EP3328747B1 - Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening - Google Patents

Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3328747B1
EP3328747B1 EP16831009.2A EP16831009A EP3328747B1 EP 3328747 B1 EP3328747 B1 EP 3328747B1 EP 16831009 A EP16831009 A EP 16831009A EP 3328747 B1 EP3328747 B1 EP 3328747B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
score
inches
opening
score line
line
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.)
Active
Application number
EP16831009.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3328747A4 (en
EP3328747A1 (en
Inventor
Howard C. Chasteen
Mark A. Jacober
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.)
Ball Corp
Original Assignee
Ball Corp
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 US14/812,146 external-priority patent/US10017295B2/en
Application filed by Ball Corp filed Critical Ball Corp
Priority to PL16831009T priority Critical patent/PL3328747T3/pl
Publication of EP3328747A1 publication Critical patent/EP3328747A1/en
Publication of EP3328747A4 publication Critical patent/EP3328747A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3328747B1 publication Critical patent/EP3328747B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D17/4012—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 partially 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
    • B65D2517/0002—Location of opening
    • B65D2517/0007—Location of opening in a separate cover
    • 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
    • B65D2517/0014—Action for opening container pivot tab and push-down 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
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0068—Ribs or projections in container end panel
    • B65D2517/0071—Ribs or projections in container end panel located externally of tear-out/push-in panel or preformed opening
    • 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
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/008—Materials of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0082—Coated or laminated metal
    • 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
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0089—Unusual details
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D2517/0094—Means for venting upon initial opening formed as a separate opening

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an end closure for a beverage container. More specifically, the present invention relates to an end closure for a container which comprises a first opening portion and at least one secondary opening portion to enhance venting and improve outflow of the product during pouring.
  • Containers and more specifically metallic beverage containers are typically manufactured by interconnecting a beverage container end closure to the neck of a beverage container body.
  • an end closure may be interconnected on both a top side and a bottom side of a container body.
  • a beverage container end closure is interconnected on a top end of a beverage container body which has been drawn and ironed from a flat sheet of blank material such as aluminum.
  • pull tabs or stay on tabs generally include a nose and a tail portion and a rivet which interconnects the pull tab to the upper surface of the end closure.
  • the tail portion generally has a loop or tail that may be pulled upwardly by a user which drives the nose portion of the pull tab downward to initiate the opening of the container by shearing a score line which defines the primary opening to the end closure.
  • Conventional beverage container end closures with SOT's generally suffer from low, inconsistent, and/or uneven flow rates as the contents in the container are poured due to the fact that these end closures provide a single opening area of predetermined size.
  • Conventional container end closures are generally designed for pouring the container contents, with little or no consideration given to inward air flow needed for the volume exchange that facilitates smooth and consistent pouring.
  • Hwang discloses an opening device for a can, with distinct first and second opening portions so that the fluid may flow more consistently from the can. Hwang, however, fails to teach various novel features of the present invention, including a secondary opening portion which may be selectively opened in order to complement or facilitate flow rate through a primary opening portion, and by rotating the pull tab to a preferred orientation.
  • Maliszewski discloses a container end closure with a first score line defining a first displaceable panel portion and second score line defining a second displaceable panel portion.
  • Maliszewski fails to teach various novel features of the present invention, including a secondary opening portion which may be selectively opened in order to complement or facilitate flow rates through a primary opening portion.
  • U.S. Publication No. 2014/0096491 discloses a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab.
  • the primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening.
  • the following disclosure describes an improved container end closure which is adapted for interconnection to a container body and which has a first opening portion, a rotatable tab, and at least one additional vent opening for selectively facilitating the flow rate of contents from within the container.
  • a container end closure is provided with a primary opening portion and at least one additional opening portion which may be selectively opened by a user to create improved flow characteristics due to a larger opened area and/or an area which allows for air intake into a container body through one or more vent openings while contents flow out through another opening.
  • container end closures of the present invention are adapted for connection with a neck of a container body. More specifically, the end closure generally comprises a peripheral curl for double seaming to a neck of a container, a chuck wall extending downwardly from the peripheral curl, a countersink comprised of an outer panel wall and an inner panel wall, and a central panel extending inwardly from the inner panel wall of the countersink.
  • first and second opening areas are positioned adjacent to one another and the transition zone prevents opening of a secondary opening area when the tab is utilized to open the first opening area.
  • the transition zone inhibits the propagation of a primary score line into a secondary score line or opening area.
  • the first and second opening areas are not positioned adjacent to each other, but rather are spaced in distinct locations.
  • the rotatable tab is capable of opening a gate defined within a first opening area through a first opening movement or lifting of the tab, and which is subsequently capable of being rotated and utilized to open a secondary opening area through a second opening movement.
  • a user can selectively determine whether they want to utilize the secondary opening for venting, or drink from the container in a conventional manner from the primary opening without the increased flow resulting from venting.
  • a tab with one or more features which limit or otherwise define the amount of desirable or necessary rotation needed in order to reposition the tab for opening one or more secondary opening areas of a control panel.
  • features of the present invention may include recessions or cut outs within a tab and corresponding protrusions or detents on the central panel which restrict the tab from rotating about a rivet beyond a predetermined orientation.
  • a portion of a central panel of the present invention is adapted to receive a tab and thus limit the amount of rotation of a tab from an initial position.
  • a tab is rotatable on an end closure central panel between an angle of zero degrees (i.e. with respect to an initial position) and +/- 90 degrees.
  • a tab is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of a central panel between an angle of zero degrees (i.e. with respect to an initial position) and +/- 45 degrees.
  • the end closure is provided that has at least first and secondary opening portions, wherein the first and secondary opening portions may be opened with very minimal rotation of the tab. Alternatively, there may be no rotation of the tab, or only a slight twisting of the tab after the first opening is formed.
  • the present invention comprises a first opening area defined by a score line and a gate contained therein, the score line adapted to be severed and the gate opened by the tilting of the tab.
  • the second opening area is defined by a secondary score line and a transition zone, the transition zone inhibiting the propagation of a the primary score line and requiring a user to exert an additional or distinct force (i.e.
  • a first and second opening portion may be opened in series through the application of one or more forces, wherein the opening of the second opening portion is distinct from the first due to, for example, a transition zone.
  • a tab need not be rotated about a longitudinal axis of a container body and end closure combination in order to sever or open a secondary opening area.
  • the tab may be slightly twisted or rotated in the clockwise direction to assist in the propagation of a fracture along the secondary score.
  • an end closure adapted for connection to a container body comprises a substantially planar central panel, and force applying means for applying inwardly directed forces on the central panel.
  • Force applying means 2. includes a tab having a loop or tail portion and nose portion, wherein the tab is connected to an end closure with a rivet.
  • the end closure does not comprise a tab as found on various SOTs. Rather, in certain embodiments, an end closure is provided with a primary opening area/portion and at least one secondary selectively opening area/portion wherein said first and secondary opening areas are scored or severed away from a panel with an additional tool. Additional tools comprise, but are not limited to, known can openers and similar devices adapted for opening or tearing a central panel.
  • force applying means comprise a tool or object which is not joined or attached to the end closure. For example, various known bottle openers, "church keys,” and similar devices adapted for applying a force to an end closure may be provided.
