CN118284568A - Pressure relief assembly and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to an exhaust system including a cover or base having a central wall defining a central longitudinal axis and a total radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost surface of the cover or base. The exhaust system further includes a pressure relief feature disposed along the cover or base. The pressure relief feature includes at least a first vent feature defining a thinned region of the cover or base, a vent radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost extent of the first vent feature, and the vent radius being between about 5% and about 25% of a total radius of the cover or base.

Description

Pressure relief assembly and method

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/282,067, filed on November 22, 2021, entitled “PRESSURE RELIEF ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17/991,115, filed on November 21, 2022, entitled “PRESSURE RELIEF ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to a cap or base for a container having one or more pressure relief features to allow venting and depressurization of the container.

Background technique

Various types of containers or cans are used to hold or contain contents that may be initially pressurized or may become pressurized over time. For example, an aerosol can may be pressurized with an aerosol, and the initial pressurization may be maintained until the user releases the aerosol, thereby reducing the pressure within the aerosol can. In some instances, the container may be pressurized, and the initial pressurization level may be maintained throughout the life cycle of the contents of the container. In other instances, the container may become pressurized over time due to one or more factors that cause the container to become pressurized, such as a chemical reaction that occurs within the container.

In any of the above pressurized situations, one or more features may be built into or along one or more portions of the container that may allow for venting of the container if venting is desired. In situations where pressure increases within the container after the container has been initially sealed, a venting feature may be included to prevent over-pressurization of the container, which may result in uncontrolled release of the contents from the container.

While various venting features exist that provide for venting or depressurizing containers including contents that become pressurized over time, there is a need for improved devices and methods that can allow for more controlled depressurization based on predetermined factors associated with the contents of a particular container.

Summary of the invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a vent system including a cap or base and a pressure relief feature disposed along the cap or base, the cap or base including a central wall defining a central longitudinal axis and an overall radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost surface of the cap or base. The pressure relief feature includes at least a first vent feature defining a thinned region of the cap or base, a vent radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost extent of the first vent feature, and the vent radius is between about 5% and about 25% of the overall radius of the cap or base, expressed as a percentage.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature further includes a second vent feature that also defines a thinned area of the cap or base. In some embodiments, the first vent feature and the second vent feature are concavely shaped relative to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the first vent feature and the second vent feature are convexly shaped relative to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the first vent feature is a mirror image of the second vent feature. In some embodiments, the first vent feature and the second vent feature define a v-shape.

In some embodiments, the exhaust system further includes a third exhaust feature that also defines a thinned area of the cover or base. In some embodiments, the first exhaust feature, the second exhaust feature, and the third exhaust feature define a v-shape. In some embodiments, the first exhaust feature is comprised of a circular recess that is disposed only on the underside of the cover or base. In some embodiments, the exhaust radius is between about 10% and about 22% of the total radius of the cover or base.

In some embodiments, a vent system includes a cap or base and a pressure relief feature disposed along the cap or base, the cap or base including a central wall and an overall radius, the central wall defining a central longitudinal axis, the overall radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost perimeter of the cap or base. In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature includes at least a first vent feature, the first vent feature defining a thinned region of the cap or base, the vent radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost extent of the first vent feature, the vent radius being less than about 40% of the overall radius of the cap or base, expressed as a percentage, and the thinned region defining a region thickness that is less than about 40% of a maximum thickness of the central wall, expressed as a percentage.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature further includes a second vent feature that is spaced apart from the first vent feature. In some embodiments, the first vent feature and the second vent feature are mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, the first vent feature and the second vent feature define a curved section. In some embodiments, the first vent feature and the second vent feature define a v-shape. In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature further includes a third vent feature. In some embodiments, the thinned region extends through the central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the first vent feature defines an s-shape. In some embodiments, the minimum vent distance of the pressure relief feature is less than about 20% of the total radius of the cover or base. In some embodiments, the minimum vent distance of the pressure relief feature is less than about 50% of the total radius of the cover or base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a first embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

FIG2 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover or base taken through line 2-2 of FIG1;

FIG3 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a second embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

FIG4 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover or base taken through line 4-4 of FIG3;

FIG5 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a third embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

FIG6 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover or base taken through line 6-6 of FIG5;

FIG7 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a fourth embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

FIG8 is a bottom view of a cover or base for a container similar to the cover or base for a container of FIG7;

FIG9 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover or base taken through line 9-9 of FIG7;

FIG10 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a fifth embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

FIG11 is a bottom view of a cover or base for a container similar to the cover or base for a container of FIG9 ;

FIG12 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover or base taken through line 12-12 of FIG10;

FIG13 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a sixth embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

FIG14 is a bottom view of the cover or base for the container of FIG13;

FIG15 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a seventh embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

Fig. 16 is a bottom view of the cover or base of Fig. 15;

FIG17 is a bottom view of a cover or base for a container similar to the cover or base for a container of FIGS. 15 and 16 ;

FIG18 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having an eighth embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the cover or base of Fig. 18;

