MX2013010575A - Beverage container end closure with easy opening features for a pull tab. - Google Patents

Abstract

An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel portion having a recessed fingerwell for facilitating access to and manipulation of a pull tab. The fingerwell may further comprise features such as rounded edges for reducing risks of laceration and increasing accessibility.

Description

EXTREME CLOSURE FOR CONTAINER OF BEVERAGES WITH CHARACTERISTICS OF EASY OPENING FOR A TONGUE OF JALADO Cross Reference with Related Requests The pre application claims the priority of the United States of America Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 525,574, filed on August 19, 2011, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention The pre invention relates in general to end closures for beverage containers. More specifically, the pre invention relates to end closures for beverage containers with pull tabs and easy opening features that include a deep finger pocket positioned near the pull tab.

Background of the Invention Containers for drinks and food with pull tabs or with static tabs (SOT) are generally well known. Various SOTs and related features are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,926,675 to Rieck et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Known devices, however, usually place a "tail" or distal end of a pull tab near the end closure panel to allow stacking of end closures before and after filling the beverage container . Such a configuration, in particular, when the content of the can is under pressure, involves several complications and challenges with the opening of the tongue and the opening of a portion of the panel. Such complications include, without limitation, the difficulty of attaching or holding the tongue and the risk of damaging or hurting the user's finger or toenail.

Brief Description of the Invention Accordingly, the pre invention contemplates a novel system, device and methods for providing an end closure for a beverage container with easy opening features for a pull tab disposed at the end closure, and more specifically, at a deep finger cavity to allow access of the user's finger below the lifting ring of the pull tab.

The features of the pre invention can be employed in a wide variety of beverage and food containers, including container for SOT pressurized beverages secured by a rivet, food containers with cut tops and full panel easy open end tabs. , to name a few.

Many users of conventional devices, such as SOT for pressurized containers, have difficulty performing various opening functions. The opening of the containers can be complicate, for example, by having access to the underside of a tongue, because the pressure is applied to itive areas of the finger and the nail can break. An important cause of such a complication is found in the fact that many known end closures comprise a tongue resting flush against the end panel, in particular when the contents of the container are under pressure. The pre invention provides many improvements over known devices. The end closures of the pre invention provide, for example, the structural features and benefits, stacking ability and ease of manufacture of various known devices, and also provide a deep finger recess that facilitates access to the operating side (i.e. lower) of the tongue, which increases the user's liking.

The summary of the invention is not intended or should be considered as repreative of the full scope and spirit of the pre invention. The pre invention is established with several levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as in the attached drawings and in the detailed description of the invention, and not as a limitation of the scope of the pre invention, nor by the inclusion or not inclusion of elements or components in this summary. Additional aspects of the pre invention will be apparent from the Detailed Description, in particular, when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

In order to further describe, the following references, which are generally related to end panels and to SOT, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: Patent Publication; Japanese Number JP2002125263 of Yoshihiko and Japanese Patent Publication Number JP2000159229 of Yoshihiko.

In several embodiments, an end closure with an SOT with a slit-shaped finger pocket in the panel is provided. Preferably, the finger pocket is generally disposed near the distal end or the user of the tongue. In one embodiment, the finger pocket is disposed in such a way that at least a portion of the tongue extends over at least a portion of the area defined by the finger pocket and facilitates the user's access to the underside of the tongue. tongue to raise it.

In one embodiment, an end closure with a finger pocket is provided, the finger pocket having a generally round shape when viewed from the top plan view. In various embodiments, a finger pocket is provided, which has a depth of between about 0.025 cm and about 0.15 cm, as measured from the panel. In a preferred embodiment, a finger pocket is provided having a depth of approximately 0.050 cm and approximately 0.10 cm, as measured from the panel. In a more preferred embodiment, a finger pocket is provided having a depth of between about 0.063 cm and about 0.10 cm, as measured from the panel.

In various embodiments, an end closure with a deep finger cavity and improved geometry is provided to allow access to a pull tab and allow an increased normal force imparted to the pull tab to be exerted. For example, the present invention contemplates the provision of a finger pocket of preference, with the size to allow the user access to the pull tab and allow a force greater than the normal force applied on the pull tab when compared to known devices. For example, it is well known that the existing pull tabs have a difficult access but also result in a greater amount of force applied to the pull tab in the direction or in the vector parallel to the opening area. Such force imparts tension on the rivet and provides a reduced capacity to tear or open the opening area. The finger cavities of various embodiments of the present invention allow the user to provide an initial force on the tongue with an increased degree of normal force, which also facilitates the opening operations.

