Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BEVERAGE CAN ENDS SUITABLE FOR SMALL DIAMETERS
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly to
structures
for forming an opening for beverage containers.
[0002] The most popular opening mechanism for beverage cans is a stay-on-tab
that
opens a hinged tear panel. The tab is affixed to the can end by a rivet that
is in the center of
the end on all commercially produced, stay-on-tab beverage cans. Full aperture
food can
ends are also known.
[0003] Some beverage cans have been produced having a removable panel.
Removable panels for beverage cans are, for example, described in United
States 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 prior art full
aperture
beverage can 110 includes a 211 size beverage can body 112 that is necked to
accommodate a
206 size end 114. End 114 includes an inclined wall 122, a reinforcing bead
124, a
removable panel 126, and a score 130. Pull tab 140 is attached to panel 126 at
a rivet 136.
Pull tab 140 includes an aperture into which an adult finger can fit.
[0004] The industry convention of can sizes employs three digits to represent
inches
and the quantity of 16th inches. Thus, a 211 can body has a nominal 2 and
11/16 inch
diameter. As is understood in the art, and as employed throughout this
disclosure, nominal
beverage can end sizes do not refer to exact measurements to the outside of
the seam. Rather,
the nominal size is an industry standard that no longer corresponds to exact
diameter because
the beverage industry switched to the seaming technology generally referred to
as a "mini-
seam." In this regard, the nominal size refers generally to the diameter of
the outside of the
seam plus reduction in the diameter corresponding with the change from an old
double seam
to a modern, mini-seam.
[0005] Removable panels for food cans ends are more commercially popular
than
removable panels for beverage can ends. Removable panels for opening food
containers
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typically have an end seamed onto a tin plate body. The removable panel is
formed by a
continuous score that is opened by a tab having an opening through which an
average adult
user can insert an index finger up to the first knuckle. The user initiates
the opening process
by lifting a heel of the tab to pivot the tab about a rivet formed in the
removable panel such
that a nose of the tab ruptures a short portion of the score. A user then
inserts his finger into
the opening in the tab to enable pulling with a force sufficient to propagate
the score rupture
around the removable panel and to detach the removable panel from the
remainder of the end.
The opening process for prior art, full aperture beverage cans is the same as
described above
for food cans.
[0006] The diameter of a conventional, commercial, tinplate, full
aperture score
commonly used on a food can end is typically at least 2.345 inches. The
conventional full
aperture ring pull tab is typically 1.3 inch long with a finger hole diameter
of 0.6 inches, or
0.283 square inches. The dimension from the rivet center to the tip of the
heel of a
conventional commercial tinplate full aperture end is 1.00 inches. The
smallest
commercially-popular, tinplate, removable panel or full aperture end is a 201.
[0007] United States Patent Number 8,109,406 discloses an end on a
tapered can
neck. In a first embodiment, a tab includes an elongate body to which a rivet
is attached, a
heel at one end of the body, and a nose at an opposing end of the body. The
rivet is offset
from the centerline of the end opposite the tear panel that forms the opening.
In other words,
in the prior art end, the center of the end is between the rivet and the tear
panel. To open it, a
user pivots the end over the seam of the can such that the heel is
cantilevered in space. In
other embodiments in the 8,109,406 patent, a user grips an end of an
unconventional pull tab
to bend the tab at a hinge until a portion of the tab is upright. The score is
opened upon the
second step of pulling the tab straight up to apply a downward force through a
puncturing
nose.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention encompasses beverage can ends having a stay on
tab or
having a removable panel, such as a full aperture end. For full aperture ends,
the pull force
required for propagating the score after initial rupture for smaller ends is
less than the
corresponding pull force required for conventional opening sizes. For example,
can ends of
size 200 or smaller, such as 114, 112, and 108 sizes, require significantly
lower pulling force
than that for larger can end diameters, which is a clear benefit for opening
full aperture ends.
One of the reasons for the diminished pull force required for smaller ends is
that smaller ends
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tend to be made of thinner material (compared with larger ends) to take
advantage of the
inherent advantage in buckle performance for smaller ends.
