CONTAINER END CLOSURE WITH OPTIONAL SECONDARY VENT OPENING

FERMETURE TERMINALE DE RECIPIENT AVEC OUVERTURE D'EVACUATION SECONDAIRE FACULTATIVE

English Abstract

The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area and the secondary vent opening area are defined by a score line which is interrupted by a check slot to inhibit propagation of a fracture along the score line.

French Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'ouverture de récipient de boisson. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement une fermeture d'extrémité métallique comportant une zone d'ouverture principale et au moins une ouverture d'évacuation secondaire facultative qui peuvent être ouvertes avec la même languette de préhension. La zone d'ouverture principale et la zone d'ouverture d'évacuation secondaire sont définies par une ligne de rupture interrompue par une fente de non-retour permettant d'inhiber la propagation d'une fracture le long de la ligne de rupture.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A container end closure with a peripheral curl adapted for
interconnection to a neck
of a container, comprising:
a central panel;
a pull tab comprising a nose and a tail, said pull tab adapted for applying a
downward force
on a predetermined portion of said central panel;
a rivet operatively interconnecting said pull tab to an upper surface of said
central panel and
allowing said pull tab to rotate;
a first opening portion at least partially defined by a first severable score
line;
a second vent opening portion at least partially defined by a second severable
score line,
wherein said second severable score line and said first severable score line
are substantially
oriented along a common line, and said common line has a radius of curvature;
and
a transition portion positioned between said first severable score line and
said second
severable score line which is adapted to inhibit propagation of a fracture
from said first severable
score line into said second severable score line, and wherein said nose of
said pull tab selectively
moves between a first position over said first opening portion and a second
position over said
second vent opening portion to facilitate opening of said first and second
portions as said nose
portion of said pull tab is pushed downward.
2. The container end closure of Claim 1, wherein said transition portion is
void of any
score line, and said transition portion is oriented along said common line.
3. The container end closure of Claim 1, wherein said transition portion is
a check slot
having a length between an end of said first severable score line and an end
of said second
severable score line with a predetermined score residual which is distinct
from a score residual of
the first severable score line, wherein said transition portion is oriented
along said common line.
4. The container end closure of Claim 3, wherein said score residual of said
check slot is
larger than said score residual of said first severable score line.
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5. The container end closure of Claim 3, wherein said length of said check
slot is
approximately 0.0140 inches.
6. The container end closure of Claim 3, wherein a width of said check slot
is between
approximately 0.010 inches and 0.025 inches.
7. The container end closure of Claim 1, further comprising:
an anti-fracture score positioned substantially parallel to said first
severable score line on
said first opening portion and positioned substantially parallel to said
second severable score line
on said second vent opening portion.
8. The container end closure of Claim 1, wherein said central panel
comprises a
rotation guide deboss area adapted for limiting a rotation of said pull tab in
a direction which is
substantially parallel to said central panel.
9. A method of opening an end closure of a container with a first opening
portion and a
second vent opening portion, comprising:
positioning a pull tab, which is interconnected to a central panel of said end
closure with a
rivet, to a first opening position;
lifting a tail end of said pull tab to apply a first downward force on said
first opening
portion of said central panel to shear a first score line up to a transition
portion 10 and create a first
opening in said central panel, wherein said first score line and said
transition portion have distinct
score residuals;
repositioning said pull tab to a second opening position; and
lifting said tail end of said pull tab to apply a second downward force on
said second vent
opening portion to shear said transition portion positioned between said first
score line and a
second score line and to shear said second score line to form a second vent
opening in said central
panel, wherein said second severable score line is oriented in the same line
as said first severable
score, wherein said transition portion and said second score line have
distinct score residuals, and
wherein said first opening portion and said second vent opening portion are
integrally
interconnected to form an opening larger than either said first opening or
said second vent opening.
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10. The method of Claim 9, wherein said transition portion is void of any
score line
wherein said transition portion is oriented in the same line as said first
severable score and said
second severable score.
11. The method of Claim 9, wherein said transition portion is a check slot
extending
between an end of said first score line and an end of said second score line.
12. The method of Claim 11, wherein a score residual of said check slot is
larger than a
score residual of said first severable score line.
13. The method of Claim 9, wherein said first severable score and said
second severable
score are oriented in the same line that has a radius of curvature.
14. The method of Claim 9, wherein said pull tab is repositioned by rotating
said pull tab in
a plane which is substantially parallel to said central panel.
15. The method of Claim 9, wherein said central panel comprises a rotation
guide
deboss area adapted for limiting a rotation of said pull tab in a direction
which is substantially
parallel to said central panel.
16. The method of Claim 9, further comprising:
repositioning said pull tab over an additional second vent opening portion by
at least
rotating or twisting said pull tab in a plane which is substantially parallel
to said central panel,
wherein a user applies a downward force on said additional second vent opening
to form an
additional second vent opening in said central panel.
17. A container end closure with a peripheral curl adapted for
interconnection to a neck
of a container, comprising:
a central panel;

a pull tab comprising a nose and a tail, said pull tab adapted for applying a
downward force
on said central panel;
a rivet operatively interconnecting said pull tab to an upper surface of said
central panel and
allowing said pull tab to be repositioned between a primary position to open a
primary opening
portion and a second position to open a second vent opening portion; said
primary opening portion
at least partially defined by a primary severable score line;
said second vent opening portion at least partially defined by a second
severable score line;
and
a check slot positioned between said primary severable score line and said
second severable
score line which is adapted to inhibit propagation of a fracture from said
primary severable score
line into said second severable score line, said check slot is a score line
having a score residual that
is distinct from a score residual of said primary severable score line and a
score residual of said
second severable score line, and said primary severable score line, said
second severable score line,
and said check slot are oriented along a common line.
18. The container end closure of Claim 17, wherein said second severable
score line is
an extension of said primary severable score.
19. The container end closure of Claim 17, wherein said common line has a
radius of
curvature.
20. The container end closure of Claim 17, wherein said score residual of
said check
slot is larger than said score residual of said primary severable score line.
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Description