  • pivot means are permanently mounted on said central panel for pivotally mounting the force applying means on the central panel.
  • Pivot means may include, for example, a rivet attached to a portion of a central panel and a rivet island or similar rivet receiving portion disposed on a tab.
  • pivot means are provided which allow for a tab to rotate about an axis generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of an end closure/container combination, yet generally prevent the inadvertent displacement of a tab from a central panel.
  • Rotational limiting means may be provided on the end closure and adapted for limiting the amount of rotation of the force applying means.
  • Rotational limiting means of the present invention include, but are not limited to, detents, protrusions, recessions, and various other features formed or placed on a central panel and adapted for contacting a tab and/or supplying visual indication of a desirable orientation of a tab.
  • a first opening portion having a severable score line is provided in one embodiment, the severable score line defining the first opening portion and a first hinge portion integral with the central panel.
  • a second opening portion is provided which comprises a severable score line defining the second opening portion and a second hinge portion integral with the central panel, and a transition portion which substantially prevents a fracture propagation of said severable score line of said first opening portion into said severable score line of said second opening portion.
  • This includes, but is not limited to a method comprising the steps opening a primary opening area wherein force applying means are tilted to apply a first downward force on a first opening portion to sever a first severable score line.
  • the force applying means e.g. pull tab
  • the force applying means is at least partially restored to a first initial position and the force applying means is rotated such that a nose portion of the force applying means is positioned over a portion of a second opening portion and the force applying means is tilted to apply a second downward force on a second opening portion to sever a second score line.
  • a third opening could be formed in alternative embodiments by further rotation of the pull tab and severing a third opening.
  • similar steps may be repeated so as to open one or more additional venting portions disposed on an end closure.
  • a container end closure with a peripheral curl adapted for interconnection to a neck of a container, comprising a central panel; a pull tab comprising a nose and a tail, the pull tab adapted for applying a downward force on the central panel; a rivet operatively interconnecting the pull tab to an upper surface of the central panel and allowing the pull tab to be repositioned between a primary position to open a primary opening portion and a second position to open a second vent opening portion; the primary opening portion at least partially defined by a primary severable score line; the second vent opening portion at least partially defined by a second severable score line; and a check slot positioned between the primary severable score line and the second severable score line which is adapted to inhibit propagation of a fracture from the primary severable score line into the second severable score line, the check slot is a score line having a score residual that is distinct from a score residual of the primary severable score line and
  • Figures 1-9 represent embodiments of a background end closure useful for understanding the invention.
  • a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment not forming part of the invention is shown, and wherein a first opening portion is in a first closed position.
  • An end closure adapted for interconnecting to a container body is shown wherein the end closure comprises a panel 14 with a primary opening area 28 and a secondary opening area 32.
  • a primary opening area 28 comprises a first gate 26 which is defined by a primary score line 30 when the primary opening area 28 is in a first closed position.
  • a primary opening area 28 of the present invention may comprise, for example, portions of material capable of being at least partially separated from and retained by a remainder of the central panel.
  • the primary opening area 28 is at least initially separated from a secondary opening area 32 and secondary gate 27 by a primary opening hinge 46.
  • the primary opening hinge 46 facilitates the selective opening of a primary opening area 28 by a nose of a pull tab or other firm force applying means without simultaneously opening a secondary opening area 32.
  • Force applying means of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, a tab 34 comprising a nose portion 35 and a rivet 42 in communication with a rivet island 40 and a tail 36. As the tail 36 is pulled upward, the nose 35 is driven downward to shear the score line 30 and initiate opening.
  • a secondary score 58 starts at the end of a first transition zone (54, in Figure 4B , not forming part of the invention) and allows for fracture propagation to the secondary score termination feature 62, thus creating a vent feature when the appropriate force is applied.
  • secondary scores 58 of the present invention may be straight or curved at various angles.
  • Secondary score termination features 62 of the present invention are provided to generally define or limit the propagation of a secondary score 58.
  • a secondary score termination feature 62 comprises a curved profile for facilitating the prevention of propagation of a score line and creating a desirable venting shape.
  • the present invention contemplates a secondary score hinge 74.
  • the secondary score hinge 74 of the present invention is generally defined as a portion of the panel 14 residing between a terminus of a secondary score line and a point on the panel 14 proximate to the rivet 42.
  • hinges of the present invention are disposed at a location relative to the tab 34 such that the hinge serves as a point of rotation for a portion of material, such as a secondary gate 27.
  • first 46 and second 74 hinges are disposed on a central panel in a region defined between approximately 0 and 240 degrees (i.e. with zero degrees corresponding to a center line of a tab as shown in Figure 1 ).
  • a secondary opening portion 32 may be disposed in a variety of locations, either adjacent or non-adjacent to the primary opening area 28 so long as adequate room is provided for a primary opening area 28.
  • a tab 34 is provided on the end closure 10 which is rotatably secured on the end closure 10 via "pivot means.”
  • Pivot means may include, but are not limited to, a rivet 42 secured to the central panel 14 and which engages a portion of the tab 34, such as a rivet island 40.
  • the pivot means allows the tab 34 to rotate on the central panel 10.
  • a tab 34 is oriented generally perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal length of the container, with the longitudinal length of the container defining a center of rotation of the tab 34.
  • a downward opening force is applied to a gate 26 of a first opening portion 28 of the present invention.
  • the downward force will shear a gate 26 away from the panel 14 at the primary score 30, propagating around the score 30 until an opening is formed and thus allowing the container contents to pour out.
  • the present invention further contemplates a secondary opening area 32, generally defined by a secondary score line 58, a primary score opening hinge 46, and a transition zone 54.
  • the primary score opening hinge 46 of the present invention is created by the initial fracture proximal to the rivet 42 which propagates around the primary score 30 to the primary score termination feature 50.
  • the tab 34 will be disposed approximately perpendicular to the panel 14, thus resulting in a force applied by the tab 34 upon the gate 26 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a container.
  • the tab 34 in this position will generally bend the gate 26 as opposed to further tearing, shearing, fracturing, etc. the gate 26.
  • a primary score termination feature 50 is provided which dictates the general area at which the primary score fracture propagation will terminate.
  • a transition zone 54 is provided on the central panel 14.
  • Transition zones 54 of the present invention generally comprise an area that inhibits fracture propagation of a primary score 30 into the secondary score 58 and thus helps prevent the unintentional opening of a secondary opening area 32.
  • a transition zone 54 of the present invention may terminate propagation of a primary score 30 fracture due to a score residual depth, interferences in score path (e.g. a check slot), a predetermined void distance between primary 30 and secondary 58 scores, and/or various combinations thereof including, but not limited to, increased material thickness.
  • a secondary opening area 32 of the present invention is preferably positioned so that the opening area 32 generally spans a lateral midline of the central panel 14 (i.e.
  • a secondary opening area 32 may be positioned on either side of a tab 34 of the present invention.
  • the present invention 10 contemplates a plurality of optional opening areas 32 in addition to a primary opening area 28.
  • auxiliary opening areas 32 are provided on both sides of a tab 34 of the present invention as will be described in more detail.