[0009] The inventors surmise another, esoteric reason for the diminished pull
force:
increased doming under pressure. Before pressure is applied, the score of a
full aperture end
is formed when the plate is flat. All commercial ends dome to some extent upon
pressurization of the end after filing with a carbonated beverage. But
smaller, thinner ends
deform plastically to a greater extent (that is, the radius of curvature is
smaller) compared
with larger ends. The inventors surmise that the magnitude of the deformation
upon
pressurization of the smaller ends, which creates greater curvature in the
region of the score,
encourages peeling such that the when peeling is actuated by a consumer, a
lower pull force
is required. This phenomenon should exist in tinplate (that is, ends
comprising steel) and in
aluminum ends, and it is understood that the pull force would be lower in
aluminum because
it is less malleable and has a lower yield point than that of tinplate.
[0010] The diminished pull force required for smaller ends and/or for ends
made from
aluminum alloys can be generated without the conventional ring pull, which has
an opening
large enough for an adult finger to insert his index finger to the first
knuckle. The diminished
pull force further enables pull tabs having new configurations, such as a
length that is shorter
than conventional pull tabs. Aspects of the present invention apply the
inventors' insights
into the opening process to enable the use of tabs that are unconventional and
offset from the
center of the end.
[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a beverage can end for a
small
diameter having a stay-on-tab includes: a peripheral curl, a wall structure
extending from the
curl, and a center panel extending inwardly relative to the wall structure.
The peripheral curl
is capable of being seamed together with a beverage can flange to produce a
seam that
defines an end size of no more than 200. The end has a discontinuous score
formed in the
center panel that defines a tear panel, the tear panel being openable to form
an opening of at
least 0.35 square inches. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel.
A pull tab is
coupled to the center panel by the rivet. The pull tab has a nose configured
to rupture the
score upon actuation of the pull tab and a heel opposite the nose. The pull
tab heel is spaced
apart from the seam by at least 0.3 inches to enhance finger access. The term
wall structure is
used in this specification and claims to refer to a wall of a shell and
optionally encompasses
an annular reinforcing bead.
[0012] The opening of the beverage can end preferably has an aspect ratio that
is at
least 1.75 and no more than 3.5, more preferably at least 2.0 and no more than
3.0, and most
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preferably at least 2.5 and no more than 2.75. The end may be formed of a 3000
series
aluminum alloy. As advantages of the end may occur at smaller end sizes,
preferably the end
size is no more than 114, no more than 112, or no more than 110.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a full aperture beverage
can end
comprises a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a
center panel
extending inwardly relative to the wall structure. A score, which is formed in
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 the rivet, the pull tab having a nose
located
proximate the rivet and configured to rupture the score. The pull tab includes
a finger
opening having a length of less than 0.5 inches and configured to restrict
complete insertion
of an average adult finger and permit insertion of an average adult fingertip.
[0014] Preferably the finger opening has a height (measured in line with the
elongate
tab) of at least 0.2 inches and a width of between 0.4 and 1.0 inches, more
preferably a height
of between 0.2 and 0.4 inches and a width of between 0.4 and 0.8 inches. The
tab length
from a distal end of the nose to a distal end of the heel is no more than 1.15
inches, more
preferably no more than 1.05 inches, and more preferably no more than 1.00
inches.
[0015] The area of the finger opening preferably is no more than 0.25 square
inches,
preferably no more than 0.20 square inches, and more preferably no more than
0.15 square
inches. The center panel preferably has an end size of no more than a 200
size, no more than
a 114 size, more preferably no more than a 110 size, and more preferably no
more than a 108
size. Similarly, preferably the center panel has a diameter of no more than
1.7 inches,
preferably no more than 1.6 inches, more preferably no more than 1.5 inches,
and more
preferably no more than 1.25 inches, and even more preferably no more than 1.0
inches.