In addition, based on a different geometry of the end closure and the associated deep finger cavity, improved resistance and improved wave resistance are obtained. In addition, the improved end closure allows the stacking of multiple end closures and containers filled with beverages or foods.

In one embodiment, a metal end closure is provided for interconnecting with the neck of a metal beverage container. The end closure comprises: a peripheral corrugation adapted for interconnection with the neck of the container, a fastening wall interconnected with the peripheral corrugation and extended downwardly therefrom; a countersink interconnected with a lower end of the retaining wall, an internal panel wall interconnected with the countersink; a central panel interconnected with the upper end of the inner panel wall, the central panel comprises an area in relief with an essentially drop shape, the relief area is disposed at a lower height than the central panel and wherein the area in emboss comprises a rivet to secure the pull tab with a front end and the rear end, the front end is placed over the selective aperture area, defined by a marked line and the raised area comprises a finger cavity portion extended below an essentially horizontal plane defined by the raised area, wherein the finger cavity comprises a substantially flat lower portion and opposite side walls, the first opposite side wall is extended downward from the central panel and the second opposite side wall is extended downwardly from a portion of the raised area, wherein the finger cavity portion has a perimetral edge with an essentially oval shape.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description herein contained. The modalities, objectives and configurations mentioned above are neither complete nor exhaustive. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention, alone or in combination, are possible with the use of one or more features set before or described in detail below. In addition, the summary of the invention is not intended or should be considered representative of the full scope and spirit of the present invention. The present invention is established with several levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as in the annexed drawings and in the Detailed description of the invention, and not as limiting the scope of the present invention, nor by the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements or components in this summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the Detailed Description, in particular, when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Those skilled in the art will recognize that the following description is only illustrative of the principles of this invention, which can be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description was made to illustrate the general principles of the teachings of the present invention and it is not intended to limit the inventive concepts described herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention and with the detailed description of the drawings provided below, serve to explain the principles of the invention .

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

In certain cases, details that are not necessary to understand the invention or those that result in details that are difficult to perceive have been omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the description is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments described herein.

Figure 1 is an elevated, lateral cross-sectional view of a portion of an end closure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of a portion of the end closure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a top view of the finger cavity feature, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the end closure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional, side view of a portion of the end closure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a training tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a training tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of an end closure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Y Figure 9 is a cross-sectional, side view of an end closure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention , " The present invention has important benefits in a wide range of environments. The intention of the applicant is that this specification and the appended claims be considered in accordance with the scope and spirit of the invention to be described, despite what may seem a limiting language imposed by the requirements of reference to the examples described. To familiarize people experienced in the technique, a preferred embodiment of the method illustrating the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice, is described and reference is made to the accompanying drawings that are part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all the forms and modifications that the invention may experience. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that they can be modified in various ways within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Although the following establishes the detailed description of various modalities, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this description. The detailed description should be considered as an example and does not describe all possible modalities, since describing all possible modalities would not be practical, if not impossible. Many alternative modalities can be implemented, with the use of current technology or technology developed after the date of filing of this patent, and still be within the scope of the claims.

To the extent that any term mentioned in the claims at the end of this patent, is referred to in a manner consistent with the simple meaning, this is done in order to clarify, not to confuse, and it is not intended that such The term in the claim is limited, by implication, to that single meaning. Finally, unless an element of a claim is defined by writing the word "medium" and a function without its description, or its structure, it is not intended that the scope of any element be interpreted based on the application of 35 USC § 112, sixth paragraph.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 9, an end closure for beverage container and methods and devices for forming it are shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and other details difficult to perceive will be omitted from the drawings. Of course, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described in the drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a portion of an end closure 2 for a beverage or food container in the side view, in cross section. A tab 4 is provided to selectively open an opening area, which is defined by a marked line (not shown). The tongue 4 can be secured with the end closure 2 by a variety of known devices and means, including for example, a rivet. As shown in Figure 1, at least a portion of the ring 4 of the pull tab extends over the finger pocket 10, the finger pocket 10 comprises a defined area that is recessed below the center panel 18. The panel 18 extends within the countersink 12, the corresponding clamping wall 15 and the peripheral ripple 14 for coupling the end closure with the container (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the finger pocket 10 is sized and positioned so that a portion of the tongue 4 extends over a portion of the area defined by the finger pocket 10. As shown, a portion of the area defined by the finger pocket 10 remains unobstructed to allow the user's finger, for example, to access the distal end of the tongue 4 and raise the tongue. In various embodiments, the finger pocket 10 of the present invention comprises generally round or contoured features, such round edges or contours on the upper or exposed side of the end closure in order to reduce the risk of injuring the user or other items, as well as how to facilitate access to the underside of the tongue. In certain embodiments, the finger pocket 10 has a geometry adapted to receive a specific type of tool, such as a Castell key, a bottle opener, a coin, etc.

Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the end closure 2 for a beverage or food container in top plan view. As shown, the end closure comprises a finger pocket 10, the finger pocket 10 comprises an essentially ovoid recess in the panel. It will be recognized, however, that the finger cavities of the present invention can comprise any kind of shape. In one embodiment, the finger pocket 10 is provided so that it generally comprises the cross-sectional shape of a human finger (i.e., "D" shape).

In various embodiments, the end closure comprises a central raised portion 16 containing the tongue 4 and an opening area of the closure. The central portion 18 of the panel ends in the countersink 12, which also connects with the outer or peripheral corrugation 14 by a fastening wall 15.

Various methods for forming an end closure with a finger pocket are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of: providing a mold end panel, forming a rivet at an essentially central location on the end panel, wedging the panel, providing one or more markings for an opening area , provide in one step: an embossed panel and a finger cavity portion, and secure the pull tab.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a finger cavity feature 10 of the present invention. As shown, the finger cavity 10 comprises an essentially ovoid shape comprising more than one radius of curvature. The finger pocket 10 comprises a lower end portion 10a and a transition portion 10b. The transition portion 10b is angled or inclined at one or more angles and is interconnected with the lower end portion 10a with the panel 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition portion 10b comprises a first portion 6 and a second portion 8, the first 6 and the second 8 portions comprise different inclinations or angles connecting the lower end portion 10a with the panel, as will be described in more detail below.

As shown in Figure 3, several radii of curvature are provided. In several modalities, the first radius of curvature it comprises a radius between approximately 0.63 cm and 1.27 cm. More preferably, R, comprises a radius of between about 0.76 cm and 0.88 cm. In a preferred embodiment, Ri comprises a radius of 0.868 cm. In various embodiments, the second radius of curvature R2 comprises a radius of between approximately 1.27 cm and 1.52 cm. More preferably, R2 comprises a radius of between about 1.39 cm and about 1.49 cm. In a preferred embodiment, R2 comprises a radius of 1479 cm. In various embodiments, a third radius of curvature R3 comprises a radius of between about 0.76 cm and 1.27 cm. More preferably, R3 comprises a radius of between about 0.88 cm and 1.14 cm. In a preferred embodiment, R3 comprises a radius of 0.101 cm. In several embodiments, a fourth radius of curvature R4 comprises a radius of between about 0.22 cm and 0.30. More preferably, R comprises a radius of between 0.25 cm and 0.29 cm. In a preferred embodiment, R comprises a radius of 0.31 cm.

Ri of Figure 3 designates a radius of curvature of a raised portion provided in the panel (see Figure 2). As shown, the raised portion of the panel extends a little beyond the finger cavity portion 10 in a portion of the finger cavity in the illustrated embodiment. The central panel (not shown in Figure 3) comprises a larger radius.

Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of an end closure of the present invention. Specifically, a cross-sectional view is provided through the widest portion of the finger cavity 10. As shown, the finger pocket comprises a depth of approximately 1.47 cm from the panel. The finger pocket extends upwardly from the centerline in a generally symmetrical fashion.