  • a first opening area and a secondary opening area are opened or severed through the use of an additional or external tool, such as a known can openers and "church keys.”
  • an additional or external tool such as a known can openers and "church keys.”
  • permanent features such as rivets and tabs need not be provided on central panels in accordance with the present invention. Rather, areas of a central panel may be opened through the use of additional tools.
  • a tab 34 of the present invention comprises an apparatus which limits the amount of rotation of the pull tab to a predetermined position.
  • Rotation limiting means include, but are not limited to, stationary protrusions and/or depressions disposed on a panel 14 adapted for contacting additional parts of a central panel, such as a tab 34 or rivet island, as well as various other similar features as will be recognized by one of skill in the art.
  • a rotational guide 38 is provided which is adapted to help guide, define, and/or limit the path and/or amount of rotation of a tab 34.
  • a tab positioning stop 66 is provided on a central panel so as to limit the amount of rotation achieved by a tab 34.
  • Tab positioning stops 66 of the present invention may be comprised of protrusions stamped from a central panel 14 to form a deboss or may comprise additional features, elements, or material added to a central panel 14.
  • rotation may be defined and/or limited by features that have been added or joined to a panel 14, in addition to or in lieu of protrusions, indentations, or profiles formed from a panel 14.
  • a rotational positioning stop 66 which inhibits the rotation of a tab 34 beyond a predetermined point corresponding to a preferred position of a tab 34 for opening of a secondary opening area 32.
  • at least one peripheral wall portion of a rotation guide 38 abuts a rotational positioning stop when the tab 34 is rotated to a position where subsequent lifting of the tab 34 will open a secondary opening area 32 with the least amount of force and/or damage to the central panel 14.
  • the rotation guide 38 may have a horseshoe shape with the left leg of the horseshoe longer than the right leg or the right leg longer than the left leg. In various embodiments, the legs of the horseshoe shape are equal in length.
  • a tab rotation guide 70 or debossed profile may be provided on a panel 14 to guide and/or limit the rotation of a tab 34, either in addition to or in lieu of a tab positioning stop 66 and rotation guide 38 arrangement.
  • a debossed profile 70 may be provided to physically prevent the rotation of a tab 34 beyond a given point by contacting a portion of the perimeter edge of the rotation guide 70, and/or provide visual information to a user as to a maximum preferred limit of rotation of a tab 34.
  • Figure 3A is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment not forming part of the invention wherein a tab and a first opening portion are in a first closed position.
  • a panel 14 is depicted, the panel 14 having a first opening area 28 with a gate 26 in a first closed position, a secondary opening area 32 with a secondary gate 27 in a first closed position, and a tab 34 attached to a rivet 42 in an initial position.
  • Figure 3B is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to another embodiment not forming part of the invention, wherein a gate of the first opening portion has been opened.
  • a central panel 14 is shown wherein a tab 34 has been lifted or tilted such that a gate has been sheared away from a portion of the panel 14 about a primary score line 30.
  • a first opening area 28 has been opened to allow for contents to be poured or extracted from the container.
  • a secondary gate 27 remains intact subsequent to the opening of a primary gate.
  • a central panel of the present invention provides a user with the option to selectively open only a first opening portion 28 where, for example, a vented feature is not desired.
  • a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment not forming part of the invention is provided, where a gate of the first opening portion has been opened and a tab rotated to a second position.
  • a metal end closure is provided wherein a first opening area 28 has been opened and a tab 34 rotated to a second position for subsequent opening of a secondary gate 27 and secondary opening area 32.
  • a tab 34 of the present invention may be rotatably affixed to a panel 14 via a rivet 42.
  • the tab 34 is capable of being rotated to a position wherein a second lifting or tilting action applies a downward force upon a secondary gate 27.
  • rotation limiting means include, but are not limited to, a debossed profile 70 adapted to border, outline, receive, etc. the geometry of one end of a tab 34 of the present invention.
  • Rotation limiting means may also include, for example, a positioning stop 66 disposed on the panel 14 which protrudes a predetermined height from a panel 14 and is adapted to receive and/or limit the rotation of a tab 34 by communicating with a rotational guide 38 formed within the tab 34.
  • rotational limiting means of the present invention 10 visually identify a preferred position at which a tab 34 should be rotated before tilting or activating a tab 34 and/or limit rotation to a desired predetermined range in order to fracture a secondary score line 62 and open a secondary opening area 32.
  • FIG. 3D a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment not forming part of the invention is provided, wherein a gate of the first opening portion has been opened, a tab rotated to a second position, and a second opening portion opened.
  • a rotatable tab 34 of the present invention has been rotated to a second position wherein the tab 34 has been lifted or tilted to apply a downward force on a second gate, thus shearing the gate from a secondary score line and deflecting the gate about a secondary score opening hinge 74.
  • the tab 34 may be returned to a position substantially parallel with the panel 14.
  • Contents housed within the container 10 may then be poured and/or consumed through the first opening portion 28 wherein the second opening area 32 facilitates flow of contents from the container 10 by increasing air flow into the container 10 and reducing vacuum pressure within the container and facilitating liquid flow from the container 10.
  • the second opening area 32 facilitates flow of contents from the container 10 by increasing air flow into the container 10 and reducing vacuum pressure within the container and facilitating liquid flow from the container 10.
  • various sized vent apertures 32 may be provided on the present invention.
  • the surface area of the optional vent aperture 32 may comprise an area approximately between 2 and 40 percent of an original score aperture area.
  • features of the present invention 10 may be incorporated into an end closure 14 that allows for complete opening of a vented aperture area 32 in a single opening or tab-tilting motion.
  • the present invention 10 does not comprise a transition zone 54 as shown and described herein. Rather, a secondary opening area 32 with a single secondary score opening hinge 74 may be provided wherein fracture of a primary score line 30 is not prevented from propagating into a secondary opening area 32 upon a first opening motion and/or force.
  • a central panel wherein at least one transition zone is provided between first and second opening areas which does not require rotation of a tab in order to sever a first and second score line.
  • a transition may be provided which requires a two distinct forces in order to sever first and second score lines wherein the two distinct forces are not necessarily segregated or defined by the rotation of a tab.
  • a central panel wherein the central panel has a primary score opening area between 3,2258 (0.50) and 4,8387 cm 2 (0.75 square inches). In another embodiment, the primary opening area has an area between 3,709670.575 and 4,03225 cm 2 (0.625 square inches). In a more preferred embodiment, the primary opening area has an area of approximately 3,94257276 cm 2 (0.6111 square inches).
  • a secondary opening area is provided having an area between 0,129032 (0.020) and 1,29032 cm 2 (0.20 square inches). In another embodiment, a secondary opening area is provided having an area between 0,516128 (0.080) and 0,64516 cm 2 (0.10 square inches). In a more preferred embodiment, a secondary opening area is provided having an area of approximately 0,59096656 cm 2 (0.0916 square inches).
  • the total opening or open-able area i.e. the combined area of all opening areas provided on a central panel, is between 1,6129 (0.25) and 9,6774 cm 2 (1.5 square inches).
  • the total opening area of a central panel is between 3,87096 (0.60) and 5,16128 cm 2 (0.80 square inches).
