currently used for the aperture score of conventional beverage
ends. Symmetric score 130 has a generally trapezoidal shape that
includes a pair of identical but oppositely oriented sidewalls 130a
and 130b and a generally flat land 130c. In practice, it is
difficult to control or predict exactly where (in its cross
section) score 130 severs. Land 130c, when severed and extending at
the base of either sidewall 130a or 130b, makes the edge sharp.
This edge is more likely to cut a user than the fillet. The fillet
is the score sidewall from which land the score residual of land
130c breaks cleanly (that is, the part of the score sidewall to
which no portion or an insignificant part of the score residual of
land 130c remains attached).
[0042] FIG. 7B illustrates the asymmetrical main score 50 used on
the beverage end 14 according to an aspect of the present
invention. Asymmetric main score 50 has a pair of sidewalls 51x and
51y that extend to two different depths X and Y relative to the top
surface of center panel 30. Main score 50 also has a land 56. In
this specification, the term "land" refers generally to top surface
or width and the term "score residual" refers to the thickness.
Ends of the land 56x and 56y (in cross section as shown in FIG. 7B)
are defined as the points at which the land merges into or
transitions into the score sidewalls 51x and 51y. In its opened
state, the thickness at land ends 56x and 56y have score residual
thicknesses T.sub.a and T.sub.b.
[0043] Thicknesses T-a and T-b may be chosen according to the
desired parameters of end 14, such as proximity of score 50 to
countersink 22, end thickness and material, desired pressure
rating, tab configuration, and the like. For the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, the thickness of center panel 30 is between 0.0075
inches and 0.013 inches, the width of score 50 at its top is
approximately 0.007 inches, the width of score land 56 is
approximately between 0.001 inches and 0.003 inches. T-a is
approximately between 0.002 inches and 0.004 inches and T-b is
approximately between 0.0025 inches and 0.045 inches. The present
invention is not limited to the particular dimensions provided in
this specification unless expressly stated in the claims. Rather,
the invention encompasses other dimensions in accordance with the
broad disclosure of its inventive aspects.
[0044] The score residual at thinner end 56x of score land 56 tends
to fracture more readily than that at thicker end 56y. This
tendency is an advantage in controlling the location of the
fracture within main score 50. In this regard, the cross sectional
structure of score 50 is configured such that the score residual of
land 130c remains attached to aperture panel 54 rather than to lip
32 (that is, because the score residual at land outer end 56x is
thinner than that at land inner end 56y), therefore leaving lip 32
having a fillet configuration.
[0045] The inventors have found also that for a given score, the
structure and operation of the tab affects the reliability and
predictability of the main score fracture. In this regard, if tab
nose 40 is too far from main score 50, end 14 may fracture between
main score 50 and anti-fracture score 52 or within anti-fracture
score 52, rather than solely in main score 50. Measured upon
actuation of tab 36 when tab nose 40 first contacts end 14 and
before main score fracture, tab nose 40 preferably does not span
across main score 50 to touch the outer score wall 51x. Preferably,
tab nose 40, upon contact with end 14, is at the centerline of main
score 50 or on aperture panel 54 within 0.005 inches radially
inboard of the inner edge 60 of main score 50 (FIG. 7B). More
preferably, tab nose 40 is within 0.002 inches on either side of
the inner edge 60.
[0046] The location of tab nose 40 may also be measured with the
tab in its at-rest state before actuation by a user. In this
regard, tab nose 40 preferably is between approximately 0.000
inches and 0.008 inches from the inner edge 60 of main score 50,
and more preferably between 0.000 inches and 0.005 inches, as
measured radially inwardly from edge 62. The difference in location
of tab nose 40 relative to main score 50 between its initial
contact state and its at-rest state is to account for shunting
during the tab actuation process. Tab 36 shunts forward in the end
shown in FIG. 1 during the actuation and opening process by about
0.003 inches mostly because of deflection of panel 30 near rivet 34
and opening of vent score 46. The magnitude of tab nose shunting
also depends on internal can pressure. In general, higher pressure
creates shunting of a corresponding greater magnitude. For
simplicity, the dimensions provided for tab nose location relative
to main score 50 are measured with a microscope looking straight
down on end 14, as shown for example in FIG. 9.
[0047] The location of tab nose 40 relative to main score 50 may be
chosen according to the design parameters of the particular end,
such as main score configuration, tab design, vent score design,
can internal pressure, and other factors that will be understood by
persons familiar with can end engineering and design upon
considering the present specification.
[0048] FIGS. 2 through 6 show different 3-dimensional views of the
first embodiment beverage end 14 applied to a filled can 10
(product level not shown). FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the operation
of end 14. A user first lifts heel 38 of tab 36, which pivots
around the rivet 34. The force and moment applied to rivet 34, and
the corresponding local deflection of center panel 30, severs the
vent score 46 creating a vent hole 48 (see FIG. 3). Preferably,
vent score 46 is in the form of a flap such that internal pressure
of the can causes the fracture of vent score 46 to rupture without
arresting, thereby deflecting the flap to vent pressures of greater
than 30 psi, such as 70 psi, 85 psi, and 90 psi and above.
[0049] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the components of the end 14. To aid
in the description of center panel 30, primary or center reference
line P.sub.L is defined as extending through the center of rivet 34
and through the longitudinal centerline of tab 36. For the vast
majority of commercial tabs, primary reference line P.sub.L will
extend through the point of initial contact between the nose of tab
36 and its point of initial contact on the center panel. Transverse
reference line T.sub.L is defined as extending through the center
of rivet 34 and perpendicular to the primary reference line
P.sub.L. The plane defined by lines P.sub.L and T.sub.L is parallel
to the plane defined by the top of the seam and parallel to center
panel 30, to the extent that center panel 30 defines a plane in its
seamed or unseamed state. Primary reference line P.sub.L divides
can end 14 into a front portion on the side of the tab nose and a
rear portion on the side of the tab heel.