FIG20 is a bottom view of a cover or base for a container similar to the cover or base for a container of FIGS. 18 and 19 ;

FIG21 is a bottom isometric view of a cover or base for a container having a ninth embodiment of a pressure relief feature;

Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the cover or base of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a bottom view of a cover or base for a container similar to the cover or base for a container of Figs. 20 and 21;

FIG24A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a first profile of a pressure relief feature that may be applied to any of the caps or bases of FIGS. 1 to 23;

FIG24B is an enlarged side view of a first profile of the pressure relief feature of FIG24A;

FIG25A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a second profile of a pressure relief feature that may be applied to any of the caps or bases of FIGS. 1 to 23;

FIG25B is an enlarged side view of a second profile of the pressure relief feature of FIG25A;

26A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a third profile of a pressure relief feature that may be applied to any of the caps or bases of FIGS. 1 to 23 ;

FIG26B is an enlarged side view of a third profile of the pressure relief feature of FIG26A;

FIG. 27A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a fourth profile of a pressure relief feature that may be applied to any of the caps or bases of FIGS. 1 to 23 ; and

27B is an enlarged side view of a fourth profile of the pressure relief feature of FIG. 27A.

Detailed ways

Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the parts set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be implemented or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used in this article are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as restrictive. The use of "comprising" and "including" and their variations is meant to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Throughout the disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to plus or minus 5% of the numerical value preceding each term.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a kind of lid or base that is connected with container or forms container.Lid or base can comprise lid, plate or other types of closures for the contents in closed container, and lid or base have one or more pressure release or exhaust features, to allow controlled and targeted pressure release when maximum pressure threshold value has been reached in container.When maximum pressure is reached, lid or base ruptures to allow decompression at one or more positions along corresponding pressure release features.Exhaust or pressure release features described herein can be realized with various technologies, including the application relevant to aerosol container, battery cell container, capacitor, fuel storage and pressure vessel.In each of the above-mentioned applications, due to the pressure accumulation in container, pressure release may be required, and once the maximum pressure threshold value has been reached, exhaust features disclosed herein just can allow decompression or exhaust.

Through finite element analysis (FEA) to various pressure release feature configurations, it has been found that once the maximum pressure threshold has been reached in the container, certain configurations and orientations of the pressure release vent provide highly localized and targeted pressure release. The present disclosure includes various configurations of pressure release features on a circular lid or base, which are configured to rupture once the maximum pressure threshold has been reached. The maximum pressure threshold of the various configurations described herein can be different based on the position, spacing and number of the pressure release features set along the lid or base. However, all pressure release features disclosed herein are fully arranged within a venting radius greater than 10% of the total radius of the lid or base and less than 25% of the total radius of the lid or base, and the total radius is measured from the central longitudinal axis of the lid or base. By providing the venting features discussed below, controlled and targeted pressure release can be achieved at a position spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the lid or base and therefore the container connected to the lid or base.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cap or base 40 of a first embodiment having a pressure relief feature 42 is shown. The cap or base 40 includes a first wall or outer wall 44 configured to engage with a container (not shown), a second wall or intermediate wall 46 extending radially upward and inward from the outer wall 44, and a third wall or center wall 48 extending radially inward from the intermediate wall 46. The pressure relief feature 42 is disposed within or along the center wall 48, and a central longitudinal axis 50 extends centrally through the center wall 48. With reference to FIG. 2 , the outer wall 44 includes a first portion or outermost portion 54, a second portion or intermediate portion 56, and a third portion or innermost portion 58, the portions 54, 56, 58 of the outer wall 44 combining to define a U-shaped cross-section. The portions 54, 56, 58 are configured to be crimped or otherwise coupled to a container (not shown). The portions 54, 56, 58 are separated by corners or fillets 60 that define the respective portions 54, 56, 58 of the outer wall 44. The intermediate wall 46 also intersects the outer wall 44 at one of the corners 60 and extends inwardly at a constant angle until the intermediate wall 46 intersects the central wall 48. The outermost portion 54 of the outer wall 44 also defines an outermost surface or rim that defines the perimeter of the lid or base 40.

