BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH MOUTH OPENING AND VENT

Abstract

A container lid (10) includes a conventional main or pour opening, a vent opening separate from the main opening, and a mechanically attached tab (50) to create the openings. A vent score (40) defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel (38) covers the vent opening. A mouth score (26) defines the shape of the pour opening, and a mouth panel (28) covers the pour opening. The action of creating the main opening using the tab (50) causes a moustache score (46) to break and create a vent opening in the same action. When the tab is returned to its original orientation the vent opening may be further enlarged by engaging a raised section on the vent panel (42) and the tab (50), by engaging a vent depressing means (44) on the tab (50) to the vent panel (38), or a combination of the two.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The invention relates generally to beverage containers having an end including a main or pour opening for removing contents of the container, the main opening created by a manually operated tab attached to the can. More particularly, the invention relates to a beverage or can end having a separate vent opening formed on the can end to relieve the vacuum or pressure within the container during pouring.

2. Prior Art

There are numerous references that generally disclose beverage containers having a main or pour opening and a separate vent opening formed on the same end panel as the main opening. The most common container, particularly for carbonated and malt beverages, is one that includes a tab for creating the main opening from a scored area that surrounds a mouth portion of the end panel. The tab is typically secured by a rivet to the can end. The tab is lifted from one end, and a contact portion on the opposite end of the tab is lowered in contact with the end panel to impart a force on the mouth portion. The score is broken and the mouth portion is separated from the end panel by the force thus creating the mouth opening.

One example of a prior art reference disclosing a container end with a separate vent opening is U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,037 to Moen et al. 1991 Apr. 3. This reference more particularly discloses a container end member having a first severable tab portion defined by a score line grove and an internal hinge for permanently securing the tab to the container. A force applying tab is mounted on the container end and is used to apply a force to the first severable tab portion to form the main or pour opening. A second severable tab portion has a raised surface projecting outwardly from the end, so that a force may be more conveniently applied thereto to sever the second severable tab portion and form a vent opening in the container end. The container end described in the aforementioned patent does not create the vent opening in the same operation as creating the main opening nor does it provide a means to sever the tab portion to create the vent opening.

Another example of a reference disclosing a container end with a separate vent opening is U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,973 to Traub et al. 1998 Oct. 13. This reference more specifically discloses a container lid having a vent tab for creating a pour opening , and also a vent hole for creating an air vent. A lift tab is pivotally mounted upon the lid. The lift tab has a handle end and an abutment end for exerting a downward force upon the panel covering the main opening. The opposite end of the handle when raised exerts an upward force to open a vent hole attached by a rivet to the lift tab. This container end requires a large force to open the vent and main openings while requiring an additional rivet operation making production more costly.

Another example of a reference disclosing a container end with a separate vent opening is U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US 2011/0266281 A1 to Thiemann et al. 2011 Nov. 13. This reference specifically discloses a container lid having a main opening and a vent opening that are operated separately by the tab on the container end. The tab is lifted to open the main opening of the container, and is then rotated to be above a raised section of the can end defining the vent and a force is applied to the tab to open the vent opening. This container end requires multiple steps to open the vent opening and puts the user at a mechanical disadvantage to create the required force necessary to depress the vent tab.

An example of a prior art reference disclosing a container end for opening container ends that have pressurized contents is U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US 2008/0067174 to Heinicke 2008 Mar. 20. This reference discloses an alternative style of attaching the tab to the container end, in which the container end is deformed to facilitate the opening action using a moustache score and flex line. This type of container end does not remain attached to the container and removes the majority of the container end exposing sharp metal edges creating hazards and pieces that must be addressed by the user.

SUMMARY

While the prior art may be adequate for its intended purpose, there is still a need for a conventional container lid or can end in which a tab is used to create the main opening and a vent opening in the same operation of the tab. There is yet another need to provide a separate vent on a conventional container end without having to reconstruct the basic design and functioning of the conventional container end to reduce the cost of implementing the design. There is yet another need to provide a method that reduces the force necessary to open the vent opening.

The present invention provides a beverage container lid or container end, preferably made of aluminum or other suitable material, having a mouth opening, and a separate vent opening. The container lid includes an opening tab having a central portion with a rivet that connects the tab to the container lid. The main opening is conventional, in which a mouth panel is pushed inward by breaking a mouth score with a contact end of the tab. The vent opening is created in the same motion that opens the mouth panel opening. The vent panel has a portion that remains attached to the can end, while the remaining portion of the vent panel may pushed inward toward the interior of the container. Preferably the vent panel has a raised section to allow for additional opening of the vent panel. The raised section is preferably located at a desired location that does not allow the vent to be opened before the tab is used to open the container.

