Patent Grant
10954031
The disclosed and claimed concept relates to metal container closures and, more particularly, to container closures including a force concentrating construction disposed adjacent a limited container opening.
Metal container closures, or can ends, are constructs structured to close a substantially enclosed space defined by a container body. In one embodiment, the container is a beverage container that includes a beverage can body and a beverage can container closure (or beverage can end). That is, the container body is a beverage can body, such as but not limited to, a can body for carbonated beverages, hereinafter, and as used herein, a beverage can body. The beverage can body includes a bottom, or base, with an upwardly depending sidewall. The base and sidewall define a substantially enclosed space. After the beverage can body is filled with a liquid, a beverage can end, which is a container closure, is coupled to the beverage can body. The can end includes a container opening. That is, the can end includes an end panel and a tear panel. The end panel comprises the bulk of the can end and is generally planar. The tear panel defines the container opening. That is, the tear panel is a small portion of the end panel defined by a score line. The score line weakens the material of the end panel. As is known, a lift tab is coupled to the end panel adjacent the tear panel. When the lift tab is actuated, i.e., lifted, a portion of the lift tab engages the tear panel and causes the tear panel to move relative to the end panel. As the tear panel moves relative to the end panel, the tear panel and the end panel separate at the score line. As is known, the score line does not extend entirely about the tear panel. In this configuration, there is a connection tab that links the tear panel to the end panel. Thus, the tear panel does not fall into the beverage can body, but rather flexes toward the beverage can body so that a consumer may drink the liquid via the container opening.
In another embodiment, the container is a food container that includes a food can body and a food can container closure (or food can end). That is, a container body is a food can body, such as but not limited to, a can body for sardines, hereinafter, and as used herein, a food can body. The food can body also includes a bottom, or base, with an upwardly depending sidewall. The base and sidewall define a substantially enclosed space. After the food can body is filled with a food, and in this instance, sardines, a food can end is coupled to the food can body. As before, in this embodiment, the food can end includes an end panel and a tear panel, wherein the tear panel is defined by a score line. In this embodiment, however, the end panel is substantially the perimeter portion of the food can end and the tear panel is a large central portion. A pull tab is coupled to the tear panel adjacent the score line. As is known, the pull tab is lifted to create an initial break at the score line, then pulled to separate the tear panel from the end panel.
In another embodiment, the container is a glass jar. That glass jar includes a base and an upwardly depending sidewall. The distal portion of the side wall includes external threads. In this embodiment, the container closure is a twist lug, or, as used herein, a “lid.” That is, a “lid” means a closure structured to be removably coupled to a jar and which includes a generally planar top and a depending sidewall with internal threads. As is known, food stored in glass jars typically requires some process retort (heating/cooling) to sterilize/cook the contents. In the process, the product is exposed to a vacuum during the cooling process. This vacuum exposes the underside of the lid closure to a negative pressure, which makes the closure difficult to open/twist off the jar. One solution to this problem is to provide a push button on the lid. That is, a push button is a type of tear panel that is raised for access. As with the can ends described above, the lid defines an end panel and a tear panel. The tear panel includes a raised portion that is the push button. Further, an arcuate score line defines the tear panel. When a user opens the jar, the user engages the button causing the tear panel to tear at the score line allowing atmosphere to enter the enclosed space thus making removal of the lid easier.
In each of the container closures described above, the tear panel, and therefore the container opening, is defined by a score line. The score line is formed by a blade engaging a blank. The blade thins the metal at the score line. That is, in a tooling assembly, an upper tooling includes a blade and a lower tooling includes an anvil opposite the blade. A metal blank is disposed between the upper tooling and the lower tooling. When the upper tooling and the lower tooling are brought together, the blade engages the upper surface of the blank and deforms the metal. That is, the metal under the blade flows to either side of the blade thereby creating a thin portion which is the score line.
In some configurations, such as, but not limited to, the lid coupled to a jar, the substantial severing of the tear panel is not required. That is, a small opening is sufficient to allow the atmosphere to enter the enclosed space thus making removal of the lid easier. Known tear panels, however, are relatively large, i.e., approximately the same size as tear panels on a beverage can container closure. This is a disadvantage. Further, the button, or similar constructs, are configured to open the relatively large tear panel. This action requires a force sufficient to separate the entire tear panel from the end panel. This is also a disadvantage.
Each of these disadvantages is a problem with container closures. There is, therefore, a need for an improved container closer that addresses these problems.
These problems, and others, are addressed by at least one embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept which provides a container closure including a generally planar body having a product side and a customer side. The container closure body defines a limited container opening and an actuation location. Further, the container body includes a force concentrating construction disposed adjacent the limited container opening. As defined below, a “limited container opening” is an opening defined by a score line wherein the score line is structured to separate the portions of the body upon which the score line is disposed, but, wherein a portion of the body upon which the score line is disposed is moved a minor distance away from the other portion of the body upon which the score line is disposed. That is, generally, a “limited container opening” is relatively small. Further, as the limited container opening is relatively small, the force concentrating construction is structured to, and does, concentrate the force applied by a user to the score line. Thus, because the limited container opening is relatively small, and, because the force applied by the user is concentrated adjacent the limited container opening, a minimal amount of force is needed to open the limited container opening. Thus, this configuration solves the problems stated above.
