MX2015004259A

MX2015004259A - Beverage can ends suitable for small diameters.

Info

Publication number: MX2015004259A
Application number: MX2015004259A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Brian Fields; Christopher Paul Ramsey
Original assignee: Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-01
Filing date: 2013-09-30
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: US20150239607A1; BR112015007153A2; ZA201503001B; WO2014055399A1; SG11201502481YA; HK1213229A1; RU2015116914A; CN104837733B; EP2903899A1; CN104837733A; CO7350638A2; AU2013327622A1; EP3009368A1; CA2886643A1; JP2015534526A

Abstract

A beverage can end and container have a removable panel that is actuated by a tab. The tab is smaller than conventional full aperture ends but enables opening because of the lower pull force required smaller ends or scores formed in less malleable allows that conventional food can ends. A stay-on-tab is also provided.

Description

EXTREMES OF DRINKING CANS ADEQUATE FOR DIAMETERS LITTLE ONES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly to structures for forming an opening for beverage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The most popular opening mechanism for beverage cans is a stay-on-tab that opens an articulated tear panel. The tab is fixed to the end of the can by means of a rivet which is in the center of the end of all the commercially held tabbed beverage cans produced. Whole-opening food can ends are also known.

Some beverage cans have been produced with a removable panel. Removable beverage can panels are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Number 12/797171, entitled "Full Aperture Beverage End," which is owned by the Assignee of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1A, a full-aperture beverage can 110 of the current art includes a beverage can body 112 of size 211 with collar to accommodate an end 114 of size 206. End 114 includes an inclined wall 122, a reinforcement flange 124, a removable panel 126, and a groove 130. Pull tab 140 it is attached to the panel 126 in a rivet 136. The pull tab 140 includes an opening into which an adult finger can enter.

The industry convention of tin sizes uses three digits to represent inches and the number of sixteenths (16th) of inches. Therefore, a can body 211 has a nominal diameter of 2 and 11/16 inches (6.83 cm). As understood in the art, and as used throughout this disclosure, the nominal sizes of beverage can ends do not refer to the exact measurements outside of the seaming. Rather, the nominal size is an industry standard that no longer corresponds to the exact diameter because the beverage industry changed to the seaming technology generally referred to as a "mini-seaming". In this respect, the nominal size generally refers to the diameter of the outside of the seaming plus the reduction in diameter corresponding to the change from an old double seam to a mini-seam, modern.

The removable panels for food cans are commercially more popular than the removable panels for ends of beverage cans. Removable panels for * opening food containers generally have one end snapped onto a tin body. The panel removable is formed by means of a continuous groove that opens by means of a tongue that has an opening to through which an average adult user can insert an index finger to the first knuckle. The user initiates the opening process by lifting a heel of the tongue to pivot the tongue around a rivet formed on the tongue.

Removable panel in such a way that a tongue nose break a short portion of the stria. After a user Insert your finger into the opening in the tongue to enable traction with enough force to propagate the break the stria around the removable panel and detach the removable panel from the rest of the end. He Opening process in the current art for full opening beverage cans is the same as that described previously for food cans.

The diameter of a full opening groove conventional, commercial, tinplate commonly used in a food can end is generally at least 5.9563 cm (2.345 inches). The ring pull tab conventional full-aperture is generally 3,302 cm (1.3 inches) long with a finger hole diameter of 1.524 cm (0.6 inches), or 1826 cm2 (0.283 square inches). The dimension from the center of the finial to the tip of the bead of a conventional, commercial full tinplate end of the bead is 2.54 cm (1.00 inch). The full-opening end or removable commercially popular, tinplate panel is a 201.

U.S. Patent No. 8,109,406 discloses an end in a conical can neck. In a first embodiment, a tongue includes an elongated body to which a rivet is attached, a heel at one end of the body, and a nose at an opposite end of the body. The rivet is offset from the center line of the end opposite the tear panel that forms the opening. In other words, at the extreme of current art, the center of the end is between the rivet and the tear panel. To open it, a user pivots the end around the seam of the can in such a way that the heel is cantilevered in space. In other embodiments in the patent 8,109,406, a user grasps an end of an unconventional pull tongue to bend the tongue in a hinge until a portion of the tongue is vertical. The groove opens with the second step of pulling the tongue to apply a force down by means of a pier nose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention encompasses ends of beverage cans having a tab that is held together or having a removable panel, such as a full-opening end. For full opening ends, the tensile force required to propagate the groove after the initial break for smaller ends is less than the corresponding tensile force required for conventional opening sizes. For example, can ends of size 200 or smaller, such as sizes 114, 112, and 108, require significantly less tensile force than for larger can end diameters, which is a clear benefit for opening ends of the can. full opening. One of the reasons for the reduced pulling force required for smaller ends is that the smaller ends tend to be made of thinner material (as opposed to larger ends) to take advantage of the inherent advantage in buckling performance for smaller ends.