The tab is preferably constructed so that there is a section around the rivet that attaches the tab to the container end, so that when the tab is lifted it deforms the container end to break the vent score. This section of the tab is preferably constructed of metal, such as aluminum or other suitable material, so that it does not break when opening the container end. Further it is preferred that there is a section of the tab which is capable of contacting the raised section of the vent opening to allow the vent tab to be further depressed once initially opened.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for opening a container and venting a container using the same action. According to the method, a tab has a pressure applying end that is used to create the main opening by breaking a score in the main opening panel and breaking a score in the vent panel, when the tab is used in the conventional manner. The tab is then pushed back down toward the original orientation and may be used to increase the vent opening.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention can be better understood when taken in conjunction with the figures wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the container lid of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a is a plan view of the container lid with tab of the present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a plan view of the container lid with tab after the tab has been operated to open the mouth opening and break the moustache score, and shows the section line I-I;

FIG. 2 c is an enlarged section view about the section line I-I shown in FIG. 2b showing the direction of operation and the failure of the moustache score of the vent;

FIG. 2 d is a plan view of the container lid with tab of the present invention after the tab has been returned to the original orientation, and shows the section line II-II;

FIG. 2 e is an enlarged section view about the section line II-II shown in FIG. 2d showing the direction of operation and the further depression of the vent tab of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the container lid of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a is a plan view of the embodiment of the container lid shown in FIG. 3 with an alternative embodiment of the tab of the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a plan view of the embodiment of the container lid shown in FIG. 4a with tab of the present invention after the tab has been operated to open the mouth opening and break the moustache score, and shows the section line III-III;

FIG. 4 c is an enlarged section view about the section line III-III shown in FIG. 4b showing the direction of operation and the failure of the moustache score of the vent tab of this embodiment;

FIG. 4 d is a plan view of the container lid with tab of the present invention after the tab has been returned to the original orientation, and shows the section line IV-IV; and

FIG. 4 e is an enlarged section view about the section line IV-IV shown in FIG. 4d showing the direction of operation and the further depression of the vent tab;

This invention utilizes certain principals and/or concepts as are set forth in the claim appended hereto. Those skilled in the packaging and canning arts will realize that these principles and/or concepts are capable of being utilized by embodiments which may differ from the exact embodiment used for illustrative purposes herein. For this reason this invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to the illustrative embodiments, but should only be construed in view of the claims appended hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a container end 10 with a mouth or pour opening defined by a mouth panel 28, and a vent opening defined by a vent panel 38.

The container end 10 may include a peripheral seam or rim 12 that is secured to the body (not shown) of a container.

Further describing FIG. 1, located radially inside the peripheral of the seam 12 is a peripheral channel or depression 14. Located radially inward of a depression 14 may be one or more ridges or forms 16, created in a concentric arrangement as shown. Located within the ridges 16 is a main panel 18. Another ridge 20 is shown inside the main panel 18. The most interior portion of the lid is defined by a depressed or lowered interior panel 22. A mouth score 26 and a mouth panel bend area 48 define the peripheral boundary of the mouth panel 28. Optionally, one or more additional formed areas or ridges 24 may be located on the mouth panel 28. The various formed areas or ridges provide additional strength for the container end, and it shall be understood that the number and configuration of these elements may be changed without departing from the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is but one example of various formed areas and ridges that can be used.

Further describing FIG. 1, the vent panel 38 is defined by a peripheral vent score 40 that includes a moustache score 46 section, and a vent panel bend area 47. It shall be understood that the shape of the mouth score 26 and vent score 40 are for illustrative purposes and any number of shapes or known designs would be suitable for use without departing from the present invention. Further the bend areas 47 and 48 of the container end only need to be sufficiently sized and made of suitable material to enable the vent panel 38 and mouth panel 28 to rotate inward without failing. Preferably the moustache score 46 section of the vent score 40 is of a conventional design, though it may include known designs to improve the ease of use in opening the container end. A raised vent area 42 located on the vent panel 38 is of sufficient height and suitable shape to be used to further depress the vent panel 38 inward after the container has been opened. Further it is located a predetermined distance from the moustache score 46 and vent score 40. The raised vent area 42 may be omitted if the vent opening created by the initial opening of the container end is sufficient to ventilate the container to allow the contents to flow freely from the mouth opening.

FIG. 2 a shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention with an opening tab 50 located centrally on the container end 10 attached by a rivet 30 or other attachment means. It shall be understood that the shape of the tab 50 is for illustrative purposes and any number of shapes or known designs would be suitable for use without departing from the present invention. The tab includes a handle end 32, a pressure applying end 34, a means for depressing the vent tab 44, and a body 36 interconnecting the ends. The tab 50 further includes a characteristic semi-circular opening that enables a user to lift the handle 32 of the tab 50, thereby placing the pressure applying end 34 in contact with the mouth panel 28.