  • the total opening area of an end closure is approximately 4,53353932 cm 2 (0.7027 square inches).
  • a secondary opening area comprises approximately 13.03% of the total opening area provided on a central panel.
  • primary and/or secondary opening areas may be varied in size.
  • a secondary opening area comprises between 5.0% and 25.0% of the total opening area.
  • end closures provide a focal point for air entry into a container body, thus enhancing pourability and flow rates from a container.
  • secondary vent openings as shown and described herein increase the flow rate of contents from within a container and provide for up to a 30% faster flow of container contents when compared with conventional end closures having only a single opening area.
  • the time required to pour 12 fluid ounces of contents from an end closure of the present invention was approximately 4.35 seconds, compared to approximately 5.5 to 6.0 seconds as required for pouring the same or similar amounts of fluid from conventional end closures.
  • area as used herein refers to the surface area of various opening portions as defined by their respective score line as shown and described herein.
  • a primary score line 30 comprises a primary score termination feature 50 at one terminus.
  • Primary score termination features 50 of the present invention dictate at least a general area at which the propagation of fracture of a primary score 30 will terminate.
  • the primary score termination feature comprises a curvature in the primary score line 30 which represents a departure from the general path of the score line 30.
  • the termination feature 30 of the present invention is disposed within a transition zone 54 which further comprises a gap or void 55 which further inhibits propagation of a fracture of a first score line 30 into a second score line 58.
  • a void 55 of the present invention comprises a width approximately between 0,00254 cm (0.001 inches) and 0,0889 cm (0.035 inches).
  • a void 55 comprises a width approximately between 0,0127 cm (0.005 inches) and 0,0635 cm (0.025 inches).
  • a void 55 comprises a width approximately between 0,03048 cm (0.012 inches) and 0,0381 cm (0.015 inches).
  • a top plan view of a metal end closure not forming part of the invention comprising an asymmetric tab 34 is shown.
  • the tab 34 is provided having an asymmetric geometry that is adapted to open a first 30 and secondary score feature 62 with a single or double opening operation (e.g. lifting of the tab 34). More specifically, the tab 34 includes an asymmetric protrusion or extension which extends over a secondary opening portion 32 that is adapted to contact a secondary gate 27 of a secondary opening area 32.
  • the central panel 10 comprises a secondary opening portion 32 with a stiffening bead 78.
  • the stiffening bead 78 disposed on the secondary opening area 32 may be comprised of any number of shapes (e.g. square, round, oval, polygonal, etc.).
  • Embossed and/or debossed stiffening beads 78 may be disposed on secondary gate 27 in order to stiffen the score panel 27 and facilitate proper rupture of the secondary score line 58 during opening.
  • the score panel design requires careful balancing of dimensions and design parameters in order to ensure that opening areas and other portions of a central panel will remain closed at appropriate times (e.g. during packaging and shipping operations) yet capable of opening under a reasonable amount of user-applied force.
  • a secondary opening area 32 of the present invention comprises one or more emboss and/or deboss beads.
  • a stiffening bead area comprises a width approximately between 0,254 cm (0.10 inches) and 1,27 cm (0.50 inches). In a preferred embodiment not forming part of the invention, a stiffening bead area comprises a width approximately between 0,508 cm (0.20 inches) and 1,016 cm (0.40 inches). In a more preferred embodiment not forming part of the invention, a stiffening bead area comprises a width approximately between 0,5715 cm (0.225 inches) and 0,6985 cm (0.275 inches). In one embodiment, not forming part of the invention a stiffening bead area comprises a length approximately between 0,508 cm (0.20 inches) and 1,524 (0.60 inches).
  • a stiffening bead area comprises a length approximately between 0,762 cm (0.30 inches) and 1,27 cm (0.50 inches). In a more preferred embodiment not forming part of the invention, a stiffening bead area comprises a length approximately between 0,9525 cm (0.375 inches) and 1,0795 cm (0.425 inches).
  • Figure 6 is a top view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment not forming part of the invention wherein two optional vent opening features 32, 33 are provided.
  • a first opening area 28 is disposed on a central panel with secondary 32 and third 33 opening areas disposed adjacent thereto.
  • a third opening area 33 comprises the same features and functions as the secondary opening area 32 as described herein.
  • a first opening area 28 may be opened by applying downward force via a nose portion 35 of a tab 34. The tab 34 may then be repositioned in a manner that allows for rotation of the tab 34.
  • the tab 34 may then be rotated such that a nose portion of the tab 34 is disposed at least partially over a secondary 32 opening area and the tab 34 tilted or lifted to apply a downward pressure upon the secondary opening area 32 and separating a secondary gate 27. Subsequently, the tab 34 may again be tilted or restored to a position that allows for rotation of the tab and the tab 34 rotated such that it is at least partially disposed over the third opening area 33. The tab 34 may then tilted or lifted such that a nose portion of the tab 34 applies a downward pressure on the third opening portion 33 and separates a third or tertiary gate from the panel. The tab 34 may then remain in a final position or repositioned based on user preference and container contents poured smoothly as facilitated by the plurality of optional vent openings.
  • secondary and third gates may be opened without the need to rotate a tab 34.
  • both a secondary gate 27 and third gate 80 may be severed from a panel 14 along their respective score lines due to the application of a force applied by the tilting or lifting of a tab 34 that is distinct from the tilting or lifting of tab 34 used in opening or severing a first gate 26.
  • a force applied by the tilting or lifting of a tab 34 that is distinct from the tilting or lifting of tab 34 used in opening or severing a first gate 26.
  • Features of the present invention allow for the tab 34 to be lifted under one distinct force or motion capable of severing a primary gate 26. Subsequent to the application of this force, an additional distinct force may be applied in series so as to open secondary and third gates.
  • a rotational limiting means may be provided to prevent the rotation of a tab 34 beyond a certain position.
  • Rotational limiting means of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protrusions and indentations of the panel 14 capable of communicating with portions of a tab 34.
  • a protrusion may act as a rotation stop guide 82 adapted to interact or communicate with a portion of a rivet island 84.
  • a peripheral portion of a segment of the rivet island 84 contacts a peripheral portion of the rotation guide 82 in a first position.
  • Contact between the guide 82 and rivet island portion 84 in a first position corresponds to the tab 34 being disposed in a position adapted for opening of a primary opening area 28.
  • Contact of a rotation guide 82 and a rivet island 84 facilitates the prevention of rotation beyond a certain point without constricting or limiting a tab's 34 ability to tilt and apply a downward pressure upon one or more opening areas.
  • a tab 34 has been rotated to a maximum allowable extent as defined by a second point of contact between a rivet island portion 84 and a rotational guide 82.
  • the maximum amount of rotation allowed by the rivet island portion 84 and rotational guide 82 corresponds to a rotational positional of the tab 34 which is adapted for easy opening of one or more optional vent openings as described herein.
  • FIG. 9 a top plan view of a metal end closure 10 not forming part of the invention is provided.
  • This end closure 10 generally comprises a tab 34 with a tail 36 and a nose 35 wherein the tab 34 is interconnected to a panel 14 of the end closure 10 with a rivet 42.