A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.
Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].”
As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.
As used herein, “at” means on and/or near.
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.
As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener” but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.
As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled” means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled” whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to access fastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component” is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.
As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) or assembly (ies) is coupled to a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in a manner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without having to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, a book simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastened to the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.
As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.
As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description.
As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut.
As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly” together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening is made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, “corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.
As used herein, “curvilinear” means elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other thereby forming a curve. As used herein, “arcuate” means a curve that is substantially circular, i.e., part of a circle.
As used herein, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thin element including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., the planar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surface extending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein, it is inherent that a “planar” element has two opposed planar surfaces. The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generally straight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or be curved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.
As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “path of travel” or “path.” When used in association with an electrical current, a “path” includes the elements through which the current travels.
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A engages element B while in element A first position.
As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is, “operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely “coupled” to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, “operatively engage” means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current.
As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.
As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
As used herein, for any adjacent ranges that share a limit, e.g., 0%-5% and 5%-10, or, 0.05 inch-0.10 inch and 0.001 inch-0.05 inch, the upper limit of the lower range, i.e., 5% and 0.05 inch in the examples above, means “less than” the identified limit. That is, in the example above, the range 0%-5% means 0%-4.999999%.
As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and beverage cans, as well as food cans. As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position and second position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.”
As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element, point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
As used herein, a “flattened” button is a construct that, when viewed in cross-section, includes a sidewall with a tall end relative to a base plane and a short end relative to a base line and a generally planar top wall extending between the sidewall tall end and the sidewall short end. Further, a “flattened” button sidewall at the tall end extends at an angle to the base plane. Further, as used herein, a “cylindrical flattened” button is a “flattened” button that, when viewed from a position normal to the cross-section has a generally circular perimeter.
As used herein, an “angled” button is a construct that, when viewed in cross-section, includes a sidewall with a tall end relative to a base plane and a short end relative to a base line and a generally planar top wall extending between the sidewall tall end and the sidewall short end. Further, an “angled” button sidewall at the tall end extends generally normal to the base plane. Further, as used herein, a “cylindrical angled” button is an “angled” button that, when viewed from a position normal to the cross-section has a generally circular perimeter.
As used herein, an angled button with a “limited height” is an angled button wherein the height of the tall end is between about 0.060 and 0.080 relative to the surface from which it extends. Further, as used herein, an angled button with a “very limited height” is an angled button wherein the height of the tall end is about 0.070 relative to the surface from which it extends. Further, as used herein, a “limited height” and a “very limited height” are related to an angled button; that is, a dome-like button cannot have a “limited height” or a “very limited height” as defined herein.
As used herein, “forming a bubble” means forming a dome in a generally planar construct. That is, after “forming a bubble,” the resulting construct is identified alternatively as a “bubble” or a “dome.”
As used herein, a bubble or dome has both a “dome radius” and a “base radius.” A “dome radius” is the radius of the arc that defines the protrusion of the dome from a generally planar surface, i.e., the radius that defines the dome height. The dome “base radius” is the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the surface from which the bubble or dome extends. The “base radius” is measured at the bottom of the dome, i.e., where the cross-sectional area is the greatest.
As used herein, a cylindrical angled button has a “top radius” and “base radius” wherein both are the radius of the cylindrical angled button when viewed normal to the plane of the generally planar surface from which the cylindrical angled button protrudes. The “top radius” is the radius of the cylindrical angled button at the top thereof, and the “base radius” is the radius of the cylindrical angled button at the bottom thereof. It is understood that the cylindrical angled button top wall may not be a perfect circle and the “radius” is the measurement that approximates a “radius” as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The “radius” is measured at the bottom of the cylindrical angled button, i.e., where the cross-sectional area is the greatest.
As used herein, a cylindrical angled button with a “sharp top radius” means that the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the button top side, is between about 0.020 and 0.060 inch. Further, a “very sharp top radius” means that the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the button top side is about 0.040 inch.
As used herein, a cylindrical angled button with a “sharp base radius” means that the radius curvature between the button sidewall and the surface from which it extends, is between about 0.005 inch and 0.020 inch. Further, a “very sharp base radius” means that the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the surface from which the button extends is about 0.008 inch.
As used herein, a “limited distance,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means a distance between about 0.0 inch (coincident or overlapping) and 0.008 inch. As used herein, a “very limited distance,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score means a distance of about 0.0 inch.