85362-88
CONTAINER END CLOSURE WITH
OPTIONAL SECONDARY VENT OPENING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an end closure for a beverage container. More
specifically,
the present invention relates to an end closure for a container which
comprises a first opening
portion and at least one secondary opening portion to enhance venting and
improve outflow of the
product during pouring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Containers and more specifically metallic beverage containers are typically
manufactured
by interconnecting a beverage container end closure to the neck of a beverage
container body. In
some applications, an end closure may be interconnected on both a top side and
a bottom side of a
container body. More frequently, however, a beverage container end closure is
interconnected on a
top end of a beverage container body which has been drawn and ironed from a
flat sheet of blank
material such as aluminum. It is generally known to provide end closures for
beverage containers,
and which utilize an opening device for selectively opening a portion of the
end closure. For
example, pull tabs or stay on tabs ("SOT") generally include a nose and a tail
portion and a rivet
which interconnects the pull tab to the upper surface of the end closure. The
tail portion generally
has a loop or tail that may be pulled upwardly by a user which drives the nose
portion of the pull
tab downward to initiate the opening of the container by shearing a score line
which defines the
primary opening to the end closure.
Conventional beverage container end closures with SOT's generally suffer from
low,
inconsistent, and/or uneven flow rates as the contents in the container are
poured due to the fact
that these end closures provide a single opening area of predetermined size.
Conventional container
end closures are generally designed for pouring the container
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contents, with little or no consideration given to inward air flow needed for
the volume exchange
that facilitates smooth and consistent pouring.
Various patents have attempted to improve end closure pourability by creating
one or more
openings. These patents include U.S. Patent No. 7,513,383 to Hwang and U.S.
Patent No.
4,289,251 to Maliszewski. Hwang discloses an opening device for a can, with
distinct first and
second opening portions so that the fluid may flow more consistently from the
can. Hwang,
however, fails to teach various novel features of the present invention,
including a secondary
opening portion which may be selectively opened in order to complement or
facilitate flow rate
through a primary opening portion, and by rotating the pull tab to a preferred
orientation.
Maliszewski discloses a container end closure with a first score line defining
a first displaceable
panel portion and second score line defining a second displaceable panel
portion. Maliszewski,
however, fails to teach various novel features of the present invention,
including a secondary
opening portion which may be selectively opened in order to complement or
facilitate flow rates
through a primary opening portion.
The following disclosure describes an improved container end closure which is
adapted for
interconnection to a container body and which has a first opening portion, a
rotatable tab, and at
least one additional vent opening for selectively facilitating the flow rate
of contents from within
the container.
SUMMARY
Based on the limitations of end closures discussed above, there is an unmet
need for an end
closure with a pull tab, a primary opening area, and at least one optional
additional opening area to
facilitate the pouring of contents from a container. There has further been a
long-felt and unmet
need to provide such a device wherein an additional opening area is
selectively activated or opened
based on a user's preference, and utilizing the same mechanics of the existing
pull tab mounted on
the end closure. The following disclosure generally describes a metal end
closure with a pull tab
and a plurality of opening areas that employs a novel combination of features
that address these
long felt needs.
In one aspect of the present invention, a container end closure is provided
with a primary
opening portion and at least one additional opening portion which may be
selectively opened by a
user to create improved flow characteristics due to a larger opened area
and/or an area which
allows for air intake into a container body through one or more vent openings
while contents flow
out through another opening.
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In various embodiments, container end closures of the present invention are
adapted for
connection with a neck of a container body. More specifically, the end closure
generally comprises
a peripheral curl for double seaming to a neck of a container, a chuck wall
extending downwardly
from the peripheral curl, a countersink comprised of an outer panel wall and
an inner panel wall,
and a central panel extending inwardly from the inner panel wall of the
countersink. For the
purposes of further supporting and enabling the present disclosure, the reader
is invited to refer to
U.S. Patent Nos. 7,506,779 to Jentzsch et al. entitled "Method and Apparatus
for Forming a
Reinforcing Bead in a Container End Closure' and 7, 100,789 to Nguyen et al.
entitled "Metallic
Beverage Can End With Improved Chuck Wall and Countersink''.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an end closure with a
primary
opening where a tab is interconnected to a central panel unit, a rivet for
rotatably securing the tab
on the end closure, a secondary score line which defines a secondary opening
area, and a transition
zone between the primary and secondary openings. The transition zone can be a
scoreless portion
of the central panel or the transition zone can be a score, for example, a
check slot. In one
embodiment, first and second opening areas are positioned adjacent to one
another and the
transition zone prevents opening of a secondary opening area when the tab is
utilized to open the
first opening area. For example, in one embodiment, the transition zone
inhibits the propagation of
a primary score line into a secondary score line or opening area.
Alternatively, the first and second
opening areas are not positioned adjacent to each other, but rather are spaced
in distinct locations.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a rotatable tab which
is capable of
opening a gate defined within a first opening area through a first opening
movement or lifting of
the tab, and which is subsequently capable of being rotated and utilized to
open a secondary
opening area through a second opening movement. Thus, a user can selectively
determine whether
they want to utilize the secondary opening for venting, or drink from the
container in a
conventional manner from the primary opening without the increased flow
resulting from venting.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a tab with one or
more features
which limit or otherwise define the amount of desirable or necessary rotation
needed in order to
reposition the tab for opening one or more secondary opening areas of a
control panel. For
example, features of the present invention may include recessions or cut outs
within a tab and
corresponding protrusions or detents on the central panel which restrict the
tab from rotating about
a rivet beyond a predetermined orientation. In an
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alternative embodiment, a portion of a central panel of the present invention
is adapted to
receive a tab and thus limit the amount of rotation of a tab from an initial
position. In one
embodiment, a tab is rotatable on an end closure central panel between an
angle of zero
degrees (i.e. with respect to an initial position) and +/- 90 degrees. In an
alternative
embodiment, a tab is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to a
horizontal plane of a
central panel between an angle of zero degrees (i.e. with respect to an
initial position) and
+/- 45 degrees.
In another embodiment, an end closure is provided that has at least first and
secondary opening portions, wherein the first and secondary opening portions
may be
to opened
with very minimal rotation of the tab. Alternatively, there may be no rotation
of
the tab, or only a slight twisting of the tab after the first opening is
formed. For example,
in one embodiment, the present invention comprises a first opening area
defined by a score
line and a gate contained therein, the score line adapted to be severed and
the gate opened
by the tilting of the tab. The second opening area is defined by a secondary
score line and
a transition zone, the transition zone inhibiting the propagation of a the
primary score line
and requiring a user to exert an additional or distinct force (i.e. as
compared to the force
applied to open the primary opening portion) in order to open the secondary
opening
portion. Thus, in one embodiment, a first and second opening portion may be
opened in
series through the application of one or more forces, wherein the opening of
the second
opening portion is distinct from the first due to, for example, a transition
zone. Thus, in
one embodiment, a tab need not be rotated about a longitudinal axis of a
container body
and end closure combination in order to sever or open a secondary opening
area.
Alternatively in other embodiments, the tab may be slightly twisted or rotated
in the
clockwise direction to assist in the propagation of a fracture along the
secondary score.
In one embodiment, an end closure adapted for connection to a container body
is
provided. The metal end closure comprises a substantially planar central
panel, and force
applying means for applying inwardly directed forces on the central panel
Force applying
means may include, by way of example only, a tab having a loop or tail portion
and nose
portion, wherein the tab is connected to an end closure with a rivet.
In alternative embodiments, an end closure does not comprise a tab as found on
various SOTs. Rather, in certain embodiments, an end closure is provided with
a primary
opening area/portion and at least one secondary selectively opening
area/portion wherein
said first and secondary opening areas are scored or severed away from a panel
with an
additional tool. Additional tools comprise, but are not limited to, known can
openers and
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similar devices adapted for opening or tearing a central panel. In one
embodiment, force
applying means comprise a tool or object which is not joined or attached to
the end
closure. For example, various known bottle openers, "church keys," and similar
devices
adapted for applying a force to an end closure may be provided.
In one embodiment, pivot means are permanently mounted on said central panel
for pivotally mounting the force applying means on the central panel. Pivot
means may
include, for example, a rivet attached to a portion of a central panel and a
rivet island or
similar rivet receiving portion disposed on a tab. Thus, in various
embodiments, pivot
means are provided which allow for a tab to rotate about an axis generally
parallel with a
longitudinal axis of an end closure/container combination, yet generally
prevent the
inadvertent displacement of a tab from a central panel. Rotational limiting
means may be
provided on the end closure and adapted for limiting the amount of rotation of
the force
applying means Rotational limiting means of the present invention include, but
are not
limited to, detents, protrusions, recessions, and various other features
formed or placed on
a central panel and adapted for contacting a tab and/or supplying visual
indication of a
desirable orientation of a tab.
A first opening portion having a severable score line is provided in one
embodiment, the severable score line defining the first opening portion and a
first hinge
portion integral with the central panel. In one embodiment, a second opening
portion is
provided which comprises a severable score line defining the second opening
portion and
a second hinge portion integral with the central panel, and a transition
portion which
substantially prevents a fracture propagation of said severable score line of
said first
opening portion into said severable score line of said second opening portion.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of opening a
container, i.e., enhancing the pourability of a container. This includes, but
is not limited to
a method comprising the steps opening a primary opening area wherein force
applying
means are tilted to apply a first downward force on a first opening portion to
sever a first
severable score line. Subsequently, the force applying means (e.g. pull tab)
is at least
partially restored to a first initial position and the force applying means is
rotated such that
a nose portion of the force applying means is positioned over a portion of a
second
opening portion and the force applying means is tilted to apply a second
downward force
on a second opening portion to sever a second score line. Alternatively, a
third opening
could be formed in alternative embodiments by further rotation of the pull tab
and
severing a third opening. In embodiments, similar steps may be repeated so as
to open one
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85362-88
or more additional venting portions disposed on an end closure.
One particular embodiment of the invention is a container end closure with a
peripheral
curl adapted for interconnection to a neck of a container, comprising a
central panel; a pull tab
comprising a nose and a tail, the pull tab adapted for applying a downward
force on a
predetermined portion of the central panel; a rivet operatively
interconnecting the pull tab to an
upper surface of the central panel and allowing the pull tab to rotate; a
first opening portion at least
partially defined by a first severable score line; a second vent opening
portion at least partially
defined by a second severable score line, wherein the second severable score
line and the first
severable score line are substantially oriented along a common line, and said
common line has a
radius of curvature; and a transition portion positioned between the first
severable score line and
the second severable score line which is adapted to inhibit propagation of a
fracture from the first
severable score line into the second severable score line, and wherein the
nose of the pull tab
selectively moves between a first position over the first opening portion and
a second position over
the second vent opening portion to facilitate opening of the first and second
portions as the nose
portion of the pull tab is pushed downward.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method of opening an end closure of a
container
with a first opening portion and a second vent opening portion. comprising (a)
positioning a pull
tab, which is interconnected to a central panel of the end closure with a
rivet, to a first opening
position; (b) lifting a tail end of the pull tab to apply a first downward
force on the first opening
portion of the central panel to shear a first score line up to a transition
portion and create a first
opening in the central panel, wherein the first score line and the transition
portion have distinct
score residuals; (c) repositioning the pull tab to a second opening position;
and (d) lifting the tail
end of the pull tab to apply a second downward force on the second vent
opening portion to shear
the transition portion positioned between the first score line and a second
score line and to shear
the second score line to form a second vent opening in the central panel,
wherein the second
severable score line is oriented in the same line as the first severable
score, wherein the transition
portion and the second score line have distinct score residuals, and wherein
the first opening
portion and the second vent opening portion are integrally interconnected to
form an opening larger
than either the first opening or the second vent opening.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is a container end closure with a
peripheral curl
adapted for interconnection to a neck of a container, comprising a central
panel; a pull tab
comprising a nose and a tail, the pull tab adapted for applying a
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downward force on the central panel; a rivet operatively interconnecting the
pull tab to an upper
surface of the central panel and allowing the pull tab to be repositioned
between a primary position
to open a primary opening portion and a second position to open a second vent
opening portion; the
primary opening portion at least partially defined by a primary severable
score line; the second vent
opening portion at least partially defined by a second severable score line;
and a check slot
positioned between the primary severable score line and the second severable
score line which is
adapted to inhibit propagation of a fracture from the primary severable score
line into the second
severable score line, the check slot is a score line having a score residual
that is distinct from a
score residual of the primary severable score line and a score residual of the
second severable score
line, and said primary severable score line, said second severable score line,
and said check slot are
oriented along a common line.
These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the
invention(s)
contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and
configurations are neither
complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the
invention are possible
using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or
described in detail
below. Further, the summary of the invention is neither intended nor should it
be construed as
being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention.
The present invention is
set forth in various levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well
as in the attached
drawings and the detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to
the scope of the
present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc.
in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention
will become more
readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken
together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of
the
specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and
together with the general
description of the invention given above serve to explain the principle of
these inventions.
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment
wherein a
tab and a first opening portion are in a first closed position;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment
wherein a
tab has been rotated to a second position;
Figure 3a is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one
embodiment wherein a
tab and a first opening portion are in a first closed position;
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Figure 3b is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one
embodiment
wherein a gate of the first opening portion has been opened;
Figure 3c is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one
embodiment
wherein a gate of the first opening portion has been opened and a tab rotated
to a second
position;
Figure 3d is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one
embodiment
wherein a gate of the first opening portion has been opened, a tab rotated to
a second
position, and a second opening portion opened;
Figure 4a is a top plan view of a metal end closure and a termination zone
according to one embodiment;
Figure 4b is a detailed top plan view of a metal end closure and a termination
zone
according to an alternate embodiment;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of a metal end closure comprising an asymmetric
tab
according to an alternate embodiment;
Figure 6 is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to an alternate
embodiment comprising two optional opening areas;
Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a metal end closure according to an
alternate
embodiment comprising a rotation stop guide and a rivet island in a first
position;
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a metal end closure according to one
embodiment comprising a rotation stop guide and a rivet island in a second
position;
Figure 9 is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment
comprising an alternatively-shaped deboss area and secondary score;
Figure 10 is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to one
embodiment
comprising an alternatively shaped deboss area and an alternative primary and
secondary
score;
Figure 11 is a top plan view of a score tool according to one embodiment with
areas "X" and "Y";
Figure 12A is a top plan view of a score tool according to one embodiment
wherein area "X" of the embodiment in Figure 11 is shown in detail;
Figure 12B is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line B-B of the embodiment in Figure 12A;
Figure 12C is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line C-C of the embodiment in Figure 12A;
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Figure 12D is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line D-D of the embodiment in Figure 12A;
Figure 12E is a cross sectional view of a check slot portion of a score tool
according to one embodiment taken along line E-E of the embodiment in Figure
12A;
Figure 13A is a top plan view of a score tool according to one embodiment
wherein area "Y" of the embodiment in Figure 11 is shown in detail;
Figure 13B is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line B-B of the embodiment in Figure 13A;
Figure 13C is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line C-C of the embodiment in Figure 13A;
Figure 14A is a top plan view of a score tool according to one embodiment;
Figure 14B is a side elevation view of the score tool in Figure 14A according
to
one embodiment;
Figure 14C is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line C-C of the embodiment in Figure 14A;
Figure 14D is a cross sectional view of a score tool according to one
embodiment
taken along line C-C of the embodiment in Figure 14A wherein area "Z" of the
embodiment in Figure 14C is shown in detail; and
Figure 14E is a perspective view of a score tool according to one embodiment.
To further assist in the understanding of the invention, the following is a
table of
components found in the drawings and associated numbering.
10 End Closure and Container Body
14 Panel
18 Peripheral Curl
26 Gate
27 Secondary Gate
28 Primary Opening Area
Primary Score
32 Secondary Vent Opening Area
33 Third Opening Area
34 Tab
Nose Portion
36 Tail
38 Rotational Guide
Rivet Island
42 Rivet
46 Primary Score Opening Hinge
Primary Score Termination Feature
54 Transition Zone
Void
58 Secondary Score
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62 Secondary Score Termination Feature
66 Tab Positioning Stop
70 Tab Rotation Guide
74 Secondary Score Hinge
78 Stiffening Bead
80 Third Gate
82 Rotation Limit
84 Rivet Island Rotation Guide
86 Anti-Fracture Score
88 Score Tool
90 Horizontal Insert Line
92 Horizontal Rivet Line
94 Vertical Insert Line
96 Horizontal Score Line
98 First Datum Point
100 Second Datum Point
102 Third Datum Point
104 Fourth Datum Point
106 Fifth Datum Point
108 Sixth Datum Point
110 Transition Check Slot
112 Transition Check Slot Angle
114 Anti-Fracture Score Angle
116 Seventh Datum Point
118 Termination Feature Angle
120 Transition Check Slot Width
122 Transition Check Slot Depth
124 Score Pitch
126 Primary Score Width
128 Anti-Fracture Score Width
130 Primary Score Depth
132 Score Offset
134 Score Radius
136 Score Side Angle
138 Overall Score Angle
140 Secondary Score Radius
142 Check Slot Angle
144 Check Slot Midpoint
146 Check Slot Length
148 Check Slot Relative Depth
150 Tenth Datum Point
152 Eleventh Datum Point
154 Twelfth Datum Point
156 Thirteenth Datum Point
158 First Angle
160 Second Angle
162 Anti-Fracture Score Depth
164 Notch
166 Index Feature Width
168 Index Feature Offset
170 Tool Flange Width
172 Tool Flange Height
174 Tool Lip Width

