Reclosable Beverage Can

Abstract

Suggested is a metallic beverage can having a can body (1) for receiving a beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body at a filler's location. The body is made from a sheet material, and having a wall portion (1b, 1c) with axial ends. One axial end of the wall portion having a first portion (1.1), said first portion having a domed, axially outward vaulted shape, and being the bottom of the can body. The second portion having a body hook (2.5) for receiving and supporting a lid (2) for seaming and closing the can body to form a closed can. The first portion (1.1) has a spout (3, 3′) of a diameter less than a diameter of said wall portion (1b), and a cap (4, 4′) for closing (and opening) the spout.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention comprises several embodiments to enhance the invention's understanding, having four groups of figures.

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment in three sets of figures (FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c).

FIG. 2 is a second embodiment in three sets of figures (FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c).

FIG. 3 is a third embodiment in three sets of figures (FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c).

FIG. 4 is a fourth embodiment in three sets of figures (FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c).

Each Figure having an a, b and c set (e.g. FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c), representing a side view (a) with seamed (right) flange and non seamed (left) flange, an enlargement of a portion near the base (b), and an exploded view showing the components (c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The drinks can 1 of all FIGS. 1 to 4 (each “a” to “c”) is as an example made in a DWI process from a cup of metal sheet. It has a convex base profile 1.1 extending lateral from a can centre axis 100. The base profile protrudes outwardly from the can inside 1i. The cross sectional profile of the outwardly domed convex can base may be of one, two or three radii design. Its convexity depth may range within a diameter/depth ratio of between 2 and 33, preferably around 7. Its profile geometry may be varied in a large range. It has no steps along he domed shape.

The exact profile design is driven by functional and by aesthetic aspects.

The can base 1.1 has a circular opening 1e at its centre, matching the centre axis of the can. The diameter of the opening is between 20 mm to 40 mm, preferably around 26 mm (±10%). The aperture edge left by the opening 1e is to receive a spout device 3, allowing pouring/drinking. It is a part of the reclosable closure as is subject to the further parts, at least re-closing closure as a cap device 4.

The drinks can 1 is made from a sheet of steel or aluminium or plastics or cardboard or a combination thereof. A preferred example is the metal sheet.

The DWI process uses a metallic sheet and provides a cylindrically shaped container, having a thin wall 1b and a thicker bottom 1d. In a necking process the upper end portion 1c of the wall 1b is shaped radially inwards to gain a reduced opening to the can inside 1i, to be closed by the lid 2, as explained in FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1 c shows the can 1, the lid 2 and the closing devices 4,3 for the can's bottom end 1d in a detached explosive view. FIG. 1b is an enlarged part of FIG. 1a, displaying the permanent mounting of the carrier part 3 to the can's bottom and the cap device 4, shown attached in a closed position. Two threads, one 4.1 at a socket 4a of the cap 4, and one at the outer radial face of the tube-shaped carrier 3, interact for opening (releasing) and/or closing action.

A can lid 2 is made from steel or aluminium. It is the upper end of the closed can. Although being similar to a commonly used easy open can end it has no easy open mechanism, i.e. no score line and no tab. Its function is limited to closing and sealing of the can body after filling. The can lid comprises a substantially flat end panel 2.1 which connects via an inner chime by a countersink 2.2 (groove) to a chuck wall terminating in an annular end flange portion 2.3 as shown in FIG. 1a (left part), when laid into the open necked wall 1b, 1c, not yet seamed. The end flange portion 2.3 is curled downward at its outer circumference. The inner surface of the end flange portion and curl are lined with a non displayed sealing compound which establishes liquid and gas tightness of the container after a (double) seam 2.4 has been formed by roll-in of the end flange and a can body flange 2.5 (body hook), after filling of the can, shown in the right part of FIG. 1a.

Because of the absence of an easy open mechanism the panel 2.1 of the can lid maintains a flat and geometrically undistorted surface. As such, the panel provides an ideal base for extending the containers billboard through printing or labelling of additional messages and/or images. It is neither openable, nor closable. It may have a slightly domed shape.

