Patent Application
20090269169
N/A
The present invention relates to end closures for two-piece beer and beverage metal containers having a non-detachable operating panel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the volume of metal in an end closure.
Common easy open end closures for beer and beverage containers have a central or center panel that has a frangible panel (sometimes called a “tear panel,” “opening panel,” or “pour panel”) defined by a score formed on the outer surface, the “consumer side,” of the end closure. Popular “ecology” can ends are designed to provide a way of opening the end by fracturing the scored metal of the panel, while not allowing separation of any parts of the end. For example, the most common such beverage container end has a tear panel that is retained to the end by a non-scored hinge region joining the tear panel to the reminder of the end, with a rivet to attach a leverage tab provided for opening the tear panel. This type of container end, typically called a “stay-on-tab” (“SOT”) end has a tear panel that is defined by an incomplete circular-shaped score, with the non-scored segment serving as the retaining fragment of metal at the hinge-line of the displacement of the tear panel.
The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin sheet of aluminum or steel. End closures for such containers are also typically constructed from a cut-edge of thin sheet of aluminum or steel, formed into a blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. These ends are formed in the process of first forming a cut-edge of thin metal, forming a blank end from the cut-edge, and converting the blank into an end closure which may be seamed onto a container. Although not presently a popular alternative, such containers and/or ends may be constructed of plastic material, with similar construction of non-detachable parts provided for openability.
One goal of the can end manufacturers is to provide a buckle resistant end. U.S. Pat. No. 3,525,455 (the '455 patent) describes a method aimed at improving the buckle strength of a can end having a seaming curl, a chuck wall, and a countersink along the peripheral edge of a center panel. The method includes forming a fold along at least substantially the entire length of the chuck wall. The fold has a vertical length that is approximately the same length as the seaming curl, and a thickness that is approximately equal to the length of the remaining chuck wall wherein the fold is pressed against the interior sidewall of the container when the end is seamed to the container's open end.
Another goal of the manufacturers of can ends is to reduce the amount of metal in the blank end which is provided to form the can end while at the same time maintaining the strength of the end. One method aimed at achieving this goal is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,634 (the '634 patent). The '634 patent is directed to a can end member having a seaming curl, a chuck wall extending downwardly from the seaming curl to a countersink which is joined to a center panel of the can end. The method of the '634 patent reduces the amount of metal by reducing the cut edge of the blank. This is accomplished by increasing the chuck wall angle from approximately 11-13 degrees to an angle of 43 degrees.
The method of the '634 patent may decrease the diameter of the center panel. This could reduce area on the center panel that is needed for written instructions, such as opening instructions or recycling information. It may also restrict the size of the tear panel. Furthermore, because the angle of the chuck wall is increased, the space between the perimeter of the can end and the tear panel is increased. This could cause spillage during pouring and/or drinking.
The method of the '634 patent also produces a countersink. The '455 patent shares this aspect. The countersink is provided in the can end to improve strength. However, because the countersink is a narrow circumferential recess, dirt will often collect within the countersink. Additionally, the dirt is often difficult to rinse away due to the geometry of the countersink.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,858 (the '858 patent) also discloses a method of strengthening a can end. The '858 patent discloses a can end having a countersink and a folded portion located at the junction of the center panel or within the countersink at the lowermost portion of the countersink. One of the stated benefits of Sergeant is that the fold provides effective resistance against the countersink inverting.
The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior * of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
One object of the present invention is to provide an easy open can end member having sufficient strength and improved cleanliness characteristics. The easy open can end member comprises a center panel, a curl, a circumferential chuck wall, and a transition wall.
The center panel is positioned about a longitudinal axis. It includes a closure member for sealing the end member. A portion of the closure member is retainable to a portion of the center panel once the easy open can end member is opened. The center panel also includes a step portion located radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis. The step portion has an annular convex portion joined to an annular concave portion and displaces at least a portion of the center panel vertically in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuck wall extends downwardly from the curl. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with a peripheral edge of the center panel. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with a peripheral edge of the center panel. The transition wall comprises a folded portion. The folded portion has a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The first leg is directly connected to the chuck wall and joined to the second leg by a concave annular portion. The second leg is joined to the third leg by a convex annular portion, and the third leg is joined to the center panel. The convex annular portion has a radius of curvature greater than 0.002 ins.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
a is a partial enlarged view of the can end of
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
The container end of the present invention is a stay-on-tab end member 10 with improved physical properties including strength. Essentially, the present invention provides a lightweight end member 10 which embodies the physical characteristics and properties required in the beverage container market, as explained below.