With particular reference to FIG. 2 , the outer wall 44 defines an outer wall thickness 64, the intermediate wall 46 defines an intermediate wall thickness 66, and the center wall 48 defines a center wall thickness 68. In some embodiments, the center wall thickness 68, the intermediate wall thickness 66, and the outer wall thickness 64 may be the same or may be different. Further, the portions 54, 56, 58 of the outer wall 44 may define the same thickness, or the thickness may be different. As discussed below, since all pressure relief features are disposed within the center wall 48, the maximum thickness of the center wall thickness 68 is discussed below for various proportions of the pressure relief features 42. Further, the first surface or inner surface 70 and the second surface or outer surface 72 of the cover or base 40 are further shown in FIG. 2 , and each extends along the entirety of the outer wall 44, the intermediate wall 46, and the center wall 48. The outermost portion 54 of the outer wall 44 is also shown, which defines the outermost surface of the cover or base 40. Further, unless otherwise specified, the cover or base 40 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is the same as the cover or base 40 of FIGS. 3 to 23.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the pressure relief feature 42 is shown in perspective view and includes a first vent feature or notch 76 and a second vent feature or notch 78, which is a mirror image of the first vent feature 76. The first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 are both concavely curved relative to the longitudinal axis 50. The first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 each extend radially about the central longitudinal axis 50 by about 90°. In some embodiments, the first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 may each extend about the central longitudinal axis 50, extending about the central longitudinal axis 50 between about 30° and about 150°, or between about 60° and about 120°, or between about 75° and about 105°. In some embodiments, the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78 can each extend about the longitudinal axis 50 by less than about 150°, or less than about 140°, or less than about 130°, or less than about 120°, or less than about 110°, or less than about 100°, or less than about 90°, or less than about 80°, or less than about 70°, or less than about 60°, or less than about 50°, or less than about 40°, or less than about 30°, or less than about 20°, or less than about 10°.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the pressure relief feature 42 is shown in cross-section and is generally located in or along the central wall 48 of the cover or base 40. As described above, the pressure relief feature 42 includes a first vent feature 76 and a second vent feature 78, and defines a thinned region 80 between the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72, which is configured to rupture when necessary to release pressure from the cover or base 40. As discussed below and shown in detail in FIGS. 24A to 27B , the thinned regions 80 each have a region thickness 82 that is less than about 20% of the maximum thickness of the central wall thickness 68, and include one or more notch profiles discussed below. In some embodiments, the region thickness 82 can vary along one or both of the first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78. In some embodiments, the region thickness 82 of the first vent feature 76 is greater than the region thickness 82 of the second vent feature 78. In some embodiments, the region thickness 82 can increase between the first end and the second end of the first vent feature 76 or the second vent feature 78. By varying the region thickness, the pressure relief feature 42 can be adjusted or controlled for programmable rupture. The characteristics of the region thickness 82 of FIGS. 1 and 2 apply to all region thicknesses 82 of the pressure relief features 42 discussed below.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the central longitudinal axis 50 extends centrally through the central wall 48, and in this embodiment, the cover or base 40 is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis 50 in at least two directions. In some embodiments, the cover or base 40 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 50 in at least three, or four, or five, or more directions. The central longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cover or base 40, and a straight segment or total radius 86 of the cover or base 40 is shown, which is measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cover or base 40. Further, a venting radius 90 is shown, which is measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost position of the pressure relief feature 42. Although exhaust radius 90 is shown as less than about 18% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50. Exhaust radius 90 may vary about longitudinal axis 50, or exhaust radius 90 may be a constant radius.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , a cap or base 40 having a second embodiment of a pressure relief feature 42 is shown. In a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pressure relief feature 42 includes a first vent feature 76 and a second vent feature 78, the second vent feature being a mirror image of the first vent feature 76. The first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 are both convexly curved relative to the central longitudinal axis 50. The first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 each define an outwardly shaped curved arc, and each vent feature extends radially about 90° around the longitudinal axis 50. In some embodiments, the first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 can each extend about the central longitudinal axis 50, extending about the longitudinal axis 50 between about 30° and about 150°, or between about 60° and about 120°, or between about 75° and about 105°. In some embodiments, the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78 can each extend about the central longitudinal axis 50 by less than about 150°, or less than about 140°, or less than about 130°, or less than about 120°, or less than about 110°, or less than about 100°, or less than about 90°, or less than about 80°, or less than about 70°, or less than about 60°, or less than about 50°, or less than about 40°, or less than about 30°, or less than about 20°, or less than about 10°.

4, the pressure relief feature 42 is shown in cross-section and is generally located in or along the central wall 48 of the cover or base 40. The first vent feature 76 and the second vent feature 78 define a thinned region 80 between the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72 that is configured to rupture when necessary to release pressure from the cover or base 40. As shown in detail in FIGS. 24A-27B, the thinned regions 80 each have a region thickness 82 that is less than about 20% of the maximum thickness of the central wall thickness 68. As described above, the region thickness 82 can be adjusted based on the desired performance of the pressure relief feature 42.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the cover or base 40 is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis 50 in at least two directions because the pressure relief features 42 are mirror images of each other. The longitudinal axis 50 is shown as extending centrally through the cover or base 40, and a straight line segment or radius 86 of the cover or base 40 is shown, which is measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cover or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, which in this embodiment is measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the innermost position of the pressure relief feature 42. In this sense, the vent radius 90 of this embodiment is a minimum vent radius or inner vent radius, while the vent radius 90 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is measured as a maximum vent radius or outer vent radius. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 12 discussed below, the vent radius 90 defines a constant radius around the longitudinal axis 50.

4 is shown as being less than about 16% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, the exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50. The above distances are taken along the linear segment or radius 86 relative to the outermost surface 88 of the outer wall 44 taken along that particular linear segment. In the present embodiment, because the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78 are convexly disposed relative to the central longitudinal axis 50, the inner exhaust radius 90 varies about the longitudinal axis 50.

