WO2019113272A1

WO2019113272A1 - Beverage can ends having a gas charging port

Info

Publication number: WO2019113272A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/064170
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Mark Orlando GOLDING
Original assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2018-12-06
Publication date: 2019-06-13
Also published as: US20190177050A1

Abstract

A beverage can end includes a filling port in the end itself. An activating gas that interacts with the beverage may be charged through the filling port. If the end has a vent opening, such as sometimes used in a recloseable end, the vent opening may be used for charging the activating gas.

Description

BEVERAGE CAN ENDS HAVING A GAS CHARGING PORT

CROSS- REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/596,137 filed December 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to packaging beverages, and more particularly to metal beverage cans capable of being charged with an activating gas.

[0003] Metal cans for packaging beverages are usually a two-piece containers formed of a can body, which is drawn and wall ironed from a 3000 series aluminum alloy, and an end, which is formed from a 5000 series alloy and seamed onto the beverage can body. A conventional end is shown in Figure 5 (Prior Art). As well over 200 billion aluminum beverage can ends are produced worldwide each year, end technology has developed such that modem ends are lightweight and made from the thinnest gauge feasible.

[0004] The vast majority of beverage can ends are“easy-open” ends that have a tab riveted to a center panel of the end and a score that ruptures in response to actuation of the tab. Actuating the tab irreversibly forms a pour opening in the end.

[0005] Alternatively, some ends include a closure that seals a pour opening to form a recloseable end. For example, Xolutions markets a resealable beverage can end that is conceptually disclosed in United States Patent Publication Number 2014/0332548. As illustrated in Figure 2 of the 548 patent application, which is reproduced as Figure 1 in this specification, a panel 101 includes a pour opening 103. A closure element 120 is on the underside of panel 101 and includes sealing means 121 that seals the underside of the panel to prevent leakage of the liquid through opening 103. The closure element 120 includes a pressure equalization opening or vent 122 that is a through-hole through the closure element 120. An actuation element 110 on the upper side of panel 101 includes a fixation element 1 lOa that is connected to a sliding element 110b by a hinge 111. In its rest position, a pin 112 of the fixation element 1 lOa is located in vent 122.

[0006] To actuate the closure for the first time, a user lifts the heel of fixation element 1 lOa about a hinge between elements 1 lOa and 110b to open vent 122 by removing pin 112 from opening 122. A user then pulls element 1 lOa rearward to move sliding element 1 lOb from pour opening 103 and to push closure element 120 away from pour opening 103. To reclose the closure, the user reverses the direction of sliding to return element 120 to its position under pour opening 103, typically by grasping the free end of fixation element 1 lOa. The user then pushes down on the free end of element 1 lOa to pivot it about its hinge until pin 112 is inserted into opening 122, thereby resealing the container by plugging vent 122.

[0007] Another example of a recloseable end is disclosed in United States Patent Publication Number US2008/0053997, which lists its assignee as Bound2B. Figure la of the 997 Publication, which is reproduced in this specification as Figure 11 (Prior

Art), illustrates a device 1 includes a sealing element 2 and that rotates relative to an operating element 3. Sealing element 2 is on the inboard side of the end (not shown in Figure 5). A screw thread connection (not shown in the figures) enables sealing element 2 to move down relative to operating element 3 in response to a user rotating projection or tab 8. The rotation of sealing element 2 moves sealing projection 7 out of engagement with pour opening 6 to enable liquid flow from the can during pouring. Reversing the rotation of tab 8 retracts sealing element 2, which re-engages sealing projection 7 with opening 6 to reclose the closure device 1.

[0008] Operating element 3 includes a vent 11, which is a through-hole from the top surface of element 3 to enable communication with the headspace of the container. A rod 12 extends from underneath operating element 3 functionally from sealing element 2 and into and through vent 11. Rod 11 is both a stopper or plug of vent 11 and an indicator of whether the device is sealed.