The inventors suppose another reserved reason for the diminished traction force: increase of domed under pressure. Before the pressure is applied, the stria of a Full opening end is formed when the plate is flat. All commercial ends are domed to some extent by pressurizing the end after filling with a carbonated beverage. But the smaller, thinner ends deform plastically to a greater extent (that is, the radius of curvature is smaller) compared to larger ends. The inventors assume that the magnitude of the deformation with the pressurization of the smaller ends, which creates greater curvature in the region of the groove, urges the detachment in such a way that when detachment is triggered by a consumer, a force of minor traction. This phenomenon must exist in tinplate ends (that is, ends that comprise steel) and aluminum, and it is understood that the tensile force would be lower in aluminum because it is less malleable and has a lower yield point than that of tinplate The diminished tensile force required for smaller ends and / or for ends made of aluminum alloys can be generated without the conventional ring pull, which has an opening large enough for an adult to insert his index finger to the first knuckle. The reduced tractive force also enables the traction tabs to have new configurations, such as a length that is shorter than in conventional pull tabs. The aspects of the present invention apply the ideas of the inventors in the opening process to enable the use of reeds that are not conventional and are offset from the center of the end.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a beverage can end for a small diameter having a tab that is held together includes: a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inward relative to the wall structure. The peripheral curl is able to be snapped together with the rim of a beverage can to produce a seaming defining an end size of not more than 200. The end has a discontinuous groove that is formed in the central panel defining a panel of tear, the tear panel can be opened to form an opening of at least 2.258 cm2 (0.35 square inches). A rivet that is offset from a center of the center panel. A pull tab is coupled to the center panel by means of the rivet. The pull tab has a nose configured to break the groove with the drive of the pull tab and a heel opposite the nose. The heel of the pull tab is separated from the seaming by at least 0.762 cm (0.3 inches) to improve finger access. The term "wall structure" is used in this specification and claims to refer to a wall of a housing and optionally encompasses an annular reinforcement rim.

The opening of the end of the beverage can has an aspect ratio that is at least 1.75 and not more than 3.5, more preferably at least 2.0 and not more than 3.0, and more preferably at least 2.5 and not more than 2.75. The end may be formed of an aluminum alloy series 3000. Since the advantages of the end may occur at smaller end sizes, preferably the size of the end is not more than 111, it is not more than 112, or it is not more than 110 According to another aspect of the invention, a full-opening end beverage can comprises a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inwardly relative to the wall structure. . A flute, which forms on the center panel, defines a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel. A pull tab is coupled to the removable panel by means of the rivet, the pull tab has a nose located proximal to the rivet and configured to break the groove. The pull tab includes a finger opening that has a length of less than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) and is configured to restrict the full insertion of an average adult finger and allow the insertion of an average adult finger tip.

Preferably, the finger opening has a height (measured in line with the elongate tongue) of at least 0.508 cm (0.2 inches) and a width of between 1.016 and 2.54 cm (0.4 and 1.0 inches), more preferably a height of between 0.508 and 1.016 cm (0.2 and 0.4 inches) and a width of between 1.016 and 2.032 cm (0.4 and 0.8 inches). The tongue length from a distal end of the nose to a distal end of the heel is not more than 2,921 cm (1.15 inches), more preferably is not more than 2,667 cm (1.05 inches), and more preferably is not more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inch).

The area of the finger opening preferably is not more than 1.6129 cm2 (0.25 square inches), preferably is not more than 1.2903 cirt (0.20 square inches), and more preferably is not more than 0.9677 cm2 (0.15 square inches). The center panel preferably has an end size of no more than one size 200, no more than one size 114, more preferably no more than one size 110, and more preferably no more than one size 108. Similarly, preferably the panel The core has a diameter of no more than 4,318 cm (1.7 inches), preferably no more than 4,064 cm (1.6 inches), preferably not more than 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), and more preferably no more than 3.175 cm (1.25 inches), and still more preferably no more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches).

Another way to measure the size of the structure is by means of a characteristic dimension of the removable panel. For a circular panel, the characteristic dimension is the diameter. For a non-circular panel, the characteristic dimension is the largest straight line distance measured anywhere on the panel. Preferably, the characteristic dimension of the removable panel is not more than 4.191 cm (1.65 inches), preferably not more than 3.937 cm (1.55 inches), preferably not more than 3.683 cm (1.45 inches), and more preferably not more than 3.048 cm ( 1.20 inches), and still more preferably no more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). And preferably an area defined by the removable panel is greater than 60 percent of the area defined by the central panel, more preferably greater than 75 percent, more preferably greater than 85 percent of an area defined by the center panel. Because the panel is removable, the groove is continuous.

Any of the ends described herein can be formed from aluminum, such as an aluminum alloy series 3000 or an aluminum alloy series 5000.