The concavely and convexly shaped first and second vent features 76, 78 of FIGS. 1 to 4 are configured to allow directional venting within a compact profile extending in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 50. Once rupture has occurred, the contents within the container can create a vent cone (not shown), and the concavely/convexly shaped vent features 76, 78 provide an vent cone with a lower cone angle. For example, the vent features 76, 78 can provide a cone angle of less than about 30°, or less than about 25°, or less than about 20°, or less than about 15°, or less than about 10°, or less than about 5°, i.e., the angle between the longitudinal axis and the leg of the cone. The vent cone can be defined as a cone that includes at least 95% of the particles dispersed from the container through one or both of the vent features 76, 78.

Further, the first and second exhaust features 76 and 78 formed concavely and convexly can be modified to allow programmable directional exhaust, and can be configured for controlled exhaust in directions angled relative to the central longitudinal axis 50. In particular, the concavely shaped exhaust features 76, 78 of Figures 1 and 2 allow exhaust in a direction toward the longitudinal axis 50 (i.e., inward direction) via one or two of the exhaust features 76, 78. The convexly shaped exhaust features 76, 78 of Figures 3 and 4 allow exhaust in a direction moving away from the central longitudinal axis 50 (i.e., outward direction). However, the positions and arrangements of all the exhaust features 76, 78 of Figures 1 to 4 allow for a cone angle with a compact profile that allows exhaust along the central longitudinal axis 50, and the concavity or convexity of the exhaust features allows for more targeted exhaust. Further, the emptying time of the contents from the container can be controlled based on the arrangement, size and curvature of the exhaust features 76, 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-12 , an embodiment of a pressure relief feature 42 applied to a cap or base 40 is shown. The pressure relief feature 42 of FIGS. 5-12 includes only a circular first vent feature 76. The first vent feature 76 of FIGS. 5-12 has a center that is colinear with the longitudinal axis 50. The first vent feature 76 includes a thinned region 80 between the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72 that is configured to rupture when necessary to release pressure from the cap or base 40. The center wall thickness 68 and the region thickness 82 are similar or identical to the center wall thickness and region thickness described above for FIGS. 1 and 2 above. With particular reference to FIGS. 5-7 , 9 , 10 and 12 , the pressure relief feature 42 is continuously formed around the center wall 48 of the cap or base 40 , i.e., 360° around the longitudinal axis 50. In contrast, and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 11 , the pressure relief feature 42 is disposed about 275° around the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature 42 can be disposed between about 150° and about 350°, or between about 200° and about 325°, or between about 250° and about 300°, or between about 260° and about 290° about the central longitudinal axis 50. In this embodiment and referring to FIGS. 24A-27B , the thinned regions 80 each have a region thickness 82 that is less than about 20% of the maximum thickness of the central wall thickness 68. The region thickness 82 can be adjusted based on the desired performance of the pressure relief feature 42.

5 and 6, since the pressure relief feature 42 extends completely around the longitudinal axis 50, the cap or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 are radially symmetric about the longitudinal axis 50. The longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cap or base 40, and a straight line segment or total radius 86 of the cap or base 40 is shown, which is measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cap or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, which is measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the location of the pressure relief feature 42. Since the pressure relief feature 42 defines a circle, the vent radius 90 is constant around the entire longitudinal axis 50. Although exhaust radius 90 is shown as less than about 11% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50. In the present embodiment, exhaust radius 90 is constant about longitudinal axis 50 because first exhaust feature 76 defines a circular shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 9 , since the pressure relief feature 42 extends completely around the longitudinal axis 50, the cap or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 are also radially symmetric about the longitudinal axis 50. The longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cap or base 40, and a straight segment or total radius 86 of the cap or base 40 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cap or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the location of the pressure relief feature 42. Since the pressure relief feature 42 defines a circle, the vent radius 90 is constant around the entire longitudinal axis 50. Although exhaust radius 90 is shown as less than about 18% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50. In the present embodiment, exhaust radius 90 is constant about longitudinal axis 50 because first exhaust feature 76 defines a circular shape.

Referring to FIG8 , the cover or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 are similar to the cover or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 of FIG7 and FIG9 , but differ in that the pressure relief feature 42 thereof does not extend completely around the central longitudinal axis 50. As described above, the pressure relief feature 42 of FIG8 is disposed about 275° around the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature 42 may be disposed between about 150° and about 350°, or between about 200° and about 325°, or between about 250° and about 300°, or between about 260° and about 290° around the central longitudinal axis 50. Still referring to FIG8 , vent ramps 92 are disposed at the start and end of the pressure relief feature 42, and these vent ramps are shown in the form of a gradually narrowing portion at the distal end of the pressure relief feature 42. When viewed from below, the vent ramp 92 is generally trapezoidal in shape, but the vent ramp 92 may define other shapes, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or another polygonal shape. The exhaust ramp 92 may be formed by a manufacturing process and may define a variety of different taper angles depending on the recess depth and configuration of the pressure relief feature 42 .

