ES3030582T3 - Beverage can ends suitable for small diameters - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage can end (14, 14a) and a container (12) each have a removable panel (32a) actuated by a tab (44a). This tab is smaller than conventional full-opening lids, but allows opening due to the lower pulling force required. The smaller ends or slots (30a), made of less malleable materials, allow opening of conventional food can lids (14, 14a). A fixed tab is also included. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Beverage can ends suitable for small diameters

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to beverage containers and, more particularly, to structures for forming an opening for beverage containers.

The most popular opening mechanism for beverage cans is a pull-tab that opens a hinged tear-off panel. The pull-tab is attached to the can end by a rivet located in the center of the end of all commercially produced pull-tab beverage cans. Wide-opening food can ends are also known.

Some beverage cans have been produced with a removable panel. Removable panels for beverage cans are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/797171, entitled "Full Aperture Beverage End," which is owned by the assignee of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1A, a prior art full-aperture beverage can 110 includes a size 211 beverage can body 112 having a neck to accommodate a size 206 end 114. The end 114 includes a sloped wall 122, a reinforcing bead 124, a removable panel 126, and a notch 130. The pull tab 140 is attached to the panel 126 at a rivet 136. The pull tab 140 includes an opening where an adult finger can fit. US20110303672 also describes a full-opening can end.

The can sizing industry convention employs three digits to represent inches and the quantity of 16 inches. Thus, a 211 can body has a nominal diameter of 6.83 cm (2 and 1 1/16 inches). As understood in the art, and as used throughout this description, nominal beverage can end sizes do not refer to exact measurements on the outside of the seam. Rather, the nominal size is an industry standard that no longer corresponds to the exact diameter because the beverage industry switched to the joining technology generally known as "mini-seam." In this sense, the nominal size generally refers to the diameter of the outside of the seam plus the diameter reduction corresponding to the change from an older double seam to a more modern, mini-seam.

Removable panels for food can ends are more commercially popular than removable panels for beverage can ends. Removable panels for opening food containers typically have one end attached to a tin plate body. The removable panel is formed by a continuous notch opened by a tab having an opening through which an average adult user can insert an index finger up to the first knuckle. The user initiates the opening process by lifting a heel of the tab to pivot the tab around a rivet formed in the removable panel so that a nose of the tab breaks a short portion of the notch. A user then inserts their finger into the opening of the tab to permit pulling with sufficient force to propagate the rupture of the notch around the removable panel and separate the removable panel from the remainder of the end. The opening process for prior art full-opening beverage cans is the same as that described above for food cans.

The diameter of a conventional, commercial, tinplate, full-opening notch commonly used on a food can end is typically at least 5.96 cm (2.345 in). The conventional full-opening ring pull tab is usually 3.30 cm (1.3 in) long with a finger hole diameter of 1.52 cm (0.6 in) or 1.83 cm2 (0.283 sq in). The dimension from the center of the rivet to the tip of the heel of a conventional commercial tinplate full-opening end is 2.54 cm (1.00 in). The smallest commercially popular, tinplate, removable panel, or full-opening end is a 201.

U.S. Patent No. 8,109,406 describes an end on a tapered can neck. In a first embodiment, a pull tab includes an elongated body to which a rivet is attached, a bead at one end of the body, and a nose at an opposite end of the body. The rivet is offset from the centerline of the end opposite the tear panel forming the opening. In other words, in the prior art end, the center of the end is between the rivet and the tear panel. To open it, a user rotates the end over the can joint such that the bead is cantilevered into the space. In other embodiments in the '406 patent, a user grasps one end of an unconventional pull tab to bend the tab at a hinge until a portion of the tab is vertical. The notch opens in the second stage of pulling the tab upward to apply a downward force through a piercing nose.

US5711448A describes a non-removable can end according to the preamble of claim 1. US2001/002671A1 describes a permanent tab.

COMPENDIUM

Disclosed herein are beverage can ends having a retaining tab or a removable panel, such as a full-open end. For full-open ends, the pull force required to propagate the score after the initial break for the smaller ends is less than the corresponding pull force required for conventional opening sizes. For example, size 200 or smaller can ends, such as sizes 114, 112, and 108, require significantly less pull force than larger can end diameters, which is a clear benefit for opening full-open ends. One reason for the decreased pull force required for smaller ends is that smaller ends tend to be made of thinner material (compared to larger ends) to take advantage of the inherent advantage in buckle performance for the smaller ends.