The end can also employ rising characteristics. A full opening end beverage can comprises a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inwardly relative to the wall. A flute, which forms on the center panel, defines a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel. A pull tab is attached to the removable panel by means of the rivet. The pull tab has a nose that is located proximal to the rivet and configured to break the stria, a heel that is opposite the nose, an opening formed by a body located between the heel and nose, and a lifting surface that is separated from the heel. The lifting surface is adapted for contact by a user to lift the tongue from its rest position to a position in which the tongue opening is accessible for further lifting. The lifting surface may be formed by a rearward projection from the body next to the rivet or may be formed by at least one lateral projection outwardly from the tongue body. In this respect, the projection interrupts the curvature of the opening.

A clearance distance between the tongue heel and the end wall is less than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), preferably less than 1.016 cm (0.4 inches), more preferably less than 0.762 cm (0.3 inches).

The present invention also encompasses a solid tongue. One end of a full-opening beverage can comprises a peripheral curl, a wall extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inwardly relative to the wall. A flute, which forms on the center panel, defines a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel and is formed in the removable panel. A pull tab is attached to the removable panel by means of the rivet. The pull tab has a nose that is located next to the rivet and configured to break the stria, and a heel that is opposite the nose, and a body between the heel and the nose that is solid without a finger opening. The heel of the tongue is configured to be separated from the central panel when the can end engages in a pressurized can to enable actuation of the tongue. Also, the center panel may include a gap below or near the heel to improve access of a finger thereto.

The present invention encompasses ends of a size 200 or smaller that have a tab that is held together or which have a removable panel, such as a full opening end. The ends described in this document preferably encompass ends having a size no greater than size 114, no more than size 112, and no more than size 110, and no more than a size 108. The present invention also encompasses larger ends than size 200 for certain configurations, and also covers ends that have an asymmetric opening. Accordingly, the inventors seek to grant the invention the full scope of the original and future phraseology of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is an illustration of a full opening can of the current art for a beverage can.

Figure IB is an illustration of a 200 size can end.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a full opening beverage end having its tongue in its rest position, the end being fixed to a beverage can that has a very sharp neck.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the full opening end and beverage can of Figure 2 having its tongue in a partially driven state in such a way that the can is "blown".

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the full opening end and beverage can of Figure 3 having its removable panel removed.

Figure 5A is a top view of a full opening beverage can end in a size 112.

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a full opening beverage can end of Figure 5D.

Figure 6A is a top view of one end of a full-opening beverage can in a size 108.

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a full-opening beverage can end of Figure 6A.

Figure 7 is a top view of one end of full opening beverage can of a size 108 showing an internal gripping feature to the tab opening.

Figure 8 is a top view of one end of full opening beverage can of a size 108 showing a filled tab having no opening.

Figure 9 is a side view of a full opening beverage can end of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a top view of a can end of a tab-like beverage can that is held together having a size 112 and an offset rivet with the tab removed for illustration purposes.

Figure 11 is a top view of the end shown in Figure 10 including the tongue.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of one end showing its size relative to the lower end of a corresponding can body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention encompasses ends, and can assemblies employing the ends, having a removable opening panel, such as the ends known as "full opening ends", and ends having an articulated panel employing a tongue that is held united. Referring generally to the figures, the beverage can assembly 10 of each type of end includes a can body 12 and a can end 14 which are joined in a snap-together 20, which is preferably a common conventional double seam for the cans of drinks. Reference numeral 14 generally refers to the inventive ends disclosed herein, including both ends of a removable panel type, such as full opening ends, and tongue type ends that are held together. The modalities of the ends will have a letter appendix.

The present invention is not limited to a particular can size, can materials, end material, an end size except where expressly stated in the claims. Accordingly, to illustrate aspects of the present invention, a can body of size 211 (66 mm) shown in the figures has a very sharp neck, the neck of which can be carried out by means of machinery and techniques to make conventional necks, as will be understood by people familiar with can manufacturing technology. Preferably, the can body 12 is a one-piece, drawn and ironed beverage can body formed from an aluminum alloy, such as a 3000 series alloy.

The can body 12 preferably has a neck 16 such that the seaming 20 formed by the combined can and end body preferably has a diameter that is smaller than a size 211, and therefore the end 14 has a smaller size 211. For example, a can body 211 (or other can body diameter, such as a 58 mm can body) can have neck to match any end size 200 or smaller, such as the sizes of end 112 (44 mm) or 108 (38 mm) which are illustrated in the figures. Although the inventive extremes disclosed in this document are not limited to any material or to any diameter or material, they are especially suitable for smaller end sizes and / or cans having a significant magnitude of neck such that an end of diameter 200 or smaller is preferred.