[0016] Another way of measuring the size of the structure is by 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 no more than approximately 1.65 inches, preferably no more
than
approximately 1.55 inches, more preferably no more than approximately 1.45
inches, more
preferably no more than approximately 1.20 inches, more preferably no more
than
approximately 1.00 inches. And preferably an area defined by the removable
panel is greater
than 60 percent of an area defined by the center 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 score is continuous.
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[0017] Any of the ends described herein may be formed of aluminum, such as a
3000
series aluminum alloy or a 5000 series aluminum alloy.
[0018] The end may also employ lift features. A full aperture beverage can end
comprises a peripheral curl, a wall structure extending from the curl, and a
center panel
extending inwardly relative to the wall. A score, which is formed in 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 the rivet. The pull tab has a nose that is located
proximate the rivet
and configured to rupture the score, a heel that is opposite the nose, an
aperture formed by a
body located between the heel and the nose, and a lift surface that is spaced
apart from the
heel. The lift surface is adapted for contact by a user to lift the tab from
its rest position to a
position in which the tab aperture is accessible for further lifting. The lift
surface may be
formed by a rearward projection from the body proximate the rivet or may be
formed by at
least one outwardly lateral projection from the tab body. In this regard, the
projection
interrupts the curvature of the aperture.
[0019] A clearance distance between the tab heel and the end wall is less than
0.5
inches, preferably less than 0.4 inches, more preferably less than 0.3 inches.
[0020] The present invention also encompasses a solid tab. A full aperture
beverage
can end comprises a peripheral curl, wall extending from the curl, and a
center panel
extending inwardly relative to the wall. A score, which is formed in the
center panel, defines
a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel and
formed on the
removable panel. A pull tab is coupled to the removable panel by the rivet.
The pull tab has
a nose that is located proximate the rivet and configured to rupture the
score, a heel that is
opposite the nose, and a body between the heel and the nose that is solid
without a finger
aperture. The heel of the tab is configured to be spaced apart from the center
panel when the
can end is seamed to a pressurized can to enable actuation of the tab. Also,
the center panel
may include a recess beneath or near the heel to enhance finger access
thereto.
[0021] The present invention encompasses ends of a 200 size or smaller having
a stay-
on-tab or having a removable panel, such as a full aperture end. The ends
described herein
preferably encompasses ends having a size no more than 114 size, nor more than
112 size,
and no more than a 110 size, and no more than a 108 size. The present
invention also
encompasses ends larger than 200 size for certain configurations, and also
encompasses ends
having an asymmetrical opening. Accordingly, the inventors intend for the
invention to be
given the full scope of the original and future wording of the claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] Figure lA is an illustration of a prior art full aperture can for a
beverage can;
[0023] Figure 1B is an illustration of a 200 size can end;
[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a full aperture beverage end having
its tab in its
at rest position, the end is affixed to a beverage can that is highly necked;
[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the full aperture end and beverage
can of
Figure 1 having its tab in a partially actuated state such that the can is
"popped";
[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the full aperture end and beverage
can of
Figure 1 having had its removable panel removed;
[0027] Figure 5A is a top view of a full aperture beverage can end in a 112
size;
[0028] Figure 5B is a cross sectional view of a full aperture beverage can end
of Figure
5A;
[0029] Figure 6A is a top view of a full aperture beverage can end in a 108
size;
[0030] Figure 6B is a cross sectional view of a full aperture beverage can end
of Figure
6A;
[0031] Figure 7 is a top view of a full aperture beverage can end of a 108
size showing
a grip feature internal to the tab aperture;
[0032] Figure 8 is a top view of a full aperture beverage can end of a 108
size showing
a filled in tab that has no aperture;
[0033] Figure 9 is a side view of a full aperture beverage can end of Figure
8;
[0034] Figure 10 is a top view a stay-on-tab type beverage can end having a
112 size
and an offset rivet with the tab removed for illustration purposes;
[0035] Figure 11 is a top view of the end shown in Figure 10 including the
tab;
[0036] Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of an end showing its size relative
to end
bottom of a corresponding can body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The present invention encompasses ends, and can assemblies employing
the
ends, having a removable aperture panel, such as ends known as "full aperture
ends," and
ends having a hinged panel that employ a stay-on-tab. Referring generally to
the figures,
beverage can assembly 10 of either end-type includes a can body 12 and a can
end 14 that are
joined at a seam 20, which preferably is a conventional double seam common to
beverage
cans. Reference numeral 14 refers generally to the inventive ends disclosed
herein, including
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both removable panel-type ends, such as full aperture ends, and stay-on-tab-
type ends.
