SHALLOW CAN CLOSURE

Abstract

A can closure includes a body with a center panel and a peripheral curl. The can closure body has one of a reduced panel depth, a very reduced panel depth, an extremely reduced panel depth, or a beverage can reduced panel depth.

Claims

1. A can closure comprising: a can closure body including a center panel and a peripheral curl; and wherein said can closure body has one of a reduced panel depth, a very reduced panel depth, an extremely reduced panel depth, or a beverage can reduced panel depth.

2. The can closure of claim 1 wherein: said can closure body includes a chuck wall disposed between said center panel and said curl; and wherein said chuck wall is one of a steep chuck wall, a very steep chuck wall, an extremely steep chuck wall, or an exceedingly steep chuck wall.

3. The can closure of claim 1 wherein: said can closure body includes a panel break and a seam line; and wherein the seam line gap is one of a small seam line gap, a very small seam line gap, an extremely small seam line gap, or an exceedingly small seam line gap.

4. The can closure of claim 1 wherein: said can closure body has an end diameter; and wherein the center panel diameter to end diameter ratio is one of 88.99%, 91.39%, 93.31%, or 96.20%.

5. The can closure of claim 1 wherein: the can closure body includes a tear panel; and wherein the tear panel ratio is one of 28.67% or 31.98%.

6. A can closure comprising: a can closure body including a center panel and a chuck wall; and wherein said chuck wall is one of a steep chuck wall, a very steep chuck wall, an extremely steep chuck wall, or an exceedingly steep chuck wall.

7. The can closure of claim 6 wherein: said can closure body includes a panel break and a seam line; and wherein the seam line gap is one of a small seam line gap, a very small seam line gap, an extremely small seam line gap, or an exceedingly small seam line gap.

8. The can closure of claim 6 wherein: said can closure body has an end diameter; and wherein the center panel diameter to end diameter ratio is one of 88.99%, 91.39%, 93.31%, or 96.20%.

9. The can closure of claim 6 wherein: the can closure body includes a tear panel; and wherein the tear panel ratio is one of 28.67% or 31.98%.

10. A can closure comprising: a can closure body including a center panel, a panel break and a seam line; and wherein the seam line gap is one of a small seam line gap, a very small seam line gap, an extremely small seam line gap, or an exceedingly small seam line gap.

11. The can closure of claim 10 wherein: said can closure body has an end diameter; and wherein the center panel diameter to end diameter ratio is one 88.99%, 91.39%, 93.31%, or 96.20%.

12. The can closure of claim 10 wherein: the can closure body includes a tear panel; and wherein the tear panel ratio is one of 28.67% or 31.98%.

13. A can closure comprising: a can closure body including a center panel and an end diameter; and wherein the center panel diameter to end diameter ratio is one 88.99%, 91.39%, 93.31%, or 96.20%.

14. The can closure of claim 13 wherein: said can closure body includes a panel break and a seam line; and wherein the seam line gap is one of a small seam line gap, a very small seam line gap, an extremely small seam line gap, or an exceedingly small seam line gap.

15. The can closure of claim 13 wherein: the can closure body includes a tear panel; and wherein the tear panel ratio is one of 28.67% or 31.98%.

16. A can closure comprising: a can closure body including a center panel and a tear panel; and wherein the tear panel ratio is one of 28.67% or 31.98%.

17. The can closure of claim 16 wherein said can closure body is a shallow can closure body.

18. The can closure of claim 16 wherein: said can closure body is a beverage can closure body; and said beverage container closure body has a unit depth of less than 0.25 inch.

19. The can closure of claim 16 wherein: said can closure body includes a panel up and a trough; and said trough disposed between said panel up and said chuck wall.

20. The can closure of claim 16 wherein: said can closure body is a beverage can closure body; and said beverage can closure body has a volume that is one of a reduced volume, a very reduced volume, an extremely reduced volume, or an exceptionally reduced volume.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of a prior art can closure including exemplary dimensions. FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of another prior can closure including exemplary dimensions.

[0045] FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view comparing a can closure of the present disclosure to a prior art can closure. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a can end coupled to a can body and showing various letters associated with various characteristics.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a top view of a prior art can closure.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of a can closure.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a bottom isometric view of a can closure.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a top view of a can closure.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a can closure.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a can closure.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a can closure.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a can body and a can closure.

[0054] FIG. 11 is another side cross-sectional view comparing a can closure of the present disclosure to a prior art can closure.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of stacked and nested can closures.

[0056] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of a container with a shallow can closure and a riser.

[0057] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a can closure with a tab coupled thereto.