A one-part cylindrically shaped spout 3 is of hollow tube-like design 3a made from a high molecular thermoplastic material. The outside portion of the spout is furnished with a thread 3.1 having between 1½ and 2½ revolutions at one end. The thread has a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5, preferably four longitudinal interruptions 3.2 with an axial orientation parallel to the centre axis 100 of the spout 3. The base of each thread interruption holds an additional small grove projecting over the entire length of the thread interruption and is exceeding the same by a minor length at either end.

An end opposite of the threaded tube of the spout 3 contains two flanges 3.3 with radial outward orientation. Both flanges are separated by a distance “d”, corresponding to the sheet thickness of the can base 1.1. After assembling the spout 3 inside the opening 1e of the can base, the flanges are thermo-sealed to either side of a heat-sealably coated material surface surrounding the aperture 1e of the can base, receiving the spout 3.

The spout's flange, permanently mounted to the outer side of the can base 1.1, connects via a number of between 5 and 15, preferably twelve straps 3.4 to a tamper evidence ring 3.5 with a u-shaped cross section. An actuator mechanism 4.2 for treating the tamper evidence ring is part of the closure cap design and is shown in the description of the corresponding part later.

An alternate embodiment of the spout 3 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, named spout 3′ there. It has two parts. The two-part spout 3′ is of tube-like design made from a high molecular thermoplastic material. The radial outer part of the spout is furnished with a thread 3.1′ and a 360° sliding bed 3.2′ at its inside. It also has between 4 and 8, preferably six window-like openings 3.3′, preferably equally spaced around its circumference, next to two radial flange portions 3.4′ used for mounting the outer part 3c of the spout to the can base 1.1. The slide bed 3.2′ is located at the axial end portion of the spout part 3c opposite to the mounting flanges 3.4′. A 2 to 3 revolution thread is located at the flange end of the spout. The thread has several, preferably a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 or 5 longitudinal interruptions 3.5′ with axial orientation parallel to the centre axis 100 of the spout.

The base of each thread interruption holds an additional grove projecting over the entire length of the thread interruption and is exceeding the same by a minor length at either end.

The end opposite of the threaded side of the spout 3′ contains two flanges 3.4′ with outward radial orientation. The flange at the outer position of the spout extends into an annular protrusion 3.6′ of substantially circular cross section at its outer surface, facing axially. Both flanges are separated by a distance equivalent to the material thickness of the can base, as previously explained. After assembling the alternative spout 3′ inside the opening 1e of the can base 1.1 the flanges are thermo-sealed to either side of a heat-sealably coated material surface surrounding the aperture 1e of the can base. By this attaching an opening edge of the opening 1c will be covered corrosion free.

The spout's flange located at the outer side of the can base connects via a number of between 5 and 15, preferably 12 thin straps 3.7′ to a tamper evidence ring 3.8′ with a substantially u-shaped cross section. An actuator mechanism 4.9″ for detaching the tamper evidence ring is part of the closure cap design and is shown in the description later.

The radially inner part 3b of the spout 3′ is furnished with further threads 3.9′ each at its inner and at its outer radial face. Both threads are located at the same end portion of the inner spout part. The outer thread 3.9′ at the outer side matches the inner thread 3.1′ at the inner side of the outer spout part. The inner thread 3.9′ at the inner side matches a thread at the outer radial face of the closing cap 4 and its socket 4a, which are shown in the description later.

The inner spout 3b terminates in a tapered portion 3.10′ at its threaded end. It matches a slightly narrower tapered receiving portion in a panel of the closure cap for achieving a tight fit to keep both parts locked to each other during a part of the opening of the closure system. The tapers only disengage at the end of axial travel of the inner spout part 3b relative to the outer spout part 3c. This is when the inner spout part has fully telescoped (extended) outwardly during the first phase of the closure opening process. The tapers only lock again at the end of travel during the reclosing process.

The end of the inner spout part located at the far side from the threads contains an outwardly pointing radial flange 3.11′ which travels in the sliding bed of the outer spout part during opening and closing of the reclosable closure. The flange terminates axial travel of the inner spout at both of the slide bed's extreme positions.

