EASY OPEN CAN END WITH HIGH PRESSURE VENTING

Abstract

An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view of a previously known easy open can end configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an easy open can end that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the easy open can end that is depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a press assembly that is preferably used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical depiction of an opening score pattern and a forming tool according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical depiction of an opening score pattern and a forming tool according to a modified embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical depiction of the opening score pattern that is shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view depicting a forming tool according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 9( a) through 9(g) are a series of diagrammatical depictions of a cross-section of the end panel showing seven forming operations in a preferred method of forming an easy open can end according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a photograph depicting an easy open can end according to the preferred embodiment of the invention after an initial opening step.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatical depiction of an improved opening score pattern and a forming tool according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view depicting a forming tool according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatical depiction of the opening score pattern that is shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to FIGS. 2 and 3, a full open convenience closure or easy open can end 50 that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes an end panel 52 that has pictorial opening instructions 54 embossed thereon. As is conventional, a peripheral score 72 has been formed in the end panel 52 and defines a fixed portion 74 of the end panel 52 and a removable portion 76 of the end panel 52. A finger well 56 is defined in an upper surface of the end panel 52.

Full open convenience closure 50 further includes a circumferentially extending end curl 58 that is constructed and arranged to be secured to a container using the double seaming process. It also includes a tab 60 that has a main body portion 62 including a nose portion 63 that is constructed and arranged to exert a downward force on the end panel 52 in area that is proximate to the peripheral score 72 when a lifting ring 64 of the tab 60 is lifted by a consumer. A rivet formation 66 secures the tab 60 to the end panel 52. Convenience closure 50 further preferably includes a double fold 68 that is defined in the end panel 52 adjacent to the peripheral score 72 in order to provide cut protection for the consumer.

According to one particularly advantageous feature of the invention, a plurality of opening scores 70 are preferably defined in the end panel 52 in an area that is generally proximate to the location of the rivet formation 66. The opening scores 70 preferably include a mustache score 78, a flex line score 80 and a pair of break line scores 98, 100, which are best shown in FIG. 7. Although in the preferred embodiment the end panel 52 has all of these scores defined therein it should be understood that in alternative embodiments of the invention the mustache score 78 could be provided without a flex line score, with or without a break line score.

FIG. 7 provides a more detailed view of the opening scores 70 in the preferred embodiment. As FIG. 7 shows, the mustache score 78 preferably includes a central portion 84 that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel 52 relative to the rivet formation 66 and is curved about the rivet formation 66 in such a manner that a concave side of the central portion 84 faces the rivet formation 66. The curvature of the central portion 84 is preferably a constant radius of curvature.

Mustache score 78 further preferably includes first and second end portions 86, 88 that are preferably symmetric with respect to each other about a diametric axis of symmetry 82 that extends through the center 90 of the rivet formation 66. Each of the first and second end portions 86, 88 preferably includes a convex side of curvature that faces the nearest portions of the peripheral score 72.

Each of the first and second end portions 86, 88 preferably have a constant radius of curvature R1 that preferably extends along an arc section that is at least about 150°. The constant radius of curvature R1 is preferably substantially within a range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.2 inches.

The distal ends of the first and second end portions 86, 88 in the preferred embodiment point away from the nearest portion of the peripheral score 72, and a tangent line extending through the distal ends would preferably be substantially perpendicular to a tangent line of the peripheral score 72 at a location where the first tangent line would intersect the peripheral score 72.

Preferably, a transition location 92 between the central portion 84 and the first and portion 86 is located at a transitional angle α from the diametric axis of symmetry 82 that is preferably substantially within a range of about 45° to about 60°. More preferably, this angle is substantially within a range of about 50° to about 55°.

The flex line score 80 preferably has a first portion 94 that is located on a first side of the rivet formation 66 and a second portion 96 that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation 66. The first and second portions 94, 96 of the flex line score 80 are preferably aligned and symmetric with respect to each other. The flex line score 80 and its components 94, 96 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the diametric axis of symmetry 82.

The flex line score 80 preferably has a residual thickness (i.e., a thickness that remains in the end panel 52 at the location of the score line 80) that is substantially the same as a residual thickness of the mustache score 78. The flex line score 80 further preferably has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25% to about 40% of a thickness of the end panel 52. More preferably, the flex line score 80 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel 52.