The can end 14 in its non-snapped state (not shown in the figures) includes a peripheral curl which with the seaming forms a seaming 20 with a portion of the can body 12. The end 14 includes a wall 22 extending inwardly. from the seaming 20. The end 14 may also include an annular reinforcing flange 24 extending inward from the wall 22. A central panel 26 may extend inward from the flange 24. Alternatively, the central panel 26 may extend inward from the wall 22. The ends to which the invention is directed may also have a panel wall between the reinforcing flange and the central panel, such as panel walls forming a curve or a chamfer. Reference number 26 is used to refer to modalities of the center panels of the ends, regardless of size, configuration, and type (ie, removable panel or tab held together). Modern light weight end housings, as shown for example in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,877,941 (Brifcani), 8,157,119 (Locklcy), 7,819,275 (Stodd), and 6,499,622 (Neiner) and its equivalents and trade variations, have a reinforcing flange diameter and a panel diameter that are small relative to the seaming diameter as compared to the older non-light weight ends, such as an end known as one end B64. The ends disclosed herein can be used with lightweight, modern end caps (including other modern lightweight ends not mentioned above) or older end caps, such as a B64 end.

Figure 2 illustrates a full opening type end 14 shown in its idle state in which a tongue 40 is approximately horizontal. According to a first embodiment, the full opening end 14a, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the tongue 40a includes a nose 42a, a body 44a, a heel 46a, and an edge 48a. The nose 42a is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained more fully below. The heel 46a is located opposite the nose 42a. The body 44a extends between the nose 42a and the heel 46a and is elongated. An edge 48a is formed by a portion of the body 44a and the heel 46a such that the edge 48a defines a finger opening 50a. The rivet 36a is attached to the body 44, preferably by conventional means. It can be used a mustache groove 52a or other ventilation (not shown in the figures). The oval imposed on the end reflects a gap of 8 mm.

The central panel 26a includes a spline 30a which is preferably continuous such that the spline 30a defines the limit of a removable panel 32a. The rivet 36a, which is preferably conventional, is formed in the removable panel 32a. The rivet 36a is offset (ie, spaced apart) from the center of the central panel 26a such that the tip of the nose 42a is located near a contact portion 34a of the center panel 26a. The contact portion 34a is the portion of the removable panel 32a which contacts the tongue nose 42a during the opening process. The contact portion 34a is preferably chosen to be close to a predetermined portion of the spline 30a.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of the full opening end 14b, in which a tongue 40b includes a nose 42b, a body 44b, a heel 46b, and an edge 48b. The nose 42b is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained more fully below. The heel 46b is located opposite the nose 42b. The body 44b extends between the nose 42b and the heel 46b. An edge 48b is formed by a portion of the body 44b and the heel 46b such that the edge 48b defines a finger opening 50b.

The rivet 36b, the mustache stria 52b, the spline 30b, and the contact portion 34b are as described above for the first end mode 14a.

The lengths of the tabs 40a and 40b are chosen to provide a gap of 8 mm (0.32 inches) between the wall 22 of the seaming and the heel 46a and 46b. Accordingly, a length from a distal end of the nose 42 to a distal end of the heel 46 is no more than about 2,921 cm (1.15 inches), more preferably no more than about 2,667 cm (1.05 inches), and even more preferably not more than approximately 2.54 cm (1.00 inch). Other preferred clearances are contemplated (that is, the horizontal distance between the tongue heel and the seaming 20 or the wall 22). Preferably, the clearance distance is greater than 6 mm for embodiments that are based on a finger access space behind the tongue heel.

The finger opening 50a, 50b is defined by the tongue 40a, 40b (respectively) and is preferably configured to restrict the full insertion of an average adult finger to the knuckle. Instead, the finger opening 50a, 50b is preferably configured to allow insertion only of the average adult finger tip.

Preferably, the opening 50a, 50b is dimensioned for allow an adult finger to be inserted through a portion of the finger nail (that is, the distal phalanx of the index finger can be inserted into the opening, but not completely to the joint between the distal phalanx and the middle phalanx). Since the finger openings 50a and 50b are sized only to accept the most distal portion of the finger tip, the consumer grasps the tongue by pinching the tongue or opening between the tip of the index finger and the tip of the thumb.

In this regard, the area of the finger opening 50a, 50b preferably is not more than 1.6129 c 2 (0.25 square inches), more preferably is not more than 1.2903 cm2 (0.20 square inches), and more preferably is not more than 0.9677 cm2 (0.15 square inches). Also, the finger opening 50a, 50b preferably has a length of between about 0.508 cm (0.2 inches), and about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) and a width of between about 1.016 cm (0.4 inches) and about 2. 54 cm (1.00 inch), and more preferably, a length between about 0.508 cm (0.2 inches) and about 1.016 cm (0.4 inches) and a width of between about 1.016 cm (0.4 inches) and about 2. 032 cm (0.8 inches). The dimension of the length is defined in the central line of the tongue from the nose 42a, 42b to the heel 46a, 46b along the center line of the tongue, and the width dimension is defined as perpendicular to the center line of the tongue and the dimension of the length. When the direction perpendicular to the center line of the tongue is not the largest dimension, the dimensions provided for the width can be measured in the largest dimension that is oblique to length.