As used herein, a “limited spacing,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a main score and an anti-fracture score, means a distance between about 0.030 inch and 0.050 inch. As used herein, a “very limited spacing,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a main score and an anti-fracture score, means a distance about 0.040 inch.
As used herein, a “limited arc,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means an arc of between about 20 and 200 degrees. As used herein, a “substantially limited arc,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means an arc of between about 30 and 180 degrees. As used herein, a “very limited arc,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means an arc of about 80 degrees.
As used herein, a “second bubble” is a bubble (or dome) formed from a prior bubble (or dome). As such, a bubble (or dome) formed from a generally planar material cannot be a “second bubble.” Further, as used herein, a bubble (or dome) formed from a generally planar material without first being formed into a first bubble, or similar construct, is not capable of being a “second bubble.”
As used herein, a “minimal score residual” means a score residual of between about to 0.0005 inch to 0.0025 inch. As used herein, a “limited score residual” is about 0.0010 inch.
As used herein, “hemming” means to flatten a protrusion so as to form a tab or flange structured to prevent, or resist, movement of the protrusion through an opening.
As used herein, a “line” does not mean a two-dimensional construct made by moving a point along a path. Rather, as used herein, a “line” means something that is distinct, elongated, and narrow.
As used herein, “generally planar” means a body or member is broadly “planar.” That is, a “generally planar” body or member includes planar bodies with recesses, rivets, and protrusions that are generally in the same plane as other portions of the body or member. Further, a “generally planar” body includes bodies or members that are generally convex or concave, such as, but not limited to, some beverage can container closures (or beverage can ends) exclusive of elements such as a chuck wall and curl. That is, the portion of a closure body 12 defining an end panel 22 and a tear panel 24 are, as used herein, “generally planar.”
As used herein, “a portion of material on one side of the, or a line that is, or at one time was, in a first plane, and, another portion of material on the other side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a second plane” means that the two portions of material were at one time generally planar, i.e., were portions of a generally planar member, and can be identified by a line between the portions that extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the generally planar member. The portions of material do not have to be in a planar configuration at, or after, the time a “shifted material line” is formed.
As used herein, a “product side” means the side of a construct used in a container that contacts, or could contact, a product such as, but not limited to, a food or beverage. That is, the “product side” of the construct is the side of the construct that, eventually, defines the interior of a container.
As used herein, a “customer side” means the side of a construct used in a container that does not contact, or could not contact, a product such as, but not limited to, a food or beverage. That is, the “customer side” of the construct is the side of the construct that, eventually, defines the exterior of a container.
As used herein, a “limited container opening” is an opening defined by a score line wherein the score line is structured to separate the portions of the body upon which the score line is disposed, but, wherein a portion of the body upon which the score line is disposed is moved a minor distance away from the other portion of the body upon which the score line is disposed. As used herein, a “minor distance” means a distance sufficient to allow gas to pass through the opening created when the two portions of the body are separated. Stated alternately, a “limited container opening” is a passage resulting from the separation of, or a portion of, a generally linear, or an overall generally straight curvilinear, score line on a closure body sufficient to allow gas to pass through the passage.
As used herein, an “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line or opening means a generally straight line which includes a number of curvilinear portions. For example, a score line shaped like a parentheses, or a “C” is an “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line. Conversely, a score line shaped like a “U” is not an “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line. Stated alternately, for an “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line or opening, the offset between a straight line drawn between the tips of the “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line and the “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line is no more than about 25% of the length of the straight line drawn between the tips of the “overall generally straight curvilinear” score line.
As used herein, a “force concentrating construction” means a configuration of score lines that includes, consists essentially of, or consists of, a “force directing score pattern” and/or a force focusing score.
As used herein, a “force directing score pattern” means a number of score lines that define a number of “links” and which is structured to reduce the ability of metal in an area to carry/transfer a load applied within the area and to force the load to be transferred via a “link.” Thus, a “force directing score pattern” inherently includes a number of links.
As used herein, and in connection with a “force directing score pattern,” a “link” means a narrow, unscored portion of metal between adjacent scores defining an enclosed area or a substantially enclosed area, and, wherein the scores defining an enclosed area or a substantially enclosed area are disposed about an actuation location. The term “link” as defined in this paragraph is not limiting upon the term “link” as used in the definition of the term “coupled,” above.
As used herein, an “actuation location” means a location on a metal closure wherein pressure is applied for the purpose of making an opening in the metal closure. For example, in a traditional aluminum container for carbonated beverages, a tab is lifted thereby applying pressure to a tear panel; in this configuration, the location wherein the tab contacts the tear panel is the “actuation location.” In a container closure having a button, the button is the “actuation location.”