[0058] FIG. 15 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of the can closure.

[0059] FIG. 16 is a bottom isometric view of the can closure shown in FIG. 12.

[0060] FIG. 17 is a top view of a can closure shown in FIG. 12.

[0061] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a can closure shown in FIG. 12.

[0062] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of a can closure shown in FIG. 12.

[0063] FIG. 20A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a can closure shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 20B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a can closure with a horizontally crimped trough.

[0064] FIG. 21 is a top view of a can closure with a tear panel.

[0065] FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional side view of a container with a shallow can closure and a riser.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0067] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0068] As used herein, the singular form of a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] As used herein, structured to [verb] means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is structured to move is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, structured to [verb] recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, structured to [verb] means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not structured to [verb].

[0070] As used herein, associated means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is associated with a specific tire.

[0071] As used herein, a coupling assembly includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a coupling assembly may not be described at the same time in the following description.

[0072] As used herein, a coupling or coupling component(s) is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut.

[0073] As used herein, a fastener is a separate component structured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a fastener but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a fastener. That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.

[0074] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are coupled shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, directly coupled means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, fixedly coupled or fixed means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not coupled to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

[0075] As used herein, the phrase removably coupled or temporarily coupled means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are removably coupled whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not removably coupled. A difficult to access fastener is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the other component is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

[0076] As used herein, temporarily disposed means that a first element(s) or assembly (ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in a manner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without having to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, a book simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastened to the table, is temporarily disposed on the table.

[0077] As used herein, operatively coupled means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be operatively coupled to another without the opposite being true.

[0078] As used herein, correspond indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which corresponds to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit snugly together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, corresponding surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

[0079] As used herein, a path of travel or path, when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a path of travel or path. Further, a path of travel or path relates to a motion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel (an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not move relative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, the wheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a path of travel or path relative to the body of the automobile. Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiable construct) does have a path of travel or path relative to the body of the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion, the air inlet valve, as a whole, moves relative to the body of the automobile.

[0080] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components engage one another means that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may engage another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may engage another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B, and when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A engages element B while in element A first position.

[0081] As used herein, operatively engage means engage and move. That is, operatively engage when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely temporarily coupled to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and engages the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver operatively engages the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, operatively engage means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current.

[0082] As used herein, the word unitary means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a unitary component or body.

[0083] As used herein, the term number shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase a number of elements means one element or a plurality of elements.

[0084] As used herein, in the phrase [x] moves between its first position and second position, or, [y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and second position, [x] is the name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun its means [x], i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes the pronoun its.

[0085] As used herein, about in a phrase such as disposed about [an element, point or axis] or extend about [an element, point or axis] or [X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis], means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, about means approximately, i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0086] As used herein, a radial side/surface for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the center thereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As used herein, an axial side/surface for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the radial side/surface is the generally circular sidewall and the axial side(s)/surface(s) are the top and bottom of the soup can.

[0087] As used herein, a product side means the side of a construct used in a container that contacts, or could contact, a product such as, but not limited to, a food or beverage. That is, the product side of the construct is the side of the construct that, eventually, defines the interior of a container.

[0088] As used herein, a customer side means the side of a construct used in a container that does not contact, or could not contact, a product such as, but not limited to, a food or beverage. That is, the customer side of the construct is the side of the construct that, eventually, defines the exterior of a container.

[0089] As used herein, generally curvilinear includes elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

[0090] As used herein, generally means in a general manner relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0091] As used herein, substantially means for the most part relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0092] As used herein, at means on and/or near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0093] As used herein, a can closure means a shell or a can end. A can closure includes a center panel and a curl. Unless otherwise noted, the can closure is discussed in the configuration prior to seaming to a can body. That is, any characteristics discussed below relate to an unseamned can closure. As used herein, a center panel is generally planar when viewed in cross-section in a plane that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel. This definition applies even if the center panel is domed or otherwise deformed due to pressure after the can closure is in use, or, due to other forming procedures. As used herein, a curl is generally curvilinear when viewed in cross-section. As used herein, portions of a can closure typically identified as a seaming panel and a can fit radius are included as part of the curl. Further, the top surface of the curl defines a plane which is, as used herein, a chime line. That is, as used herein, a curl inherently defines a chime line. Traditionally, between the center panel and the curl is a countersink and a chuck wall. As will be described herein, a can closure in accordance with the disclosed concept, unlike the prior art, does not include a countersink.

