CA2662199C - Easy open can end with high pressure venting - Google Patents

Easy open can end with high pressure venting Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2662199C
CA2662199C CA2662199A CA2662199A CA2662199C CA 2662199 C CA2662199 C CA 2662199C CA 2662199 A CA2662199 A CA 2662199A CA 2662199 A CA2662199 A CA 2662199A CA 2662199 C CA2662199 C CA 2662199C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
score
end panel
mustache
flex line
forming
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA2662199A
Other languages
French (fr)
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CA2662199A1 (en
Inventor
Paul R. Heinicke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Original Assignee
Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/533,114 external-priority patent/US7922025B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/533,130 external-priority patent/US8047754B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/533,136 external-priority patent/US7673490B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/678,161 external-priority patent/US7721906B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/678,165 external-priority patent/US7784322B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/678,164 external-priority patent/US7909555B2/en
Application filed by Crown Packaging Technology Inc filed Critical Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Publication of CA2662199A1 publication Critical patent/CA2662199A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2662199C publication Critical patent/CA2662199C/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
    • B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
    • B21D51/38—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures
    • B21D51/383—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures scoring lines, tear strips or pulling tabs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4011—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening completely by means of a tearing tab
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/404—Details of the lines of weakness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/001—Action for opening container
    • B65D2517/0016—Action for opening container pivot tab, push-down and pull-out tear panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0091—Means for venting upon initial opening
    • B65D2517/0092—Means for venting upon initial opening formed as a partial score line located close to the tab connection

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a convenience closure for a full-open type end, which is suitable for use in pressurised food can applications. The performance of the can end is enabled by the use of a flex line score. In one embodiment, the flex line score operates in conjunction with both a moustache score and a pair of break line scores that provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the moustache score and the flex line score.

Description

Description EASY OPEN CAN END WITH HIGH PRESSURE VENTING
Technical Field [0001] This invention relates broadly to the field of convenience closures for full-open type can ends. More specifically, this invention relates to convenience closures for full-open type can ends which are suitable for use in pressurised food can applications.
Further aspects of the invention relate to a method and tooling assembly for making such a convenience closure.
Background Art
[0002] One form of self-opening can which is in wide use is the so called full-open can, in which a peripheral score, generally circular in configuration, is formed in the end panel at or adjacent to the periphery thereof to permit its complete removal.
[0003] Full-open type cans are to be distinguished from those self-opening cans which have a comparatively small removable section which, when opened, provide a com-paratively small hole for dispensing the product. The latter type of can end is only ap-propriate for packaging soda, beer, or other liquids. Full-open type cans, on the other hand, are suitable for packaging solid products such as candy, nuts, meats, or ground coffee.
[0004] A conventional full-open type can end of the type disclosed in U.S.
Patent 5,232,114 to Zysset is depicted in FIGURE 1. Can end 10 conventionally includes an end panel 12 and an edge-curled peripheral flange 14 that is adapted to be interfolded with an end flange of a can body. At or adjacent to the periphery of the end panel 12 is a peripheral score 16 which is indented into the end panel 12 and defines a fixed can end portion 18 and a removable portion or panel 20. A gripping tab 22 is mounted to the end panel 12 by means of a rivet formation 24.
[0005] The gripping tab 22 is positioned close enough to the peripheral score 16 so that when its inner end is rocked upwardly to cause its outer end to move downwardly and exert a downward force on the end panel 12 at or near the peripheral score 16, a portion of the end panel 12 is bent downwardly to initiate rupture of the peripheral score 16. Thereafter, an upward and backward pull on the gripping tab 22 by the user induces tearing of the metal in the peripheral score 16 on both sides of the area of initial rupture to complete detachment from the can of the removable portion or panel 20 of the end panel 12.
[0006] It is also known within the prior art to employ a vent score behind the rivet formation 24 toward the centre of the end panel 12 in order to relieve internal pressure or vacuum that exists within the container, and thereby avoid implosion or explosion as the container is opened by pivoting of the gripping tab 22 about the rivet formation 24.
The most frequently used shape for the vent score is curved like a man's moustache and therefore these scores are generally known as "moustache scores."
[0007] For the aforesaid purposes and to promote flexibility and to provide a hinge point for the tab 22 when it is lifted, a moustache score 34 may be formed in the end panel 12, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Moustache score 34 typically has an inner portion 36 that is defined on a raised area 26 of rivet formation 24 having an outer edge 27, and at least one outer portion 38 that is defined on the outer surface of end panel 12.
Raised area 26 includes an oval shaped first operation butble 40, which is elongated along an axis which is a chord perpendicular to a radius of end panel 12. Raised area 26 further includes a second operation butble 30, which is defined centrally with respect to the first operation bible 40.
[0008] The inner portion 36 of moustache score 34 may be curved about the radial inner periphery of the second operation butble 30. The outer portions 38 of the moustache score 34 would typically be shaped so as to flare outwardly from the respective inner portions 36, and would typically end up at their extreme outer ends to be substantially parallel or slightly curved away from the peripheral score 16.
[0009] Although conventional moustache scores, such as the one that is described above, are generally effective in preventing violent explosions or implosions during the opening of containers that are moderately pressurised or underpressurised, they tend to be in-effective in preventing explosions during the opening of highly pressurised containers.
A highly pressurised container for the purposes of this document is a container that is pressurised to at least 25 pounds per square inch over ambient pressure conditions.
[0010] A need exists for an improved easy open can end that can be used with highly pressurised containers and that is capable of effectively reducing the likelihood of a violent explosion or implosion occurring when such a highly pressurised container is opened.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved easy open can end that can be used with highly pressurised containers and that is capable of ef-fectively reducing the likelihood of a violent explosion or implosion occurring when such a highly pressurised container is opened.

