RECLOSABLE BEVERAGE CAN

CANETTE DE BOISSON POUVANT ETRE REFERMEE (CANETTE, FERMETURE ET COUPE)

English Abstract

Suggested is a metallic beverage can having a can body (1) for receiving a
beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body at a filler~s location. The
body is made from a sheet material, and having a wall portion (1b, 1c) with
axial ends. One axial end of the wall portion having a first portion (1.1),
said first portion having a domed, axially outward vaulted shape, and being
the bottom of the can body. The second portion having a body hook (2.5) for
receiving and supporting a lid (2) for seaming and closing the can body to
form a closed can. The first portion (1.1) has a spout (3, 3~) of a diameter
less than a diameter of said wall portion (1b), and a cap (4, 4~) for closing
(and opening) the spout.

French Abstract

Canette métallique améliorée pour une utilisation à l'extérieur et une consommation prolongée dans le temps. Elle est constituée par un corps (1) servant à recevoir une boisson contenue à l'intérieur (1i) dudit corps et introduit au niveau d'un emplacement de remplissage. Ce corps consiste en un matériau mince possédant une partie paroi (1b,1c) comportant des extrémités axiales. Une de ces extrémités axiales possède une première partie (1.1) présentant une forme arrondie et voûtée axialement vers l'extérieur, ce qui représente le fond du corps de la canette. La deuxième partie possède un crochet (2.5) servant à recevoir et à supporter un couvercle (2) bordant et fermant le corps, de manière à créer une canette fermée. La première partie (1.1) possède un bec (3, 3') dont le diamètre est inférieur à celui de ladite partie paroi (1b), ainsi qu'une coiffe (4, 4') servant à fermer et à ouvrir le bec.

Claims

13
We claim:
1. Beverage can (1,2) mainly made from metal sheet, having a wall portion
and axial ends thereof, and on both axial ends of the wall portion an
openable first portion and a non openable second portion, respectively;
(i) said first portion having a domed shape (1.1), vaulted
axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the
beverage can;
(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel (2.1)
and a seam (2.4) surrounding said panel and attaching
said panel to the wall of the can.
2. Beverage can (1,2) mainly made from metal sheet, having a wall portion
and axial ends thereof, and on one of both axial ends of the wall portion
an openable first portion and on the other of both axial ends a non
closable second portion;
(i) said first portion having a domed shape (1.1), vaulted
axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the
beverage can;
(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel (2.1)
and a seam (2.4) surrounding said panel and attaching
said panel to the wall of the can.
3. Beverage can (1,2) mainly made from metal sheet, having a wall portion
and axial ends thereof, and on one of the axial ends of the wall portion a
closable first portion and on the other of the axial ends a non openable
second portion;
(i) said first portion having a domed shape (1.1), vaulted
axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the
beverage can;
(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel (2.1)
and a seam (2.4) surrounding said panel and attaching
said panel to the wall of the can.

14
4. Beverage can (1,2) mainly made from metal sheet, having a wall portion
and axial ends thereof, and on both axial ends of the wall portion a
closable first portion and a non closable second portion, respectively;
(i) said first portion having a domed shape (1.1), vaulted
axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the
beverage can;
(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel (2.1)
and a seam (2.4) surrounding said panel and attaching
said panel to the wall of the can.
5. Beverage can according to any one, or any combination of two of the
previous
claims.
6. Beverage can of one of the previous claims, wherein the outwardly domed
base
(1.1) having in a substantially centred sub portion thereof a spout (3,3'),
giving
way to an inside (1i) of the can, and having at least one thread (3.1,3.9'),
adapted to receive an oppositely arranged other thread (4.5",4.1), carried by
a
reclosing closure (4) designed as bottom cap.
7. Can of claim 5 or 6, the openable first end portion (1.1) having a
substantially
circular opening (1e) of smaller diameter than a diameter of the wall (1b)
closable by a cap shaped device (4,4.1 "').
8. Can of claim 5, wherein in said first portion having an aperture (1e) and
thereto
permanently mounted a carrier (3,3') for releasably holding a re-closing
closure (4,4',4",4"'), such as a cap, having a socket (4.1;4a) adapted to said
carrier for at least one of a closing and releasing action, preferably also
having a
standing and stacking rim (4.6, 4.7, 4.2"') adapted for a nesting
interengagement with a seam (2.4) of another can, or designed according to a
radial dimension of the seam (2.4) of the claimed can.
9. Can of claim 8, said action for closing and releasing is at least in part a
twisting,
screwing or turning movement.
10. Can of claim 8 or 9, said action comprising a pulling or pushing axial
movement
component.
11. Can of claim 9, said action comprising axial and twisting movement
components, to define a screw line.