[0094] As used herein, a shallow can closure body (i.e., a shell or can end) means that, when viewed in cross-section in a plane that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel and prior to seaming, the distal tip of the curl is generally in, or immediately adjacent, the plane defined by the center panel. Further, for a shallow can end following seaming and pressurization of the container, a portion of the rivet and/or the tab are disposed above the chime line. More generally, as will be discussed in greater detail herein, a shallow can closure body in accordance with the embodiments of the disclosed concept are substantially smaller in the vertical dimension, i.e., more shallow, compared to prior art shells and can ends.

[0095] As used herein, a countersink is a downwardly formed radial channel extending around, and below the plane of, a center panel on a can closure. When viewed in cross-section in a plane that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel, a countersink is generally U-shaped with a generally planar center side and a generally planar peripheral side and a curvilinear bottom, or bight, therebetween. The countersink begins at the periphery of the center panel and extends to a location on the peripheral side that is generally in the plane of the center panel. The structure above this location is the chuck wall. In some embodiments, there is a panel up, as defined below, disposed about the countersink. That is, some countersinks include a small step about the inner periphery when viewed in cross-section. For a 202 CDL can closure, FIG. 1B, the unit depth is substantially about 0.25 inch and the radius of the countersink is about 0.024 inch. For a B64 can closure, FIG. 1A, the unit depth is substantially about 0.27 inch and the radius of the countersink is about 0.020 inch. Further, to be a countersink, the peripheral side is contiguous with a chuck wall and the combined height of the peripheral side and the chuck wall is sufficient so that, when a tab is coupled to the center panel by a rivet, no part of the tab and the associated rivet extend above the chime line. Further, in one common embodiment, a countersink includes a peripheral side (as well as the contiguous chuck wall) that is at an angle of, or more than, 12.3. As used herein, the angle of a chuck wall (or a seam wall) is measured relative to a vertical axis, i.e., an axis that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel, with a positive angle being tilted away from the center panel. Some countersinks are tilted relative to the center panel. That is, a line normal to the center of the bight extends at an angle other than substantially ninety degrees to the plane of the center panel. As used herein, the angle of the countersink peripheral side is measured relative to an axis that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel regardless of any tilt in the countersink.

[0096] As used herein, a chuck wall means the construct between the countersink and the curl. In an exemplary embodiment, the chuck wall is generally planar when viewed in cross-section. Other embodiments of a chuck wall include tapered portions, changes in the angle (sometimes identified as steps) or curvilinear portions. The angle of a chuck wall is measured relative to an axis that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel. Further, as used herein, the proximal end of the chuck wall is immediately adjacent the countersink and the distal end of the chuck wall is immediately adjacent the curl (or can fit radius). Further, and as used herein, a steep chuck wall is a chuck wall of a can closure which has an angle of less than 12.0 including any negative angles. As used herein, a very steep chuck wall is a chuck wall of a can closure which has an angle of less than 10.0 including any negative angles. As used herein, an extremely steep chuck wall is a chuck wall of a can closure which has an angle of less than 5.0 including any negative angles. As used herein, an exceedingly steep chuck wall is a chuck wall of a can closure which has an angle of less than 4.0 including any negative angles.

[0097] As used herein, a trough is a gutter extending about a center panel on a can closure created by a panel up as discussed below. When viewed in cross-section in a plane that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel, a trough is generally U-shaped with a generally planar center side and a generally planar peripheral side and a curvilinear bottom, or bight, therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the trough has a radius of about 0.010 inch and a can closure including a trough has a unit depth of about 0.1282 inch. Further, to be a trough, the peripheral side is contiguous with a chuck wall and the combined height of the peripheral side and the chuck wall is not sufficient to position a tab and the associated rivet below the chime line. As used herein, the physical characteristics described in this definition define a trough. Stated alternately, the panel up process, described above and below, that creates a trough, is just one process by which a trough is created. As such, and as used herein, a trough is not a product-by-process. Further, it is noted that a countersink, which is created using a downward forming motion at the area of the countersink is not a trough.

[0098] As used herein, a beverage can means an aluminum container structured to contain a beverage. Thus, when any construct is modified by the adjective beverage, it means that the construct is structured to be part of beverage can. Further, as used herein, a high pressure beverage means a carbonated beverage or beer. Thus, a high pressure beverage can means an aluminum container structured to contain a carbonated beverage or beer. Further, when any construct is modified by the adjective high pressure beverage, it means that the construct is structured to be part of a high pressure beverage can. Further, as is known, a beverage can has a diameter of between about 2.60 and about 2.67 inches which is, as used herein, a standard diameter. Such a standard diameter is commonly associated with a container for substantially twelve ounces of liquid and is also used with containers structured to contain between eight and sixteen ounces of liquid.