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176 Tool Lip Height
178 Tool Gap Width
180 Tool Gap Height
182 Tool Gap Radius
184 Tool Height
186 Tool Width
188 Main Score Height
190 Rivet Diameter
192 Rivet Offset
194 Rivet Chamfer
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In
certain
instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the
invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from these drawings.
It should
.. further be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments
illustrated in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein and as
depicted
in the drawings. It is expressly understood that although Figures 1-8 depict a
metal end
closure with a pull tab and at least one secondary vent opening, the present
invention is not
limited to these embodiments.
Referring now to Figure 1, a top plan view of a metal end closure according to
one
embodiment is shown, and wherein a first opening portion is in a first closed
position. An
end closure adapted for interconnecting to a container body is shown wherein
the end
.. closure comprises a panel 14 with a primary opening area 28 and a secondary
opening area
32. In one embodiment, a primary opening area 28 comprises a first gate 26
which is
defined by a primary score line 30 when the primary opening area 28 is in a
first closed
position. A primary opening area 28 of the present invention may comprise, for
example,
portions of material capable of being at least partially separated from and
retained by a
remainder of the central panel The primary opening area 28 is at least
initially separated
from a secondary opening area 32 and secondary gate 27 by a primary opening
hinge 46.
The primary opening hinge 46 facilitates the selective opening of a primary
opening area
28 by a nose of a pull tab or other firm force applying means without
simultaneously
opening a secondary opening area 32. Force applying means of the present
invention may
.. include, but are not limited to, a tab 34 comprising a nose portion 35 and
a rivet 42 in
communication with a rivet island 40 and a tail 36. As the tail 36 is pulled
upward, the
nose 35 is driven downward to shear the score line 30 and initiate opening.
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In one embodiment, a secondary score 58 starts at the end of a first
transition zone
(54, in Figure 4B) and allows for fracture propagation to the secondary score
termination
feature 62, thus creating a vent feature when the appropriate force is
applied. In various
embodiments, secondary scores 58 of the present invention may be straight or
curved at
.. various angles. Secondary score termination features 62 of the present
invention are
provided to generally define or limit the propagation of a secondary score 58.
In one
embodiment, a secondary score termination feature 62 comprises a curved
profile for
facilitating the prevention of propagation of a score line and creating a
desirable venting
shape.
Furthermore, the present invention contemplates a secondary score hinge 74.
The
secondary score hinge 74 of the present invention is generally defined as a
portion of the
panel 14 residing between a terminus of a secondary score line and a point on
the panel 14
proximate to the rivet 42. In one embodiment, hinges of the present invention
are
disposed at a location relative to the tab 34 such that the hinge serves as a
point of rotation
.. for a portion of material, such as a secondary gate 27.
In one embodiment, first 46 and second 74 hinges are disposed on a central
panel
in a region defined between approximately 0 and 240 degrees (i.e. with zero
degrees
corresponding to a center line of a tab as shown in Figure 1). One of skill in
the art will
recognize that a secondary opening portion 32 may be disposed in a variety of
locations,
either adjacent or non-adjacent to the primary opening area 28 so long as
adequate room is
provided for a primary opening area 28.
In general, a tab 34 is provided on the end closure 10 which is rotatably
secured on
the end closure 10 via "pivot means." Pivot means may include, but are not
limited to, a
rivet 42 secured to the central panel 14 and which engages a portion of the
tab 34, such as
a rivet island 40. In one embodiment, the pivot means allows the tab 34 to
rotate on the
central panel 10. In various embodiments, a tab 34 is oriented generally
perpendicular
with respect to a longitudinal length of the container, with the longitudinal
length of the
container defining a center of rotation of the tab 34. As one of ordinary
skill in the art will
recognize, when a portion of a tab 34 of the present invention is lifted and
leveraged about
a point generally defined by the location of a rivet 42, a downward opening
force is
applied to a gate 26 of a first opening portion 28 of the present invention.
The downward
force will shear a gate 26 away from the panel 14 at the primary score 30,
propagating
around the score 30 until an opening is formed and thus allowing the container
contents to
pour out.
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The present invention further contemplates a secondary opening area 32,
generally
defined by a secondary score line 58, a primary score opening hinge 46, and a
transition
zone 54. In one embodiment, the primary score opening hinge 46 of the present
invention
is created by the initial fracture proximal to the rivet 42 which propagates
around the
primary score 30 to the primary score termination feature 50. When the
fracture reaches
the primary score termination feature 50, the tab 34 will be disposed
approximately
perpendicular to the panel 14, thus resulting in a force applied by the tab 34
upon the gate
26 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis
of a container.
As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the tab 34 in this
position will generally
bend the gate 26 as opposed to further tearing, shearing, fracturing, etc. the
gate 26.
Furthermore, as will be described in more detail, a primary score termination
feature 50 is
provided which dictates the general area at which the primary score fracture
propagation
will terminate.
In one embodiment, a transition zone 54 is provided on the central panel 14.
Transition zones 54 of the present invention generally comprise an area that
inhibits
fracture propagation of a primary score 30 into the secondary score 58 and
thus helps
prevent the unintentional opening of a secondary opening area 32. For example,
a
transition zone 54 of the present invention may terminate propagation of a
primary score
30 fracture due to a score residual depth, interferences in score path (e.g. a
check slot), a
predetermined void distance between primary 30 and secondary 58 scores, and/or
various
combinations thereof including, but not limited to, increased material
thickness. In one
embodiment, a secondary opening area 32 of the present invention is preferably
positioned
so that the opening area 32 generally spans a lateral midline of the central
panel 14 (i.e. a
line running laterally through a rivet 42 disposed in the center of a central
panel 14 as
shown in Figure 1). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however,
that the
location of the secondary opening area 32 may be altered and/or repositioned
in a variety
of locations.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a secondary opening
area
32 may be positioned on either side of a tab 34 of the present invention. In
one
embodiment, the present invention 10 contemplates a plurality of optional
opening areas
32 in addition to a primary opening area 28. For example, in one embodiment,
auxiliary
opening areas 32 are provided on both sides of a tab 34 of the present
invention as will be
described in more detail.
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In alternative embodiments, a first opening area and a secondary opening area
are
opened or severed through the use of an additional or external tool, such as a
known can
openers and "church keys." Thus, in various embodiments, permanent features
such as
rivets and tabs need not be provided on central panels in accordance with the
present
invention. Rather, areas of a central panel may be opened through the use of
additional
tools.
Referring now to Figure 2, a top plan view of a metal end closure according to
one
embodiment is shown where a tab has been rotated to a second position. As
previously
discussed, a pull tab 34 may be connected to a panel by a rivet 42 in a manner
that allows
for rotation of the pull tab. In one embodiment, a tab 34 of the present
invention
comprises an apparatus which limits the amount of rotation of the pull tab to
a
predetermined position. Rotation limiting means include, but are not limited
to, stationary
protrusions and/or depressions disposed on a panel 14 adapted for contacting
additional
parts of a central panel, such as a tab 34 or rivet island, as well as various
other similar
features as will be recognized by one of skill in the art. For example, in
certain
embodiments, a rotational guide 38 is provided which is adapted to help guide,
define,
and/or limit the path and/or amount of rotation of a tab 34. In other
embodiments a tab
positioning stop 66 is provided on a central panel so as to limit the amount
of rotation
achieved by a tab 34. Tab positioning stops 66 of the present invention may be
comprised
of protrusions stamped from a central panel 14 to form a deboss or may
comprise
additional features, elements, or material added to a central panel 14. In
other
embodiments, rotation may be defined and/or limited by features that have been
added or
joined to a panel 14, in addition to or in lieu of protrusions, indentations,
or profiles
formed from a panel 14.
It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a rotational
positioning stop
66 which inhibits the rotation of a tab 34 beyond a predetermined point
corresponding to a
preferred position of a tab 34 for opening of a secondary opening area 32. For
example, in
one embodiment, at least one peripheral wall portion of a rotation guide 38
abuts a
rotational positioning stop when the tab 34 is rotated to a position where
subsequent lifting
of the tab 34 will open a secondary opening area 32 with the least amount of
force and/or
damage to the central panel 14. In some embodiments, the rotation guide 38 may
have a
horseshoe shape with the left leg of the horseshoe longer than the right leg
or the right leg
longer than the left leg. In various embodiments, the legs of the horseshoe
shape are equal
in length.
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In another embodiment, a tab rotation guide 70 or debossed profile may be
provided on a panel 14 to guide and/or limit the rotation of a tab 34, either
in addition to or
in lieu of a tab positioning stop 66 and rotation guide 38 arrangement. For
example, a
debossed profile 70 may be provided to physically prevent the rotation of a
tab 34 beyond
a given point by contacting a portion of the perimeter edge of the rotation
guide 70, and/or
provide visual information to a user as to a maximum preferred limit of
rotation of a tab
34.
Referring now to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, top plan views depicting an
opening
sequence of one embodiment of the present invention 10 are provided. Figure 3A
is a top
plan view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment wherein a tab and
a first
opening portion are in a first closed position. A panel 14 is depicted, the
panel 14 having
a first opening area 28 with a gate 26 in a first closed position, a secondary
opening area
32 with a secondary gate 27 in a first closed position, and a tab 34 attached
to a rivet 42 in
an initial position.
Figure 3B is a top plan view of a metal end closure according to another
embodiment of the invention, wherein a gate of the first opening portion has
been opened.
A central panel 14 is shown wherein a tab 34 has been lifted or tilted such
that a gate has
been sheared away from a portion of the panel 14 about a primary score line
30. Thus, a
first opening area 28 has been opened to allow for contents to be poured or
extracted from
the container. As shown in Figure 3B, a secondary gate 27 remains intact
subsequent to
the opening of a primary gate. As previously discussed, the secondary gate 27
and
secondary opening area 32 are allowed to remain closed when a tab 34 is
activated to open
a primary opening area 28 and primary gate, due in part to a transition zone
54, primary
score termination feature 50, and a primary score opening hinge 46.
Accordingly, a
central panel of the present invention provides a user with the option to
selectively open
only a first opening portion 28 where, for example, a vented feature is not
desired.
Referring now to Figure 3C, a top plan view of a metal end closure according
to
one embodiment is provided, where a gate of the first opening portion has been
opened
and a tab rotated to a second position. A metal end closure is provided
wherein a first
opening area 28 has been opened and a tab 34 rotated to a second position for
subsequent
opening of a secondary gate 27 and secondary opening area 32. As previously
discussed,
a tab 34 of the present invention may be rotatably affixed to a panel 14 via a
rivet 42.
Thus, the tab 34 is capable of being rotated to a position wherein a second
lifting or tilting
action applies a downward force upon a secondary gate 27. As further shown in
Figure