The inventors hypothesize another esoteric reason for the decrease in pull-out force: increased doming under pressure. Before pressure is applied, the notch of a fully opened end is formed when the plate is flat. All commercial ends dome to some extent upon pressurizing the end after filling it with a carbonated beverage. But smaller, thinner ends plastically deform to a greater extent (i.e., the radius of curvature is smaller) compared to larger ends. The inventors hypothesize that the magnitude of deformation upon pressurization of the smaller ends, which creates greater curvature in the notch region, encourages peeling such that when peeling is actuated by a consumer, a lower pull-out force is required. This phenomenon should exist in tinplate (i.e., in ends comprising steel) and in aluminum ends, and it is understood that the pull-out force would be lower in aluminum because it is less malleable and has a lower yield strength than tinplate.

The reduced pulling force required for smaller ends and/or ends made of aluminum alloys can be generated without the conventional ring pull, which has an opening large enough for an adult finger to insert their index finger at the first knuckle. The reduced pulling force also allows the pull tabs to have new configurations, such as a length that is shorter than conventional pull tabs. The inventors' ideas regarding the opening process are applied to allow the use of non-conventional pull tabs offset from the center of the end.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage can end of claim 1. Other aspects and preferred embodiments are set forth in claim 2 et seq. The beverage can end for a small diameter having a fixed tab includes: a peripheral crimp, a wall structure extending from the crimp, and a center panel extending inwardly with respect to the wall structure. The peripheral crimp is joinable together with a beverage can flange to produce a joint defining a finished size of no more than 200, wherein a size 200 comprises a nominal finished diameter of 5.08 cm (2 inches). The end has a discontinuous notch formed in the center panel defining a tear panel, the tear panel being openable to form an opening of at least 225.806 square mm (0.35 square inches). A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel. The rivet couples a tab to the center panel. The pull tab has a nose configured to break the notch upon actuation of the pull tab and a heel opposite the nose. The heel of the pull tab is spaced from the joint by at least 7.62 mm (0.3 inches) to improve finger access. The term "wall structure" is used in this specification and claims to refer to a wall of a housing and optionally encompasses an annular reinforcing cord.

The beverage can end opening preferably has an aspect ratio of at least 1.75 and no more than 3.5, more preferably at least 2.0 and no more than 3.0, and most preferably at least 2.5 and no more than 2.75. The end may be formed from a 3000 series aluminum alloy. Since the advantages of the end can occur at smaller end sizes, preferably the end size is no more than 114, no more than 112, or no more than 110.

A full-opening beverage can end comprises a peripheral crimp, a wall structure extending from the crimp, and a center panel extending inwardly relative to the wall structure. A notch formed in the center panel defines a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel. The rivet engages a pull tab to the removable panel, the pull tab having a nose located proximate the rivet and configured to break the notch. The pull tab includes a finger opening having a length of less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) and configured to restrict full insertion of an average adult finger and allow insertion of the tip of an average adult finger.

Preferably, the toe opening has a height (measured in line with the elongated tab) of at least 0.51 cm (0.2 inches) and a width of between 1.02 cm (0.4 inches) and 2.54 cm (1.0 inches), more preferably a height of between 0.51 cm (0.2 inches) and 1.02 cm (0.4 inches) and a width of between 1.02 cm (0.4 inches) and 2.03 cm (0.8 inches). The length of the tab from a distal end of the nose to a distal end of the heel is no more than 2.92 cm (1.15 inches), more preferably no more than 2.67 cm (1.05 inches), and most preferably no more than 2.54 cm (1.00 inches).

The area of the finger opening is preferably no more than 0.61 cm2 (0.25 square inches), preferably no more than 1.29 cm2 (0.20 square inches), and more preferably no more than 0.97 cm2 (0.15 square inches). The center panel preferably has an end size of no more than a size 200, no more than a size 114, more preferably no more than a size 110, and more preferably no more than a size 108. Similarly, the center panel preferably has a diameter of no more than 4.32 cm (1.7 inches), preferably no more than 4.06 cm (1.6 inches), more preferably no more than 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), and more preferably no more than 3.18 cm (1.25 inches), and even more preferably no more than 2.54 cm (1.0 inches).