Embodiments of the ends will have a letter appendage.
[0038] The present invention is not limited to a particular can size, can
materials, end
material, or end size except where expressly set out in the claims.
Accordingly, to illustrate
aspects of the present invention, a 211(66 mm) size can body shown in the
figures is highly
necked, which necking may be performed by conventional necking machinery and
techniques, as will be understood by persons familiar with can making
technology.
Preferably can body 12 is a one-piece, drawn and ironed beverage can body
formed of an
aluminum alloy, such as a 3000 series alloy.
[0039] Can body 12 preferably has a neck 16 such that seam 20 formed by the
combined can body and end preferably has a diameter that is smaller than a 211
size, and
therefore end 14 has a size smaller than 211. For example, a 211 can body (or
other can body
diameter, such as a 58 mm can body) can be necked to correspond to any end
size 200 or
smaller, such as the 112 (44 mm) or 108 (38 mm) end sizes illustrated in the
figures. Even
though the inventive ends disclosed herein are not limited to any material or
to any diameter
or material, they are especially advantageous for smaller end sizes and/or
cans having a
significant magnitude of necking such that a 200 diameter end or smaller is
preferred.
[0040] Can end 14 in its unseamed state (not shown in the Figures) includes a
peripheral curl that upon seaming forms seam 20 with a portion of can body 12.
End 14
includes a wall 22 extending inwardly from seam 20. End 14 may also include an
annular
reinforcing bead 24 extending inwardly from wall 22. A center panel 26 may
extend inwardly
from bead 24. Alternatively, the center panel 26 may extend inwardly from wall
22. The
ends to which the invention is directed may also have a panel wall between the
reinforcing
bead and center panel, such as panel walls that form a curve or a chamfer.
Reference
numeral 26 is used to refer to embodiments of the center panels of the ends,
regardless of
size, configuration, and type (that is, removable panel or stay-on-tab).
Modern lightweight
end shells, such as for example shown in United States Patent Numbers
6,877,941 (Brifcani),
8,157,119 (Lockley), 7,819,275 (Stodd), and 6,499,622 (Neiner) and their
commercial
equivalents and variations, have a reinforcing bead diameter and a panel
diameter that are
small relative to the seam diameter compared to older or non-lightweight ends,
such as an end
known as a B64 end. Ends disclosed herein may be used with modern, lightweight
end shells
(including other modern lightweight ends not referred to above) or the older
end shells, such
as a b64 end.
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[0041] Figure 2 illustrates a full aperture type end 14 shown in its at-rest
state in which
a tab 40 is approximately horizontal. According to a first embodiment full
aperture end 14a,
as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, tab 40a includes a nose 42a, a body 44a, a heel
46a, and a
rim 48a. Nose 42a is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained more
fully below.
Heel 46a is located opposite nose 42a. Body 44a extends between nose 42a and
heel 46a and
is elongate. A rim 48a is formed by a portion of body 44a and heel 46a such
that rim 48a
defines a finger aperture 50a. Rivet 36a is attached to body 44, preferably by
conventional
means. A moustache score 52a or other vent (not shown in the figures) may be
employed.
The oval imposed over the end reflects a clearance of 8mm.
[0042] Center panel 26a includes a score 30a, which preferably is continuous
such that
score 30 defines the boundary of a removable panel 32a. Rivet 36a, which
preferably is
conventional, is formed on removable panel 32a. Rivet 36a is offset (that is,
spaced apart)
from the center of center panel 26a such that the tip of nose 42a is located
near a contact
portion 34a of center panel 26a. Contact portion 34a is the portion of the
removable panel
32a that tab nose 42a contacts during the opening process. Contact portion 34a
preferably is
chosen to be close to a predetermined portion of score 30a.