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3C, rotation limiting means include, but are not limited to, a debossed
profile 70 adapted
to border, outline, receive, etc. the geometry of one end of a tab 34 of the
present
invention. Rotation limiting means may also include, for example, a
positioning stop 66
disposed on the panel 14 which protrudes a predetermined height from a panel
14 and is
adapted to receive and/or limit the rotation of a tab 34 by communicating with
a rotational
guide 38 formed within the tab 34. In one embodiment, rotational limiting
means of the
present invention 10 visually identify a preferred position at which a tab 34
should be
rotated before tilting or activating a tab 34 and/or limit rotation to a
desired predetermined
range in order to fracture a secondary score line 62 and open a secondary
opening area 32.
Referring now to Figure 3D, a top plan view of a metal end closure according
to
one embodiment is provided, wherein a gate of the first opening portion has
been opened,
a tab rotated to a second position, and a second opening portion opened. As
shown, a
rotatable tab 34 of the present invention has been rotated to a second
position wherein the
tab 34 has been lifted or tilted to apply a downward force on a second gate,
thus shearing
the gate from a secondary score line and deflecting the gate about a secondary
score
opening hinge 74. Once the tab 34 is rotated to an appropriate extent and/or
degree to
open the optional vented area 32, the tab 34 may be returned to a position
substantially
parallel with the panel 14. Contents housed within the container 10 may then
be poured
and/or consumed through the first opening portion 28 wherein the second
opening area 32
facilitates flow of contents from the container 10 by increasing air flow into
the container
10 and reducing vacuum pressure within the container and facilitating liquid
flow from the
container 10. Furthermore, as previously discussed and as shown in Figure 3B
it is not
necessary for a user to open the secondary opening portion 32 of the present
invention
when a more conventional end closure opening is desired. One of ordinary skill
in the art
will recognize that various sized vent apertures 32 may be provided on the
present
invention. In one embodiment, the surface area of the optional vent aperture
32 may
comprise an area approximately between 2 and 40 percent of an original score
aperture
area.
In an alternative embodiment, features of the present invention 10 may be
incorporated into an end closure 14 that allows for complete opening of a
vented aperture
area 32 in a single opening or tab-tilting motion. Thus, in one embodiment,
the present
invention 10 does not comprise a transition zone 54 as shown and described
herein.
Rather, a secondary opening area 32 with a single secondary score opening
hinge 74 may
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be provided wherein fracture of a primary score line 30 is not prevented from
propagating
into a secondary opening area 32 upon a first opening motion and/or force.
In one embodiment, a central panel is provided wherein at least one transition
zone
is provided between first and second opening areas which does not require
rotation of a tab
in order to sever a first and second score line. For example, a transition may
be provided
which requires a two distinct forces in order to sever first and second score
lines wherein
the two distinct forces are not necessarily segregated or defined by the
rotation of a tab.
In one embodiment, a central panel is provided wherein the central panel has a
primary score opening area between 0.50 and 0.75 square inches. In another
embodiment,
the primary opening area has an area between 0.575 and 0.625 square inches. In
a more
preferred embodiment, the primary opening area has an area of approximately
0.6111
square inches.
In one embodiment, a secondary opening area is provided having an area between
0.020 and 0.20 square inches. In another embodiment, a secondary opening area
is
provided having an area between 0.080 and 0.10 square inches. In a more
preferred
embodiment, a secondary opening area is provided having an area of
approximately
0.0916 square inches.
In one embodiment, the total opening or open-able area, i.e. the combined area
of
all opening areas provided on a central panel, is between 0.25 and 1.5 square
inches. In
.. another embodiment, the total opening area of a central panel is between
0.60 and 0.80
square inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the total opening area of an
end closure is
approximately 0.7027 square inches. Thus, in one embodiment, a secondary
opening area
comprises approximately 13.03% of the total opening area provided on a central
panel.
However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, primary
and/or
secondary opening areas may be varied in size. Thus, in various embodiments, a
secondary opening area comprises between 5.0% and 25.0% of the total opening
area.
In various embodiments, end closures provide a focal point for air entry into
a
container body, thus enhancing pourability and flow rates from a container. In
various
embodiments, secondary vent openings as shown and described herein increase
the flow
rate of contents from within a container and provide for up to a 30% faster
flow of
container contents when compared with conventional end closures having only a
single
opening area. In one particular embodiment, the time required to pour 12 fluid
ounces of
contents from an end closure of the present invention was approximately 4.35
seconds,
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compared to approximately 5.5 to 6.0 seconds as required for pouring the same
or similar
amounts of fluid from conventional end closures.
As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, area as used herein
refers
to the surface area of various opening portions as defined by their respective
score line as
shown and described herein.
Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, top plan views of one embodiment of the
present invention 10 are shown with a detailed view of a transition zone 54
provided. As
shown in the detailed view, a primary score line 30 comprises a primary score
termination
feature 50 at one terminus. Primary score teimination features 50 of the
present invention
dictate at least a general area at which the propagation of fracture of a
primary score 30
will terminate. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the primary score
termination
feature comprises a curvature in the primary score line 30 which represents a
departure
from the general path of the score line 30. In one embodiment, the termination
feature 30
of the present invention is disposed within a transition zone 54 which further
comprises a
gap or void 55 which further inhibits propagation of a fracture of a first
score line 30 into a
second score line 58. In one embodiment, a void 55 of the present invention
comprises a
width approximately between 0.001 inches and 0.035 inches. In a preferred
embodiment,
a void 55 of the present invention comprises a width approximately between
0.005 inches
and 0.025 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, a void 55 of the present
invention
comprises a width approximately between 0.012 inches and 0.015 inches.
Referring now to Figure 5, a top plan view of a metal end closure comprising
an
asymmetric tab 34 is shown. The tab 34 is provided having an asymmetric
geometry that
is adapted to open a first 30 and secondary score feature 62 with a single or
double
opening operation (e.g. lifting of the tab 34). More specifically, the tab 34
includes an
asymmetric protrusion or extension which extends over a secondary opening
portion 32
that is adapted to contact a secondary gate 27 of a secondary opening area 32.
In one embodiment, the central panel 10 comprises a secondary opening portion
32
with a stiffening bead 78. One of skill in the art will recognize that the
stiffening bead 78
disposed on the secondary opening area 32 may be comprised of any number of
shapes
(e.g. square, round, oval, polygonal, etc.). Embossed and/or debossed
stiffening beads 78
may be disposed on secondary gate 27 of the present invention in order to
stiffen the score
panel 27 and facilitate proper rupture of the secondary score line 58 during
opening. It
will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the score panel design
requires careful
balancing of dimensions and design parameters in order to ensure that opening
areas and
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other portions of a central panel will remain closed at appropriate times
(e.g. during
packaging and shipping operations) yet capable of opening under a reasonable
amount of
user-applied force. Accordingly, it is contemplated that a secondary opening
area 32 of
the present invention comprises one or more emboss and/or deboss beads.
In one embodiment, a stiffening bead area comprises a width approximately
between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, a stiffening
bead area
comprises a width approximately between 0.20 inches and 0.40 inches. In a more
preferred embodiment, a stiffening bead area comprises a width approximately
between
0.225 inches and 0.275 inches. In one embodiment, a stiffening bead area
comprises a
length approximately between 0.20 inches and 0.60 inches. In a preferred
embodiment, a
stiffening bead area comprises a length approximately between 0.30 inches and
0.50
inches. In a more preferred embodiment, a stiffening bead area comprises a
length
approximately between 0.375 inches and 0.425 inches.
Figure 6 is a top view of a metal end closure according to one embodiment
wherein
two optional vent opening features 32, 33 are provided. As shown, a first
opening area 28
is disposed on a central panel with secondary 32 and third 33 opening areas
disposed
adjacent thereto. In embodiments, a third opening area 33 comprises the same
features
and functions as the secondary opening area 32 as described herein. Thus, in
certain
embodiments, a first opening area 28 may be opened by applying downward force
via a
nose portion 35 of a tab 34. The tab 34 may then be repositioned in a manner
that allows
for rotation of the tab 34. The tab 34 may then be rotated such that a nose
portion of the
tab 34 is disposed at least partially over a secondary 32 opening area and the
tab 34 tilted
or lifted to apply a downward pressure upon the secondary opening area 32 and
separating
a secondary gate 27. Subsequently, the tab 34 may again be tilted or restored
to a position
that allows for rotation of the tab and the tab 34 rotated such that it is at
least partially
disposed over the third opening area 33. The tab 34 may then tilted or lifted
such that a
nose portion of the tab 34 applies a downward pressure on the third opening
portion 33
and separates a third or tertiary gate from the panel. The tab 34 may then
remain in a final
position or repositioned based on user preference and container contents
poured smoothly
as facilitated by the plurality of optional vent openings.
In certain embodiments, secondary and third gates may be opened without the
need
to rotate a tab 34. For example, in one embodiment, both a secondary gate 27
and third
gate 80 may be severed from a panel 14 along their respective score lines due
to the
application of a force applied by the tilting or lifting of a tab 34 that is
distinct from the
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tilting or lifting of tab 34 used in opening or severing a first gate 26.
Features of the
present invention allow for the tab 34 to be lifted under one distinct force
or motion
capable of severing a primary gate 26. Subsequent to the application of this
force, an
additional distinct force may be applied in series so as to open secondary and
third gates.
Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, top perspective views of a metal end closure
10
according to one embodiment are provided. As shown, a rotational limiting
means may be
provided to prevent the rotation of a tab 34 beyond a certain position.
Rotational limiting
means of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protrusions
and indentations
of the panel 14 capable of communicating with portions of a tab 34. For
example, as
shown in Figure 7, a protrusion may act as a rotation stop guide 82 adapted to
interact or
communicate with a portion of a rivet island 84. In certain embodiments, a
peripheral
portion of a segment of the rivet island 84 contacts a peripheral portion of
the rotation
guide 82 in a first position. Contact between the guide 82 and rivet island
portion 84 in a
first position corresponds to the tab 34 being disposed in a position adapted
for opening of
a primary opening area 28. Contact of a rotation guide 82 and a rivet island
84 facilitates
the prevention of rotation beyond a certain point without constricting or
limiting a tab's 34
ability to tilt and apply a downward pressure upon one or more opening areas.
As shown in Figure 8, a tab 34 has been rotated to a maximum allowable extent
as
defined by a second point of contact between a rivet island portion 84 and a
rotational
guide 82. As will be recognized, the maximum amount of rotation allowed by the
rivet
island portion 84 and rotational guide 82 corresponds to a rotational
positional of the tab
34 which is adapted for easy opening of one or more optional vent openings as
described
herein.
Referring now to Fig. 9, a top plan view of a metal end closure 10 is
provided. This
end closure 10 generally comprises a tab 34 with a tail 36 and a nose 35
wherein the tab 34
is interconnected to a panel 14 of the end closure 10 with a rivet 42. The
panel 14 further
comprises a deboss, or recessed area of the central panel 14, where various
components
are located including the rivet 42 and tab 34. A primary opening area 28, a
secondary vent
opening area 32 and a transition zone 54 are also disposed within the deboss
area of the
central panel 14.
However, as shown in Fig. 9, the deboss area is larger around the secondary
vent
opening area 32. This enlarged deboss area increases the surface area of both
the primary
opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 for improved flow rates
as the
contents in the container are poured. In some embodiments, the combined area
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primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 may be
approximately
between 0.600 square inches and 0.750 square inches. In a preferred
embodiment, the
combined area of the primary opening area 28 and the secondary vent opening
area 32 is
approximately 0.689 square inches.
A tab rotation guide 70 may be optionally provided on the central panel 14 to
guide
and/or limit the rotation of a tab 34. The tab rotation guide 70 is a deboss
area that, in this
embodiment, is at a different depth than the panel 14 and the area of the
panel 14 where
the rivet 42 and opening areas 28, 32 are disposed. The tab rotation guide 70
as shown in
Fig. 9 extends to the top of a finger recess adjacent the tab's 34 tail 36,
which provides a
larger tab rotation guide 70.
Referring now to Fig. 10, a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a
metal
end closure 10 is provided wherein a primary score 30 and a secondary vent
score 58 are
oriented substantially along the same line or radius of curvature. In other
words, the
secondary vent score 58 is an extension of the primary score 30. Like other
embodiments
described herein, the end closure 10 of Fig. 10 comprises a primary score 30
that at least
partially defines a primary opening area 28, and the primary score 30
fractures to open the
primary opening area 28. Similarly, the end closure 10 of Fig. 10 comprises a
secondary
score 58 that at least partially defines the secondary vent opening area 32,
and the
secondary score 58 fractures to open the secondary vent opening area 32. The
opening
sequence of these areas 28, 32 generally comprises the steps of (a) lifting
the tail end of
the tab to generate a first downward force to shear the primary score 30, (b)
lowering the
tail end of the tab, at least partially, to its original position, (c)
rotating the tab so a nose of
the tab is generally positioned over the secondary vent opening area, and (d)
lifting the tail
end of the tab to generate a second downward force to shear the secondary
score 58.
Another method comprises the steps of (a) positioning a pull tab to a first
opening
position; (b) lifting a tail end of a pull tab, which is interconnected to a
central panel of the
end closure with a rivet, to apply a first downward force on the first opening
portion of the
central panel to shear a first score line up to a transition portion and
create a first opening
in the central panel, wherein the first score line and the transition portion
have distinct
residuals; (c) repositioning the pull tab to a second opening position by
rotating the pull
tab in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane of the central
panel; and (d) lifting
the tail end of the pull tab to apply a second downward force on the second
vent opening
portion to shear the transition portion positioned between the first score
line and a second
score line and to shear the second score line to form a second vent opening in
the central
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panel, wherein the transition portion and the second score line have distinct
residuals, and
wherein the first opening portion and the second vent opening portion are
integrally
interconnected to form an opening larger than either the first opening or the
second vent
opening. Some methods may further comprise the steps of (a) repositioning the
pull tab to
.. a third opening position by rotating the pull tab in a plane which is
substantially parallel to
a plane of the central panel; and (b) lifting the tail end of the pull tab to
apply a third
downward force on a third opening portion to shear a third score line and to
shear a
transition portion positioned between the first score line and the third score
line to form a
third opening in the central panel.
An anti-fracture score 86 is generally offset from the scores 30, 58 at a
substantially constant distance. Anti-fracture scores 86 may be optionally
included in
some embodiments of the invention to relieve stress areas around the primary
score 30 and
the secondary score 58 and prevent accidental opening of these scores 30, 58
The anti-
fracture score 86 in this embodiment is continuous. However, it will be
appreciated that
.. the anti-fracture 86 score may also comprise two subscores similar to the
arrangement
between the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58. Further, the anti-
fracture score
86 may comprise a transition zone or a transition zone check slot as described
elsewhere
herein. In various embodiments, the residual of the primary score 30, or
thickness between
the public side of the container and the content side of the container, may be
.. approximately 0.0038 inches. In some embodiments, the residual of the
secondary score
58 may be approximately between 0.0030 inches and 0.0050 inches.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, a transition zone 54 between the primary
vent
score 30 and the secondary vent score 58 does not comprise a termination
feature, and the
primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 are positioned substantially along
the same
radius of curvature, meaning the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58
are
substantially inline with each other. Stated another way, the two scores 30,
58 may be
oriented about the same line, which may be a curve with a constant radius of
curvature, a
curve described by an n-order polynomial, a straight line, or any other line
described
elsewhere herein. In embodiments with and without termination features, the
transition
.. zone 54 may only be a partial interruption in the scores and not
necessarily a complete
interruption in the score. In some embodiments, the transition zone 54 may be
a score that
joins the primary score 30 to the secondary score 58. Thus, the transition
zone 54 may be a
check slot with a different depth, width, and/or cross sectional shape than
one or both of
the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58. Further, the length of the
transition zone
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54, which in some embodiments is distance between the ends of the primary and
secondary scores 30, 58, may vary to impede or promote the opening of the
secondary
vent opening area 32. In some embodiments, the length of the transition zone
54, or void,
may be between approximately 0.0050 inches to 0.0300 inches. In various
embodiments,
the length of the transition zone 54 may be approximately 0.0140 inches. In
some
embodiments where the transition zone 54 may be a check slot, the check slot
depth may
be between approximately 0.0000 inches and 0.0045 inches. In various
embodiments, the
check slot width may be between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.025 inches.
In some embodiments, the combined area of the primary opening area 28 and the
secondary vent opening area 32 may be between approximately 0.600 square
inches and
0.750 square inches. In various embodiments, the combined area of the primary
opening
area 28 and the secondary vent opening area 32 may be approximately 0.692
square
inches.
Referring now to Fig. 11, a top plan view of a score tool 88 used to create
the
various features of the end closure 10 disclosed herein is provided. For the
benefit of the
reader, the terminology and reference characters used when described the
features of the
end closure 10 are used again to describe the score tool 88 that produces the
same features.
Even though, for example, a "score" may refer to a depression in the context
of the end
closure 10 and a protrusion in the context of the score tool 88. Dimensions
and other
aspects of the features described in reference to the end closure 10 may apply
to the score
tool 88, and vice versa.
The score tool 88 of Fig. 11 comprises several references lines. A horizontal
insert
line 90 is a horizontal reference line centered on the geometric center of the
tool 88. A
horizontal rivet line 92 is a horizontal reference line centered on the rivet
42. The offset
between the two horizontal lines 90, 92 in this embodiment may be
approximately 0.150
inches. A vertical insert line 94 is a vertical reference line centered on
both the geometric
center of the tool 88 and the rivet 42. Also shown in Fig. 11 are two areas
"X" and "Y"
that will be described in further detail below.
Referring now to Fig. 12A, a detailed top plan view of area "X" of the score
tool
88 in Fig. 11 is provided. Various reference lines may be used to locate
various datum
points or reference points on the score tool 88. From these datum points, the
geometric
aspects of the tool features that produce the primary score 30 and the anti-
fracture score 86
may be described. Reference lines 90, 92, and 94 are provided in Fig. 12A.
Horizontal
score line 96 is also provided wherein the offset between the horizontal score
line 96 and
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the horizontal rivet line 92 may be between approximately 0.008 inches and
0.020 inches,
and in some embodiments, the offset between the horizontal score line 96 and
the
horizontal rivet line 92 is approximately 0.012 inches.
A first datum point 98 may be provided on the vertical insert line 94, and in
some
embodiments, the first datum point 98 may be located on either side of the
vertical insert
line 94 by between approximately +/- 0.01 inches. The first datum point 98 may
be offset
above the horizontal score line 96 by between approximately 0.030 inches to
0.040 inches,
and in some embodiments, the first datum point 98 is offset above the
horizontal score line
96 by approximately 0.034 inches. The tool feature that produces the primary
score 30 has
.. a radius of curvature from the first datum point 98 as shown in Fig. 12A
that may be
between approximately 0.750 inches and 0.850 inches, and in some embodiments,
the tool
feature's radius of curvature from the first datum point 98 is approximately
0.800 inches.
The tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of
curvature from the
first datum point 98 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately
0.700
inches and 0.800 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of
curvature
from the first datum point 98 is 0.750 inches.
A second datum point 100 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
between approximately 0.080 inches and 0.200 inches, and in some embodiments,
the
second datum point 100 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
approximately 0.120
inches. The second datum point 100 may be offset from the horizontal score
line 96 by
between approximately 0.3000 inches and 0.4200 inches, and in some
embodiments, the
second datum point 100 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by
approximately
0.3685 inches. The tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a
radius of
curvature from the second datum point 100 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be
between
approximately 0.300 inches and 0.450 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool
feature's
radius of curvature from the second datum point 100 is approximately 0.380
inches. The
tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of
curvature from the
second datum point 100 as shown in Fig 12A that may be between approximately
0.300
inches and 0.400 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of
curvature
from the second datum point 100 is approximately 0.330 inches.
A third datum point 102 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
between
approximately 0.1200 inches and 0.2000 inches, and in some embodiments, the
third
datum point 102 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately
0.1634 inches.
The third datum point 102 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by
between
24