  • the panel 14 further comprises a deboss, or recessed area of the central panel 14, where various components are located including the rivet 42 and tab 34.
  • a primary opening area 28, a secondary vent opening area 32 and a transition zone 54 are also disposed within the deboss area of the central panel 14.
  • the deboss area is larger around the secondary vent opening area 32.
  • This enlarged deboss area increases the surface area of both the primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 for improved flow rates as the contents in the container are poured.
  • the combined area of the primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 may be approximately between 3,87096 cm 2 (0.600 square inches) and 4,8387 cm 2 (0.750 square inches).
  • the combined area of the primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 is approximately 4,4451524 cm 2 (0.689 square inches).
  • a tab rotation guide 70 may be optionally provided on the central panel 14 to guide and/or limit the rotation of a tab 34.
  • the tab rotation guide 70 is a deboss area that, in this embodiment, is at a different depth than the panel 14 and the area of the panel 14 where the rivet 42 and opening areas 28, 32 are disposed.
  • the tab rotation guide 70 as shown in Fig. 9 extends to the top of a finger recess adjacent the tab's 34 tail 36, which provides a larger tab rotation guide 70.
  • a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention of a metal end closure 10 wherein a primary score 30 and a secondary vent score 58 are oriented substantially along the same line or radius of curvature.
  • the secondary vent score 58 is an extension of the primary score 30.
  • the end closure 10 of Fig. 10 comprises a primary score 30 that at least partially defines a primary opening area 28, and the primary score 30 fractures to open the primary opening area 28.
  • the end closure 10 of Fig. 10 comprises a secondary score 58 that at least partially defines the secondary vent opening area 32, and the secondary score 58 fractures to open the secondary vent opening area 32.
  • the opening sequence of these areas 28, 32 generally comprises the steps of (a) lifting the tail end of the tab to generate a first downward force to shear the primary score 30, (b) lowering the tail end of the tab, at least partially, to its original position, (c) rotating the tab so a nose of the tab is generally positioned over the secondary vent opening area, and (d) lifting the tail end of the tab to generate a second downward force to shear the secondary score 58.
  • Another method comprises the steps of (a) positioning a pull tab to a first opening position; (b) lifting a tail end of a pull tab, which is interconnected to a central panel of the end closure with a rivet, to apply a first downward force on the first opening portion of the central panel to shear a first score line up to a transition portion and create a first opening in the central panel, wherein the first score line and the transition portion have distinct residuals; (c) repositioning the pull tab to a second opening position by rotating the pull tab in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane of the central panel; and (d) lifting the tail end of the pull tab to apply a second downward force on the second vent opening portion to shear the transition portion positioned between the first score line and a second score line and to shear the second score line to form a second vent opening in the central panel, wherein the transition portion and the second score line have distinct residuals, and wherein the first opening portion and the second vent opening portion are integrally interconnected to form an opening larger than either the first opening
  • Some methods may further comprise the steps of (a) repositioning the pull tab to a third opening position by rotating the pull tab in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane of the central panel; and (b) lifting the tail end of the pull tab to apply a third downward force on a third opening portion to shear a third score line and to shear a transition portion positioned between the first score line and the third score line to form a third opening in the central panel.
  • An anti-fracture score 86 is generally offset from the scores 30, 58 at a substantially constant distance. Anti-fracture scores 86 may be optionally included in some embodiments of the invention to relieve stress areas around the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 and prevent accidental opening of these scores 30, 58.
  • the anti-fracture score 86 in this embodiment is continuous. However, it will be appreciated that the anti-fracture 86 score may also comprise two subscores similar to the arrangement between the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58. Further, the anti-fracture score 86 may comprise a transition zone or a transition zone check slot as described elsewhere herein.
  • the residual of the primary score 30, or thickness between the public side of the container and the content side of the container may be approximately 0,009652 cm (0.0038 inches). In some embodiments, the residual of the secondary score 58 may be approximately between 0,00762 cm (0.0030 inches) and 0,0127 cm (0.0050 inches).
  • a transition zone 54 between the primary vent score 30 and the secondary vent score 58 does not comprise a termination feature, and the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 are positioned substantially along the same radius of curvature, meaning the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 are substantially inline with each other.
  • the two scores 30, 58 may be oriented about the same line, which may be a curve with a constant radius of curvature, a curve described by an n-order polynomial, a straight line, or any other line described elsewhere herein.
  • the transition zone 54 may only be a partial interruption in the scores and not necessarily a complete interruption in the score.
  • the transition zone 54 may be a score that joins the primary score 30 to the secondary score 58.
  • the transition zone 54 may be a check slot with a different depth, width, and/or cross sectional shape than one or both of the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58.
  • the length of the transition zone 54 which in some embodiments is distance between the ends of the primary and secondary scores 30, 58, may vary to impede or promote the opening of the secondary vent opening area 32.
  • the length of the transition zone 54, or void may be between approximately 0,0127 cm (0.0050 inches) to 0,0762 cm (0.0300 inches). In various embodiments, the length of the transition zone 54 may be approximately 0,03556 cm (0.0140 inches).
  • the check slot depth may be between approximately 0 cm (0.0000 inches) and 0,01143 cm (0.0045 inches). In various embodiments, the check slot width may be between approximately 0,0254 cm (0.010 inches) and 0,0635 cm (0.025 inches).
  • the combined area of the primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 may be between approximately 3,87096 cm 2 (0.600 square inches) and 4,8387 cm 2 (0.750 square inches). In various embodiments, the combined area of the primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 may be approximately 4,4645072 cm 2 (0.692 square inches).
  • a top plan view of a score tool 88 used to create the various features of the end closure 10 disclosed herein is provided.
  • the terminology and reference characters used when described the features of the end closure 10 are used again to describe the score tool 88 that produces the same features.
  • a "score" may refer to a depression in the context of the end closure 10 and a protrusion in the context of the score tool 88.
  • Dimensions and other aspects of the features described in reference to the end closure 10 may apply to the score tool 88, and vice versa.
  • the score tool 88 of Fig. 11 comprises several references lines.
  • a horizontal insert line 90 is a horizontal reference line centered on the geometric center of the tool 88.
  • a horizontal rivet line 92 is a horizontal reference line centered on the rivet 42. The offset between the two horizontal lines 90, 92 in this embodiment may be approximately 0,381 cm (0.150 inches).
  • a vertical insert line 94 is a vertical reference line centered on both the geometric center of the tool 88 and the rivet 42. Also shown in Fig. 11 are two areas "X" and "Y" that will be described in further detail below.
  • FIG. 12A a detailed top plan view of area "X" of the score tool 88 in Fig. 11 is provided.
  • Various reference lines may be used to locate various datum points or reference points on the score tool 88. From these datum points, the geometric aspects of the tool features that produce the primary score 30 and the anti-fracture score 86 may be described.
  • Reference lines 90, 92, and 94 are provided in Fig. 12A .
  • Horizontal score line 96 is also provided wherein the offset between the horizontal score line 96 and the horizontal rivet line 92 may be between approximately 0,02032 cm (0.008 inches) and 0,0508 cm (0.020 inches), and in some embodiments, the offset between the horizontal score line 96 and the horizontal rivet line 92 is approximately 0,03048 cm (0.012 inches).