The flanged end of the inner spout part is designed to have between 4 and 8, preferably six gaps 3.12′ to allow mechanical assembly of the inner spout part inside the outer spout part, and engagement of the radial flange 3.11′ in said bed 3.2′.

The reclosing screw cap 4 of FIGS. 1a to 1c is of cylindrical design made from a high molecular thermoplast. Its outside diameter substantially corresponds to an outside diameter of the can wall 1b, when round. The cap has a centred inner tubular portion 4a at a panel 4.4 with a thread 4.1 at an inner side of the tube (female design). Both, thread and diameter of the inner “reclosability portion” match their corresponding counter part of the spout 3 (male design). This is called a socket 4a, 4.1.

The centred inner tubular portion also holds a u-shaped counter piece 4.2 of the tamper evidence feature of the reclosable closure system. u-shaped part at the cap 4 is segmented into between 4 and 15, preferably 12 circumferential sections 4.3. This allows “spring driven” engagement with the u-shaped tamper evidence ring 3.5 attached by straps 3.4 to the outer part of flanges 3.3 of the spout 3 only during first assembly of the cap 4, twisting it onto the thread 3.1 and by turning an axial displacement exerting a radial elastic deflection of the segments. 4.3, prior to latching their hook portions over the counterhook of u-shaped ring 3.5. FIG. 1b displays the locked position.

The “in principle u-shaped” tamper evidence ring 3.5 will be torn off by breaking the thin straps 3.4 during initial twisting opening of the reclosable closure system, and will remain captured in the u-shaped portions 4.3 inside the screw cap 4. Tamper evidence is recognisable by abrupt change in torque resistance and by pronounced acoustic means only during first time opening of the closure.

The lateral panel 4.4 in an inner portion of the screw cap 4 is furnished with a gasket type seal plate 4.5 to achieve gas and liquid tightness of the closed cap.

The panel 4.4 of the entire screw cap is substantially flat having a rim portion 4.6 near its outer circumference and an outer chime portion 4.7 as transition from the flat panel through the rim into a cylindrical wall 4.8.

The diameter of the rim portion and an inclination of the chime portion are chosen such that the closing cap 4 is nestable (for can stackability) with the can lid geometry, preferably radially outside the seam 2.4. Therewith, it is possible to safely stack filled cans on top of each other. The bottom rim of the cap 4 is nestable, chosen according to the seamed opposite end (lid). This is referred to as “nestable with the lid geometry”.

An outer side of the cylindrical wall 4.8 of the cap is furnished with grip flutes 4.9 to ease the opening and closing operation for the consumer. A ribbed surface 4c faces radially outward, as one embodiment of a “gripping surface” for the cap 4.

The reclosable screw cap 4′ of a further embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c is identical with the reclosable cap 4 above described, with the following exceptions.

The outer circumferential wall 4.1′ of the screw cap 4′ is of stepped design, having a diameter change along its axial extension. The stepped design has a diameter identical to the can diameter at one end and a smaller diameter at the other end, prior to the chime portion 4.7. The outer sidewall is furnished with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7, preferably five latchkeys 4.2′ located near a portion of transition 4.3′ from the small diameter to the larger diameter. These latchkeys are to mechanically lock and secure an optional containment-vessel 5, which is shown later, having at least parts of threads Y.

The chime portion 4.7 in this embodiment also nests with a seam 2.4 of another can.

A further reclosing screw cap 4″ is of circular design made from a high molecular thermoplast, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c. An outer circumferential wall 4.1″ of the third screw cap 4″ is of tubular design in its axial direction 100 and has the same diameter as the drinks can. It is connected via a chime portion 4.2″ to a rim portion 4.3″ of the screw cap. This rim portion 4.3″ is also adapted to cooperate in a nesting/stacking manner with a seam corresponding to the seam 2.4 of the other end.