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 12 , the cap or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 are radially symmetric about the central longitudinal axis 50, as the pressure relief feature 42 extends completely around the longitudinal axis 50. The longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cap or base 40, and a straight segment or total radius 86 of the cap or base 40 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cap or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost location of the pressure relief feature 42. As the pressure relief feature 42 defines a circle, the vent radius 90 is constant around the entire central longitudinal axis 50. Although exhaust radius 90 is shown as less than about 22% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50. In the present embodiment, exhaust radius 90 is constant about central longitudinal axis 50 because first exhaust feature 76 defines a circular shape.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the cover or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 are similar to the cover or base 40 and the pressure relief feature 42 of FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 , but differ in that the pressure relief feature 42 thereof does not extend completely around the central longitudinal axis 50. As described above, the pressure relief feature 42 of FIG. 11 is disposed about 275° around the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the pressure relief feature 42 may be disposed between about 150° and about 350°, or between about 200° and about 325°, or between about 250° and about 300°, or between about 260° and about 290° around the central longitudinal axis 50. Still referring to FIG. 11 , vent ramps 92 are disposed at the start and end of the pressure relief feature 42, and these vent ramps are shown in the form of a gradually narrowing portion at the distal end of the pressure relief feature 42. When viewed from below, the vent ramp 92 is generally trapezoidal in shape, but the vent ramp 92 may define other shapes, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or another polygonal shape. The exhaust ramp 92 may be formed by a manufacturing process and may define a variety of different taper angles depending on the recess depth and configuration of the pressure relief feature 42 .

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, another embodiment of the pressure relief feature 42 is shown. The pressure relief feature 42 includes a first exhaust feature 76. The first exhaust feature 76 of the present embodiment is an s-shaped exhaust feature and includes a first portion or lower portion 94 and a second portion or upper portion 96 that intersect at an inflection point. The first portion 94 and the second portion 96 define the lower and upper lobes of the s-shape (i.e., a spline-shaped and continuous segment). In the present embodiment, the central longitudinal axis 50 extends through the inflection point between the first portion 94 and the second portion 96. However, in other embodiments, the inflection point of the first exhaust feature 76 may be offset from the central longitudinal axis 50. In some embodiments, the first portion 94 and the second portion 96 may have different sizes, may define different radii of curvature, or may extend varying distances around the longitudinal axis 50. 14 , exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of total radius 86 from longitudinal axis 50. In the present embodiment, exhaust radius 90 extends through points along first exhaust feature 76 that are farthest from central longitudinal axis 50, which are spaced apart from a distal end of first exhaust feature 76.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16 , another embodiment of the pressure relief feature 42 is shown. The pressure relief feature 42 includes a first exhaust feature 76. The first exhaust feature 76 of this embodiment is a v-shaped exhaust feature and includes a first portion or left portion 94, a second portion or middle portion 96, and a third portion or right portion 98. The left portion 94 is a mirror image of the right portion 98 of the v-shaped exhaust feature, and the left portion 94 is connected to the right portion 98 via the middle portion 96. A first plane or line 100 extends through the left portion 94 and the longitudinal axis 50, and a second plane or line 102 extends through the right portion 98 and the longitudinal axis 50. The first plane 100 and the second plane 102 intersect at the longitudinal axis 50. In this embodiment, the first plane 100 extends along the entire length of the first portion 94, and the second plane 102 extends along the entire length of the third portion 98. In some embodiments, a third exhaust feature 104 (see FIG. 21 ) may also be provided on either side of the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78.

Still referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , the longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cap or base 40, and a straight segment or total radius 86 of the cap or base 40 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cap or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost location of the pressure relief feature 42 taken along the first line 100 or the second line 102. In the present embodiment, the vent radius 90 extends to the radially outermost location of the first vent feature 76. Thus, the vent radius 90 in the present embodiment extends to the farthest extent of the first portion 94 or the third portion 98. Although the exhaust radius 90 is shown as being less than approximately 22% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, the exhaust radius 90 may be less than approximately 25% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than approximately 20% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than approximately 15% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than approximately 10% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50.

16 shows a minimum venting distance 106 that defines the closest distance between the longitudinal axis 50 and the pressure relief feature 42. The minimum venting distance 106 may be less than about 50% of the venting radius 90, less than about 40% of the venting radius 90, less than about 30% of the venting radius 90, less than about 20% of the venting radius 90, less than about 15% of the venting radius 90, less than about 10% of the venting radius 90, less than about 7% of the venting radius 90, or less than about 5% of the venting radius 90. Further, the minimum venting distance 106 may be less than about 10% of the total radius 86, less than about 8% of the total radius 86, less than about 6% of the total radius 86, less than about 4% of the total radius 86, or less than about 2% of the total radius 86. The minimum venting distance 106 may also be greater than about 1% of the venting radius 90, or greater than about 1% of the total radius 86.