15
12. Can of claim 5, a re-closing closure (4) being releasably secured (4.1,
3.2) to
the bottom portion (1.1) as "first axial portion".
13. Can of previous claim 12, said closure having a peripheral contour (4.6,
4.3"),
for supporting the closed can for a steady stand on a flat level surface,
preferably an axially extending rim.
14. Can of previous claim 13, said peripheral contour (4.6) having an axially
protruding rim (4.6, 4.7), shaped at least partly (4.2"') in a circumferential
direction, and said closure having a substantially flat bottom panel (4.4, 4.1
"'),
surrounded by said at least partly circumferential rim, wherein no portion of
said
bottom panel exceeding the rim's axial protrusion
14a. Can of claim 14, wherein the axially protruding rim (4.6, 4.7, 4.3",
4.2"') is
adapted to cooperate in a nesting manner with another can's seam, which
corresponds to the seam (2.4) of the claimed can.
15. Can of claims 1 to 5, a top end is opposite to the bottom axial end and
near to a
seam (2.4) between a lid panel (2.1) and a wall; bottom is where the base is,
having no seam near to it.
16. Can of claim 5, wherein the closability or openability is related to a
smaller
portion (4.1"', 1e,3) than the whole openable or closable or non-openable or
non-closable first or second portion, respectively.
17. Can of claim 8, the carrier (3,3') and the socket (4.1; 4a) having tubular
shape
and each of them carrying a thread for corresponding twistable (screw able)
interaction, when one of opening and closing the can base by said re-closing
closure (4,4',4",4"').
18. Can of previous claim 17, said flange having a diameter substantially
smaller
than said re-closing closure (4), and said closure having a tubular outer
skirt (4.8,4.1'), having a first axial length, larger than a second axial
length of
said tubular socket (4.1; 4a).

16
19. Can of claim 8 or 12, said re-closing closure (4) having substantially
cylindrical
shape, and an outer skirt (4.1 ) adapted for holding and gripping (4.9;4c) to
exert
rotational forces by hand of human.
20. Can of claim 8 or 12, the re-closing closure carrying a gasket (4.5),
adapted for
blocking gas and liquid in a closed position of the re-closing closure against
the
carrier (3,3').
21. Can of one of claims 8 or 12, said re-closing closure (4) having a
radially
oriented vent passage (3.4).
22. Can of previous claim 21, said vent passage cooperating with several
second
axial vent passages (3.2) in said carrier (3) to open a passageway through a
still
not fully disengaged thread pair (3.1, 4.1), releasing an overpressure upon
releasing a closed position of said carrier and closure (3.4).
23. Can of claim 8, 12 or 21, the re-closing closure comprises at least a
first part of
a tamper evidence device (3.5, 3.4, 4.2;3.8",4.9"), near to the bottom of said
can, having cooperating segments, adapted to break upon an initial opening
action, such as an initial twisting action or an initial pulling action or an
initial
spiral movement.
24. Can of claim 8, said carrier (3,3') being substantially rigid and having
at least
one radially oriented ring portion (3.3), permanently mounted to the outwardly
domed base, next to the aperture (1e) of said base (1.1).
25. Can of claim 8, said carrier (3.11', 3.2', 3', 3, 4') extending at least
partly into
said can, and having a first (3.11;3b) and a second (3.4';3a) part, for an
axial
relative movement between said two parts, telescoping the first part against
at
least the second part (3.4') upon an al least axial movement of said re-
closing
closure (4",4"').
26. Can of claim 8 or 12, comprising a vessel (5) having a closed bottom (5b)
and
an axially extending wall, is attached to said re-closing closure (4", 4.4"',
4',4.2'),
adapted for a detachment (Y) from said closure, releasing an radially
protruding
locking means (4.4", 4.2', 4.3"') between vessel wall and re-closing closure,
to
take the vessel off the re-closing closure.