[0099] As used herein, standard, as used in a standard container or standard shell, means a construct used in association with a specific product and which is used by more than one product manufacturer. As noted above, for a product such as soda, pop, and/or beer, many manufacturers use an aluminum twelve fluid ounce container. Thus, such a container, as well as the components therefore (e.g., the shell, can end, and can body), is a standard container, a standard shell, a standard can end, and a standard can body. Standard containers, as well as the components therefore, are well known in the art. It is, however, understood that the disclosed and claimed concept can be employed with can closures of any size or shape including non-standard sizes and shapes.

[0100] As used herein, and when used to describe a can closure, a reduced volume means a volume that is about 5% less than the volume of a prior art can closure for a container of a similar size. Further, as used herein, a very reduced volume means a volume that is about 6% less than the volume of a prior art can closure for a container of a similar size. Further, as used herein, an extremely reduced volume means a volume that is about 8% less than the volume of a prior art can closure for a container of a similar size. Further, as used herein, an exceptionally reduced volume means a volume that is about 12% less than the volume of a prior art can closure for a container of a similar size.

[0101] As used herein, a limited direction pressure surface means a surface of a can closure wherein the surface is other than planar and which does not include any adjacent surfaces wherein lines normal (perpendicular) to the surfaces define an angle (excluding reflex angles) between about 45-135. As used herein, the term adjacent surfaces of a limited direction pressure surface means surfaces that are defined by a chuck wall and a center panel (optionally, a trough) when viewed in cross-section in a plane that is generally normal to the plane of the center panel and which are disposed on the same lateral side of the can closure. Thus, for example, the surfaces disposed 180 apart on a generally circular can closure are not adjacent surfaces.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the can closure 20, when coupled to a can body 14 is in a pressure equalization chamber free configuration. That is, a pressure equalization chamber free configuration means that when the can closure is seamed to a can body, the can closure and can body do not define a pressure equalization chamber, as defined above.

[0103] The following description provides for forming a can closure 20, shown in FIGS. 2A and 4-9, made from a reduced volume of aluminum and having a shallow can closure body 22. As is known, the can closure 20 is initially a blank cut from sheet material. In an exemplary embodiment, the sheet material is aluminum or an aluminum alloy with a gauge (thickness) of about 0.0092 inch. The sheet material, and therefore the blank, have a base thickness. Unless altered by forming operations, as described below, portions of the blank and the can closure 20, maintain the base thickness. Further, the following discussion and the Figures use a generally cylindrical can closure 20 as an example. It is understood that the disclosed and claimed concept is operable with can closures 20 of any shape and the cylindrical shape discussed and shown is exemplary only. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a can closure 20 is structured to be, and is, coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a can body 14 having a corresponding cross-sectional shape thereby forming a container 70. As is known, a can body 14 includes a base 16 and an upwardly depending sidewall 18. The can closure 20 is coupled to the upper, distal end of the can body sidewall 18. Thus, a can body 14 has a height and, the can closure 20 is coupled to the can body 14; the container 70 has a height generally equal to the can body 14 height and the unit depth of the can closure 20.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the can closure 20 includes a body 22 that, when forming operations are complete, or substantially complete, include a center panel 30, a chuck wall 32, and a peripheral curl 34. The chuck wall 32 is, in alternate embodiments, a steep chuck wall, a very steep chuck wall. an extremely steep chuck wall. or an exceedingly steep chuck wall As defined above, the peripheral curl 34 includes a seaming panel 36 and a can fit radius 38 that are included as part of the peripheral curl 34. In this embodiment, there is no channel, gutter or other construct between the center panel 30 or a chuck wall 32 and, as such, the volume of material required for the can closure body 22 is less than the amount of material required for a prior art can closure body.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the can closure body 22 has a reduced volume, as defined above. A can closure with reduced volume solves the problem(s) noted above. Further, in an exemplary embodiment that includes a trough 42, discussed below, the can closure 20, or can closure body 22, includes a panel break 50, a panel wall 52, and a bight 54. The trough 42 includes the panel wall 52, the bight 54 as well as a lower portion of the chuck wall 32. Similar to the prior art described above, the trough 42, i.e., the panel wall 52, is the generally planar portion (when viewed in cross-section as shown in FIG. 2B) adjacent the panel break 50. The panel break 50 has a radius. In an exemplary embodiment, the panel break 50 is between about 0.005 inch and 0.025 inch, or about 0.015 inch.