Referring to
The center panel 18 has a displaceable closure member. In
The frangible score 24 is preferably a generally V-shaped groove formed into the public side 32 of the center panel 18. A residual is formed between the V-shaped groove and the product side 34 of the end member 10.
The end member 10 has a tab 28 secured to the center panel 18 adjacent the tear panel 22 by a rivet 38. The rivet 38 is formed in the typical manner.
During opening of the end member 10 by the user, the user lifts a lift end 40 of the tab 28 to displace a nose portion 42 downward against the tear panel 22. The force of the nose portion 42 against the tear panel 22 causes the score 24 to fracture. As the tab 28 displacement is continued, the fracture of the score 24 propagates around the tear panel 22, preferably in progression from the first end of the score 24 toward the second end 30 of the score 24.
Now referring to
The transition wall 16 is integral with the chuck wall 14 and connects the chuck wall 14 the to the peripheral edge portion 52 of the center panel 18. The end member 10 differs from contemporary beverage can end members that typically include a countersink formed in the outer peripheral edge of the center panel 18. The planar peripheral edge portion 52 allows the tear panel 24 to be placed closer to the outer perimeter of the end member 10. It also provides additional center panel 18 area for printing and/or a larger tear panel opening.
The transition wall 16 includes a fold 54 extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 50. The drawings show the fold 54 formed along an exterior portion of the chuck wall 14; however, it should be understood that the fold 54 can be located in other locations such as along the product side 34 of the center panel 18. However, the fold 54 preferably extends upwardly at an angle λ of about 8° above a horizontal plane. (See
The fold 54 has a first leg 56 connecting the chuck wall 14 to an annular concave bend or portion 58. The annular concave portion 58 includes an apex 60 which approaches so as to preferably engage the outer peripheral edge 52 of the center panel 18. This contact between the apex 60 and the outer peripheral edge 52 helps to prevent dirt from accumulating along the peripheral edge 52 of the center panel 18. It also allows the center panel 18 to be easily cleaned when dirt or other residue is present on the center panel 18.
A second leg 62 extends upwardly from the annular concave portion 58 to an annular convex bend or portion 64. The second leg 62 can be vertical, substantially vertical, or up to ±25 degrees to the longitudinal axis 50 and can be pressed against an outer portion of the first leg 56.
The annular convex portion 64 includes an apex 66 which defines a vertical extent of the fold 54. A length of the fold 54 is substantially less than a length of the seaming curl 12. In combination with, inter alia, the angled chuck wall 14, this fold 54 structure and length allows the buckling strength of the end member 10 to meet customer requirements while decreasing the size of the cut edge blank and maintaining the diameter of the finished end. In other words, a smaller cut edge blank can be provided to produce the same sized diameter end member as a larger cut edge blank formed in the conventional manner with a countersink.
A third leg 68 extends downwardly from the annular convex portion 64 to a third bend 70 which joins the transition wall 16 to the outer peripheral edge 52 of the center panel 18. The third bend 70 has a radius of curvature which is suitable for connecting the third leg 68 to the planar outer peripheral edge of the center panel 18.
The third leg 68 can be pressed against an outer portion of the second leg 62. This gives the fold 54 a transverse thickness which is substantially equal to three times the thickness of the thickness of the chuck wall 14, and the transverse thickness of the fold 54 is substantially less than the length of the chuck wall 14. Again, this structure results in a metal savings by allowing the cut edge blank to be smaller than conventional cut edge blanks used to make the same diameter end member. For example, the average diameter of a cut edge blank used to form a standard 202 can end is approximately 2.84 ins. (72.14 mm) while the average diameter of a cut edge blank used to form a 202 can end of the present invention is approximately 2.70 ins. (68.58 mm).
The end member 10 can be formed in a shell press, a conversion press, or a combination of both. For example, the end member 10 can be partially formed in the shell press and then completed in the conversion press. The end member 10 can also be finished in an alternate forming machine, such as a roll forming apparatus. Alternatively, the end member 10 can be all or partially roll formed before or after the conversion press.