Figure 5 is a side view, in cross section of a portion of an end closure of the present invention. As shown, a modality is provided wherein the finger pocket 10 comprises a first depth below the corresponding panel portion to secure the tab (not shown) of approximately 0.908 cm and a second depth below an additional portion of the tongue. panel adjacent to the countersink of approximately 1,504 cm. As shown, a particular embodiment is provided, wherein the portion of cv for finger comprises a first surface 6 extended from the panel at an angle of approximately 23 degrees and a second surface 8 extended from the panel at an angle of approximately 30.5 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first surface may be oriented at an angle of between about 15-30 degrees, while the second surface may be oriented at an angle of between about 25-35 degrees. Accordingly, it will be recognized that the finger cavities of the present invention may have symmetrical characteristics, but it is not necessary. The embodiments of the present invention contemplate various depths of finger cavities, both with respect to the relief portion and to a central panel portion. For example, the embodiments of the present invention contemplate a finger pocket having a depth (i.e., the vertical distance between the lower end portion of the finger pocket and the raised portion) of between about 0.063 cm and about 0.127 cm. . Preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate a finger pocket having a depth of between about 0.76 cm and about 0.114 cm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, finger cavity features with a depth of about 0.908 cm are provided.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tool 30 for forming an end closure with a deep finger cavity in accordance with the present invention. The devices for forming an end closure comprise, for example, a central raised panel and a recessed finger pocket with an easy opening and / or safety, as described herein. Figure 6 illustrates an insert or tool 30 for contacting and forming an upper or exposed side of a panel with a finger pocket feature. A projection 32 is provided to form a finger pocket, the resulting finger pocket generally comprises an inverted shape to a projection 32. Additional features and voids are provided corresponding to the additional features of the panel including, for example, a tongue rotation element 34, a rivet or rivet area 36, an opening area 38. The devices and methods of the present invention contemplate forming a finger cavity portion in an end panel at various stages of panel formation. For example, a finger cavity portion may be formed in the end panel before, during or after the formation of features, such as raised features, rivets, marked lines, opening areas, etc. In one embodiment, a forming tool 30 is provided to form the finger cavity with a projection 32, while the recessed portions 34, 36, 38 of the tool 30 adapt various preformed features of the panel.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the panel support tool 40 for forming a panel in accordance with the present invention. In various embodiments, the tool 40 is provided in combination with an additional training tool 30. For example, the forming tool 30 is provided on the panel to be formed or modified and the supporting tool 40 is provided below the panel to be formed or modified. The support tool 40 comprises a receiving area 42 for receiving a portion of the panel and forming a finger cavity in combination with the corresponding projection 32 (see Figure 6). Additional features or voids are provided to adapt the additional features of the panel, such as a recess 46 for rivet, a recess 44 for the reed rotation member and an opening area recess 48.

Figure 8 is a top view of one embodiment of an end closure 2 comprising a finger cavity 10, a lifting tab 4, a peripheral ripple 14, a central panel 18, and a raised area 16. Figure 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the arrangement of these different characteristics one with respect to the other. However, it will be recognized that variations in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, in particular, with respect to dimensions and proportions, are contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional, side view of an embodiment of an end closure 2 comprising a finger cavity 10, a peripheral ripple 14, a central panel 18, a raised area 16, a first portion 6 and a second portion 8. In various embodiments, the finger cavity portion comprises a surface of the first portion 6 extended from the finger cavity at an angle of between about 10 degrees and 60 degrees. More preferably, the finger cavity portion comprises a surface of the first portion 6 extending from the finger cavity at an angle of between about 25 degrees and 45 degrees. In addition, as shown, a particular embodiment is provided wherein the depth of the finger cavity 10 with respect to the raised area 16 is between about 0.038 cm and about 0.15 cm. More preferably, the depth of the finger cavity 10, with respect to the raised area 16, is between about 0.076 and about 0.114.

The present invention provides an operation for opening the end closure 2. A pull tab 2 is initially provided in a closed state, wherein the finger cavity 10 allows access to at least a portion of the tongue 4 so that a normal or greater force can be applied to the lifting force in the pull ring of the tongue 4. Accordingly, several opening operations are provided by creating a normal downward force corresponding to the nose of the tongue 4 to separate the marked line and / or a force that opens the opening area. In this way, the embodiments of the present invention provide different advantages over known devices that require or result in a substantial amount of the initial force applied to the pull tab to be directed parallel to the panel. While known devices do not maximize or achieve normal force on the pull tab and / or opening until a portion of the opening operations are completed, the present invention provides a greater application of a force perpendicular to the pull tab when an opening area is in a completely closed state, as well as through the opening operations.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, it will be apparent that those skilled in the art will be able to contemplate other modifications and alterations. However, it should be understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. In addition, the invention described herein can be adapted to other modalities and can be practiced or carried out in different ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phrases and terminology used here are intended to describe and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "includes", "includes" or "adds" and variations thereof are intended to include the indicated items and their equivalents, as well as additional items.