Referring to FIG. 17 , a pressure relief feature 42 is depicted that is similar to the pressure relief features 42 of FIGS. 15 and 16 , but defines a greater minimum exhaust distance 106 and a greater angle θ between the first line 100 and the second line 102. The angle θ of FIG. 17 is about 122°, and the angle θ of FIG. 16 is about 46°. In some embodiments, the angle θ may be between about 20° and about 160°, or between about 30° and 150°, or between about 40° and about 140°, or between about 50° and 130°, or between about 60° and 120°. Further, the minimum exhaust distance 106 of FIG. 17 is about 70% of the exhaust radius 90, while the minimum exhaust distance 106 of FIG. 16 is about 20% of the exhaust radius 90. In some embodiments, the minimum exhaust distance is greater than about 10%, or about 20%, or about 30%, or about 40%, or about 50%, or about 60%, or about 70%, expressed as a percentage, of the exhaust radius 90. The first plane or line 100 extends through the first portion 94, and the second plane or line 102 extends through the right side portion 98, but neither line 100, 102 extends through the longitudinal axis 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19 , another embodiment of the pressure relief feature 42 is shown. The pressure relief feature 42 includes a first exhaust feature 76 and a second exhaust feature 78, the second exhaust feature being a mirror image of the first exhaust feature 76. The first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78 both include a first portion or left portion 94, a second portion or middle portion, and a third portion or right portion 98. The left portion 94 is a mirror image of the right portion 98 of the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78, and the left portion 94 is connected to the right portion 98 via the middle portion 96. A first plane or straight line 100 extends through both the left portion 94 and the longitudinal axis 50, and a second plane or line 102 extends through both the right portion 98 and the longitudinal axis 50. The first plane 100 and the second plane 102 intersect at the longitudinal axis 50. In this embodiment, the first plane 100 extends along the entire length of the first portion 94, and the second plane 102 extends along the entire length of the third portion 98. The first plane 100 also extends through the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78 , and the second plane 102 extends through the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78 .

Still referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , the longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cap or base 40, and a straight segment or total radius 86 of the cap or base 40 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cap or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost location of the pressure relief feature 42. In this embodiment, the vent radius 90 extends to the radially outermost location of the first vent feature 76. Thus, the vent radius 90 in this embodiment extends to the farthest extent of the first portion 94 or the third portion 98 of the vent features 76, 78. Although the exhaust radius 90 is shown as being less than approximately 22% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, the exhaust radius 90 may be less than approximately 25% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than approximately 20% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than approximately 15% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than approximately 10% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50.

19 shows a minimum venting distance 106 that defines the closest distance between the longitudinal axis 50 and the pressure relief feature 42. The minimum venting distance 106 may be less than about 20% of the venting radius 90, or less than about 15% of the venting radius 90, or less than about 10% of the venting radius 90, or less than about 7% of the venting radius 90, or less than about 5% of the venting radius 90. Still further, the minimum venting distance 106 may be less than about 10% of the total radius 86, or less than about 8% of the total radius 86, or less than about 6% of the total radius 86, or less than about 4% of the total radius 86, or less than about 2% of the total radius 86. The minimum venting distance 106 may also be greater than about 1% of the venting radius 90, or greater than about 1% of the total radius 86.

Referring to FIG. 20 , a pressure relief feature 42 is depicted that is similar to the pressure relief features 42 of FIGS. 18 and 19 , but defines a greater minimum exhaust distance 106 and a greater angle θ between the first line 100 and the second line 102. The angle θ of FIG. 20 is about 122°, and the angle θ of FIG. 19 is about 46°. In some embodiments, the angle θ may be between about 20° and about 160°, or between about 30° and 150°, or between about 40° and about 140°, or between about 50° and 130°, or between about 60° and 120°. Further, the minimum exhaust distance 106 of FIG. 17 is about 70% of the exhaust radius 90, while the minimum exhaust distance 106 of FIG. 16 is about 20% of the exhaust radius 90. In some embodiments, the minimum exhaust distance is greater than about 10%, or about 20%, or about 30%, or about 40%, or about 50%, or about 60%, or about 70% of the exhaust radius 90, expressed as a percentage. A first plane or line 100 extends through first portion 94 and a second plane or line 102 extends through right portion 98, but neither line 100, 102 extends through longitudinal axis 50. Further, neither line 100, 102 extends through both first exhaust feature 76 and second exhaust feature 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , another embodiment of the pressure relief feature 42 is shown. The pressure relief feature 42 includes a first exhaust feature 76, a second exhaust feature 78, and a third exhaust feature 104. The exhaust features 76, 78, 104 include a first portion or left portion 94, a second portion or middle portion 96, and a third portion or right portion 98. The left portion 94 is each a mirror image of the right portion 98 of the exhaust features 76, 78, 104, and the left portion 94 is connected to the right portion 98 via the middle portion 96. A first plane or straight line 100 extends through the left portion 94 of the first exhaust feature 76 and the longitudinal axis 50, and a second plane or straight line 102 extends through the right portion 98 of the first exhaust feature 76 and the longitudinal axis 50. The first plane 100 and the second plane 102 intersect at the longitudinal axis 50. In this embodiment, the first plane 100 extends along the entire length of the first portion 94, and the second plane 102 extends along the entire length of the third portion 98. Further, first plane 100 and second plane 102 extend only through left side portion 94 and right side portion 98 of first exhaust feature 76 , but not through corresponding portions of second exhaust feature 78 or third exhaust feature 104 .