[0009] Some prior art beverage cans include a charging port in the base. For example, a coffee and cream beverage, marketed by La Colombe Coffee, includes a grommet in its base to receive a charge of gas. Aerosol cans are typically charged through a grommet in the bottom, which typically is a thick-walled end that is seamed onto a cylindrical can body wall. Conventional grommets, such as a Universal Grommet as supplied by Ultramotive, are flexible, elastomeric structures that use conventional gas or liquid injection equipment, as understood by persons familiar with conventional charging technology.

SUMMARY

[0010] A recloseable beverage can end that promotes charging of an activating gas into a beverage can includes a metal beverage can end shell and a recloseable seal. The end shell has a peripheral curl and a center panel that has a pour opening therein. The recloseable closure has (i) a contact surface adapted for engagement and actuation by a user’s finger and (ii) a seal. A filling port of the closure can receive the activing gas to charge the can end. Actuation of the closure via the contact surface by a user breaks the seal to create a closure open-position during which beverage is capable of flowing through the pour opening.

[0011] Preferably, the seal includes an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface. The upper sealing surface is opposite the lower sealing surface and forms a seal about the pour opening in the closed position. The filling port may be a through hole in the closure and the closure may include a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed- position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pin is spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position. And/or the filling port is a through hole in the center panel, and the filling port is covered by the closure, which in comes cases can provide tamper evidence. In any case, a fitting may be located in the filling port. Preferably, the activating gas is nitrous oxide.

[0013] According to another aspect, a beverage can end includes a beverage can shell, a pour opening and actuations means, a filling port, and a gas charging fitting. The beverage can end shell includes a peripheral curl and a center panel, and the center panel includes an aperture in the center panel. The can end shell is formed of a 5000 series aluminum alloy having a thickness of between 0.007 inches and 0.011 inches, or between 0.007 inches and 0.009 inches.

[0014] The actuation means for opening the pour opening preferable is either a conventional easy open end (of the kind that has a score and tab) or recloseable mechanism. The as charging fitting is located in the filling port and is adapted for receiving a gas charging apparatus to inject gas therethrough and then form a seal. Preferably, the pour activation means includes a score in the center panel and a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, and the filling port is an aperture through the rivet. Alternatively, the filling port can be an aperture in the center panel at a position that is spaced apart from the rivet. The filling port can be a through hole in the closure and wherein the closure includes a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed position. The pin may be spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position. The pin and/or through hole after initial opening can be configured to indicate tamper evidence.

[0015] A method for charging a beverage can with an activating gas begins with a metal beverage container package that includes a can body, a can end seamed on to the can body, and a recloseable closure engaged with the can end. The method includes charging an activating gas into an interior of the beverage can through a filling port formed in the can end. Preferably, the can end includes a recloseable closure and the filling port is in the recloseable closure, and the charging step includes inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port, removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step, and sealing the filling port after the removing step.

[0016] The filling port may be in can end center panel, and the charging step may include inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port and removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step, and then sealing the filling port after the removing step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Figure 1 (Prior Art) is schematic cross sectional view of a prior art recloseable beverage can end;

[0018] Figure 2 is a top perspective image of a recloseable beverage can end in its vented configuration, illustrating an aspect of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 is another top perspective image of the recloseable beverage can end of Figure 2, showing the closure in a re-closed position;

[0020] Figure 4 is schematic cross sectional view of the recloseable beverage can end of Figure 2;

[0021] Figure 5 (Prior Art) is a top view of a conventional end, illustrating a

conventional tab and rivet;

[0022] Figure 6 is a top view of an end having a charging fitting located at the rivet, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the end of Figure 5; and

[0024] Figure 8 is a top view of an end of Figure 5 before insertion of the charging fitting into the aperture at the rivet;

[0025] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a cross section of the rivet portion of the end of Figure 5;

[0026] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a cross section of a second embodiment of the rivet portion of the end of Figure 5;

[0027] Figure 11 (Prior Art) is a perspective view of a conventional closure;

[0028] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a recloseable beverage closure, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention; and [0029] Figure 13 is an enlarged, cross sectional, schematic view of a portion of the closure of Figure 12.

