Marking of can ends and/or pull tabs using photonically sensitive ink

Abstract

A system and method for laser marking can ends, especially pull tabs, includes coating a portion of the can end and/or pull tab with a lacquer having a photonically active material and directing a laser to the lacquer to alter the appearance of the of the photonically active material to form an image, especially a high resolution image. The decorated can end and/or tabs may have a high resolution image.

Claims

1. A method of decorating can ends comprising the steps of: positioning a can end substrate of a material comprising aluminum, wherein the can end substrate is a pull tab; coating at least a portion of an underside of the pull tab with a lacquer that includes a photonically active component; and applying a laser to the underside of the pull tab to change an appearance of at least a portion of the photonically active component substantially without burning, etching, or ablating the lacquer, thereby forming an image, wherein after the applying step, the can end and the image formed thereon are configured to withstand pasteurization at up to 75 C for 20 minutes.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the metal material comprises steel.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the change in appearance is a change in color.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is a code that is readable by a handheld, wireless communication device.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the photonically active component includes a thermally active pigment.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein prior to the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component is transparent and after the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component is opaque.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein prior to the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component has a first color after the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component is a color that is darker than the first color.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is formed by dots, and the dots have a dimension of less than approximately 50 microns.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is formed by dots, and the dots have a dimension of less than approximately 30 microns.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is formed by dots, and the dots have a dimension of less than approximately 10 microns.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is formed by dots, and the dots have a dimension of approximately 5 microns.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein a beam of the laser has a width that is less than approximately 50 microns.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein a beam of the laser has a width that is less than approximately 30 microns.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein a beam of the laser has a width that is less than approximately 10 microns.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein a beam of the laser has a width that is approximately 5 microns.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is a two dimensional matrix code.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the can end and the image formed thereon are configured to withstand hot rinsing after the step of applying the laser.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein after the applying step, the can end and the image formed thereon are configured to withstand retort temperatures of up to 131 C for 90 minutes.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein photonically active component includes a thermally active pigment.

20. A method of decorating can ends comprising the steps of: positioning a can end substrate of a material comprising aluminum, wherein the can end substrate is a pull tab; coating at least a portion of the can end substrate with a lacquer that includes a photonically active component; applying a laser to the coated substrate to change an appearance of at least a portion of the photonically active component substantially without burning, etching, or ablating the lacquer, thereby forming an image, wherein after the applying step, the can end and the image formed thereon are configured to withstand pasteurization at up to 75 C for 20 minutes; and after the applying step, attaching the pull tab to an end shell.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of coating includes coating at least a portion of a topside of the pull tab with the lacquer and the step of applying includes applying the laser to the topside of the pull tab to change the appearance of the at least a portion of the photonically active component substantially without burning, etching, or ablating the lacquer, thereby forming the image.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the change in appearance is a change in color.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the image is a code that is readable by a handheld, wireless communication device.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein the change in appearance is a change in color.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein the image is a code that is readable by a handheld, wireless communication device.

26. The method of claim 20 wherein photonically active component includes a thermally active pigment.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein prior to the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component is transparent and after the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component is opaque.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein prior to the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component has a first color after the applying step, the at least a portion of the photonically active component is a color that is darker than the first color.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein the image is formed by dots, and the dots have a dimension of less than approximately 50 microns.

30. The method of claim 20 wherein the decorated can end and the image formed thereon are configured to withstand retort temperatures of up to 131 C for 90 minutes.

31. A decorated can end formed by steps of: positioning a can end substrate of a material comprising aluminum, wherein the can end substrate is a pull tab; coating at least a portion of an underside of the pull tab with a lacquer that includes a photonically active component; and applying a laser to the underside of the pull tab to change an appearance of at least a portion of the photonically active component substantially without burning, etching, or ablating the lacquer, thereby forming an image, wherein after the applying step, the can end and the image formed thereon are configured to withstand pasteurization at up to 75 C for 20 minutes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the can end showing the underside of the tab in its open, actuated position;

(2) FIG. 1B is a view of a first embodiment can end showing the upper side of the tab in its open, actuated position;

(3) FIG. 1C is a view of the first embodiment can end showing the underside of the tab in its open, actuated position;

(4) FIG. 1D is a view of a second embodiment can end showing the upper side of the tab in its open, actuated position;

(5) FIG. 1E is a view of the first embodiment can end showing the underside of the tab in its open, actuated position

(6) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment can end showing an image on the can end center panel;

(7) FIGS. 3A through 3F are top views of can ends having images on the center panel with the tab in various locations;

(8) FIGS. 4A through 4C are top views of can ends having images with the tab in its actuated position;

(9) FIG. 5 is a top view of a can end showing another embodiment can end;

(10) FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing a location of the laser marking process;

(11) FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing another location of the laser marking process;

(12) FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing another location of the laser marking process;

(13) FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing another location of the laser marking process; and

(14) FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing another location of the laser marking process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(15) The preferred marking system employs a conventional lacquer to which a photonically active component, such as a pigment, colorant, dye, or ink or like compound commercially available from Datalase, is added. A laser causes local change in the appearancethat is, visual perceptible attributesof the photonically active component and/or lacquer. The inventors contemplate several possible arrangements or embodiments in which the laser may be applied to the photonically active components to create a color change, and thereby to form an image.