Disclosure of Invention
[0012] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a full-open con-venience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can according to a first aspect of the invention comprises an end panel, a peripheral score in the end panel, the peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of the end panel, a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downwards force on the end panel in an area proximate to the peripheral score, a rivet formation for securing the tab to the end panel, char-acterised in that the closure further comprises a flex line score defined in the end panel and located adjacent to the rivet formation.
[0013] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a con-venience closure, comprising:
providing an end panel;
forming a moustache score in the end panel;
characterised in that the method further comprises forming a flex line score in the end panel adjacent to the moustache score.
[0014] In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full-open convenience closure, comprising:
a first forming tool for forming a top surface of an end panel for an easy open can end, said first forming tool comprising:
a first tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a moustache score in the end panel;
a second tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a flex line score in the end panel that is in a predetermined relationship to the moustache score;
the tooling assembly further comprising:
a second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with the first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of the first and second forming tools.

3a [0014a] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a full-open convenience closure for sealing an end of a can, comprising an end panel, a peripheral score in the end panel, the peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of the end panel, a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downwards force on the end panel in an area proximate to the peripheral score, a rivet formation for securing the tab to the end panel, the closure further comprising a flex line score defined in the end panel and located adjacent to the rivet formation, which flex score line has a first portion that is located on a first side of the rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation, and a moustache score defined in the end panel which includes a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation and is curved about the rivet formation in such a manner that a concave side of the central portion faces the rivet formation and includes first and second end portions; wherein at least two break line scores are defined in the end panel to provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the moustache score and the flex line score.
[0014b] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making the convenience closure as described herein the method comprising:
providing an end panel; forming a moustache score in the end panel; forming a flex line score in the end panel adjacent to the moustache score; forming at least two break line scores between the moustache score and the flex line score.
[0014c] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tooling assembly for forming the end panel of a full-open convenience closure as described herein, the tooling assembly comprising: a first forming tool for forming a top surface of an end panel for an easy open can end, said first forming tool comprising: a first tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a moustache score in the end panel; a second tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a flex line score in the end panel that is in a predetermined relationship to the moustache score; the tooling assembly further comprising: a 3b second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with the first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of the first and second forming tools;
wherein the first forming tool further comprises third and fourth tool surfaces for forming first and second break line scores.
[0014d] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a full open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising: an end panel; a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel; a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score; a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel; a mustache score defined in said end panel, said mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on said end panel relative to said rivet formation and is curved about said rivet formation and first and second end portions that are curved away from said rivet formation;
wherein most of the total length of the first and second end portions are substantially curved away from a nearest portion of said peripheral score, wherein the first and second end portions comprise a majority of the mustache score; and further wherein the mustache score is substantially arcuate throughout; a flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation and a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores are positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score.
[0014e] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a full-open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising: an end panel; a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel; a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score; a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel; a mustache score defined in said end panel, said mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on said end panel relative to said rivet formation and is curved with a concave side of curvature facing said rivet formation; a first end portion that is continuous with a first end of said central 3c portion, wherein most of the total length of said first end portion is curved away from a nearest portion of said peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing said nearest portion of said peripheral score; a second end portion that is continuous with a second end of said central portion, wherein most of the total length of said second end portion is curved away from a nearest portion of said peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing said nearest portion of said peripheral score; and wherein the first and second end portions comprise a majority of the mustache score and further wherein the mustache score is substantially arcuate throughout; a flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation; and a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores are positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score.
[0014f] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a full open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising: an end panel; a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel; a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score; a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel; a mustache score defined in the end panel, the mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation and is curved about the rivet formation, and the mustache score including first and second end portions that are curved away from the rivet formation; a flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a second curved portion, wherein said flex line score is disposed separately from said mustache score; and further comprising a break line score defined in said end panel, wherein the break line score is located between the mustache score and the flex line score, and said break line score is perpendicularly connected to both the mustache score and the flex line score.
[0014g] According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a convenience closure, comprising: providing an end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to 3d said mustache score; further comprising forming a rivet formation in said end panel, and wherein said flex line score is adjacent to said rivet formation; wherein said mustache score includes a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on said end panel relative to said rivet formation and is curved about said rivet formation and further has first and second end portions that are curved away from said rivet formation, wherein said end panel has an diametric axis of symmetry that intersects a center point of said central portion of said mustache score and said rivet formation has a center point, and wherein a transition between said central portion and said first end portion is located at a transitional angle from said diametric axis of symmetry as measured from said center point, and wherein said transitional angle is substantially within a range of about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.
[0014h] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a convenience closure, comprising: providing an end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score; further comprising forming a rivet formation in said end panel, and wherein said flex line score is adjacent to said rivet formation; wherein said mustache score includes a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on said end panel relative to said rivet formation and is curved about said rivet formation and further has first and second end portions that are curved away from said rivet formation, wherein said first end portion has a substantially constant radius of curvature.
[0014i] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a convenience closure, comprising: providing an end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score; further comprising forming at least one break line score that is positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score; wherein said at least one break line score is formed to comprise a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores being positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score, wherein said break line score is formed to have a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of said flex line score.

3e [0014j] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a convenience closure, comprising: providing an end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score; further comprising forming at least one break line score that is positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score; wherein said at least one break line score is formed to comprise a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores being positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score, wherein said break line score has a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of said mustache score.
[0014k] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a convenience closure, comprising: providing an end panel;
forming a curved mustache score in said end panel; forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a first curved portion; forming a first break line score extending between and contacting both the first linear portion and the mustache score, further wherein the first break line score is perpendicular to the first linear portion; and wherein the mustache score is located more radially inwardly on the end panel than said first curved portion.