17
27. Can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body
at a
filler's location, said body made from sheet material, having a wall portion
(1b,1c) and axial ends thereof, and one axial end of the wall portion having
an
openable or closable first portion (1.1;3,4;3',4'), said first portion having
a
domed shape, vaulted in an axial direction (100) and provided as bottom end of
the can body (1);
(i) said second portion having provided a body hook (2.5) for
receiving and supporting a lid (2) having a substantially flat
panel (2.1) and a seam building radial outer rim (2.3),
surrounding said panel and adapted for attaching said lid
(2) to the body hook of the can body;
(ii) said openable or closable first portion (1.1;3,4;3',4') having
a cap shaped closing device (4,4',4",4") of a first diameter,
substantially corresponding to a second diameter of said
wall portion, and having an axial extension smaller than an
axial height of the can body.
27a. Can body of claim 27, said cap having an axially extending nesting
rim (4.3", 4.6), provided at least partially circumferential (4.2"'), and
having a
dimension adapted to a dimension of the other end seam (2.4), prepared from
the seamed body hook and lid rim (2.5, 2.3).
28. Can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body
at a
filler's location, said body made from sheet material, having a wall portion
(1b,1c) and axial ends thereof, and one axial end of the wall portion having
provided thereto an openable or closable first portion (1.1), said first
portion
having a domed shape, vaulted axially and provided as bottom end of the can
body (1);
(i) said second portion having provided a body hook (2.5) for
receiving and supporting a lid (2) having a substantially flat
panel (2.1) and a seam building radial outer rim (2.3),
surrounding said panel and adapted for seaming said lid
(2) to the body hook of the can body to form a closed can;
(ii) said openable or closable first portion (1.1) having a cup
shaped vessel (5), detachably associated to said first
portion (1.1), preferably through a closing
member (4,4',4",4"') associated to the openable or closable
first portion in a portion (1e) thereof, smaller than a lateral
extension of the cup (5).

18
29. Can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body
at a
filler's location, said body made from sheet material, and having a wall
portion
(1b,1c) and two axial ends thereof, one axial end of the wall portion having
provided thereto an openable or closable first portion (1.1), said first
portion
having a domed shape and provided as bottom end of the can body (1);
(i) said second portion having provided a body hook (2.5) for
receiving and supporting a lid (2) having a substantially flat
panel (2.1) and a seam building radial outer rim (2.3),
surrounding said panel and adapted for seaming said lid
(2) to the body hook of the can body at the filler's location;
(ii) said openable or closable first portion (1.1) having an
extendable spout (3';3b,3c) of a diameter less than a
diameter of said wall portion (1b).
30. Can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body
at a
filler's location, said body made from sheet material, having a wall portion
(1b,1c) and axial ends thereof, and one axial end of the wall portion having
provided thereto an openable or closable first portion (1.1), said first
portion
having a domed shape, vaulted axially outward and provided as bottom end of
the can body (1);
(i) the other axial end having provided a body hook (2.5) for
receiving and supporting a lid (2) having a substantially flat
panel (2.1) and a seam building radial outer rim (2.3),
surrounding said panel and adapted for attaching said lid
(2) to the body hook of the can;
(ii) said openable or closable first portion (1.1) having a spout
(3,3') of a diameter less than a diameter of said wall
portion (1b).

19
31. Can body of one of claims 27 to 30, said first portion being designed to
be
openable and closable (3,3a;3';4,4',4",4"').
32. Can body of one of claims 27 to 30, produced from a metal sheet, and
emerging
form a DWI process.
33. Can body of one of claims 27 to 30, said wall portion having a thickness
below
0,24 mm (millimetres).
34. Can body of anyone of the previous claims 27 to 30, having at least one
feature
of one of claims 6 to 26, without their respective reference to one of
claims 1 to 5.

Description

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Reclosable Beverage Can (Can, Cap & Cup)
The invention concerns a closable can body and a filled can, adapted to be
used and
closed again after an only partial consumption of a content of the can (having
a body
and a lid).
Background of invention.
A beverage metal can (as two part system, having an integrated base can body
and
can lid) is one of the most accepted packages for single servings around the
world.
Consumers enjoy this package because of its convenience in handling, its
quality
performance in protecting its content and its attractiveness supported by a
number of
useful features.
Beverage. cans are popular for drinks consumption at home, in-door and out-
door.
Out of home consumption represents a remarkable percentage, i.e. during
travelling,
sports and other events. In the latter, the content of the can is often not
consumed at
once but with interruptions, so complete emptying of the can may extend into
the
range of an hour or longer. Here the can lacks a reclosability feature,
despite the fact
that the beverage can was initially designed for single servings (use) only.
Reclosability is considered a useful feature not only to preserve product
freshness
after partial product take-out but also to prevent product contamination and
insect
penetratiori during the period from initial opening to final emptying of the
can. The
latter may also imply a non-neglectable health and hygiene risk during outdoor
consumption.
Prior art is known, opening the can on the lid side, and closing it with a cap
from the same axial side, cf. WO-A 97136739 (Schmalbach-Lubeca, Lutz
Strube) or WO-A 01/66431 (Goetz, Ackermann, Folland). The bottom (base) of
a can already was suggested to be penetrated for closing, when using an
inward domed bottom, cf. WO-A 03/066455 (Schmalbach-Lubeca, Ball Europe,
Bert Bast et al.). A bottom up can with a re-closing cap on a spout is shown
in
DE-A 198 02 953 (Rasselstein Hoesch), but having a substantial
circumferential step in the outward bulging bottom (upside) with axial height
enlarging under can pressure and no real standing/support facility for
allowing a
can like filling; said beverage can uses a bottle type filling through the
spout.