[0106] Further, the exemplary can closure body 22 has a unit depth that is less than a prior art can closure body. That is, in the disclosed embodiment, the can closure body 22 is a shallow can closure body 22. In an exemplary embodiment, and as used herein, a shallow can closure body 22 has unit depth of less than 0.25 inch. As used herein, a very shallow can closure body 22 has unit depth of less than 0.20 inch. As used herein, an extremely shallow can closure body 22 has unit depth of less than 0.15 inch. As used herein, a shallow beverage can closure has a unit depth of about 0.120 inch. A shallow can closure body 22 (or a very shallow can closure body, an extremely shallow, or a shallow beverage can closure) solves the problem(s) noted above. The shallow can closure body 22 is shown in comparison to prior art shells 1 in FIGS. 2A and 11. FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of shallow can closure bodies 22 in a stacked and nested configuration.

[0107] Further, a can closure body has a panel depth. As used herein, the panel depth is the distance between the chime line and the top surface of the center panel 30. The shallow can closure body 22 has one of a reduced panel depth, a very reduced panel depth, an extremely reduced panel depth or a beverage can reduced panel depth. As used herein, a reduced panel depth means a distance of less than 0.150 inch. As used herein, a very reduced panel depth means a distance of less than 0.110 inch. As used herein, an extremely reduced panel depth means a distance of less than 0.070 inch. As used herein, a beverage can reduced panel depth means a distance of about 0.0532 inch.

[0108] For a can closure 20 with a tab 60, i.e., a can end 8, in any of the shallow configurations, or any of the reduced panel depth configurations, does not include a tab-over-chime. Thus, the tab 60 and the rivet 62 are protected when the can closures 20 are stacked. Due to the reduced unit/panel depth, however, the stacked can closures 20 occupy less space (for an equal number of can closures) compared to the prior art. This solves the problem(s) stated above.

[0109] The chuck wall 32 is disposed between the center panel 30 and the curl 34. As defined above, a chuck wall 32 is a peripheral wall of a can closure which has an angle of less than 12.6 and which includes any negative angles. Further, a chuck wall 32, in an exemplary embodiment, is structured to, and does, abut a can body 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the chuck wall 32 has an angle selected from the group consisting of less than 10 and between about 2 and about 3. In this configuration, and after the can closure body 22 is coupled to a can body 14, the chuck wall 32 defines a limited direction pressure surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, and as indicated by the arrows, the force generated by pressure in a container 70 does not act in generally opposite directions. Further, no force created by pressure on the can body 14 acts in an opposing direction relative to the force generated on the can closure body 22.

[0110] Further, in an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, when the (unseamed) shallow can closure 20 includes a tab 60 coupled thereto by a rivet 62, the height of the chuck wall 32 is sufficient to position the tab 60 below the chime line. It is noted, however, that following seaming and pressurization of the container 70, the tab 60 and/or rivet 62, or a portion of either, is disposed above the chime line. Stated alternately, and following seaming and pressurization, the can closure body 22 is in an intentional tab-over-chime configuration. As used herein, an intentional tab-over-chime is a configuration wherein the rivet 62 and/or the tab 60 is intentionally disposed above the chime line. That is, the final position of the rivet 62 and/or the tab 60 is determined by the initial configuration of the center panel 30, a chuck wall 32, and the peripheral curl 34. A center panel 30, a chuck wall 32, and peripheral curl 34 structured to intentionally be formed so that the rivet 62 and/or the tab 60 is disposed above the chime line create an intentional tab-over-chime configuration. As an intentional tab-over-chime configuration relates to the characteristics of the center panel 30, a chuck wall 32, and peripheral curl 34 and not the forming process, as used herein, an intentional tab-over-chime is not a product by process.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 15-20B, the can closure body 22, and more specifically, the center panel 30, includes a panel up 40. As used herein, a panel up 40 is a portion of a center panel 30, including substantially all of the center panel 30, that has been shifted upwardly relative to the other portions of the can closure body 22. When the can closure body 22 includes a panel up 40, a trough 42 is created at the periphery of the center panel 30. That is, as used herein, the trough 42 is adjacent the center panel 30 and is disposed between the panel up 40 and the chuck wall 32. Further, as noted above, the term trough relates to the physical characteristics as defined above and does not mean a construct defined as a product-by-process. Further, a countersink 3 is a construct formed by a downward forming operation and results in a substantial unit depth as compared to a panel up 40 and trough 42 of the disclosed and claimed concept, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 11. Generally, a trough 42 has a smaller radial width than a countersink 3.