[00141] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a convenience closure, comprising: providing an end panel;
forming a rivet formation in said end panel; forming a mustache score in said end panel, wherein said mustache score has a central portion positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a first curved portion; and forming a first break line score extending between and contacting both the first linear portion and the mustache score, further wherein the first break line score is score perpendicular to the first linear portion.
[0014m] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full open easy open can end, comprising: a 3f first forming tool shaped to form a top surface of said end panel for said easy open can end, wherein said first forming tool has a diametric axis of symmetry, said first forming tool comprising: a first tool surface that is mustache score shaped and is constructed and arranged to form said mustache score in said end panel; wherein the first tool surface has a central portion having a center point, a first end portion located adjacent the central portion, and a second end portion located adjacent the central portion and wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are equidistant in length; a second tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a first linear flex line score in said end panel; wherein said second tool surface comprises a linear first portion shaped to form said first flex line score, wherein the linear first portion is located on a first side of a rivet formation area on the first forming tool, and a linear second portion shaped to form the linear flex line score, wherein the linear second portion is located on a second side of the rivet formation area on the first forming tool, wherein the first linear portion and the second linear portion are substantially perpendicular to the diametric axis of symmetry; a second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with said first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of said first and second forming tools.
[0014n] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full open easy open can end, comprising: a first forming tool for forming a top surface of said end panel for said easy open can end, said first forming tool comprising: a first tool surface that is mustache score shaped and that is constructed and arranged to form a mustache score in said end panel, wherein the first tool surface has a central portion having a center point and a first end portion located adjacent the central portion, and wherein said central portion of the first tool surface is positioned radially inwardly on said first forming tool relative to a rivet formation area and is curved with a concave side of curvature facing a rivet formation area; wherein the first end portion is continuous with a first end of said central portion, wherein most of the total length of said first end portion is curved away from a nearest portion of an edge of the first tool surface, with a convex side of curvature facing said nearest portion of said edge of the first tool surface; and wherein the first tool surface further comprises a second end portion that is continuous with a 3g second end of said central portion, wherein most of the total length of said second end portion is curved away from a nearest portion of said edge of the first tool surface, with a convex side of curvature facing said nearest portion of said edge of the first tool surface; a second tool surface shaped to form a first flex line score; wherein said second tool surface comprises a linear first portion shaped to form said first flex line score, wherein the linear first portion is located on a first side of a rivet formation area on the first forming tool, and a linear second portion shaped to form the linear flex line score, wherein the linear second portion is located on a second side of the rivet formation area on the first forming tool, wherein the first linear portion and the second linear portion are substantially perpendicular to a diametric axis of symmetry; a second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with said first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of said first and second forming tools.
[0014o] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full open easy open can end, comprising: a first forming tool for forming a top surface of an end panel for an easy open can end, wherein said first forming tool has a diametric axis of symmetry, said first forming tool comprising: a first tool surface that is mustache score shaped, wherein the diametric axis of symmetry intersects a center point of the first tool surface, wherein the first tool surface is symmetric about the diametric axis of symmetry; a second tool surface having a first portion that is located on a first side of a rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation, wherein the first portion has a first linear portion and a curved portion; wherein the second tool surface forms a flex line score in said end panel, wherein said first linear portion of said second tool surface is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry; and a third tool surface having a second linear portion perpendicular to the first linear portion of the first tool surface; a second forming tool that works together with said first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of said first and second forming tools.

3h [0014p] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an end panel tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full open easy open can end, comprising:
a first forming tool, wherein said first forming tool has a diametric axis of symmetry, comprising; a first tool surface shaped to a mustache score, wherein the diametric axis of symmetry intersects a center point of the first tool surface, wherein the first tool surface is symmetric about the diametric axis of symmetry; a second tool surface further comprising a first linear portion and a curved portion, wherein said first linear portion of said second tool surface is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry; a third tool surface comprising a second linear portion perpendicular to said first linear portion;
a second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with said first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of said first and second forming tools.
[0015] These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterise the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0016] FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatical view of a previously known easy open can end con-figuration;
[0017] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an easy open can end that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the easy open can end that is depicted in FIGURE 2;
[0019] FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a press assembly that is preferably used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatical depiction of an opening score pattern and a forming tool according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatical depiction of an opening score pattern and a forming tool according to a modified embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatical depiction of the opening score pattern that is shown in FIGURE 5;
[0023] FIGURE 8 indicates that the seven forming operations in a preferred method of forming an easy open can end according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatical depiction of an improved opening score pattern and a forming tool according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0025] FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatical depiction of the opening score pattern that is shown in FIGURE 9.
Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate cor-responding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to and 3, a full-open convenience closure or easy open can end 50 that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes an end panel 52 that has pictorial opening instructions 54 embossed thereon. As is conventional, a peripheral score 72 has been formed in the end panel 52 and defines a fixed portion 74 of the end panel 52 and a removable portion 76 of the end panel 52. A finger well 56 is defined in an upper surface of the end panel 52.
[0027] The full-open convenience closure 50 further includes a circumferentially extending end curl or seaming panel 58 that is constructed and arranged to be secured to a container using a dotble seaming process. It also includes a tab 60 that has a main body portion 62 including a nose portion 63 that is constructed and arranged to exert a downward force on the end panel 52 in an area that is proximate to the peripheral score 72 when a lifting ring 64 of the tab 60 is lifted by a consumer. A rivet formation 66 secures the tab 60 to the end panel 52. Convenience closure 50 further preferably includes a double fold 68 that is defined in the end panel 52 adjacent to the peripheral score 72 in order to provide cut protection for a consumer.