Referring to
The chuck wall 14 panel depth can be expressed in terms of the following relationships:
X
CW
=R
CP
+R
CW cos ψ;
Y
CW
=R
CW sin ψ;
L
CP
=H
curl
+R
CW(cos θ−sin ψ);
R
CW
2
=Y
CW
2+(XCW−RCP)2; and
L
CP
=H
curl
+{[Y
CW
2+(XCW−RCP)2]½*(cos θ−sin ψ)};
where XCW is the center of the arc of curvature of the lower portion of the chuck wall 14, measured as a horizontal distance from the longitudinal axis 50; YCW is the center of the arc of curvature of the lower portion of the chuck wall 14, measured as a vertical distance above or below the center panel 18; and the angle θ is the angle measured between a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 50 and an uppermost segment of the lower portion of the chuck wall 14.
The center panel depth LCP ranges from 0.160 ins. to 0.250 ins. (4.064 mm to 6.350 mm), more preferably 0.180 ins. to 0.240 ins. (4.572 mm to 6.096 mm), or any range or combination of ranges therein. The center panel diameter, double the value of RCP, ranges from 1.380 ins. to 1.938 ins. (35.052 mm to 49.225 mm), more preferably 1.830 ins. to 1.880 ins. (46.482 mm to 47.752 mm), or any range or combination of ranges therein. The radius of curvature RCW varies accordingly to arrive at a 202 end member 10, but is typically 0.070 ins. to 0.205 ins. (1.778 mm to 5.207 mm), but can be any value less than infinite. In other words, assuming a fixed center panel height, as the center panel diameter increases the radius of curvature RCW increases. The following table illustrates this relationship.
The end member 10 can also exhibit multiple steps either upwardly or downwardly.
Referring specifically to
The upwardly oriented step 115 has a convex annular radially innermost portion 116 joined to a concave annular radially outermost portion 117. The innermost portion 116 has a radius of curvature of about 0.015 ins. (0.381 mm). The outermost portion 117 has a radius of curvature of about 0.020 ins. (0.51 mm). The radially innermost portion 116 of the step 115 is located a distance R1 of about 0.804 ins. (20.422 mm) from the center of the end member 10. The radially outermost portion of the step 115 is located a distance R2 of about 0.8377 ins. to 0.843 ins. (21.2776 mm to 21.4122 mm) from the center of the end member 10. The fold 54 of this embodiment has a radially inner most portion located at a distance R3 of about 0.9338 ins. to 0.94 ins. (23.7185 mm to 23.876) from the center of the end member 10, and a radially outermost portion located at a distance R4 of about 0.9726 ins. to 0.98 ins. (24.7040 mm to 24.892 mm) from the center of the end member 10. The end member 10 has a radius Rend of about 1.167 ins. to 1.17 ins. (29.642 mm to 29.78 mm).
These dimensions are directed to a 202 end member. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that these principles could be applied to an end member of any diameter. For example, in a 200 end member, R1 would be about 0.7725 ins. (19.6215 mm); R3 would be about 0.906 ins. (23.0124 mm); R4 would be about 0.951 ins. (24.1554 mm); and other dimensions would decrease as well, preferably proportionally. Further in a 209 end member, R1 would be about 0.8275 ins. (21.0185 mm); R3 would be about 0.972 ins. (24.6888 mm); R4 would be about 1.0220 ins. (25.9588 mm); and other dimensions would increase as well, preferably proportionally.
The downwardly oriented step 115 has a concave annular radially innermost portion 117 joined to a convex annular radially outermost portion 116. These annular portions have radii of curvature of about 0.015 ins. (0.381 mm), and may be coined during forming to prevent the fold 54 from adverse deformation. The radially innermost portion of the step 115 is located a distance R5 of about 0.804 ins. (20.422 mm) from the center of the end member 10. The radially outermost portion of the step 115 is located a distance R6 of about 0.8377 ins. (21.2776 mm) from the center of the end member 10. The fold 54 of this embodiment has a radially inner most portion located at a distance R3 of about 0.9338 ins. (23.7185 mm) from the center of the end member 10, and a radially outermost portion located at a distance R4 of about 0.9726 ins. (24.7040 mm) from the center of the end member 10. The end member 10 has a radius Rend of about 1.167 ins. (29.642 mm).