Still referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , the longitudinal axis 50 is shown extending centrally through the cap or base 40, and a straight segment or total radius 86 of the cap or base 40 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 88 of the cap or base 40. Further, a vent radius 90 is shown, measured vertically from the longitudinal axis 50 to the location of the pressure relief feature 42. In this embodiment, the vent radius 90 extends to the radially outermost location of the first vent feature 76. Thus, the vent radius 90 in this embodiment extends to the farthest extent of the first portion 94 or the third portion 98. Although the exhaust radius 90 is shown as being less than about 22% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, the exhaust radius 90 may be less than about 25% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 20% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 15% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or less than about 10% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50. The embodiments of Figures 21 and 22 may also include a minimum exhaust distance 106 as described above, which may have similar parameters to those described above with respect to Figures 15 and 16 and Figures 18 and 19.

Referring to FIG. 23 , a pressure relief feature 42 is depicted that is similar to the pressure relief feature 42 of FIGS. 21 and 22 , but defines a greater minimum exhaust distance 106 and a greater angle θ between the first line 100 and the second line 102. The angle θ of FIG. 20 is about 122°, and the angle θ of FIG. 19 is about 46°. In some embodiments, the angle θ may be between about 20° and about 160°, or between about 30° and 150°, or between about 40° and about 140°, or between about 50° and 130°, or between about 60° and 120°. Further, the minimum exhaust distance 106 of FIG. 17 is about 70% of the exhaust radius 90, while the minimum exhaust distance 106 of FIG. 16 is about 20% of the exhaust radius 90. In some embodiments, the minimum exhaust distance is greater than about 10%, or about 20%, or about 30%, or about 40%, or about 50%, or about 60%, or about 70%, expressed as a percentage, of the exhaust radius 90. The first plane or line 100 extends through the first portion 94, and the second plane or line 102 extends through the right portion 98, but neither line 100, 102 extends through the longitudinal axis 50. Further, the first line 100 extends only through the first exhaust feature 76 and the second exhaust feature 78, and the second line 102 extends only through the first exhaust feature 76 and the third exhaust feature 104.

Although the foregoing embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 23 depict pressure relief features 42 disposed along the central wall 48 of the lid or base 40, it is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the pressure relief features 42 may be disposed along the intermediate wall 46 or the outer wall 44. Although the lid or base 40 is described and illustrated in the various figures as having a bottom surface or bottom side 70 and a top surface or top side 72, it should be understood that the lid or base 40 may be configured to have its top side 72 and bottom side 70 in an upward or downward facing configuration and need not be limited to the orientations depicted in the figures. The lid or base 40 disclosed herein may be adapted to be connected to the upper end of the side wall of a can or container as described above. Further, the minimum exhaust radius or inner exhaust radius 90 of any of the pressure relief features 42 of Figures 1 to 16 can be greater than approximately 5% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or greater than approximately 10% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or greater than approximately 15% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50, or greater than approximately 20% of the total radius 86 from the longitudinal axis 50.

24A-27B , any of the thinned regions 80 discussed above may have a regional thickness 82 that is less than about 10% of the central wall thickness 68, or a regional thickness 82 that is less than about 15% of the central wall thickness 68, or a regional thickness 82 that is less than about 25% of the central wall thickness 68, or a regional thickness 82 that is less than about 30% of the central wall thickness 68, or a regional thickness 82 that is less than about 35% of the central wall thickness 68, or a regional thickness 82 that is less than about 40% of the central wall thickness 68. The regional thickness 82 may be adjusted based on the desired performance of the pressure relief feature 42.

Still referring to Figures 24A to 27B, various profiles of pressure relief features 42 are shown, which are configured to provide variable, controlled and targeted pressure relief when a maximum pressure threshold has been reached within a container or can to which a lid or base 40 has been applied. More particularly, the various profiles of pressure relief features 42 define recesses that have been cut out or otherwise removed from a center wall 48. A first profile or trapezoidal profile 110 is shown in Figures 17A and 17B, a second profile or triangular profile 112 is shown in Figures 18A and 18B, a third profile or rectangular profile 114 is shown in Figures 19A and 19B, and a fourth profile or rounded profile 116 is shown in Figures 20A and 20B. Referring to Figures 17A and 17B, a trapezoidal profile 110 is shown, which includes a first side or segment 120, a second side or segment 122, and a third side or segment 124 that combine to define the trapezoidal profile 110. A thinned region 80 is also shown in greater detail and is disposed between the inner surface 70 and the outer surface 72 of the central wall 48. The thinned region 80 forms a membrane or rupture wall that is configured to rupture at a particular pressure threshold.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A and 18B , a second profile or triangular profile 112 is shown that includes a first side or segment 120 and a second side or segment 122 that intersect at a vertex 128. A thinned region 80 of the second profile 112 is defined between the outer surface 72 of the center wall 48 and the vertex 128. Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B , a third profile or rectangular profile 114 is shown that includes a first side or segment 120, a second side or segment 122, and a third side or segment 124. The first segment 120 and the third segment 124 intersect to define a right angle, and the second segment 122 and the third segment 124 intersect to define a right angle. A thinned region 80 of the third profile 114 is defined between the outer surface 72 of the center wall 48 and the third segment 124. Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B , a fourth profile or rounded profile 116 is shown that includes a first segment 120, a second segment 122, and a third segment 124. The first section 120 and the second section 122 are generally straight, while the third section 124 is generally rounded or semi-circular. The thinned region 80 further includes a width 130. The thinned region 80 defines a constant thickness along the width 130 of the third profile 114, but the thickness of the thinned region 80 of the first profile 110, the second profile 112, and the fourth profile 116 varies along its width 130 due to the geometry of the various profiles.