[0028] According to one particularly advantageous feature of the invention, a plurality of opening scores 70 are preferably defined in the end panel 52 in an area that is generally proximate to the location of the rivet formation 66. The opening scores 70 preferably include a moustache score 78, a flex line score 80 and a pair of break line scores 98, 100, which are best shown in FIGURE 7. Although in the preferred embodiment the end panel 52 has all of these scores defined therein, it should be understood that in al-ternative embodiments of the invention the moustache score 78 could be provided with a flex line score, with or without a break line score.
[0029] FIGURE 7 provides a more detailed view of the opening scores 70 in the preferred embodiment. As FIGURE 7 shows, the moustache score 78 preferably includes a central portion 84 that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel 52 relative to the rivet formation 66 and is curved about the rivet formation 66 in such a manner that a concave side of the central portion 84 faces the rivet formation 66. The curvature of the central portion 84 is preferably a constant radius of curvature.
[0030] Moustache score 78 further preferably includes first and second end portions 86, 88 that are preferably symmetric with respect to each other about a diametric axis of symmetry 82 that extends through the centre 90 of the rivet formation 66. Each of the first and second end portions 86, 88 preferably include a convex side of curvature that faces the nearest portions of the peripheral score 72.
[0031] Each of the first and second end portions 86, 88 preferably have a constant radius of curvature R1 that preferably extends along an arc section that is at least about 1500 .
The constant radius of curvature R1 is preferably substantially within a range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.2 inches. The distal ends of the first and second end portions 86, 88 in the preferred embodiment point away from the nearest portion of the peripheral score 72, and a tangent line extending through the distal ends (i.e.
tangential to the distal ends) would preferably be substantially perpendicular to a tangent line of the peripheral score 72 at a location where the first tangent line would intersect the peripheral score 72.
[0032] Preferably, a transition location 92 between the central portion 84 and the first end portion 86 is located at a transitional angle a from the diametric axis of symmetry 82 that is preferably substantially within a range of about 45 to about 60 .
More preferably, this angle is substantially within a range of about 50 to about 55 .
[0033] The flex line score 80 preferably has a first portion 94 that is located on a first side of the rivet formation 66 and a second portion 96 that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation 66. The first and second portions 94, 96 of the flex line score 80 are preferably aligned and symmetric with respect to each other and are both linear. The flex line score 80 and its components 94, 96 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the diametric axis of symmetry 82.
[0034] The flex line score 80 preferably has a residual thickness (i.e. a thickness that remains in the end panel 52 at the location of the score line 80) that is substantially the same as a residual thickness of the moustache score 78. The flex line score 80 further preferably has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25% to about 40% of a thickness of the end panel 52. More preferably, the flex line score 80 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel 52.
[0035] The moustache score 78 has a residual thickness that is preferably substantially within a range of about 25% to about 40% of the thickness of the end panel 52.
More preferably, the moustache score 78 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel 52. The moustache score 78 preferably has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0045 inches, and more preferably no greater than about 0.0035 inches.
[0036] As FIGURE 7 shows, the portions of the moustache score 78 that most closely approach the flex line score 80 present a convex side of curvature that faces the flex line score 80.
[0037] As seen in FIGURE 7, in the preferred embodiment of the invention a pair of break line scores 98, 100 are defined in the end panel 52 in order to provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the moustache score 78 and the flex line score 80 that is utilised by the convenience closure 50 during the preliminary stages of opening. The break line scores 98, 100 are positioned between the moustache score 78 and the flex line score 80. Each of the break line scores 98, 100 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the flex line score 80 and are aligned with locations on the respective first and second end portions 86, 88 of the moustache score 78 that most closely approach the flex line score 80.
[0038] The break line scores 98, 100 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to tangent lines that would pass through the locations on the respective first and second end portions 86, 88 of the moustache score 78 that most closely approach the flex line score 80. The break line scores 98, 100 preferably have a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of the flex score line 80 and that is greater than a residual thickness of the moustache score 78. The residual thickness of the break line scores 98, 100 is preferably substantially within a range of about 30% to about 95% of the thickness of the end panel 52, with a more preferred range of about 50% to about 80% of the thickness of the end panel 52.
[0039] When the convenience closure 50 is used in conjunction with a can body to package contents under high pressure (i.e. over 20 psi), it may be opened by a consumer by gripping the lifting tab 60 and pulling the lift ring 64 upwardly.
[0040] As the gripping tab 60 pivots about the rivet formation 66, the nose portion 63 will move downwardly and exert a downward force on the end panel 52 at or near the peripheral score 72. Before the end panel 52 is bent downwardly enough to initiate rupture of the peripheral score 74 however, sufficient tension is formed in the end panel 52 in the area near the central portion 84 of the moustache score 78 to cause a rupture of the end panel at the central portion 84.
[0041] Pressurised gas within the container will be permitted to harmlessly vent through the rupture in the central portion 84 of the moustache score 78 without affecting the integrity of the peripheral score 72 or accelerating the opening process. The flow of pressurised gas will tend to be directed harmlessly at an oblique angle beneath the fingers of the consumer across the top of the end panel 52 so as not to present a hazard to the consumer.
[0042] The presence of the flex score line 80 reduces the amount of force that will need to be exerted by the consumer to cause the initial rupture of the central portion 84 of the moustache score 78.
[0043] After the convenience closure 50 has vented, the consumer will continue to pull the lifting ring 64 upwardly, which causes the tear or rupture in the central portion 84 of the moustache score 78 to enlarge. The tearing will progressively advance into the first and second end portions 86, 88 of the moustache score 78. At the location on the first and second end portions 86, 88 that is closest to the flex line score 80, the tear line will leave the moustache score 78 and advance directly to the respective first and second portions 94, 96 of the flex line score 80 along the path of the break line scores 98, 100.
This will occur even in embodiments of the invention where the break line scores 98, 100 are not present.