(16) The inventors surmise that images may be formed by laser markings applied to food or beverage ends or food or beverage can pull tabs. The images broadly encompass decorations, such as logos, pictures, or aesthetically pleasing marks, or information, such as text or QR codes.

(17) In this regard, FIG. 1A illustrates a beverage can 10 that includes a can body 12 and a seamed can end 14. End 14 includes a center panel 20 and a chuck wall 22. The finished end also includes a pull tab 26 attached to the center panel by a rivet. The pull tab is shown in its fully actuated position after it has ruptured the score to create the pour opening. An image, that is a QR code 28, is located on the underside of tab 26 such that it would be visible only after actuation of tab 26. The present invention is not limited to beverage can ends, but encompasses other ends, such as ends on food cans.

(18) FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate a beverage can end having a configuration known in the industry as a DRT end. FIGS. 1D and 1E illustrate a beverage can end having a configuration known in the industry as a Stolle end. Each of the embodiments in the figures has a QR code printed on the tab underside. The present invention also encompasses a machine readable code on the topside of the tab 26 (not shown in the figures).

(19) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage can having multiple images on its center panel. In the image of FIG. 2, the beverage can has a can end 14 that includes four QR codes 28 located about the center panel 20. Codes 28 are oriented and spaced such that no code is fully unobstructed from above by the tab 26 regardless of the orientation or position of the tab while it is unactuated in its ready position as manufactured.

(20) Each of FIGS. 3A through 3F show a can end having four QR codes 28. In each figure, the codes are in the same position, but tab 26 is shown in various positions in FIGS. 3A through 3F to illustrate that regardless of the position of tab 26, no code 28 is fully unobstructed from above.

(21) Each one of FIGS. 4A through 4C shows a unique location of the group of four QR codes 28 with the tab in the fully actuated, open position to illustrate that regardless of the location of the codes 28, at least one code is fully exposed, unbroken or contiguous, and readable from above when the tab is fully actuated to its upright position, as upon opening. It is understood that the number, spacing, and size of the codes may vary according to aesthetic and function considerations. Moreover, the embodiments shown in FIG. 4A through 4C are not limited to employing a laser as described herein, but also encompass conventional processes, such as ink jet printing to form the QR codes as described.

(22) FIG. 5 illustrates a beverage end 14 that includes a center panel 20, chuck wall 22, and tab 26. An image 28, that is various graphics, are located on the center panel 20.

(23) A description of the location of the application of the laser marking process in the end or pull tab manufacturing process is provided below, followed by a description of the preferred type of laser and a description of the photonically sensitive components that the inventors surmise may be employed.

(24) As illustrated in FIG. 6, the laser marking process may be performed on the tab stock coil before it enters the tab press. Known methods may be employed to register the marked coil for accurate tab forming relative to the images created by the laser marking. Thus, the output of the tab press in FIG. 6 would be marked tabs. As used herein, the term coil refers to the coiled metal stock and encompasses flat metal sheets that have been cut from the roll.

(25) As illustrated in FIG. 7, the laser marking process may be performed on the tabs after they are formed in the tab press but before they are connected to the end shells in the conversion press.

(26) As illustrated in FIG. 8, the laser marking process may performed on the tabs and/or the can ends, such as the center panel or chuck wall, after the ends are formed in the conversion press.

(27) As illustrated in FIG. 9, the laser marking process may be performed on the can end stock metal on the coil before the metal enters the shell press. In this regard, the laser markings may be formed on the portions of the coil that will be formed into the end center panels and/or chuck walls. Known methods may be employed to register the marked coil for accurate tab forming.

(28) As illustrated in FIG. 10, the laser marking process may be performed on the can end shells after they are formed in the shell press but before they enter the conversion press. Preferably, for each of the applications described herein, the tab stock coil and/or the end stock coil is supplied from the manufacture with the lacquer pre-applied. The present invention encompasses applying the lacquer at any stage prior to laser marking.

(29) Preferably, a CO2 laser having a characteristic dimension or beam width of less than 50 microns, more preferably less than 30 microns, more preferably less than 10 microns, and preferably approximately 5 microns. A CO2 laser of this type may be employed with the photonically sensitive components commercially supplied by Datalase.

(30) The inventors contemplate using photonically active component in the lacquer of the can end and/or pull tab that changes appearance when irradiated by a laser, preferably a CO2 infra-red laser or a near infra-red laser, to create monochrome black or colored laser images. As used herein, the phrase photonically active component encompasses pigments or like compositions that are capable of changing appearance upon application of a laser. In other words, when a laser strikes the material that includes the photonically active component, the photonically active component causes a change in appearance in the component or the lacquer in a way that is visually perceptible. Below are examples of photonically active component technology that the inventors surmise may be employed in the present marking systems, methods, and products.