The mustache score 78 has a residual thickness that is preferably substantially within a range of about 25% to about 40% of the thickness of the end panel 52. More preferably, the mustache score 78 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel 52. The mustache score 78 preferably has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0045 inches, and more preferably no greater than about 0.0035 inches.

As FIG. 7 shows, the portions of the mustache score 78 that most closely approach the flex line score 80 present a convex side of curvature that faces the flex line score 80.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of break line scores 98, 100 are defined in the end panel 52 in order to provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the mustache score 78 and the flex line score 80 that is utilized by the convenience closure 50 during the preliminary stages of opening. The break line scores 98, 100 are positioned between the mustache score 78 and the flex line score 80. Each of the break line scores 98, 100 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the flex line score 80 and are aligned with the locations on the respective first and second end portions 86, 88 of the mustache score 78 that most closely approach the flex line score 80.

The break line scores 98, 100 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to tangent lines that would pass through the locations on the respective first and second end portions 86, 88 of the mustache score 78 that most closely approach the flex line score 80. The break line scores 98, 100 preferably have a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of the flex score line 80 and that is greater than a residual thickness of the mustache score 78. The residual thickness of the break line scores 98, 100 is preferably substantially within a range of about 30% to about 95% of the thickness of the end panel 52, with a more preferred range of about 50% to about 80% of the thickness of the end panel 52.

When the convenience closure 50 is used in conjunction with a can body to package contents under high pressure (i.e. over 20 psi), it may be opened by a consumer by gripping the lifting tab and pulling the lift ring 64 upwardly.

As the gripping tab 60 pivots about the rivet formation 66, the nose portion 63 will move downwardly and exert a downward force on the end panel 52 at or near the peripheral score 72. Before the end panel 52 is bent downwardly enough to initiate rupture of the peripheral score 74, however, sufficient tension is formed in the end panel 52 in the area near the central portion 84 of the mustache score 78 to cause a rupture of the end panel at the central portion 84.

Pressurized gas within the container will be permitted to harmlessly vent through the rupture in the central portion 84 of the mustache score 78 without affecting the integrity of the peripheral score 72 or accelerating the opening process. The flow of pressurized gas will tend to be directed harmlessly at an oblique angle beneath the fingers of the consumer across the top of the end panel 52 so as not to present a hazard to the consumer.

The presence of the flex score line 80 reduces the amount of force that will need to be exerted by the consumer to cause the initial rupture of the central portion 84 of the mustache score 78.

After the convenience closure 50 has vented, the consumer will continue to pull the lifting ring 64 upwardly, which causes the tear or rupture in the central portion 84 of the mustache score 78 to enlarge. The tearing will progressively advance into the first and second end portions 86, 88 of the mustache score. At the location on the first and second end portions 86, 88 that are closest to the flex line score, the tear line will leave the mustache score and advance directly to the respective first and second portions 94, 96 of the flex line score 80 along the path of the break line scores 98, 100. This will occur even in embodiments of the invention where the break line scores 98, 100 are not present.

The tearing will then move laterally outwardly along the respective first and second portions 94, 96 of the flex line score 80. As this occurs, sufficient downward force will be exerted by the nose portion 63 of gripping tab to rupture the peripheral score 74. This stage of opening is shown in the photograph that is provided as FIG. 10. The consumer at this time may pull the lift ring 64 back to cause the peripheral score 74 to tear, thus removing the removable portion 76 of the end panel 52 from the fixed portion 74.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the tooling assembly for forming the convenience closure 50 according to the preferred embodiment includes a third operation press assembly 101 including an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 that are mounted for movement with respect to each other. The tooling assembly further preferably includes a first forming tool 106 for forming a top surface of the end panel 52 of the convenience closure 50.

Looking now to FIG. 5, it will be seen that the first forming tool 106 preferably includes a first tool surface 108 that is constructed and arranged to form the mustache score 78 and a second tool surface 110 that is constructed and arranged to form the flex line score 80. The second tool surface 110 includes a first portion 112 for forming the first portion 94 of the flex line score 80 and a second portion 114 for forming the second portion 96 of the flex line score 80.

First forming tool 106 also preferably includes a third tool surface 116 for forming the first break line score 98 and a fourth tool surface 118 for forming the second break line score 100. As is shown in FIG. 8, both the first tool surface 108 and the second tool surface 110 are formed as projections that extend outwardly from the substantially flat, horizontal base surface of the first forming tool 106.