  • a first datum point 98 may be provided on the vertical insert line 94, and in some embodiments, the first datum point 98 may be located on either side of the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately +/- 0,0254 cm (0.01 inches).
  • the first datum point 98 may be offset above the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,0762 cm (0.030 inches) to 0,1016 cm (0.040 inches), and in some embodiments, the first datum point 98 is offset above the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,08636 cm (0.034 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the first datum point 98 as shown in Fig.
  • the tool feature's radius of curvature from the first datum point 98 is approximately 2,032 cm (0.800 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the first datum point 98 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 1,778 cm (0.700 inches) and 2,032 cm (0.800 inches), and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the first datum point 98 is 1,905 cm (0.750 inches).
  • a second datum point 100 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately 0,2032 cm (0.080 inches) and 0,508 cm (0.200 inches), and in some embodiments, the second datum point 100 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,3048 cm (0.120 inches).
  • the second datum point 100 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,762 cm (0.3000 inches) and 1,0668 cm (0.4200 inches), and in some embodiments, the second datum point 100 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,93599 cm (0.3685 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the second datum point 100 as shown in Fig.
  • the tool feature's radius of curvature from the second datum point 100 is approximately 0,9652 cm (0.380 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the second datum point 100 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 0,762 cm (0.300 inches) and 1,016 cm (0.400 inches), and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the second datum point 100 is approximately 0,8382 cm (0.330 inches).
  • a third datum point 102 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately 0,3048 cm (0.1200 inches) and 0,508 cm (0.2000 inches), and in some embodiments, the third datum point 102 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,415036 cm (0.1634 inches).
  • the third datum point 102 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,8636 cm (0.3400 inches) and 1,0668 cm (0.4200 inches), and in some embodiments, the third datum point 102 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 is approximately 0,966216 cm (0.3804 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the third datum point 102 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 0,635 cm (0.250 inches) and 0,762 cm (0.300 inches), and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the third datum point 102 is approximately 0,7239 cm (0.285 inches).
  • a fourth datum point 104 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately 0,3048 cm (0.120 inches) and 0,508 cm (0.200 inches), and in some embodiments, the fourth datum point 104 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,41148 cm (0.162 inches).
  • the fourth datum point 104 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,8636 cm (0.3400 inches) and 1,0668 cm (0.4200 inches), and in some embodiments, the fourth datum point 104 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,989838 cm (0.3897 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the fourth datum point 104 as shown in Fig. 12A may be between approximately 0,762 cm (0.300 inches) and 0,9144 cm (0.360 inches), and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the fourth datum point 104 is approximately 0,84582 cm (0.333 inches).
  • a fifth datum point 106 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately 0,0762 cm (0.030 inches) and 0,254 cm (0.100 inches), and in some embodiments, the fifth datum point 106 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,16764 cm (0.066 inches).
  • the fifth datum point 106 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,5588 cm (0.2200 inches) and 0,762 cm (0.3000 inches), and in some embodiments, the fifth datum point 106 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,683006 cm (0.2689 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the fifth datum point 106 as shown in Fig.
  • the tool feature's radius of curvature from the fifth datum point 106 is approximately 1,2446 cm (0.490 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the fifth datum point 106 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 1,016 cm (0.400 inches) and 1,27 cm (0.500 inches), and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the fifth datum point 106 is approximately 1,1176 cm (0.440 inches).
  • a sixth datum point 108 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately 0,0508 cm (0.0200 inches) and 0,09144 cm (0.0360 inches), and in some embodiments, the sixth datum point 108 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,072898 cm (0.0287 inches).
  • the sixth datum point 108 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,381 cm (0.150 inches) and 0,6858 cm (0.270 inches), and in some embodiments, the sixth datum point 108 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,54102 cm (0.213 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the secondary score 58 has a radius of curvature from the sixth datum point 108 as shown in Fig.
  • the tool feature's radius of curvature from the sixth datum point 108 is approximately 1,524 cm (0.600 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the sixth datum point 108 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 1,27 cm (0.500 inches) and 1,524 cm (0.600 inches), and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the sixth datum point 108 is approximately 1,397 cm (0.550 inches).
  • a transition check slot 110 is a type of transition zone provided on the primary score 30.
  • the tool feature that produces the transition check slot 110 is shown in Fig. 12A .
  • the transition check slot 110 is located on the primary score 30 at a transition check slot angle 112 measured from the horizontal score line 96.
  • the transition check slot angle 112 may be approximately 40 degrees.
  • the transition check slot angle 112 may be between approximately 90 degrees and -40 degrees.
  • the transition check slot angle 112 may be between approximately 60 degrees and 20 degrees.
  • the transition check slot 110 can slow down the propagation of a fracture along the primary score 30. This inhibiting effect provided by the transition check slot 110 may simply slow down the propagation speed or velocity of the fracture along the primary score 30. In some embodiments, the transition check slot 110 completely stops or inhibits propagation of the fracture along the primary score 30. In some embodiments, the user operates the end closure in an open-rotate-open fashion. This means that in one action the user fractures the primary score 30 up to the transition check slot 110, at which point the transition check slot 110 sufficiently stops propagation of the fracture. Then, the user returns the tail portion of the pull tab toward its original position, and the user rotates the pull tab past the transition check slot 110 and over the secondary score 58. The user may then lift the tail portion of the pull tab again to fracture the secondary score 58, or the portion of the primary score 30 beyond the transition check slot 110 that has not yet been fractured.
  • check slot 110 may be located in a transition zone between the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 or even on the primary score 30 and secondary score 58 themselves.
  • a first check slot 110 may be located on the primary score 30 before the transition zone to help slow propagation of a fracture along the primary score 30.
  • another check slot 110 located between the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 may completely stop propagation of the fracture along the primary score 30 before the secondary score 58. This interruption can provide time for a user to optionally reposition a pull tab over the secondary opening and optionally fracture the secondary score 58.
  • the anti-fracture score 86 may have a terminus that is governed by an anti-fracture score angle 114 originating from the sixth datum point 108 and oriented relative to the horizontal score line 96.
  • the anti-fracture score angle 114 may be between approximately 20 degrees and 60 degrees. In various embodiments, the anti-fracture score angle 114 may be approximately 36.5 degrees.
  • a ninth datum point 116 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by between approximately 0,889 cm (0.3500 inches) and 1,2192 cm (0.4800 inches), and in some embodiments, the ninth datum point 116 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 1,052322 cm (0.4143 inches).
  • the ninth datum point 116 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0,254 cm (0.1000 inches) and 0,508 cm (0.2000 inches), and in some embodiments, the ninth datum point 116 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,370078 cm (0.1457 inches).
  • the feature that produces a secondary score termination feature 62 has a radius of curvature from the ninth datum point 120 as shown in Fig.
  • the terminus of the secondary score termination feature 62 may be governed by a termination feature angle 118 oriented relative to a vertical plane or line that is parallel with the vertical insert line 94.
  • the termination feature angle 118 may be between approximately 40 degrees and 70 degrees. In various embodiments, the termination feature angle 118 is approximately 54 degrees.
