Abstract
An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a score fracture force reduction feature. Thus, less force is required by a user to fracture the score and open the opening in the end closure. In one embodiment, the score fracture force reduction feature is a collapsible form raised above the center panel and having a score line and a coined area.
Claims
1. A metallic end closure with a score fracture force reduction feature, comprising: a peripheral curl which is adapted for interconnection to a neck of a beverage container; a chuck wall extending downwardly from said peripheral curl; a countersink interconnected to a lower end of said chuck wall; an inner panel wall extending upwardly from an interior portion of said countersink; a center panel interconnected to an upper portion of said inner panel wall, wherein said center panel is oriented in a substantially horizontal plane; a pull tab having a nose end and a tail end which is operably interconnected to said center panel; a first score line in said center panel which defines a first tear panel; and a raised form in said center panel which is elevated above said center panel a predetermined height, wherein a coined area surrounds at least a portion of said raised form, and wherein said first score line is substantially contained within said raised form.
2. The metallic end closure of claim 1, further comprising a second score line in said center panel, wherein said second score line defines a second tear panel.
3. The metallic end closure of claim 2, wherein said first score line and said first tear panel define a vent opening, and wherein said second score line and said second tear panel define a pour opening.
4. The metallic end closure of claim 1, wherein said raised form collapses downwardly when a user exerts a downward force on said raised form, and wherein a first opening is formed when said raised form collapses downwardly and said first score line fractures.
5. The metallic end closure of claim 1, wherein said raised form has a pyramid-shaped cross-section, and wherein said height of said raised form is at least about 0.010 inches.
6. The metallic end closure of claim 1, wherein said raised form has a rounded dome-shaped cross-section, and wherein said height of said raised form is at least about 0.010 inches.
7. The metallic end closure of claim 1, wherein a center of said raised form has a weakened area with a circular shape to promote collapsing of said raised form.
8. The metallic end closure of claim 1, wherein said raised form comprises a focalized area near a center of said raised form, and wherein said focalized area has an outwardly extending center point to focus metallic stresses within said focalized area.
9. A metallic end closure with a score fracture force reduction feature, comprising: a horizontal center panel oriented in a substantially horizontal plane; a raised form in said center panel, said raised form having a rectangular shape with rounded ends when viewed from a top plan view and having a dome-shaped cross-section, wherein said raised form is raised above said center panel a height of at least about 0.010 inches; a first coined area positioned between a base of a first side of said dome-shaped raised form and said center panel, said first coined area having a width of at least about 0.030 inches, wherein said first coined area has a first thickness and said raised form has a second thickness, and wherein said second thickness is greater than said first thickness; a second coined area positioned between a base of a second side of said dome-shaped raised form and said center panel, said second coined area having a width of at least about 0.030 inches; and a score line which defines a tear panel, wherein said tear panel is at least partially separable from said center panel to form an opening, and wherein at least a portion of said score line is positioned in a top portion of said raised form.
10. The metallic end closure of claim 9, wherein said score line is substantially contained within said raised form.
11. The metallic end closure of claim 9, wherein said raised form collapses downwardly when a user exerts a downward force on said raised form, and wherein said opening is formed when said raised form collapses downwardly and said score line fractures.
12. The metallic end closure of claim 9, wherein said first coined area and said second coined area are interconnected to completely surround said raised form.
13. A metallic end closure with a score fracture force reduction feature, comprising: a peripheral curl which is adapted for interconnection to a neck of a beverage container; a chuck wall extending downwardly from said peripheral curl; a countersink interconnected to a lower end of said chuck wall; an inner panel wall extending upwardly from an interior portion of said countersink; a center panel interconnected to an upper portion of said inner panel wall, wherein said center panel is oriented in a substantially horizontal plane; a pull tab having a nose end and a tail end which is operably interconnected to said center panel; a first score line in said center panel which defines a first tear panel; a second score line in said center panel, wherein said second score line defines a second tear panel; and a raised form in said center panel which is elevated above said center panel a predetermined height, wherein a coined area surrounds at least a portion of said raised form, and wherein at least a portion of said first score line is positioned in said raised form.
14. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein said first score line and said first tear panel define a vent opening, and wherein said second score line and said second tear panel define a pour opening.
15. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein said first score line is substantially contained within said raised form.
16. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein said raised form collapses downwardly when a user exerts a downward force on said raised form, and wherein a first opening is formed when said raised form collapses downwardly and said first score line fractures.
17. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein said raised form has a pyramid-shaped cross-section, and wherein said height of said raised form is at least about 0.010 inches.
18. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein said raised form has a rounded dome-shaped cross-section, and wherein said height of said raised form is at least about 0.010 inches.
19. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein a center of said raised form has a weakened area with a circular shape to promote collapsing of said raised form.
20. The metallic end closure of claim 13, wherein said raised form comprises a focalized area near a center of said raised form, and wherein said focalized area has an outwardly extending center point to focus metallic stresses within said focalized area.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
(2) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
(3) FIG. 1 shows the public side of one embodiment of an end closure with a stay on tab and a vent opening;
(4) FIG. 2 shows the public side of a second embodiment of an end closure;
(5) FIGS. 3A-D show the score line of an end closure of the prior art;
(6) FIGS. 4A-C show various views of one embodiment of a score line within a form;
(7) FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the score line within the form of FIGS. 4A-B;
(8) FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the score line within the form of FIG. 4C;
(9) FIG. 6A shows a top plan view of the score line within the form of FIG. 4A before and after the score has been fractured;
(10) FIG. 6B shows section VI-VI of the form of FIG. 6A;
(11) FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of a second embodiment of a form with a score line before and after the score has been fractured;
(12) FIG. 8A shows a top plan view of a third embodiment of a form with a score line before and after the score has been fractured;
(13) FIG. 8B shows section VIII-VIII of the form of FIG. 8A; and
(14) FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a form with a score line.
(15) To assist in the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:
(16) TABLE-US-00001 Component No. Component 2 End Closure 4 Center Panel 6 Load 8 Deformation Direction 12 Tab 14 Tail (End of Tab) 16 Nose (End of Tab) 18 Lift Ring 24 Peripheral Curl 26 Chuck Wall 28 Countersink 30 Form (Area) 32 Form Perimeter 34 Rivet 36 Deboss Area 38 Score Line (before opening) 38A Score Line (after opening) 40 (Primary) Tear Panel 44 Primary Score Line 46 Secondary Score Line 48 Vent Score Line 50 Secondary Tear Panel 54 Focalized Area (of Form) 56 Weakened Area (of Form) 58 First Coined Area 60 Second Coined Area 62 Vertical Side of Form 64 Curved Side of Form W1 Width of Form W2 Width of First Coin Area W3 Width of Second Coin Area H1 Height of Form (before load) A1 Angle of the Form
(17) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. 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. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(18) Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.
(19) Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein and as depicted in the drawings. It is expressly understood that although the figures depict metal end closures, container bodies, scores, score fracture force reduction features, and methods and systems for using the same, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It should also be understood that the terms container and container body; end closure and container end closure; tear panel and tear portion; opening and pour opening; and main and primary may be used interchangeably in some instances.
(20) FIG. 1 shows the public side of one embodiment of an end closure 2 with a tab 12, center panel 4, a pour opening, and a vent opening. The end closure 2 comprises a peripheral curl 24 interconnected to a chuck wall 26, which is interconnected on a lower end to a countersink 28. The center panel 4 comprises a deboss area 36, a primary tear panel 40 defined by a primary score line 44, and a secondary tear panel 50 defined by a vent score line 48. The primary tear panel 40 also includes a secondary score line 46, which is parallel to the primary score line 44. The pour opening is created after the primary score line 44 is fractured and the primary tear panel 40 separates from the center panel 4. The vent opening is created after the vent score line 48 is fractured and the secondary tear panel 50 separates from the center panel 4. The tab 12 is interconnected to the center panel 4 via a rivet 34. The tab 12 has a pull end or a tail end 14 opposite a nose end 16.
(21) FIG. 2 shows the public side of a second embodiment of an end closure 2. The end closure 2 is shown without a tab. The end closure 2 comprises a peripheral curl 24 interconnected to a chuck wall 26, which is interconnected on a lower end to a countersink 28. The countersink 28 is interconnected to a center panel 4, which includes a rivet 34, a deboss area 36, and a tear panel 40 defined by a primary score line 44. The tear panel 40 also has a secondary score line 46 that is parallel to the primary score line 44.
(22) FIGS. 3A-3D show a score line of existing designs. FIG. 3A shows a top plan view of the score line 38 and a load 6 positioned proximate to the score line 38. FIG. 3B a side elevation view of the material with the score before the load 6 is applied near the score. FIG. 3C shows a side elevation view of the material with the score after the load 6 is applied near the score. FIG. 3D shows a sectional view of the material with the score line 38 at cut 3D-3D of FIG. 3A.
(23) FIG. 4A shows a top plan view of one embodiment of a score line 38 positioned within a form 30 having a width W1 and defined by a form perimeter 32. In one embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.600 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.150 inches and 0.500 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.200 inches and 0.400 inches. In one embodiment, the form 30 has a rectangular shape with rounded ends, such that the form 30 is longer than it is wide. The score 38 may be contained within the form 30 or only a part of the score 38 may be contained within the form 30. FIG. 4A shows the form 30 and score line 38 prior to applying an opening load 6 to the score line 38. The x-direction and y-direction are shown in FIG. 4A.