FIG. 6 depicts a first forming tool 120 according to a modified embodiment of the invention. First forming tool 120 is identical in all respects to the first forming tool 106 described above, except that it lacks the third and fourth tool surfaces 116, 118 for forming the first and second break line scores 98, 100. First forming tool 120 would be used to manufacture a convenience closure according to a modified embodiment of the invention in which the break line scores 98, 100 are not present.

A method of making such a convenience closure 50 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention would include a step of providing an end panel blank and providing the tooling discussed above in relation to FIGS. 4-6. The tooling would be used in otherwise conventional fashion to form the convenience closure that is discussed in detail above.

The preferred method of making the convenience closure 50 utilizes a seven operation manufacturing process. A cross-sectional view of the end panel after each operation is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 9(a) through 9(g).

The first forming operation shown in FIG. 9(a), is used to form the rivet bubble formation on the end panel blank.

The second forming operation, shown in FIG. 9(b), completes the formation of the rivet button and begins the formation of a lower safety fold.

The third forming operation, shown in FIG. 9(c), forms the score lines that have been described in detail above and pre-folds an upper safety fold.

The fourth operation, shown in FIG. 9(d), completes the folding of the lower safety fold.

The fifth operation, shown in FIG. 9(e), involves the staking of the tab to the end panel and a final rivet operation.

The sixth operation, shown in FIG. 9(f), includes a tab detect function as well as a step of forming an upper fold pre-bulge.

The seventh and final operation, shown in FIG. 9(g), involves a step of completing the folding of the upper fold into a position where it will afford cut protection.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, an easy open can end that is constructed according to a second, preferred embodiment of the invention is identical to that described above with regard to the first embodiment of the invention except as otherwise described herein.

As FIG. 13 shows, a plurality of opening scores 270 are preferably defined in the end panel of the can end in an area that is generally proximate to the location of the rivet formation 224, shown in FIG. 11. The opening scores 270 preferably include a mustache score 278, a flex line score 280 and a pair of break line scores 298, 300, which are best shown in FIG. 13. Although in the preferred embodiment the end panel has all of these scores defined therein it should be understood that in alternative embodiments of the invention the mustache score 278 could be provided without a flex line score, with or without a break line score.

As FIG. 13 shows, the mustache score 278 preferably includes a central portion 284 that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation 224 and is curved about the rivet formation 224 in such a manner that a concave side of the central portion 284 faces the rivet formation 224. The curvature of the central portion 284 is preferably a constant radius of curvature.

Mustache score 278 further preferably includes first and second end portions 286, 288 that are preferably symmetric with respect to each other about a diametric axis of symmetry 282 that extends through the center of the rivet formation 224. Each of the first and second end portions 286, 288 preferably includes a convex side of curvature that faces the nearest portions of the peripheral score 272. Each of the first and second end portions 286, 288 preferably have a constant radius of curvature R1 that preferably extends along an arc section that is at least about 150°. The constant radius of curvature R1 is preferably substantially within a range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.2 inches.

The distal ends of the first and second end portions 286, 288 in the preferred embodiment point away from the nearest portion of the peripheral score 272, and a tangent line extending through the distal ends would preferably be substantially perpendicular to a tangent line of the peripheral score 272 at a location where the first tangent line would intersect the peripheral score 272.

Preferably, a transition location 292 between the central portion 284 and the first end portion 286 is located at a transitional angle a from the diametric axis of symmetry 282 that is preferably substantially within a range of about 45° to about 60°. More preferably, this angle is substantially within a range of about 50° to about 55°.

The flex line score 280 preferably has a first portion 294 that is located on a first side of the rivet formation 224 and a second portion 296 that is located on a second, opposite side of the rivet formation 224. The first portion 294 in this embodiment of the invention preferably includes a substantially linear portion 304 that is proximate to the rivet formation 224 and a second, curved portion 306 at an end of the first portion 294 that is distal from the rivet formation 224.

Similarly, the second portion 294 in this embodiment of the invention preferably includes a substantially linear portion 308 that is proximate to the rivet formation 224 and a second, curved portion 310 at an end of the second portion 296 that is distal from the rivet formation 224.

One purpose of the curved portions 306, 310 is to deter possible tearing from occurring near the outer distal ends of the first and second flex line score portions 294, 296 during and after opening of the easy open end by a consumer.

The first and second portions 294, 296 of the flex line score 280 are preferably aligned and symmetric with respect to each other.

The linear portions 304, 308 of the flex line score 280 and its components 294, 296 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the diametric axis of symmetry 282.