(31) Various pigments have been proposed to enable marking upon application of a laser. For example, a plastics moulding composition comprising a polyoxymethylene and animal charcoal is disclosed in patent applications WO-A-00/43456, JP-A-11001065, EP-A0522370, EP-A-0797511, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,053,440 and 5,350,792. A copper hydroxy phosphate for laser marking is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,928,780, 6,017,972 and 6,019,831. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,489,639 and 5,884,079 disclose additional useful compounds.

(32) U.S. Pat. No. 7,485,403 discloses oxyanions of a multivalent metal, especially Ammonium octamolybdate, having the formula (NH4)4Mo8O26 (AOM), in combination with polymer binders, such as those having a labile group, absorb at the wavelength of CO2 laser light (10,600 nm) and undergo a color change due to a change in oxidation state. The combination is not the temperatures typically encountered in pasteurization.

(33) Also, several compositions have been disclosed that change color or otherwise produce a change in visual appearance upon application of a NIR laser. For example, WO05/068207 discloses the use of NIR laser radiation (i.e. at 800 to 2000 nm) to initiate a color change reaction when a NIR-absorbing metal salt is used in combination with a substance that normally undergoes a color change reaction at much longer wavelength (10,600 nm), for example AOM. Several metal salts are described; including salts are of copper, such as copper hydroxy phosphate.

(34) JP8127670 discloses the use of reduced titanium oxide compounds for incorporation into thermoplastics, for the laser marking.

(35) U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,120 describes the use of a laser beam-absorbing inorganic substance and a colorant. Examples of the colorants that can be used include those mentioned in JP-A-49-82340, including zinc oxide semiconductors and titanium dioxide semiconductors.

(36) U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,921 discloses the use of non-stoichiometric ytterbium phosphate to produce NIR absorbing inks, such as for printing stealth bar codes.

(37) United States Patent Application Number US20100015558A1 discloses a non-stoichiometric compound such as r-ITO, e.g. in the form of a nanopowder, as an absorber of near infra-red radiation in the region 900 to 2500 nm to create a contrasting image when incorporated in, for example, an AOM-based ink formulation and subjected to laser radiation in the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (780 to 2500 nm). A metal salt as a functional IR-absorber/color developer material which, on absorption of radiation from a laser source, can directly produce a color-forming reaction when in combination with a component that will otherwise undergo the desired reaction on irradiation at a higher wavelength. For example, it can be used in combination with an oxymetal anion component in an applied coating, to generate a distinct colored image. Alternatively, a color-forming component is used, to generate a distinct image. A fibre, diode, diode array or CO2 laser for imaging applications may be used.

(38) U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,595 discloses the use of non-stoichiometric nano-materials for use in inks, such as r-ITO (reduced indium tin oxide), which acts as an NIR absorber.

(39) WO2009093028A2 discloses a compound that will undergo a color change upon irradiation. The compound has the general structure: XCCCCY(CO)n-QZ wherein X is H, alkyl or Y(CO) n-QW; each Y is the same or a different divalent alkylene group; Q is O, S or NR; R is H or alkyl; W is H, alkyl or Z; each Z is the same or a different unsaturated alkyl group; and each n is 0 or 1.

(40) EP1365923B2 discloses laser marking an object that includes a material including a functional group and a metal compound or acid that causes an elimination reaction on irradiation with a laser, to form a reaction product of contrasting color The process comprises directing a laser beam on to the areas of the object to be marked. For example, by using a carbohydrate and a metal salt, effective marking can be achieved on the coating of a pill or other edible material. The inventors surmise that these compositions may be used on a can end.

(41) United States Patent Application Number US20090117353A1 discloses a method for marking a substrate by coating the substrate with a white or colorless solution of a soluble alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a weak acid, and then irradiating areas of the substrate to be marked such that those areas change color. The substrate typically comprises a polysaccharide material, preferably a cellulosic material such as cellulose, and the inventors surmise that this process can be employed on a metal substrate such as a can end and/or pull tab. As used herein, the claimed step of applying a laser to the coated substrate encompasses the change in color described in this paragraph.

(42) Preferably, the image produced by the above process produces a dot having a diameter or other characteristic dimension (such as width if the laser marking is producing a line) of no more than approximately 50 microns, preferably no more than approximately 30 microns, more preferably no more than approximately 10 microns, and most preferably approximately 5 microns. It is understood a dot formed as described herein may merge with an adjacent dot. Accordingly, the dot diameter or characteristic dimension may be measured upon initial formation or at other convenient time.

(43) The phrase substantially without burning, etching, or ablating the lacquer does not require no loss of matter. The inventors surmise that a light mist coming from the laser beam application when applied in flexible patent applications, in fact, indicates outgassing, loss of volatile matter, or other loss of matter. The present invention encompasses some loss of matter during the application of the laser so long as it does not constitute burning, etching, or ablating, as those terms are commonly understood.