[0044] The tearing will then move laterally outwardly along the respective first and second portions 94, 96 of the flex line score 80. As this occurs, sufficient downward force will be exerted by the nose portion 63 of the gripping tab to rupture the peripheral score 74.
The consumer at this time may pull the lift ring 64 back to cause the peripheral score 74 to tear, thus removing the removable portion 76 of the end panel 52 from the fixed portion 74.
[0045] Referring now to FIGURE 4, the tooling assembly for forming the convenience closure 50 according to the preferred embodiment includes a third operation press assembly 101 including an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 that are mounted for movement with respect to each other. The tooling assembly further preferably includes a first forming tool 106 for forming a top surface of the end panel 52 of the convenience closure 50.
[0046] Looking now to FIGURE 5, it will be seen that the first forming tool 106 preferably includes a first tool surface 108 that is constructed and arranged to form the moustache score 78 and a second tool surface 110 that is constructed and arranged to form the flex line score 80. The second tool surface 110 includes a first portion 112 for forming the first portion 94 of the flex line score 80 and a second portion 114 for forming the second portion 96 of the flex line score 80. First forming tool 106 also preferably includes a third tool surface 116 for forming the first break line score 98 and a fourth tool surface 118 for forming the second break line score 100. Both the first tool surface 108 and the second tool surface 110 are formed as projections that extend outwardly from the substantially flat, horizontal base surface of the first forming tool 106.
[0047] FIGURE 6 depicts a first forming tool 120 according to a modified embodiment of the invention. First forming tool 120 is identical in all respects to the first forming tool 106 described above, except that it lacks the third and fourth tool surfaces 116, 118 for forming the first and second break line scores 98, 100. First forming tool 120 would be used to manufacture a convenience closure according to a modified embodiment of the invention in which the break line scores 98, 100 are not present.
[0048] A method of making such a convenience closure 50 according to the preferred em-bodiment of the invention would include a step of providing an end panel blank and providing the tooling discussed above in relation to FIGURES 4-6. The tooling would be used in otherwise conventional fashion to form the convenience closure that is discussed in detail above.
[0049] The preferred method of making the convenience closure 50 utilises a seven operation manufacturing process, as indicated in FIGURE 8.
[0050] The first forming operation is used to form the rivet butble formation on the end panel blank.
[0051] The second forming operation completes the formation of the rivet button and begins the formation of a lower safety fold.
[0052] The third forming operation forms the score lines that have been described in detail above and pre-folds an upper safety fold.
[0053] The fourth operation completes the folding of the lower safety fold.
[0054] The fifth operation involves the staking of the tab to the end panel and a final rivet operation.
[0055] The sixth operation includes a tab detect function as well as a step of forming an upper fold pre-bulge.
[0056] The seventh and final operation involves a step of completing the folding of the upper fold into a position where it will afford cut protection.
[0057] Referring now to FIGURES 9 & 10, an easy open can end that is constructed according to a second, preferred embodiment of the invention is identical to that described above with regard to the first embodiment of the invention except as otherwise described herein.
[0058] As FIGURE 10 shows, a plurality of opening scores 270 are preferably defined in the end panel of the can end in an area that is generally proximate to the location of the rivet formation 224, shown in FIGURE 9. The opening scores 270 preferably include a moustache score 278, a flex line score 280 and a pair of break line scores 298, 300, which are best shown in FIGURE 10. Although in the preferred embodiment the end panel has all of these scores defined therein, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments of the invention the moustache score 278 could be provided with a flex line score 280, with or without a break line score.
[0059] As FIGURE 10 shows, the moustache score 278 preferably includes a central portion 284 that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation 224 and is curved about the rivet formation 224 in such a manner that a concave side of the central portion 284 faces the rivet formation 224. The curvature of the central portion 284 is preferably a constant radius of curvature.
[0060] The moustache score 278 further preferably includes first and second end portions 286, 288 that are preferably symmetric with respect to each other about a diametric axis of symmetry 282 that extends through the centre of the rivet formation 224. Each of the first and second end portions 286, 288 preferably includes a convex side of curvature that faces the nearest portions of the peripheral score 272. Each of the first and second end portions 286, 288 preferably have a constant radius of curvature R1 that preferably extends along an arc section that is at least about 1500. The constant radius of curvature R1 is preferably substantially within a range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.2 inches.
[0061] The distal ends of the first and second end portions 286, 288 in the preferred em-bodiment point away from the nearest portion of the peripheral score 2E, and a tangent line extending through the distal ends (i.e. tangential to the distal ends) would preferably be substantially perpendicular to a tangent line of the peripheral score at a location where the first tangent line would intersect the peripheral score //2.
[0062] Preferably, a transition location 292 between the central portion 284 and the first end portion 286 is located at a transitional angle a from the diametric axis of symmetry 282 that is preferably substantially within a range of about 45 to about 60 .
More preferably, this angle is substantially within a range of about 50 to about 55 .
[0063] The flex line score 280 preferably has a first portion 294 that is located on a first side of the rivet formation 224 and a second portion 296 that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation 224. The first portion 294 in this embodiment of the invention preferably includes a substantially linear portion 304 that is proximate to the rivet formation 224 and a second, curved portion 306 at an end of the first portion 294 that is distal from the rivet formation 224.
[0064] Similarly, the second portion 294 in this embodiment of the invention preferably includes a substantially linear portion 308 that is proximate to the rivet formation 224 and a second, curved portion 310 at an end of the second portion 296 that is distal from the rivet formation 224.
[0065] One purpose of the curved portions 306, 310 is to deter possible tearing from occurring near the outer distal ends of the first and second flex line score portions 294, 296 during and after opening of the easy open end by a consumer.
[0066] The first and second portions 294, 296 of the flex line score 280 are preferably aligned and symmetric with respect to each other.