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Summary of the Invention.
Object of the invention.
Object of the invention is to comply with a consumer's desire and remove the
shortfall of the two part can system not being reclosable by providing a
facility of
re-closing.
The invention is to improve the can's suitability for outdoor application and
time
extended consumption by allowing the consumer to effectively reclose a "take
out
opening" of the can every time after partial drink take-out occurred.
The invention suggests cooperating components under one of claim 1 to 4 for a
beverage can or claims 27 to 30 for a stackable body of a can. The components
are
1. A can body for holding liquid, such as beverages.
2. Optional, a can lid.
3. A spout for pouring or drinking - associated with the bottom.
4. A cap for screw able re-closing.
5. Optional, an add-on containment-vessel.
The invention provides the feature of a re-closing closure near the base of
the can or
can body, contrary to a reclosable can lid. The non-openable end portion of
the can
receives a standard design, with or without having a necked-in portion of the
wall,
and a body hook flange formed at the most upper part of the can body.
A commonly concave shaped dome as (inwardly) shaped base of the can is
replaced
by a convex design, vaulting to the outside (in axial direction). The outward
domed,
vaulted shape is a soft shape having no intermediate steps near the wall or
near the
spout. The curvature of the vaulted bottom does not change in direction,
whereas it
may change in absolute values from smaller values to larger values from
radially
outside to the inside near the opening. This "three radius geometry" explains
the
vaulted bottom.
The circular opening, centred at the shaped base provides an aperture for
permanently mounting a carrier for the reclosing closure. After attaching, the
reclosing closure through its peripheral contour, having an outwardly
protruding level
rim portion, will enable the package to stationary rest on any level (flat)
support, i.e.
on conveyors, on machine pusher pads and on the shelf for display, and on
other
can's top, etc.

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The invention provides that the beverage can is handled on its closure device
positioned at the can base. The closure may be provided as pre-assembled by
the
can manufacturer before the can body is supplied to the filling location. The
filler
handles the can in the common way, not requiring alterations at the filling
and
seaming process. After filling of the can body through a fully open second
axial end,
the same is covered with a can lid which is seamed to the can body for sealing
and
closing the container including the beverage in it. The can lid ("end") used
for closing
at the fillers location is without any opening tab or other mechanism, thus no
commonly used "easy open end", but a non-openable end (and thus a non-closable
lid).
The re-closable (openable, closable) closure device comprises a pouring or
drinking
spout and a reclosing screwable cap. The cylindrical spout is mounted in the
opening
provided about the centre of the convex shaped can base.
The preferably twistable cap having a thread, adapted to the thread of the
spout and
therewith allows opening and closing of the can, initial closing and (further)
re-closing.
The screw cap may have a plastic inlay gasket supporting a gas and liquid
tight
reclosure of the package, through contacting the spout.
A built-in vent feature inside the closure initiates release of internal
pressure from the
can's headspace during an initial phase of opening, before the liquid content
may be
discharged from the can by drinking or pouring. An eventual risk of liquid
splashing
during can opening is at least reduced.
The re-closable closure may comprise a tamper evidence feature near its bottom
end, allowing the consumer to recognize originality or any prior opening of
the
beverage can.
Different types of pouring or drinking spouts are suggested. One is rigid and
protrudes outwardly from the can base (claim 8). The other one is of
telescopic
design (claim 25); it protrudes inwardly from the can base, when in a closed
position
and outwardly, when open, or at least prepared to be opened.
The entire reclosable can may also have a detachable containment vessel
axially
attached to the reclosable closure (claim 26). This is on the bottom standing
end of
the can.