Another way to measure the size of the structure is by a characteristic dimension of the removable panel. For a circular panel, the characteristic dimension is the diameter. For a non-circular panel, the characteristic dimension is the largest straight-line distance measured on any portion of the panel. Preferably, the characteristic dimension of the removable panel is no more than about 4.19 cm (1.65 inches), preferably no more than about 3.94 cm (1.55 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.68 cm (1.45 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.05 cm (1.20 inches), more preferably no more than about 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). And preferably an area defined by the removable panel is greater than 60 percent of an area defined by the center panel, more preferably greater than 75 percent, most preferably greater than 85 percent of an area defined by the center panel. Because the panel is removable, the notch is continuous.

Any of the ends described herein may be formed of aluminum, such as a 3000 series aluminum alloy or a 5000 series aluminum alloy.

The end may also employ lifting features. A full-opening beverage can end comprises a peripheral crimp, a wall structure extending from the crimp, and a center panel extending inwardly relative to the wall. A notch formed in the center panel defines a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel. The rivet couples a pull tab to the removable panel. The pull tab has a nose located proximate the rivet and configured to break the notch, a heel opposite the nose, an opening formed by a body located between the heel and the nose, and a lifting surface spaced apart from the heel. The lifting surface is adapted for contact by a user to lift the tab from its rest position to a position where the opening of the tab is accessible for further lifting. The lifting surface may be formed by a rearward projection from the body close to the rivet, or it may be formed by at least one lateral projection outward from the tongue body. In this way, the projection interrupts the curvature of the opening.

A clearance distance between the heel of the tab and the end wall is less than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), preferably less than 1.02 cm (0.4 inches), more preferably less than 0.76 cm (0.3 inches).

The pull tab may be a solid tab. A full-opening beverage can end comprises a peripheral crimp, a wall extending from the crimp, and a center panel extending inwardly relative to the wall. A notch formed in the center panel defines a removable panel. A rivet is offset from a center of the center panel and formed in the removable panel. The rivet couples a tab to the removable panel. The pull tab has a nose located proximate the rivet and configured to break the notch, a heel opposite the nose, and a body between the heel and the nose that is solid without a finger opening. The heel of the tab is configured to separate from the center panel when the can end is attached to a pressurized can to allow actuation of the tab. In addition, the center panel may include a recess below or near the heel to improve finger access thereto.

The present invention encompasses ends of a size 200 or smaller having a permanent tab or having a removable panel, such as a full opening end. The ends described herein preferably encompass ends having a size of no larger than size 114, no larger than size 112, and no larger than size 110, and no larger than size 108. Also described herein are ends of size larger than 200 for certain configurations, and also ends having an asymmetric opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1A is an illustration of a prior art full-opening can for a beverage can;

Figure 1B is an illustration of a size 200 can end;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fully opened beverage end having its tab in its rest position, the end being fixed to a beverage can having a high neck; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fully opened end and beverage can of Figure 1 having its tab in a partially actuated state such that the can is "popped"; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fully opened end and beverage can of Figure 1 with its removable panel removed;

Figure 5A is a top view of a full-opening beverage can end in a size 112;

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of an end of the fully opened beverage can of Figure 5A;

Figure 6A is a top view of a full-opening beverage can end in a size 108;

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of an end of the fully opened beverage can of Figure 6A;

Figure 7 is a top view of a full-opening beverage can end of a size 108 showing a gripping feature internal to the tab opening;

Figure 8 is a top view of a full-opening beverage can end of a size 108 showing a pointed tab having no opening;

Figure 9 is a side view of a fully opened beverage can end of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a top view of a tab-type beverage can end having a size 112 and an offset rivet with the tab removed for illustrative purposes, Figure 10 shows a tab-type beverage can end according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a top view of the end shown in Figure 10 including the tab; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of one end showing its size relative to the bottom of the end of a corresponding can body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED REALIZATIONS

The present invention encompasses ends, and can assemblies employing ends, having a removable opening panel, such as ends known as "full opening ends," and ends having a hinged panel employing a fixed tab. Referring generally to the figures, the beverage can assembly 10 of either end type includes a can body 12 and a can end 14 that are joined at a joint 20, which is preferably a conventional double joint common to beverage cans.