The chime portion 4.3″ is furnished with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7, preferably five latchkeys 4.4″. These latchkeys are to mechanically lock and secure an optional cylindrical vessel 5, which is explained later. The screw cap 4″ also has a centred inner tubular socket portion with a thread 4.5″ at its outer side. Both, thread and diameter of the inner “reclosability portion” match their corresponding counter part of the telescopic spout 3′. The axially facing inner surface of the panel of the screw cap 4″ is furnished with an annular groove 4.6″ of preferably tapered cross section, geometrically matching a preferably tapered end portion 3.10″ of the telescopic part 3b of the spout 3′. Male and female taper interlock the telescopic spout part 3b with the screw cap 4″ when the screw cap is in its clockwise extreme position closed. This friction lock enables to move the telescopic part of the spout 3′ outside the container when the same is opened by counter clockwise rotation of the screw cap 4″.

An inner surface of the panel of the screw cap 4″ also has a groove 4.7″, which is furnished with an inlet seal 4.8″ geometrically matching an outward protrusion 3.6′ at the outer flange of flanges 3.4′ of the spout 3′. Seal and protrusion achieve gas and liquid tightness of the container when the reclosable closure is in closed position.

The panel of the reclosable screw cap 4″ also holds an in principle u-shaped counter piece 4.9″ of the tamper evidence feature 4.9″, 3.8′ of the reclosable closure, operating as shown before.

The u-shaped part 4.9″ at the screw cap 4″ is axially segmented into several, preferably between 4 and 15, or around twelve sections. This allows spring driven (elastic) engagement with the in principle u-shaped tamper evidence ring 3.8′ attached by straps 3.7′ to the outer flange of the fixed part 3c of the spout 3′ only during first assembly of the screw cap. The tamper evidence ring will be torn off by breaking the straps during initial opening of the reclosable closure and will remain captured in the u-shaped portion inside the screw cap. Tamper evidence is recognisable by abrupt change in torque resistance and/or by pronounced acoustic means only during first time opening of the closure.

The reclosable cap 4′″ of FIGS. 4a to 4c as further embodiment is substantially identical with the reclosable screw cap described under Embodiment 4″ with the following exceptions.

Screw cap 4′″ does have a diameter reduced panel 4.1′″. Whereas the reduced panel 4.1′″ bears the same features like screw cap 4″, bridging parts 4.4′″ to the can body diameter provide a material reduced partly open construction. It comprises between three and seven, preferably five legs 4.2′″, at least some of them with a container stacking feature and latchkeys 4.3′″ to mechanically lock and secure an optional vessel 5, which is explained below, by corresponding counterlatches Y.

The legs 4.2′″, operatively corresponding to the rim 4.6 of the first embodiment, is by geometry adapted to the seam 2.4, to enable the “stacking feature” by nesting readially inside or outside the seamed other end of a closed container positioned below. This also refers to the other end of the same container, as all of them are identically assumed.

The add-on containment vessel 5 of Figure sets 3 and 4 is made from a high molecular thermoplastic material. It is preferably of cup-like design with an open top and a closed bottom 5b. The top geometry substantially fits the outside diameter of the container body in the bottom part of the wall 1b. The bottom 5b of the vessel is of a geometry 5b′ similar to the contour of the screw caps 4; 4′; 4″ and 4′″ to allow stacking of the cup supplied containers.

The upper inside of the vessel holds a three to seven, preferably 5-gear thread parts 5.2 with interruptions 5.1 providing latch zones Y in a distance from the upper edge of the vessel 5. The distance substantially corresponds to the axial extension of the outer skirt 4.1″, 4.2″ or 4.1′ including the respective chime or the axial length of the legs 4.2″′.

The interruptions 5.2 are matching the latchkeys 4.4′″ or 4.2′ or 4.3′″ at the circumference of the different screw caps. Interlocking of the vessel and the container is done by clockwise rotation of the vessel around its centre axis 100 and relative to the container. Disengagement of the vessel is achieved by counter clockwise rotation of the vessel around its centre axis and relative to the container.

The caps 4″, 4′″ are of flatter design in axial direction. They are preferred to have said detachable vessel 5 associated, reducing the overall axial length of the assembled package, and still allowing stacking with or without the vessel 5 in cooperation with the seam geometry 2.4 of the other end.

Assembly facilities of the component.