[0067] The linear portions 304, 308 of the flex line score 280 and its components 294, 296 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the diametric axis of symmetry 282.
[0068] The flex line score 280 preferably has a residual thickness (i.e. a thickness that remains in the end panel at the location of the score line 280) that is substantially the same as a residual thickness of the moustache score 278. The flex line score further preferably has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25% to about 40% of a thickness of the end panel. More preferably, the flex line score 280 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel.
[0069] The moustache score 278 has a residual thickness that is preferably substantially within a range of about 25% to about 40% of the thickness of the end panel.
More preferably, the moustache score 278 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel. The moustache score 278 preferably has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0045 inches, and more preferably no greater than about 0.0035 inches.
[0070] As FIGURE 10 shows, the portions of the moustache score 278 that most closely approach the flex line score 280 present a convex side of curvature that faces the flex line score 280.
[0071] In this preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of break line scores 298, 300 are defined in the end panel in order to provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the moustache score 278 and the flex line score 280 that is utilised by the convenience closure during the preliminary stages of opening. The break line scores 298, 300 are positioned between the moustache score 278 and the flex line score 280. Each of the break line scores 298, 300 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the flex line score 280 and are aligned with the locations on the respective first and second end portions 286, 288 of the moustache score 278 that most closely approach the flex line score 280.
[0072] The break line scores 298,300 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to tangent lines that would pass through the locations on the respective first and second end portions 286, 288 of the moustache score 278 that most closely approach the flex line score 280.
[0073] The break line scores 298, 300 preferably have a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of the flex score line 280 and that is greater than a residual thickness of the moustache score 278. The residual thickness of the break line scores 298, 300 is preferably substantially within a range of about 30% to about 95%
of the thickness of the end panel, with a more preferred range of about 50% to about 80% of the thickness of the end panel.
[0074] The presence of the flex score line 280 reduces the amount of force that will need to be exerted by the consumer to cause the initial rupture of the central portion 284 of the moustache score 278.
[0075] Looking now to FIGURE 9, it will be seen that the first forming tool 206 preferably includes a first tool surface 208 that is constructed and arranged to form the moustache score 278 and a second tool surface 210 that is constructed and arranged to form the flex line score 280. The second tool surface 210 includes a first portion 212 for forming the first linear portion 304 of the first portion 294 of the flex line score 280 and a second portion 220 for forming the curved portion 306 of the first portion 294 of the flex line score 280. It further includes a third portion 214 for forming the linear portion 308 of the second portion 296 of the flex line score 280 and a fourth portion 222 for forming the curved portion 310 of the second portion 296 of the flex line score 280.
[0076] The first forming tool 206 also preferably includes a third tool surface 216 for forming the first break line score 298 and a fourth tool surface 218 for forming the second break line score 300. Both the first tool surface 208 and the second tool surface 210 are formed as projections that extend outwardly from the substantially flat, ho-rizontal base surface of the first forming tool 206.
[0077] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and ad-vantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is il-lustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims (86)

CLAIMS:
1. A full-open convenience closure for sealing an end of a can, comprising an end panel, a peripheral score in the end panel, the peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of the end panel, a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downwards force on the end panel in an area proximate to the peripheral score, a rivet formation for securing the tab to the end panel, the closure further comprising a flex line score defined in the end panel and located adjacent to the rivet formation, which flex score line has a first portion that is located on a first side of the rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation, and a moustache score defined in the end panel which includes a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation and is curved about the rivet formation in such a manner that a concave side of the central portion faces the rivet formation and includes first and second end portions; wherein at least two break line scores are defined in the end panel to provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the moustache score and the flex line score.
2. The convenience closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions are symmetric, with respect to each other about a diametric axis of symmetry that extends through the centre of the rivet formation.
3. The convenience closure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the break line scores have a residual thickness within a range of 30-95% of the thickness of the end panel.
4. The convenience closure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the break line scores have a residual thickness greater than both a residual thickness of the flex line score and a residual thickness of the moustache score.
5. The convenience closure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flex line score comprises a linear portion and a curved portion.
6. The convenience closure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the curved portion of the flex line score is curved towards the moustache score.
7. The convenience closure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry extending through the rivet formation, and wherein the flex line score is symmetric about the diametric axis of symmetry.
8. The convenience closure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flex line score has a residual thickness within a range of 25-40% of the thickness of the end panel.
9. A method of making the convenience closure according to claim 1 the method comprising:
providing an end panel;
forming a moustache score in the end panel;
forming a flex line score in the end panel adjacent to the moustache score;
forming at least two break line scores between the moustache score and the flex line score.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flex line score is formed with a linear portion and a curved portion.
11. The method as claimed in either of claim 9 or 10, further comprising forming a rivet formation in the end panel, the flex line score being formed adjacent to the rivet formation.
12. A tooling assembly for forming the end panel of a full-open convenience closure according to claim 1 or 2, the tooling assembly comprising:
a first forming tool for forming a top surface of an end panel for an easy open can end, said first forming tool comprising:
a first tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a moustache score in the end panel;

a second tool surface that is constructed and arranged to form a flex line score in the end panel that is in a predetermined relationship to the moustache score;
the tooling assembly further comprising:
a second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with the first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of the first and second forming tools;
wherein the first forming tool further comprises third and fourth tool surfaces for forming first and second break line scores.
13. The tooling assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second tool surface is constructed and arranged to form the flex line score with a linear portion and a curved portion.
14. The tooling assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first forming tool is constructed and arranged to ensure that the end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry that intersects a centre point of the moustache score, and wherein the flex line score is symmetric about the diametric axis of symmetry.