[0043] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment full aperture end 14b,
in which
a tab 40b includes a nose 42b, a body 44b, a heel 46b, and a rim 48b. Nose 42b
is pointed to
enable it to impart a force, as explained more fully below. Heel 46b is
located opposite nose
42b. Body 44b extends between nose 42b and heel 46b. A rim 48b is formed by a
portion of
body 44b and heel 46b such that rim 48b defines a finger aperture 50b. Rivet
36b, moustache
score 52b, score 30b, and contact portion 34b are as described above for first
embodiment
end 14a.
[0044] The lengths of tabs 40a and 40b are chosen to provide a 0.32 inch (8mm)
clearance between the wall 22 of the seam and the heel 46a and 46b.
Accordingly, a length
from a distal end of nose 42 to a distal end of the heel 46 is no more than
approximately
1.15 inches, more preferably no more than approximately 1.05 inches, and even
more
preferably no more than approximately 1.00 inches. Other preferred clearance
distances (that
is, the horizontal distance between the tab heel and the seam 20 or wall 22
are contemplated.
Preferably, the clearance distance is greater than 6mm for embodiments relying
on a finger
access space behind the tab heel.
[0045] Finger aperture 50a, 50b is defined by tab 40a, 40b (respectively) and
preferably
is configured to restrict complete insertion of an average adult finger up to
the knuckle.
Rather, finger aperture 50a, 50b preferably is configured to permit insertion
only of an
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average adult finger tip. Preferably, aperture 50a, 50b is sized to permit an
adult finger to be
inserted over a portion of the finger nail (that is, the distal phalange of
the index finger is
insertable into the aperture, but not fully to the joint between the distal
phalange and the
intermediate phalange). As finger apertures 50a and 50b are sized only to
accept the distal
most portion of the fingertip, the consumer engages the tab by pinching the
tab or the
aperture between the tip of the index finger and the tip of the thumb.
[0046] In this regard, area of the finger opening 50a, 50b preferably is no
more than
approximately 0.25 square inches, more preferably no more than approximately
0.20 square
inches, and more preferably no more than approximately 0.15 square inches.
Also, finger
opening 50a, 50b preferably has a length of between of between approximately
0.2 inches
and approximately 0.5 inches and a width of between approximately 0.4 inches
and
approximately 1.0 inches, and more preferably, a length between approximately
0.2 inches
and approximately 0.4 inches and a width of between approximately 0.4 inches
and
approximately 0.8 inches. The length dimension is defined on the centerline of
the tab from
nose 42a, 42b to heel 46a, 46b along the tab centerline, and the width
dimension is defined as
perpendicular to the tab centerline and the length dimension. When the
direction
perpendicular to the tab centerline is not the largest dimension, the
dimensions provided for
the width can be measured at the largest dimension that is oblique to the
length.
[0047] The dimensions of aperture 50a, 50b enable a force to be applied to
pull tab
40a, 40b that corresponds to the opening force required for smaller ends
and/or for ends
formed of an aluminum alloy. Accordingly, end 14 preferably is a 200 size or
smaller,
preferably, a 180 size or smaller, more preferably a 140 size or smaller, and
most preferably a
108 size or smaller. Preferably the end is at least a 100 size.
[0048] The disclosure herein emphasizes ends smaller than or equal to 200 for
most
embodiments. Another way to define this parameter is by center panel diameter.
Accordingly, center panel 26a, 26b preferably has a diameter of no more than
approximately
1.7 inches, more preferably no more than approximately 1.6 inches, more
preferably no more
than approximately 1.5 inches, more preferably no more than approximately 1.25
inches, and
preferably no less than approximately 1.0 inches. Removable panel 32a, 32b
preferably has a
diameter of no more than approximately 1.65 inches, more preferably no more
than
approximately 1.55 inches, more preferably more than approximately 1.45
inches, more
preferably no more than approximately 1.20 inches, and more preferably no more
than
approximately 1.0 inches. Preferably, the largest diametric or length
dimension is greater
than that of the pour opening of conventional, easy open, stay-on-tab ends.