As used herein, a “force focusing score line” means a score line that includes an incongruous medial portion. That is, non-“force focusing score lines” are generally disposed in straight lines, curvilinear lines, or geometric shapes such as, but not limited to, a rounded triangle. A “force focusing score” includes portions that are disposed in a straight line or an overall generally straight curvilinear line as well as a pointed or curvilinear incongruous medial portion that is not disposed along the straight line or is incongruent with the broad curves of an overall generally straight curvilinear line. Further, a “force focusing score” is convex relative to an “actuation location.” That is, a pointed or curved incongruous medial portion points generally toward, or arcs toward, an “actuation location.” Thus, a rounded triangular tear panel, for example, does not define a “force focusing score” because the “actuation location” for a tear panel is on the tear panel and, as such, the corners of a rounded triangular tear panel are not convex relative to, i.e., arced toward, the “actuation location.” As used herein, the pointed or curved incongruous medial portion points generally toward, or arcs toward, an “actuation location” is also identified as a “nose.” As used herein, a “force focusing score line” inherently includes a “nose.”
As used herein, a “circular trapezoid” is a shape with, and which inherently includes, two generally curvilinear and generally parallel sides and two generally straight, radial sides. A “circular trapezoid” is a substantially closed shape defining a substantially enclosed space. In one embodiment, the perimeter defining a “circular trapezoid” includes a number of gaps wherein the shape of the “circular trapezoid” is visually discernable, i.e., identifiable as a “circular trapezoid” by one of ordinary skill in art despite the lack of a contiguous perimeter. In another embodiment, a “circular trapezoid” includes a contiguous perimeter.
As shown in
The shifted material line 30 includes, and/or is defined by, a first portion 32 and a second portion 34. That is, the first portion 32 is disposed on a first side of the shifted material line 30 and the second portion 34 is disposed on a second side of the shifted material line 30. A shifted material line 30 is one of a “wide line,” a “medium line” or a “narrow line.” As used herein, a “wide line” has width between 0.015 inch and about 0.100 inch. As used herein, a “medium line” has width between 0.005 inch and 0.015 inch. As used herein, a “narrow line” has width between 0.0 inch and 0.005 inch. As used herein, a line with a width of 0.0 inch is a shifted material line 30 wherein material defining the line has separated, i.e., a “lance line” as defined above. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown, the first portion 32 is part of the end panel 22 and the second portion 34 is part of the tear panel 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion 32 and second portion 34 are each a generally planar portion.
In an embodiment wherein the shifted material line 30 is a lance line 100, the first portion 32 is separated from the second portion 34. Further, as shown, the first portion 32 is offset toward the product side 14 relative to the second portion 34. When the first portion 32, i.e., the end panel 22, is offset toward the product side 14 relative to the second portion 34, i.e., the tear panel 24, the second portion 34 (or the tear panel 24) has, as used herein, a “positive shift.” That is, when the second portion 34, i.e., the tear panel 24, is offset generally toward the customer side 16, the tear panel 24 has a “positive shift.” In this embodiment, the separation defines the shifted material line 30. In an exemplary embodiment, as discussed below, the separation is created when a tooling assembly 520 acts on the blank and fractures the material of the blank causing the separation. As used herein, a separated shifted material line 30 is a “fractured shifted material line” 30′.
In another embodiment, the shifted material line 30 is a shear line 102. In this embodiment as shown, the first portion 32 and the second portion 34 are each a generally planar portion. Further, as shown, the first portion 32 is offset toward the customer side 16 relative to the second portion 34. When the first portion 32, i.e., the end panel 22, is offset toward the customer side 16 relative to the second portion 34, i.e., the tear panel 24, the second portion 34 (or the tear panel 24) has, as used herein, a “negative shift,” as shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
Thus, the shifted material line 30 is any one of a relief line 106, a shear line 102, a hidden shear line 104, or a lance line 100. Further, the shifted material line 30 is, in an exemplary embodiment, a combination of two or more of a relief line 106, a shear line 102, a hidden shear line 104, and a lance line 100. As used herein, a shifted material line 30 that includes two or more of a relief line 106, a shear line 102, a hidden shear line 104, and a lance line 100 is a “mingled line” 110.
The shifted material line 30, or alternately the first portion 32 and the second portion 34, have one of a negligible shift (
As defined above, the shifted material line 30 defines a plane that separates the first portion 32 and the second portion 34. That is, the thickness of the container closure body 12 at the shifted material line 30 defines a plane which, as used herein, is the “plane of separation” 130. That is, the plane of separation 130 is the plane passing through the container closure body 12 at the shifted material line 30, i.e., the plane visible when the when container closure body 12 is viewed in cross-section, as shown in
In another exemplary embodiment, shown in
In the exemplary embodiments shown in
Further, it is noted that the shifted material line 30 in one exemplary embodiment extends completely about the tear panel 24, such as, but not limited to, a container closure 10 for a food can. In another exemplary embodiment, the shifted material line 30 does not extend completely about the tear panel 24, such as, but not limited to, a container closure 10 for a beverage can or on a lid. In the latter embodiment, it is understood that the shift between the first portion 32 and the second portion 34 diminishes to no shift at the ends of the shifted material line 30.