Reference number 14 refers generally to the inventive ends described herein, which include both removable panel-type ends, such as fully opening ends, and tab-type ends. Embodiments of the ends will have a letter appendage.

The present invention is not limited to a particular can size, can material, final material or size except as expressly set forth in the claims. A 211 (66 mm) size can body shown in the figures is highly necked, which necking can be accomplished by conventional necking machinery and techniques as will be understood by those familiar with can manufacturing technology. Preferably, the can body 12 is a one-piece, drawn and drawn, pressed beverage can body formed from an aluminum alloy, such as a 3000 series alloy.

The can body 12 preferably has a neck 16 such that the junction 20 formed by the combined can body and end preferably has a diameter that is smaller than a size 211 and thus the end 14 has a size smaller than 211. For example, a can body 211 (or other can body diameter, such as a 58 mm can body) may be tapered to correspond to any end size 200 or smaller, such as the end sizes 112 (44 mm) or 108 (38 mm) illustrated in the figures. Although the ends described herein are not limited to any one material or diameter, they are especially advantageous for smaller end sizes and/or cans having a significant amount of taper such that an end of 200 diameter or smaller is preferred.

The end 14 of the can in its unsewn state (not shown in the Figures) includes a peripheral crimp which when joined forms the seam 20 with a portion of the can body 12. The end 14 includes a wall 22 extending inwardly from the seam 20. The end 14 may also include an annular reinforcing bead 24 extending inwardly from the wall 22. A center panel 26 may extend inwardly from the bead 24. Alternatively, the center panel 26 may extend inwardly from the wall 22. The ends may also have a panel wall between the reinforcing bead and the center panel, such as panel walls forming a curve or a chamfer. The reference numeral 26 is used to refer to the center panels of the ends, regardless of size, configuration, and type (i.e., removable panel or permanent tab). Modern lightweight end housings, such as those shown, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,877,941 (Brifcani), 8,157,119 (Lockley), 7,819,275 (Stodd), and 6,499,622 (Neiner) and their commercial equivalents and variations, have a reinforcing bead diameter and a panel diameter that are small relative to the joint diameter compared to older or non-lightweight end housings, such as an end known as a B64 end. The ends described herein may be used with modern lightweight end housings (including other modern lightweight ends not mentioned above) or the older end housings such as a B64 end.

Figure 2 illustrates a fully opening type end 14 shown in its rest state where a tab 40 is approximately horizontal. In a fully opening end 14a, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the tab 40a includes a nose 42a, a body 44a, a heel 46a, and a rim 48a. The nose 42a is pointed to allow it to impart a force, as explained in more detail below. The heel 46a is located opposite the nose 42a. The body 44a extends between the nose 42a and the heel 46a and is elongated. A rim 48a is formed by a portion of the body 44a and the heel 46a such that the rim 48a defines a finger opening 50a. The rivet 36a is attached to the body 44, preferably by conventional means. A mustache notch 52a or other vent (not shown in the figures) may be used. The oval imposed on the end reflects an 8 mm clearance.

The center panel 26a includes a notch 30a, which is preferably continuous, such that the notch 30 defines the boundary of a removable panel 32a. The rivet 36a, which is preferably conventional, is formed in the removable panel 32a. The rivet 36a is offset (i.e., spaced) from the center of the center panel 26a such that the tip of the nose 42a is located proximate a contact portion 34a of the center panel 26a. The contact portion 34a is the portion of the removable panel 32a that the nose 42a of the tab contacts during the opening process. The contact portion 34a is preferably chosen to be proximate a predetermined portion of the notch 30a.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another fully opening end 14b, where a tab 40b includes a nose 42b, a body 44b, a heel 46b, and a rim 48b. The nose 42b is pointed to allow it to impart a force, as explained in more detail below. The heel 46B is located opposite the nose 42b. The body 44b extends between the nose 42b and the heel 46b. A flange 48b is formed by a portion of the body 44b and the heel 46b such that the rim 48b defines a finger opening 50b. The rivet 36b, the whisker notch 52b, the notch 30b, and the contact portion 34b are as described above for the first end 14a.