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approximately 0.3400 inches and 0.4200 inches, and in some embodiments, the
third
datum point 102 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 is
approximately 0.3804
inches. The tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius
of curvature
from the third datum point 102 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between
approximately
0.250 inches and 0.300 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool feature's
radius of
curvature from the third datum point 102 is approximately 0.285 inches.
A fourth datum point 104 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
between
approximately 0.120 inches and 0.200 inches, and in some embodiments, the
fourth datum
point 104 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0.162
inches. The
fourth datum point 104 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by
between
approximately 0.3400 inches and 0.4200 inches, and in some embodiments, the
fourth
datum point 104 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately
0.3897
inches. The tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of
curvature from
the fourth datum point 104 as shown in Fig. 12A may be between approximately
0.300
inches and 0.360 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of
curvature
from the fourth datum point 104 is approximately 0.333 inches.
A fifth datum point 106 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
between
approximately 0.030 inches and 0.100 inches, and in some embodiments, the
fifth datum
point 106 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately 0.066
inches. The fifth
datum point 106 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by between
approximately 0.2200 inches and 0.3000 inches, and in some embodiments, the
fifth
datum point 106 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately
0.2689
inches. The tool feature that produces the primary score 30 has a radius of
curvature from
the fifth datum point 106 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between
approximately 0.400
inches and 0.600 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of
curvature
from the fifth datum point 106 is approximately 0.490 inches. The tool feature
that
produces the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the fifth
datum point 106
as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 0.400 inches and 0.500
inches,
and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the fifth
datum point
106 is approximately 0.440 inches.
A sixth datum point 108 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
between
approximately 0.0200 inches and 0.0360 inches, and in some embodiments, the
sixth
datum point 108 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately
0.0287 inches.
The sixth datum point 108 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by
between