The dimensions of the opening 50a, 50b enable a force to be applied to the pull tab 40a, 40b which corresponds to the opening force required for smaller ends and / or to the ends that are formed from an aluminum alloy . Accordingly, the end 14 is preferably a size 200 or smaller. Preferably a size 180 or smaller, more preferably a size 140 or smaller, and more preferably a size 108 or smaller. Preferably the end is at least one size 100.

The disclosure in this document emphasizes extremes smaller or equal to size 200 for most modalities. Another way to define this parameter is by the diameter of the central panel. Accordingly, the central panel 26a, 26b preferably has a diameter of no more than about 4,318 cm (1.7 inches), more preferably not more than 4.064 cm (1.6 inches), more preferably not more than 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), more preferably not more than 3.175 cm (1.25 inches), and preferably not more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). The removable panel 32a, 32b preferably has a diameter of no more than about 4,191 cm (1.65 inches), more preferably no more than 3,937 cm (1.55 inches), more preferably no more than 3,683 cm (1.45 inches), more preferably no more that 3.048 cm (1.20 inches), and more preferably no more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). Preferably, the diametral dimension or larger length is larger than that of the pour opening of conventional ends opens easily, of tongue which is held together.

The removable panel is preferably defined by an area that is greater than about 60 percent of an area defined by the center panel, more preferably greater than about 75 percent of an area defined by the center panel, and more preferably greater than approximately 85 percent of an area defined by the central panel.

Referring to Figure 2, the state at rest of the can 10 is the condition of the can after filling and while the consumer finds it. When finding the can 10 that has the tab 40 (using the numbers of reference without the appendix of a letter to generally refer to the ends of inventive removable panels described herein) in its rest position, a consumer opens the can 10 by raising the tab heel 46 to pivot the tab 40 around the rivet 36 to impart a force from the nose 42 on the contact portion 34 of the center panel 26 until the groove in the region of the contact portion 34 breaks.

The present invention encompasses ends having an annular countersunk flange around the central panel, and also encompasses ends that omit or lack the countersunk flange, as shown for example in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. In embodiments having a An annular rim, the central panel is defined as the flat portion that is inside the inner wall of the countersunk rim. The transition between the countersunk interior wall and the flat central panel is generally formed by means of a small radius, a curved panel wall, or a chamfer. In each case, the outer limit of the panel is defined where the flat panel meets the transition. The inventors use the term "plane" not to refer to theoretical perfection, but to refer to the state in which the end exists as it leaves the shell pressure or conversion pressure, including deviations from a perfect plane due to being unwrapped from a coil, it is enhanced and depressed in the panel for functional reasons, and the like.

In embodiments that do not have a countersunk edge, the limit of the center panel may be defined by the transition between the flat portion and the curve or doubles connecting the central panel to the wall. Referring to Figure 2, the state at rest of the can 10 is the condition of the can after filling and while the consumer finds it. Upon finding the can 10 having the tab 40 (using the reference numerals without the appendage of a letter to generally refer to the ends of inventive removable panels described herein) in its resting position, a consumer opens the can 10 raising the tab heel 46 to pivot the tab 40 about the rivet 36 to impart a force from the nose 42 on the contact portion 34 of the center panel 26 until the rib in the region of the contact portion 34 is broken.

Figure 3 illustrates the can 10 with the termination of the first opening operation in which the groove 30 has been broken and therefore ventilated (that is, the can has "burst"). After the initial stria rupture, a consumer grasps the tab 40 either by inserting partially the tip of an index finger in the opening 50, pressing the tip of an index finger and the thumb together roughly in the plane of the opening 50 (that is, the contact between the index finger and the consumer's thumb is coarsely in line with edge surfaces 48). Alternatively, a user may grasp the tab body 44 or heel 46 by pressing between his thumb and one side of an index finger. With the grip, the consumer pulls the tab 40 either normal to the center panel 26 or with a backward, release action to propagate the break of the spline 30 around the removable panel 32 until the removable panel 32 comes off completely, as shown in the ready state of the can 10 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the can end 14c including a central panel 26c, a spline 30c, a removable panel 32c, a contact portion 34c, and a rivet 36c which are as described for the first and second can ends 14a and 14b. A tab 40c of the end 14c includes a nose 42c, a body 44c, a heel 46c, and an edge 48c. The nose 42c is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained more fully below. The heel 46c is located opposite the nose 42c. The body 44c extends between the nose 42c and the heel 46c. The edge 48c is formed by a body portion 44c and heel 46c such that edge 48c defines a finger opening 50c. The rivet 36c, the mustache groove 52c, the spline 30c, and the contact portion 34c are as described above for the first end mode 14a.