FIG. 2 b shows the initial operation to open the container end 10 using the tab 50 and the section line I-I which is further detailed in FIG. 2c.

FIG. 2 c shows a detailed section view about I-I shown in FIG. 2b of the tab 50 which is preferably oriented on the can end 10 so that when the handle end 32 is lifted in the direction of the arrow the pressure applying end 34 comes into contact with the mouth panel 28 causing the mouth score 26 and the moustache score 46 to fail, thereby releasing pressure from the container and initiating the vent opening and the mouth opening. With adequate pressure applied, the mouth score 26 continues to fail, enabling the mouth panel 28 to rotate inward toward the contents of the container, thereby forming the mouth opening and causing the moustache score 46 to fail and create the vent opening.

FIG. 2 d shows the return operation of the tab 50 and the container end 10 after the initial operation shown in FIG. 2b and the section line II-II that further detailed in FIG. 2e.

FIG. 2 e shows a detailed section view about II-II shown in FIG. 2d wherein the vent panel 38 is further depressed by returning the tab 50 to the original orientation whereby the vent depressing means 44 contacts the raised vent area 42. With adequate pressure applied in the direction indicated by the arrow, the vent score 40 continues to fail enabling the vent panel 38 to rotate inward thereby creating an enlarged vent opening.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention including a container end 10 with a mouth or pour opening defined by a mouth panel 54, and a vent opening defined by a vent panel 58. The container end 10 may include a peripheral seam or rim 12 that is secured to the body (not shown) of the container.

Further describing FIG. 3, located radially inside the peripheral of the seam 12 is a peripheral channel or depression 14. Located radially inward of the depression 14 may be one or more ridges or forms 16, created in a concentric arrangement as shown. Located within the ridges 16 is the main panel 18. Another ridge 20 is shown inside the main panel 18. The most interior portion of the lid is defined by a depressed or lowered interior panel 22. A mouth score 52 and a mouth panel bend area 56 define the peripheral boundary of the mouth panel 54. Optionally, one or more additional formed areas or ridges 24 may be located on the mouth panel 54. The various formed areas or ridges provide additional strength for the container end, and it shall be understood that the number and configuration of these elements may be changed without departing from the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 3 is but one example of various formed areas and ridges that can be used.

Further describing FIG. 3, the vent panel 58 is defined by a peripheral vent score 60 that includes a moustache score 72 section, and a vent panel bend area 55. It shall be understood that the shape of the mouth score 52 and vent score 60 are for illustrative purposes and any number of shapes or known designs would be suitable for use without departing from the present invention. Further the bend areas 55 and 56 of the container end only need to be sufficiently sized and made of suitable material to enable the vent panel 58 and mouth panel 54 to rotate inward without failing. Preferably the moustache score 72 section of the vent score 60 is of conventional design, though it may include known designs to improve the ease of use in opening the container end. The raised vent area 42 located on the vent panel 58 is of sufficient height and suitable shape to be used to further depress the vent panel 58 inward after the container has been opened. Further it is located a predetermined distance from the moustache score 72 and vent score 60. The raised vent area 42 may be omitted if the vent opening created by the initial opening of the container end is sufficient to ventilate the container to allow the contents to flow freely from the mouth opening.

FIG. 4 a shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention with an opening tab 62 located centrally on the container end 10 attached by a rivet 30 or other attachment means. It shall be understood that the shape of the tab 62 is for illustrative purposes and any number of shapes or known designs would be suitable for use without departing from the present invention. The tab includes a handle end 68, a pressure applying end 66, a means for depressing the vent tab 70, and a body 64 interconnecting the ends. The tab 62 further includes an uncharacteristic semi-circular opening that enables a user to lift the handle 68 of the tab 62, thereby placing the pressure applying end 66 in contact with the mouth panel 54 then return it to its original orientation without raising the mouth panel 54.

FIG. 4 b shows the initial operation to open the container end 10 using the tab 62 and the section line III-III to be further detailed in FIG. 4c.

FIG. 4 c shows a detailed section view about III-III shown in FIG. 4b of the tab 62 which is preferably oriented on the can end 10 so that when the handle end 68 is lifted in the direction of the arrow the pressure applying end 66 comes into contact with the mouth panel 54 causing the mouth score 52 and the moustache score 72 to fail, thereby releasing pressure from the container and initiating the vent opening and mouth opening. With adequate pressure applied, the mouth score 52 continues to fail, enabling the mouth panel 54 to rotate inward toward the contents of the container, thereby forming the mouth opening and causing the moustache score 72 to fail and create the vent opening.