Claims (15)

1. An end closure for a container with a peripheral ripple adapted for interconnection with the neck of a container, characterized in that it comprises: a retaining wall interconnected with the peripheral corrugation and extended downwardly therefrom; a countersink interconnected with a lower end of the retaining wall; an internal panel wall interconnected with the countersink and extended upwardly therefrom; a central panel interconnected with an upper end of the inner panel wall, wherein the central panel comprises a rivet to secure a pull tab, the pull tab comprises a front end and a pull ring; Y the central panel comprises a finger cavity portion extended downwardly below an essentially horizontal plane defined by the central panel, wherein the finger cavity defines an area and at least a portion of the pull ring of the pull tab it extends over at least a portion of the area to facilitate insertion of the user's finger and raise the pull tab

2. The end closure for container according to claim 1, characterized in that the finger cavity portion extends below the generally horizontal plane approximately 0.88 cm and approximately 1.52 cm.

3. The end closure for container according to claim 1, characterized in that the finger cavity portion comprises an essentially ovoid depression.

4. The container end closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the finger cavity portion extends downwardly below a generally horizontal plane at more than one angle on the opposite sides.

5. The end closure for container according to claim 4, characterized in that the first angle extended downwards comprises an angle oriented from an essentially horizontal plane between approximately 20-25 degrees and a second angle extended downward comprises an angle oriented from substantially horizontal between approximately 28 and 33 degrees.

6. The end closure for container according to claim 4, characterized in that a first angle extended downwards comprises an angle from an essentially horizontal plane of approximately 23.0 degrees and a second angle extended downward comprises an angle from the essentially horizontal plane of approximately 30.5 degrees and wherein the first essentially horizontal extended angle is in an opposite relationship with the second extended angle downward.

7. The container end closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower end portion of the countersink extends below the central panel by an amount greater than what the finger cavity extends below the central panel.

8. A metal end closure with a peripheral corrugation adapted to interconnect with the neck of a container, characterized in that it comprises: a clamping wall interconnected with the lower end of the peripheral corrugation and generally extended inwardly therefrom; a countersink interconnected with the lower end of the retaining wall; an internal panel wall interconnected with the countersink; a central panel interconnected with the upper end of the inner panel wall; the central panel comprises a raised area positioned below the central panel, the raised area also comprises a rivet to secure a pull tab, the pull tab comprises a front end and a rear end; Y an embossed area comprising a finger cavity portion extended downwardly below the substantially horizontal plane defined by the raised area, wherein the finger cavity defines a recessed area and at least a portion of the trailing end of the tongue of pull extends over at least a portion of the raised area to facilitate lifting of the pull tab with the fingers of the user.

9. The container end closure according to claim 8, characterized in that the generally horizontal plane defined by the raised area is positioned approximately 0.88 cm above the lower end portion of the finger cavity and a generally horizontal plane of the central panel is arranged approximately 1.49 cm above the lower end portion of the finger cavity.

10. The end closure for container according to claim 8, characterized in that the lower end portion of the finger cavity is separated from the raised area by a first transition portion and separated from the central panel by a second transition portion, the first The transition portion comprises an angle of between about 15 and 30 degrees and the second transition portion comprises an angle of between about 25 and 35 degrees.

11. The container end closure according to claim 10, characterized in that the first transition portion comprises an angle of approximately 23.0 degrees and the second transition portion comprises an angle of approximately 30.50 degrees.

12. A metal end closure adapted for interconnecting with the neck of a metal beverage container, the end closure is characterized in that it comprises: a peripheral corrugation adapted for interconnection with the neck of the container; a retaining wall connected to the peripheral corrugation and extended downwardly therefrom; a countersink interconnected with the lower end of the retaining wall; a central panel connected to the upper end of the inner panel wall; the central panel comprises a raised area with an essentially drop shape, the raised area is disposed at a lower height than the central panel and wherein the raised area comprises a rivet to secure the pull tab with the front end and the rear end, the front end is placed on the selective opening area, defined by a marked line; Y the raised area comprises a finger pocket portion extended below an essentially horizontal plane defined by the raised area, wherein the finger pocket comprises a substantially flat lower portion and opposite side walls, the first opposite side wall extends down from the central panel and the second opposite side wall extends downward from a portion of the raised area, wherein the finger cavity portion has a perimetral edge with an essentially oval shape.

13. The metal end closure according to claim 12, characterized in that the first opposite side wall portion extends downward from the relief portion at an angle of between about 25 degrees and 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane and the second Opposite side wall extends downwardly from the center panel at an angle of between about 25 and about 35 degrees with respect to an essentially horizontal plane.

14. The metal end closure in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the beverage container contains a pressurized carbonated beverage.

15. The metal end closure according to claim 12, characterized in that the front end of the pull tab is placed over the opening area defined by a marked line.