The lengths of the tabs 40a and 40b are chosen to provide a clearance of 8 mm (0.32 inches) between the wall 22 of the joint and the heel 46a and 46b. Accordingly, a length from a distal end of the nose 42 to a distal end of the heel 46 is no more than about 2.92 cm (1.15 inches), more preferably no more than about 2.67 cm (1.05 inches), and even more preferably no more than about 2.54 cm (1.00 inches). Other preferred clearance distances are contemplated (i.e., the horizontal distance between the heel of the tab and the joint 20 or the wall 22). Preferably, the separation distance is greater than 6 mm for ends depending from a finger access space behind the heel of the tab.

The finger opening 50a, 50b is defined by the tab 40a, 40b (respectively) and is preferably configured to restrict full insertion of an average adult finger up to the knuckle. Rather, the finger opening 50a, 50b is preferably configured to allow insertion of only the tip of an average adult finger. Preferably, the opening 50a, 50b is sized to allow an adult finger to be inserted over a portion of the fingernail (i.e., the distal phalanx of the index finger can be inserted into the opening, but not completely into the junction between the distal phalanx and the intermediate phalanx). Since the finger openings 50a and 50b are sized to accept only the most distal portion of the fingertip, the consumer engages the tab by pinching the tab or the opening between the tip of the index finger and the tip of the thumb.

In this regard, the area of the finger opening 50a, 50b is preferably no more than about 1.61 cm2 (0.25 square inches), more preferably no more than about 1.29 cm2 (0.20 square inches), and most preferably no more than about 0.97 cm2 (0.15 square inches). Furthermore, the finger opening 50a, 50b preferably has a length between about 0.51 cm (0.2 inches) and about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) and a width between about 1.02 cm (0.4 inches) and about 2.54 cm (1.0 inches), and more preferably, a length between about 0.51 cm (0.2 inches) and about 1.02 cm (0.4 inches) and a width between about 1.02 cm (0.4 inches) and about 2.03 cm (0.8 inches). The length dimension is defined on the centerline of the tongue from the nose 42a, 42b to the heel 46a, 46b along the centerline of the tongue, and the width dimension is defined as perpendicular to the centerline of the tongue and the length dimension. When the direction perpendicular to the centerline of the tongue is not the largest dimension, the dimensions provided for the width may be measured in the largest dimension that is oblique to the length.

The dimensions of the opening 50a, 50b allow a force to be applied to the pull tab 40a, 40b that corresponds to the opening force required for smaller ends and/or for ends formed from an aluminum alloy. Accordingly, the end 14 is preferably size 200 or smaller, preferably size 180 or smaller, more preferably size 140 or smaller, and most preferably size 108 or smaller. Preferably, the end is at least size 100.

The description herein emphasizes extremes less than or equal to 200. Another way to define this parameter is by the diameter of the center panel. Accordingly, the center panel 26a, 26b preferably has a diameter of no more than about 4.32 cm (1.7 inches), more preferably no more than about 4.06 cm (1.6 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.18 cm (1.25 inches), and preferably no less than about 2.54 cm (1.0 inches). The removable panel 32a, 32b preferably has a diameter of no more than about 4.19 cm (1.65 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.94 cm (1.55 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.68 cm (1.45 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.05 cm (1.20 inches), and most preferably no more than about 2.54 cm (1.0 inches). Preferably, the largest diametrical or length dimension is greater than that of the pouring opening of conventional easy-open tab ends.

The removable panel is preferably defined by an area that is greater than about 60 percent of an area defined by the center panel, more preferably greater than about 75 percent of an area defined by the center panel, and most preferably greater than about 85 percent of an area defined by the center panel.

Referring to Figure 2, the rest state of the can 10 is the state of the can after filling and as it is encountered by the consumer. Upon encountering the can 10 having the tab 40 (using reference numerals without an accompanying letter to refer generally to the ends of the removable panels described herein) in its rest position, a consumer opens the can 10 by lifting the heel 46 of the tab to pivot the tab 40 about the rivet 36 to impart a force from the nose 42 onto the contact portion 34 of the center panel 26 until the notch in the region of the contact portion 34 breaks.