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approximately 0.150 inches and 0.270 inches, and in some embodiments, the
sixth datum
point 108 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately 0.213
inches. The
tool feature that produces the secondary score 58 has a radius of curvature
from the sixth
datum point 108 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 0.500
inches
and 0.700 inches, and in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of
curvature from
the sixth datum point 108 is approximately 0.600 inches. The tool feature that
produces
the anti-fracture score 86 has a radius of curvature from the sixth datum
point 108 as
shown in Fig. 12A that may be between approximately 0.500 inches and 0.600
inches, and
in some embodiments, the tool feature's radius of curvature from the sixth
datum point
108 is approximately 0.550 inches.
A transition check slot 110 is a type of transition zone provided on the
primary
score 30. The tool feature that produces the transition check slot 110 is
shown in Fig. 12A.
The transition check slot 110 is located on the primary score 30 at a
transition check slot
angle 112 measured from the horizontal score line 96. In some embodiments, the
transition
check slot angle 112 may be approximately 40 degrees. In various embodiments,
the
transition check slot angle 112 may be between approximately 90 degrees and -
40 degrees.
In yet more embodiments, the transition check slot angle 112 may be between
approximately 60 degrees and 20 degrees.
As described elsewhere herein, the transition check slot 110 can slow down the
propagation of a fracture along the primary score 30. This inhibiting effect
provided by the
transition check slot 110 may simply slow down the propagation speed or
velocity of the
fracture along the primary score 30. In some embodiments, the transition check
slot 110
completely stops or inhibits propagation of the fracture along the primary
score 30. In
some embodiments, the user operates the end closure in an open-rotate-open
fashion. This
means that in one action the user fractures the primary score 30 up to the
transition check
slot 110, at which point the transition check slot 110 sufficiently stops
propagation of the
fracture. Then, the user returns the tail portion of the pull tab toward its
original position,
and the user rotates the pull tab past the transition check slot 110 and over
the secondary
score 58. The user may then lift the tail portion of the pull tab again to
fracture the
secondary score 58, or the portion of the primary score 30 beyond the
transition check slot
110 that has not yet been fractured.
It will be appreciated that more than one check slot 110 may be located in a
transition zone between the primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 or
even on the
primary score 30 and secondary score 58 themselves. For example, a first check
slot 110
26