Again, these dimensions are directed to a 202 end member. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that these principles could be applied to an end member of any diameter. The dimensions would increase or decrease depending on the relative size of the end member, preferably proportionally.
Now referring to
The can ends 10 of the embodiments illustrated in
The flange 120 is typically an upwardly projecting frustoconical annular surface 132 formed in the center panel 18. It is contemplated that this configuration achieves adequate burst resistance without requiring excessive force to peel the closure member 128.
The frustoconical annular surface 132 defines the shape of the aperture 124. The aperture 124 is preferably a circular shape, but it should be understood that the aperture 124 can be any shape without departing from the spirit of the invention.
A peripheral edge of the frustoconical annular surface 132 is generally formed as a bead 134. The bead 134 protects a drinker's lips from touching and being injured by the cut metal of the peripheral edge of the frustoconical annular surface 132, and avoids damaging the closure member 128 by contact with the cut metal. The bead 134 may have a reverse curl as shown, e.g., in
The reverse curl is the preferred method of forming the bead 134. Once the closure member 128 is heat-sealed to the flange 120 surface, the cut metal (typically an aluminum alloy) at the peripheral edge of the frustoconical annular surface 132 must not come into contact with the contained beverage because the cut metal at the edge (unlike the major surfaces of the can end 10) has no protective coating, and would be attacked by acidic or salt-containing beverages. Alternatively, the cut edge may be protected by application of a lacquer to the peripheral edge of the frustoconical annular surface 132.
The flexible closure member 128 is produced from a sheet material comprising metal foil, e.g. aluminum foil, preferably a suitably lacquered aluminum foil sheet or an aluminum foil-polymer laminate sheet. Stated more broadly, materials that may be used for the closure member 128 include, without limitation, lacquer coated foil (where the lacquer is a suitable heat seal formulation); extrusion coated foil (where the polymer is applied by a standard or other extrusion coating process); the aforementioned foil-polymer laminate, wherein the foil is laminated to a polymer film using an adhesive tie layer; and foil-paper-lacquer combinations such as have been used for some low-cost packaging applications.
The closure member 128 extends entirely over the aperture 124 and is secured to the frustoconical annular surface 132 by a heat seal extending at least throughout the area of an annulus entirely surrounding the aperture 124. Since the reverse curl bead 134 does not project beyond the slope of the flange 120 outer surface, the closure member 128 smoothly overlies this bead 134 as well as the flange 120 outer surface, affording good sealing contact between the closure member 128 and the flange 120. The closure member 128 is bonded by heat sealing to the flange 120, covering and closing the aperture 124, before the can end 10 is secured to a can body that is filled with a carbonated beverage.
Once the can end 10 has been attached to the can body, a force applied by a beverage generated pressure causes the flexible closure member 128 to bulge outwardly. An angle σ of the slope of the flange 120 outer surface relative to the plane P of the peripheral edge of the frustoconical annular surface 132 (see
In
For these closures, the forces FT acting on the heat sealed flange area 120 due to the tension in the foil are primarily shear forces, with no significant peel force component acting in the direction T at 90° to the plane of the frustoconical annular surface 132. Thus, the burst resistance will depend on the shear strength of the heat seal joint or the bulge strength of the foil or foil laminate itself. This provides greater burst resistance relative to standard heat sealed containers which are generally planar.
The frustoconical annular surface 132 provides the slope angle σ which is sufficient to accommodate the extent of doming or bulging of the closure member 128 under the elevated internal pressures for which the can is designed, and thereby enables the burst resistance to be enhanced significantly, for a closure 128 with a peel force which is acceptable to the consumer. The angle σ is between about 12.5° and about 30° to the plane P, and more preferably at least 15°, and most preferably between about 18° and about 25°, or any range or combination of ranges therein. The peel force is dependent both on the inherent properties of the selected heat seal lacquer system, and on geometric effects associated with the complex bending and distortion which the closure member 128 undergoes during peeling.