The present invention encompasses ends having a countersunk annular flange around the center panel, and also encompasses ends omitting or lacking the countersunk flange, as shown, for example, in Figure 4. For ends having an annular flange, the center panel is defined as the flat portion that is within the inner wall of the countersunk flange. The transition between the inner wall of the countersink and the flat center panel is generally formed by a small radius, a curved panel wall, or a chamfer. In each case, the outer boundary of the panel is defined where the flat panel meets the transition. The inventors use the term "flat" not to refer to theoretical perfection, but to mean the state where the end exists as it exits the casing press or converting press, including deviations from a perfect plane due to being unwound from a coil, embossings and debossings on the panel for functional reasons, and the like.

At ends not having a countersunk flange, the boundary of the center panel may be defined by the transition between the flat portion and the bend or elbow joining the center panel to the wall. Referring to Figure 2, the rest state of the can 10 is the state of the can after filling and as it is encountered by the consumer. Upon encountering the can 10 having the tab 40 (using reference numerals without an accompanying letter to refer generally to the removable panel ends described herein) in its rest position, a consumer opens the can 10 by lifting the heel 46 of the tab to pivot the tab 40 about the rivet 36 to impart a force from the nose 42 onto the contact portion 34 of the center panel 26 until the notch in the region of the contact portion 34 breaks.

Figure 3 illustrates the can 10 at the completion of the first opening operation where the notch 30 has been broken and thus vented (i.e., the can has been "popped"). After the initial notch is broken, a consumer grasps the tab 40 by partially inserting the tip of the index finger into the opening 50, pressing the tip of the index finger and thumb together approximately in the plane of the opening 50 (i.e., contact between the consumer's index finger and thumb is approximately in line with the rim surfaces 48). Alternatively, a user may grasp the tab body 44 or the heel 46 by pressing between his or her thumb and one side of an index finger. Upon grasping, the consumer pulls the tab 40 either normal to the center panel 26 or with a rearward peeling action to propagate the rupture of the notch 30 around the removable panel 32 until the removable panel 32 is completely separated, as shown in the ready state of the can 10 in Figure 4.

Figure 7 illustrates another can end 14c including a center panel 26c, a notch 30c, a removable panel 32c, a contact portion 34c, and a rivet 36c which are as described for the first and second can ends 14a and 14b. A tab 40c of the end 14c includes a nose 42c, a body 44c, a heel 46c, and a rim 48c. The nose 42c is pointed to enable it to impart a force, as explained in more detail below. The heel 46c is located opposite the nose 42c. The body 44c extends between the nose 42c and the heel 46c. The rim 48c is formed by a portion of the body 44c and the heel 46c such that the rim 48c defines a finger opening 50c. The rivet 36c, the mustache notch 52c, the notch 30c and the contact portion 34c are as described above for the first end 14a.

The tab 40c need not provide a clearance between the bead 46c and the joint for figure access since the tab 40c includes a lifting feature, such as the projection 60c, which provides a lifting surface. The projection 60c is a tab extending from the body 44c near the rivet 36c rearwardly (i.e., in the direction toward the bead 46c) to project or abut the opening 50c, or in other words, interrupt the smooth curvature of the opening 50c. In this regard, the clearance distance between the bead 46C and the inner wall of the joint 20 is preferably less than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), more preferably less than 1.02 cm (0.4 inches), and most preferably less than 0.76 cm (0.3 inches). Alternatively, the lifting feature may be one or more lateral projections 66c (shown in dashed lines in Figure 7) extending from the body 44. The projection 60c and the projections 66c each provide one or more lifting surfaces for contact with the consumer's finger.

To actuate tab 40c, a user first contacts a lifting surface 62c of projection 60c or a lifting surface 68c of projection 66c to raise tab 40c to the extent that the consumer's finger can be positioned beneath heel 46c to complete the first phase of the opening process described above (i.e., reach the "popped" state). The consumer completes removal of the removable panel by inserting the user's finger into opening 50c and pulling to fully propagate the rupture of notch 30c.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another end 14d that lacks a finger opening for pulling. End 14d includes a notch 30d, a contact portion 34d, and a rivet 36d that are as described for the first and second can ends 14a and 14b.