  • Cross sectional line B-B relates to the transition check slot 110 and is described in further detail in Fig. 12B .
  • Cross sectional line C-C relates to the primary score 30 and the anti-fracture score 86 and is described in further detail in Fig. 12C .
  • Cross sectional line D-D relates to the secondary score 58 and the anti-fracture score 86 and is described in further detail in Fig. 12D .
  • Cross sectional line E-E relates to a check slot positioned near the rivet of the end closure and is described in further detail in Fig. 12E .
  • a transition check slot width 120 represents the extent of the transition check slot 110 along the primary score.
  • the transition check slot width 120 may be between approximately 0,0254 cm (0.01 inches) and 0,0762 cm (0.030 inches). In various embodiments, the check slot width is approximately 0,0635 cm (0.025 inches).
  • the transition check slot depth 122 represents the additional residual of the transition check slot 110 over the primary score. The residual is the amount of material between the public side of the end closure and the content side of the end closure.
  • the transition check slot 110 typically has a larger residual to slow or impede the propagation of a fracture along a score such as the primary score.
  • the transition check slot depth 122 may be between approximately 0,00254 cm (0.0010 inches) and 0,0254 cm (0.0100 inches). In various embodiments, the transition check slot depth 122 is approximately 0,011176 cm (0.0044 inches).
  • the transition check slot 110 may have various cross sectional profiles.
  • the transition check slot's 110 profile may be curved and continuous with the primary score instead of the discrete change in residual depth as shown in Fig. 12B .
  • the profile of the transition check slot 110 may be substantially defined by a radius of curvature, a n-order polynomial, etc.
  • the transition check slot 110 may also have various cross sectional profiles when viewed along the length of the primary score and the check slot.
  • Fig. 12C a cross sectional view of the tool features that produce the scores 30, 86 taken along line C-C in Fig. 12A is provided.
  • the resulting primary score 30 created by the score tool 88 in Fig. 12C is deeper than the anti-fracture score 86. Therefore, the primary score 30 portion of the score tool 88 is larger than the anti-fracture score 86 portion.
  • the score pitch 124 between the primary score 30 and the anti-fracture score 86 may be approximately 0,127 cm (0.050 inches).
  • the primary score width 126 may be between approximately 0,00254 cm (0.0010 inches) and 0,00381 cm (0.0015 inches), and the anti-fracture score width 128 may be between approximately 0,00381 cm (0.0015 inches) and 0,00508 cm (0.0020 inches).
  • the primary score depth 130 may be between approximately 0,0254 cm (0.0100 inches) and 0,02794 cm (0.0110 inches).
  • the score offset 132 represents the difference in score depth between the primary score 30 and the anti-fracture score 86 since the anti-fracture score 86 is typically shallower than the primary score 30.
  • the score offset 132 may be between approximately 0,00508 cm (0.0020 inches) and 0,005588 cm (0.0022 inches).
  • the score radius 134 is the radiused edge between the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 and the surface of the tool, which in this embodiment has a radius of curvature of approximately 0,0127 cm (0.005 inches).
  • the angle that one wall of the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 forms with the rest of the tool is the score side angle 136, which in this embodiment may be approximately 25°.
  • the angle that two walls of the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 form with the tool is the overall score angle 138, and since the walls of the tool feature are bilaterally symmetric in this embodiment, the overall score angle 138 may be approximately 50°.
  • Fig. 12D a cross sectional view of the tool features that produce scores 58, 86 taken along line D-D of Fig. 12A is provided.
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 is shown terminating and descending back into the tool (or the surface of the end closure in the resulting end closure).
  • the tool feature that produces the second score 58 is shown transitioning to the secondary score termination feature 62 before descending back into the tool (or the surface of the end closure in the resulting end closure).
  • the tool feature that produces the secondary score 58 ends in a feature radius 140 that has a radius of curvature between approximately 0,0254 cm (0.010 inches) and 0,0381 cm (0.015 inches).
  • a cross sectional view of the tool feature that produces an optional check slot portion of the primary score taken along line E-E of Fig. 12A is provided.
  • the cross sectional line is offset from the vertical insert line by a check slot angle 142, which in this embodiment may be approximately 10°.
  • the center of the tool feature that produces the check slot is offset from the rivet 42 by a check slot midpoint 144, which may be approximately 0,52832 cm (0.208 inches) in this embodiment.
  • the check slot length 146 which is the length of the tool feature in Fig. 12E , may be approximately 0,4064 cm (0.160 inches).
  • the check slot generally has a shallower depth than the primary score in order to inhibit propagation of the fracture along the primary score.
  • the check slot relative depth 148 is the difference in depth between the primary score and the check slot. In this embodiment, the check slot relative depth 148 may be between approximately 0,004064 cm (0.0016 inches) and 0,004572 cm (0.0018 inches).
  • a detailed top plan view of area "Y" of the score tool 88 in Fig. 11 is provided.
  • the horizontal rivet line 92, the vertical insert line 94, and the horizontal score line 96 are provided as references for various datum points on the tool.
  • a tenth datum point 150 is located at the intersection of the vertical insert line 94 and the horizontal score line 96.
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the tenth datum point 150 that may be approximately 0,22606 cm (0.089 inches). In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0,0508 cm (0.020 inches) and 0,381 cm (0.150 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the tenth datum point 150 that may be approximately 0,32766 cm (0.129 inches). In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0,2032 cm (0.080 inches) and 0,4572 cm (0.180 inches).
  • An eleventh datum point 152 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,230632 cm (0.0908) inches and may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,299974 cm (0.1181 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the eleventh datum point 152 that may be approximately 0,0508 cm (0.020 inches). In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0,0254 cm (0.010 inches) and 0,127 cm (0.050 inches).
  • a twelfth datum point 154 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,383032 cm (0.1508 inches) and may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,367538 cm (0.1447 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the twelfth datum point 154 that may be approximately 0,3048 cm (0.120 inches). In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0,127 cm (0.050 inches) and 0,508 cm (0.200 inches).
  • a thirteenth datum point 156 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0,403606 cm (0.1589 inches) and may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0,208788 cm (0.0822 inches).
  • the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of curvature from the thirteenth datum point 156 that may be approximately 0,14478 cm (0.057 inches). In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0,0508 cm (0.020 inches) and 0,254 cm (0.100 inches).
  • Two cross sectional lines, B-B and C-C are oriented about the thirteenth datum point 156, and these cross sectional lines show the transition between the primary score and the anti-fracture score.
  • Cross sectional line B-B corresponds to the tool feature that produces the primary score
  • cross sectional line C-C corresponds to the tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score.
  • the first angle 158 is the angle between the two cross sectional lines, and in this embodiment the first angle may be approximately 107.21°.
  • a second angle 160 orients the first angle relative to the horizontal score line 96, and in this embodiment, the second angle may be approximately 45°.
  • the primary score depth 128, and accordingly the height of the tool feature that creates the primary score may be between approximately 0,0254 cm (0.0100 inches) and 0,02794 cm (0.0110 inches).
  • the anti-fracture score depth 162 may be between approximately 0,022352 cm (0.0088) inches and 0,0254 cm (0.0100 inches).