The circular aperture 124 generally has a diameter D of 0.787 ins. (20.0 mm). The aperture 124 is defined by the frustoconical annular surface 132 of the flange 120 which generally has a maximum diameter (in the plane of center panel 18) of 1.181 ins. (30.0 mm). Referring to
The closure member stock may be a suitable deformable material such as an aluminum foil (e.g. made of alloy AA3104 or of a conventional foil alloy such as AA3003, 8011, 8111, 1100, 1200) with a thickness of 0.002 ins. to 0.004 ins. (50.8 Φm to 101.6 Φm) which is either lacquered on one side with a suitable heat sealable lacquer, or laminated on one side with a suitable heat sealable polymer film (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), 0.001 ins. to 0.002 ins. (25.4 Φm to 50.8 Φm) thick. The public side should have a suitable protective lacquer coating. It may be desirable to print onto the foil using known printing methods. It may also be desirable to emboss the laminate to make the closure easier to grip.
The closure member 120 and heat seal must be designed to withstand the force provided by the pressurized contents of a container. Therefore, the closure member 120 must be bonded to withstand tear/shear force resistance that range from 25 lb/in (0.45 kg/mm) to 75 lb/in. (1.34 kg/mm), or any range or combination of ranges therein.
When applied to the can end 10, the portion of the closure member 120 that extends across the aperture 124 may be substantially planar as illustrated in
Referring to
The extension 142 is sealed to the can end 10 by the portion of the heat seal that has a size and shape which requires a substantially higher peel force (greater resistance to peeling) than the annular center portion 138 surrounding the aperture 124. This discourages a consumer from completely removing the closure foil 128. As a result of this design, when the consumer opens the closure 128, the peel will initially be within the targeted range for each opening, e.g. from about 1.8 lb. to 4.5 lb. (8 N to 20 N). Then as the aperture 124 is completely opened, the peel force will fall to a very low value so that the consumer will sense that the opening is completed. If the consumer continues to pull the closure, the required peel force will rise rapidly to a value which exceeds the normally accepted easy peel range, i.e. to >5.5 lb. (24.5 N).
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
The reservoir 154, and hence the supply of fragrance 158, are disposed on the side of the aperture 124 away from the peripheral edge of the center panel 18 so as to be close to the user's nose. This location is between the aperture 124 and the stay-on heat seal portion and is thus covered by the closure extension 142 when the closure member 128 is sealed on the can end.
In this embodiment, the closure member 128 is configured to fully surround the reservoir 154 containing the concentrate 158. Two specific heat seal designs for this purpose are respectively shown in
Referring to
The end shell 180 also includes an angled portion 184 along the peripheral edge 52 of the center panel 18. This angled portion is formed to promote stacking of the end shells 180 as they are transported from a shell press to a conversion press. The angled portion 184 also promotes metal flow outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 50 to promote formation of the fold 54 in the conversion press.
In the first stage (
Alternative tooling is illustrated in
The end member 10 of
Now referring to
The method includes providing a can end shell 180. The can end shell 180 has a public side 216 and an opposing product side 220. The shell 180 includes a center panel 18 disposed about a longitudinal axis 50, a generally U-shaped countersink 224, an annular arcuate chuck wall 14, and a curl 12 defining an outer perimeter of the can end shell 180. The generally U-shaped countersink 224 joins the chuck wall 14 with the center panel 18.
Upper and lower tooling 228, 232 are also provided. The upper tooling 228 includes first and second forming members 228a, 228b. The first forming member 228a is positioned radially inwardly from the second forming member 228b. The second forming member 228b has an annular arcuate portion 236 for contacting the annular arcuate portion of the chuck wall 14.
The lower tooling 232 comprises inner, intermediate, and outer forming members 232a, 232b, 232c. The inner forming member 232a is located radially inwardly from the intermediate forming member 232b, and the intermediate forming member 232b is located radially inwardly from the outer forming member 232c. The outer forming member 232c has a portion adapted for contacting the product side 220 of the annular arcuate chuck wall 14.
The can end shell 180 is supported between the upper and lower tooling 228, 232. Relative movement between the can end shell 180 and the upper and lower tooling 228, 232 reforms the can end shell 180. Preferably, the first forming member 228a of the upper tooling 228 contacts the public side 216 of the center panel 18; the second forming member 228b contacts the annular arcuate chuck wall 14. The inner forming member 232a of the lower tooling member 232 contacts the product side 220 of the center panel 18. The intermediate forming member 232b contacts the U-shaped countersink 224, and the product side 220 of the annular arcuate chuck wall 14 is contacted by the outer forming member 232c.