In an exemplary embodiment, the container opening 20 is sealed by a sealant 180 (or sealing material 180). Thus, as used herein, the sealant 180 is identified as part of the container opening 20. The sealant 180 is structured to, and does, create a substantially fluid proof barrier. As used herein, a “substantially fluid proof barrier” means that the barrier does not include any passages through which a fluid passes. A “substantially fluid proof barrier” does not mean that the fluid cannot penetrate the barrier at a molecular level. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in
Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the container closure body 12 defines a sealant recess 182 adjacent the shifted material line 30. That is, the container closure body 12 includes a protrusion 184 extending from, i.e., away from, the side of the container closure body 12 to which the sealant 180 is applied. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, wherein the sealant 180 is applied to the product side 14 of the container closure body 12, the protrusion 184 extends from the product side 14 of the container closure body 12. The sealant recess 182 extends generally about the shifted material line 30.
The following describes a press assembly 510 structured to form a lid with a button 600 as well as a shifted material line 30. It is understood that this is an example and other presses, not shown, are structured to form beverage can closures or food can closures. Further, in this example, the elements of the forming elements of the tooling assembly 520, discussed below, are generally circular and each station 526, discussed below, has a centerline.
In an exemplary embodiment, a press assembly 510, shown schematically in
As is known, a feed assembly (not shown) moves a blank through the tooling assembly 520 in a series on intermittent steps which is also known as indexing. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is a generally circular, metal lid. The tooling assembly 520 includes a number of stations 526. Each time the blank stops moving, the blank is disposed at a new station or an idle station (not shown) wherein no forming operations occur. In an exemplary embodiment, and as the example provided herein, the blanks are jar lids structured to be threadably coupled (screwed onto) jars. As is known, the blanks include a generally planar top wall with a depending sidewall. The depending sidewall includes a curled lip. The height of the depending sidewall defines the height of the blank. The plane defined by the intersection of the top wall and the sidewall is, as used herein, the chime line. As is further known, in an exemplary embodiment, the blank is formed with a generally planar center panel which is downwardly offset relative to the chime line. That is, the offset distance between the distal end of the sidewall and the chime line is greater than the offset distance between the distal end of the sidewall and the plane of the center panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank center panel has an initial thickness of between about 0.770 inch and 0.790 or about 0.180 inch. As is known, the area, or a portion of the area, between the center panel and the sidewall may be filled with a resilient and/or sealing material. Further, as is known, the blank includes a product side (which is generally exposed to the product in the jar) and a consumer side (which is generally exposed to the atmosphere). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is steel.
In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is a generally circular and includes a center. In this embodiment, the center of the bubble (or first and second bubble) is offset from the center of the blank. Thus, when the bubble is formed into the button, the center of the button is disposed at, or substantially at, the center of the blank. In another embodiment, the center of the button 600, i.e., a cylindrical angled button 600, is aligned with or directly on the center of the blank. It is noted that, in this configuration, the high point of the angled button is disposed substantially at the same location as the corresponding surface of the dome.
In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the number of bubble forming stations 540 includes a first bubble forming station 542 and a second bubble forming station 544. The first bubble forming station 542 is structured to form a first bubble 610 (
In an exemplary embodiment, the number of button forming stations 550 includes a first button station 552, a second button station 554, and a third button station 556. The first button station 552 is structured to form a bubble, or dome, into a flattened button. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the first button station 552 is structured to form a bubble, or dome, into a cylindrical flattened button which has a center. Further, the first button station 552 is structured to form the cylindrical flattened button 602 so that the center of the cylindrical flattened button is offset relative to the position of the second bubble. Further, the first button station 552 is structured to form a generally planar inner panel 604 disposed about the flattened button 602. The inner panel 604 is downwardly offset relative to the blank center panel.
In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in
In one exemplary embodiment, and as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the raised anvil 566 is coupled to the lower tooling 524. The first score blade 563 is structured to make a main score 568 in the blank. The raised anvil 566 solves the problems of shearing of metal, i.e., fracturing at the score.
The number of scoring stations 560 also includes an anti-fracture score blade 567, as shown in
Another embodiment of the anti-fracture score blade 567 is shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the main score 568 extends over one of a limited arc, a substantially limited arc, or a very limited arc. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the main score 568 is disposed over one of a limited distance or a very limited distance from the angled button 600 radius. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, main score 568 and the anti-fracture score 569 are spaced apart by one of limited spacing or a very limited spacing.
In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the tooling assembly stations 526 are disposed in the order identified above. That is, the blank moves through the stations in the following order: bubble forming stations 540, button forming stations 550, and scoring station 560. Further, if included, the scoring station 560 is followed by the embossing station 580 and the hemming station 590 and is formed as shown in
In another embodiment, the tooling assembly 520 includes a number of shifted material line stations 700 rather than, or in addition to, scoring stations 560. Each shifted material line forming station 700 is structured to, and does, form a shifted material line 30.