The tongue 40c need not provide a clearance between the heel 46c and the seaming for finger access, since the tongue 40c includes a lifting feature, such as the projection 60c, which provides a lifting surface. The projection 60c is a tab extending from the body 44c near the rivet 36c rearward (ie, in the direction toward the heel 46c) to project into or sink into the opening 50c or, in other words, interrupt the smooth curvature of opening 50c. In this regard, the clearance distance between the heel 46c and the inside wall of the seaming 20 is preferably less than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), more preferably less than 1.016 cm (0.4 inches), and more preferably less than 0.762 cm (0.3 inches). Alternatively, the lifting feature may be one or more lateral projections 66c (shown in dashed lines in Figure 7) extending from the body 44. The projection 60c and the projections 66c provide one or more lifting surfaces each to make contact with the consumer's finger.

To actuate the tab 40c, a user first contacts the lifting surface 62c of the projection 60c or a lifting surface 68c of the projection 66c to lift the tongue 40c until the consumer's finger can be placed below the heel 46c to complete the first phase of the opening process described above (that is, to reach the state of "trapping"). Removal of the removable panel is completed by the consumer with the insertion of the user's finger into the opening 50c and the traction to fully propagate the breakage of the spline 30c.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another end modality 14d it lacks a finger opening for traction. The end 14d includes a spline 30d, a contact portion 34d, and a rivet 36d which are as described for the first and second embodiments of the can ends 14a and 14b.

A tab 40d of the end 14d includes a nose 42d, a body 44d, and a heel 46d. The nose 42d is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained more fully below. The heel 46d is located opposite the nose 42d. The body 44d extends between the nose 42d and the heel 46d and is preferably continuous without no opening or without an opening into which even a tip of an adult finger can be inserted. A tongue according to the present embodiment comprises through holes, which can be made for aesthetic reasons, to provide visual access to the central panel, for reasons of reinforcement, reasons for lightening weight, and the like. Any opening in this respect (not shown in the figures) would preferably have its longest dimension of less than 0.635 cm (0.25 inches). Body 44 may include a raised structure, such as channel 70 and island 71, to improve grip. The rivet 36d, the mustache groove 52d, the spline 30d, and the contact portion 34d are as described above for the first end mode 14a.

Because the tongue 40d lacks a finger opening, the tongue 40d can have a length dimension (ie, from the heel to the nose) that enables sufficient finger access between the heel 46d and the seaming 20. central panel 26d and removable panel 32d may have a recess 70d, shown in relief in Figure 9, below or near heel 46d to improve finger access (ie, to enable a tip of a consumer's finger to access the heel 46d or other portion of tongue 40d). The gap location of the rivet 36d improves finger access to the heel 46d since the pressurized can tends to reform the end 14d into a dome shape. Therefore, the heel 46d can be separated (that is, there is a vertical cap) from the central panel 26d at a snapped end even without a gap in the center panel.

To actuate tab 40d, a consumer's finger first contacts heel 46d to lift it to complete the first phase of the opening process described above (ie, achieve the "trapping" state). Because the dome shape of the end 14d with the pressurization, and due to the location of the tongue 40d offset from the center of the end, a vertical space (or an increase in vertical space) can be formed between the heel 46d and the central panel 26d for improving the ability of a user's finger to take heel 46d. In the embodiment having the gap 70d, the gap 70d also provides space to improve finger access.

The disclosure in this document emphasizes extremes smaller than size 200 for modalities that have removable panels. Another way to define this parameter is by the diameter of the central panel. Accordingly, the central panels 26 of the ends 14a to 14d, preferably have a diameter of no more than about 4,318 cm (1.7 inches), more preferably not more than about 4.064 cm (1.6 inches), more preferably not more than about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), more preferably not more than about 3.175 cm (1.25 inches), and preferably not less than about 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). The removable panels 32 preferably have a diameter of no more than about 4,191 cm (1.65 inches), more preferably no more than 3,937 cm (1.55 inches), more preferably no more than 3,683 cm (1.45 inches), more preferably no more than 3,048. cm (1.20 inches), and more preferably no more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). Preferably, the diametral dimension or larger length is larger than that of the pour opening of conventional ends opens easily, of tongue which is held together. The tabs used with ends having a removable panel preferably do not have a hinge such that the panel 32 deforms with the actuation of the tongue.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a retained tab end 14e held together shown in Figures 10 and 11, having a size 200 or smaller, includes a tab 40e having a nose 42e, a body 44e, a heel 46e, an edge 48e, and an opening 50e. The nose 42e is rounded and has a contact portion at its distal tip. The heel 46e is located opposite the nose 42e. He body 44e extends between nose 42e and heel 46e. The edge 48e is formed by a portion of the body 44e and the heel 46e such that the edge 48e defines an opening 50e. The edge 48e and the opening 50e are structural, as in tabs that are held together conventionally.