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may be located on the primary score 30 before the transition zone to help slow
propagation
of a fracture along the primary score 30. Then, another check slot 110 located
between the
primary score 30 and the secondary score 58 may completely stop propagation of
the
fracture along the primary score 30 before the secondary score 58. This
interruption can
provide time for a user to optionally reposition a pull tab over the secondary
opening and
optionally fracture the secondary score 58.
The anti-fracture score 86 may have a terminus that is governed by an anti-
fracture
score angle 114 originating from the sixth datum point 108 and oriented
relative to the
horizontal score line 96. In some embodiments, the anti-fracture score angle
114 may be
between approximately 20 degrees and 60 degrees. In various embodiments, the
anti-
fracture score angle 114 may be approximately 36.5 degrees.
A ninth datum point 116 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
between
approximately 0.3500 inches and 0.4800 inches, and in some embodiments, the
ninth
datum point 116 is offset from the vertical insert line 94 by approximately
0.4143 inches.
The ninth datum point 116 may be offset from the horizontal score line 96 by
between
approximately 0.1000 inches and 0.2000 inches, and in some embodiments, the
ninth
datum point 116 is offset from the horizontal score line 96 by approximately
0.1457
inches. The feature that produces a secondary score termination feature 62 has
a radius of
curvature from the ninth datum point 120 as shown in Fig. 12A that may be
between
approximately 0.020 inches and 0.010 inches, and in some embodiments the tool
feature's
radius of curvature from the ninth datum point 120 is approximately 0.030
inches. The
terminus of the secondary score termination feature 62 may be governed by a
termination
feature angle 118 oriented relative to a vertical plane or line that is
parallel with the
vertical insert line 94. In some embodiments, the termination feature angle
118 may be
between approximately 40 degrees and 70 degrees. In various embodiments, the
termination feature angle 118 is approximately 54 degrees.
Also shown in Fig. 12A are four cross sectional lines, B-B, C-C, D-D, and E-E
taken at various points of the score tool 88 Cross sectional line B-B relates
to the
transition check slot 110 and is described in further detail in Fig. 12B.
Cross sectional line
C-C relates to the primary score 30 and the anti-fracture score 86 and is
described in
further detail in Fig. 12C. Cross sectional line D-D relates to the secondary
score 58 and
the anti-fracture score 86 and is described in further detail in Fig. 12D.
Cross sectional line
E-E relates to a check slot positioned near the rivet of the end closure and
is described in
further detail in Fig. 12E.
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Referring now to Fig. 12B, a cross sectional view of the tool feature that
produces
the transition check slot 110 in Fig. 12A is provided. A transition check slot
width 120
represents the extent of the transition check slot 110 along the primary
score. In some
embodiments, the transition check slot width 120 may be between approximately
0.01
inches and 0.030 inches. In various embodiments, the check slot width is
approximately
0.025 inches. The transition check slot depth 122 represents the additional
residual of the
transition check slot 110 over the primary score. The residual is the amount
of material
between the public side of the end closure and the content side of the end
closure. The
transition check slot 110 typically has a larger residual to slow or impede
the propagation
of a fracture along a score such as the primary score. In some embodiments,
the transition
check slot depth 122 may be between approximately 0.0010 inches and 0.0100
inches. In
various embodiments, the transition check slot depth 122 is approximately
0.0044 inches.
As discussed elsewhere herein, the transition check slot 110 may have various
cross sectional profiles. For example, the transition check slot's 110 profile
may be curved
and continuous with the primary score instead of the discrete change in
residual depth as
shown in Fig. 12B. The profile of the transition check slot 110 may be
substantially
defined by a radius of curvature, a n-order polynomial, etc. The transition
check slot 110
may also have various cross sectional profiles when viewed along the length of
the
primary score and the check slot.
Referring now to Fig. 12C, a cross sectional view of the tool features that
produce
the scores 30, 86 taken along line C-C in Fig. 12A is provided. The resulting
primary score
created by the score tool 88 in Fig. 12C is deeper than the anti-fracture
score 86.
Therefore, the primary score 30 portion of the score tool 88 is larger than
the anti-fracture
score 86 portion. The score pitch 124 between the primary score 30 and the
anti-fracture
25 score 86 may be approximately 0.050 inches. The primary score width 126
may be
between approximately 0.0010 inches and 0.0015 inches, and the anti-fracture
score width
128 may be between approximately 0.0015 inches and 0.0020 inches
The primary score depth 130, and accordingly the height of the tool feature
that
creates the primary score, may be between approximately 0.0100 inches and
0.0110
30 inches. The score offset 132 represents the difference in score depth
between the primary
score 30 and the anti-fracture score 86 since the anti-fracture score 86 is
typically
shallower than the primary score 30. The score offset 132 may be between
approximately
0.0020 inches and 0.0022 inches. The score radius 134 is the radiused edge
between the
tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86 and the surface of the
tool, which in
28