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[0049] The removable panel preferably is defined by an area that is greater
than
approximately 60 percent of an area defined by the center panel, more
preferably greater than
approximately 75 percent of an area defined by the center panel, and more
preferably greater
than approximately 85 percent of an area defined by the center panel.
[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the at-rest state of can 10 is the condition of
the can after
filling and as the consumer encounters it. Upon encountering can 10 having tab
40
(employing reference numerals without an appended letter to refer to generally
to the
inventive removable panels ends described herein) in its at-rest position, a
consumer opens
can 10 by lifting tab heel 46 to pivot tab 40 about rivet 36 to impart a force
from nose 42 onto
contact portion 34 of center panel 26 until the score in the region of contact
portion 34 is
ruptured.
[0051] The present invention encompasses ends that have an annular countersink
bead
around the center panel, and also encompasses ends that omit or lack the
countersink bead, as
for example shown in embodiment shown in Figure 4. In embodiments having an
annular
bead, the center panel is defined as the flat portion that is inside the inner
wall of the
countersink bead. The transition between the countersink inner wall and flat
center panel is
typically formed by a small radius, a curved panel wall, or a chamfer. In each
case, the outer
boundary of the panel is defined where the flat panel meets the transition.
The inventors use
the term "flat" not to refer to theoretical perfection, but to mean the state
in which the end
exists as it leaves the shell press or conversion press, including deviations
from a perfect
plane because of being unwound from a coil, embosses and debosses on the panel
for
functional reasons, and the like.
[0052] In embodiments that have no countersink bead, the boundary of the
center panel
may be defined by the transition between the flat portion and the curve or
bend that joins the
center panel to the wall. Referring to Figure 2, the at-rest state of can 10
is the condition of
the can after filling and as the consumer encounters it. Upon encountering can
10 having tab
40 (employing reference numerals without an appended letter to refer to
generally to the
inventive removable panels ends described herein) in its at-rest position, a
consumer opens
can 10 by lifting tab heel 46 to pivot tab 40 about rivet 36 to impart a force
from nose 42 onto
contact portion 34 of center panel 26 until the score in the region of contact
portion 34 is
ruptured.
[0053] Figure 3 illustrates can 10 upon completion of the first opening
operation in
which score 30 has been ruptured and thus vented (that is, the can has been
"popped"). After
initial score rupture, a consumer grasps tab 40 either by partially inserting
an index finger tip
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into aperture 50, pressing an index finger tip and thumb together roughly in
the plane of
opening 50 (that is, the contact between the consumer's index finger and thumb
is roughly in
line with the surfaces of rim 48). Alternatively, a user may grasp tab body 44
or heel 46 by
pressing between his thumb and a side of an index finger. Upon grasping, the
consumer pulls
tab 40 either normal to center panel 26 or with a rearward, peeling action to
propagate the
rupture of score 30 about removable panel 32 until removable panel 32 is fully
detached, as
shown in the ready state of can 10 of Figure 4.
[0054] Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment can end 14c that includes a
center panel
26c, a score 30c, a removable panel 32c, a contact portion 34c, and a rivet
36c that are as
described for first and second embodiment can ends 14a and 14b. A tab 40c of
end 14c
includes a nose 42c, a body 44c, a heel 46c, and a rim 48c. Nose 42c is
pointed to enable it to
impart a force, as explained more fully below. Heel 46c is located opposite
nose 42c. Body
44c extends between nose 42c and heel 46c. Rim 48c is formed by a portion of
body 44c and
heel 46c such that rim 48c defines a finger aperture 50c. Rivet 36c, moustache
score 52c,
score 30c, and contact portion 34c are as described above for first embodiment
end 14a.
[0055] Tab 40c need not provide a clearance between heel 46c and the seam for
figure
access, as tab 40c includes a lift feature, such as projection 60c, that
provides a lift surface.