The tongue 40e includes a rivet island 74e which contacts the central panel 26e and through which the rivet 36e is fixed. The rivet island 74e includes a hinge 76e which is formed with the actuation of the tongue 4Oe.

The rivet 36e is offset from the center of the central panel 26e but may be otherwise conventional. The location of the rivet 36e and the length of the tongue 40e can be chosen according to the distance available at the end 14e to provide a clearance distance between the end seam or wall and heel 46e of at least 0.762 cm (0.3 inches) to improve finger access.

The central panel 26e includes a spline 30e, which is preferably discontinuous in such a way that the opposite ends of the spline 30e form a hinge 78e. The spline 30e and the hinge 78e define a tear panel 80e that can be opened with the actuation of the tongue 40e. Stretch 30e preferably includes a first portion 82 that includes a portion intended to vent with the initial opening and a verification groove, a rearwardly projecting protrusion 83 extending to the rear side of the rivet centerline 36e, a first side portion 84, a front portion 85, a second side portion 86, and a second end portion 87 that can be extended rearwardly of the rivet 36e.

Preferably, the opening that is formed when the tear panel 80e has been driven is at least 2.258 cm (0.35 square inches), more preferably at least 2.581 cm "(0.4 square inches). The stria 30e defines an aspect ratio of the panel 80e when dividing the length L, which is more clearly identified as the length along the center line of the tab 40e, between the width W, which is more clearly identified as the maximum distance that is perpendicular to the dimension L between sides 84 and 86. Preferably, the aspect ratio of the opening is at least 1.75 and not more than 3.5, more preferably at least 2.0 and not more than 3.0, and more preferably is at least 2.5 and not more than 2.75. .

Not described in this document, the diminished size of the ends of the present invention compared to the conventional beverage can end enables changes to the end structure. For example, the end 14e can be formed from a less expensive 5000 series alloy or A 3000 series alloy similar to that of the can body, the end housing can be formed from a thinner housing, or a combination. On the other hand, to further improve the opening capacity, the residual groove (that is, the metal thickness dimension of the end remaining at the bottom of the groove after the formation of the groove) can be about 0.00635 c. (0.0025 inches).

To actuate the tab 40e, a consumer grasps the heel 46e in a conventional manner to open the ubiquitous ends of the tab that is held together. The consumer lifts the heel 46e to urge the nose 42e against the contact portion 34e to break the first groove portion 82. The force applied from the nose 82 is applied through the initial ventilation and through the accumulation of energy in the panel until the break of the verification groove, after which the groove can propagate rapidly through the protuberance 83 , the first side 84, the front portion 85, and the second side 86 up to stop at the end portion 87.

Referring now generally to the inventive ends, the end 14 is formed from a conventional 5000 series aluminum alloy. The present invention also encompasses ends made of steel or steel alloys, such as conventional tinplate, and any aluminum alloy, such as a 3000 series alloy. In this regard, the present invention encompasses the use of any combination of end materials, spline configuration, size of the removable panel, and Opening and / or ventilation technology that can be operated with a pulling force that is enabled by means of the pull tab described in this document. For example, although the 5000 series alloy is preferred for larger end sizes, such as an end size 202, the inventors assume that an alloy 3000 would provide acceptable pressure performance for smaller ends.

Figure 12 shows a beverage can base 11 having an internal diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the seaming 20 so that the end 14 fits into the opening in the bottom of the can so that the can assembles 10 are stacked on top of each other The ends according to the present invention are described herein using particular sizes, configurations, and materials. The present invention is not limited thereto, but rather covers ends as defined in the claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention as above, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS

1. One end of a beverage can that has a small diameter and a tab that is held together, the end comprises: a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inward relative to the wall structure; the peripheral ripple is capable of being snapped together with the rim of a beverage can to produce a snap that defines an end size of no more than 200; a discontinuous groove that forms in the central panel that defines a tear panel, the tear panel can be opened to form an opening of at least 2,258 cm2 (0.35 square inches); a rivet that is offset from a center of the center panel; Y a pull tab attached to the center panel by means of the rivet, the pull tab has a nose configured to break the groove with the actuation of the pull tab and a heel opposite the nose; the heel of the pull tab is separated from the seaming by at least 0.762 cm (0.3 inches) to improve finger access.

2. The beverage can end according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening has an aspect ratio that is at least 1.75 and not more than 3.5.

3. The beverage can end according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening has an aspect ratio that is at least 2.0 and not more than 3.0.

4. The beverage can end according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening has an aspect ratio that is at least 2.5 and not more than 2.75.