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The vessel may hold objects for the consumer, e.g. chips, nuts, crackers or
other
snacks or promotional gifts, coupons or messages, etc. The vessel may also be
used
as a drinking cup, if one would not like to drink from the can directly.
Reclosing will lead to prolonged freshness of the can's content by maintaining
e.g. a
maximum of the residual carbonation throughout the periods when the can is re-
closed. Re-closure also enhances to hygiene and safety of the package to the
benefit
of the consumer, preventing penetration of contaminants, mainly insects into
the
beverage content.
The beverage can remains stackable (claims 14, 14a, 27). The cup or the cap
nests
into the lid end of another can, which rests below the "can under
consideration"
("cuc"). This "cuc" still has the ability of "can type filling" instead of a
"bottle type
filling". The can filling is through the large opening end without a covering
lid, having
a secure and stable stand on the cap or the cup. This cap covers the spout and
covers a large standing surface radially within an at least partially or
intermittently
circumferential rim (claims 13, 14). This rim on the other hand enables
stacking of the
"cuc" radially outside or radially within the seam of a seamed and closed can
body
arranged below the "cuc" in the stack (claim 27a). The rim thus is adapted in
geometry to the seam of the same can although for stacking being in nesting
arrangement with another can of same shape.
Said rim belongs to the re-closing cap device (re-closing closure), cf. claim
8 or 7 or
14a. The rim's shape and dimension is chosen to the dimension of the lid
geometry.

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Summary of the embodiments.
The invention comprises several embodiments to enhance the invention's
understanding, having four groups of figures.
Figures 1 is a first embodiment in three sets of figures (Fig. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c).
Figures 2 is a second embodiment in three sets of figures (Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c).
Figures 3 is a third embodiment in three sets of figures (Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c).
Figures 4 is a fourth embodiment in three sets of figures (Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c).
Each Figure having an a, b and c set (e.g. Figures 1a, 1b and 1c),
representing a
side view (a) with seamed (right) flange and non seamed (left) flange, an
enlargement of a portion near the base (b), and an exploded view showing the
components (c).
Detailed description of the embodiments of the invention.
The drinks can 1 of all Figures 1 to 4 (each "a" to "c") is as an example made
in a
DWI process from a cup of metal sheet. It has a convex base profile 1.1
extending
lateral from a can centre axis 100. The base profile protrudes outwardly from
the can
inside 1 i. The cross sectional profile of the outwardly domed convex can base
may
be of one, two or three radii design. Its convexity depth may range within a
diameter/depth ratio of between 2 and 33, preferably around 7. Its profile
geometry
may be varied in a large range. It. has no steps along he domed shape.
The exact profile design is driven by functional and by aesthetic aspects.
The can base 1.1 has a circular opening 1e at its centre, matching the centre
axis of
the can. The diameter of the opening is between 20mm to 40mm, preferably
around
26mm (~10%). The aperture edge left by the opening 1e is to receive a spout
device
3, allowing pouring/drinking. It is a part of the reclosable closure as is
subject to the
further parts, at least re-closing closure as a cap device 4.
The drinks can 1 is made from a sheet of steel or aluminium or plastics or
cardboard
or a combination thereof. A preferred example is the metal sheet.

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The DWI process uses a metallic sheet and provides a cylindrically shaped
container, having a thin wall 1 b and a thicker bottom 1 d. In a necking
process the
upper end portion 1 c of the wall 1 b is shaped radially inwards to gain a
reduced
opening to the can inside 1 i, to be closed by the lid 2, as explained in
figure 1 a.
Figure 1c shows the can 1, the lid 2 and the closing devices 4,3 for the can's
bottom
end 1 d in a detached explosive view. Figure 1 b is an enlarged part of figure
1 a,
displaying the permanent mounting of the carrier part 3 to the can's bottom
and the
cap device 4, shown attached in a closed position. Two threads, one 4.1 at a
socket 4a of the cap 4, and one at the outer radial face of the tube-shaped
carrier 3,
interact for opening (releasing) and/or closing action.
A can lid 2 is made from steel or aluminium. It is the upper end of the closed
can.
Although being similar to a commonly used easy open can end it has no easy
open
mechanism, i.e. no score line and no tab. Its function is limited to closing
and sealing
of the can body after filling. The can lid comprises a substantially flat end
panel 2.1
which connects via an inner chime by a countersink 2.2 (groove) to a chuck
wall
terminating in an annular end flange portion 2.3 as shown in Figure 1a (left
part),
when laid into the open necked wall 1 b,1 c, not yet seamed. The end flange
portion 2.3 is curled downward at its~outer circumference. The inner surface
of the
end flange portion and curl are lined with a non displayed sealing compound
which
establishes liquid and gas tightness of the container after a (double) seam
2.4 has
been formed by roll-in of the end flange and a can body flange 2.5 (body
hook), after
filling of the can, shown in the right part of Figure 1a.
Because of the absence of an easy open mechanism the panel 2.1 of the can lid
maintains a flat and geometrically undistorted surface. As such, the panel
provides
an ideal base for extending the container's billboard through printing or
labelling of
additional messages and/or images. It is neither openable, nor closable. It
may have
a slightly domed shape.
A one-part cylindrically shaped spout 3 is of hollow tube-like design 3a made
from a
high molecular thermoplastic material. The outside portion of the spout is
furnished
with a thread 3.1 having between 1'/ and 2'/Z revolutions at one end. The
thread has
a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5, preferably four longitudinal interruptions
3.2
with an axial orientation parallel to the centre axis 100 of the spout 3. The
base of
each thread interruption holds an additional small grove projecting over the
entire
length of the thread interruption and is exceeding the same by a minor length
at
either end.