[0112] A can closure body 22 without a countersink and/or a chuck wall has a center panel 30 with a greater area compared to a prior art can closure that includes a countersink 3 and/or a chuck wall 4. That is, for containers of a standard diameter, including beverage cans, the can closure body 22 has a selected diameter (or radius) that is sized to correspond to the standard/beverage can body diameter. As the countersink 3 and/or a chuck wall 4 have a radial width, the size of the center panel 2 of a prior art can closure body 22 is limited. The can closure body 22 without a countersink and/or a chuck wall (and without a panel up 40 and the chuck wall 32) has a center panel 30 with a diameter of between about 1.77 inches and about 2.2 inches or about 2.0 inches. This is larger than a prior art center panel that has a diameter of about 1.75 inches. With a larger center panel 30, the can closure 20 is structured to, and does, accommodate a larger tear panel 56 or opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the center panel 30 on the shallow can closure body 22 has a diameter of about 1.96 inches. Thus, after seaming, the center panel 30 occupies about 92% of the seamed area. That is, the chuck wall 32 (and trough 42 is present) occupy about 8% of the seamed area.

[0113] With a larger center panel 30, the can closure body 22 is structured to, and does, accommodate a larger tear panel 56, as shown in FIG. 21. This solves the problem(s) noted above. In an exemplary embodiment, the tear panel 56 has an area of between about 0.5963 in..sup.2 and about 0.7 in..sup.2, or about 0.6267 in..sup.2

[0114] Further, the larger tear panel 56 is, in an exemplary embodiment, formed with a centered rivet 62. That is, one solution for creating a larger prior art tear panel 56 was to offset the rivet 62 and tab 60 associated with the tear panel 56 so as to provide more area on the center panel 30 for the tear panel 56. Formation of an offset, or non-concentric, rivet creates problems during formation of the rivet 62 and conversion (i.e., the coupling of the tab 60 to the shell 1). That is, there are loads and other forming forces that are non-concentric relative to the blank which must be accommodated. As such, it is desirable to have a concentric rivet 62 so as to simplify the conversion process.

[0115] The can closure 20 is structured to be, and is, coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a can body 14 by seaming the curl 34 to the upper distal end of the can body 14. The shallow can closure 20 is structured to be, and is, coupled to a standard can body 14. In this configuration, and because the shallow can closure 20 has a reduced unit depth and/or reduced panel depth, there is a greater head space between the shallow can closure body 22 and the product in the container 70. If this head space is not needed or desired, the shallow can closure 20 is structured to be, and is, coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a reduced height can body 14. That is, as used herein, a reduced height can body 14 means the height of the can body 14 is shorter than a standard can body for a similar volume of liquid and the can body is structured to be coupled to a shallow can closure 20. For example, a standard twelve ounce aluminum beverage can has a can body with a height of about 4.82 inches. A twelve ounce aluminum container 70 (which is commonly identified as a beverage can), including a shallow can closure 20 has a height of between about 4.65 inches to about 4.75 inches, or about 4.70 inches. Thus, the container 70 has a reduced height. It is understood that a can body 14 with a reduced height is formed from a blank that has a lower volume relative to a blank that forms a can body 14 with a standard height. Thus, a can body 14 with a reduced height solves the problem(s) noted above.

[0116] One disadvantage of having a reduced height can body 14 is that the container 70 may be incompatible with existing constructs that interact with containers, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans. That is, for example, vending machines are structured to interact with standard sized beverage cans. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 22 and in an exemplary embodiment, the container 70 includes a riser assembly 100. The riser assembly 100 is structured to, and does, increase the height of a container 70 including a shallow can closure 20 to be the height of a similar standard size container. For example, as noted above, an aluminum can body for a twelve ounce beverage can has a height of about 4.82 inches. Conversely, a container 70 including a shallow can closure 20 has a height of about 4.70 inches. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, a riser assembly 100 for a twelve ounce beverage can is structured to, and does, increase the height of the container 70 including a shallow can closure 20 to be about 0.12 inch.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the riser assembly 100 is structured to be, and is, coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the can closure 20. That is, in one embodiment, the riser assembly 100 includes a generally toroid body 102 that is generally sized and shaped to correspond to the can closure 20. Thus, the riser assembly body 102 includes a coupling component 104 structured to be coupled to the can closure 20. In one embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 is generally solid. In another embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 includes a generally smooth, or solid, upper surface 106 and a plurality of ribs or gussets 108 on the lower surface. In another embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 includes a thin toroid body (not shown) with a number of platforms disposed about the riser assembly body 102. In this embodiment, only the platforms have a height sufficient to increase the height of a container 70 including a shallow can closure 20 to be the height of a similar standard size container.