A tab 40d of the end 14d includes a nose 42d, a body 44d, and a heel 46d. The nose 42d is pointed to allow it to impart a force, as explained in more detail below. The heel 46d is located opposite the nose 42d. The body 44d extends between the nose 42d and the heel 46d and is preferably continuous without any opening or without an opening where even an adult fingertip can be inserted. A tab encompasses through holes, which may be made for aesthetic reasons, providing visual access to the center panel, strengthening reasons, lightening reasons, and the like. Any opening in this regard (not shown in the figures) would preferably have its longest dimension less than 0.64 cm (0.25 inches). The body 44 may include a raised structure, such as channel 70 and island 71, to improve grip. The rivet 36d, the mustache notch 52d, the notch 30d and the contact portion 34d are as described above for the first end 14a.

Because the tab 40d lacks a finger opening, the tab 40d may have a length dimension (i.e., from heel to nose) that allows sufficient finger access between the heel 46d and the junction 20. The center panel 26d and the removable panel 32d may have a recess 70d, shown in relief in Figure 9, below or near the heel 46d to improve finger access (i.e., to allow a consumer's fingertip to access the heel 46d or another portion of the tab 40d). The offset location of the rivet 36d improves finger access to the heel 46d since the pressurized can tends to deform the end 14d into a dome shape. Therefore, the heel 46d may be separated (i.e., there is a vertical cap) from the center panel 26d at one end with a joint even without a recess in the center panel.

To actuate tab 40d, a consumer's finger first contacts bead 46d to lift it and complete the first phase of the opening process described above (i.e., reach the "popped" state). Due to the domed shape of end 14d upon pressurization, and due to the location of tab 40d offset from the center of the end, a vertical gap (or an increase in vertical gap) may form between bead 46d and center panel 26d to enhance the ability of a user's finger to engage bead 46d. At the end having recess 70d, recess 70d also provides clearance to enhance finger access.

The description herein emphasizes ends smaller than 200 for ends having removable panels. Another way to define this parameter is by the diameter of the center panel. Accordingly, the center panels 26 of ends 14a through 14d preferably have a diameter of no more than about 4.32 cm (1.7 inches), more preferably no more than about 4.06 cm (1.6 inches), more preferably more than about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.18 cm (1.25 inches), and preferably no less than about 2.54 cm (1.0 inches). The removable panels 32 preferably have a diameter of no more than about 4.19 cm (1.65 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.94 cm (1.55 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.68 cm (1.45 inches), more preferably no more than about 3.01 cm (1.20 inches), and most preferably no more than about 2.54 cm (1.0 inches). Preferably, the largest diametrical or length dimension is greater than that of the pouring opening of conventional easy-open tab ends. Tabs employed with ends having a removable panel are preferably not hinged such that the panel 32 is deformed upon actuation of the tab.

In accordance with the present invention, a fixed tab end 14e as shown in Figures 10 and 11, having a size 200 or less, includes a tab 40e having a nose 42e, a body 44e, a butt 46e, an edge 48e, and an opening 50e. The nose 42e is rounded and has a contact portion at its distal tip. The butt 46e is located opposite the nose 42e. The body 44e extends between the nose 42e and the butt 46e. An edge 48e is formed by a portion of the body 44e and the butt 46e such that the edge 48e defines an opening 50e. The edge 48e and the opening 50e are structural, as in conventional fastening tabs.

The tab 40e includes a rivet island 74e that contacts the center panel 26e and through which the rivet 36e is fixed. The rivet island 74e includes a hinge 76e that is formed by actuating the tab 40e.

Rivet 36e is offset from the center of center panel 26e, but may otherwise be conventional. The location of rivet 36e and the length of tab 40e may be chosen based on the available distance at end 14e to provide a clearance distance between the joint or end wall and bead 46e of at least 7.62 mm (0.3 inches) to improve finger access.

The center panel 26e includes a notch 30e, which is preferably discontinuous, such that opposite ends of the notch 30e form a hinge 78e. The notch 30e and hinge 78e define a tear-off panel 80e that is openable upon actuation of the tab 40e. The notch 30e preferably includes a first portion 82 that includes a portion adapted to vent upon initial opening and a retention slot, a rearwardly projecting protuberance 83 that extends toward the rear side of the centerline of the rivet 36e, a first side portion 84, a front portion 85, a second side portion 86, and a second end portion 87 that is rearwardly extendable from the rivet 36e.