5. The can end of beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that the end is formed from an aluminum alloy series 3000.

6. The beverage can end according to claim 1, characterized in that the end size is no more than 114.

7. The beverage can end according to claim 1, characterized in that the end size is no more than 112.

8. The beverage can end according to claim 1, characterized in that the end size is not more than 110.

9. One end of full opening beverage can, comprising: a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inward relative to the wall structure; a groove formed in the central panel that defines a removable panel; a rivet that is offset from a center of the center panel; Y a pull tab coupled to the removable panel by means of the rivet, the pull tab has a nose located near the rivet and configured to break the groove, the pull tab includes a finger opening having a length of less than 1.27 cm ( 0.5 inches) and is configured to restrict the full insertion of an average adult finger and allow the insertion of an average adult finger tip.

10. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the finger opening has a height of at least 0.508 cm (0.2 inches) and a width of between 1.016 and 2.54 cm (0.4 and 1.00) inches).

11. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the finger opening has a height between 0.508 and 1.016 cm (0.2 and 0.4 inches) and a width between 1.016 and 2.032 cm (0.4 and 0.8 inches).

12. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the tongue has a length from a distal end of the nose to a distal end of a tongue heel that is not more than 2,921 cm (1.15 inches) ).

13. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the tongue has a length from a distal end of the nose to a distal end of a tongue heel that is not more than 2667 cm (1.05 inches) ).

14. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the tongue has a length from a distal end of the nose to a distal end of a tongue heel that is not more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inch) ).

15. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the finger opening has an area that is not more than 1.6129 missed (0.25 square inches).

16. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the finger opening has an area that is not more than 1.2903 cm2 (0.20 square inches).

17. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the finger opening has an area that is not more than 0.9677 cm2 (0.15 square inches).

18. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the central panel has an end size of not more than one size 200.

19. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the central panel has an end size of not more than one size 114.

20. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the central panel has an end size of not more than one size 110.

21. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the central panel has an end size of not more than one size 108

22. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the center panel has a diameter of no more than 4.318 cm (1.7 inches).

23. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the center panel has a diameter of no more than 4.064 cm (1.6 inches).

24. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the center panel has a diameter of no more than 1.5 inches.

25. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the center panel has a diameter of not more than 3.175 cm (1.25 inches).

26. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the center panel has a diameter of no more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches).

27. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that a characteristic dimension of the removable panel is no more than approximately 4.191 cm (1.65 inches).

28. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that a characteristic dimension of the removable panel is not more than about 3.937 cm (1.55 inches).

29. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that a characteristic dimension of the removable panel is not more than about 3.683 cm (1.45 inches).

30. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that a characteristic dimension of the removable panel is no more than about 3048 cm (1.20 inches).

31. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that a characteristic dimension of the removable panel is not more than about 2.54 cm (1.00 inches).

32. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that an area defined by the removable panel is greater than 60 percent of an area defined by the central panel.

33. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that an area defined by the removable panel is greater than 75 by cent of an area defined by the central panel.

34. The full-opening beverage can end of the container with claim 9, characterized in that an area defined by the removable panel is greater than 85 percent of an area defined by the central panel.

35. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the star is continuous.

36. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the end is formed from aluminum.

37. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the end is formed from one of an aluminum alloy series 3000 and an aluminum alloy series 5000

38. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 9, characterized in that the end is formed from an aluminum alloy 3000 series.

39. One end of full opening beverage can, comprising: a peripheral curl, a wall extending from the curl, and a central panel extending inwardly relative to the wall; a groove formed in the central panel that defines a removable panel; a rivet that is offset from a center of the center panel; Y a pull tab coupled to the removable panel by means of the rivet, the pull tab has a nose that is located next to the rivet and configured to break the stria, a heel that is opposite the nose, an opening defined by a body located between the heel and the nose, and a lifting surface that is separate from the heel, wherein the lifting surface is adapted to be contacted by a user to lift the tongue from its rest position to a position in which the tongue opening It is accessible for lifting.

40. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that a clearance distance between the tab heel and the end wall is less than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches).

41. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that a clearance distance between the tab heel and the end wall is less than 1.016 cm (0.4 inches)

42. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that a Clearance distance between the tongue heel and the end wall is less than 0.762 cm (0.3 inches).

43. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that the lifting surface is formed by a rearward projection from the body next to the rivet.

44. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 43, characterized in that the opening has a curvature that is interrupted by the projection.

45. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that the lifting surface is formed by at least one lateral projection outwardly from the tongue body.

46. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that the center panel has an end size of not more than one size 200.

47. The full-opening beverage can end according to claim 39, characterized in that the tab heel is configured to be separated from the central panel when the can end is snapped with a pressurized can to enable the actuation of the tab.

48. The full opening beverage can end according to claim 47, characterized in that the central panel includes a recess below or near the heel to improve access of the finger thereto.