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this embodiment has a radius of curvature of approximately 0.005 inches. The
angle that
one wall of the tool feature that produces the primary score 30 forms with the
rest of the
tool is the score side angle 136, which in this embodiment may be
approximately 25 . The
angle that two walls of the tool feature that produces the primary score 30
form with the
tool is the overall score angle 138, and since the walls of the tool feature
are bilaterally
symmetric in this embodiment, the overall score angle 138 may be approximately
50 .
Referring now to Fig. 12D, a cross sectional view of the tool features that
produce
scores 58, 86 taken along line D-D of Fig. 12A is provided. The tool feature
that produces
the anti-fracture score 86 is shown terminating and descending back into the
tool (or the
surface of the end closure in the resulting end closure). Additionally, the
tool feature that
produces the second score 58 is shown transitioning to the secondary score
termination
feature 62 before descending back into the tool (or the surface of the end
closure in the
resulting end closure). In the embodiment in Fig. 12D, the tool feature that
produces the
secondary score 58 ends in a feature radius 140 that has a radius of curvature
between
approximately 0.010 inches and 0.015 inches.
Referring now to Fig. 12E, a cross sectional view of the tool feature that
produces
an optional check slot portion of the primary score taken along line E-E of
Fig. 12A is
provided. The cross sectional line is offset from the vertical insert line by
a check slot
angle 142, which in this embodiment may be approximately 10 . Using this check
slot
angle 142, the center of the tool feature that produces the check slot is
offset from the rivet
42 by a check slot midpoint 144, which may be approximately 0.208 inches in
this
embodiment. The check slot length 146, which is the length of the tool feature
in Fig. 12E,
may be approximately 0.160 inches. The check slot generally has a shallower
depth than
the primary score in order to inhibit propagation of the fracture along the
primary score.
The check slot relative depth 148 is the difference in depth between the
primary score and
the check slot. In this embodiment, the check slot relative depth 148 may be
between
approximately 0.0016 inches and 0.0018 inches.
Referring now to Fig. 13A, a detailed top plan view of area "Y" of the score
tool
88 in Fig. 11 is provided. The horizontal rivet line 92, the vertical insert
line 94, and the
horizontal score line 96 are provided as references for various datum points
on the tool. A
tenth datum point 150 is located at the intersection of the vertical insert
line 94 and the
horizontal score line 96. The tool feature that produces the primary score 30
has a radius
of curvature from the tenth datum point 150 that may be approximately 0.089
inches. In
some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0.020
inches
29

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and 0.150 inches. The tool feature that produces the anti-fracture score 86
has a radius of
curvature from the tenth datum point 150 that may be approximately 0.129
inches. In
some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between approximately 0.080
inches
and 0.180 inches.
An eleventh datum point 152 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
approximately 0.0908 inches and may be offset from the horizontal score line
96 by
approximately 0.1181 inches. The tool feature that produces the anti-fracture
score 86 has
a radius of curvature from the eleventh datum point 152 that may be
approximately 0.020
inches. In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between
approximately
0.010 inches and 0.050 inches.
A twelfth datum point 154 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
approximately 0.1508 inches and may be offset from the horizontal score line
96 by
approximately 0.1447 inches. The tool feature that produces the primary score
30 has a
radius of curvature from the twelfth datum point 154 that may be approximately
0.120
inches. In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between
approximately
0.050 inches and 0.200 inches.
A thirteenth datum point 156 may be offset from the vertical insert line 94 by
approximately 0.1589 inches and may be offset from the horizontal score line
96 by
approximately 0.0822 inches. The tool feature that produces the primary score
30 has a
radius of curvature from the thirteenth datum point 156 that may be
approximately 0.057
inches. In some embodiments, this radius of curvature may be between
approximately
0.020 inches and 0.100 inches.
Two cross sectional lines, B-B and C-C, are oriented about the thirteenth
datum
point 156, and these cross sectional lines show the transition between the
primary score
and the anti-fracture score. Cross sectional line B-B corresponds to the tool
feature that
produces the primary score, and cross sectional line C-C corresponds to the
tool feature
that produces the anti-fracture score. The first angle 158 is the angle
between the two cross
sectional lines, and in this embodiment the first angle may be approximately
107.21 A
second angle 160 orients the first angle relative to the horizontal score line
96, and in this
embodiment, the second angle may be approximately 45 .
Referring now to Fig. 13B, a cross sectional view of the tool feature that
produces
the primary score taken along line B-B is provided. As described previously,
the primary
score depth 128, and accordingly the height of the tool feature that creates
the primary
score, may be between approximately 0.0100 inches and 0.0110 inches.

CA 02992441 2018-01-12
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Referring now to Fig. 13C, a cross sectional view of the tool feature that
produces
the anti-fracture score taken along line C-C is provided. The anti-fracture
score depth 162
may be between approximately 0.0088 inches and 0.0100 inches. The transition
between
the anti-fracture score of Fig. 13C and the primary score of Fig. 13B can take
a variety of
shapes. The transition may simply be a linear transition between the two score
depths.
However, it will be appreciated that the transition may be curved, curved
about a radius,
an n-order polynomial, a discrete jump between the two score depths without a
transition,
etc.
Referring now to Fig. 14A, a top plan view of a tool with the physical
characteristics to form a primary score, a secondary score, and a notch 164 is
provided.
The notch 164 allows the tool to be oriented when the tool is used during
production. The
horizontal insert line 90 and the horizontal rivet line 92 are provided on the
top surface of
the tool. The notch 164 is positioned on the vertical insert line and may be
offset from the
horizontal insert line 90 by approximately 0.875 inches. The radius of the
notch 164 may
be between approximately 0.1885 inches and 0.1890 inches. Also provided in
Fig. 14A is
a cross sectional line C-C which is positioned on the vertical insert line.
This cross
sectional line C-C is described in more detail below with respect to Fig. 14C.
Also shown in Fig. 14A is an indexing feature, which in this embodiment is a
flattened edge of the tool. The index feature width 166 may be approximately
0.75 inches,
and the index feature offset 168 may be approximately 0.72 inches.
Referring now to Fig. 14B, a side elevation view of the score tool in Fig. 14A
is
provided. The bottom portion of the tool has a widened, flanged base. In the
embodiment
in Fig. 14B, the tool flange width 170 may be between approximately 1.623
inches and
1.625 inches.
Referring now to Fig. 14C, a cross sectional view of the score tool taken
along line
C-C of Fig. 14A is provided. The flange of the tool described above in
reference to Fig.
14B has a tool flange height 172 that may be approximately 0.25 inches. Moving
leftward
in Fig. 14C, the next portion of the tool is the lip. The tool lip width 174
is approximately
1.380 inches, and the tool lip height 176 may be approximately 0.08 inches
above the tool
flange. The next part of the tool is the gap. The tool gap width 178 may be
approximately
1.34 inches, the tool gap height 180 may be approximately 0.37 inches, and a
tool gap
radius 182 may have a radius of curvature of approximately 0.02 inches.
Next, the overall height of the tool 184 without consideration of the scores
may be
approximately 0.8933 inches. The overall width of the tool 186 is between
approximately
31

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1.374 inches and 1.375 inches. The overall height of the tool 188 including
the primary
score is approximately 0.9043 inches. Also included in Fig. 14C is detail area
"Z" which
corresponds to the rivet portion of the tool.
Referring now to Fig. 14D, a detailed cross sectional view of area "Z" of the
score
tool in Fig. 14C is provided. A rivet diameter 190 is provided, which in this
embodiment
may be between approximately 0.137 inches to 0.139 inches. The rivet offset
192 is the
distance between the center of the rivet and the primary score, and in this
embodiment, the
rivet offset 192 may be approximately 0.077 inches. Finally, the edge of the
rivet recess is
chamfered. In this embodiment, the rivet chamfer 194 may be approximately 25 .
Referring now to Fig. 14E, a perspective view of the score tool 88 is provided
that
comprises the features described in Fig. 11 to Fig. 14D.
The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the
disclosure to the
form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example,
various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more
embodiments for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features
than are
expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive aspects
lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.
Thus, the
following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with
each claim
standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or
more
embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and
modifications
are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g. the use of disposable components
comprising
some or all of the apparatus described herein, as may be within the skill and
knowledge of
those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended
to obtain rights
which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including
alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to
those claimed,
whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,
functions,
ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any
patentable subject matter.
32

Representative Drawing