[0118] In another embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 includes a filler assembly, not shown. The filler assembly is disposed on the lower side of the riser assembly body 102 and is structured to correspond, or snuggly correspond, to the trough 42. When the riser assembly body 102 is coupled to a can closure 20 including a trough 42, the filler assembly is disposed in the trough 42. In this configuration, the filler assembly is structured to, and does, reinforce or support the can closure 20. Thus, the can closure 20 is, in an exemplary embodiment, made from a thinner material than would otherwise be possible. That is, a can closure 20 made from a thinner material would collapse or buckle under the loads generated by the product, such as, but not limited to, beer or a carbonated beverage within the container 70. The filler assembly, however, supports the can closure 20 and prevents any substantial deformation of the can closure 20 and/or the can body 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 is made from a plastic or polymer material that is less expensive to create and mold than a metal. Thus, use of a riser assembly body 102 allows for the can closure 20 and/or the can body 14 to be made from a reduced volume of metal.

[0119] In one embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 is made from a clean burning material. As used herein, a clean burning material means a material that, when burned, does not generally contaminate melting, or molten, aluminum. A riser assembly body 102 is structured to be, and is, fixed to the can closure 20. During recycling of the aluminum container 70, the clean burning riser assembly body 102 burns away (and the heat therefrom assists in melting the container 70). In another embodiment, the riser assembly body 102 is reusable and is only temporarily coupled to the can closure 20.

[0120] In another embodiment, the can closure 20 includes a trough 42 that is one of a narrow trough, a very narrow trough, an extremely narrow trough, a closed trough or a closed/gap trough. A can closure 20 with a trough 42 that is one of a narrow trough, a very narrow trough, an extremely narrow trough, a closed trough or a closed/gap trough has an increased buckle strength, an increased panel diameter to end diameter ratio, and an increased tear panel ratio and accommodates a larger tear panel 56. Thus, a can closure 20 with a trough 42 solves the problem(s) noted above. As used herein, and as shown in FIG. 20A, a narrow trough means a trough 42 with a trough gap less than 0.070 inch. As used herein, a very narrow trough means a trough 42 with a trough gap less than 0.060 inch. As used herein, an extremely narrow trough means a trough 42 with a trough gap less than 0.045 inch. As used herein, a closed trough means a trough 42 wherein the sides of the trough 42 substantially contact, i.e., abut, each other. In an exemplary embodiment, a closed/gap trough trough 42 includes a configuration wherein the sides of the trough 42 at the bottom of the trough 42 do not contact each other. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20B, the closed/gap trough is also crimped so that the sides of the trough 42 at the bottom of the trough 42 contact each other. This configuration is identified herein as a horizontally crimped trough 42. That is, the sides of the trough 42 at the bottom of the trough 42 are crimped in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the center panel 30. As used herein, a horizontally crimped trough 42 is not the same as vertically crimpled countersinks that are known in the art. That is, countersinks that have been crimped, or partially crimped, in a direction generally normal to the plane of the center panel 30 are known. Such a crimped countersink is not, as used herein, the same as a horizontally crimped trough 42. Can closures 20 that include one of a narrow trough, a very narrow trough, an extremely narrow trough, a closed trough or a closed/gap trough solve the problem(s) stated above. That is, such can closures 20 have an increased buckle strength relative to known can closures. In an exemplary embodiment, the buckle strength of a can closure 20 with a horizontally crimped trough 42 is about 85 psi.

[0121] Further, when a can closure 20 has one of a narrow trough, a very narrow trough, an extremely narrow trough, or a closed trough, the area of the center panel 30 is increased relative to the known art. In an exemplary embodiment, the center panel 30 is one of a wide center panel, a very wide center panel, an extremely wide center panel or a full center panel. For example, in one embodiment, the center panel 30 is a wide center panel 30 which, as used herein, has a diameter of about 1.85 inch. In another embodiment, the center panel 30 is a very wide center panel 30 which, as used herein, has a diameter of about 1.90 inch. In another embodiment, the center panel 30 is an extremely wide center panel 30 which, as used herein, has a diameter of about 1.94 inch. In another embodiment, the center panel 30 is a full center panel 30 which, as used herein, has a diameter of about 1.96 inch. The center panel 30, as described herein, solves the problem(s) stated above.

[0122] As noted above, the can closure 20, when coupled to a can body 14, has a seam line 39 (FIG. 13). In an exemplary embodiment, the rolled coupling construct that joins the can closure 20 to the can body 14 has a width of about 0.046 inch and the seam line 39 is disposed substantially at the middle of the rolled coupling. In an exemplary embodiment, the seam line 39 diameter is about 2.079 in.