15. A full open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising:
an end panel;
a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel;
a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score;
a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel;

a mustache score defined in said end panel, said mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on said end panel relative to said rivet formation and is curved about said rivet formation and first and second end portions that are curved away from said rivet formation; wherein most of the total length of the first and second end portions are substantially curved away from a nearest portion of said peripheral score, wherein the first and second end portions comprise a majority of the mustache score; and further wherein the mustache score is substantially arcuate throughout;
a flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation and a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores are positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score.
16. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein a portion of said mustache score that most closely approaches said flex line score comprises a convex side of curvature facing said flex line score.
17. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said break line scores are both substantially perpendicular to said flex line score.
18. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein two points on said mustache score represent a closest distance of approach of said mustache score to said flex line score, and wherein said break line scores are positioned in substantial alignment, respectively, to said two points.
19. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said break line score has a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of said flex line score.
20. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said break line score has a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of said mustache score.
21. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry that intersects a center point of said central portion of said mustache score and said rivet formation has a center point, and wherein a transition between said central portion and said first end portion is located at a transitional angle from said diametric axis of symmetry as measured from said center point, and wherein said transitional angle is substantially within a range of about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.
22. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 21, wherein said transitional angle is substantially within a range of about 50 degrees to about 55 degrees.
23. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry that intersects a center point of said central portion of said mustache score, and wherein said flex line score is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry.
24. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 23, wherein said flex line score includes a first portion that is located on a first side of said rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of said rivet formation.
25. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said flex line score has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25%
to about 40% of a thickness of said end panel.
26. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 25, wherein said flex line score has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 30%
to about 35% of the thickness of said end panel.
27. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0045 inches.
28. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 27, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0035 inches.
29. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said closure is constructed and arranged to accommodate packaging pressures of at least 20 psi.
30. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 29, wherein said closure is constructed and arranged to accommodate packaging pressures of at least 30 psi.
31. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said flex line score has a residual thickness that is substantially the same as a residual thickness of said mustache score.
32. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 31, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25% to about 40% of a thickness of said end panel.
33. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 32, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 30% to about 35% of a thickness of said end panel.
34. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 15, wherein said first end portion has a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of said peripheral score.
35. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 34, wherein said first end portion is substantially symmetrical to said second end portion.
36. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 34, wherein said first end portion has a substantially constant radius of curvature.
37. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 36, wherein said substantially constant radius of curvature is substantially within a range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.2 inches.
38. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 36, wherein said substantially constant radius of curvature defines a curvature that extends for a circumferential distance of at least 150 degrees.
39. A full-open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising:
an end panel;
a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel;
a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score;
a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel;
a mustache score defined in said end panel, said mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on said end panel relative to said rivet formation and is curved with a concave side of curvature facing said rivet formation;
a first end portion that is continuous with a first end of said central portion, wherein most of the total length of said first end portion is curved away from a nearest portion of said peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing said nearest portion of said peripheral score;
a second end portion that is continuous with a second end of said central portion, wherein most of the total length of said second end portion is curved away from a nearest portion of said peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing said nearest portion of said peripheral score; and wherein the first and second end portions comprise a majority of the mustache score and further wherein the mustache score is substantially arcuate throughout; a flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation; and a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores are positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score.
40. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 39, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry that intersects a center point of said central portion of said mustache score and said rivet formation has a center point, and wherein a transition between said central portion and said first end portion is located at a transitional angle from said diametric axis of symmetry as measured from said center point, and wherein said transitional angle is substantially within a range of about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.
41. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 40, wherein said transitional angle is substantially within a range of about 50 degrees to about 55 degrees.
42. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 39, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25% to about 40% of a thickness of said end panel.
43. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 42, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 30% to about 35% of a thickness of said end panel.
44. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 39, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0045 inches.
45. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 44, wherein said mustache score has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0035 inches.
46. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 39, wherein said closure is constructed and arranged to accommodate packaging pressures of at least 20 psi.
47. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 46, wherein said closure is constructed and arranged to accommodate packaging pressures of at least 30 psi.
48. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 39, wherein said first end portion has a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of said peripheral score.
49. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 48, wherein said first end portion has a substantially constant radius of curvature.
50. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 49, wherein said substantially constant radius of curvature is substantially within a range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.2 inches.
51. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 49, wherein said substantially constant radius of curvature defines a curvature that extends for a circumferential distance of at least 150 degrees.
52. A full open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising:
an end panel;
a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel;
a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score;
a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel;
a mustache score defined in the end panel, the mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation and is curved about the rivet formation, and the mustache score including first and second end portions that are curved away from the rivet formation;

a flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a second curved portion, wherein said flex line score is disposed separately from said mustache score; and further comprising a break line score defined in said end panel, wherein the break line score is located between the mustache score and the flex line score, and said break line score is perpendicularly connected to both the mustache score and the flex line score.
53. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 52, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry, and wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry.
54. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 52, wherein said flex line score includes a first portion that is located on a first side of said rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of said rivet formation.
55. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 52, wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.
56. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 52, wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is located proximate to said rivet formation.
57. The full open type of convenience closure according to claim 56, wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.
58. A method of making a convenience closure, comprising:
providing an end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score;
further comprising forming at least one break line score that is positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score; wherein said at least one break line score is formed to comprise a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores being positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score, wherein said break line score is formed to have a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of said flex line score.
59. A method of making a convenience closure, comprising:
providing an end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel; and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score;
further comprising forming at least one break line score that is positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score; wherein said at least one break line score is formed to comprise a pair of break line scores, each of said break line scores being positioned between said mustache score and said flex line score, wherein said break line score has a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of said mustache score.