(24) FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the form 30 with a height H1 prior to applying the force 6. H1 is measured from the base of the form 30 to the top of the form 30. The form 30 is raised above the center panel a height, which may be H1 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the form 30 is positioned in the deboss area of the center panel, and therefore H1 is height of the form above the deboss area. The dotted line shows the thickness of the form 30 according to one embodiment. The x-direction and z-direction are shown in FIG. 4B. In one embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.050 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches.
(25) FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of the form 30 after the opening load 6 is applied in a downward (negative Z) direction. The center of the form 30 collapses downward in the direction of the applied force. The dotted line shows the thickness of the form 30 in cross-section.
(26) FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of section 5A-5A of the form 30 of FIG. 4A before the load 6 is applied to the form 30. The form 30 includes a score line 38 proximate to the center of the form 30. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of section 5A-5A of the form 30 after the load 6 is applied to the form 30, but immediately before the score 38 fractures. After the score 38 fractures, the cross-section would look similar, except that the score 38 would be fractured, thus creating a gap in the metal at the score 38 location. As can be seen from FIGS. 4C and 5B, the form 30 has a permanently deformed shape after the downward force 6 is applied to the form 30. Specifically, the form 30 has collapsed near the center of the form 30 along the length of the form 30 (FIG. 4C) and along the width of the form 30 (FIG. 5B). Thus, the form 30 encourages collapsing in two directions: along the score line 38 (x-direction) and perpendicular to the score line 38 (y-direction). Although FIGS. 4A-5B show the score as linear, the score may be any shape or combination of shapes known in the art. Thus, the score line can be curved as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (item numbers 44, 46, and 48). Additionally, the form and score may be associated with a primary opening, secondary opening, secondary vent feature, or any other opening.
(27) FIGS. 6A, 7, and 8A show three embodiments of the form area 30 in top plan view. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows one embodiment of the form 30 with a width W1 and defined by a form perimeter 32. In one embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.600 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.150 inches and 0.500 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.200 inches and 0.400 inches. This embodiment of the form 30 has a long, cylindrical, tube shape. FIG. 6A shows the score line 38 before an opening load is applied to the score 38 and before the score 38 is fractured Additionally, FIG. 6A shows the score lines 38A after the load has been applied and after the score 38A has been fractured to create the opening. The arrow 8 shows the deformation direction perpendicular to the score 38 path. Note that the coined areas 58, 60 shown in FIG. 6B are not shown in FIG. 6A. However, the coined areas 58, 60 are positioned just outside of the form perimeter 32 of FIG. 6A.
(28) FIG. 6B shows a cross-section of the embodiment of the form 30 of FIG. 6A at cut 6B-6B. This embodiment has a collapsible form 30 with a dome-shaped cross-section having a height H1 and a form area 30. In one embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.050 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches. The form 30 comprises a score line 38 positioned proximate to the center of the form 30 and near the top of the form 30. The form 30 has a width W1. In one embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.600 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.150 inches and 0.500 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.200 inches and 0.400 inches. Either side of the form dome has a coined area: a first coined area 58 having a width W2 and a second coined 60 having a width W3. In one embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.200 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.030 inches and 0.150 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches. In one embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.200 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.030 inches and 0.150 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches. The center panel 4 is shown outside of the two coined areas 58, 60. The two coined areas 58, 60 may be the same width, thickness, and strength in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the two coined areas 58, 60 may have different widths W2, W3, thicknesses, and/or strengths. Thus, the coined areas 58, 60 may differ such that the coined areas 58, 60 encourage a stronger side, which would rebound after fracture to create an opening. Additionally, the coined areas 58, 60 can vary to promote fracture of the score 38 and rebounding of one side of the form 30.
(29) FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of a second embodiment of a score 38 contained within a form 30 having a width W1 and defined by a form perimeter 32. Here, the center of the form 30 has been softened (i.e., has bigger radii) to allow the form 30 to collapse easier than the form shown in FIG. 6A. Because the form 30 is designed to receive a load proximate to the center of the form 30, the softened geometry provides a form 30 that collapses easier in the area of loading than in other areas. The form 30 includes a weakened area 56, which is the form area 56 with a larger radius. The score line 38 is shown before an opening load is applied to the score 38 and before the score 38 is fractured. The score line 38A is also shown after the load has been applied and after the score 38A has been fractured to create the opening. Although a cross-section of FIG. 7 is not shown, the cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may be the same as the cross-section shown in FIG. 6B when the form 30 of FIG. 7 is cut at the same location as the form 30 of FIG. 6A. However, if the cross-section of FIG. 7 is taken at the center of the form 30 (i.e., where the form 30 is the widest and proximate to the weakened area 56), then the cross-section will look similar to the cross-section shown in FIG. 6B, but W1 would be wider.