In the exemplary embodiment, a first shifted material line station 702 is structured to, and does, form a lance line 100. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the first shifted material line station 702 is a lance station 704. It is understood that, as defined above, a lance line 100 is when the material of the lid 596 is separated at the shifted material line 30. Thus, as described below, the elements of the first shifted material line station 702 move a distance sufficient to separate the material of the lid 596. It is further understood that a shifted material line station 700 is structured to form another type of shifted material line 30, for example a shear line 102, the elements of such a shifted material line station 700 move a distance sufficient to form the identified type of shifted material line 30. Further, to form a hidden shear line 104, the elements of such a shifted material line station 700 are structured to reciprocate multiple times so as to form the hidden shear line 104.
Further, in the embodiment shown, the first shifted material line station 702 is structured to make a first section 80 or tear panel 24 with a positive shift. As used herein, “inner” means relative to an axis passing through the center of the blank and generally normal to the surface of the unformed blank. Thus, the first shifted material line station 702 includes inner components 710 and outer components 712. In the embodiment shown, an upper tooling outer punch 723 and a lower tooling outer anvil 725, discussed below, are the outer components 712. The inner components 710 include a lower tooling inner anvil 726 and an inner punch (not shown). The inner components 710 and outer components 712, if used, generally face, or oppose, each other and are structured to engage, clamp, or progressively clamp the blank as well as otherwise form the blank. It is understood that, depending upon the type of shifted material line 30 being formed, not all the inner components 710 or outer components 712 identified above are required. For example, in the embodiment shown, an inner punch is not required.
That is, the disclosed lower tooling 524 includes an inner anvil 726. It is understood that a first shifted material line station 702 structured to make a first section 80 or tear panel 24 with a negative shift would include an inner punch (not shown) as part of the upper tooling 522. Further, a first shifted material line station 702 structured to make a hidden shear line 104 would include both an inner punch (not shown) and an inner anvil 726.
In the shown exemplary embodiment, and as shown in
Further, an inner edge 740 of the outer punch forming surface 730 is disposed at a first radius from the station centerline. The outer anvil 725 has a second edge 742 disposed at a second radius from the station centerline. The second radius is greater than the first radius, but not substantially greater. The inner anvil 726 has a third edge 744 disposed at a third radius from the station centerline. The third radius is smaller than the first radius, but not substantially smaller. It is noted that, in this configuration, there is a gap between the outer anvil 725 and the inner anvil 726.
The outer components 712 (in this embodiment, the outer punch 723 and the outer anvil 725) are structured to, and do, move relative to the inner components 710 (in this embodiment, the inner anvil 726) between a first forming position, wherein the lower tooling forming surfaces, i.e., the outer anvil forming surface 732 and the inner anvil forming surface 734 are generally parallel, and, a second forming position, wherein the lower tooling forming surfaces, i.e., the outer anvil forming surface 732 is shifted relative to the inner anvil forming surface 734. As used herein, the verb “shifted” means moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the blank or the plane of the container closure body 12. That is, the shifting of the outer anvil forming surface 732 relative to the inner anvil forming surface 734 occurs as the outer components 712 move from the first forming position to the second forming position. Further, as the outer components 712 move from the first position to the second position, a shifted material line 30 is formed in the blank.
That is, in operation, the outer punch 723 and the outer anvil 725 move toward each other and engage the blank. In one embodiment the outer punch 723 and the outer anvil 725 “clamp” the blank. As used herein, “clamp” means to secure a material, e.g., a blank, in a substantially fixed position so as not to permit the material to move (e.g., slide) or flow in at least one direction. Thus, as employed herein, a material that is “clamped” is secured in a substantially fixed position so as not to permit the material to move (e.g., slide) or flow in at least one direction, for example, the clamped material cannot move/flow between the outer punch 723 and the outer anvil 725. In another embodiment, the outer punch 723 and the outer anvil 725 “progressively clamp” the blank. As used herein, to “progressively clamp” means to secure a material in a substantially fixed position while initially allowing material to move (e.g., slide) or flow in at least one direction through the “progressively clamped” area. As the force of the engagement increases, the amount of material that moves/flows through the “progressively clamped” area decreases until the amount is negligible. Thus, as employed herein, a material that is “progressively clamped” is secured in a substantially fixed position while allowing some material flow after initially being “progressively clamped” and wherein the force of the engagement increases so as to permit only a negligible amount of material to move/flow through the “progressively clamped” area.
After the blank is engaged, clamped, or progressively clamped, and because in the embodiment shown the second portion 34 (or the tear panel 24) has a positive shift, the inner anvil 726 moves toward the upper tooling 722. As shown in
The lance station 704 described above is structured to, and does, create a lance line 100 in the blank. Other shifted material line stations 700 are structured to, and do, form one of a relief line, a shear line, a lance line, or a mingled line. That is, for example, a scoring station 560 combined with, or following a shifted material line station 700, would be a shifted material line station 700 structured to form a relief line. That is in this embodiment, a scoring station 560 would be a relief score station structured to form a score at the shifted material line 30.