Detailed Description

[0030] A first embodiment is directed to a recloseable beverage can end having a gas filling feature and capabilities. Referring to Figures 2 through 4 to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, a can end lOa having features according to the present invention includes a panel 1 la, which has a pour opening l3a, and a closure l2a. A closure element 20a of closure l2a is on the underside of panel 1 la and includes sealing means 21 a that seals the underside of the panel to prevent leakage of the liquid through opening l3a. The closure element 20a includes a combination vent and charging port 22a (also referred to as an aperture) that is a through-hole through the closure element 20a. A gas charging fitting 50a is housed within port 22a. An actuation element 28a on the upper side of panel 1 la includes a fixation element 30a and a sliding element 32a, which is connected to a fixation element 30a by a hinge 34a. In its rest position, a pin 38a that protrudes from an underside of fixation element 30a is located in port 22a. Figure 2 and 3 also show taper-evidence devices in their tom positions.

[0031] Gas charging fitting 50a is shown in the figures as a grommet having a sleeve and upper and lower flanges. The gas charging fitting may also be an o-ring or like structure, and may be resilient such that it is forms a seal around pin 38a when pin 38a is inserted into port 22a. Fitting 50a is sized to receive a charging apparatus such that an activating gas, such as nitrous oxide for charging into beverage containing milk or cream, can be charged through the closure and into the can before sealing the can. The term“activating gas” is used to refer to a gas that interacts with the liquid beverage product for improving its taste, texture, or like property. In the preferred embodiment, the activating gas is a nitrous oxide used as an agent for interacting with the cream or milk (or like fatty constituent) of a coffee beverage. The present invention is not limited, of course, to nitrous oxide as the activating gas, but encompasses other gases, including gases later developed, for improving the product.

[0032] In operation, a charge of gas can be inserted through aperture 22a by inserting a charging apparatus (preferably conventional, not shown in the figures) into fitting 50a of aperture 22a while pin 38a is spaced apart from aperture 22a. After charging and removal of the charging apparatus, the panel 1 la may be actuated in the conventional way to close the pour opening and insert pin 38a into port 22a. [0033] Port 22a preferably is sealed by pin 38a by insertion of pin 38a into fitting 50a (as shown in Figure 4). Port 22a preferably is also sealed by an external surface of the changing apparatus, again by insertion into fitting 50a, and in this way port 22a can be a combined charging port and vent. Thus, it is not necessary for fitting 50a to be self-sealing, as will be understood by persons familiar with grommet technology for charging aerosol cans. The present invention is not limited to fittings that do not seal (that is, do not automatically form a seal upon removal of a charging apparatus), but rather the present invention encompasses self-sealing and non-self-sealing fittings unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0034] A user actuates the closure l2a for the first time after the can has already been filled with a beverage. A user lifts the heel of fixation element 32a about hinge 36a to vent the can by removing pin 38a from port 22a, and thereby enabling gas to escape from the pressurized interior of the can to the ambient atmosphere. A user then pulls element 32a rearward to move sliding element 34a from pour opening l3a and to move closure element 20a away from pour opening l3a. To reclose the closure l2a, the user reverses the direction of sliding to return element 20a to its position under pour opening 13 a, typically by graphing the free end of fixation element 32a. The user then pushes down on the free end of element 32a to pivot it about its hinge until pin 38a is inserted into opening port 22a, thereby resealing the container by plugging the vent.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates a conventional, easy-open (non-resealable) beverage can end that includes a sidewall and curl, a center panel, a tab that is attached to the center panel by a rivet, and a score for a pour opening upon actuation of the tab. Each of the components of the conventional beverage can end of Figure 5 is well known in the art.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates an improved easy-open beverage can end 210, illustrating aspects of the invention, including a sidewall 212, an annular structure 214, a center panel 216, a tab 218, a score 220, a rivet system 230, and a grommet 260. Tab 218 includes a body 222 and a rivet island 224. Sidewall 212, the annular structure 214, and tab body 222 preferably are conventional.