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An end opposite of the threaded tube of the spout 3 contains two flanges 3.3
with
radial outward orientation. Both flanges are separated by a distance "d",
corresponding to the sheet thickness of the can base 1.1. After assembling the
spout
3 inside the opening 1e of the can base, the flanges are thermo-sealed to
either side
of a heat-sealably coated material surface surrounding the aperture 1e of the
can
base, receiving the spout 3.
The spout's flange, permanently mounted to the outer side of the can base 1.1,
connects via a number of between 5 and 15, preferably twelve straps 3.4 to a
tamper
evidence ring 3.5 with a u-shaped cross section. An actuator mechanism 4.2 for
treating the tamper evidence ring is part of the closure cap design and is
shown in
the description of the corresponding part later.
An alternate embodiment of the spout 3 is shown in Figures 3 and 4, named
spout 3'
there. It has two parts. The two-part spout 3' is of tube-like design made
from a high
molecular thermoplastic material. The radial outer part of the spout is
furnished with a
thread 3.1' and a 360° sliding bed 3.2' at its inside. It also has
between 4 and 3,
preferably six window-like openings 3.3', preferably equally spaced around its
circumference, next to two radial flange portions 3.4' used for mounting the
outer part 3c
of the spout to the can base 1.1. The slide bed 3.2' is located at the axial
end portion of
the spout part 3c opposite to the mounting flanges 3.4'. A 2 to 3 revolution
thread is
located at the flange end of the spout. The thread has several, preferably a
minimum of
3 and a maximum of 4 or 5 longitudinal interruptions 3.5' with axial
orientation parallel to
the centre axis 100 of the spout.
The base of each thread interruption holds an additional grove projecting over
the entire
length of the thread interruption and is exceeding the same by a minor length
at either
end.
The end opposite of the threaded side of the spout 3' contains two flanges
3.4' with
outward radial orientation. The flange at the outer position of the spout
extends into an
annular protrusion 3.6' of substantially circular cross section at its outer
surface, facing
axially. Both flanges are separated by a distance equivalent to the material
thickness of
the can base, as previously explained. After assembling the alternative spout
3' inside
the opening 1e of the can base 1.1 the flanges are thermo-sealed to either
side of a
heat-sealably coated material surface surrounding the aperture 1 a of the can
base. By
this attaching an opening edge of the opening 1 c will be covered corrosion
free.

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8
The spout's flange located at the outer side of the can base connects via a
number of
between 5 and 15, preferably 12 thin straps 3.7' to a tamper evidence ring
3.8' with a
substantially u-shaped cross section. An actuator mechanism 4.9" for detaching
the
tamper evidence ring is part of the closure cap design and is shown in the
description
later.
The radially inner part 3b of the spout 3' is furnished with further threads
3.9' each at its
inner and at its outer radial face. Both threads are located at the same end
portion of
the inner spout part. The outer thread 3.9' at the outer side matches the
inner
thread 3.1' at the inner side of the outer spout part. The inner thread 3.9'
at the inner
side matches a thread at the outer radial face of the closing cap 4 and its
socket 4a,
which are shown in the description later.
The inner spout 3b terminates in a tapered portion 3.10' at its threaded end.
It matches
a slightly narrower tapered receiving portion in a panel of the closure cap
for achieving a
tight fit to keep both parts locked to each other during a part of the opening
of the
closure system. The tapers only disengage at the end of axial travel of the
inner spout
part 3b relative to the outer spout part 3c. This is when the inner spout part
has fully
telescoped (extended) outwardly during the first phase of the closure opening
process.
The tapers only lock again at the end of travel during the reclosing process.
The end of the inner spout part located at the far side from the threads
contains an
outwardly pointing radial flange 3.11' which travels in the sliding bed of the
outer spout
part during opening and closing of the reclosable closure. The flange
terminates axial
travel of the inner spout at both of the slide bed's extreme positions.
The flanged end of the inner spout part is designed to have between 4 and 8,
preferably
six gaps 3.12' to allow mechanical assembly of the inner spout part inside the
outer
spout part, and engagement of the radial flange 3.11' in said bed 3.2'.
The reclosing screw cap 4 of Figures 1a to 1c is of cylindrical design made
from a
high molecular thermoplast. Its outside diameter substantially corresponds to
an
outside diameter of the can wall 1 b, when round. The cap has a centred inner
tubular
portion 4a at a panel 4.4 with a thread 4.1 at an inner side of the tube
(female
design). Both, thread and diameter of the inner "reclosability portion" match
their
corresponding counter part of the spout 3 (male design). This is called a
socket 4a, 4.1.