The method of forming a venting assembly, as shown in
Providing 1000 a generally planar metal blank, in an exemplary embodiment, includes providing 1002 a blank including a chime line and an offset, generally planar center panel, the center panel offset in a first direction.
In an exemplary embodiment, forming 1100 an angled button includes a number of the following. Forming 1102 a bubble, the bubble including a center, forming 1104 the bubble to be a flattened button, the flattened button having a center, wherein the flattened button center is offset from the bubble center. Forming 1106 a first bubble, wherein the first bubble has a dome radius between about 0.770 and 0.790 inch, and, a base radius between about 0.180 and 0.200 inch, and, forming 1108 the first bubble into a second bubble wherein the second bubble has a dome radius between about 0.520 and 0.540, and, a base radius between about 0.070 and 0.090 inch. Forming 1110 the second bubble into a flattened button includes forming 1112 the flattened button into an angled button. In an exemplary embodiment, forming 1110 the second bubble into a flattened button includes forming 1111 a cylindrical flattened button. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, forming 1112 the flattened button into an angled button includes forming 1113 a cylindrical angled button. Forming 1113 a cylindrical angled button includes forming 1120 a cylindrical angled button with one of a sharp base radius or a very sharp base radius as well as forming 1130 an angled button with a limited height. There is also the forming 1140 of an inner panel, wherein the inner panel is offset in the first direction a greater distance from the chime line than a blank's center panel, forming 1150 an angled button with a limited height, wherein the button does not extend above the chime line, and forming 1152 an angled button with a limited height, wherein the button does not extend above a blank's center panel. Further, there is forming 1160 a bead between the center panel and the inner panel, and, raising 1170 the angled button relative to the inner panel. That is, as used herein, “raising” means forming an offset in a direction opposite a prior offset. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes not hemming 1180 the angled button. That is, as used herein, “not hemming” is a negative recitation wherein the angled button 600 is not hemmed.
In an exemplary embodiment, forming 1200 a score adjacent the angled button, in an exemplary embodiment, includes forming 1202 a main score, the main score disposed one of a limited distance or a very limited distance from the cylindrical angled button base radius. Further, forming 1200 a score adjacent the angled button, in an exemplary embodiment, includes forming 1204 a main score, the main score disposed a first distance from the cylindrical angled button base radius, and, forming 1206 an anti-fracture score, the anti-fracture score having one of a limited spacing from the main score or a very limited spacing from the main score, as well as forming 1208 a score structured to have one of a minimal score residual or a limited score residual.
Further, using the press assembly 510 described above, and as shown in
The container closure 10, the shifted material line 30, as well as each embodiment thereof, the press assembly 510, the shifted material line forming station 700, and the disclosed method solve the problems stated above.
In another exemplary embodiment, shown in
Accordingly, a lid 10A includes a body 12A having a product side 14A and a customer side 16A. In an exemplary embodiment, the body is generally circular. The lid body 12A includes an end panel 22A and a tear panel 24A as well as a depending sidewall 23. That is, the depending sidewall 23 extends about the end panel 22A. In an exemplary embodiment, the end panel 22A further includes a centrally disposed button 600, as described above. In this embodiment, the body 12A further defines a limited container opening 20A. As defined above, a limited container opening 20A is defined by a number of score lines 190. As used herein, “score line 190” means a generic score line 190. Such generic score lines 190 can be included in other constructs and can be identified as being part of that construct by another reference number. The score line(s) 190 is/are, in one embodiment, a shifted material score line 90 as described above. In another embodiment, the score line(s) 190 is/are a traditional score line as opposed to a shifted material score line 90. That is, as used herein, a “score line” is an area of a container closure body, such as lid body 12A, wherein the body has been thinned by scoring at least one surface of the body 12A. It is understood that when a score line 190 is acted upon with sufficient pressure, the body 12A separates at the score line 190 thereby creating the opening 20A. That is, the end panel 22A and a tear panel 24A separate at the opening 20A. Thus, as used herein, an “opening” includes a potential opening, or not yet formed opening, defined by a score line.
In this embodiment, the number of score lines 190 are disposed adjacent and/or about the button 600. Thus, the button 600 is the tear panel 24A. It is understood that because the opening is a limited container opening 20A, the button 600/tear panel 24A does not move significantly relative to the end panel 22A. That is, the button 600/tear panel 24A only needs to move just enough to create the limited container opening 20A. Further, it is understood that the button 600 is structured to be pressed by a user. Thus, the button 600 defines an actuation location 620. That is, the lid body 12A includes an actuation location 620.