Next, the first forming member 228a of the upper tooling 228 forces the center panel 18 downwardly. This increases the radius of curvature of the U-shaped countersink 224. As the reforming continues, the U-shaped countersink 224 is removed, and an area of the center panel 18 is increased radially outwardly.
Following the reforming of the center panel 18, the second forming member 228a of the upper tooling 228 moves downwardly. The outer forming member 232c of the lower tooling also moves downwardly. The intermediate forming member 232b of the lower tooling 232 supports the expanded area of the center panel 18. This relative movement causes reforming of the annular arcuate chuck wall 14.
As the chuck wall 14 is forced downwardly, the transition wall 16 is formed. A portion of the chuck wall 14, which was formerly an outer wall of the U-shaped countersink 224, moves radially outwardly until it abuts a portion of the outer forming member 232c of the lower tooling 232. This prevents further outward movement of the chuck wall 14, and the metal that forms the transition wall 16 free forms a fold portion 54. A remaining lower portion of the chuck wall 14 moves radially inwardly against a portion of the second forming member 228b of the upper tooling 228.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The forming continues as illustrated in
In
In the first operation, illustrated in
This continued relative movement causes the center panel 18 and the chuck wall 14 to be reformed. The center panel 18 is reformed radially outwardly. A lower portion of the chuck wall 14 free forms between the upper and lower tooling 250, 252, forming an S-shaped cross-sectional profile.
Once this reforming is complete, the radially outermost upper tool 250a retracts and is replaced by the second stage tool 250c (see
In these embodiments the convex annular arcuate portion 262 may have a radius of curvature RS of 0.01 ins. to 0.050 ins. (0.25 mm to 1.27 mm), more preferably 0.020 ins. to 0.030 ins. (0.51 mm to 0.76 mm), or any range or combination of ranges therein. A cross-sectional length LS of the concave annular portion 262 is large enough to accept a portion of the center panel 18 and as relative movement between the upper and lower tools 258, 260 causes the metal to be pushed into the concave annular portion 264. Preferably, the length LS is 0.01 ins. to 0.10 ins. (0.25 mm 2.54 mm), more preferably 0.070 ins. (1.78 mm), or any range or combination of ranges therein. The depth Hs of the concave annular portion 264 is preferably 0.010 ins. to 0.020 ins. (0.25 mm to 0.51 mm), more preferably 0.015 ins. to 0.017 ins. (0.381 mm to 0.432 mm), or any range or combination of ranges therein. The radius of curvature RO of the concave annular portion 264 opening is preferably 0.01 ins. to 0.10 ins. (0.25 mm to 2.54 mm) and more preferably 0.01 ins. (0.25 mm), or a range or combination of ranges therein.
Now referring to
The fold 54 has an inner radius of curvature Rinner joining or connecting the second leg 62 with the third leg 68. The radius of curvature Rinner is preferably 0 ins. to 0.030 ins. (0 mm to 0.76 mm); more preferably 0.002 ins. to 0.020 ins. (0.051 mm to 0.51 mm); still more preferably 0.0035 ins. to 0.010 ins. (0.089 mm to 0.25 mm); and most preferably 0.006 ins. (0.15 mm); or any range or combination of ranges therein.
The fold 54 has an outer radius of curvature Router joining or connecting the first leg 56 with the second leg 62. The radius of curvature Router is preferably less than the radius of curvature Rinner. The radius of curvature Router is preferably 0 ins. to 0.030 ins. (0 mm to 0.76 mm); more preferably 0.002 ins. to 0.020 ins. (0.051 mm to 0.51 mm); still more preferably 0.0035 ins. to 0.010 ins. (0.089 mm to 0.254 mm); or any range or combination of ranges therein.