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9
The centred inner tubular portion also holds a u-shaped counter piece 4.2 of
the
tamper evidence feature of the reclosable closure system. u-shaped part at the
cap 4
is segmented into between 4 and 15, preferably 12 circumferential sections
4.3. This
allows "spring driven" engagement with the u-shaped tamper evidence ring 3.5
attached by straps 3.4 to the outer part of flanges 3.3 of the spout 3 only
during first
assembly of the cap 4, twisting it onto the thread 3.1 and by turning an axial
displacement exerting a radial elastic deflection of the segments 4.3, prior
to latching
their hook portions over the counterhook of u-shaped ring 3.5. Figure 1 b
displays the
locked position.
The "in principle u-shaped" tamper evidence ring 3.5 will be torn off by
breaking the
thin straps 3.4 during initial twisting opening of the reclosable closure
system, and
will remain captured in the u-shaped portions 4.3 inside the screw cap 4.
Tamper
evidence is recognisable by abrupt change in torque resistance and by
pronounced
acoustic means only during first time opening of the closure.
The lateral panel 4.4 in an inner portion of the screw cap 4 is furnished with
a gasket
type seal plate 4.5 to achieve gas and liquid tightness of the closed cap.
The panel 4.4 of the entire screw cap is substantially flat having a rim
portion 4.6
near its outer circumference and an outer chime portion 4.7 as transition from
the flat
panel through the rim into a cylindrical wall 4.8.
The diameter of the rim portion and an inclination of the chime portion are
chosen
such that the closing cap 4 is nestable (for can stackability) with the can
lid geometry,
preferably radially outside the seam 2.4. Therewith, it is possible to safely
stack filled
cans on top of each other. The bottom rim of the cap 4 is nestable, chosen
according
to the seamed opposite end (lid). This is referred to as "nestable with the
lid
geometry". .
An outer side of the cylindrical wall 4.8 of the cap is furnished with grip
flutes 4.9 to
ease the opening and closing operation for the consumer. A ribbed surface 4c
faces
radially outward, as one embodiment of a "gripping surface" for the cap 4.
The reclosable screw cap 4' of a further embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2c
is
identical with the reclosable cap 4 above described, with the following
exceptions.
The outer circumferential wall 4.1' of the screw cap 4' is of stepped design,
having a
diameter change along its axial extension. The stepped design has a diameter

CA 02542528 2006-04-12
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identical to the can diameter at one end and a smaller diameter at the other
end,
prior to the chime portion 4.7. The outer sidewall is furnished with a minimum
of 3
and a maximum of 7, preferably five latchkeys 4.2' located near a portion of
transition 4.3' from the small diameter to the larger diameter. These
latchkeys are to
mechanically lock and secure an optional containment-vessel 5, which is shown
later,
having at least parts of threads Y.
The chime portion 4.7 in this embodiment also nests with a seam 2.4 of another
can.
A further reclosing screw cap 4" is of circular design made from a high
molecular
thermoplast, as shown in Figures 3a to 3c. An outer circumferential wall 4.1"
of the
third screw cap 4" is of tubular design in its axial direction 100 and has the
same
diameter as the drinks can. It is connected via a chime portion 4.2" to a rim
portion
4.3" of the screw cap. This rim portion 4.3" is also adapted to cooperate in a
nestinglstacking manner with a seam corresponding to the seam 2.4 of the other
end.
The chime portion 4.3" is furnished with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7,
preferably five latchkeys 4.4". These latchkeys are to mechanically lock and
secure
an optional cylindrical vessel 5, which is explained later. The screw cap 4"
also has a
centred inner tubular socket portion with a thread 4.5" at its outer side.
Both, thread
and diameter of the inner "reclosability portion" match their corresponding
counter
part of the telescopic spout 3'. The axially facing inner surface of the panel
of the
screw cap 4" is furnished with an annular groove 4.6" of preferably tapered
cross
section, geometrically matching a preferably tapered end portion 3.10" of the
telescopic part 3b of the spout 3'. Male and female taper interlock the
telescopic
spout part 3b with the screw cap 4" when the screw cap-is in its clockwise
extreme
position closed. This friction lock enables to move the telescopic part of the
spout 3'
outside the container when the same is opened by counter clockwise rotation of
the
screw cap 4".
An inner surface of the panel of the screw cap 4" also has a groove 4.7",
which is
furnished with an inlet seal 4.8" geometrically matching an outward protrusion
3.6' at
the outer flange of flanges 3.4' of the spout 3'. Seal and protrusion achieve
gas and
liquid tightness of the container when the reclosable closure is in closed
position.
The panel of the reclosable screw cap 4" also holds an in principle u-shaped
counter
piece 4.9" of the tamper evidence feature 4.9", 3.8' of the reclosable
closure,
operating as shown before.