Projection 60c is a tab that extends from body 44c near rivet 36c rearwardly
(that is, in the
direction toward heel 46c) to project into or stick into aperture 50c or, in
other words,
interrupt the smooth curvature of the aperture 50c. In this regard the
clearance distance
between heel 46c and the seam 20 inner wall preferably is less than 0.5
inches, more
preferably less than 0.4 inches, and more preferably less than 0.3 inches.
Alternatively, the
lift feature may be one or more lateral projections 66c (shown in dashed lines
in Figure 7)
that extend from body 44. Projection 60c and projections 66c each provide one
or more lift
surfaces for contact by the consumer's finger.
[0056] To actuate tab 40c, a user first contacts a lift surface 62c of
projection 60c or a lift
surface 68c of projection 66c to lift tab 40c to the extent that the
consumer's finger can be
place under heel 46c to complete the first phase of the opening process
described above (that
is, the reach the "popped" state). The removal of removable panel is completed
by the
consumer upon insertion of the user's finger into aperture 50c and pulling to
fully propagate
the rupture of score 30c.
[0057] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment end 14d that lacks a
finger
aperture for pulling. End 14d includes a score 30d, a contact portion 34d, and
a rivet 36d that
are as described for first and second embodiment can ends 14a and 14b.
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[0058] A tab 40d of end 14d includes a nose 42d, a body 44d, and a heel 46d.
Nose 42d
is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained more fully below. Heel
46d is located
opposite nose 42d. Body 44d extends between nose 42d and heel 46d and
preferably is
continuous without any apertures or without an aperture in which even a tip of
an adult finger
can be inserted. A tab according to the present embodiment encompasses through
holes,
which may be made for aesthetic reasons, providing visual access to the center
panel,
strengthening reasons, light-weighting reasons, and the like. Any opening in
this regard (not
shown in the figures) would preferably have its longest dimension less than
0.25 inches,
Body 44 may include raised structure, such as channel 70 and island 71, to
enhance gripping.
Rivet 36d, moustache score 52d, score 30d, and contact portion 34d are as
described above
for first embodiment end 14a.
[0059] Because tab 40d lacks a finger aperture, tab 40d may have a length
dimension
(that is, from heel to nose) that enables a sufficient finger access between
heel 46d and seam
20. Center panel 26d and removable panel 32d may have a recess 70d, shown in
relief in
Figure 9, underneath or near heel 46d to enhance finger access (that it, to
enable a tip of a
consumer's finger to access heel 46d or other portion of tab 40d). The offset
location of rivet
36d enhances finger access to heel 46d as the pressurized can tends to deform
end 14d into a
dome shape. Thus, heel 46d may be spaced apart from (that is, there is a
vertical cap) from
center panel 26d in a seamed-on end even without a recess in the center panel.
[0060] To actuate tab 40d, a consumer's finger first contacts the heel 46d to
lift it to
complete the first phase of the opening process described above (that is, the
reach the
"popped" state). Because of the dome shape of end 14d upon pressurization, and
because of
the location of tab 40d offset from the center of the end, a vertical space
(or an increase in the
vertical space) may be formed between heel 46d and center panel 26d to enhance
the
capability of a user's finger to engage heel 46d. In the embodiment having
recess 70d, the
recess 70d also provides space to enhance finger access.
[0061] The disclosure herein emphasizes ends smaller than 200 for the
embodiments
having removable panels. Another way to define this parameter is by center
panel diameter.
Accordingly, center panels 26 of ends 14a through 14d, preferably have a
diameter of no
more than approximately 1.7 inches, more preferably no more than approximately
1.6 inches,
more preferably more than approximately 1.5 inches, more preferably no more
than
approximately 1.25 inches, and preferably no less than approximately 1.0
inches. Removable
panels 32 preferably have a diameter of no more than approximately 1.65
inches, more
preferably no more than approximately 1.55 inches, more preferably more than
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approximately 1.45 inches, more preferably no more than approximately 1.20
inches, and
more preferably no more than approximately 1.0 inches. Preferably, the largest
diametric or
length dimension is greater than that of the pour opening of conventional,
easy open, stay-on-
tab ends. The tabs employed with ends having a removable panel preferably do
not have ha
hinge such that panel 32 deforms upon tab actuation.