(30) FIG. 8A shows a top plan view of a third embodiment of the form 30 with a width W1 and defined by a form perimeter 32. In one embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.600 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.150 inches and 0.500 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.200 inches and 0.400 inches. This form 30 has a focalized area 54 near the center of the form 30, where the features have been sharpened (i.e., smaller radii) to focus the forces and loads into the center of the form 30. The focalized area 54 acts like a stress concentrator to promote permanent deformation of the form 30. When a load is applied to a structure, the load causes the structure to stress. A stress concentrator forces the stress to be higher in a specific, focalized area. By focusing all of the stress to a small area, the small area will fail sooner than it would fail without the concentrated stress. Thus, when a load is applied to the form 30, the stress on the form is concentrated in the focalized area 54 and the form 30 will fail sooner and the score 38 will fracture sooner than the form 30 would fail and the score would fracture without the focalized area 54. In some embodiments, the focalized area may have an outwardly extending center point. The score line 38 is shown before an opening load is applied to the score 38 and before the score 38 is fractured. The score line 38A is also shown after the load has been applied and after the score 38A has been fractured to create the opening. Note that the coined areas 58, 60 shown in FIG. 8B are not shown in FIG. 8A. However, the coined areas 58, 60 are positioned just outside of the form perimeter 32 of FIG. 8A.
(31) FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the form 30 of FIG. 8A at cut 8B-8B. This embodiment has a collapsible form 30 with an elongated pyramid-shaped cross-section having a height H1 and a score 38 near the center and/or top of the form 30. In one embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.050 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches. The form 30 has a width W1. In one embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.600 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.150 inches and 0.500 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.200 inches and 0.400 inches. The flatter angle A1, A2 of the form 30 has a weaker structure. In one embodiment, the angles A1, A2 are approximately the same angle. In another embodiment, the angle A1 is different than the angle A2. In some embodiments, the angles A1, A2 are between about 5 and 45 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angles A1, A2 are about 30 degrees. Either side of the pyramid-shaped form 30 has a coined area: a first coined area 58 having a width W2 and a second coined 60 having a width W3. In one embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.200 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.030 inches and 0.150 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches. In one embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.200 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.030 inches and 0.150 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches. The center panel 4 is shown outside of the two coined areas 58, 60. The two coined areas 58, 60 may be the same width, thickness, and strength in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the two coined areas 58, 60 may have different widths W2, W3, thicknesses, and/or strengths. Thus, the coined areas 58, 60 may differ such that the coined areas 58, 60 encourage a stronger side, which would rebound after fracture to create an opening.
(32) FIG. 9 shows the cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a form 30 with a score line 38. This embodiment has a one-sided collapsible form 30 with a non-symmetrical cross-section having a height H1, width W1, and a form area 30. In one embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.100 inches and 0.600 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.150 inches and 0.500 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W1 ranges between approximately 0.200 inches and 0.400 inches. In one embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.050 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, H1 ranges between approximately 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches. The form cross-section has one substantially vertical side 60 and a curved side 62. The form 30 also has a score line 38 and two coined areas: a first coined area 58 having a width W2 and a second coined 60 having a width W3. In one embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.200 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.030 inches and 0.150 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W2 ranges between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches. In one embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.200 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.030 inches and 0.150 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, W3 ranges between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches. The center panel 4 is shown outside of the two coined areas 58, 60. The two coined areas 58, 60 may be the same width, thickness, and strength in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the two coined areas 58, 60 may have different widths W2, W3, thicknesses, and/or strengths. Thus, the coined areas 58, 60 may differ such that the coined areas 58, 60 encourage a stronger side, which would rebound after fracture to create an opening. The score 38 is positioned in the form 30 such that one side 60 is stiffened by the form shape, which reduces the force required to fracture the score 38 and open the opening. Generally, the substantially straight and vertical side 60 will be stiffer than the curved side 62. The stiffened side 60 of the form 30 also prevents one side 60 of the form 30 from collapsing completely, thus creating a larger opening. This is because the stiffened side 60 does not deform. Thus, the curved side 62 collapses and the substantially vertical side 60 remains in its original position, which means all of the load is applied to only one side of the form, thereby causing more permanent deformation.
(33) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. 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. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
(34) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