[0037] Rivet system 230 includes an aperture 232 and a rivet 240. As shown in schematically in Figure 9, rivet 240 includes a rivet wall 242 that extends upwardly from center panel 216 and a rivet flange 244 at or near its uppermost extent. Rivet wall 242 extends through a hole in tab rivet island 224 to affix the tab 218 to the can end shell center panel 216. The process of forming rivet 240 can be consistent with conventional rivet processes for aluminum beverage cans, and after formation of a conventional rivet, aperture

232 preferably is formed through the body of the rivet by a piercing operation from the underside (that is, the side of end that is internal to the can when after the can body is joined to the can end) center of the rivet. Accordingly, a portion of metal cut edge formed from the piercing operation is directed upwardly and outwardly (as the end is oriented during use and as shown in Figure 9.)

[0038] Grommet 260 as shown in the figures has a flange 262, a neck 264, and a crown 266 such that grommet 260 extends through aperture 232. In this regard, flange 262 is on the underside of the end 210 and crown 266 is on the exterior side of end 210. Grommet 260 may be employed for inserting a gas or a liquid through a filling aperture in the grommet 260, which filling aperture (not shown in the figures) may be sealed after inserting the gas or liquid the aperture. Alternatively, a grommet as described in United States Patent Number 6,729,362, entitled“Sealing Grommet” (and generally known in the industry as a Scheindel Universal Grommet) or the valve disclosed in United States Patent Number 4,658,979, entitled“Propellant Filling and Sealing Valve,” assigned to American Can Company (the “979 Patent” may be employed. If a Universal Grommet is employed, the flange preferably is oriented on the exterior of the can end and the crown is located on the internal side of the can end. If a valve like that of the 979 Patent is employed, the flange (that is, the“sealing portion” identified in the 979 Patent by reference numeral 18) is inside the can end and the crown (that is, the collar identified in the 979 Patent by reference numeral 24) is on the exterior of the can end. Thus, at least in the case in which conventional grommets or valves are employed, the can may be charged with gas or liquid by using conventional gassing methods and equipment.

[0039] Alternatively, a gas charging fitting 250 may be employed, as illustrated schematically in Figure 10. The fitting may be an o-ring, tubular sleeve, solid plug

(configured for piercing by an injection apparatus or probe), or like structure that is capable of receiving a gas or liquid injection apparatus or nozzle, such as a charging apparatus such that a gas, such as nitrous oxide for charging into beverage containing milk or cream, can be charged through the closure and into the can before sealing the can. After filling and removal of the gas charging apparatus from fitting 250, fitting 250 can be closed by thermally deforming it by applying heat, can be closed by filling with a filler or plug.

[0040] Fitting 250 as illustrated in the figures is located within the vertical sidewall 242 of the rivet. A fitting, such as indicated by reference numeral 250' in dashed lines in Figure

6, in any of its embodiments may alternatively be located through a portion of the panel 216.

[0041] Referring to Figure 12 to illustrate another embodiment that illustrates aspects of the present invention, an end includes a resealable closure 310, which includes a sealing element 302 that rotates relative to an operating element 303. Sealing element 302 is on the inboard side of the end (not shown in Figure 6). A screw thread connection (conventional, not shown in the figures) enables sealing element 302 to move down relative to operating element 303 in response to a user rotating projection or a tab 308. The rotation of sealing element 302 moves a sealing projection 307 out of engagement with a pour opening 306 to enable liquid flow from the can during pouring. Reversing the rotation of tab 308 retracts sealing element 302, which re-engages sealing projection 307 with opening 306 to re-close the closure device 310.

[0042] Operating element 303 includes a vent system 51, which includes an aperture or through-hole 311 and a gas charging fitting 50a. Aperture 311 extends through the top surface of element 303 to enable gas communication between the headspace of the container and the ambient atmosphere. In the closed position, a rod 312 extends from underneath operating element 303 from sealing element 302 and into and through aperture 311. Rod 312 is both a stopper or plug of the vent aperture 311 and an indicator of whether the device is sealed.