[0123] In this configuration, a wide center panel 30 has a center panel diameter to end diameter ratio of about 0.8899 (or 88.99%). Further, a very wide center panel 30 has a center panel diameter to end diameter ratio of about 0.9139 (or 91.39%). Further, an extremely wide center panel 30 has a center panel diameter to end diameter ratio of about 0.9331 (or 93.31%). Further, a full center panel 30 has a center panel diameter to end diameter ratio of about 0.9620 (or 96.20%). A can closure 20 in these configurations has a center panel diameter to end diameter ratio greater than in the prior art and therefore solves the problem(s) noted above.

[0124] Similarly, when the center panel 30 is larger than those of the prior art, the tear panel ratio is smaller, which solves the problem(s) noted above. As noted above, in the known art, a 202 B64 tear panel has an area of 0.5940 in..sup.2 while a 202 CDL tear panel has an area of 0.5020 in..sup.2 The larger center panel(s) of the disclosed concept allow for a larger tear panel 56. For example, a wide center panel 30 and/or a very wide center panel 30 are structured to accommodate a tear panel 56 with an area of more than 0.5960 in..sup.2 Thus, a wide center panel 30 and/or a very wide center panel 30 has a tear panel ratio of more than 0.2867 (or 28.67%). This tear panel ratio is larger than the prior art and, therefore, solves the problem(s) stated above. Further, an extremely wide center panel 30 and/or a full center panel 30 are structured to accommodate a tear panel 56 with an area of about 0.627 in..sup.2 Thus, an extremely wide center panel 30 and/or a full center panel 30 has a tear panel 56 ratio of about 0.3198 (or 31.98%) A can closure 20 in these configurations solves the problem(s) noted above.

[0125] Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the can closure 20 has a seam line gap that is smaller than the prior art. That is, after a can closure 20 with a trough 42 is coupled to a can body 14, the can closure 20 has a seam line 39. The trough 42 is defined in part by a panel break 50. The distance between the seam line 39 and the panel break 50 is smaller than the prior art. In an exemplary embodiment, the seam line gap is one of a small seam line gap, a very small seam line gap, an extremely small seam line gap, or an exceedingly small seam line gap. As used herein, a small seam line gap is a distance less than 0.23 inch. As used herein, a very small seam line gap is a distance less than 0.180 inch. As used herein, an extremely small seam line gap is a distance less than 0.160 inch. As used herein, an exceedingly small seam line gap is a distance less than 0.150 inch. A can closure 20 in any of these configurations solve the problem(s) stated above.

[0126] Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the radius of the trough 42, i.e., the bight 54 of the trough 42, is a simple radius. As used herein, a simple radius means that the trough 42 has a single curvilinear, or arcuate, portion and two generally planar sides when viewed in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 2B. Thus, the trough 42 is not complex, as defined above. This solves the problem(s) noted above. Further, the trough 42 has one of a small radius, a very small radius, or an extremely small radius. As used herein, a 0.15 inch trough radius is a small radius. As used herein, a 0.10 inch trough radius is a very small radius. As used herein, a 0.03 inch trough radius is an extremely small radius. Use of a trough 42 with one of a small radius, a very small radius, or an extremely small radius solves the problem(s) noted above.

[0127] Thus, while again noting that beverage cans are being used as an example and that the disclosed and claimed concept is applicable to any size and/or type of can, the following table includes the characteristics of exemplary embodiments of a can closure 20 for a beverage can incorporating the disclosed and claimed concept. The variable is the size of the trough 42 and the size center panel 30. That is, the center panel 30 is one of a wide center panel, a very wide center panel, an extremely wide center panel or a full center panel. The trough 42, therefore, is one of a narrow trough, a very narrow trough, an extremely narrow trough, or a closed trough, respectively. The letters on the left correspond to the characteristics identified above. Unless otherwise indicated, the units are in inches.

TABLE-US-00002 Wide Center Very Wide Extremely Wide Panel Center Panel Center Panel Full Center Panel A 2.1250 2.1250 2.1250 2.1250 B 2.079 2.079 2.079 2.079 C 1.850 1.900 1.9400 1.9600 D 0.229 0.180 0.140 0.130 E 0.183 0.133 0.093 0.073 F 0.0835 0.0835 0.0835 0.0835 G 0.0535 0.0535 0.0535 0.0535 H 0.137 0.137 0.137 0.137 I 0.015 0.010 0.008 0.003 J 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 K 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 L 10 8 6 4.5 M 88.99% 91.39% 93.31% 96.20% N 28.67% 28.67% 31.98% 31.98%
A can closure 20 in any of these configurations solve the problem(s) noted above.

[0128] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.