Although the lid or base 40 of the present disclosure is configured for attachment to a cylindrical container, it is contemplated that the lid or base 40 may take various forms and may have a prismatic, rectangular, or cubic cross-section. To this end, a straight segment 86 as disclosed herein may refer to the distance from the longitudinal axis 50 of the lid or base 40 to the outermost surface 88 of the outer wall 44 of the lid or base 40. In embodiments including prismatic, rectangular, or cubic cross-sections, the length of the straight segment 86 may vary around the longitudinal axis 50, while in the present embodiment, since the lid or base 40 defines a circular cross-section, the radius 86 is the same around the longitudinal axis 50. Although the lid or base 40 of the present embodiment is radially symmetrical, a prismatic, rectangular, or cubic container may be symmetrical about one, two, three, four, or more planes intersecting the longitudinal axis 50.

Although various spatial terms and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. can be used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. These orientations can be reversed, rotated or otherwise changed so that the upper part is the lower part, vice versa, the horizontal becomes vertical, etc. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in the text and/or the drawings or apparent from the text and/or the drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The claims should be interpreted as including alternative embodiments within the scope allowed by the prior art.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and deviations to embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. Various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. An exhaust system, comprising:

A cover or base comprising a central wall defining a central longitudinal axis and a total radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost surface of the cover or base; and

A pressure relief feature disposed along the cover or base,

Wherein the pressure relief feature comprises at least a first venting feature defining a thinned region of the cover or base,

Wherein an exhaust radius is measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost extent of the first exhaust characteristic, and

Wherein the exhaust radius is between about 5% and about 25% of the total radius of the cover or base, expressed as a percentage.

2. The exhaust system of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief feature further comprises a second exhaust feature that also defines a thinned region of the cover or base.

3. The exhaust system of claim 2, wherein the first and second exhaust features are concavely shaped relative to the longitudinal axis.

4. The exhaust system of claim 2, wherein the first and second exhaust features are convexly shaped relative to the longitudinal axis.

5. The exhaust system of claim 2, wherein the first exhaust characteristic is a mirror image of the second exhaust characteristic.

6. The exhaust system of claim 5, wherein the first and second exhaust characteristics define a v-shape.

7. The exhaust system of claim 2, further comprising a third exhaust feature that also defines a thinned region of the cover or base.

8. The exhaust system of claim 7, wherein the first exhaust feature, the second exhaust feature, and the third exhaust feature define a v-shape.

9. The exhaust system of claim 1, wherein the first exhaust feature is comprised of a circular recess disposed only on an inner side of the cover or base.

10. The exhaust system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust radius is between about 10% and about 22% of the total radius of the cover or base.

11. An exhaust system, comprising:

A cover or base comprising a central wall defining a central longitudinal axis and a total radius measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost periphery of the cover or base; and

A pressure relief feature disposed along the cover or base,

Wherein the pressure relief feature comprises at least a first venting feature defining a thinned region of the cover or base,

Wherein an exhaust radius is measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost extent of the first exhaust characteristic,

Wherein the exhaust radius is less than about 40% of the total radius of the cover or base, expressed as a percentage, and

Wherein the thinned region defines a region thickness, expressed as a percentage, of less than about 40% of the maximum thickness of the central wall.

12. The exhaust system of claim 11, wherein the pressure relief feature further comprises a second exhaust feature spaced apart from the first exhaust feature.

13. The exhaust system of claim 12, wherein the first exhaust characteristic and the second exhaust characteristic are mirror images of each other.

14. The exhaust system of claim 12, wherein the first exhaust feature and the second exhaust feature define a curved section.

15. The exhaust system of claim 12, wherein the first and second exhaust characteristics define a v-shape.

16. The exhaust system of claim 12, wherein the pressure relief feature further comprises a third exhaust feature.

17. The exhaust system of claim 11, wherein the thinned region extends through the central longitudinal axis.

18. The exhaust system of claim 17, wherein the first exhaust characteristic defines an s-shape.

19. The exhaust system of claim 11, wherein a minimum exhaust distance of the pressure relief feature is less than about 20% of the total radius of the cover or base.

20. The exhaust system of claim 11, wherein a minimum exhaust distance of the pressure relief feature is less than about 50% of the total radius of the cover or base.