FIG. 4 d shows the return operation of the tab 62 and the container end 10 after the initial operation shown in FIG. 4b and the section line IV-IV that is further detailed in FIG. 4e.

FIG. 4 e shows a detailed section view about IV-IV shown in FIG. 4d wherein the vent panel 58 is further depressed by returning the tab 62 to the original orientation whereby the vent depressing means 70 contacts the raised vent area 42. With adequate pressure applied in the direction indicated by the arrow, the vent score 60 continues to fail enabling the vent panel 58 to rotate inward thereby creating an enlarged vent opening.

With the vent score and mouth score being caused to fail using the same action, an effective vent and mouth opening are created in the container lid. The vent opening may be enlarged by use of some other implement to push the vent panel inward. Further the design of the vent score, raised vent area, and vent depressing means may be used to create a specific vent opening size. One readily apparent advantage of the present invention is that it does not require the user to have to create the opening by hand or by using a separate action than would be used to create the mouth opening. The moustache score section of the vent score used with the mechanically attached tab provide an effective tool for creating the mouth opening and the vent opening.

According to the method of the present invention, a user may create both the mouth opening and the vent opening in the same action by causing the vent score and mouth score to fail by using the mechanically attached tab. The user may further enlarge the vent opening by using another implement, the raised vent area and tab, the vent panel depressing means on the tab, or in any combination. Either the raised vent area or the vent panel depressing means, or both, may be shaped to control and direct the application of force and size of the vent opening.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a method, container end, and tab for creating mouth and vent openings in container ends. Further both openings are created using the same motion.

Though the invention has been described with respect to the preferred embodiments, it shall be understood that various changes and modifications may be made considering the teachings of the invention as a whole, and taking into consideration the scope of the claims appended hereto. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A container end comprising of: a peripheral rim for connecting to a body of a container;a main panel formed interiorly of the peripheral rim;a mouth panel formed on the main panel and having a peripheral outer edge defined by a mouth score;a tab mechanically fastened to the main panel located centrally on the container lid;said tab including a handle end, a pressure applying end, and a body interconnecting the handle end and the pressure applying end ; anda vent panel formed on the main panel located opposite of the mechanical fastener from said mouth panel and spaced from said mouth panel and spaced from said mechanical fastener, said vent panel having a peripheral outer edge defined by a score line including a moustache score section proximal to said mechanical fastener;whereby operating said tab to create a mouth opening defined by said mouth panel additionally creates a vent opening defined by said vent panel.

2. A container end, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said vent panel having a raised convex interior portion;whereby said raised convex interior portion provides means to further enlarge said vent opening after said mouth opening has been formed.

3. A container end, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said tab having a semi-circular shaped opening in said tab a predetermined distance from, and partially surrounding said mechanical attachment;whereby said semi-circular shaped opening allows said tab to bend independent of said main panel.

4. A container end, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said tab having a vent depressing means formed in physical association with said body located at a predetermined distance from said mechanical attachment to allow contact with said vent panel;whereby said vent depressing means provides a means to further enlarge said vent opening after said mouth opening has been formed.

5. A method of opening a container and venting the container, providing: i. a peripheral rim for connecting to a body of a container;ii. a main panel formed interiorly of the peripheral rim;iii. a mouth panel formed on the main panel and having a peripheral outer edge defined by a mouth score;iv. a tab connected to said main panel by mechanical attachment centrally located on said main panel; said tab including a handle end, a pressure applying end, and a body interconnecting said handle end and said pressure applying end; andv. a vent panel formed on said main panel located opposite of the mechanical fastener from said mouth panel and spaced from said mouth panel and spaced from said mechanical fastener, said vent panel having a peripheral outer edge defined by a score line including a moustache score section proximal to said mechanical attachment;lifting said handle end of the tab upward to force the contact of the pressure applying end downward against the mouth panel thereby breaking the mouth score and the moustache score and thereby creating a mouth opening and a vent opening;

6. A method, as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said vent panel having a raised convex interior portion;pushing down on the tab after creating the mouth opening and vent opening to cause the tab to contact the raised convex interior portion of the vent panel thereby enlarging the vent opening.

7. A method, as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said tab having a vent depressing area formed in physical association with said body located at a predetermined distance from the mechanical attachment to allow contact with said raised convex interior portion of said vent panel; andpushing down on the tab after creating the mouth opening and vent opening to cause the vent depressing area to contact the vent panel thereby enlarging the vent opening.

8. A method, as claimed in claim 7, wherein: said tab is rotated to align said vent depressing area and said vent panel.