60. A method of making a convenience closure, comprising:
providing an end panel;
forming a curved mustache score in said end panel;
forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said mustache score, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a first curved portion;
forming a first break line score extending between and contacting both the first linear portion and the mustache score, further wherein the first break line score is perpendicular to the first linear portion; and wherein the mustache score is located more radially inwardly on the end panel than said first curved portion.
61. The method according to claim 60, further comprising forming a rivet formation in said end panel, and wherein said flex line score is adjacent to said rivet formation.
62. The method according to claim 61, wherein said flex line score is defined along a flex line score axis, and wherein said flex line score axis intersects said rivet formation.
63. The method according to claim 60, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry, and wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry.
64. The method according to claim 60, wherein said first linear portion is located on a first side of a rivet formation and a second linear portion is located on a second, opposite side of said rivet formation.
65. The method according to claim 60, wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is located proximate to a rivet formation.
66. The method according to claim 65, wherein said first curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.
67. The method according to claim 60, wherein said first curved portion of said flex line score is curved toward said mustache score.
68. A method of making a convenience closure, comprising:
providing an end panel; forming a rivet formation in said end panel;
forming a mustache score in said end panel, wherein said mustache score has a central portion positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation;
and forming a flex line score in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a first curved portion; and forming a first break line score extending between and contacting both the first linear portion and the mustache score, further wherein the first break line score is score perpendicular to the first linear portion.
69. The method according to claim 68, wherein said flex line score is defined along a flex line score axis, and wherein said flex line score axis intersects said rivet formation.
70. The method according to claim 68, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry, and wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry.
71. The method according to claim 68, wherein said first linear portion is located on a first side of said rivet formation and a second linear portion is located on a second, opposite side of said rivet formation.
72. The method according to claim 68, wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is located proximate to said rivet formation.
73. The method according to claim 72, wherein said first curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.
74. The method according to claim 68, wherein said first curved portion of said flex line score is curved toward said mustache score.
75. The method of claim 60, further comprising second break line score, wherein said second break line score is parallel to said first break line score.
76. The method of claim 60, wherein said mustache score further comprises a first end portion which is closest to said flex line score, wherein and said first break line score is aligned with said first end portion.
77. The method of claim 68, further comprising second break line score, wherein said second break line score is parallel to said first break line score.
78. The method of claim 68, wherein said mustache score further comprises a first end portion which is closest to said flex line score, wherein and said first break line score is aligned with said first end portion.
79. A tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full open easy open can end, comprising:
a first forming tool for forming a top surface of an end panel for an easy open can end, wherein said first forming tool has a diametric axis of symmetry, said first forming tool comprising:
a first tool surface that is mustache score shaped, wherein the diametric axis of symmetry intersects a center point of the first tool surface, wherein the first tool surface is symmetric about the diametric axis of symmetry;
a second tool surface having a first portion that is located on a first side of a rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation, wherein the first portion has a first linear portion and a curved portion; wherein the second tool surface forms a flex line score in said end panel, wherein said first linear portion of said second tool surface is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry;
and a third tool surface having a second linear portion perpendicular to the first linear portion of the first tool surface;
a second forming tool that works together with said first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of said first and second forming tools.
80. The tooling assembly according to claim 79, wherein the second linear portion is parallel to the diametric axis of symmetry.
81. The tooling assembly according to claim 79, wherein said first linear portion of said second tool surface is located proximate to a rivet formation.
82. The tooling assembly according to claim 81, wherein said curved portion of said second tool surface is located distal to a rivet formation.
83. The tooling assembly according to claim 79, wherein said curved portion of said second tool surface is located distal to a rivet formation.
84. An end panel tooling assembly for forming an end panel of a full open easy open can end, comprising:
a first forming tool, wherein said first forming tool has a diametric axis of symmetry, comprising;
a first tool surface shaped to a mustache score, wherein the diametric axis of symmetry intersects a center point of the first tool surface, wherein the first tool surface is symmetric about the diametric axis of symmetry;
a second tool surface further comprising a first linear portion and a curved portion, wherein said first linear portion of said second tool surface is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry;
a third tool surface comprising a second linear portion perpendicular to said first linear portion;
a second forming tool that is constructed and arranged to work together with said first forming tool; and a press assembly for driving at least one of said first and second forming tools.
85. The tooling assembly according to claim 84, wherein the second linear portion is parallel to the diametric axis of symmetry.
86. The tooling assembly according to claim 79, wherein the second linear portions extends between the first tool surface and the curved portion on the second tool surface.
CA2662199A 2006-09-19 2007-09-17 Easy open can end with high pressure venting Expired - Fee Related CA2662199C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (13)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/533,136 2006-09-19
US11/533,114 US7922025B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2006-09-19 Easy open can end with high pressure venting
US11/533,130 2006-09-19
US11/533,130 US8047754B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2006-09-19 Tooling for making easy open can end
US11/533,136 US7673490B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2006-09-19 Method of making an easy open can end with high pressure venting
US11/533,114 2006-09-19
US11/678,161 US7721906B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2007-02-23 Easy open can end with high pressure venting
US11/678,165 US7784322B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2007-02-23 Method of making an open can end with high pressure venting
US11/678,161 2007-02-23
US11/678,164 2007-02-23
US11/678,165 2007-02-23
US11/678,164 US7909555B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2007-02-23 Tool for making easy open can end with high pressure venting
PCT/EP2007/059794 WO2008034801A1 (en) 2006-09-19 2007-09-17 Easy open can end with high pressure venting

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CA2662199A1 CA2662199A1 (en) 2008-03-27
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CA (1) CA2662199C (en)
ES (1) ES2405267T3 (en)
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WO2008034801A1 (en) 2008-03-27
EP2081709B1 (en) 2013-03-06
EP2081709A1 (en) 2009-07-29
CA2662199A1 (en) 2008-03-27
ES2405267T3 (en) 2013-05-30

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