[0043] Gas charging fitting 50b may have the structure as described above with respect to fitting 50a and/or fitting 250. In general, fittings 50a, 50b, and/or 250 may without limitation be an o-ring, tubular sleeve, solid plug (configured for piercing by an injection apparatus or probe), or like structure that is capable of receiving a gas or liquid injection apparatus or nozzle, such as a charging apparatus, such that a gas, such as nitrous oxide for charging into beverage containing milk or cream, can be charged through the closure and into the can before sealing the can. The particular dimensions and configuration of the fitting may be chosen according to the particular parameters of the application, such as the material chosen, aperture diameter, metal or plastic thickness, internal can pressure, and the like.

After filling and removal of the gas charging apparatus from the fitting 50a, 50b, and or 250, the fitting can be closed by thermally deforming it by applying heat, can be closed by filling with a filler or plug and/or by applying an adhesive.

[0044] The present invention has been described employing embodiments of ends, closures, and fittings in specific configurations. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but that it is intended that present invention be given its fully scope as set out in the claims.

Claims

1. A beverage can end suitable for enabling gas charging therethrough, the end comprising: a metal beverage can end shell including a peripheral curl and a center panel, the center panel including a pour opening therein; and

a filling port adapted for receiving a gas charge through the can end;

wherein the beverage can end is adapted for receiving an activating gas charge through the filling port to augment the beverage.

2. The beverage can end of claim 1 wherein the beverage can end is recloseable, the end further comprising:

a recloseable closure including (i) a contact surface adapted for engagement by a user’s finger and (ii) a seal;

wherein actuation of the contact surface of the closure by a user breaks the seal to create a closure open-position during which beverage is capable of flowing through the pour opening.

3. The beverage can end of claim 2 wherein the seal includes an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface, the upper sealing surface is opposite the lower sealing surface and forms a seal about the pour opening in the closed position.

4. The beverage can end of claim 2 wherein the filling port is a through hole in the closure and wherein the closure includes a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed position.

5. The beverage can end of claim 4 wherein the pin is spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position.

6. The beverage can of claim 5 wherein the pin and/or through hole after initial opening

indicates tamper evidence.

7. The beverage can end of claim 2 wherein the filling port is a through hole in the center panel, and the filling port is covered by the closure.

8. The beverage can of claim 1 wherein the filling port is a rivet formed in the center panel, the rivet affixing a tab to the center panel and the filling port includes a fitting.

9. The recloseable beverage can end of any of the preceding claims wherein the activating gas a nitrous oxide.

10. A method for charging a beverage can with a gas comprising the steps of:

in a beverage container package that includes a metal can body and a metal beverage can end including a peripheral curl and a center panel, the center panel including a pour opening therein; charging the container package with an activating gas through a filling port in the can end.

11. The method for charging a beverage can of claim 10 wherein the can end includes a

recloseable closure and the filling port is in the recloseable closure, and wherein the charging step includes inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port, removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step, and sealing the filling port after the removing step.

12. The method for charging a beverage can of a claim 10 wherein the filling port is in can end center panel, and wherein the charging step includes inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port and removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step.

13. A method for charging a beverage can of a claim 12 wherein the charging step includes sealing the filling port after the removing step.

14. A beverage can end comprising:

a beverage can end shell including a peripheral curl and a center panel, the center panel including an aperture therein, the can end shell formed of a 5000 series aluminum alloy having a thickness of between 0.007 inches and 0.011 inches;

a pour opening and actuation means for opening the pour opening;

a filling port;

a gas charging fitting located in the filling port and adapted for receiving a gas charging apparatus to inject gas therethrough and then form a seal.

15. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the pour activation means includes a score in the center panel and a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, and wherein the filling port is an aperture through the rivet.

16. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the pour activation means includes a score in the center panel and a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, and wherein the filling port is an aperture in the center panel at a position that is spaced apart from the rivet.

17. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the pour activation means includes a resealable closure.

18. The beverage can end of 17 wherein the filling port is a through hole in the closure and wherein the closure includes a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed position.

19. The beverage can end of claim 4 wherein the pin is spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position.

20. The beverage can of claim 5 wherein the pin and/or through hole after initial opening

indicates tamper evidence.

21. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the shell thickness is between 0.007 inches and 0.009 inches.