In an exemplary embodiment, the score line(s) 190 is/are part of a force concentrating construction 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the force concentrating construction 200 includes a force directing score pattern 210 and a force focusing score 250. In one embodiment, as shown, the force directing score pattern 210 includes a plurality of circular trapezoids 212 disposed about the button 600. As used herein, when a “force directing score pattern 210 “includes” an identified pattern or shape, it means that a number of score lines 190 form the identified shape or pattern. Thus, in this embodiment, the force directing score pattern 210 includes score lines 190 disposed in the shapes of circular trapezoids 212. Stated alternately, the circular trapezoids 212 are score lines 190 disposed in the specified shape.
As shown in
In the embodiment shown, each circular trapezoid 212 extends over an arc of slightly less than 120 degrees. Further, the circular trapezoids 212 are spaced from each other along their radial sides. In this configuration, the spaces between the circular trapezoids 212 define links 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the links are between about 0.020 inch and 0.200 inch, or are about 0.05 inch in width, i.e., the distance between the radial sides of the circular trapezoids 212. Further, as shown, the circular trapezoids 212 include one circular trapezoid 212C that has a contiguous perimeter while the other two circular trapezoids, a first circular trapezoid 212A and a second circular trapezoid 212B, have a broken perimeter. Each circular trapezoid 212 also includes an inner score line 216. That is, each inner score line 216 is a score line 190 disposed within the perimeter of one of the circular trapezoids 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner score lines 216 are generally curvilinear and/or arcuate. In an exemplary embodiment, the force directing score pattern 210 is disposed on the offset tier 606 disposed about the button 600.
When the button 600 is actuated, i.e., pressed, the force is transferred through the button 600 and into the offset tier 606. The force(s) in the offset tier 606 are directed to the links 214. That is, the force is concentrated on the links 214. As the force is concentrated at a specific location, less force is required to separate the end panel 22A and a tear panel 24A at the score line 190 disposed at a link 214. This solves the problems stated above.
Further, in this embodiment, the force concentrating construction 200 includes a force focusing score 250. The force focusing score 250 includes a first arcuate portion 252, a generally arcuate nose 254, and a second arcuate portion 256. The first arcuate portion 252 and the second arcuate portion 256 form a general arc that is an “overall generally straight curvilinear line” as defined above. The nose 254 is disposed between, and is contiguous with, the first arcuate portion 252 and the second arcuate portion 256. The nose 254 is the curvilinear incongruous medial portion that, when associated with an overall generally straight curvilinear line, defines a force focusing score 250. That is, the shape of the score 190 shown in
The nose 254 is disposed adjacent the perimeter of the button 600. In an exemplary embodiment, the nose 254 is disposed within one of 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.30 inch or 0.35 inch of the perimeter of the button 600. As shown, and in an exemplary embodiment, the force focusing score 250 extends across a link 214 and into two of the circular trapezoids 212A, 212B. That is, the force focusing score 250 extends through the gap in the perimeter of the circular trapezoids 212A, 212B so that the first arcuate portion 252 is disposed within the first circular trapezoid 212A, and, the second arcuate portion 256 is disposed within the second circular trapezoid 212B. In this configuration, and for the reasons noted above, the force applied by a user is concentrated on the link 214 focused on the nose 254. As such, less force is required to separate the score 190 at the nose 254. Further, when a force is applied to the button 600, the end panel 22A and the tear panel 24A separate at the nose 254 forming the limited container opening 20A. The limited container opening 20A allows atmosphere to enter the enclosed space of the jar and reduces the force of engagement between the lid 12A and the jar. This solves the problems stated above.
In an exemplary embodiment, force concentrating construction 200 also includes a number of anti-fracture scores 258. Each anti-fracture score 258 is disposed adjacent to an associated force focusing score 250. In an exemplary embodiment, each anti-fracture score 258 has a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the associated force focusing score 250.
In an exemplary embodiment, each score 190 in the force directing score pattern 210 has a residual. As is known, and as used herein, the “residual” is the thickness of the material at the score 190 following scoring operations. As is known, and in an exemplary embodiment, the anti-fracture scores 258, have greater residual than the scores 190 of the force directing score pattern 210 and the force focusing score 250. As shown, the anti-fracture scores 258 are about 0.001 inch less deep than the force directing score pattern 210 and the force focusing score 250. That is, the residual of the anti-fracture scores 258 is about 0.001 inch thicker than the residual of the force directing score pattern 210 and the force focusing score 250.
In an exemplary embodiment, shown in
Variations of the configuration of the force concentrating construction 200 are shown in
It is understood that a press assembly 510, as discussed above, includes a number of scoring stations 560 structured to form the scores 190 that are part of the force concentrating construction 200. Further, the scoring stations 560 include scoring blades (not shown) coupled to the upper tooling 522, as described above.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/633,841, filed Feb. 22, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20190256247 A1 | Aug 2019 | US |
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| 62633841 | Feb 2018 | US |