Can 1 and lid 2 will fit with all spout and screw cap designs, as well as vessel designs.

The one part spout 3 will fit with caps 4 and 4′, with or without the vessel 5.

Two part spout 3′ will fit with caps 4″ and 4′″.

Vessel 5 will fit with caps 4′, 4″ and 4′″.

Claims

1.) A beverage can mainly made from metal sheet, the beverage can comprising: a wall portion and axial ends thereof, said axial ends of the wall portion having an openable first portion and a non openable second portion;

2.) A beverage can mainly made from metal sheet, the beverage can comprising: a wall portion and axial ends thereof, and on one of both axial ends of the wall portion an openable first portion and on the other of both axial ends a non closable second portion; (i) said first portion having a domed shape, vaulted axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the beverage can;(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel and a seam surrounding said panel and attaching said panel to the wall of the can.

3.) A beverage can mainly made from metal sheet, the beverage can comprising: a wall portion and axial ends thereof, and on one of the axial ends of the wall portion a closable first portion and on the other of the axial ends a non openable second portion; (i) said first portion having a domed shape, vaulted axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the beverage can;(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel and a seam surrounding said panel and attaching said panel to the wall of the can.

4.) A beverage can mainly made from metal sheet, the beverage can comprising: a wall portion and axial ends thereof, the axial ends of the wall portion having a closable first portion and a non closable second portion, respectively; (i) said first portion having a domed shape, vaulted axially outward and provided at a bottom end of the beverage can;(ii) said second portion having a substantially flat panel and a seam surrounding said panel and attaching said panel to the wall of the can.

5.) (canceled)

6.) The beverage can of claim 1 or 3, wherein the outwardly domed base having in a substantially centered sub portion thereof a spout, giving way to an inside of the can, and having at least one thread, adapted to receive an oppositely arranged other thread, carried by a reclosing closure designed as a bottom cap.

7.) A can of claim 1, the openable first end portion having a substantially circular opening of smaller diameter than a diameter of the wall closable by a cap shaped device.

8.) The can of claim 1 or 3, said first portion having an aperture and thereto permanently mounted a carrier for releasably holding a re-closing closure having a socket adapted to said carrier for at least one of a closing and releasing action.

9.) The can of claim 8, wherein said action for closing and releasing comprises at least in part one of a twisting, screwing and turning movement.

10.) The can of claim 8, wherein said action comprises a pulling or pushing axial movement component.

11.) The can of claim 9, said action comprising axial and twisting movement components, to define a screw line.

12.) The can of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, comprising a re-closing closure, said closure being releasably secured to the bottom portion as the first portion.

13.) The can of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, having a closure having a peripheral contour, for supporting the closed can for a steady stand on a flat level surface.

14.) The can of claim 13, said peripheral contour having an axially protruding rim, shaped at least partly in a circumferential direction, and said closure having a substantially flat bottom panel, surrounded by said at least partly circumferential rim, wherein no portion of said bottom panel exceeds the rim's axial protrusion.

14a. (canceled)

15.) The can of claims 1 or 3, wherein a top end is opposite to the bottom axial end and near to a seam between a lid panel and a wall; and a bottom is where the base is, the bottom having no seam near to it.

16.) The can of claim 1 or 3, wherein the openable portion is related to a smaller portion than the whole openable second portion.

17.) The can of claim 8, the carrier and the socket having a tubular shape and each of them carrying a thread for corresponding twistable interaction, when one of opening and closing the can base by said re-closing closure.

18.) The can of claim 17, said flange having a diameter substantially smaller than said re-closing closure, and said closure having a tubular outer skirt, having a first axial length, larger than a second axial length of said tubular socket.

19.) The can of claim 8, said re-closing closure having a substantially cylindrical shape, and an outer skirt adapted for holding and gripping to exert rotational forces by hand.

20.) The can of claim 8, the re-closing closure carrying a gasket, adapted for blocking gas and liquid in a closed position of the re-closing closure against the carrier.

21.) The can of claim 8, said re-closing closure having a radially oriented vent passage.