  • the transition between the anti-fracture score of Fig. 13C and the primary score of Fig. 13B can take a variety of shapes. The transition may simply be a linear transition between the two score depths. However, it will be appreciated that the transition may be curved, curved about a radius, an n-order polynomial, a discrete jump between the two score depths without a transition, etc.
  • a top plan view of a tool with the physical characteristics to form a primary score, a secondary score, and a notch 164 is provided.
  • the notch 164 allows the tool to be oriented when the tool is used during production.
  • the horizontal insert line 90 and the horizontal rivet line 92 are provided on the top surface of the tool.
  • the notch 164 is positioned on the vertical insert line and may be offset from the horizontal insert line 90 by approximately 2,2225 cm (0.875 inches).
  • the radius of the notch 164 may be between approximately 0,47879 cm (0.1885 inches) and 0,48006 cm (0.1890 inches).
  • a cross sectional line C-C which is positioned on the vertical insert line. This cross sectional line C-C is described in more detail below with respect to Fig. 14C .
  • indexing feature which in this embodiment is a flattened edge of the tool.
  • the index feature width 166 may be approximately 1,905 cm (0.75 inches), and the index feature offset 168 may be approximately 1,8288 cm (0.72 inches).
  • a side elevation view of the score tool in Fig. 14A is provided.
  • the bottom portion of the tool has a widened, flanged base.
  • the tool flange width 170 may be between approximately 4,12242 cm (1.623 inches) and 4,1275 cm (1.625 inches).
  • Fig. 14C a cross sectional view of the score tool taken along line C-C of Fig. 14A is provided.
  • the flange of the tool described above in reference to Fig. 14B has a tool flange height 172 that may be approximately 0,635 cm (0.25 inches).
  • the next portion of the tool is the lip.
  • the tool lip width 174 is approximately 3,5052 cm (1.380 inches), and the tool lip height 176 may be approximately 0,2032 cm (0.08 inches) above the tool flange.
  • the next part of the tool is the gap.
  • the tool gap width 178 may be approximately 3,4036 cm (1.34 inches)
  • the tool gap height 180 may be approximately 0,9398 cm (0.37 inches)
  • a tool gap radius 182 may have a radius of curvature of approximately 0,0508 cm (0.02 inches).
  • the overall height of the tool 184 without consideration of the scores may be approximately 2,268982 cm (0.8933 inches).
  • the overall width of the tool 186 is between approximately 3,48996 cm (1.374 inches) and 3,4925 cm (1.375 inches).
  • the overall height of the tool 188 including the primary score is approximately 2,296922 cm (0.9043 inches).
  • detail area "Z" which corresponds to the rivet portion of the tool.
  • a rivet diameter 190 is provided, which in this embodiment may be between approximately 0,34798 cm (0.137 inches) to 0,35306 cm (0.139 inches).
  • the rivet offset 192 is the distance between the center of the rivet and the primary score, and in this embodiment, the rivet offset 192 may be approximately 0,19558 cm (0.077 inches).
  • the edge of the rivet recess is chamfered. In this embodiment, the rivet chamfer 194 may be approximately 25°.
  • a perspective view of the score tool 88 is provided that comprises the features described in Fig. 11 to Fig. 14D .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
EP16831009.2A 2015-07-29 2016-07-07 Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening Active EP3328747B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL16831009T PL3328747T3 (pl) 2015-07-29 2016-07-07 Zamknięcie końcowe pojemnika z opcjonalnym pomocniczym otworem odpowietrzającym

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/812,146 US10017295B2 (en) 2010-08-06 2015-07-29 Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening
PCT/US2016/041243 WO2017019269A1 (en) 2015-07-29 2016-07-07 Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3328747A1 EP3328747A1 (en) 2018-06-06
EP3328747A4 EP3328747A4 (en) 2019-01-09
EP3328747B1 true EP3328747B1 (en) 2020-09-09

Family

ID=57885400

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16831009.2A Active EP3328747B1 (en) 2015-07-29 2016-07-07 Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3328747B1 (ru)
CN (1) CN107949525B (ru)
AU (1) AU2016298537B2 (ru)
BR (1) BR112018000997B1 (ru)
CA (1) CA2992441C (ru)
CL (1) CL2018000209A1 (ru)
CO (1) CO2018002042A2 (ru)
ES (1) ES2828350T3 (ru)
MX (1) MX2018001224A (ru)
PL (1) PL3328747T3 (ru)
RU (1) RU2686724C1 (ru)
WO (1) WO2017019269A1 (ru)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022193207A1 (zh) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 邓畯铭 一种食品储存罐

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3908856A (en) * 1973-04-26 1975-09-30 Walter Merton Perry Container opening segment with swivel attachment
US4289251A (en) 1980-05-09 1981-09-15 The Continental Group, Inc. Non-detach easy opening container unit
US5938390A (en) * 1997-12-15 1999-08-17 Aluminum Company Of America Antifracture scores for easy open container walls
CN1319813C (zh) 1999-12-08 2007-06-06 鲍尔公司 容器末端密封件
US20020113069A1 (en) * 2000-12-27 2002-08-22 Forrest Randy G. Can end for a container
US6715629B2 (en) * 2001-12-19 2004-04-06 Rexam Beverage Can Company Can end for a container
KR100387622B1 (en) 2002-10-18 2003-06-18 Bo Yeoun Hwang Can opening apparatus
NL1023297C1 (nl) * 2003-04-29 2004-11-01 Jacobus Gerardus Ann Paulussen Drankblik met meerdere openingen.
US7506779B2 (en) 2005-07-01 2009-03-24 Ball Corporation Method and apparatus for forming a reinforcing bead in a container end closure
JO3303B1 (ar) * 2009-10-30 2018-09-16 Crown Packaging Technology Inc اغطية سوائل مهوية
US8567158B2 (en) * 2010-08-06 2013-10-29 Ball Corporation Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening
US10017295B2 (en) * 2010-08-06 2018-07-10 Ball Corporation Container end closure with optional secondary vent opening
US9156585B2 (en) * 2012-04-04 2015-10-13 Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A. Double opening beverage can lid system
CN105228911B (zh) * 2013-03-14 2018-08-28 皇冠包装技术公司 具有抗张力刻痕的排出型饮料罐端部
WO2016028860A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-25 Ball Corporation Metal end closure with an extended score which is opened with a secondary tool

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN107949525A (zh) 2018-04-20
CL2018000209A1 (es) 2018-05-11
BR112018000997B1 (pt) 2022-11-08
PL3328747T3 (pl) 2021-02-08
MX2018001224A (es) 2018-04-13
CA2992441A1 (en) 2017-02-02
WO2017019269A1 (en) 2017-02-02
AU2016298537B2 (en) 2019-02-21
EP3328747A4 (en) 2019-01-09
AU2016298537A1 (en) 2018-02-15
CN107949525B (zh) 2020-06-30
ES2828350T3 (es) 2021-05-26
CA2992441C (en) 2019-12-31
BR112018000997A2 (pt) 2018-09-18
EP3328747A1 (en) 2018-06-06
CO2018002042A2 (es) 2018-05-10
RU2686724C1 (ru) 2019-04-30

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