The flex line score 280 preferably has a residual thickness (i.e., a thickness that remains in the end panel at the location of the score line 280) that is substantially the same as a residual thickness of the mustache score 278. The flex line score 280 further preferably has a residual thickness that is within a range of about 25% to about 40% of a thickness of the end panel. More preferably, the flex line score 280 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel.

The mustache score 278 has a residual thickness that is preferably substantially within a range of about 25% to about 40% of the thickness of the end panel. More preferably, the mustache score 278 has a residual thickness that is substantially within a range of about 30% to about 35% of the thickness of the end panel. The mustache score 278 preferably has a residual thickness that is no greater than about 0.0045 inches, and more preferably no greater than about 0.0035 inches.

As FIG. 13 shows, the portions of the mustache score 278 that most closely approach the flex line score 280 present a convex side of curvature that faces the flex line score 280.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of break line scores 298, 300 are defined in the end panel in order to provide a pre-weakened tearing path between the mustache score 278 and the flex line score 280 that is utilized by the convenience closure during the preliminary stages of opening. The break line scores 298, 300 are positioned between the mustache score 278 and the flex line score 280. Each of the break line scores 298, 300 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the flex line score 280 and are aligned with the locations on the respective first and second end portions 286, 288 of the mustache score 278 that most closely approach the flex line score 280.

The break line scores 298, 300 are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to tangent lines that would pass through the locations on the respective first and second end portions 286, 288 of the mustache score 278 that most closely approach the flex line score 280.

The break line scores 298, 300 preferably have a residual thickness that is greater than a residual thickness of the flex score line 280 and that is greater than a residual thickness of the mustache score 278. The residual thickness of the break line scores 298, 300 is preferably substantially within a range of about 30% to about 95% of the thickness of the end panel, with a more preferred range of about 50% to about 80% of the thickness of the end panel.

The presence of the flex score line 280 reduces the amount of force that will need to be exerted by the consumer to cause the initial rupture of the central portion 284 of the mustache score 278.

Looking now to FIG. 11, it will be seen that the first forming tool 206 preferably includes a first tool surface 208 that is constructed and arranged to form the mustache score 278 and a second tool surface 210 that is constructed and arranged to form the flex line score 280. The second tool surface 210 includes a first portion 212 for forming the first linear portion 304 of the first portion 294 of the flex line score 280 and a second portion 220 for forming the curved portion 306 of the first portion 294 of the flex line score 280. It further includes a third portion 214 for forming the linear portion 308 of the second portion 296 of the flex line score 280 and a fourth portion 220 for forming the curved portion 310 of the second portion 296 of the flex line score 280.

First forming tool 206 also preferably includes a third tool surface 216 for forming the first break line score 298 and a fourth tool surface 218 for forming the second break line score 300. As is shown in FIG. 12, both the first tool surface 208 and the second tool surface 210 are formed as projections that extend outwardly from the substantially flat, horizontal base surface of the first forming tool 206.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A full open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising: an end panel;a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel;a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score;a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel; anda flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a second curved portion.

2. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 1, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry, and wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry.

3. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 1, wherein said flex line score includes a first portion that is located on a first side of said rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of said rivet formation.

4. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 1, wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is located proximate to said rivet formation.

5. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 4, wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.

6. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 1, wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.

7. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 1, further comprising a mustache score defined on said end panel, and wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is curved toward said mustache score.

8. A full open type of convenience closure which is adapted for sealing an end of a can, comprising: an end panel;a peripheral score defined in said end panel, said peripheral score defining fixed and removable portions of said end panel;a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on said end panel in an area that is proximate to said peripheral score;a rivet formation for securing said tab to said end panel;a mustache score defined in the end panel, the mustache score including a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation and is curved about the rivet formation and first and second end portions that are curved away from the rivet formation; anda flex line score defined in said end panel adjacent to said rivet formation, said flex line score having a first linear portion and a second curved portion.

9. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 8, wherein said end panel has a diametric axis of symmetry, and wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is substantially perpendicular to said diametric axis of symmetry.

10. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 8, wherein said flex line score includes a first portion that is located on a first side of said rivet formation and a second portion that is located on a second, opposite side of said rivet formation.

11. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 8, wherein said first linear portion of said flex line score is located proximate to said rivet formation.

12. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 11, wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.

13. A full open type of convenience closure according to claim 8, wherein said second curved portion of said flex line score is located distal to said rivet formation.