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11
The u-shaped part 4.9" at the screw cap 4" is axially segmented into several,
preferably between 4 and 15, or around twelve sections. This allows spring
driven
(elastic) engagement with the in principle u-shaped tamper evidence ring 3.8'
attached by straps 3.7' to the outer flange of the fixed part 3c of the spout
3' only
during first assembly of the screw cap. The tamper evidence ring will be torn
off by
breaking the straps during initial opening of the reclosable closure and will
remain
captured in the u-shaped portion inside the screw cap. Tamper evidence is
recognisable by abrupt change in torque resistance andlor by pronounced
acoustic
means only during first time opening of the closure.
The reclosable cap 4"' of Figures 4a to 4c as further embodiment is
substantially
identical with the reclosable screw cap described under Embodiment 4" with the
following exceptions.
Screw cap 4"' does have a diameter reduced panel 4.1 "'. Whereas the reduced
panel 4.1 "' bears the same features like screw cap 4", bridging parts 4.4"'
to the can
body diameter provide a material reduced partly open construction. If
comprises
between three and seven, preferably five legs 4.2"', at least some of them
with a
container stacking feature and latchkeys 4.3"' to mechanically lock and secure
an
optional vessel 5, which is explained below, by corresponding counterlatches
Y.
The legs 4.2"', operatively corresponding to the rim 4.6 of the first
embodiment, is by
geometry adapted to the seam 2.4, to enable the "stacking feature" by nesting
readially inside or outside the seamed other end of a closed container
positioned
below. This also refers to the other end of the same container, as all of them
are
identically assumed. -
The add-on containment vessel 5 of Figure sets 3 and 4 is made from a high
molecular thermoplastic material. It is preferably of cup-like design with an
open top
and a closed bottom 5b. The top geometry substantially fits the outside
diameter of
the container body in the bottom part of the wall 1 b. The bottom 5b of the
vessel is of
a geometry 5b' similar to the contour of the screw caps 4; 4'; 4" and 4"' to
allow
stacking of the cup supplied containers.
The-upper inside of the vessel holds a three to seven, preferably 5-gear
thread parts
5.2 with interruptions 5.1 providing latch zones Y in a distance from the
upper edge
of the vessel 5. The distance substantially corresponds to the axial extension
of the
outer skirt 4.1 ", 4.2" or 4.1' including the respective chime or the axial
length of the
legs 4.2"'.

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12
The interruptions 5.2 are matching the latchkeys 4.4"' or 4.2' or 4.3"' at the
circumference of the different screw caps. Interlocking of the vessel and the
container is done by clockwise rotation of the vessel around its centre axis
100 and
relative to the container. Disengagement of the vessel is achieved by counter
clockwise rotation of the vessel around its centre axis and relative to the
container.
The caps 4", 4"' are of flatter design in axial direction. They are preferred
to have said
detachable vessel 5 associated, reducing the overall axial length of the
assembled
package, and still allowing stacking with or without the vessel 5 in
cooperation with
the seam geometry 2.4 of the other end.
Assembly facilities of the component.
Can 1 and lid 2 will fit with all spout and screw cap
designs, as well as vessel designs.
The one part spout 3 will fit with caps 4 and 4', with
or without the vessel 5.
Two part spout 3' will fit with caps 4" and 4"'.
Vessel 5 will fit with caps 4', 4" and 4"'.
***

Representative Drawing