Preferably, the opening formed when the tear panel 80e has been actuated is at least 2.258 cm2 (0.35 square inches), more preferably at least 2.58 cm2 (0.4 square inches). The notch 30e defines an aspect ratio of the panel 80e by dividing the length L, which is most clearly identified as the length along the centerline of the tab 40e, by the width W, which is most clearly identified as the maximum distance that is perpendicular to the dimension L between the sides 84 and 86. Preferably, the aspect ratio of the opening is at least 1.75 and no more than 3.5, more preferably at least 2.0 and no more than 3.0, and most preferably at least 2.5 and no more than 2.75.

As described herein, the reduced size of the ends of the present invention compared to the conventional beverage can end allows for changes in the structure of the end. For example, the end 14e may be formed of a less expensive 5000 series alloy or a 3000 series alloy similar to that of the can body, the end shell may be formed of a thinner shell, or a combination.

Furthermore, to further improve the opening capability, the residual notch (i.e., the dimension of the metal thickness of the end that remains at the bottom of the notch after the notch is formed) may be approximately 0.0064 cm (0.0025 inches).

To actuate the tab 40e, a consumer grasps the heel 46e in a conventional manner to open the tab's omnipresent ends. The consumer lifts the heel 46e to push the nose 42e against the contact portion 34e to break the first portion 82 of the notch. The force applied from the nose 82 is applied through the initial vent and through the energy buildup in the panel until the verification groove ruptures, after which the notch can rapidly propagate through the protrusion 83, the first side 84, the front portion 85 and the second side 86 until ceasing at the end portion 87.

Referring now to the ends in general, end 14 is formed from a conventional 5000 series aluminum alloy. The ends may be made from steel or steel alloys, such as conventional tinplate, and any aluminum alloy, such as a 3000 series alloy. In this regard, any combination of end materials, notch configuration, removable panel size, and opening and/or venting technology actuatable with a pulling force enabled by the pull tab described herein may be employed. For example, while a 5000 series alloy is preferred for larger end sizes, such as a 202 end size, the inventors hypothesize that a 3000 alloy would provide acceptable pressing performance for smaller ends.

Figure 12 shows a beverage can base 11 having an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the joint 20 so that the end 14 fits into the opening in the bottom of the can so that the can assemblies 10 are stacked on top of each other.

The ends are described herein using particular sizes, configurations, and materials. The present invention encompasses the purposes defined in the claims.

Claims (8)

1. A beverage can end (14e) having a small diameter and a retaining tab (40e), the end having a peripheral crimp, a wall structure (22) extending from the crimp, and a central panel (26e) extending inwardly from the wall structure; the peripheral crimp capable of joining with a beverage can flange to produce a joint (20) defining an end size of no more than 200, wherein a 200 size comprises a nominal end diameter of 5.08 cm (2 inches); a discontinuous notch (30e) formed in the center panel defining a tear panel (80e), the tear panel being openable to form an opening of at least 2.258 cm2 (0.35 square inches); a rivet (36e) that is offset from a center of the center panel; and a pull tab coupled to the center panel by the rivet, the pull tab having a nose (42e) configured to break the notch upon actuation of the pull tab and a heel (46e) opposite the nose, characterized by the heel of the pull tab being separated from the binding at least 7.62 mm (0.3 in) to improve finger access. 2. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the opening has an aspect ratio that is at least 1.75 and no more than 3.5. 3. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the opening has an aspect ratio that is at least 2.0 and no more than 3.0. 4. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the opening has an aspect ratio that is at least 2.5 and no more than 2.75. 5. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the end is formed from a 3000 series aluminum alloy. 6. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the end size is no greater than 114, wherein a size 114 comprises a nominal end diameter of 4.76 cm (1 14/16 inches). 7. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the end size is no greater than 112, wherein a size 112 comprises a nominal end diameter of 4.45 cm (1 12/16 inches). 8. The beverage can end of claim 1, wherein the end size is no greater than 110, wherein a size 110 comprises a nominal end diameter of 4.13 cm (1 10/16 inches).