22.) The can of claim 21, said vent passage cooperating with several second axial vent passages in said carrier to open a passageway through a still not fully disengaged thread pair, releasing an overpressure upon releasing a closed position of said carrier and closure.

23.) The can of claim 8, wherein the re-closing closure comprises at least a first part of a tamper evidence device, near to the bottom of said can, having cooperating segments, adapted to break upon an initial opening action.

24.) The can of claim 8, said carrier being substantially rigid and having at least one radially oriented ring portion, permanently mounted to the outwardly domed base, next to the aperture of said base.

25.) The can of claim 8, said carrier extending at least partly into said can, and having a first and a second part, for an axial relative movement between said two parts, telescoping the first part against at least the second part (3.4′) upon an at least axial movement of said re-closing closure.

26.) The can of claim 8, comprising a vessel having a closed bottom and an axially extending wall, the vessel being attached to said re-closing closure, adapted for a detachment from said closure, releasing an radially protruding locking means between vessel wall and re-closing closure, to take the vessel off the re-closing closure.

27.) A can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside of said body at a filler's location, said body made from sheet material, having a wall portion and axial ends thereof, and one axial end of the wall portion having one of an openable and closable first portion, said first portion having a stepless domed shape, vaulted in an axial direction and provided as bottom end of the can body; (i) said second portion having provided a body hook for receiving and supporting a lid having a substantially flat panel and a seam building radial outer rim, surrounding said panel and adapted for attaching said lid to the body hook of the can body;(ii) said first portion having a cap shaped closing device of a first diameter, substantially corresponding to a second diameter of said wall portion, and having an axial extension smaller than an axial height of the can body.

27a. (canceled)

28.) A can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside of said body at a filler's location, said body made from sheet material, having a wall portion and axial ends thereof, and one axial end of the wall portion having provided thereto one of an openable and closable first portion, said first portion having a smooth domed shape, vaulted axially and provided as bottom end of the can body; said second portion having provided a body hook for receiving and supporting a lid having a substantially flat panel and a seam building radial outer rim, surrounding said panel and adapted for seaming said lid to the body hook of the can body to form a closed can; said first portion having a cup shaped vessel, detachably associated to said first portion.

29.) A can body for receiving a beverage filled into an inside of said body at a filler's location, said body made from sheet material, and having a wall portion and two axial ends thereof, one axial end of the wall portion having provided thereto an openable or closable first portion (1.1), said first portion having a domed shape and provided as bottom end of the can body (1); (i) said second portion having provided a body hook for receiving and supporting a lid having a substantially flat panel and a seam building radial outer rim, surrounding said panel and adapted for seaming said lid to the body hook of the can body at the filler's location;(ii) said openable or closable first portion having an extendable spout of a diameter less than a diameter of said wall portion.

30.) (canceled)

31.) (canceled)

32.) The can body of one of claims 27 to 29, produced from a metal sheet, and emerging from a DWI process.

33.) The can body of one of claims 27 to 29, said wall portion having a thickness below 0.24 mm (millimetres).

34.) (canceled)

35.) The can body of claim 27, said cap having an axially extending nesting rim, provided at least partially circumferential, and having a dimension adapted to a dimension of the other end seam prepared from the seamed body hook and lid rim.

36.) The can of claim 23 wherein the initial opening action comprises one of an initial twisting action, an initial pulling action or an initial spiral movement.

37.) The can of claim 14, wherein the axially protruding rim is adapted to cooperate in a nesting manner with another can's seam, which corresponds to the seam of the claimed can.

38.) The can of claim 8, said closure having a standing and stacking rim wherein said rim comprises one of a rim adapted for a nesting interengagement with a seam of another can, or a rim designed according to a radial dimension of the seam of the claimed can.

39.) The can of claim 1 or 3, wherein the closeable portion is related to a smaller portion than the whole closeable second portion.

40. The can of claim 28 wherein the detachable association of said cup shaped vessel to said first portion comprises a closing member associated to the one of an openable and closable first portion in a portion thereof, smaller than a lateral extension of the cup.

41. The can of claim 13 wherein the peripheral contour comprises an axially extending rim.