[0062] According to another aspect of the present invention, a stay-on-tab end
14e shown
in Figures 10 and 11, having a size of 200 or smaller, includes a tab 40e that
has a nose 42e, a
body 44e, a heel 46e, a rim 48e, and an aperture 50e. Nose 42e is rounded and
has a contact
portion at its distal tip. Heel 46e is located opposite nose 42e. Body 44e
extends between
nose 42e and heel 46e. A rim 48e is formed by a portion of body 44e and heel
46e such that
rim 48e defines an aperture 50e. Rim 48e and aperture 50e are structural, as
in conventional
stay-on-tabs.
[0063] Tab 40e includes a rivet island 74e that contacts center panel 26e and
through
which rivet 36e is affixed. Rivet island 74e includes a hinge 76e that is
formed upon
actuation of tab 40e.
[0064] Rivet 36e is offset from the center of center panel 26e but otherwise
may be
conventional. The location of rivet 36e and length of tab 40e may be chosen
according the
distance available on end 14e to provide a clearance distance between the end
seam or wall
and heel 46e of at least 0.3 inches to enhance finger access.
[0065] Center panel 26e includes a score 30e, which preferably is
discontinuous such
that opposing ends of score 30e form a hinge 78e. Score 30e and hinge 78e
define a tear
panel 80e that is openable upon actuation of tab 40e. Score 30e preferably
includes a first
portion 82 that includes a portion intended to vent upon initial opening and a
check slot, a
rearwardly projecting bulge 83 that extends to the rearward side of the
centerline of rivet 36e,
a first side portion 84, a front portion 85, a second side portion 86, and a
second end portion
87 that may extend rearward of rivet 36e.
[0066] Preferably, the opening formed when tear panel 80e has been actuated is
at least
0.35 inches, more preferably at least 0.4 square inches. Score 30e defines an
aspect ratio of
panel 80e by dividing length L, which is mostly clearly identified as the
length along the
centerline of tab 40e, by width W, which is most 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 no more than 3.5, more preferably at least
2.0 and no more
than 3.0, and more preferably is at least 2.5 and no more than 2.75.
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[0067] As described herein, the diminished size of the ends of present
invention
compared with conventional beverage can end enables changes to the structure
of the end.
For example, the end 14e may be formed of a less expensive 5000 series alloy
or a 3000
series alloy similar to that of the can body, the end shell may be formed of a
thinner shell, or
a combination. Moreover, to further enhance openability, the score residual
(that is, the metal
thickness dimension of the end that remains at the bottom of the score after
formation of the
score) may be approximately 0.0025 inches.
[0068] To actuate tab 40e, a consumer grips heel 46e in a conventional way for
opening
ubiquitous stay-on-tab ends. The consumer lifts heel 46e to urge nose 42e
against contact
portion 34e to rupture score first portion 82. The force applied from nose 82
is applied
through initial venting and through the buildup of energy in the panel until
the check slot
rupture, after which the score may propagate quickly through bulge 83, first
side 84, front
portion 85, and second side 86 until ceasing at end portion 87.
[0069] Referring now to the inventive ends generally, end 14 is formed of 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
alloys, such as
a 3000 series alloy. In this regard, the present invention encompasses any
combination of
end materials, score configuration, removable panel size, and opening and/or
venting
technology that can be actuated with a pull force that is enabled by the pull
tab described
herein to be employed. For example, even though a 5000 series alloy is
preferred for a larger
end sizes, such as a 202 end size, the inventors surmise that a 3000 alloy
would provide
acceptable pressure performance for smaller ends.
[0070] Figure 12 shows a beverage can base 11 having an internal diameter that
is
greater than the outside diameter of seam 20 such that end 14 fits into the
opening at the
bottom of the can such that can assemblies 10 stack one on another.
[0071] Ends according to the present invention are described herein using
particular
sizes, configurations, and materials. The present invention is not limited
thereto, but rather
encompasses ends as defined in the claims.
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