The second leg 62 and third leg 68 each have opposing first and second ends. The first end of the second leg 62 is joined to the concave annular portion 58; the opposing second end of the second leg 62 is joined to the convex annular portion 64; the first end of the third leg 68 is joined to the convex annular portion 64, and the opposing second end of the third leg 68 is interconnected to the center panel 18. The first end of the second leg 62 and the second end of the third leg 68 converge so that a distance between the apex 60 and the center panel 18 is reduced or eliminated, and the distance between the second end of the second leg 62 and the first end of the third leg 68 is greater than the distance between the first end of the second leg 62 and the second end of the third leg 68. The relative magnitudes of the radii of curvature Rinner and Router help create this spatial relationship which is believed to contribute significant increases in the strength of the can end 10. It is further believed that the strength of the can end 10 can be dramatically increased by forming the legs with a curvilinear shape, e.g. a radius of curvature or bow-shape, e.g. second leg 62, such that the convex annular portion 64 is positioned adjacent to or engages an outer surface of the chuck wall 14. (See, e.g.,
Improved buckle strength results as the radius Rinner is greater than 0.002 ins. (0.051 mm). Buckle strength improves significantly as Rinner is increased from 0.002 ins. to 0.006 ins. (0.051 mm to 0.15 mm) and higher.
It is also desirable for Rinner to be greater than or equal to Router. However, it is believed that Router can be larger than Rinner without adversely affecting buckle strength, and in some cases, buckle strength may be improved by such a relationship. This relationship could occur when the convex annular portion 64 is positioned adjacent to or engages an outer surface of the chuck wall 14.
A height Hfold of the fold 54 above a horizontal plane defined by the lowest vertical extent of the center panel 18 is preferably a minimum of 0.035 ins. (0.89 mm). The height Hfold can be increased by increasing Rinner and/or increasing an angle λ of the fold 54. The angle λ is the angle at which the lowest vertical extent of the fold 54 is elevated above the horizontal plane defined by the lowest vertical extent of the center panel 18 and/or the peripheral edge 52 of the center panel. Preferably, the lowest vertical extent of the center panel 18 coincides with the peripheral edge 52 of the center panel 18. The angle λ is between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably less than 60 degrees; more preferably less than 30 degrees; and most preferably 8 degrees; or any range or combination of ranges therein. Again, the magnitudes of the height Hfold and the angle λ are believed to contribute greatly to the strength of the can end 10.
Yet another important relationship is illustrated in
Now referring to
The second leg 62, the annular convex portion 64, and the third leg 68 of this embodiment generally exhibit increasing radii of curvature along this segment of the fold 54. Accordingly, a first radius of curvature RF1 is about 0.006 ins. to 0.040 ins. (0.15 mm to 1.02 mm), preferably about 0.0132 ins. (0.34 mm); a second radius of curvature RF2 is also 0.006 ins. to 0.040 ins. (0.15 mm to 1.02 mm), but preferably slightly greater than RF1 or about 0.0144 ins. (0.37 mm); a third radius of curvature RF3 is about 0.010 ins. to 0.100 ins. (0.25 mm to 2.54 mm), preferably greater than RF2 or about 0.0434 ins. (1.10 mm).
Several alternative embodiments have been described and illustrated. A person ordinary skilled in the art would appreciate that the features of the individual embodiments, for example, stay-on closures and center panel and chuck wall reforming can be applied to any of the embodiments. A person ordinary skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments of the folded transition wall could be provided in any combination with the embodiments disclosed herein. Further, the terms “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” etc. are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way. The term “plurality” as used herein is intended to indicate any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively as necessary, up to an infinite number. The terms “joined” and “connected” as used herein are intended to put or bring two elements together so as to form a unit, and any number of elements, devices, fasteners, etc. may be provided between the joined or connected elements unless otherwise specified by the use of the term “directly” and supported by the drawings.
This application includes numerous dimensional relationships which are directed to a 202 can end, namely those dimensions directed at radial placement of the fold and/or the step, the diameter or radius of the seaming curl and/or center panel, etc. One ordinary skilled in the art would recognize that these dimensions would change if the inventive aspects disclosed herein were applied to larger or smaller ends, including but not limited to 200, 206, and 209 can ends.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. Also, it is intended that broad claims not specifying details of a particular embodiment disclosed herein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention should not be limited to such details.
While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.
This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/846,259 filed on May 14, 2004 which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/680,644 filed on Oct. 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,762, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/219,914 filed on Aug. 15, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,345, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/931,497 filed on Aug. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,900. The applications are commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10846259 | May 2004 | US |
| Child | 12497301 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10680644 | Oct 2003 | US |
| Child | 10846259 | US | |
| Parent | 10219914 | Aug 2002 | US |
| Child | 10680644 | US | |
| Parent | 09931497 | Aug 2001 | US |
| Child | 10219914 | US |