[0050] Vent score 46 includes a central portion 42, a pair or
lateral portions 45a and 45b, and a pair of side portions 49a and
49b. As best shown in FIG. 5, central portion 42 of vent score 46
is rounded as it extends around the rear center portion of rivet
34. Opposing ends of central portion 42 extend forward about the
rivet toward transverse reference line T.sub.L. Ends of central
portion 42 yield to corresponding inner ends of lateral portions
45a and 45b through transitions 43a and 43b, which preferably are
approximately straight and angled from primary reference line
P.sub.L by an angle B that is approximately 45 degrees. Lateral
portions 45a and 45b extend generally laterally (that is, generally
parallel to transverse reference line T.sub.L) and outwardly
relative to rivet 34. Side portions 49a and 49b extend generally
rearward from outer ends of lateral portions 45a and 45b through
transitions 47a and 47b. Side portions 49a and 49b end at
terminations 53a and 53b. The vent score terminations may be
curved, curled, or angled relative to the side portions of the vent
score, or they may simply be the ends of straight side walls, as
shown in the figures.
[0051] Dimensional information of vent score 46 is provided with
reference to the enlarged view of the tool 80 for forming the vent
score in FIG. 13. Preferably, a portion of vent score 46 extends to
(or approximately to) or forward of the transverse reference line
T.sub.L to promote movement or hinging of the tab and rivet. For
example, lateral portions 45a and 45b preferably extend forward of
transverse line T.sub.L by a dimension D.sub.1. Preferably, D.sub.1
is positive and between 0 and 0.050 inches, and more preferably
between 0.010 inches and 0.032 inches. In the embodiment shown in
the figures, D.sub.1 is approximately 0.021 inches.
[0052] Side portions 49a and 49b are mutually spaced apart and
extend rearwardly such that flap 57 creates sufficient area for
venting. The vent hole is shown in FIG. 3 as reference numeral 48.
In this regard, side portions 49a and 49b preferably extend
rearwardly from transverse reference line T.sub.L by a distance
D.sub.2 that preferably is between 0.15 and 0.4 inches, and more
preferably is between 0.2 and 0.3 inches. In the embodiment shown
in the figures, D.sub.2 is 0.238 inches. The ends of side portion
terminations 53a and 53b are spaced apart by a distance of between
0.5 inches and 1.0 inches and preferably between 0.6 and 0.8
inches. In the embodiment shown, the distance between 53a and 53b
is 0.742 inches.
[0053] Vent score sides may be curved or straight, and oriented at
any angle A, measured relative to primary reference line P.sub.L.
For example, A may be approximately zero (that is, the vent score
sides may be approximately parallel to primary reference line P-L),
between .+-.10 degrees, between .+-.20 degrees, or between .+-.30
degrees. In the embodiment shown in the figures, angle A is 5
degrees. Central portion 42 and lateral portions 45a and 45b may be
shapes other than as shown in the figures.
[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the user then continues to
lift the tab 36, which causes the tab nose 40 to press on the
center panel 30 close to the main score 50, as described above. Tab
nose 40 severs main score 50 at land outer end 56x. The user then
pulls up on the tab 36 to break the remainder of the main score 50.
Preferably, the fracture propagates around aperture panel 54 at
land outer end 56x such that the score residual of land 56 is
attached to aperture panel 54. Lip 32 remains part of the can
assembly 10 and ideally has the cross sectional structure of a
fillet (that is, a cross-sectional structure wherein a significant
portion of the score residual associated with land 56 does not
remain attached).
[0055] Once the main score 50 has completely severed the resulting
aperture panel 54 and it is discarded, a user can drink directly
from opening 58.
[0056] FIG. 8, described above, shows the relative height and
configuration of countersink 22 and the center panel 30, and the
relative positions of the main score 50 and the anti fracture score
52. The present invention is not limited to the particular
embodiment of the end shown in FIG. 8. For example, FIGS. 10A, 10B,
10C, and 10D illustrate additional embodiments of end structures
14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d on which the present invention may be
employed. To describe the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10A through
10D, reference numerals of the structure described above with
respect to the first embodiment will be reused, but appended with a
letter designation.
[0057] Each of ends 14a, 14, 14c, and 14d are seamed onto a can
body 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate
the cans having the aperture panel removed and ready for a user to
drink from. The main scores, aperture panels, tabs, and all parts
of the aperture panels for end embodiments 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d
are as described above for first embodiment can end 14.
[0058] End 14a of FIG. 10A is a variation of the SuperEnd.RTM.
beverage can end described with respect to the first embodiment end
14. The location of the center C of the radius of transition wall
28a 50 is illustrated in FIG. 10A.
[0059] End 14b of FIG. 10B is cross sectional view of an end
supplied commercially by Container Development Limited. End 14c of
FIG. 10C is a cross sectional view of an end referred to as LOF
supplied by Metal Container Corporation. Each of ends 14b and 14c
have an inner wall portion 29b and 29c, respectively, at the base
of transition 28b and 28c. The present invention encompasses
locating main score 50b, 50c radially outside of transition radius
center C-b and C-d such that the main score is located within
portions 29b or 29c.
[0060] End 14d of FIG. 10D is a cross sectional schematic view of a
conventional B64 end. The location of the center C of the radius of
transition wall 28d is illustrated in FIG. 10D.
[0061] The present invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments, and it is understood that the present
invention encompasses structure and function broader than the
particular embodiments, even if labeled as preferred.
* * * * *